Kingdom of Gods is obtainable through this 'Door of Gods' (Hari-dwar), also the Gateway to paradise. From this gateway not only Himalayas begins but also people can go to heaven after having achieved spiritual salvation.

        Associated with both Lord Shiva and Lord Vishnu, Haridwar is among the seven sacred cities of India.

        Geographically, the great plains of the Ganges begins downward from Haridwar which is an entrance to meet gods and goddesses.

        When a person reaches the feet of Haridwar, he is purified with holy waters which wash the wretched and the rascals.

        Haridwar is the home of ashrams and dharamsalas which have been established by sadhus and religious institutions.

        It is a city of great religious significance and everyday large numbers of pilgrims arrive and depart; Legend has it that the yakshas and the devas had the great darshan of Lord Vishnu here.

Every twelve years the kumbh mela and every six year the ardh kumbh mela (half kumbh) are held when lacs of pilgrims from all over India throng the ghats of the Ganga.

The Ganga is worshipped as the “holy mother” and believed to be the cleanser of all sins. From early morning to late at night, hundreds of pilgrims take the holy dip, worship the sacred Ganga and perform puja. Each evening hundreds of devotees attend the grand aarti performed at Har-ki Pauri.

This ghats, Har-ki Pauri, is named after the charan or footprint of Hari (Vishnu) impressed on a stone set into the upper wall of the ghat.

In the evening the ghats look breathtakingly beautiful, as thousands of diyas and marigold flowers float and illuminate the Holy waters.

Being one of the oldest living cities, Haridwar finds its mention in the ancient Hindu scriptures as it weaves through the life and time stretching from the period of Buddha 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 a centre for attraction for many, for learning the arts, science and culture.

Haridwar’s longstanding position as a great source for Ayurvedic medicines and herbal remedies as well as its unique Gurukul school of traditional education along with its the scenic beauty and lush greenery…....
all give the city a unique flavour and charm and make it a place to be visited by one and all.

Some more images....