Haridwar: The Land of Gods

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Overview

Haridwar is considered both God’s home and a holy land. It is regarded the entryway to Uttarakhand’s four pilgrimages. The main reason for its appeal is the legendary idea that it was blessed by Lord Shiva, Vishnu, and Brahma. It is located in the Shivaliks’ foothills and on the banks of the Ganga River. This city on the sacred Ganges is ancient.

Haridwar is one of India’s seven holiest Hindu locations, and it is often regarded as the most sacred location for obtaining Moksha, or final freedom. Haridwar also serves as the starting point for the Chardham Tour. These include Ayodhya, Mathura, Puri, Varanasi, Kanchipuram, Ujjain, and Dwarka.

The Legends of Haridwar

According to legend, ‘Devas’ (Gods) and ‘Asuras’ (Demons) churned the ocean (Samundra Manthan) to extract Nectar (Amrita). When the sought ‘Kumbha’ (pitcher) of Nectar (Amrita), which granted immortality, was obtained from the depths of the ocean, it was one of fourteen ornaments that emerged from the Samundra Manthan. One of the ‘divas’ stole away the ‘Kumbha’ from the ‘Asuras’ and halted in four sites, including Hardwar.

Astrologers say the ‘Kumbh Fair’ occurs when Jupiter enters Aquarius and the Sun enters Aries. This is reflected in the Kumbha Mela, which is held every three years at one of the four locations, and thus every twelve years in Haridwar. The ‘Kumbh’ and ‘Ardh Kumbh’ fairs are held every twelfth and sixth year in Hardwar, bringing together a great number of pilgrims and devotees to honor this glorious occasion.

Mythology related to Haridwar

According to Hindu mythology, Haridwar, also known as “The Gateway to the Gods,” is one of the seven holiest destinations since the Gods are said to have left their footprints there. Because of its geographical location, Haridwar serves as a gateway to Uttrakhand’s other three major pilgrimages: Rishikesh, Badrinath, and Kedarnath. Haridwar, also known as Mayapuri, Gangadwar, and Mokshadwar in ancient scriptures and epics, has long been an important Hindu pilgrimage place.

Haridwar is known in mythology as Kapilsthan. According to mythology, Suryavnshi Prince Bhagirath undertook penance here in order to save the spirits of his forefathers who had died as a result of Sage Kapila’s curse. The penance was answered, and the River Ganga flowed from Lord Shiva’s locks, rejuvenating King Sagara’s sixty thousand sons.

Mythologically, drips of nectar churned up from the primordial ocean dropped onto the four Kumbh Mela sites, including Haridwar. The Kumbha Mela, which occurs every 12 years, and the Ardha Kumbha Mela, which occurs every six years, is popular events. Haridwar, one of the oldest living cities, has long been a hub for learning in the arts, sciences, and cultures.

The History of Haridwar

The Vedas and Puranas refer to it as Kapilsthan, Gangadwar, and Mayapuri. It is also an entry point to the Char Dham (Badrinath, Kedarnath, Gangotri, and Yamunotri), hence both Shaivaites (followers of Lord Shiva) and Vaishnavites (followers of Lord Vishnu) visit this location. The famous King, Bhagirath, the great-grandson of King Sagar, is said to have brought the river Ganges from heaven through years of penance in Satya Yuga for the (salvation) of 60,000 of his ancestors from the curse of the saint Kapila, a tradition carried on by thousands of Hindus who bring the ashes of their deceased family members in the hope of Moksha.

Haridwar fell under the rule of the Maurya Empire (322-185 BCE), then the Kushan kingdom (c. 1st-3rd century). Timur Lang also ruled the town from 1336 to 1405.Guru Nanak (1469-1539), the first Sikh Guru, bathed in ‘Kushwan Ghat’ on Baisakhi Day, 1504 AD. Haridwar pundits are well-known for keeping Hindu family tree records. These records, known as vahis, are updated with each visit to the city.

What are the most popular festivals in Haridwar?

Kumbha Mela: Every twelve years, it hosts the world’s largest festival, which attracted a record 70 million people in 2003. (The festival is held alternately in Haridwar, Allahabad, Ujjain, and Nashik. Every six years, the Ardh Mela (or “half mela”) is held. Kumbh Mela is a huge Hindu pilgrimage that takes place at the Ganges. The Ardh (half) Kumbh Mela is held every six years at Haridwar and Allahabad, while the Purna (full) Kumbh takes place every twelve years in four cities: Allahabad, Haridwar, Ujjain, and Nashik. The Purna Kumbha mela took place in Haridwar between Makar Sankranti and Shakh Purnima Snan. Millions of Hindu devotees visited the mela. Hundreds of foreign visitors joined Indian pilgrims for the festival, which is claimed to be the world’s largest religious gathering.

Baisakhi: Celebrated in April on the occasion of Baisakhi, one of the largest festivals of the Sikh religion. Thousands of people come here. Kanwar Mela: The main annual celebration, held in July, draws up to 300,000 guests. During the holy month of Shravan (Saawan) (July-August), Shiva devotees known as Kānvarias travel to Haridwar, Gaumukh, and Gangotri in Uttarakhand to collect holy water from the Ganges River (Ganga Jal), which is then presented to their Shiva temple. They usually walk the distance, with only a few using bicycles, motorcycles, scooters, tiny trucks, or jeeps.

Somwati Amavasya: In July, almost as enormous as the Kanwar Mela. Amavasya of any month that falls on a Monday is known as Somvati Amavasya. It is particularly well-known for its ancestral Tarpan.

Kartik Purnima: It is celebrated 15 days after Diwali, on the first night of the full moon in November.

Best Time to Visit Haridwar

Every season is ideal for visiting Haridwar. There is no ‘perfect’ time to visit the town’s holy temples. The city is also surrounded by mountains, which keeps the weather nice throughout the year.

Places to visit near Haridwar

Haridwar tourist places have an unending variety of attractions. King Vikramaditya built Har Ki Pauri, the sacred ghat, in memory of his brother Bhartrihari. The golden reflection of floral diyas in the Ganges at dusk is the loveliest sight during the Ganga aarti ceremony at the ghat. Haridwar offers a number of noteworthy places that might be included in the itinerary.

Rishikesh, about 28 km from Haridwar, sits at the base of the Himalayas, where the Ganges flows down from the highlands onto the plains. A spectacular experience of natural beauty and unexplored fauna greets you, as does the tranquilly and tranquility of a landscape associated with sages and meditation.

How to get to Haridwar?

Conclusion

The wide-ranging cultural history of India is illustrated by Haridwar due to its deep religiousness, enchanting customs and magnificent geographical locations. The place allows an individual to be at peace by the Ganges River, find spiritual awakening, and see how tradition balances with modernity. Going on a pilgrimage to Haridwar serves more than just a self-discovery expedition but also as a chance for experiencing the very core of spiritual fabric in India.

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