Rishikesh, a most tranquil place in northern Uttar
Pradesh, surrounded by hills and bisected by the wide and sluggish Ganges,
is often claimed as the `Yoga Capital of the World'. The town of Rishikesh
lies in the foothills of the Garhwal region. It is the gateway to the upper
Garhwal region and the starting point for pilgrim routes to the four dhams
of Uttarakhand-Badrinath, Kedarnath, Gangotri and Yamunotri.
The
whole place is considered to be sacred as it is believed that meditation at
this place leads to attainment of salvation. There are many temples-some
ancient, some new along the river Ganges. The River side is dotted by the
ashrams of Sadhus and sages.
Back in the 1960s Rishikesh gained instant fame as the site where The
Beatles came to stay with their guru, the Maharishi Mahesh Yogi. It is an
excellent place to meditate and study yoga. Rishikesh has numerous ashrams,
some of which are internationally recognized as centers of philosophical
studies, yoga and meditation.
Situated just few hours drive from Taj Mahal, Rishikesh is a perfect place
for seeking solace from the hustle and bustle of Agra.
Attractions of Rishikesh
Lakshman Jhula
This suspended iron bridge was build in 1939 and has been a major
attraction among the tourists. It is said that Lakshman crossed Ganga on
jute ropes between the place where this bridge is built. Ram Jhula- The
other suspended Iron bridge was recently constructed between Shivanand
Ashram and Sawarg Ashram.
Bharat Mandir
Built by Adiguru Shankra Chrya arround 12th centuray, Bharat mandir is
situated in the heart of the old town on the Banks of the Ganges. Detailed
account of this oldest temple of Rishikesh are available in ancient record
of Kearkhand. The Inner sanctum of the temple has the idol of Lord Vishnu,
carved out of a single 'Saligram'. In the inner canopy above the idol is
Shree Yantra installed by Adi Shankraya Charya. The original temple was
destroyed by Tamur lane in 1398 A.D. Lot of old statues , coins, pots and
other things of historical importance were found in recent excavatiions in
the premises of the temple.
Rishikund
Close to Trivenighat is the most ancient place, the Rishikund. Ancient
records relate this to Kubz Saint, who was blessed by the Goddess Yamuna by
saturating this pond by its water. The pond reflects the temple of Ragunath,
dedicated to Lord Rama and Goddess Sita.
Nilkanth Mahadeo
Mythology says that in the ancient times when the ocean was being churned
for 'amrit' (Potion for immortality), first venom oozed out. Lord Shiva
drank the venom at a place which is now called Nilkanth Mahadeo. It is 12
kms from Rishikesh and is surrounded by peaceful forests.
White Water
Rafting at Rishikesh
The challenge of violent rivers is no less than that of the rugged
mountains. The icy heights of the Himalayas are the source of some of
India's mighty rivers. Fed by innumerable streams, they race along tortuous
boulder.
