| Gateway
Of The Gods |
| Haridwar |
| By Manju Dubey |
| August
2005
Kerala is referred
to as God’s own country in India, but I don’t see how we cannot refer to
the little state of Uttaranchal when talking of God's country. It has the
majestic Himalayas and the graceful Ganges flowing across it, as well as
abundant flora and fauna. It’s the abode of nearly all the Hindu Gods and
Goddesses. One such place is Haridwar or the Gateway of the Gods. Legend
says that for some reason Lady Ganges was very mad and in a destructive
mood. When she was about to flow in from the heavens in fa ury and touch
the earth such large-scale destruction was unparalleled. The Gods went
to Shiva and asked him to save mother earth from the lady’s fury. |
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Shiva who
was undertaking a penance at Haridwar agreed. So when Lady Ganges touched
Haridwar, Shiva captured her in his tresses or Jatta. He refused to release
her until she behaved. That’s why you see the mighty Ganges flowing so
calmly in Haridwar.
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Haridwar is
located in the foothills of the Himalayas, an important place of worship.
I almost feel that what Jerusalem is to Christians and Mecca is to Muslims
Haridwar is to Hindus. One look at this place and a feeling of peace descends.
In the melee of humans and animals, especially cows, you can visit temples.
The most famous one is Mansa - Devi Temple. During an earlier time people
walked trails on hillsides in order to visit Devi Temple. Even now the
devout use the same trails. |
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| But if you
are running short on time its better to use the ropeway.
A must see
at Haridwar is The Ode to The River Ganges….The Ganga Arti. References
of which can be found in The Vedic literature. The Ganga Arti is performed
by priests who light huge candles or diyas. The ritual starts at dusk and
reaches a crescendo lasting nearly half an hour. Hymns, bhajans mantras
echo across the banks of the Ganges. Devotees chant along with the clash
of cymbals and chiming bells. This is one of the most magical moments in
India, a time when one is in communion with both God and Nature.
No visit to
Haridwar is complete without bathing in the Ganges. Devotees typically
take a plunge in the river at dawn with the sun rising over The Ganges
in all its golden majesty. |
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Offshore
Resources Gallery
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| Further
on from Haridwar is Rishikesh. It makes good sense to take a drive
to Rishikesh. The drive is particularly picturesque with mountain roads
winding through the landscape as the Ganges flows by. Except for that Rishikesh
is not as important as Haridwar. The Lakhsman Jhoola is important landmark
in Rishikesh. An onward journey from here can only be done by car and takes
you in the direction of Badrinath and Kedarnath.
The approach
to Haridwar from Delhi is by railroad, bus or car. The journey either
way is relaxing. Shatabdi Express leaves New Delhi Junction and reaches
Haridwar in 6 hours. The drive takes about the same amount of time: you
might save an hour. Hotels and tours can also be booked in Delhi. Accommodation
is cheap and plentiful. Best time to visit Haridwar is October through
March.
A visit to
Haridwar is a peek into ancient India, an India steeped in rituals.
It is a
typically old Indian town complete with its share of culture, religious
fervor, numerous temples, folklore and legends of Gods. Despite its garbage
heap and pigs, Haridwar is a window into India during its period of transition. |
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