Situated on the foothills of the Himalayas along the banks of the sacred river Ganges, Rishikesh also known as Hrishikesh, is a city of serenity and enlightenment. The city is located in the state of Uttarakhand in Northern part of India, about 25 kilometers away from Haridwar. Rishikesh is known for its spiritual significance, rich history and natural beauty. It is known as the “Yoga Capital of the world” and is quite an attractive spot for people who have interest in Yoga and Meditation retreats.
History:
Rishikesh’s history traces back to the legendary “ Kedarkhand” mentioned in the Skanda Purana. There are several stories passed down from generation to generation about the holy city. One of them being that Lord Rama performed penance here after defeating Ravana. Lord Rama’s younger brother, Lakshmana crossed the river Ganges using two jute ropes at the point, which is now known as the “Lakshman Jhula”. Another story of the city being that of the sage Raibhya who was devoted to Lord Vishnu and performed a strict penance (tapasya) to seek his blessings. Lord Vishnu was quite pleased with the sage and appeared to him as Hrishikesh. “Hrishik” translates to senses and “esh” means master. Lord Vishnu blessed the sage Raibhya and told him that since he has performed supreme penance in this place by controlling all his senses, this place will be recognized as “Hrishikesh”. Eventually, the pronunciation evolved and is now known as Rishikesh.
Famous Attractions:
Triveni Ghat:
The Triveni Ghat is one of the most scared spots on the banks of the holy river in Ganges in Rishikesh. Triveni ghat is a confluence (meeting point) of the three holy rivers of India; the Ganges, Yamuna and Saraswati. The ghat holds immense spiritual significance and is said to be mentioned in “Ramayana” and “Mahabharata”. Pilgrims from all over the world flock to the ghat to take a holy bath in it with utmost devotion. The Ganga aarti performed at the ghat is a daily ritual that offers a very unique experience to the visitors. With the blend of spiritual chanting, lighting of lamps and rhythmic beating of drums, a surreal and captivating ambience is formed. The Ganga aarti is usually performed between 6 PM and 7PM.Timings may vary a little according to the season.
Lakshman Jhula:
Lakshman Jhula is an extremely popular suspension bridge on the river Ganges. It is believed that Lakshmana crossed the river at this spot using two jute ropes. This connection gives the bridge its name and adds sacredness to its existence. The first iteration of the bride was constructed in 1889 with jute ropes and served as a crucial crossing point for locals and pilgrims. In 1939, the bridge wasrebuilt using iron cables so that the structure could be more durable. The bridgeis considered a beautiful architectural marvel and has several temples andvibrant markets surrounding it where visitors and tourists can shop for trinkets,clothes and enjoy the food stalls. The bridge is closed currently due toconstruction and maintenance to strengthen it but the area is still open tovisitors so they can enjoy the views around it.
TEMPLES:
Rishikesh has so many beautiful and ancient temples that will be treat for
visitors and tourists.
Shree Neelkanth Mahadev Temple:
According to the legends, this temple is situated at the spot where Lord Shiva drank the poison during Samudra Manthan. The poison did not harm him but turned his throat blue after which Mahadev got the name Neelkanth. That’s where the name of the temple is derived and it is located in the Pauri Garhwal region.
Geeta Bhawan Temple:
It is one of the more olden temples in Rishikesh's domestic temples. The temple is dedicated to the teachings of “Bhagavad Gita”, often featuring large complexes with spaces for religious discourses, accommodation for devotees, displays related to Hindu culture and mythology. The temple provides a space for deep study of the teachings of the “Bhagavad Gita”.
Kunjapuri Temple:
A temple dedicated to Goddess Durga is considered a Shaktipeeth. It is believed that Maa Sati’s upper chest had fallen on this spot when Lord Shiva was carrying her body after her self-immolation.
Tera Manzil Temple:
It is a multistory temple devoted to idols of Hindu Gods and Goddesses. The view from the top of the temple is considered to be unforgettable experience. There are several more temples in Rishikesh that are rich in culture, history and architecture. Tourists and Devotees are sure to have an enriching experience after visiting these beautiful temples.
Yoga and Mediation retreats:
There are several retreats in all price ranges for Yoga and mediation lovers in Rishikesh for every level of practitioner. People can research retreats in their budget and have a lovely time rebalancing their mind, body and soul.
Adventure Sports:
Rishikesh is also a hub of the most popular adventure sports in India. There is a wide range of activities available to choose from like river rafting, bungee jumping, camping, zip lining, hiking and many more. Rishikesh is the perfect spot for people looking for thrilling outdoor experiences set against the picturesque backdrop of the Himalayas.
Rishikesh is a city with a temperate climate all year round but the best time to visit it is considered from February- March and August – October. Several modes of transportation are also available to reach the city be it by road, train or air. Rishikesh should definitely be considered your next holiday destination as it has something for all ages and inclinations. The stunning natural beauty of the city merges beautifully with the spiritual wisdom and offers various outdoor activities as well making it a perfect place for a relaxing vacation.
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