Rishikesh

Rishikesh

Rishikesh

Rishikesh another name is Hrishikesh. It is a tehsil in Dehradun district in Uttarakhand. It lies around 25 km far of the city Haridwar.  It is famous as the pilgrimage place to Hindus. Sages and saints have visited Rishikesh since olden periods for meditation in search of knowledge. Rishikesh is a sacred city with numerous Ashrams and it is well-known for the yoga worldwide. Due to the religious importance, non-veg food and alcohol are strictly prohibited in Rishikesh.

History

Rishikesh has been a part of the Kedarkhand. According to the customs God Rama did penance here for killing Ravan king of Lanka. Lakshman crossed the Ganga River using two jute ropes. Today at the place stands 'Lakshman Jhula'.

The Ganges is Holy River to Hindus that flows through Rishikesh. There are a lot of temples ancient and new on the banks of the Ganga in Rishikesh Such as Shatrughna Mandir, Bharat Mandir and Lakshman Mandir are the olden temples established by Adi Shankaracharya.

Rishikesh is the beginning point for going to the Chota Char Dham places—Badrinath, Kedarnath, Gangotri, and Yamunotri.

Tourist attractions in Rishikesh

Yog

Rishikesh is now world well-known as a Yoga Capital of the world .There is a numerous yoga centers that attract tourists. Students come to learn and to become skilled as yoga teachers. Every year in the month of March International Yog festival is hosted by Rishikesh for one weak.

River - Rafting

River-rafting can be enjoyed in Rishikesh during every season but not allowed in monsoon. Shivpuri Rafting is the most popular and 16 km long stretch. It is one of the best adventures destinations in Uttarakhand. The age limit is 14 years for enjoying the Rafting at Rishikesh.

Triveni Ghat

It is the most famous bathing Ghat in Rishikesh. Here mostly visitors take a holy dip in Ganga. Pilgrims offer prayers and feed the fish in the water. Triveni Ghat is an incredible sight in evening Arati. The Ghat fills with Followers with the sound of drums and chanting.

Ram Jhula

Ram Jhula is a (iron suspension) bridge to cross the Ganga River. It was built in 1986 today is one of the iconic landmarks of Rishikesh. However this bridge is alike Lakshman Jhula in design but it is bigger than Lakshman jhula.  It is 2 kilometres upwards the river.

Lakshman Jhula

Lakshman Jhula is an iron suspension bridge over the Ganga River. Lakshman Jhula is 450 feet length linking Pauri district with Tehri district. Lakshman Jhula also offers a nice view of and Rishikesh city.

Lakshman Jhula is a pedestrian bridge which was also used by two wheelers.  Today it is closed for vehicles but open for pedestrians. It is believed that the Lakshman crossed the Ganga on jute ropes where at present the bridge is built.

One more remarkable ashram is 13 floors Kailashananda Ashram.  Each floor is dedicated to a different deity.

Gita Bhavan

Gita Bhavan is near the Lakshaman Jhula. It runs Ayurvedic dispensary on free of cost and inside there is a branch of the Gita Press, Gorakhpur. There are more than a hundred rooms for tourists. It has various paintings and statues of olden mythological characters. The stories of the Ramayana and the Mahabharata are attractively illustrated on walls. Gita Bhavan is also famous among the tourists.

Swarg Ashram

There is a group of ashrams on the eastern bank of the Ganga. This Place is called Swarg Ashram. Most of these ashrams offer yoga courses and spiritual educations. There are some ancient temples are situated here with beautifully carved statues. There are some vegetarian food shops that serve several Ayurvedic food and refreshments. A few shops are also found, that sell religious books, beads, beaded garland and clothes.

Bharat Mandir

It is said that Bharat Mandir is the oldest temple here built by the Adi Shankaracharya in 9th century near the Ghat.  Temple has God Vishnu that is carved out of a single black stone Called Saligram. The original temple has been demolished in 1398. Basant Panchami or spring festival is the famous festival that is celebrated here.

Neelkanth Mahadev Temple

Neelkanth Mahadev Mandir is a Hindu temple dedicated to Shiva. The temple is 1330 meters high and away about 32 km from Rishikesh in the Pauri Garhwal district. The temple is one of the most sacred temples dedicated to God Shiv and it is also a popular Hindu pilgrimage Place.

The Shikhar of the temple is decorated with the picture of Samudramanthan. Neelkanth Mahadev in the form of Shivalinga is in temple. The temple compound also has a spring where devotees take a holy bath or wash ones hands before entering the temple.

Legend of Neelkanth Mahadev Temple

According to Hindu tradition, the temple is built on that place where God Shiv drunk the poison that originated from the sea.  Gods and Demons churned the sea to get Amrita. This poison made his throat blue in color that emanated during the Samudramanthan (churning of the ocean). So Shiv is also famous as Neelkanth.

Festivals of Neelkanth Mahadev Mandir

Maha Shivaratri is the most popular festival that is celebrated in the temple. The devotees make an offering of Bael leaves, coconut, flowers, milk, fruits and water to God Shiva. There are two main fairs that are held yearly on the occasions of Maha Shivratri (Feb-Mar) and Shivratri of Shraavana (July-Aug) during this time followers are known as 'Kawarias' trek from Haridwar to Neelkanth Mahadev Mandir.

Ganga Aarti

Aarti is a Hindu religious customs of worship that is a part of puja. This includes fire, songs, flowers, incense, music, etc. The purpose of Aarti is to show humbleness and gratefulness towards God. Ganga Aarti is offered to Goddess Ganga.

The evening Aarti is also known the Maha Aarti and is done from 6:00 PM to 7:00 PM each day. It is one of the most famous customs of Rishikesh.  Ganga Aarti is held every day on the bank of the Ganga River at Parmarth Niketan Ashram and Triveni Ghat in Rishikesh.

How to Reach Rishikesh

By Air : Nearest Airpot is Jolly Grant Airport to Rishikesh. It is away from 21kms. Jolly Grant. Taxis and buses are simply available from Jolly Grant Airport to Rishikesh.

By Train : The nearest Railway station is Haridwar Railway Station. It is around 25 kilometres away from Rishikesh. Haridwar is well connected by railway networks with major railway stations of India such as Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata and Lucknow.  

By Road : Rishikesh is well connected by roads and highways with northern states of India. Ac and normal Buses and private cars to Rishikesh are easily available from Delhi and other parts of North India.

Best time to visit

May and June is quite hot at Rishikesh. The best time to visit Rishikesh for River Rafting is from late September to mid-November. The best and enjoyable time is to visit Rishikesh from March to April.

Others Images of Rishikesh