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Haridwar is situated on the right side of the
bank of the holy Ganga, and is the point where the river spreads over the
northern plains. Associated with both Lord Shiva and Lord Vishnu,
Haridwar is among the seven sacred cities of India. It is also one
of the four venues for the Kumbh Mela, held in its magnitude every twelve
years. Essentially a religious centre, which holds promise of salvation
for devotees, Haridwar is also a centre of herbal medicine, and traditional
studies at Gurukul Kangri.
It is said that when the Gods left
their footprints on the land of Haridwar, metaphorically
they also left an indelible mark on the spiritual ethos of every
Hindu more so, the devout, who would later follow their holy
paths all across this blessed land. Of such significance is
Haridwar in the thought of India’s traditional Hindus
that it has earned its sobriquet of honour,` the
Gateway to the Gods’.
Being one of the oldest living cities in the world, Haridwar finds
mention in the ancient Hindu scriptures as it weaves
through life and time, stretching from the period of
the Buddha to the times of Gandhi. Haridwar has not
only remained the abode of the weary in body, mind and spirit, but
also served as a centre of attraction for many, for
learning the arts, science and culture. Haridwar’s
longstanding position as a great source of Ayurvedic medicines
and herbal remedies as well as its
unique Gurukul system of traditional education, the
scenic beauty and lush greenery…all give the city a unique flavour
and charm; a must among the centres of sojourn
in a discoverer’s itinerary of India – A
destination for all seasons.
In the evening, the ghats look breathtakingly
beautiful, as thousands of diyas and marigold flowers float and illuminate
the holy waters. |
