HARIDWAR- GATEWAY TO LORD VISHNU
VACATION
Haridwar – the holiest and ancient city located on the banks of River Ganges in Garhwal region of Uttarakhand. City is situated at height of 314 meters from the sea level, between Shivalik Hills in the North and Northeast and the Ganges River in the South. The name Haridwar means the Dwar of Hari or the Door towards Lord Vishnu.
Haridwar takes you into the gurgling of river Ganges, innumerable temples, groups of monks in saffron clothes, enchanting sounds of Vedic hymns and the divine holiness. It is believed that the mythological emperor Bhagirath (an ancestor of Lord Rama) fetched the sacred waters from heaven in order to seek penance on behalf of his ancestors and absolve them from their sins. Haridwar also is known as Mayapuri, Kapila, and Gangadwar as well and takes river Ganges to the plain areas. It is believed that nectar (Amrit) which was one of the fourteen valuable ornaments that came out from the sea churning (Samundra Manthan) was sprinkled at 12 places in the entire universe. Out of those places 08 places are in heaven and only 04 places on earth.
Har-Ki-Pauri in Haridwar was one of the four places where Amrit was sprinkled on earth. As a result, City host the mega-gathering during the world-famous Kumbh Mela every 12 years which sees millions of visitors from all over the country. The Ardha Kumbha Mela comes once every six years. A visit to the mythological sites in the town is an absolute opportunity to experience the culture, customs, and traditions of the Hindu faith. Thousands of devotees come here every week to bathe in the holy waters and gather round the Har-Ki-Pauri, for the evening aarti or prayers. Feel the breathtaking experience of natural beauty and undiscovered wildlife, peace, and tranquility of a landscape associated with sages and meditation.
Haridwar is the Gateway to the four dhams of Himalayas viz. Gangotri, Yamunotri, Badrinath, and Kedarnath. It is believed that Haridwar has been sanctified by the presence of three Gods; Brahma, Vishnu, and Mahesh. Mother Ganges after carrying the purity of heaven from the kamandal of Lord Brahma, washing the feet of Lord Vishnu and flowing through the sahastrara (locks of Lord Shiva’s hair) came on this earth. Lord Vishnu is said to have his foot print on the stone that is set in the upper wall of Har-Ki-Pauri where the Holy Ganga touches it all the time. Pilgrims believe that they can go to heaven by getting their salvation after a dip in the sacred Ganga at Haridwar.
Guru Nanak, the first Sikh Guru and founder of the Sikh religion, bathed at the Kushwan Ghat when he set out on a pilgrimage. When Haridwar came under the Mughal rule, it was known as Mayapur and Emperor Akbar is said to have imbibed the water of the Ganges River which he called ‘the water of immortality’. Being one of the oldest living cities, Haridwar finds its mention in the ancient Hindu scriptures as it weaves through the life and time stretching from the period of the Buddha. The auspicious Ganges Arti held at Har Ki Pauri is a sight to behold. The divine aura of tiny glittering diyas floating on rivers collaborated with the chanting of mantras. Have a holy dip in Mother Ganges and rejuvenate your senses in the serene atmosphere of this holiest place.
August 8, 2019
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