Garhmukteshwar: An Ancient City on the Banks of the Ganga

Garhmukteshwar is an ancient city located in the Ghaziabad district of Uttar Pradesh, India. Situated on the banks of the holy river Ganga, Garhmukteshwar is a popular pilgrimage site for Hindus. The city is home to a number of temples and ashrams, and it is also a popular place for pilgrims to take a dip in the holy river.

History of Garhmukteshwar

The history of Garhmukteshwar dates back to the Vedic period. The city is said to have been founded by King Hastin, who was a ancestor of the Pandavas. According to the Mahabharata, King Hastin performed a yagna (fire sacrifice) at Garhmukteshwar and prayed for a son. As a result of his prayers, he was blessed with a son named Bhishma.

Garhmukteshwar was also a major center of learning during the Gupta period. The city was home to a number of famous scholars and philosophers, including Panini and Patna.

In the 12th century, Garhmukteshwar was conquered by the Turks. The city was renamed Hastinapur and it became a major center of Muslim rule.

In the 18th century, Garhmukteshwar was conquered by the Marathas. The city was renamed Ghaziabad and it became a major center of Maratha rule.

In 1803, Garhmukteshwar was ceded to the British. The city remained under British rule until India's independence in 1947.

Garhmukteshwar Today

Today, Garhmukteshwar is a thriving city with a population of over 100,000 people. The city is a major center of pilgrimage and tourism. It is also home to a number of industries, including textiles, food processing, and engineering.

Pilgrimage Sites in Garhmukteshwar

Garhmukteshwar is home to a number of pilgrimage sites, including:

• Mukteshwar Mahadev Temple: This temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva. It is said to be the place where Lord Shiva appeared before King Hastin.
• Ganga Ghat: This ghat is located on the banks of the Ganga River. It is a popular place for pilgrims to take a dip in the holy river.
• Hastinapur: This ancient city is located near Garhmukteshwar. It is said to be the birthplace of the Pandavas.

Economy of Garhmukteshwar

The economy of Garhmukteshwar is based on pilgrimage and tourism. The city is also home to a number of industries, including textiles, food processing, and engineering.

According to the Uttar Pradesh State Industrial Development Authority, Garhmukteshwar has a Gross Domestic Product (GDP) of over $1 billion. The city is also home to a number of large companies, including:

• ITC Limited
• Nestle India
• PepsiCo India

Education in Garhmukteshwar

Garhmukteshwar is home to a number of educational institutions, including:

• Ch. Charan Singh University: This university is located in Meerut, which is about 20 kilometers from Garhmukteshwar.
• Meerut Institute of Engineering and Technology: This engineering college is located in Meerut.
• Garhmukteshwar Institute of Technology: This engineering college is located in Garhmukteshwar.

Healthcare in Garhmukteshwar

Garhmukteshwar is home to a number of hospitals and clinics. The city is also home to a number of traditional healers.

According to the World Health Organization, Garhmukteshwar has a life expectancy of 68 years. The city also has a low infant mortality rate of 25 per 1,000 live births.

Transportation in Garhmukteshwar

Garhmukteshwar is well-connected by road, rail, and air.

The city is located on the National Highway 24 (NH-24). The NH-24 is a major highway that connects Delhi to Lucknow.

Garhmukteshwar is also located on the Northern Railway. The Northern Railway is a major railway line that connects Delhi to Amritsar.

The city is also served by the Indira Gandhi International Airport (DEL). The DEL is located about 100 kilometers from Garhmukteshwar.

Tourism in Garhmukteshwar

Garhmukteshwar is a popular tourist destination. The city is home to a number of temples, mosques, and churches. The city is also a popular place for pilgrims to take a dip in the holy