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. It is also a point of entry to DevBhoomi and Char Dham (Four main centers of pilgrimage in Uttarakhand) Viz. Badrinath, Kedarnath, Gangotri and Yamunotri.
Haridwar is regarded as one of the seven holiest places to Hindus. According to the Samudramanthan,Haridwar along with Ujjain, Nasik and Allahabad is one of four sites where drops of Amrit, the elixir of immortality, accidentally spilled over from the pitcher while being carried by the celestial bird Garuda. This is manifested in the KumbhaMela being celebrated every 3 years in one of the 4 places, and thus every 12 years in Haridwar. Amidst the KumbhaMela, millions of pilgrims, devotees, and tourists congregate in Haridwar to perform ritualistic bathing on the banks of the river Ganges to wash away their sins to attain Moksha. Brahma Kund, the spot where the Amrit fell, is located at HarkiPauri (literally, “footsteps of the Lord”) and is considered to be the most sacred ghat of Haridwar.
