A journey to Haridwar - an ideal gateway to God

A journey to Haridwar - an ideal gateway to God

Hardwari, also spelled as Hardwar, is a city in the state of Uttranchal. Haridwar, literally Gateway to God is an important pilgrim centre of the Hindus and one of the seven holy places of the Char Dham Yatra that promises moksha' or salvation to the devout. It is also known as Mayanagari'.

Originating from the Himalyas, the Ganga enters the plains for the first time at Haridwar. It is therefore, also known as Ganga Dwar' or the Gateway of Ganga. Being associated with Lord Shiva, the city is also known as Har-dwar' or the Gateway to Shiva'. The city is also in some way associated with Vishnu or Hari', hence the more common name Haridwar'. It would not be wrong to call it Harihar Nagra' (Vishnu-Shiva city). That is why it is an important Char Dham Destination along with rest of other eminent one.

In ancient time Lord Brahma had performed a very elaborate yagna here. Brahma-kund is the legacy of that yagna, and the devout take a bath in it. Next to it is Hari ki Pauri (or steps of Shiva), where every twelfth year a kumbh and every intervening sixth year an Ardh Kumbh (half Kumbh) fairs is held. Every day at break of dusk, aarti of the Mother Ganga is performed at the site, after which diyas are set afloat on the waters of the Ganga. The spectacle is breathtaking beautiful. By the side of Hari-ki-Pauri is a scared pond known as "Bhim Goda". It is said that Bhim once tired to mount a horse here, and the horse slipped creating a pond like crater. That pond is the present day Bhimgoda Tal'.

There is a popular belief that king Bhartrihari underwent penance at Haridwar and achieved immortality. Har-ki-Pauri was constructed by king Vikramaditya in the memory of king Bhartihari.

Getting Around

Haridwar is about 200 kms from the capital city of New Delhi and is easily accessible by a road and rail network from all the parts of the country.

By Bus

There are regular buses to Haridwar. During the Char Dham Yatra Season i.e. April to November, all the buses run north to pilgrimage centres and to Joshimath and Uttrakashi year around.

By Train

There are daily Rajdhani and Shatabdi expresses from Delhi and Dehradun. There are also a few trains per day to Rishikesh, but buses are faster and more frequent. The railway station is situated on the southern part of the town, and within a walking distance to almost all the hotels but a 2 km hike to Hari-ki- Pauri.

POST COMMENT

The ABC of Construction Tenders WHy I Think These Two Burner Superfast 2.0 Are Good? Can Some Daily Habits Make You Rich? Find Out What are the Possible Income Streams One can Look for? Why worry about something you have no power or influence to change? The Pre-Shot regime - Turn It for the Advantage Easily simplify To Diamox or not to Diamox? Effectiveness of SRS in Testing Taking advantage of the Scrappage Allowance HTC Flyer deals : This one will drive you crazy Masquerade Proms Are definitely the Hottest Theme This Year Whistle Blowers Bill Tabled in Loksabha…Will the Loop Holes be Plugged !!