59-590: Laksar is a small town, near Haridwar city and Nagar Palika in Haridwar district of the Indian state of Uttarakhand , situated along National Highway 334A. It is an important sugar manufacturing destination in the state and also known for the Laksar Junction railway station (LRJ), the largest railway junction in the state, which was built in 1866. Laksar has an average elevation of 227 metres (745 feet). It
118-404: A 310,562 population (2011). Males constitute 54% of the population and females, 46%. Haridwar has an average literacy rate of 70%, higher than the national average of 59.5%: male literacy is 75%, and female literacy is 64%. In Haridwar, 12% of the population is under six years of age. "Haridvāre Kuśāvarte Bilvake Nīla parvate snatvā Kanakhale tīrth punarjanma na vidyate" In Hindu traditions,
177-630: A Place of Hindoo Pilgrimage , Letitia Elizabeth Landon provides information on this name derivation, and also the story of the supposed origin of the 'River Ganges' . The accompanying plate is engraved from a painting by Samuel Prout In the scriptures, Haridwar has been variously mentioned as Kapilasthana, Gangadvāra and Mayapuri . It is also an entry point to the Char Dham (the four main centres of pilgrimage in Uttarakhand viz , Badrinath , Kedarnath , Gangotri , and Yamunotri ). "O Yudhishthira ,
236-682: A kaleidoscope of Indian culture and development. In sacred writings, it has been differently specified as Kapilsthan, Gangadwar and Mayapuri. It is additionally a passage for the Chota Char Dham (the four principal pilgrim destinations in Uttarakhand). The modern name of the town has two spellings: Haridwar and Hardwar . Each of these names has its own connotation. In Sanskrit , the liturgical language of Hinduism, Hari means " Vishnu ", while dvāra means "gateway". So, Haridwar translates to "The Gateway to Vishnu". It earns this name because it
295-527: A natural habitat of different species of migratory birds. Not only avid bird watchers, but the spot also welcomes a number of nature lovers and trekkers. Also, the spot of Neel Dhara Pakshi Vihar is visited by trekkers as it is situated close to many trekking routes in Haridwar. Visitors can also see the Shivalik Hills from the bird watching point and enjoy the sight of the snow-covered mountains which makes it to
354-408: A series of channels separated from each other called aits, most of which are well wooded. Other minor seasonal streams are Ranipur Rao, Pathri Rao, Ravi Rao, Harnaui Rao, Begham Nadi etc. A large part of the district is forested, and Rajaji National Park is within the bounds of the district, making it an ideal destination for wildlife and adventure lovers. Rajaji is accessible through different gates;
413-429: A set of ancillaries in the region. The University of Roorkee , now IIT Roorkee , is one of the oldest and most prestigious institutes of learning in the fields of science and engineering. The Ganges emerges from the mountains to touch the plains. The water in the river Ganges is mostly clear and generally cold, except in the monsoon, during which soil from the upper regions flows down into it. The river Ganges flows in
472-599: A town as high up as Tehri , was considered a port city The headworks of the Ganges Canal system is located in Haridwar. The Upper Ganges Canal was opened in 1854 after the work began in April 1842, prompted by the famine of 1837–38. The unique feature of the canal is the half-kilometre-long aqueduct over the Solani river at Roorkee , which raises the canal 25 m (82 ft) above the original river. 'Haridwar Union Municipality'
531-465: Is Muhammad Shahzad , in his first tenure from the Laksar region. Haridwar Haridwar ( / ˌ h ʌr ɪ ˈ d w ɑːr / ; Hindi: [ɦəɾɪd̪waːɾ] ; formerly Mayapuri ) is a city and municipal corporation in the Haridwar district of Uttarakhand , India. With a population of 228,832 in 2011, it is the second-largest city in the state and the largest in the district. The city
590-497: Is a modern temple made entirely of glass pieces, which is now a tourist destination. Har ki Pauri Har Ki Pauri , meaning the feet of Lord Vishnu (Hari), is a ghat on the banks of the river Ganga and landmark of the Hindu holy city of Haridwar in the Indian state of Uttarakhand . It is believed that it is the precise spot where the Ganga leaves the mountains and enters
