Haridwar is known in the ancient Hindu texts as Kapila, Mayapuri and Gangadwar; each name highlighting a particular facet of the city. As Mayapuri and Kapila, it was home to the sage Kapila who is believed to be a powerful sage in Indian history and a Vishnu incarnate. As Gangadwar it is home to Ganga, as the river descends from the heavens to earth.

There are many stories about the origins of the city. The most popular one is about the Bhagirath, a great Hindu king and a devotee of Shiva. His penance and devotion is believed to have won over the river goddess, Ganga who agreed to flow down to earth and wash away the sins of his ancestors; and impressed Shiva, who agreed to break the fall of the river so that it did not cause destruction to people and property.

The city plays host to the Kumbh mela every 12 years and the Ardh kumbh every six years when lakhs of devotees come for a dip in the Ganga. They believe that this will absolve them of their sins and that of their ancestors, just like it did for Bhagirath.

Apart from its religious significance, Haridwar is known for its influence on Indian art and culture. It helped establish the gurukul system of learning which is among the oldest instructional systems in the world. It has also had a strong role to play in the development of ayurvedic system of healing.