Why millions of pilgrims converge on this ancient gateway to the divine

Countries & Cities · Published 29 September 2026 Swipe more like this →

In short: Haridwar is a sacred city where the Ganges first touches the plains, serving as a spiritual threshold for centuries. Known as the gateway to both Vishnu and Shiva, it is a site of profound ritual, where pilgrims wash away sins and maintain vast, centuries-old genealogical records of their ancestors.

Located at the foothills of the Shivalik ranges in Uttarakhand, Haridwar marks the point where the Ganges river exits the mountains and enters the Gangetic Plain. Its name reflects its dual religious significance: Haridwar, the gateway to Vishnu, and Hardwar, the gateway to Shiva. This ancient city, historically known as Mayapuri or Gangadwara, is one of four sites where drops of the elixir of immortality, amrita, are said to have fallen during the churning of the ocean of milk. The most sacred spot, Brahma Kund at Har Ki Pauri, remains a focal point for devotees who gather to perform ritualistic bathing.

The city’s spiritual importance is deeply woven into its social fabric. For centuries, families have visited Haridwar to update Vahis, or genealogical registers, maintained by local priests. These records serve as a repository of family trees for much of North India. Beyond its religious role, the city has evolved into a center for traditional education, such as the Gurukul Kangri Vishwavidyalaya, and modern industry, including the Bharat Heavy Electricals Limited township. By law, the city prohibits the sale of meat, fish, eggs, and alcohol to preserve its sanctity.

Haridwar’s history is a layered narrative of empires and travelers. It was ruled by the Maurya and Kushan Empires, visited by the Chinese traveler Huan Tsang in 629 CE, and later integrated into the Mughal Empire, where Emperor Akbar famously sourced his drinking water from the Ganges. Following the Anglo-Nepalese War, it was ceded to the British East India Company in 1815. The 19th century brought significant infrastructure changes, notably the construction of the Bhimgoda dam in the 1840s, which diverted water for irrigation but altered the river's flow, impacting its status as an inland waterway.

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