History of Haridwar
Being one of the ancient cities of the country, Haridwar has undergone through great history. Haridwar is also popularly known by the names such as Gangadwar, Mayapuri and Kapila. Haridwar comprises of two words “Hari” means God and “Dwar” means the gateway, therefore, literally the name of the city means “Gateway to God”. Located on the banks of holy river Ganga, Haridwar is an entry point to the four main Dhams of Hindus namely Yamunotri, Gangrotri, Kedarnath and Badrinath.
As per few old myths, it is believed that Bhagirath, one of the mythological emperors, brought the sacred water from heaven for forfeiting himself in place of his forefathers and also for getting them escaped from the curse of Saint Kapila. Gradually, it became the trend of almost all Hindus to came here and organize pujas for the salvation of their lost loved ones. Therefore, people used to bring ashes of their lost family members to discard in the holy river Ganga for the Moksha of them. Lord Vishnu also left his footprint on a stone which is believed to be fixed at the top wall of the Har ki Pedi. It is also believed that a dip in the holy water of River Ganga helps you in getting rid off sins done by you.
