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HARIDWAR : In Scriptures and Today
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 Haridwar and Haridwar respectively as told by some. It is also a
point of entry to Dev Bhoomi and Char Dham (Four main centers of pilgrimage
in Uttaranchal) Viz. Badrinath, Kedarnath, Gangotri and Yamunotri.
Archaeological finding have proved that
terracotta culture dating between 1700 B.C. and 1200 B.C. existed in this
region.
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-Pairi, 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. Kumbh, 1998 was the last Maha Kumbh of
this century. 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 Uttaranchal - 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.
Haridwar as today has not only
religious importance but it has another temple of modern civilization i.e. BHEL,
a 'Navratna PSU' to its credit. The Roorkee University at Roorkee is one of the
oldest and prestigious institute of learning in the fields of science and
engineering. Another university of the district i.e. Gurukul having vast campus
is giving traditional educations of its own kind.
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GEOGRAPHY
Haridwar district, covering an
area of about 2360 sq.km. is in the western part of Uttaranchal state of India.
It's latitude and longitude are 29.58 degree north and 78.13 degree east
respectively. The height from the sea level is 249.7 mts. The district came into
existence on 28th Dec. 1988. Prior to its inclusion in the newly created state
of Uttaranchal, this district was a part of Saharanpur Divisional Commissionary.
The district is ringed by Saharanpur in the west, Dehradun in the north and
east, Pauri Garhwal in the east, Muzzaffar Nagar and Bijnor in the south. The
district headquarter is situated in the Roshnabad, at a distance of about 12 kms
from railway station. The Collectorate, Vikas Bhawan, District Judiciary, S.S.P.
Office, Police line, District Jail, District sports stadium, Jawahar Navodaya
Vidyalaya etc. are the prime establishments of this area. The district is
administratively subdivided into three tehsils i.e. Haridwar, Roorkee and Laksar
and six development blocks i.e. Bhagwanpur, Roorkee, Narsan, Bahadrabad, Laksar
and Khanpur. Haridwar is one of the first towns where Ganga emerges from the
mountains to touch the planes. As per the 2001 census, the population of the
district is 14,44,213. Due to Haridwar's location on the bank of river Ganga, it
has plenty of water resources and almost all kind of food grains are produced
here in abundance. For more statistical details, you may see 'District at a
glance' on this web site.
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