City-information
for Haridwar
Population 190,000
Haridwar is on the west bank of the Ganges, at the foot of the Himalayan Mountains. Haridwar means the gateway to Hari (Lord Vishnu). It is also called Ganga-dwara, because the holy Ganges enters the plains here. This is one of the seven holy cities in India. It is called Mayapuri Kshetra in the Puranas. Haridwar is about 225 km northeast of Delhi.
Uddhava instructed Vidura to go to Haridwar to be instructed by Maitreya Muni. It is also called Kapilasthan, because it is said that Kapiladeva performed penances here. The great sacrifice of Daksa Prajapati took place near here, where Sati burned herself alive. Nearby, at Sapta Sarovara, the Ganges splits into seven streams to please the seven Rishis doing austerities there. Lord Nityananda came here about 500 years ago.
Haridwar is hot in the summer, but the Ganges water is always icy cold. The river is fed by melting glaciers and snow peaks. The Ganges is split by a barrage just north of Haridwar. The water that flows next to the city of Haridwar is actually a fast-moving big canal. The main natural rivulet of the Ganges, called Neel Dhara, flows about a half km east of the city. The Ganges is known as the Ganga in India.
Haridwar is a busy, fairly fast moving town. Most people stay here for a day or two and then move on to Rishikesh or some other place in the mountains. If you want a peaceful place to stay for a few weeks, Rishikesh is much better. Meat, fish, and all intoxications are banned in Haridwar.
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