Haridwar, anciently known as Ganga Dwar, is regarded as one of the seven holiest places (Sapta Puri) to Hindus. According to the Samudramanthan, Haridwar along with Ujjain, Nasik and Prayag (Allahabad) is one of four sites where drops of Amrit, (the elixir of immortality), was accidentally spilled over from the pitcher while being carried by the celestial bird Garuda. This is manifested in the Kumbh Mela   being celebrated here every 3 year.

 

It is here in Haridwar where Swami Keshavanand ji Maharaj established his first ashram after coming down from the Himalayas’.