Haridwar, is revered as the Gateway of Shiva and Vishnu. Being a sacred city of Uttarakhand, Haridwar is renowned for its spiritual significance, plenty of ghats, historic temples, and the sacred Ganges river. It stands as the second largest city in Uttarakhand and holds a special place in Hindu Mythology and tradition. According to Hindu Mythology, the Ganges descended upon Haridwar when it was released from the dreadlocks of Lord Shiva. The Kumbh Mela that is organized after every 12 years is one of the centre of attraction in Haridwar. Other than Haridwar, this Kumbh Mela is also held in other cities such as Ujjain, Prayagraj, and Nashik.
Additionally, the Ardh kumbh is held every six years. Legend says that during the churning of the ocean (Samudra Manthan) a drop of elixir of immortality spilled at these four places, which is why the Kumbh Mela is held there. It is to be believed that in Haridwar, Har Ki Pauri is the spot where the drop of elixir fell, making it the most sacred ghat of Haridwar. It is also said that a stone placed on the upper wall of Har Ki Pauri, constantly touched by the Ganga river bears the foot marks of Lord Vishnu. In the modern era, the city is spelled as ‘Hardwar’ and ‘Haridwar’, with each having its own connotation.
In Sanskrit, ‘Hari’ means ‘Vishnu’ and ‘Dwara’ means ‘Gateway’, making Haridwar ‘The gateway to Vishnu’. Usually people visit this site before embarking on their journey to Badrinath. On the other hand ‘Hara’ means ‘Shiva’, hence the word stands as ‘The Gateway to Shiva’. Haridwar is said to be the gateway that starts the pilgrimage circuit of Kedarnath, Mount Kailash and Jyotirlinga shrines. Being one of the oldest cities, Haridwar boasts a rich ancient and religious cultural heritage from the period of Buddha to the British colonial period.
The town is home to five pilgrimage sites known as Panch Tirth; which are, Har Ki Pauri, Kushawart Ghat, Kankhal, Bilwa Tirth (Mansa Devi), and Neel Parvat (Chandi Devi). Every year, millions of devotees visit this city to take a holy dip in the Ganges for the absolution of their sins. Moreover, people from around the world come to donate pinda for their ancestors. There are a number of centre attractions in Haridwar but one that attracts the most is Ganga Aarti.
It is performed everyday during morning and evening time, draws a number of people from far and wide. Apart from Har Ki Pauri there are some other ghats that have their own recognition; Vishnu Ghat, Hanuman Ghat, Birla Ghat, and Kushavrat ghats are prominent. As per the folklore, Pandavas took a holy dip near the Birla ghat which is now considered the place, brings wealth, happiness and peace. Shanti Kunj is also among the places that draws a large number of devotees, which is considered a place that offers serenity and peace.
There are some notable temples in the vicinity including Mansa Devi on Bilva Parvat, Chandi Devi temple on the Nil Parvat, and Vaishno Devi. Among these, Maya Devi temple holds the significance of Shakti Peeth, as it is believed that the heart and navel of the deity fell here. In reverence to the deity, Haridwar formerly known as ‘Mayapuri’.
