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Things to Do in Rishikesh
Rishikesh is not only about religious beliefs, ghats or temples; within this ancient city, you can also witness some of the architectural marvels and structures as well! One such structure, the Lakshman Jhula, which is also one of the not to be missed places to visit in Rishikesh, is a suspension bridge that connects Tehri and Pauri districts of Uttarakhand.
The existence of this bridge dates back to the age of Ramayana. According to the legends, Lakshman; brother of Lord Rama, crossed the holy Ganga River at this spot over a jute bridge. Centuries after this pious incident, a 284ft hanging bridge was built in the same spot by Rai Bahadur Surajmal Jhunjhunwala.
However, the bridge got washed away during the epidemic flood of 1924, and later, a pillar-less suspension bridge was erected at the same spot. The architecture brilliance of Lakshman Jhula and its proximity to several sacred places make it one of the most visited tourist places in Rishikesh.
Also known as the 'Shivananda Jhula', this magnificent bridge was built during the late 80s by the regional government; the contribution of Shivananda Ashram Divine Life Society is very significant in the construction of Ram Jhula. Like the Lakshman Jhula, it was also once a jute bridge and serves as an important name in the list of places to visit in Rishikesh.
While crossing the bridge, you can enjoy the panoramic views of the Ganges and for the nature photographers, it serves as an ideal destination to click some amazing pictures!
According to the legends, the water of this ghat has the magical power of purifying one's heart and soul, and make it free from all the sins. Devotes from every corner of the country throngs Triveni Ghat and takes a dip with utmost devotion and faith. Come morning, you can witness them offering milk to the river, performing 'Surya Namaskar' and feeding the fishes around the ghat. By evening, this auspicious ghat turns into a riot of colours as it is time of the 'Maha Aarti' or the aarti to Mother Ganga.
Priest and the devotees perform several rituals during this sacred event, and offers lamps clad with flowers and incense stick to the Goddess as mark of their gratitude and devotion. The melodious hymns of the temple bells and the shanks can be heard everywhere, and the entire vicinity turns into a plethora of colour during this time. The peace and devotion that exists during the aarti makes Triveni Ghar one of the must visit Rishikesh tourist places.
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The institute offers free food, stay and education to the pilgrims. People living within the bhawan participates in daily prayers and sadhana along with mediation and other necessary activities. Visitors to Gita Bhawan can also participate in all the activities and can also enjoy pure-vegetarian meals and other facilities at a minimal price.
It also offers free boat rides and has a dispensary that offers free ayurvedic treatments and medicines made according to the religious scriptures with the holy water from the Ganges. With ample of meditation places and bathing ghats, it offers a pleasant and soothing ambience to indulge in Ganga dip and other religious activities.
Parmarth Niketan Ashram, located in the lap of the verdant Himalayas, along the banks of the Ganges, is one of the most popular ashrams in Rishikesh. The ashram specialises in traditional ayurvedic practice treatment, yoga, meditation and various other natural healing techniques. The ashram was founded in 1942 by Pujya Swami Shukdevanandji Maharaj. With over 1000 rooms, lush gardens, clean and pure ambience, the ashram provides a calm and serene refuge to devotees and patients alike.
The ashram keeps its doors open for people of all religions, gender, caste, class and nationalities. The ashram is the home to a 14-feet statue of Lord Shiva that has been placed along the river bank. The divine or holy tree, Kalpavriksha, also boosts the sense of spirituality on the ashram campus.
Various activities of the ashram include different healing yogas, universal prayers and meditation classes, kirtan, daily satsang, spiritual talks and seminars among other events. The ashram with its various activities aims to help people connect with their inner self and rejuvenate their senses. During your stay at the ashram, you can feel being associated with the peaceful surrounding of the ashram as well as nature.
Location: Rishikesh, Pauri district, Uttarakhand, India
Timings: The ashram remains open every day from 7am to 8pm.
Price: Entry is free to the ashram. Rs 800 for basic rooms. Rs 1200 or Rs 1500 for rooms with air conditioning and a view of mountains and rivers
Most of your teenage or college days might have passes admiring the songs of the favourite band called 'Beatles', but do you know your favourite band once visited a quaint ashram in Rishikesh to attend a special meditation programme? Yes, it was in the year 1968, the entire group of Beatle flew down to India to meet a saint called Maharishi Mahesh Yogi and practice some advanced meditation programme under his flagship.
