Where is Rishikesh?
The holy town of Rishikesh (24 km from Haridwar) is located in the state of
Uttaranchal in northern India. Nestled in the foothills of the Himalayas,
Rishikesh is profoundly significant to the Hindus.
How will you gain access?
Jolly Grant (Dehradun) is the closest airport from Rishikesh. However after
arriving at the Delhi International Airport, one can take a train or bus
route to Rishikesh. The place has good links by rail to the major towns and
cities of the country, though some of the links can only be accessed from
Haridwar. Rishikesh is a 6-hour drive from Delhi, ISBT being the Delhi bus
terminal.
What does it signify?
Rishikesh stands on the banks of the holy Ganges. It is the first town that
the Ganges touches on its descent from the mountains. The place welcomes
innumerable Hindus and wandering Sadhus. Many arrive here to take a holy dip
into the Ganges as they believe it could wash away all the impurities of
their souls. The town is home to a number of Ashrams. Major Ashrams like
Vivekananda, Sivananda, Osho and Bihar School of Yoga have their offices
here. As the sun shows from behind the mountains, devotees and worshippers
begin to wash in the river. The temple chanting can be heard right from dawn
until after dark. Pujas (Prayers) are performed during the night time,
leaving thousands of camphor-illuminated leaf boats.
What beckons devotees?
» Lakshmana Jhula
The Lakshmana Jhula is an iron bridge that was built in 1939. It is
believed that it is the very place from where Laxmana crossed the Ganges on
jute-rope-bridge. It has been a major attraction among the devotees and
visitors of the place. The bridge gives a splendid view of the Ganges,
welcoming you with the cool breeze from the river. Ram Jhula is yet another
suspended bridge that lies close to the Laksmana Jhula.
» Bharat Mandir
The Bharat Mandir was built by Adiguru Sankaracharya around the 12th
century. The inner sanctum of the temple enshrines the idol of Lord Vishnu.
The inner canopy, that lies over the idol, bears Shree Yantra installed by
Adi Sankaracharya. During recent excavations, lots of old statues, coins,
pots and other relics of the past were found within the premises of the
temple.
» Parmarth Niketan
Parmarth Niketan is one of the most celebrated temple complex and Ashram in
the area. It is known widely for its extensive work on Hinduism. It also
runs a school on traditional Indian patterns. Every evening, the Ashram
holds Ganga Arti and Hawan at the Parmarth Ghat.
» Rishi Kund
Rishikund is another very ancient place in the area, lying close to the
Triveni Ghat. Ancient scriptures show its associations with Saint Kubz who
was blessed by Goddess Yamuna, saturating the pond by its water.
» Triveni Ghat
The
Triveni Ghat is the most prominent Ghat of the area. This is the place where
most of the pilgrims take their holy dips. The Ghat gets packed with
devotees as Ganga Arti is held every evening here. It makes a magnificent
sight as the devotees leave afloat myriad of tiny illuminated leaf-boats.
What is the best time?
There is no specific season to pay a visit to Rishikesh. The city, lying in
the hilly region, enjoys a pleasant climate all the year round.
