The main ghat down to the river, Hardwar, 7 April 1789

The main ghat down to the river, Hardwar (Haridwar, 7 April 1789.
Pencil drawing of the main ghat down to the river at Haridwar in Uttar Pradesh, by Thomas (1749-1840) and William Daniell (1769-1837), 7 April 1789. Inscribed on the back in pencil is: 'Principal Gaut at Hurdwar.'. This is the original drawing for H. Caunter, 'Oriental Annual' (London, 1834), 245.

Haridwar, situated in the foothills of the Himalayas is the first major town on the River Ganges at the point where the river flows onto the plains. The town has always been a major pilgrimage site for Hindus as it is seen to be blessed by the trinity of Lord Shiva, Vishnu and Brahma. The Ganges here is quite calm and clear and the many bathing ghats are always full of people performing their ablutions. The main bathing ghat at Haridwar is Hari-ki-Pari which reputedly contains a footprint of Lord Vishnu embedded in a stone.