649-491: Is believed that Bharthari came to Haridwar and meditated on the banks of the holy Ganges. When he died, his brother constructed a Ghat in his name, which later came to be known as Har Ki Pauri. The most sacred ghat within Har Ki Pauri is Brahmakund. The evening prayer ( Aarti ) at dusk offered to Goddess Ganga at Har Ki Pauri (steps of God Hara or Shiva) is an enchanting experience for any visitor. A spectacle of sound and colour
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#1733093468497708-544: Is considered most sacred is known as Brahmakund ( ब्रह्म कुण्ड ). It is considered to be the spot where the drops of Amrit fell over from the sky, while being carried in a pitcher by the celestial bird, Garuda after the Samudra Manthan. In 1819 the ghat was described as a narrow passage. During the Kumbh mela festival in 1819, 430 people died from crush injuries that resulted from thousands of people pushing to get to
767-486: Is dedicated to the achievements of India's revered women, such as Radha , Mira , Savitri , Draupadi , Ahilya , Anusuya , Maitreyi , Gargi etc. The great saints from various religions, including Jainism , Sikhism , and Buddhism are featured on the fourth floor Sant Mandir . The assembly hall with walls depicting symbolic coexistence of all religions practised in India and paintings portraying history in various provinces
826-445: Is found in the accounts of a Chinese traveller, Huan Tsang , who visited India in 629 CE. during the reign of King Harshavardhana (590–647) records Haridwar as 'Mo-yu-lo', the remains of which still exist at Mayapur, a little to the south of the modern town. Among the ruins are a fort and three temples, decorated with broken stone sculptures, he also mentions the presence of a temple, north of Mo-yu-lo called 'Gangadvara', Gateway of
885-460: Is on the Ganges River near Har-Ki-Pauri Ghat. The barrage was originally built to aid irrigation but it also generates hydro-electric power and controls floods. The area behind the barrage is known as Neel Dhara Pakshi Vihar. The place is popular among bird-loving tourists. The place is known for Siberian Cranes that can be spotted during the winter months at Laljiwala. In addition, the place is also
944-595: Is said to have left his footprint on the stone that is set in the upper wall of Har Ki Pauri, where the Ganges touches it at all times. Haridwar came under the rule of the Maurya Empire (322–185 BCE), and later under the Kushan Empire (c. 1st–3rd centuries). Archaeological findings have proved that terra cotta culture dating between 1700 BCE and 1200 BCE existed in this region. First modern era written evidence of Haridwar
1003-478: Is seen when, after the ceremony, pilgrims float Diyas (floral floats with lamps) and incense on the river, commemorating their deceased ancestors. Thousands of people from all around the world do make a point to attend this prayer on their visit to Haridwar. A majority of present ghats were largely developed in the 1800s. On the night of Dussehra or a few days before that, the Ganga Canal is dried in Haridwar to clean
1062-515: Is situated at a height of 314 m (1,030 ft) from the sea level, between Shivalik Hills in the North and Northeast and the Ganges River in the South. Temperatures: For centuries when Hindu ancestors visited the holy town of Haridwar for any purpose which may have been for pilgrimage purposes or/and for cremation of their dead or for immersion of ashes and bones of their kin after cremation into
1121-517: Is situated between the towns of Khanpur and Sultanpur , and close to the towns of Pathri , Jhabrera and Roorkee in Haridwar district . The area around Laksar is dominated by the Gurjar,Hindu community, and the current MLA is Sehjad. Prior MLAs serving Laksar were as follows: As of the 2001 India census , Laksar had a population of 18,240. Males constituted 54% of the population and females 46%. Laksar had an average literacy rate of 68%, higher than
1180-490: Is situated on the fifth floor. The various forms of the Goddess Shakti can be seen on the sixth floor, whilst the seventh floor is devoted to all incarnations of Vishnu . The eighth floor holds the shrine of Shiva from which devotees can gain a view of Himalayas, Haridwar, and the campus of Sapta Sarovar . The temple was built under the former Shankaracharya Maha-Mandleshwar Swami Satyamitranand Giri Maharaj. Since
