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Haridwar
Haridwar is the gateway
to the four pilgrimages of Uttaranchal. It's also your starting point
on the journey to the sacred sources of the Ganga and the Yamuna
Rivers. According to legend, Prince Bhagirath performed penance here
to salvage the souls of his ancestors who had perished due to Sage
Kapila's curse. The penance was answered and the river Ganga trickled
forth from Lord Shiva's locks and its bountiful water revived the sons
of King Sagara. In the tradition of Bhagirath, devout Hindus stand in
the sacred waters here, praying for the salvation of their ancestors.
The holy city of Haridwar is home to some of the Most sacred Hindu
rituals. Round the year, devotees from all over the country flock here
in their thousands to perform "Poojas" or prayers. Renowned for the "Maha
Kumbh Mela" which appears Every 12 years and the enchanting "Aarti" at
"Har Ki Pauri" which captives the beholder with hundreds of burning
wick lamps floating down the Ganga, this town has been distinguished
for centuries in the Indian society.
The list of attractions in Haridwar is endless. Har-Ki-Pauri, the
sacred ghat was constructed by King Vikramaditya in the memory of his
brother Bhartrihari. The golden reflection of floral diyas in the
river Ganges is the most enchanting sight in the twilight during the
Ganga aarti ceremony at the ghat.
Haridwar has a number of interesting sites that you can include in
your excursion. Rishikesh, around 28 km off Haridwar, is at the base
of the Himalayas and it is where the Ganges comes down to the plains
from the hills. A breathtaking experience of natural beauty and
undiscovered wildlife awaits here. Not to mention the peace and
tranquility of a landscape associated with sages and meditation.
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