Maa Ganga Aarti at Triveni Ghat.

Aarti means the ritual that removes darkness. Ganga Aarti is the light offerings to the Goddess Ganga and the River Ganga. Devotees arrived to participate in the celebration of light.The pandit (priest) lifting the lamp facing towards Ganga. He is circling the lamp around in a clockwise manner

.Chanting mantra in praise of Goddess Ganga:

  Glory, glory, all glory to you, O sanctifier of the world; glory to you, O Ganga, the sacred river of the gods. Victory to you, O dweller among Siva's locks ! Your bouncing and rippling waves are incomparably beautiful.The celebration uplifts the spirits. The lamp is celebrated as the mark of victory of good over evil.

O Ganga, your vehicle, the immaculate and sacred crocodile, looks elegant and he who beholds the urn filled with ambrosia in your hand is at once spell-bound. The gold ornaments you are wearing are all studded with precious gems and the diamond necklace on your bosom is absolutely spotless (without any trace of impurity).

Ganesa, Lord of Siva’s faithful follower, is said to be foremost among all the adorable gods, but bathing in the Ganga takes precedence over him.O Goddess, you dwell in Brahma’s kamandalu, the pot made of earth or wood which he carries; but you came down to worship the lotus feet of Visnu, the feet that bestow happiness on all. 

 You absolved all the sixty thousand sons of Sagara of their sins and made Gangasagara the place of pilgrimage.Having enjoyed all the blessings of life he attains to the supreme state and is delivered from the cycle of birth and death. Blessed are you, O Mother, the celestial stream, the source of all happiness; blessed, all blessed is the confluence of the three rivers, triveni, at Prayaga, the holiest of the holy.

 He who regularly remembers the holy stream and observes the stringent rules of such a worship attains to the status of a noble person even if he is wicked. After the Aarti is over, a small boat with an earthen oil lamp (diya) candle, ghee and flowers that's floated down the river. It used for paying respect to Ganga and get blessings from the Goddess Ganga.

More info: http://raftingcampingrishikesh.com/

Bharat Mandir is famous temple in Rishikesh..

Bharat Mandir built around the 12th century by Adiguru Shankracharya, is the oldest temple situated in the heart of Rishikesh, Uttarakhand. This beautiful temple has an idyllic location on the banks of the river Ganga. Although the original temple was completely destroyed in 1398 A.D. by Tamur Lane, it was rebuilt by the devotees. This centuries old temple is mentioned even in the ancient records of 'Kedarkhand'. The temple deity, Lord Vishnu, which is placed in the inner sanctum of the temple is carved out of a single black stone called Saligram. Also, it is interesting to note that the idol installed here has a distinctly Himalayan cast of features. A magnificent sacred Shree Yanthra is placed at the inner canopy of the temple. Recent archaeological excavations carried out in the premises of the temple have exhumed great number of old statues, coins, pots and other artefacts of historical importance. The popular, colourful spring festival of 'Basant Panchami' is also celebrated here.

More info: http://raftingcampingrishikesh.com/

The Iconic Beatles Ashram In Rishikesh..

The Maharishi Mahesh Yogi ashram is located in a beautiful spot within the Rajaji National Park with the river Ganga flowing quietly behind it. It got the world's attention when it briefly housed the band members of the legendary English rock band The Beatles in 1968. In mid February, 1968, The Beatles were in Rishikesh, India, studying Transcendental Meditation at the ashram of Maharishi Mahesh Yogi. George would celebrate his 25th birthday there. Apart from meditating, the band wrote many songs during this period - one of the most productive of their career.

"I think by 1968 we were all a bit exhausted, spiritually. We'd been The Beatles, which was marvellous. We'd tried for it not to go to our heads and we were doing quite well - we weren't getting too spaced out or big-headed - but I think generally there was a feeling of: 'Yeah, well, it's great to be famous, it's great to be rich - but what's it all for?'" - Paul, from The Beatles Anthology.The ashram in Rishikesh where the Beatles meditated and composed some of the most popular songs has opened for public visit. A new tourist attraction in Uttarakhand.

