Haridwar is situated at the base of the Shivalik hills, where the Ganga, races down from the mighty Himalayas meeting the plains. Haridwar literally is 'The gateway to the Gods'. Haridwar district covering an area of nearly 2,360 sq kms is in the western part of Uttarakhand state of India. It is at an altitude of 249.7 mt above sea level. The district came into existence on 28th Dec. 1988. Haridwar is one of the first towns where Ganga emerges from the mountains to touch the plains. Thanks to it’s location it has plenty of water resources and almost all kinds of food grains are produced here in abundance.

The name Haridwar literally means the door to the gods or the door to heaven. It is therefore an important pilgrimage site for Hindus; in fact it’s among the top seven sacred spots for the devout. There are several temples dotting the narrow labyrinthine streets as well as major complexes. It is one of the places where the Kumbh Mela, one of the largest congregations in the world is held periodically. This ancient city on the banks of the holy Ganga River has several ghats that have witnessed the rites and rituals which have remained unchanged for centuries. Hence Haridwar is a destination that is steeped in religion, history, and continuity of culture.

Besides the Kumbh Mela and a pilgrimage of the Holy Ganga, Haridwar is also the starting point for the pilgrimage to the four important Himalayan holy spots or char dham: Badrinath, Kedarnath, Gangotri and Yamotri, the latter two being the source points of the two most important Holy rivers – Ganga and Yamuna – which are revered and considered holy by Hindus. According to some archaeological data, there are discoveries of terra cotta and proof of inhabitation in this region during the 1700 and 1200 BC era. The oldest written historical mention of Haridwar is from the writings of the Chinese traveler Huen Tsang, who traveled through this region.

A very rare photo of Ganga statue in the middle of the Ganga river at Har ki Pauri

One town but many names: Haridwar or Hardwar is one of the holiest places for Hindus in India. Hari and Har, though they sound almost similar to the uninitiated, in fact can change the name of the city conveniently as a Shaivite or Vaishnavite centre, as Har means Shiva (the deity of Kedarnath), Hari means Vishnu (the deity of Badrinath) and Dwar means gate. Haridwar is thus the gateway to the two holy shrines of Shiva and Vishnu. The town has also been called Gangadvar, meaning 'Door of Ganga' as it is here that the sacred river Ganga comes down from the mountains to flow out upon the Indian plains.

Haridwar is also one of India’s Moksapuris- Seven Sacred Cities, where moksha or spiritual liberation may be attained

The pindis (or balls of flour) that are made and then offered to the ancestors

more easily. Many years ago it was also referred to as Kapilsthan after the great sage Kapil, who lived and meditated here. Today, there are ever so many swamis, yogis, and religious centers that it’s difficult to count them. As a pilgrimage centre, it also offers several ashrams or heritages and Dharamshalas; pilgrim resting houses that are free or very inexpensive. It has mention in ancient texts of India like Mahabharata and Puranas. The story of Bhagiratha, who through his intense meditation brought the holy Ganga down to earth from the heavens, is very popular. He attained salvation for 60,000 of his ancestors and so to this day, Hindus bring the ashes of their departed family members here to ensure their salvation. An extensive ritual is performed then called the “Pind Daan” by a priest. It is a fascinating experience to actually be part of such a ritual of death. Lord Vishnu is said to have left his footprints on one of the banks of Haridwar, which is now called Har-ki -Pauri, a spot that is constantly washed by the waves of the holy Ganga.

Charan Paduka (impressions of the feet) at the Ganga Mandir at Har-Ki-Pauri