Haridwar

Haridwar is a holy city in the Haridwar District of Uttarakhand. Haridwar is a major pilgrimage center for Hindus. It is governed by the Municipal Corporation Board. It is a very ancient city. Haridwar is one of the seven sacred sites of the Hindus. Haridwar is situated at an altitude of 3139 meters, the Ganges river enters the plains at Haridwar. Haridwar is also known as 'Gangadwar', Which means the place where Gangaji enters the plains. Haridwar means "Gate of Hari (God)". Haridwar is the second largest city in the state and the largest in the District.

According to later Hindu religious stories, Haridwar is the place where a few drops of nectar accidentally fell from the pitcher when Dhanvantari was carrying the pit after the churning of the sea. It is noteworthy that the story related to Kumbh or Maha Kumbh is not mentioned in any Purana. It has been mentioned in the projected form only. Therefore, the form of the story has also been different. It is believed that drops of nectar fell at four places. Those places are: - Ujjain, Haridwar, Nashik, and Prayag. Mahakumbh is held every 12th year in turn at these four places. After three years of Maha Kumbh at one place, Maha Kumbh is organized at another place. In this way, in the twelfth year, a cycle is completed and then the time of Mahakumbh comes in the first place.

History of Haridwar

Haridwar is also known as the 'Gateway to God' which is also known as Mayapuri, Kapila, and Gangadhar. Followers of Lord Shiva and followers of Lord Vishnu pronounce it under the names Hardwar and Haridwar respectively. As some people have said that this Devbhoomi is a focal point for the entry of Char Dham which is Badrinath, Kedarnath, Gangotri, and Yamunotri.

It is said that the great king Bhagiratha brought the Ganges river from heaven to earth to provide salvation to his ancestors. It is also said that Haridwar has been sanctified by the presence of three gods Brahma, Vishnu, and Mahesh. Lord Vishnu is said to have printed his foot on a stone in the upper wall of Har Ki Paadi, where the holy Ganges touches it all the time. Devotees believe that they can go to heaven after taking a dip in the holy Ganges in Haridwar.

Haridwar is one of the four places; Where the Ardh Kumbh occurs after every six years and the Kumbh Mela after every twelve years. It is said that drops of nectar fall in the Brahmkund of Hari Ki Paidi, so it is believed that bathing in Brahmakund on this special day is very auspicious. Being one of the oldest living cities, Haridwar also finds its mention in ancient Hindu scriptures whose time stretches from the Buddha to the recent British arrival. Haridwar has also become the center of attraction in the world for learning arts, science, and culture. Haridwar is also a center of attraction for its unique Gurukul Vidyalaya, natural beauty, and greenery, along with Ayurvedic medicines and herbal remedies.

Haridwar is one of the first major cities in the Ganges River's journey from the mountains to the plains and that is why the water here is clean and calm. Green forests and small ponds connect this sacred land with natural beauty. Rajaji National Park is just 10 km from Haridwar. It is an ideal destination for wildlife and adventure lovers. Every day all the major ghats of the evening Haridwar are illuminated by the sacred sound of the Ganges river aarti and the divine light of the lamps.

Best time to visit in Haridwar

The best time is between the cooler months of August to March.

How far is Rishikesh from Haridwar?

The distance between Rishikesh to Haridwar by Road is 20 Kms.

How far is Badrinath from Haridwar?

The Distance between Haridwar to Badrinath by road is 322KM.

Why is Haridwar famous?

Haridwar is regarded as a holy place for Hindus, hosting important religious events and serving as a gateway to several prominent places of worship. ... Brahma Kund, the spot where the Amrit fell, is located at Har ki Pauri (literally, "footsteps of the Lord") and is considered to be the most sacred ghat of Haridwar.

How to Reach Haridwar

If you are coming from Delhi.then, you can reach Haridwar from New Delhi by travelling in a train. New Delhi to Haridwar train takes approx 4 h  10 m. You can catch a train from New Delhi and get down at Haridwar.

How can I go to Haridwar by train?

Haridwar has an excellent Rail network with all the cities in India. Trains to Haridwar run on a regular basis from major cities across the country. Haridwar Junction Railway Station is well-connected by train, with frequent trains to Delhi (4-5 hours) and Dehradun (1 hour).