 But with time everyone forgot that, and the ashram turned into a ruin after it was abandoned in 1997.After being ignored for years, Uttarakhand's Forest Department has finally converted the ashram into an eco-friendly tourism destination. Nature walks, bird watching, and a visit to the ashram are on offer for an entry fee of Rs 150 for Indian nationals, and Rs 600 for foreigners. 

You can also hire a guide for the Beatle Ashram from Krishna Holidays in Rishikesh..

More info: http://raftingcampingrishikesh.com/

Rainy Weather at the Kunjapuri Temple in Rishikesh..

Kunjapuri Devi Temple is located on a hillock around 24 km away from Rishikesh. This temple is dedicated to one of the thirteen most important goddesses of Shivalik range. The temple is well-known among the travellers as it gives a beautiful view of the sunrise and the sunset from the greater Himalayan peaks. Snow ranges and peaks of Garhwal Himalayas like Swarga Rohini, Gangotri, Banderpunch and Chaukhamba, can also be seen from this temple.
Kunjapuri Devi temple is considered as one of the 52 Shaktipeeth of our divine Mother. Shakti denotes power. To understand the meaning and significance of Shaktipeeth, let us go back to our Puranas (Hindu scriptures).
Goddess Parvati is the consort of Lord Shiva. In her previous birth, Goddess Parvati was known as Sati. She had married the Lord but her father King Daksha was not too pleased. He had organized a Yagna, a spiritual gathering where offerings are made to Agni Dev (Fire God). He had purposely not invited his daughter and her husband. When Sati came to know of this, she was furious and decided to go uninvited. Lord Shiva tried to persuade her to drop this idea but she was relentless.
King Daksha gave his reasons to Sati which was nothing but public humiliation of her husband. Angered by this, Sati jumped into the sacrificial fire and ended her life. Lord Shiva was torn apart. He destroyed and created havoc at the Yagna. Then carried the remains of Sati’s body on his shoulder and danced the dance of destruction-Tandav which would eventually destroy the Universe. While other versions state that in grief, the Lord carried her body on his shoulders and walked aimlessly in grief. He refused to complete the final rites.
Lord Brahma, the creator of the universe felt that if Sati’s body did not receive proper cremation according to the Hindu Shastra’s then she could not take rebirth as Goddess Parvati. While Lord Vishnu was concerned that Lord Shiva’s grief would slowly cause the destruction of the Universe. They could not control or face Lord Shiva’s anger so Lord Vishnu took his Sudarshan Chakra (Disc) and cut the body into pieces. As Lord Shiva traveled her body part fell and last rites were done by the gods. The places where divine Mother’s body parts fell is known as Shaktipeeth. Temples have been built around it and worshipped daily. People travel across continents to seek blessings of Shakti.We have been very fortunate to seek blessings from one such Shaktipeeth located in Rishikesh where divine Mother’s chest had fallen.

More info: http://raftingcampingrishikesh.com/

History of Neelkanth Mahadev Temple in Rishikesh..

Neelkanth Temple is one of the most revered holy shrines of the Hindus. Located on a hill above Swarg Ashram in Haridwar, Neelkanth Temple is easily accessible from here. The temple lies at a comfortable distance of 12 kms and can also be reached from Rishikesh. The way to this temple is surrounded by lush green hills and rivers, providing some of the most beautiful sights, one has ever seen. Many pilgrims come to this temple by trekking, which takes around 4 hours from Rishikesh which is provided by Krishna Holidays in Rishikesh.

Neelkanth Mahadev Temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva, who is believed to be the most complex Gods of the Hindu pantheon. The establishment of this temple has a legend behind it. According to the mythological stories, Lord Shiva drank the poison that appeared from the 'Sagar Manthan' (churning of ocean). This place is said to have been the same place, where Lord Shiva drank the poison. On drinking the poison, his throat turned blue and from that time onwards, Lord Shiva came to be known as 'Neelkantha' (One having blue throat).

