Chardham Yatra
Rishikesh
Rishikesh is a very small abode and is located in Uttrakhand, India. It is situated where situated where the Ganges River approaches from the Himalayas, and this place is still known as the World Capital of Yoga. Rishikesh is also the doorway to theHimalayas. The Char Dham Yatra (Four Shrines Sacred Journey) preferably begins from Rishikesh.
Rishikesh or Hrishikesh has got its name from the God Vishnu, who comes into sight as Lord Rishikesh to Rabhya rishi after his strictness. 24 kms upstream on the banks of the Ganga where it is met by the Chandrabhaga is the sacred town of Rishikesh. Factually, Rishi’s (holy man) locks, it is the point where the holy Ganges crashes down in full glory onto huge boulders and creates long stretches of white sandy beaches. TheGanga cuts its passageway during the last foothills and enters a composite of three localities.
This place is also the doorway for journeys to significant religious places like Badrinath, Kedarnath, Gangotri and Yamunotri Char Dham yatra. Rishikesh is also obtaining larger consequence as a centre for white water rafting. It is also a base for treks, hikes in the beautiful Garhwal Himalayas, trips to the Sikh Gurudwara at Hemkund Sahib and theValley ofFlowers. One also begins from Rishikesh for skiing at Auli and expeditions to theNanda Devi massif.
It is associated with Ram. According to legend, hare he came on the advice of sage Vasishtha to do penance for killing Ravana. the king of Lanka. There are scores of ancient temples and ashrams affording spiritual solace to pilgrims, the important among them beingtempleofBharata Pushkartemple, Shatrughan temple, Lahkhsmana temple, Geeta Bhawan and the Punjab Kshetra. Rishikesh, also known as the “place of sagas” is a spiritual town situated 24 kms upstream from Haridwar, at the confluence of the Chandrabhaga andGanga. It is believed that God by the name of “Hrishikesh” had appeared as an answer to the hard penances by Rabhiya Rishi and henceforth the place derived its name. It is the starting point for the Char Dham pilgrimage and an ideal destination not only for pilgrims but also for the people who are interested in medtation, yoga and other aspects of Hinduism. For the adventure seekers, Rishikesh is the suggested place for starting their trekking expeditions to the Himalayan peaks and for rafting. Also, International Yoga week which attracts participation from across the world, is held here, every year, in February on the banks of theGanga.
Famous Attractions of Rishikesh
Lakshman Jhula
Lakshman Jhula is a suspended iron bridge that has become very popular amongst the tourists for the views it offers of the flowingGangabelow. TheGangaappears very serene and yet tempestuous and river rafting crews are often spotted passing underneath the bridge on the way to their white water expeditions. Tourists usually stand on the bridge and throw fish food into the river to watch the large river fish surface for a feed. 450 feet long, this bridge was built in 1939 and is the main path for people going up the hills and down to Gita Bhavan and Swarg Ashram. Before that there was a hanging jute rope bridge where the existing Lakshman Jhula stands.
It is said that Lakshman, Lord Rama's brother crossed the river at this very spot on a jute bridge. Hence the name 'Lakshman Jhula'. Manning either side of the bridge are temples and ashrams.
The most popular amongst them being the Lakshman Temple at Tapovan, ShriRaghunathji Templeand the 13 storied Kailashananda Templewith each floor being dedicated to a different deity. Close to this bridge is yet another bridge called the Ram Jhula. The Ram Jhula has been built recently between the Shivanand Ashram and Swarg Ashram.
Triveni Ghat
This main bathing ghat owes its name to the fact that it is built on the confluence of the three legendary rivers,Ganga, Yamuna and Saraswati. It is considered to be the most important place for religious ceremonies and before setting out to visit the other temples most pilgrims take a holy dip here in the mornings and offer prayers and milk. In the evenings, the Triveni Ghat becomes a sight to behold. As evening descends, casting golden shadows on the river, rows of devotees sit patiently on the steps of the Triveni Ghat. Finally when the sun begins to set, they hold plates of flaming ghee and to the accompaniment of drums, chants, bells and prayers, release tiny oil lamps on flower bedecked leaf boats and allow them to float down the river. This evening aarti is truly magical.