1239-568: Is situated on the right bank of the Ganges river, at the foothills of the Shivalik ranges . Haridwar lies in doab region where people speak khari boli . Haridwar is regarded as a holy place for Hindus , hosting important religious events and serving as a gateway to several prominent places of worship. Most significant of the events is the Kumbha Mela , which is celebrated every 12 years in Haridwar. During
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#17330934684971298-496: Is typically the place where pilgrim's start their journey to visit a prominent temple of Vishnu – Badrinath . Similarly, Hara could also mean " Shiva ". Hence, Hardwar could stand for "Gateway to Shiva". Hardwar is also a typical place to start a pilgrim's journey in order to reach Mount Kailash , Kedarnath , the northernmost Jyotirlinga and one of the sites of the smaller Char Dham pilgrimage circuit – all important places for worship for Hindus. According to legend, it
1357-541: Is visited by devotees from all over the world, during the annual ' Urs ' festival, which is celebrated from 1st day of sighting the moon to 16th day of Rabi al-awwal month, in the Islamic calendar . At a distance of 3.5 km (2.2 mi) from Haridwar Junction Railway Station, Neel Dhara Pakshi Vihar is a bird-watching point situated at the Bhimgoda Barrage of Haridwar and has rich flora and fauna. The Bhimgoda Barrage
1416-707: The Baisakhi day in 1504 CE, he later also visited Kankhal en route to Kotdwara in Garhwal . Pandas of the Haridwar have been known to keep genealogy records of most of the Hindu population. Known as Vahis , these records are updated on each visit to the city, and are a repository of vast family trees of the family in North India. In the 16th century, the city came under the rule of the Mughals . Ain-e-Akbari , written by Abul Fazal in
1475-472: The Gurukul Kangri Vishwavidyalaya , which has a vast campus, and has been providing traditional education of its own kind, since 1902. Development of Haridwar took an upturn in the 1960s, with the setting up of a temple of modern civilisation, BHEL , a ' Maharatna PSU ' in 1975, which brought along not just a its own township of BHEL, Ranipur , close to the existing Ranipur village, but also
1534-498: The Haridwar Kumbh Mela , millions of pilgrims, devotees, and tourists congregate in Haridwar to perform ritualistic bathing on the banks of the Ganges to wash away their sins to attain moksha . According to Puranic legend, Haridwar, along with Ujjain , Nashik , and Prayag , is one of four sites where drops of amrita , the elixir of immortality, accidentally spilled over from a kumbha (pitcher) while being carried by
1593-483: The United Province , and remained so till the creation of Uttar Pradesh in 1947. Haridwar has been an abode of the weary in body, mind, and spirit. It has also been a centre of attraction for learning various arts, science, and culture. The city has a long-standing position as a great source of Ayurvedic medicines and herbal remedies and is home to the unique Gurukul (school of traditional education), including
1652-399: The tirthas of India, Gangadvāra, i.e., Haridwar and Kankhal , have been referred to, the text also mentions that Sage Agastya did penance (an act showing sorrow or regret for sin) here, with the help of his wife, Lopamudra (the princess of Vidharba ). Sage Kapila is said to have an ashram here giving it, its ancient name, Kapila or Kapilasthana. The legendary king, Bhagiratha ,
1711-535: The 'Neel Parvat' on the eastern bank of the river Ganges. It was constructed in 1929 CE by the king of Kashmir , Suchat Singh. Skanda Purana mentions a legend, in which Chanda-Munda , the Army Chief of a local Demon Kings Shumbha and Nishumbha were killed by goddess Chandi here, after which the place got the name, Chandi Devi. It is believed that the main statue was established by the Adi Shankaracharya in
1770-540: The 'Panch Tirth ' (Five Pilgrimages) within Haridwar, are "Gangadwar" ( Har ki Pauri ), Kushawart (Ghat in Kankhal ), Bilwa Tirtha ( Mansa Devi Temple ) and Neel Parvat ( Chandi Devi Temple ). There are several other temples and ashrams located in and around the city, a list of which can be found below. Also, alcohol and non-vegetarian food is not permitted in Haridwar. This Ghat was constructed by King Vikramaditya (1st century BCE) in memory of his brother Bharthari . It
