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History of Haridwar

From Vikramaditya's 1st-century ghat to the modern Kumbh Mela — a timeline of Haridwar's history.

Overview

Haridwar, also known as Gangadwara (the gateway of the Ganges), is a city in Uttarakhand, India, with a population of 228,832 (2011 census) and an elevation of 314 meters. It is revered as one of the four sites of the Kumbh Mela and serves as the traditional gateway to the Chota Char Dham pilgrimage. The city's spiritual life centers on the ghats of the Ganges, especially Har Ki Pauri, where daily Ganga Aarti draws thousands.

Historical Timeline

1st century BCE

King Vikramaditya builds Har Ki Pauri

Established the central ghat as a permanent pilgrimage site, honoring his brother Bharthari.

8th century

Adi Shankaracharya establishes the Chandi Devi tradition

Linked the Neel Parvat temple to the goddess Chandi, reinforcing Haridwar's Shakti worship.

11th century

Construction of Maya Devi Temple

Became a Siddhapitha and gave the city its old name Mayapuri.

1886

Arrival of the railway

Revolutionized pilgrimage access, making Haridwar a major rail junction.

1929

Construction of the current Chandi Devi Temple

Completed by Suchat Singh, king of Kashmir, solidifying the temple's modern form.

1983

Inauguration of Bharat Mata Mandir

Opened by Indira Gandhi, symbolizing national unity through a temple dedicated to Mother India.

Historical Sites

Har Ki Pauri

Mansa Devi Temple

Chandi Devi Temple

Maya Devi Temple

Daksheswara Mahadev Temple

Notable Figures

King Vikramaditya - 1st century BCE ruler who built Har Ki Pauri in memory of his brother Bharthari.

Adi Shankaracharya - 8th-century philosopher who is credited with establishing the Chandi Devi tradition at Neel Parvat.

Guru Goswami Dutt - Founder of the Sapt Rishi Ashram in 1943, a center for meditation and spiritual learning.

Pilgrimage History

Haridwar's pilgrimage history is deeply rooted in the belief that a dip in the Ganges at Har Ki Pauri cleanses sins and aids moksha (liberation). It is one of the four sites of the Kumbh Mela, held every 12 years, and serves as the traditional gateway to the Chota Char Dham (Yamunotri, Gangotri, Kedarnath, Badrinath). The Kanwar Yatra, during the month of Shravan, brings millions of pilgrims to carry Ganges water to Shiva shrines, a practice that has continued for centuries.