Rishikesh

Rishikesh

Rishikesh is known as capital of yoga and meditation. It is the gateway to the Chardham Yatra in Uttarakhand. Rishikesh is also a much sought after destination to unwind and relax. Located 24 km from Haridwar and on the way to Shri Badrinath Dham, Rishikesh is located on the banks of the river Ganga.Back in the 1960s Rishikesh gained instant fame as the site where The Beatles came to stay with their guru, the Maharishi Mahesh Yogi. It is an excellent place to meditate and study yoga.

The town of Rishikesh lies in the foothills of the Garhwal region. It is the gateway to the upper Garhwal region and the starting point for pilgrim routes to the four dhams of Uttarakhand-Badrinath, Kedarnath, Gangotri and Yamunotri. The Ganga flows through the town and is worshipped here.The whole place is considered to be sacred as it is believed that meditation at this place leads to attainment of salvation. There are many temples-some ancient, some new along the river Ganges. The River side is dotted by the ashrams of Sadhus and sages.

History

History of rishikesh

Hrishikesh is a name of Vishnu that means 'lord of the senses'. As per the mythology of Rishikesh, sage Raibhya Rishi sat on the banks of the Ganga and performed severe penance. Finally, he was rewarded for his penance and God appeared in front of him in the form of Lord Rishikesh. Since then the place came to be known as Rishikesh.Other sources say that it was Bharata, brother of Lord Rama, who did severe penance here and that the temple of Bharata was constructed at this site, with the town of Rishikesh gradually developing around it.

Rishikesh is a place filled with serenity and tranquility and as a result it was a peaceful spot for sages and rishis to meditate. It is said that in 9th century AD, Adi Shankaracharya, visited this land.Rishikesh is also famous for its Yoga centres; people from allover the world congregate in Rishikesh to learn lessons of yoga and meditation in this sacred place. Also this celestial place is filled with beautiful guesthouses, meditation centres, ashramas and dharmashalas.

Places to visit

Laxman Jhula

Laxman Jhula

It is one of the most prominent landmarks at Rishikesh. This bridge is the main attraction amongst the tourists. Till 1889, there was a hanging jute rope bridge, it is said that Laxman crossed Ganga on this jute ropes.This bridge was re-constructed with iron ropes by the length of 240 metres in the year 1939 on the River Ganges.To savor the panoramic views of the surroundings and the cool breeze, this bridge is an ideal spot.

Bharat Mandir

Bharat Mandir

temple established by Adiguru Shankaracharya near in the 8th century AD. It is in the center of the old town on the Banks of the River Ganges. According to the ancient records, it is one of the oldest temples of Rishikesh and is among the most important places to visit in Rishikesh. In the inner sanctum, you will find an idol of lord Vishnu. Several old statues, coins, pots and other artifacts of historical importance have been found during recent excavations within the premises.

Neelkanth Mahadev

Neelkanth Mahadev

At a height of approximately 5500 feet is the famous temple of Nilkanth Mahdeo. It is situated at a hill top above Swarg ashram. Legend goes that this was the place where lord Shiva had drank venom which had come out from churning the sea. After drinking it, his neck had turned blue with the poison and hence he was called 'Neelkanth', the one with blue neck.Every year in the months of monsoon - mid July to August - fairs are held here. There is also a fresh water spring within temple complex where people take bath before paying a visit to the temple.

Triveni Ghat

Triveni Ghat

It is a sacred spot where the pilgrims swarm to for a holy dip.The Ghat is so named because it is believed that this is the place of confluence of three holiest Hindu rivers Ganga, Yamuna and Sarswati. This is the place where River Ganga takes a complete right angle turn. The most enchanting experience here is that of the evening aarti. Scores of devotees stand on the steps of the ghat at this time. The priests perform the rituals, the golden flames come out of large pure ghee lamps (being rotated in set circular motions), vedic chants fill the air in praise of goddess of River Ganga and the conchs in the temples on the Ghat fill the air with their sound. The spiritualness in the air mesmerises one beyond expression and no matter what religion the people on the ghat belong to, their soul cannot remain untouched by this. What follows is even more spectacular. Turning the waters into golden, people float leaf boats into the river with flowers and lamps burning in them. Eyes follow these lamps as they go with the flow of the river. This small ceremony of ownership symbolizes hope, remembrance and wishes for future.

Geeta Bhawan

Geeta Bhawan

This is the oldest temple complex in the entire area and you can find the description of well-known Indian epic Ramayana and Mahabharata on its walls. Only peace and harmony seem to dwell at this place and it is must visit among the tourist attractions in Rishikesh.Geeta Bhawan is near to Triveni Ghat.

It consists of a very large complex comprising discourse halls and over 1000 rooms available free of charge for the stay of devotees. Regular discourses are organised. A large number of devotees visit and stay here for holy Ganges dip, listening to discourses and sadhana & meditation. During the summer months (end -April to early-July), day-long special Satsang programs are arranged and devotees flock in thousands to attend it.

Parmarth Niketan

Parmarth Niketan

One of the most prominent temple complex and ashram in the whole area. It is known for its extensive work on Hinduism. It is a school run on conventional Indian Patterns. The ashram organizes excellent Ganga Arti and Hawan on the Parmarth Ghat every evening. Parmarth niketan are actively involved in cleaning up the banks of the sacred ganges river. Parmarth niketan are opening large scale gaushalas in the himalayan region of uttranchal in conjunction with a special program that will get mother cow off of the roads and give her a safe haven in which to live.

white water rafting

white water rafting

Rishikesh has become a main centre of white water rafting in North India. River Rafting is riding on the torrential river on an inflatable rubber boat. It's an adventure sport best enjoyed with professional rafters and trainers staying at a white sand beach next to the river. We will like to give you information here about various aspects of white water rafting and various camps being organised at Rishikesh for accommodation in natural and serene surroundings.

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