1829-410: The 16th century during the reign of Mughal Emperor Akbar , refers to it as Maya (Mayapur), known as Hardwar on the Ganges ", as seven sacred cities of Hindus. It further mentions it is eighteen kos (each approx. 2 km) in length, and large numbers of pilgrims assemble on the 10th of Chaitra. It also mentions that during his travels and also while at home, Mughal Emperor, Akbar drank water from
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1888-550: The 8th century CE. The temple is a 3 km (1.9 mi) trek from Chandighat and can also be reached through a ropeway. The temple of Goddess Mansa Devi is situated at the top of the Bilva Parvat, literally means 'Goddess fulfilling desires'. Mansa is a tourist destination, Especially because of the mountain cable cars which offer city views. The main temple houses two idols of the Goddess, one with three mouths and five arms, while
1947-593: The Birla Ghat, near Laltarao Pul is a temple dedicated to Goddess Ganga. This temple was established by Jayandra Saraswati, Shankaracharya of Kanchi Kamakoti, a few decades ago. The temple, built in South-Indian style, has a traditional custom of decorating the goddess with vegetables and dry fruits, giving her the title of Shakumbhari on Ashtami Pooja, the eighth day of Navratri. The ancient temple of Daksha Mahadev also known as Daksheshwar Mahadev Temple has situated in
2006-534: The Ganges and carry it across hundreds of miles to dispense as offerings in Shiva shrines. Today, the city is developing beyond its religious importance with the fast-developing industrial estate of the State Industrial Development Corporation of Uttarakhand (SIDCUL), and the close by township of Bharat Heavy Electricals Limited (BHEL), as well as its affiliated ancillaries. Haridwar presents
2065-594: The Ganges river, which he called 'the water of immortality'. Special people were stationed at Sorun and later Haridwar to dispatch water, in sealed jars, to wherever he was stationed During the Mughal period, there was mint for Akbar's copper coinage at Haridwar. It is said that Raja Man Singh of Amber , laid that foundation of the present-day city of Haridwar and also renovated the ghats at Har Ki Pauri. After his death, his ashes are also said to have been immersed at Brahma Kund. Thomas Coryat , an English traveller, who visited
2124-565: The Ganges to bathe. As a result, the ghat was expanded to 100 feet (30 metres) and sixty steps were added the British government. The extension of the ghats took place in 1938 (done by Hargyan Singh Katara, a Zamindar from Agra in Uttar Pradesh), and then again in 1986. It's landmark clock tower was erected in 1938. Each evening at sunset, the priests of Har ki Pauri perform the – Ganga Aarti – over an old tradition. Lights are set on
2183-592: The Ganges. Haridwar came under the rule of the Delhi Sultanate in 1206. The city also fell to the Central Asian conqueror Timur Lang (1336–1405) on 13 January 1399. During his visit to Haridwar, first Sikh Guru, Guru Nanak (1469–1539) bathed at 'Kushawart Ghat', wherein the famous, 'watering the crops' episode took place, his visit is today commemorated by a gurudwara (Gurudwara Nanakwara), according to two Sikh Janamsakhis , this visit took place on
2242-561: The Ramgarh Gate and Mohand Gate are within 25 km (16 mi) of Dehradun, while the Motichur, Ranipur and Chilla Gates are just about 9 km (5.6 mi) from Haridwar. Kunaon Gate is 6 km (3.7 mi) from Rishikesh , and Laldhang gate is 25 km (16 mi) from Kotdwara . Haridwar district, covering an area of about 2,360 km (910 sq mi), is in the southwestern part of Uttarakhand state of India. Haridwar
2301-528: The banks of the river Ganges. It is situated adjacent to the Samanvaya Ashram , and stands eight stories tall to a height of 180 feet (55 m). Each floor depicts an era in the Indian history, from the days of Ramayana until India's independence. On the first floor is the statue of Bharat Mata . The second floor, Shur Mandir , is dedicated to the well-renowned heroes of India. The third floor Matri Mandir
