|
The holy town of Rishikesh has the eminence
of being the International capital of Yoga
and meditation. Located in the foothills of
the Himalayas on the banks of the River
Ganges, Rishikesh is dotted with a number of
ancient temples, ashrams and world renowned
yoga and meditation centers. Not only
devotees, but travelers from all parts of
the world flock to the sacred town for a
deeper understanding of meditation. At the
ashrams in Rishikesh, visitors can attend
lectures and courses offered by celebrated
yoga and meditation experts. Apart from
Hindu shrines, the town of Rishikesh also
invites adventure lovers from all around. It
is also the ideal gateway for a pilgrim's chardham yatra, that includes traveling to
Yamunotri, Gangotri, Badrinath and Kedarnath.
Place to Visit
|
 Triveni
Ghat :
The most popular bathing
ghat in Rishikesh, the Triveni Ghat
is the point where River Ganges
takes a complete right angle turn.
Hindus also believe that it is here
that the three holy rivers Ganga,
Yamuna and Saraswati converge. Every
morning, scores of pilgrims and
devotees can be seen here taking a
holy dip in the divine waters of the
Ganga.
In the evening, the sight at the
ghat is simply heart stirring. Vedic
chants, to the accompaniment of
drums and bells, can be heard all
around and a spiritual aura
surrounds the whole place. Tiny oil
lamps on bedecked leaf boats
floating on the Ganges add much
charm to the whole atmosphere. |
|
 Bharat
Mandir :
The Bharat Mandir is the oldest
temple of Rishikesh situated near
the Jhanda Chowk. Rishi Rabhya did
his penance at this holy spot and
the place is devoted to Lord Vishnu.
A
spectacular sacred Shree Yanthra is
placed at the inner canopy of the
temple. Bharat Mandir celebrates
colorful spring festival called
Basant Panchami |
|
 Laxman
Jhula :
Lakshman Jhula is on of the main
attraction of Rishikesh. It is 450
ft long hanging bridge on the river
Ganga which was built in 1939.
According to myths and legends
Laksman, brother of Lord Rama
crossed Ganga River on a jute rope
from this point.
The 13 storied temple is located
near Lakshman Jhula where the idols
of several Gods and Goddesses are
kept. The bridge gives a magnificent
view of the Ganges, greeting you
with the cool breeze from the river. |
|
 Neelkanth
Mahadev :
Thousands of devotees visit
Neelkanth Mahadev every month
throughout the year. It is situated
on the summit of the mountain across
the sacred Ganga River.
According to mythology this is the
place where Lord Shiva drank the
venom produced during Sagar Manthan
which turned his throat blue and was
thus the place was named as
Neelkanth. Neelkanth and Mahadev are
names of Lord Shiva.
|
|
 Geeta
Bhawan :
Geeta Bhawan is one of the oldest
temple complexes situated by the
side of Laxman Jhula on the banks of
sacred Ganges in Rishikesh. Gita
Bhavan is dedicated as a Museum for
puranic and mythological awareness
for the common public. Building
consists of a very large complex
comprising discourse halls and over
1000 rooms available free of charge
for the stay of devotees.
For the convenience of the devotees,
simple vegetarian food, kitchen and
grocery items and Indian sweets are
available at very moderate price. |
|
 Ram
Jhula :
The place (or the bridge) is equally
popular with devotees and tourists.
It remains suspended 3 km north of
Rishikesh town. It attracts most
visitors due to the fact that it
lies just close to the popular
ashrams - Geeta Bhawan and Swarg
Ashram.
Visitors cannot afford to miss the
enchanting evening prayer (which
lasts for 30 minutes) at the Geeta
Bhawan's ghat. Food lovers can head
straight to the 50-year-old and the
very famous Chotiwala Restaurant,
located in Ram Jhula.
|
|
