Beyond Death: How Haridwar Helps Souls Find Peace
Haridwar, one of India’s seven holiest cities, is a place where people seek liberation for themselves and their ancestors. It is believed that divine and positive energies flow all around Haridwar, helping the dead souls reach their right destination.
The Meaning Behind ‘Haridwar’
The name ‘Haridwar’ is derived from two words – Hari, another name for Lord Vishnu, and Dwar which means gate. Therefore, Haridwar is the gate to Lord Vishnu’s abode, Vaikuntha.
Haridwar is often referred to as the gateway to both salvation and the home of Lord Vishnu, where souls yearn to go. The city is breathtaking with a mix of spiritual energies, ancient temples, and the positivity that spreads around with Maa Ganga.
The Power of Ganga
In Haridwar, Maa Ganga is the driving force of the city. Be it taking a dip in the Ganga water with the chant of ‘Har Har Gange’ or immersing the ashes of the dead in the river, everything is done.
The Ganga is a divine river and is believed to have been descended straight from the heavens. According to beliefs and tales, King Bhagirath performed severe penance to bring the river down from heaven to liberate the souls of his ancestors.
Umashankar ji, a priest in Haridwar, always enlightens people about why and how Ganga became ‘Moksh Vahini’ or the transport that carries people to Moksha. He intently tells people the story of King Bhagirath and how his intense penance convinced not just Maa Ganga to come to Earth, but also Lord Shiva to help Maa Ganga descend to Earth at a slower pace than her original, divine flow.
The Last Rites in Haridwar
Haridwar is one of the most famous places for performing the last rites, the Antim Sanskar of a Hindu. People bring the ashes of their loved ones to immerse in the Ganga water, and it is assurance enough for them that their ancestors will reach the gates of heaven.
Priests guide families through the rituals, chanting mantras, doing havana, and much more. Families go to Haridwar as an assurance that if the last rites are performed in the holy land, their ancestors will complete their time on Earth and reach Vaikuntha or heaven wherever their rightful place is.
- Puja in Haridwar (Image generated with Meta AI)