2360-561: The celestial bird Garuda during the Samudra Manthana , or the churning of the ocean of milk. Brahma Kund , the spot where the amrita fell, is believed to be located at Har ki Pauri (literally, "footsteps of the Lord") and is considered to be the most sacred ghat of Haridwar. It is also the primary centre of the Kanwar pilgrimage , in which millions of participants gather sacred water from
2419-541: The city in the reign of Emperor Jahangir (1596–1627) mentions it as 'Haridwara', the capital of Shiva. 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 the Buddha , to the more recent British advent. Haridwar has a rich and ancient religious and cultural heritage. It still has many old havelis and mansions bearing exquisite murals and intricate stonework. One of
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2478-585: The great-grandson of the Suryavamsha King Sagara (an ancestor of Rama ), is said to have brought the river Ganges down from heaven, through years of penance in Satya Yuga , for the salvation of 60,000 of his ancestors from the curse of the Sage Kapila . This is a tradition continued by thousands of devout Hindus, who bring the ashes of their departed family members, in hope of their salvation. Vishnu
2537-758: The inception of the Swami Satyamitranand foundation in 1998, several other branches have been opened, namely in Renukut, Jabalpur, Jodhpur, Indore, and Ahmedabad. It is presently under The Junapeethadheesh, Acharya Shree Mahamandaleshwar Swami Avdheshanand Giri Ji Maharaj. Piran Kaliyar Sharif , built by Ibrahim Lodhi , a ruler of Delhi, this 'Dargah' of Hazrat Alauddin Sabir Kaliyari , a 13th-century, Sufi Saint of Chishti Order (also known as Sarkar Sabir Pak ), in Kaliyar village, 7 km (4.3 mi). from Roorkee ,
2596-409: The king was brought to life and given a goat's head by Shiva . Daksha Mahadev temple is a tribute to this legend. Sati Kund, another historical heritage is situated in the Kankhal . Legend has it that Sati immolated herself in this kund . Bharat Mata Mandir is a multi-storey temple dedicated to Bharat Mata (Mother India). Bharat Mata Mandir was inaugurated on 15 May 1983 by Indira Gandhi on
2655-542: The month of April. Literally, " Har " means "God", "Ki" means " 's " and "Pauri" means "steps". Lord Vishnu is believed to have visited the Brahmakund in Har Ki Pauri in the Vedic times. King Vikramaditya is said to have built it in 1st century BC in the memory of his brother, Bharthari who had come to meditate here on the bank of the Ganges. An area within Har Ki Pauri, where the evening Ganga Aarti takes places and which
2714-462: The national average of 59.5%: male literacy was listed at 75%, and female literacy at 59%. In Laksar, 15% of the population is under 6 years of age. Laksar is well connected by road with Haridwar , Saharanpur , and Roorkee cities, and Laksar Junction railway station lies within the city. It was first connected with city of Haridwar through branch line in 1886, when the Awadh and Rohilakhand Railway line
2773-562: The occurrence of eclipses, the time of the Ganga Aarti is be altered accordingly. Every year generally on the night of Dussehra the waters in the Ganga Canal in Rishav Haridwar are partially dried to do the job of cleaning the riverbed and undertake the repairing of the ghats. The waters are generally restored on the night of Diwali. But the Ganga Aarti is held every day as usual. It
2832-664: The other one has eight arms. Haridwar was previously known as Mayapuri which is because of the Goddess Maya Devi. Dating to the 11th century CE, this ancient temple of Maya Devi, the Adhishthatri Devi (Patron Goddess) of Haridwar, is considered one of the Siddhapithas and is said to be the place where the heart and navel of Goddess Sati had fallen. It is one of few ancient temples still standing in Haridwar, along with Narayani Shila temple and Bhairav Temple. Located close to
2891-524: The plains. The ghat is on the west bank of Ganga canal through which the Ganga is diverted just to the north. Har Ki Pauri is also the area where thousands of pilgrims converge and the festivities commence during the Kumbha Mela , which takes place every twelve years, and the Ardh Kumbh Mela , which takes place every six years and the Punjabi festival of Vaisakhi , a harvest festival occurring every year in
