"HAR-I" DWAR

             Haridwar is a holy city which is situated in Uttra Khand. It is one of the significant religious sites of India. Haridwar means door way to Lord Hari (lord Vishnu). It is located on the banks of river Ganga. Haridwar is considered as the city of religion. In the ancient years, Haridwar came to be known as Mayapuri, Gangadwar and Tapovan. Haridwar is among the four places where once after every twelve years Kumbh mela is celebrated. According to the Hindu mythology, Haridwar is the holy spot where Amrit (nectar), the drink of gods that grants immortality fell.

               Origin of sacred practice of Kumbh Mela is probably as old as the time of Samudra Manthan, when the Gods and the asuras were busy in collection of Amrit (nectar). To prevent the amrit vessel from going into the hands of the asuras, the devtas handled it to the four Gods, namely Brahaspati, Surya, Chandra and Shani. After understanding the conspiracy of the Devtas, the Asuras chased the four devtas for pursuing the Amrit Kalash. This continued until twelve days and nights, in the process the Lords ran round the Earth and hided the Amrit Kalash in four different places namely Haridwar, Prayag, Ujjain and Nasik. 

                According to the Mythological legends, the actual fight that took place between the Lords and the Asuras, Amrit (nectar) vessel broke down and dripped at these four places. To memorialize this event, Kumbh Mela is organized after every twelve years. The four spots where nectar (Amrit) fell are today the celestial places wherein Kumbh Mela is held. Millions of pilgrims and devotees assemble together to be a part of this holy event. They perform ritualistic bathing on the banks of the River Ganga.

It is designated as Saptpuri which means it is one of the 7 greatest holy places. Muni Kapil came here for performing meditation, hence, this place is called Kapil and Kapilsthan.

Kumbh Mela – Haridwar

              Kumbh fair is organised turn wise at each place. Every 12th year when Sun and Moon come in Aries sign and Jupiter is in Aquarius sign then Kumbh Mela is organised at Haridwar. Lakhs of devotees come here during this celebration. They perform systematic bath and rituals on the banks of river Ganga.

                In Haridwar, maximum people have bath on Hari ki Pauri. It is believed that Amrit had fell at this place. This place is considered among the purest Ghat of India. This Ghat is also known as Brahma Kund. It is said that king Shuwait had worshipped Lord Brahma at Har ki Paudi. Pleased by the devotion, lord appeared and since then the place is known as Brahma Kund. All sins of a person are removed by bathing in Har ki paudi. This sacred Ghat was constructed by King Vikramaditya (1st century BC) in memory of his brother Bhrithari. It is believed that Bhrithari came to Haridwar (Hara Dwar) and meditated on the banks of holy Ganga (Ganges). When he died, his brother constructed a Ghat in his name, which later came to be known as Hari-Ki-Pauri.Every evening, Aarti of river Ganga is performed here. People perform Deep Dhyan in the river, during this time. Lamps in the river present a pleasing scene. The hue of light coming from countless lamps creates a delightful scene.

          There are 5 major spots in Haridwar for Pilgrimage, they are known as Panch theertha. They are :-

Gangadwara( Har Ki Pauri) ,Kushwart ( Ghat in Khankal),Bilwa teerth ( Manasa Devi temple) and

Neel Parvat ( Chandi Devi temple),Kankhal.

Har Ki Pauri is believed that Lord Vishnu left his foot prints on the stone that is set in the Upper wall and hence Holy Ganga river touches it in all times.

Kankhal is the winter capital of Shiva. It have Daksheswara Mahadev Temple, father of Sati. Click here for story. Sati is the wife of Lord Shiva who gave up her life due to insult of her father. Sati Kund is another place to visit and it is believed that Sati laid down her life in this Kund.

Both Shaivism and vaishnavisim consider this place as sacred as they believe that this is gate way to Har(Shiva) and Hari ( Vishnu). So this place is called as Hardwar and Haridwar respectively. Visiting to this holy city is an achievement of satisfaction to the Hindu pilgrims.