Haridwar - Mokshdwar, Gangadwar, Mayapuri
Haridwar, one of the seven sacred cities of India, lies in the foothills of the Shivalik ranges. It is located on the right bank of the river Ganga, and from here, the holy river spreads over the northern plains. The name Haridwar literally means the "gateway to heaven" and is mentioned as Mayapuri, Gangadwar, and Mokshdwar in ancient Hindu scriptures.
According to a mythological legend, Prince Bhagirath performed penance here to salvage the souls of his ancestors who had perished due to saint Kapila's curse. Bhagirath was blessed, and the holy river descended on the earth, and its water revived the sons of King Sagara. Following the tradition of Bhagirath, devout Hindus stand in the sacred water here and pray for the salvation of their ancestors.
Haridwar is also famous for the Kumbh and Ardh Kumbh fairs that are held once every 12 and 6 years, respectively. Millions of devotees assemble here during this auspicious occasion and take a dip in the holiest river of India. It is said that drops of amrits (nectar) obtained after the 'Sagar Manthan' fell at four places: Haridwar, Allahabad, Ujjain, and Nashik and the Kumbh fair is held at these four sacred sites.