Haridwar in scriptures

The city of Haridwar (Hindi: हरिद्वार) finds mention in numerous scriptures (religious texts) and manuscripts of antiquity, as well as in various historical documents of the recent past. It is mentioned by its various names, which signify its ever changing milieu, be it one of its ancient names, "Gangadwar" (गंगाद्वार) , the 'Gateway of the Ganga' or its transition to the recent name of Hardwar, which finally gave way to the modern name of this city, Haridwar.

Also find mention are the neighbouring areas of Kankhal (कनखल) and Mayapur (मायापुर), and in some places along with other Panch Tirthas in the region, namely - "Gangadwara, Kushwart, Kankhal, Bilwa Teerth" and "Neel Parvat" [ [http://www.asiarooms.com/travel-guide/india/popular-india-destinations/haridwar.html Travel guide Haridwar] ] [http://www.indiainfoweb.com/uttranchal/kankhal/ Kankhal] www.indiainfoweb.com.] , all of which, lie within in the present municipal city of Haridwar.

References to Haridwar

Ancient scriptures

Ramayana

At the gates of Gangá ("Gangadwara")

Daksha held his feast;
Called the gods unto it,
Greatest as the least.
- "Valmiki Ramayana, Ravan Doomed, Section XIII. 545:2" [ [http://www.sacred-texts.com/hin/rama/ry502.htm#fr_1062 RÁMÁYAN OF VÁLMÍKI] Ramayana, translation by Ralph T. H. Griffith, M. A., [1870-1874] . Ravan Doomed, Section XIII. 545:2] .

Mahabharata

* Bhishma recounts ‘Gangadwara’ as ‘a scared spot on earth’, to Vaisampayana
- "The Mahabharata, Anusasana Parva: Section CLXV" [ [http://www.sacred-texts.com/hin/m13/m13b130.htm Bhishma] The Mahabharata, translated by Kisari Mohan Ganguli (1883 -1896), Book 13: Anusasana Parva: Section CLXV, p 390.]

* "O Lord of earth, "Gangadwara", and the well-known woods of Saindhava which are sacred and inhabited by the regenerate ones."
- "The Mahabharata, Vana Parva: Tirtha-yatra Parva: Section LXXXIX" [ [http://www.sacred-texts.com/hin/m03/m03089.htm Gangadwara] The Mahabharata, translated by Kisari Mohan Ganguli (1883 -1896), Book 3: Vana Parva: Tirtha-yatra Parva: Section LXXXIX, p. 202-203.]

* O Yudhishthira, the spot where Ganga rusheth past, cleaving the foremost of mountains which is frequented by Gandharvas and Yakshas and Rakshasas and Apsaras, and inhabited by hunters, and Kinnaras, is called "Gangadwara". O king, Sanatkumara regardeth that spot visited by Brahmarshis, as also the tirtha Kanakhala (that is near to it), as sacred.
- "The Mahabharata,Vana Parva: Tirtha-yatra Parva: Section XC." [ [http://www.sacred-texts.com/hin/m03/m03090.htm Yudhishthira] The Mahabharata, translated by Kisari Mohan Ganguli (1883 -1896), Book 3: Vana Parva: Tirtha-yatra Parva: Section XC, p 204.] .

* Agastya Rishi did penance at "Gangadwara", with the help of her dutiful wife, "Lopamudra"(the princess of Vidharba).
- "The Mahabharata, Book 3: Vana Parva: Tirtha-yatra Parva: Section XCVII" [ [http://www.sacred-texts.com/hin/m03/m03097.htm Lopamudra] The Mahabharata, translated by Kisari Mohan Ganguli (1883 -1896), Book 3: Vana Parva: Tirtha-yatra Parva: Section XCVII.]

Vayu Purana

* Sacrifice of Daksha - "In former times, Daksha commenced a holy sacrifice on the side of Himaván, at the sacred spot "Gangadwara", frequented by the Rishis. The gods, desirous of assisting at this solemn rite, came, with Indra at their head, to Mahadeva, and intimated their purpose; and having received his permission, departed in their splendid chariots to "Gangadwára", as tradition reports.” - Vayu Purana, p. 62 [http://www.sacred-texts.com/hin/vp/vp043.htm Vishnu Purana] SACRIFICE OF DAKSHA (From the Vayu Purana.) The Vishnu Purana, translated by Horace Hayman Wilson, 1840. p. 62, "In former times... 62:2 Gangadwára, the place where the Ganges descends to the plains--or Haridwar, as it is more usually termed--is usually specified as the scene of action, The Linga is more precise, calling it Kanakhala, which is the village still called Kankhal, near Haridwar (Megha Dúta, p. 63 p. 59). ] .

Nilmata Purana

"98-99". 0 king, (he visited also) the Bhrgutunga, the Visala, Kubjamra, the Raivataka, Kus'avarta at "Gangadvara", Bilvaka, the mountain Nila, the holy place Kanakhala and other sacred places. [ [http://www.philosophy.ru/library/asiatica/indica/purana/nilamata_purana.html The Nilamata Purana Verses 1-100] Dr. Ved Kumari, Jammu and Kashmir Academy of Art, Culture and Languages, Srinagar, Verse 98-99.]

References