Haridwar
Location:
One of the oldest towns in India, Haridwar is located on the lower slopes of the Himalayan range. It is the place where the River Ganga meets the earth. Situated in the state of Uttarakhand in the northern part of India, it is an ancient and historical pilgrimage spot that is believed to be the doorway to heaven. A busy town, Haridwar is famous for the numerous temples, ashrams, riverfront (ghats), markets and other tourist destinations attracting tourists from every corner of the world since ages. It is one of the four destinations where the famous Kumbh Mela is held in India. History of Haridwar:
As per the legend goes, Haridwar is one among the four places where few drops of Amrita- the liquid of immortality fell from the Kumbha (container) that was being carried by the ethereal bird Garura, the companion of Lord Vishnu. The region where the drops of the heavenly liquid fell is famous by the name of Har-ki-Pauri where the footsteps of God are believed to have been found. The region is immensely popular where pilgrims take a dip in the river to attain salvation. It is believed that the famous king Bhagirath brought down the River Ganga to earth from the heaven for the salvation of the soul of his ancestors. According to the Hindu mythology, the Gods of the Hindu Trinity Brahma, Vishnu and Mahesh resided at this town during their stay on earth.
Places to see in Haridwar:
Chandi Devi: Is a temple at the bank of the river Ganga built by Suchat Singh, the king of Kashmir. As the legend goes, it is the place where the chief of the local demon king Chanda Munda was defeated and slain by the Goddess Chandi.
Bharat Mata Temple: It is one of the numerous temples in Haridwar that have the and images of the eminent cities, effigies of historical personalities and popular heroes engraved on the walls.
Har-Ki-Pauri: This was built by King Vikramaditya as an epitome of his love for his dead brother. The pilgrims use this as a place for meditating and taking dips into the holy water of the River Ganga. The Arti ceremony at this ghat in the evenings is a heavenly sight that a tourist cannot miss. Shanti Kunj: It is one famous Ashram in the town of Haridwar that provides natural remedies and cures for various diseases. Pilgrims from all over the world come to this ashram to learn various tricks of Yoga and exercise. Maya Devi Temple: It is a temple that worships Maya Devi. It is believed that the navel and the heart of the Goddess Sati fell in this region during the Tandav Nritya of Lord Shiva.