Located south of Rishikesh is the magical town of Haridwar, the ‘Gateway to the Gods’. One of the seven holiest places for a Hindu is a fascinating town. An ancient city Haridwar also known as Hardwar is also the district headquarters in the state of Uttrakhand. The Ganges after flowing for nearly 157 miles enters the plains for the first time at Haridwar. The city is also known as ‘Gangadwar’. In this article we explore interesting information about this holy town.
Temples, the Ganagji, Sadhus, Devotees are the essential flavor of one of the oldest cities. Twice a day the town flocks on the banks of the holy river for the Aarti (prayers). Lamps are lit, prayers are sung, diyas and candles floated and flowers offered to Gangaji. For a Hindu, a visit to the town spells moksha, liberation from the cycle of birth and death.
Beyond Haridwar is starts ‘Dev Bhoomi’, the Land of the Gods. Both the connotations ‘Haridwar’ and ‘Hardwar’ connote a different meaning. While Hardwar stands for ‘Gateway to Lord Shiva’ Haridwar’ stands for ‘Gateway to Lord Vishnu’. The ‘Char Dhaam Yatra’ (4 auspicious destinations) commences from here. It is also the way to go to Kailash Mansrover (the home of Lord Shiva), Kedarnath (dedicated to Lord Shiva) and Badrinath (dedicated to Lord Vishnu)
Haridwar is also one of the most beautiful towns in India. There are many interesting stories that run with the town.
Haridwar and Hindu Mythology
The town is also known as the home of Devi Sati and it is said that her father Daksha had his palace here. The city also finds mention in the Mahabharata and it is said that Rishi Agastaya undertook penance here. It is also said that sage Kapila had his ashram here.
Another interesting story involves an ancient king Bhagirath. He wanted to give salvation to his ancestors. He decided to do a deep penance to get the river Ganga to earth. Ganga was finally pleased by the king’s devotion and agreed to come to earth. As her force would be too much for the earth to take she went to Lord Shiva. Lord Shiva held her in his jata (hair) breaking her flow and allowing her to descend slowly on earth.
Haridwar is the first point on earth where river Ganga appeared. This is one reason that Haridwar is considered to be so important. Even today devotees from around the world come to Haridwar to take a dip in the holy Ganga. They say that a dip in these holy waters can ensure salvation to them.
Haridwar is said to have been visited by Lord Vishnu and Lord Brahma too. There is a stone on which Lord Vishnu had stepped. It was called the Hari-Ki-Pauri. Even today the river Ganga touches this stone as she flows.
The Kumbha Mela
The famous ‘kumbh mela’ and the ‘ardh kumbh mela’ are held here. The Kumbh mela is held once in every twelve years. There is a tale behind this significant event. It is said that after ‘samudra manthan’ (Churning of the Ocean) the pitcher of amrit (sacred water) was being transported a few drops of amrit into the Brahmakund near the Hari-Ki-Pauri.
Astrological Significance
The planet Jupiter comes to the sun house of Aquarius once in twelve years. It is said that taking a dip in the holy Ganges at Haridwar at this point of time can provide salvation. This is exactly why the Kumbh mela is arranged in Haridwar every twelve years.
Haridwar is also a place where many Gurukuls and other centres of education are located. You can visit the ancient city for Ayurveda and Yoga. It is the centre of Gurukul education. Even today there are many schools in Haridwar that follow the traditional method of giving education. The Haridwar is a destination for all seasons. Tourists from across the world visit Haridwar. There have been many mentions of Haridwar in Hindu mythology as well as in the history of India
Genealogy in Haridwar
Even today the Hindus prefer to take the ashes of the head to Haridwar for immersing in the Ganga. Till a few decades back, every Hindu family ensured that they visit Haridwar once a year. Every family has a pandit (holy priest) who maintains records of all deaths, marriages and births in a family.
They would have all the details and the family members from one generation to the other would regularly visit them. In short they would have the family tree of these people and would share it with them if requested for. It is a custom in India to pay homage to the dead and the priests help families visiting in conducting the prayers .
Places to Visit in Haridwar (India): Temples in and around the City
There are many temples in Haridwar that one can visit. The first is the Chandi Devi temple. The goddess Chandi killed the demons shambhu and nishambhu in these mountains and that is where the temple stands today.
The next is the Manasa Devi temple. This temple is famous among the visitors as the goddess here full fills the desires of the devotees. The temple is located on top of a mountain as a result a cable car is used to transport the devotees to this temple. The cable car gives a magnificent view of the city of Haridwar.
The next temple that is a must visit is the Maya Devi temple. It is a 11th Century temple. It is said that the heart and navel of goddess Sati fell here. It is one of the ‘siddhapeethas’ in the country.
Another place to visit in Haridwar is Kankhal . It is said to be the place where king Daksha performed the famous ‘Daksha Yagna’. A temple stands at the place today to remind devotees of the sad episode. The ‘sati kund’ located in the temple stands testimony to the entire episode.
There is a Bhimgoda tank in Haridwar which is said to have been created by Bhima when he was going to Himalayas. He had made a small well in this location by thrusting his thigh into the rocks.
It would not be wrong to say that the ‘ Doodhadhari Barfani’ temple in Haridwar is one of the most beautiful temples in the city.
Bharat Mata Mandir, Haridwar
Another unique temple in Haridwar is the Bharat Mata Mandir. Spread over eight floors the temple depicts various aspects of the countries rich history. Inaugurated in 1983 Indira Gandhi, the ten Prime Minister, it is a temple that is dedicated to Bharat Maa or mother India. Each floor of the temple depicts one age of India starting from the time of Ramayana.
Bharat Mata Mandir Haridwar India
There is also a shoor mandir in the temple that is dedicated to all the brave sons of India who have protected her for years. There is also a floor in the temple that is dedicated to the women achievers of India.
The temple gives a secular picture of the country and has the idols of saints from different religions. On the sixth floor there are the different forms of goddess Shakti displayed while on the seventh floor you can see all the incarnations of Lord Vishnu.
The last floor or the eighth floor is the most important of all as it is dedicated to Lord Shiva. The devotees can see a panoramic view of the Himalayas and Haridwar from this floor.
There is a spot in Haridwar where the Ganga splits into seven currents so that the Rishis who were meditating in the region of Haridwar would not be disturbed. This spot is called the Sapt sarovar. It is one of the most prominent places in Haridwar and it is considered very important for religious purpose.
Life around Haridwar
Haridwar has a lot of greenery and the Ganga here is crystal clear. The flowers and the other natural beauty of Haridwar indeed make it a heaven on earth. In the evenings the scene at the ghats is amazing. Lamps float and their light reflects on the flowing waters. The scene will stay with you for a lifetime.
The Rajaji national park at Haridwar is a great destination for those who want to try their luck in wildlife photography. A minimum of three days are required to enjoy the peace and beauty of this ancient city.
The city of Haridwar is well connected with the rest of the country and has numerous hotels, sarai’s and ashrams where one can stay. It is an interesting city for shopping and has a lot to offer. Rudraksh can be bought in Haridwar. Primarily a vegetarian city, the food available is known for its taste.
Do visit the city and get blessed. Standing by the river Ganga in Haridwar automatically a feeling of peace overcomes you. nse of peace. A dip into the waters of Ganga here can purify your body and soul and set you free. It is a once in a lifetime experience.