What is the history of Haridwar?
A paradise for nature-lovers, Haridwar presents kaleidoscope of Indian culture and civilization. Haridwar also termed as ‘Gateway to Gods’ is known as Mayapuri, Kapila, Gangadwar as well. The followers of Lord Shiva(Har) and followers of Lord Vishnu(Hari) pronounce this place Hardwar and Hardwar respectively as told by some. It is also a point of entry to Dev Bhoomi and Char Dham (Four main centers of pilgrimage in Uttarakhand) Viz. Badrinath, Kedarnath, Gangotri and Yamunotri.
Legendary king Bhagirath is said to have brought the river Ganga from heaven to earth in order to provide salvation to his ancestors. It is also said that Haridwar has been sanctified by the presence of three Gods; Brahma, Vishnu and Mahesh. 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 times . Devout believers feel that they can go to heaven by getting their salvation after a dip in the sacred Ganga at Haridwar.
Haridwar is also one of the four places; where Kumbh Mela occurs after rotation of every twelve Years and Ardh Kumbh after every six years. It is said that drops of Amrit (Elixir) fell in to the Brahmkund of Har-Ki-Pauri, therefore considered that a dip in the Brahmakund on this particular day which is very auspicious and when Jupiter (Brahaspati) comes to the sign Aquarius (Kumbh) once in every twelve years the Maha Kumbh fair is celebrated at Haridwar. Yet beyond the mystic aura and mythology, Haridwar casts another magic spell on the visitor. Being one of the oldest living cities, Haridwar finds its mention in the ancient Hindu scriptures as it waves through the life and time stretching from the period of the Buudha to the more recent British advent. Haridwar has not only remained the abode of the weary in body, mind and spirit, but also served as centre of attraction for many, for learning the arts science and culture. Haridwar’s long standing position as a great source for Ayurvedic medicines and herbal remedies as well as its unique Gurukul school of traditional education, the scenic beauty and lush greenery…all give the city unique flavors and charm; a must among the sojourn centers in a discoverer’s intinary of Uttarakhand – A destination for all seasons.
Haridwar is one of the first towns where Ganga emerges from the mountains to touch the planes. And that’s why the water is crystal clear and cool. Lush green forests and small ponds add to the scenic beauty of this holy land. The Rajaji National Park is just 10 kms from Haridwar. Its an ideal destination for wild life and adventure lovers. In the evening the ghats look breathtakingly beautiful as thousands of diyas (lamps) and marigold flowers float and illuminate the holy waters.
ATTRACTIONS
Ganges River Basin
Hindus revere the Ganges River, also known as the Ganga, which rises high in the Himalaya Mountains and empties into the Bay of Bengal. There are more than 400 million people living in the surrounding river basin.
Hindus consider the Ganges (Ganga) River, which flows across northern India, to be sacred. The Ganges River Basin, where the river is fed, is home to more than 400 million people in India. The basin of a river is an area that is drained by one or more of a river’s tributaries, such as the Ganges. This indicates that precipitation and surface water from the basin region enter the adjacent rivers.
At Gomukh, the end of the Gongotri Glacier, in the Himalaya Mountains, the Ganges River begins its journey. The clean waters of the Bhagirathi River are created when this glacier’s ice melts. The Bhagirathi River officially forms the Ganges River when it joins the Alaknanda River as it runs down the Himalayas. The neighboring Brahmaputra and Meghna rivers are included in the wider river basin that includes the Ganges River Basin. One of the world’s largest river systems is the Ganges-Brahmaputra-Meghna (GBM) River Basin.
During Jehangir’s reign, English traveller Thomas Coryat made a visit to Haridwar. Haridwar was a harbour city in the eighteenth century and was frequently visited by East India Company ships. The Bhimgoda Dam is one of the two significant dams on the Ganges River. It can be found in Haridwar. In 1854, a dam was opened. The Haridwar Municipality, which included Kankhal and Mayapur, was established in 1868. Laksar Railway Station established a railway connection with Haridwar in 1886. With 25,597 residents in 1901, Haridwar was a part of the Roorkee tehsil of the United Province’s Saharanpur district. In 1902, Gurukul Kangri Vishwavidyalaya was founded. Haridwar became a part of Uttar Pradesh State in 1946.
Thomas Coryat, the world's first backpacker, travelled from Britain to Asia on foot – for fun |
Ganga Aarti Time at Haridwar
The morning Aarti begins at any time between 5:00 AM and 6:50 AM throughout the summer months of March through October, while the evening Aarti begins between 5:30 PM and 7:00 PM. The morning Aarti starts at 6:30 AM and the evening Aarti starts at 5:00 PM and 5:30 PM during the winter months.
