Rishikesh

About Rishikesh

The whole area (Garhwal) was famous as Kedarkhand in the past as mentioned in the Skanda Purana. As per the Skanda Purana the area is named as Kubjamrak because here lord Vishnu appeared to Raibhya Rishi under a mango tree. Raibhya Rishi selected the place for his long penance (Tapasya or austerity) Lord Vishnu was pleased by his act and appeared to the sage as a “Hrishikesh.” The word is combination of two word Hrishik and esh. Hrishik means senses and esh means god or master. It means god of senses. The Sthala Purana states as follows: “Raibhya Rishi preferred the sacredness and beauty of the place where Lord Vishnu appeared, so he remained there in the form of intense plants, which look like his matted locks. In consideration of this and the divine qualities of Raibhya Rishi, the area recognized as Rishi Kesha or Rishikesh, or the hair of the Rishi (Sage). Skanda Purana mention that the Lord Vishnu blessed Raibhya Rishi and gave him this divine message: “while you have performed supreme tapasya (austerities) by controlling your senses, let the place be recognized as Hrishikesha (Lord Hrishikesha, master of all senses).

The place is also mentioned as place where God Vishnu defeated the mighty demon Madhu. As per the Ramayana Lord Ram made hard penance for killing mighty demon Ravana. Lakshmana (Brother of Lord Rama) crossed the river by Jute Bridge which is known as Lakshman Jhula. The Jute Bridge was replaced by Iron suspension bridge in 1889. The bridge damaged in 1924 flood, than bridge was replaced by new bridge.

Nearby Places

Ranichauri

Shivpuri

Laxman Jhula

  1. Triveni Ghat: It is the biggest bathing ghat in Rishikesh. Situated near the main market this ghat has mesmerizing views of mountains and rivers. The reason for the name is it is believed that this is the conference of 03 rivers Ganges, Yamuna, and legendary Saraswati. Due to the conference, this ghat is a great place to take a bath. Ghat is the structure of steps where people can access rivers for holy baths. Everyday Ganges ceremony (Ganga Aarti) is organized at the ghat in the evening. (5 PM in winter and 6 PM in Summer) This is a beautiful place to sit right on the bank of the river and view the mountain and river with the company of a cool river breeze. Triveni Ghat is situated just 100 meters far from the main market. Small Shani Mandir is also located near Triveni Ghat.
  2. Lakshman Jhula Big iron suspension bridge on the river Ganges which is 4.5 km far from Rishikesh. It is believed that Lakshman (Brother of lord Ram) crossed the river here by jute rope. The current bridge is built in 1929 when the old bridge (1989 built) was damaged in a flood. Lakshman Jhula is popular with tourists for shopping and other activities such as rafting. Both side of the bridge has so many different shops with interesting things to buy. Lakshman Temple and Tera Manzil Temple are also situated here. From the bridge, you can have a spectacular view of the river and the city. Lakshman Jhula is a pedestrian bridge but it is also used for bikes.
  3. Neelkanth Mahadev Temple This temple is situated at 1325 meters in height and 31 km far from Rishikesh. Neelkant Mahadev is the Temple of Lord Shiva. According to legends, Lord Shiva came here for meditation when he consumed poison during the sea churning. Lord Shiva’s throat became blue-colored due to the poison so he is known as a NeelKanth (Blue-throated) here. Thousand of tourists visit this temple during Shivratri and Kanwar Mela. Temple is also accessible by trekking route and by road from Swarg Ashram. Temple Timings: 05 AM to 01 PM and 04 PM to 09 PM.

What can things to do in Rishikesh?

Rishikesh is unique city in terms of variety of things which it can offer to tourist. There is something for everyone who comes here. Rishikesh can’t disappoint anyone. All you need is good guidance. Take a look at some of the activities in Rishikesh. Maximum Activities is available in Rishikesh like, rafting, Yoga, Meditation, Ganga Aarti, Trekking, camping, Spa, Body massage etc.

Can we do Yoga and Meditation in Rishikesh?

Rishikesh is world famous for yoga. You can experience yoga is small sessions or you can stay here and spend a week or month to learn yoga. So many yoga experts are here who can teach you yoga in unique way which you cant learn anywhere. Rishikesh is also one of the best places in whole world for meditation. Natural atmosphere, auspicious surroundings, river and mountains what else one can expect to make a strong bond with nature and himself/herself. That’s reason that thousands of famous spiritual personalities selected this place for their meditation.

Open chat
1
Scan the code
Hello
Can we help you?