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Rishikesh, Uttaranchal

Rishikesh - Hill Station cum Holy Place in Uttranchal Valley - Rishikesh is the ashram capital of Hinduism. Located at the confluence of the Ganga and Chandrabhaga at a distance of 28 km from the Haridwar town, Rishikesh is a sacred spot where the great sage Raibhya performed penance and was granted an appearance by God in his ’Hrishikesh’ aspect. Rishikesh is today a centre of Vedic, yogic, herbal medication and meditation studies. Along the east bank of the river lies a succession of ashrams in serene surroundings: the river is beautiful, the air is fragrant with freshness and there is benediction in the air. Rishikesh is a place to be, not do.

Rishikesh, the gateway to Himalayas, is considered as the Mecca for Yoga and Meditation centres. Rishikesh nestled in the Tehri - Garhwal region of Uttaranchal abounds in natural splendour. The spectacle of the Ganga rushing through the Himalayan foothills is an awesome sight. Several temples dot the banks of the Ganga at Rishikesh. Rishikesh is located at a height of about 1360 feet above sea level. It is believed that several yogis and sages lived and practiced penance here.

Tourist Places Rishikesh

Laxman Jhoola - The bridge has been a major attraction among the tourists to Rishikesh. The suspension iron bridge Lakshman Jhula was build in 1929. This is where Rama's brother Lakshaman is said to have crossed the river on a jute ropes. One can enjoy the spectacular surroundings and the cool breeze from the River while standing on the bridge.

Ram Jhoola - Another suspended bridge close to Lakshman Juhla is the Ram Jhula- This suspended bridge was recently build between Shivanand Ashram and Sawarg Ashram. It is similar to the Lakshman Jhula. Ram Juhla is also known as Shivanand Jhula.

Raghunath Temple - Religious ceremonies in Rishikesh. It is believed that the Ganga is joined here by the Yamuna and the Saraswati Rivers. Geographically, however, the Yamuna joins the Ganga in Allahabad. The dusk Aarti on the Triveni Ghat is most impressive. Barefoot, sorried ranks of devotees sit in rows on the steps of the Ghat. As the sun begins to set, plating the river with gold, bells and gongs ring and chants fill the air.

Holy Places or Ashrams - There are many important ashrams in Rishkesh. Most ashrams are centres for spiritual studies which also calls for Physical disciplines. Some ashrams, however, are monasteries. Among the better known ashrams are :- Paremarth Niketan, Sivanand Ashram, Yoga Niketan, Omkaranand Ashram, Vanprastha Ashram, Ved Niketan, Dayanand Vedanta Ashram, Vanmali Gita Yogashram, Shankaracharya Nagar Transcendental Meditatation Centre, Vithal Ashram and Yoga Study Centre.

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