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Introduction Also known as the Gateway to Heaven, Haridwar is considered as the abode of god and also as the holy land. It is considered as the gateway to the four pilgrimages, which are in the Uttarakhand region. The major reason for such fame is the mythological belief that it is the place that has been blessed by the trinity of Lord Shiva, Vishnu and Brahma. It is located on the foothills of Shivaliks and on the riverbanks of River Ganga. It is located at a height of around of 300 meters above sea level. The monsoons being the worst time to visit this place, one should not expect any sort of pleasant weather during the summers and the winters also. Haridwar, India is predominantly a pilgrimage and people only go there to pay homage to their gods and take a bath in the Ganges River. City of Holy Ganges This city of holy Ganges has been an ancient pilgrimage site for many centuries. Even when the Chinese pilgrim Hyuen Tsang visited India, he described Haridwar as Mayura on the eastern banks of the Ganges. The legend says that Bhagiratha brought the Ganges into the earth. Because of this reason Haridwar was also once known as Gangadwara. It represents the gateway to the Himalayan pilgrimage shrines of Badrinath and Kedarnath. It is also the site of the celebration of one of the biggest festival of India i.e. the Kumbha Mela. There are more temples near Haridwar in the towns of Mayapuri and Kankhal wherein Kankhal houses the Daksheswara temple. Most of the people go to Haridwar to take the holy dip in the holy river of Ganges. There are five sacred bathing spots where people take bath. These are the Gangadwara, Kankhal, Nila Parvata, Bilwa Theertha and Kusavarta. However the main Ghat is known as the Hari-ki Pairi. The legend says that there is a footprint of Lord Vishnu on a stone on a wall present in that Ghat. The Ganga Aarti, which is carried out every evening at 7pm, is a spectacular sight for the various tourists who come there. The breath-taking scene of thousands of diyas and marigold floating in the water of holy Ganges gives the city a unique charm. Haridwar, India is also known for being the source of Ayurvedic medicines for ages. It has provided many herbal remedies. With Rajaji Park in the vicinity of the city, Haridwar has also been the destination for various wildlife and nature lovers.
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