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RISHIKESH
 Rishikesh
is located in the northern part of Uttar Pradesh. It is 238
km northeast of Delhi and 24 km north of Haridwar and
spreads on the right banks of the Ganges, at its confluence
with the Chandrabhaga stream. It is surrounded by hills on
three sides and is perched at an altitude of 356 meters
above sea level. The name Rishikesh is loosely applied to an
association of five distinct sections encompassing not only
the town but also hamlets and settlements on both sides of
the river.
These include Rishikesh itself, the commercial and
communication hub; the sprawling suburban Muni-ki-Reti or
the "sands of the sages"; Shivananda Nagar, north of
Rishikesh; the temple section of Lakshmanjhula, a little
further north; and the assorted ashrams around Swarg Ashram
on the east bank. In Rishikesh, the winters last from
November to March, when temperatures fall below 0°C. The
monsoons are generally experienced in the months of July and
August.
Pilgrimage Attractions of Rishikesh
Lakshmanan Jhula
This suspended Iron bridge was build in 1939 and has been a
major attraction among the tourists to Rishikesh. It is said
that Lakshman crossed Ganga on jute ropes between the place
where this bridge is built. The Ganges appears very
panoramic from the bridge.
One can enjoy the picturesque surroundings and the cool
breeze from the River while standing on the bridge. If you
feel like feeding the fish in the Ganges, take a boat and
cross the river. The boat ride makes the bridge appear more
gorgeous. Close to LakshmanJuhla 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.
Bharat Mandir
Bharat Mandir: Built by Adiguru Shankra Chrya around
12th century, 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 anciant
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
Sankraya 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
excavations in the premises of the temple.
Parmarth Niketan
One of the most renowned temple complex and ashram in
the area . Known for its substantial work on Hinduism, three
is a school run on traditional Indian Patterns. The ashram
organises excellent Ganga Arti and Hawan on the Parmarth
Ghat every evening.
"When global orange sun suspended, waits low amid the
red/yellow streaked horizon, then all these combine to give
this town a very special evening. The temple bells roar,
priests enchant mantras. Immersed in sublimation stand the
pilgrims . Cupped leaves, with saffron marigold petals and a
small candle flame, flickering ride the current of water of
wisdom. Suddenly the sky darkens , spreading a blanket of
stillness. Everything stops, except the sound of current ,
which has just sunk the tiny flames of cupped leaves, few
minutes back".
Transcendental Centre of Maharishi Mahesh Yogi:Situated on
the extreme end of Geeta Bhawan area , Marishi's TM centre
is situated in the peaceful forest area. Once the most
active branch has nothing much to offer to the visitors
today.
Kunjapuri Temple
Drive to Kunja Puri, one of the thirteen most important
Goddesses of Shivalik range , the lower Himalayas.One can
witness excellent sunrise or sun set on the Greater
Hiamalayan Peaks and the vast Indo Gangetic plains . One can
see almost all the peaks of Garhwal Himalayas from here eg
Banderpunch (6316 Mts), Swarga Rohini (6252 Mts), Gangotri (
6672 mts), Chaukhamba (7138 mts) etc.
Vasishtha Goofa
One hour drive from Rishikesh up river is situated
Vasishtha Goofa , where famous saint Vasishtha meditated on
the banks of the Ganges. The cave is very peaceful and is a
perfect place for meditation.
Rishikund
Close to Trivenighat is the most ancient place, the
Rishikund. Anciant 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 ,
deidicated to lord Rama and his wife.
Triveni Ghat
The main Ghat in the town area where most of the
pilgrims take holy dip. Every evening hundreds of pilgrims
attend the Ganga Arti at the Ghat.
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.
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