Haridwar-- gateway
to the four pilgrimages in the Uttrakhand region, is
located on the foot hills of Shivaliks. It is on the
banks of River Ganga. The Ganga leaves the mountains
and enters the plains with Haridwar being the first
major town on the plains.
Though the Ganges does not lose its rapids completely
nevertheless it becomes very quite and calm here. The
water is clean and people prefer taking bath on the
numerous ghats built on the river shores. It is said
that taking bath here purifies the soul and opens the
way for the ultimate freedom, Nirvana.
Haridwar has earned fame as being the place which has
been blessed by the trinity of Lord Shiva, Vishnu and
Brahma. It is also one of the major Shaktipeeths.
Down the ages, Haridwar has purified the mind, the
body and the soul. Not only in spiritual or religious
terms Haridwar has come up as a major learning center
for arts, science and culture. This place has maintained
the Gurukul tradition of teaching. This ancient tradition
of teaching has maintained its fervour in Haridwar.
Haridwar has since ages been a source of Ayurvedic
medicines and has been providing herbal remedies. Haridwar
one of the first towns to be developed on Ganges is
still lush and green with forest and trees. With Rajaji
Park in the vicinity Haridwar has also been the destination
for the wildlife and nature lovers. The city acquires
a unique charm in the evening when the ghats become
breath takingly beautiful with thousands of Diyas and
Marigold floating in the waters of Ganges.
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