Encircled by the hills of Manikoot, Vishnukoot and Brahmakoot, Neelkantha Temple is to be found at a height of 1330 meters. The way to this shrine is quite a thrilling one. The steep and narrow roads, taking above the hill, where river is flowing on one side, send chills down to the spine. Positioned at the union of Madhumati and Pankaja rivers, Neelkantha Temple is placed between the picturesque hills of Uttaranchal.

The temple complex has also got one natural spring where devotees usually take a holy bath. The main shrine of the temple comprises a Shiva lingam (phallic form of Lord Shiva). The spiritual aura of the temple creates a devotional feeling in the hearts of people. People make an offering of coconut, flowers, milk, honey, fruits and water to the Lord. Subsequently, devotees get 'Parshad' of vibhuti, chandan and other things from the shrine.

The temple observes two fairs that held annually on the occasion of Shivratri (Feb-Mar) and Shivratri of Shravan (July-Aug). At that time, the temple is thronged by thousands of pilgrims. This place is also loved by tourists for its picturesque beauty. Neelkanth Temple is a holy place that provides a celestial affection to the people, who visit the shrine with a devoted heart.

More info: http://raftingcampingrishikesh.com/

Facts about Vashishta Cave in Rishikesh..

Vashishta and Arundathi Gufa, very peaceful retreat around 25km from Rishikesh, along the Badrinath road. A place where Sage Vashishta, son of Lord Brahma, one of the Sapta Rishis, meditated. His wife, Arundhati, meditated in a cave not far from his.
Vashishta Gufa, situated on the banks of the Ganga River, is one of the most beautiful places of meditation in Rishikesh. This cave was where Vashishta- Lord Brahma's manas putra meditated. He was also among the seven great sages (Saptarishis) and the guru of Lord Ram. According to popular beliefs, after the death of his children, Vashishta Muni came here to commit suicide. However, the holy Ganga River failed his attempt. Arundhati, Vashishta's wife, liked the environs and decided to stay here.Sage Vashistha had possession of the divine cow Nandini. Nandini was daughter of Kamdhenu. Nandini has power to produce food instantly for lots of people. Mitra Varuna & Urvasi was parents of Vashistha. Vashistha was one of the authors of ancient Indian scripture Rigveda. Vashistha was Guru (Teacher) of Lord Ram & he was also Rajpurohit (Chief priest) of Ikshwaku family (Surya Vansh).
In the mid 20th century, Swami Purshottamanand came to this site and maintained it. At present, the Swami Purshottamanand Trust manages this cave. The gufa also houses a small Shiva linga, which is considered sacred. To reach this cave, one has to climb a flight of around 200 steps.
The Vasishta Gufa is a hugely popular place for devotees who are interested in the art of meditation. Undoubtedly, a must visit place for tourists travelling to Rishikesh.

More info: http://raftingcampingrishikesh.com/

Beautiful View of the Triveni Ghat in Rishikesh/ By Krishna Holidays

Tri means three and veni means confluence. Hence Triveni means confluence of the three. This place is believed to be the confluence of the Ganges, the Yamuna and legendry Saraswati river. Triveni Ghat holds a spritual value and is considered a great place for pilgrimage.
Triveni Ghat is a scared Ghat and bathing spot on the right bank of river Ganges, where devotees take a holy dip and offer their heartful prayers.
The aarti ceremony at Triveni Ghat takes place daily at dusk. An Awe-inspiring sight, when flame of belief illuminates the entire environment and the mind and body rejuvenated by the hymns recited in praise of the Ganges. Devotees release flower-filled leaf boats carrying tiny oil lamps and let them float out on the river, which is the ceremony of worship, rememberance and hope.
One must take a boat ride in Ganges to get the joy of nature including gushing waters, mountain ranges, forest and wild life.
Triveni Ghat Ganga aarti is performed on the behest of Ganga Seva Samiti, Rishikesh. Ganga Seva Samiti manages Cleanliness, Lighting , celebration of Festivals, Ambulance Service and Toilets at triveni ghat.
Ganga Arti Timing depends on sunset (सुर्यास्त), in peak winter Time is 5:30PM whearas in peak summer it is 7:30PM.

More info: http://raftingcampingrishikesh.com/