About Haridwar - Har Ki Pauri - Uttarakhand

Why Haridwar is Famous?

Haridwar is famous for its ashrams, and temples. It is a religious place. Haridwar is one of the seven holiest places in Hinduism. It is also considered the gateway to the Char Dham Yatra, which includes the pilgrimage sites of Yamunotri, Gangotri, Kedarnath, and Badrinath. Haridwar is also famous for Kumbh Mela. It is one of the four cities where the Kumbh Mela, the largest religious gathering in the World, takes place. This massive festival occurs once every 12 years. Haridwar is home to numerous ancient temples and ashrams. Famous temples are- Mansa Devi Temple, Chandi Devi Temple, and Bharat Mata Temple.

History Of Haridwar

The history of Haridwar dates back several centuries and is intertwined with the rich cultural and religious heritage of India. Haridwar’s history can be traced back to ancient times. The city finds mention in ancient Hindu Scriptures, including the Mahabharata and the Puranas. According to Hindu Mythology, Haridwar is associated with Lord Vishnu. It is said that after the Samudra Manthan by the gods and demons, drops of Amrit fell at four places, one of them being Haridwar. During the medieval period, Haridwar came under the influence of various dynasties and rulers. It was ruled by the Mauryas, Guptas, and the Mughals at different times. In the 18 century, Haridwar came under the control of the Sikh Empire led by Maharaja Ranjit Singh. After India gained independence in 1947, Haridwar became a part of the state of Uttar Pradesh. In 2000, when Uttarakhand was carved out as a separate state, Haridwar became a part of the newly formed state.

Haridwar Kumbha Mela

The history of Haridwar dates back several centuries and is intertwined with the rich cultural and religious heritage of India. Haridwar’s history can be traced back to ancient times. The city finds mention in ancient Hindu Scriptures, including the Mahabharata and the Puranas. According to Hindu Mythology, Haridwar is associated with Lord Vishnu. It is said that after the Samudra Manthan by the gods and demons, drops of Amrit fell at four places, one of them being Haridwar. During the medieval period, Haridwar came under the influence of various dynasties and rulers. It was ruled by the Mauryas, Guptas, and the Mughals at different times. In the 18 century, Haridwar came under the control of the Sikh Empire led by Maharaja Ranjit Singh. After India gained independence in 1947, Haridwar became a part of the state of Uttar Pradesh. In 2000, when Uttarakhand was carved out as a separate state, Haridwar became a part of the newly formed state.

History Of Ganga Ji

The river Ganges also known as “Ganga” or “Gangaji” holds immense historical and cultural significance in India. Its history is deeply rooted in Hindu mythology and spans thousands of years. The Ganges River finds mention in the ancient Hindu scriptures known as the Vedas, which are believed to date back to around 1500-500 BCE. The Rigveda, one of the oldest texts, praises the Ganges. According to Hindu mythology, the origin of the Ganges is attributed to Lord Shiva. It is believed that King Bhagirath performed rigorous penance to bring the celestial river down to Earth to Purify the ashes of his ancestors. Lord Shiva released the river from his matted hair and the Ganges descended to Earth flowing through the Himalayas. The Ganges River particularly its stretch in the city of Varanasi has been a significant pilgrimage destination for Hindus for thousands of years. The Ganges River has witnessed the rise and fall of various ancient Indian Empires. It served as a lifeline for cities and kingdoms, providing water for agriculture, transportation, and trade. The Mauryan Empire, Gupta Empire, and Mughal Empire flourished along the banks of the river Ganges. During the period of British colonial rule in India, the Ganges River gained importance as a trade route. British officials also developed towns and cities along the Ganges including Kolkata and Allahabad. The history of Gangaji is intertwined with India’s religion and culture.