2950-399: The riverbed. The water is restored on Diwali. It is believed that on Dussera Maa Ganga goes to her father's house and returns after Bhai Duj or Bhai Phota. It is for this reason that the waters in the Ganga canal in Haridwar are partially dried on the night of Dussehra and the waters are restored on the day of Bhai Duj or Bhai Phota. The temple is dedicated to Goddess Chandi , who sits atop
3009-416: The south Kankhal town. According to Hindu texts, King Daksha Prajapati , father of Dakshayani , Shiva's first wife, performed a yagña, to which he deliberately did not invite Shiva. When she arrived uninvited, he was further insulted by the king, seeing which Sati felt infuriated and self-immolated herself in the yagna kund . King Daksha was later killed by Virabhadra , born out of Shiva's anger. Later
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#17330934684973068-615: The spot where Ganga rusheth past, cleaving the foremost of mountains which is frequented by Gandharvas and Yakshas and Rakshasas and Apsaras , and inhabited by hunters, and Kinnaras , is called Gangadwara (Haridwar). O King, Sanatkumara regardeth that spot visited by Brahmarshis , as also the Tirtha Kanakhala (that is near to it), as sacred." In the Vana Parva of the Mahabharata , where sage Dhaumya tells Yudhishthira about
3127-406: The top list of tourist attractions in Haridwar. Dudhadhari Barfani Temple, part of the ashram of Dudhadhari Barfani Baba, was constructed from shining white marble and honours Rama - Sita and Hanumana. Sureshvari Devi Temple , a temple dedicated to the goddess Sureshwari, is situated in the middle of Rajaji National Park, and thus is only accessible with permission from forest rangers. Pawan Dham
3186-594: The two major dams on the river Ganges, the Bhimgoda, is situated here. Built-in the 1840s, it diverts the waters of the Ganges to the Upper Ganges Canal, which irrigated the surrounding lands. Though this caused severe deterioration to the Ganges water flow, and is a major cause for the decay of the Ganges as an inland waterway, which till the 18th century was used heavily by the ships of the East India Company , and
3245-427: The water to drift downstream. A large number of people gather on both banks of the ganga river to sing Ganga Aarti praises. At that time the priests hold large Fire Bowls in their hands, rungs bells at the temples situated at the ghat and chants are chanted by the priests. People flick Diya (made of leaves and flowers) into the river Ganges as a symbol of hopes and wishes. However, on some special cases, like on
3304-460: The waters of the holy Ganges as required by Hindu religious custom, it has been a custom to go to the Pandit who is in charge of one's family register and update the family's family tree with details of marriages, births, and deaths from ones extended joint family. As of 2011 India census, Haridwar district has population of 1,890,422 (2011). In 2001, the population was 1,447,187. Haridwar city has
3363-526: Was constituted in 1868, which included the then villages of Mayapur and Kankhal . Haridwar was first connected with railways, via Laksar , through branch line in 1886, when the Awadh and Rohilakhand Railway line was extended through Roorkee to Saharanpur , this was later extended to Dehradun in 1900. In 1901, it had a population of 25,597 and was a part of the Roorkee tehsil , in Saharanpur district of
3422-490: Was extended through Roorkee to Saharanpur, this was later extended to Dehradun in 1900. The nearest airport is Jolly Grant Airport , Dehradun , though Indira Gandhi International Airport in New Delhi is preferred. Today, Laksar is one of the four tehsils in the Haridwar district , and one of its six development blocks. Nagar Palika elections were held in Laksar for the first time in 1995. The current MLA of Laksar
3481-531: Was in Haridwar that goddess Ganga descended when Shiva released the mighty river from the locks of his hair. The River Ganga , after flowing for 253 kilometres (157 mi) from its source at Gaumukh at the edge of the Gangotri Glacier , enters the Gangetic Plain for the first time at Haridwar, which gave the city its ancient name, Gangadwára. In the annotations to her poetical illustration Hurdwar,
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