One of the not to be missed places to visit near Rishikesh, Neelkanth Mahadev Temple is around 32km from the city limits and is located at a height of 1,330m above the sea level in the Pauri Garhwal district of Uttarakhand. Among all the temples dedicated to Lord Shiva, this temple holds a major prominence among the devotees. Tucked between the pictorial valleys of Manikot, Brahmakot and Vishnukot.
Shivpuri
This “Abode of Lord Shiva”, so pristine, serene and filled with adventure, is a mecca for river rafting in India. Located 20kms from Rishikesh on the banks of River Ganga, the tranquil town of Shivpuri beams with life, laughter, adventure and nature’s bountiful thrills.
The yoga classes provided at the Ashram makes it popular among natives as well as foreigners who visit Rishikesh. Iyengar is the specialization here and there are separate classes for men and women. One point never to be missed out is the presence of the holy Ganga on the side of the Ashram, it flows so quietly to extend all its purity and blessings to the surroundings of this beautiful Ashram.
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Located within a close proximity to the Triveni Ghat, the most commonly believed story behind this holy pond narrates that it was once a havan kund. During the ancient times, as the holy Ganges was not flowing nearby, it created a havoc among the people. To please Mother Ganges, few pious devotees performed yagna at this place and at their request, Goddess Yamuna appeared and stayed here forever.
Other stories also says that it was once the bathing place of Lord Rama; dedicated to the lord and his wife Sita, Ragunath Temple was built beside Rishikund. On a clear day, you can witness the reflection of the temple on the surface of the pond. Devotees from various parts of the world flocks this Rishikesh tourist place and offer their prayers to the Goddess Yamuna and seek blessings of the other Gods as well.
Even till date, devotees flocks this temple on the same day of the Hindu calendar and attend a grand procession wherein the idol of Lord Hrishikesh is taken out for a dip in the holy water and reinstalled in the temple. Believed to be named after 'Bharat', brother of Lord Ram, the main deity of the temple is Lord Vishnu, and has an idol carved from a single piece of black stone.
Legends also has it that after the battle of Kurukshetra, the Pandava brothers while on their way to heaven, took shelter and also offered their prayers to Lord Hrishikesh Narayan in this temple.
If basking in the air of spirituality is one of the reasons why you are visiting Rishikesh, Muni Ki Reti is an important entry on your checklist. It is a religious spot of Hindus located on the banks of River Ganga in the outskirts of Rishikesh. Muni Ki Reti is literally translated to ‘Sands of Sages’ and it is believed that King Bharat performed penance here. The area is replete with a number of Hindu temples, yoga centres, and ashrams.
For culture vultures looking forward to capturing the essence of Hinduism, this is definitely one of the best places to see in Rishikesh. Since it is a highly revered pilgrimage, hordes of devotees in addition to tourists can be seen participating in rituals, taking dips into the holy waters of River Ganga.
Location: 5.6 km from Rishikesh city centre
Timings: Always open
Entry Fee: Free entry
If you are dealing with stress and anxiety, your search for peace ends at Osho Gangadham – a popular ashram founded by the spiritual leader, Osho. Make Osho Gangadham your abode for a few days to experience peace of mind in the enriching atmosphere of Rishikesh. The ashram features a unique selection of clinically proven therapies and sessions that will effectively make you aware of your body, mind, and soul to give you maximum relaxation.
Located on the bank of River Ganga, the ashram encompasses beautiful rooms with all basic facilities, spacious meditation halls, and natural surroundings that enhance the aura. Spending some days here, consuming healthy food, following holistic schedule, and breathing in the untainted air will surely fill your life with an unshakable positivity.
Location: Jaanaki Cottage, Lease No-52, Badrinath Road, Brahmpuri, Rishikesh
Timings: 6:30 am to 9 pm
Entry Fee: No information
Rishikesh is dotted with some of the most popular ashrams in the country, and Omkarananda Ashram is one of them. In the year 1967, Paramahamsa Omkarananda Saraswati, a great philosopher and saint founded the ashram and it has earned a great reputation since. The ashram hosts thousands of people who stay here for days, seeking peace and spirituality through meditation, yoga, and other activities.
The scenic riverside location with pristine nature all around, you are bound to feel refreshed after spending a couple of hours here. Participate in religious activities, meditate to calm your soul, and try yoga to heal yourself therapeutically. If you come for a visit, you can take a tour of the temple and get some insights into the Hindu culture. For the most rewarding experience, be here to witness evening aarti because that is a spectacle you will remember for a long time.
Location: Swami Omkarananda Saraswati Road, Ganga Vatika, Muni Ki Reti, Rishikesh
Timings: 6 am to 9:3 pm
Entry Fee: Free entry