Swarg Ashram Area
This area comprising cafes, ashrams, temples and shops lies opposite to Shivananda Nagar and is a fascinating place full of local charm and lilting international accents. Foreigners in search of their inner selves can be found rubbing shoulders with the smiling, down-to-earth locals for whom spirituality is a deeply ingrained way of life. Some of the ashrams to visit in the Swarg Ashram area are the Baba Kali Kambliwale, founded by Shri Baba Vishuddha Nandaji and the Parmath Niketan Ashram. The Shivananda Ashram also known as the Divine Life Society is one of the oldest and most active ashrams here. It conducts many yoga and meditation courses as well as runs a charitable hospital. Next to it is the Gita Bhavan, one of the oldest temple complexes in the area where one can find the epics of Mahabharata and Ramayana inscribed on the walls. It houses an Ayurvedic dispensary and shops selling khadi and religious literature. Another popular ashram located here is the Transcendental Centre of Maharishi Mahesh Yogi made famous by the Beatles' visit in late 90s. The Neelkanth Mahadev Temple, considered a sacred temple in Rishikesh, is perched just above the Swarg Ashram at an altitude of 1675 mts. Another noteworthy ashram here is the thirteen storied Kailashnanda Ashram with each floor being dedicated to a different deity.
Akhileshwar Mahadev
The Akhileshwar Mahadev Temple, considered a sacred temple in Rishikesh, is perched just above the Swarg Ashram at an altitude of 1675 mts. Another noteworthy ashram here is the thirteen storied Kailashnanda Ashram with each floor being dedicated to a different deity.
Kali Kambliwale
One of the oldest institutions in Rishikesh, Baba Kali Kambliwale Panchayati Kshetra was founded by Shri Baba Vishuddha Nandaji. While this ashram was first independently run by the Baba and his disciples, it is now run by a trust. While their main office is situated at Rishikesh, their branches are to be found at almost all the pilgrimage centres in the Garhwal area. The Baba Kali Kambliwale Ashram's aim is to provide lodging and boarding facilities to pilgrims along the entire route through Garhwal. They have a branch even in the higher altitude regions of theHimalayasright upto Kailash.
Bharat Mandir
The oldest temple in Rishikesh, Bharat Mandir situated in the centre of the old town, has an idyllic location on the banks of the riverGanga. Dating back to the 9th century, this temple built by Adiguru Shankaracharya finds mention in the ancient records of 'Kedarkhand'. The temple deity, Lord Vishnu, is carved out of a single black stone called Saligram and is placed in the inner sanctum of the temple. It is interesting to note that the idol installed here has a distinctly Himalayan cast of features.
The original temple was razed to the ground in 1398 A.D. byTamur Lane. Recent archaeological excavations carried out in the premises of the temple have unearthed a large quantity of old statues, coins, pots and other artifacts of historical importance. A very popular and colourful spring festival called 'Basant Panchami' is celebrated here.
Rishikund
Close to Trivenighat is the most anciant place, the rishikund. Anciant records relate this to Kubz Saint , who was blessed by the Goddess Yamuna by saturating this pond by its water.The pond reflects the temple of Ragunath, deicated to lord rama and his wife.
Geeta Bhawan
One of the oldest temple complex in the area. The famous Indian epic Ramayana and Mahabharta are described here on the walls.
Tera Manzil Temple
A multistory temple complex of idols of hindu Gods, and Goddesses. Very popular among the domestic pilgrims. One can have an excellent view of the entire area from the top floor of the temple complex. Sunset view from this place in winters is a excellent option.
Rishikesh – The Yoga Capital of the World
Rishikesh is popularly known as the Yoga Capital of the World. Being home of several yoga centres like Swarg Ashram, Sivananda Ashram, Parmarth Niketan Ashram, Yoga Niketan, Ved Niketan Ashram and Omkara Nanda Ashram, tourists from all over the globe flock to Rishikesh throughout the year. The Ganga Aarti performed at dusk at the Triveni Ghat is popular with visitors.
Rishikesh is also the home to the 120 year old Kailas Ashram Brahmavidyapeetham, an institution dedicated to preserve and promote the traditional Vedantic Studies. Prominent personalities such as Swami Vivekananda, Swami Ramatirtha and Swami Shivananda have studied in this institution.
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