Among the many pilgrimages
that dot the length of the Ganga, Haridwar ranks among the Most
Holy in the land" According to Hindu mythology Haridwar was
known as Kapilsthan. Legend has it that the ancestors of Raja
Bhagirath, were consumed by fire at this spot following a curse
of Rishi Kapil. For their salvation Raja Bhagirath requested the
Ganga to descend on Earth. Haridwar is also famous by the names
of Gangadwar Mokshadwar, Tapovan and Mayapuri. It is at
Haridwar that the Ganga finally emerges into the northern
plains.
Haridwar - gateway to the four pilgrimages in the Uttaranchal
region, is located on the foot hills of Shivaliks. The Ganges
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.
A Major Shaktipeeth
Haridwar has earned fame as being the place which has been
blessed by the trinity of Lord Shiva, Lord Vishnu and Lord
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 centre 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.
-kms
from Haridwar is a town called Kankhal. Mythology says
that the king of this place King Daksha Prajapati
performed a Yagya. His daughter, Sati was married to Lord
Shiva. But Daksha was not happy with this marriage and did
not invite Shiva-Sati in the Yagya. But Sati came and was
insulted by her father. She could not take the insult and
burnt herself in the Yagya-Kund. On hearing this the
followers of Shiva killed Daksha. But later Mahadeo
(Shiva) brought Daksha to life. The Daksha temple is an
attribute to this legend. This place is one of the five
sacred places in Haridwar.