Top view of the Bharat Mandir in Rishikesh.

Bharat Mandir (Temple) is the most ancient, most sacred, most famous temple in Rishikesh. Temple is located in the heart of the city (middle of the city). Jagadguru Adi Shankaracharya reinstalled the presiding deity in the temple on the day of Basant Panchmi in 789 A.D. On this day every year the Shaligram is taken for a holy bath in the scared Mayakund and then carried in a grand procession through the city to be taken back to the temple for the symbolic reinstallation. It is also believed that if any pilgrim on the day of Akshya Tritiya takes 108 parikarmas (rounds) of Lord Shri Hrishikesh Naranyan at this temple and seeks the blessing at his feet (it is only day when Lord's feet are uncovered), all his wishes are full filled and it is equivalent to the pilgrimage to Badrinath.The temple is mentioned in Vishnu Puran, Shrimadbhagwat, Mahabharat, Vaman Puran and Narsingh Puran. 

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The Beatles Ashram - Rishikesh, Uttarakhand.

When The Beatles first came to India in 1968, they spent time at an 18-acre ashram in Rishikesh, Uttarakhand.The ashram is believed to be the place where the band reportedly wrote a lot of their songs, many of which made it to one of their most famous records – the White Album.It was originally run by Maharishi Mahesh Yogi, who passed away in in 2008, but was abandoned by the guru and his followers in the ’70s.The place saw a brief two-month resurrection in 2012, dubbed The Beatles Cathedral Gallery, as a community art project.And after years of abandonment, it’s back up and running once more, open to all tourists.The ashram officially opened on Tuesday, charging Indians Rs 150 and foreign tourists Rs 600 to visit the iconic spot.The place was cleaned up and some painting was done, but the pop-art and black-and-white graffiti will remain untouched.Although normal tourists will not be allowed to draw on the walls just yet, artists can take permission from the forest authorities to add their works to the iconic venue.

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Kunjapuri Temple - Rishikesh, Uttarakhand.

There are two famous temples in the hills around Rishikesh. Neelkanth Mahadev temple and Kunjapuri temple. The Kunjapuri temple can be seen on the top of the hill from Rishikesh town. There are many local devotees, who start their new year visiting the temples to receive the blessings of Goddess. Every year a gang of bikers from Rishikesh, visit Kunjapuri temple on 1st January. From there, they continue their journey towards Surkanda Devi temple.Kunjapuri Temple is a Hindu temple dedicated to the goddess Sati (the wife of lord Shiva, before she took birth as Goddess Paarvati). The Kunjapuri temple is located on the top of a Kunjapuri hill and is located about 27 KM from Rishikesh in the Tehri district of Uttarakhand, India. The temple provides very beautiful panoramic view of snow capped mountains in Garhwal Himalayas. The peaks like Gangotri, Swarga Rohini, Chaukhamba, Banderpunch can be seen from here (on a clear day). On the other side, you will see Rishikesh, Haridwar and Doon Valley.

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Beauty of the Neelkanth Mahadev Temple in Rishikesh.

Neelkanth temple is one of the most sacred place of worship for the Hindus. It is located on a hill above Swargashram in Rishikesh and is situated at a altitude of 925 mts. Neelkanth temple is considered to be a apt example of complete natural hill heaven that lies adjacent to mountain ranges of the Nar-Narayan. Because of its beauty & religious importance the devotees and nature lovers visit the place round the year. Neelkanth Mahadev temple is considered to be one of the most famous temples and is situated at the confluence of the Madhumati and Pankaja rivers, amidst three valleys- Vishnukoot, Brahmakoot & Manikoot.The way to the temple is quite exhilarating. The steep & narrow roads taking above the hill, in which the river is flowing on one side and mountain terrain is on the other side. Road is very curvy and narrow with steep slopes as one can expect on any hill station, so be carefull while driving. Incase you don't have a experience of driving on hills better park your vehicle at Ram Jhula taxi stand and hire a cab. It's a drive of 32 kms from Rishikesh via barrage or alternatively one can walk 22 kms via Ram Jhula to get there.

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Beauty of the Vashishta Cave in Rishikesh.

Vashishta (Gufa) Cave is of great sage (Baba, Shadhu, Rishi) Vashistha. Vashishta Gufa, situated on the banks of the Ganga River, is one of the most beautiful places of meditation in Rishikesh- the yoga capital of the world. It is very dark inside but very peaceful. It is most popular place among Indians and foreigners for divine energy.Vashishta is one of the Saptarishis (Seven Great Sages Rishi), is a manasputra of God Brahma. He had in his possession the divine cow Kamadhenu, and Nandini her child, who could grant anything to their owners. Arundhati is the name of the wife of Vashista.Vashista one of 9 Prajapatis is credited as the chief author of Mandala 7 of the Rigveda. Vashista and his family are glorified in RV 7.33, extolling their role in the Battle of the Ten Kings, making him the only mortal besides Bhava to have a Rigvedic hymn dedicated to him.In the Ramayana Vashista appears as the court sage of king Dasharatha.The tale of Vashistha Sage Vashistha was Ram's guru and the Rajpurohit of Ikshwaku dynasty.

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Beautiful Night view of the Triveni Ghat in Rishikesh..

Triveni Ghat is situated bank of the holy river Ganges in Rishikesh, Uttarakhand, India. This terrified ghat used for bath for most of pilgrims. The main daily event of the lure is the evening Aarti of Goddess Ganga also commonly called as Triveni Ghat Ganga Aarti” or “Maha Aarti”.Triveni Ghat Rishikesh is a convergence of three holy noteworthy Rivers the Ganges, the Yamuna and the Saraswati, is a most revered sacred bathing spot in Rishikesh and is situated on the banks of Ganges River.Rivers play an important part in the Hindu mythology. Almost all the rivers starting from the holy Ganges to the mighty Brahmaputra has a story to tell. Triveni Ghat in Somnath is one such spot where three Rivers namely Hiran, Kapil and Saraswati get together with the Sea. The convergence of the three rivers called “Sangam” as it is referred to in Hindu religious terms is one of the most holy places in Uttarakhand and India. This is also the place where the chatri of the Lord Krishna is constructed. The Ghat is measured to be the resources ground of Lord Krishna.Triveni Ghat has a popular bazaar also. You can get gems, precious and semi-precious stones, knickknacks, clothes, puja items, CDs and tapes. Also shops for religious goods, kullu topis, Nehru jackets, kurtas, salwar kameez and jewellery, bangles on the narrow streets.

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Blissful Early Morning View of Ram Jhula in Rishikesh.

Ram Jhula built in the 1980s, the Ram Jhula crosses the Ganges River three kilometers (1.9 miles) downstream from the Laxshman Jhula in Rishiksh, India. While these two bridges are nearly identical in appearance and design, the Ram Jhula actually is a bit bigger.Located in Muni Ki Reti, the Ram Jhula is surrounded by bustling markets and temples on either side. It also plays a key role in connecting the Swargadham, Gita Bhawan and other temples with Sivananda Ashram.Temples and markets aside, the Ram Jhula also is the gateway to a very tranquil, laid back and backpacker-oriented part of town. It was here that Carrie completed her yoga training course and where we lived together for a week at the Shiva Resorts guesthouse: a great place to find cheap holiday deals.Cars and tuk tuks are not allowed to cross the Jhulas, though motorcycles, push-carts, tourists, monkeys and cows often bring pedestrian traffic to a standstill. At any given time, hundreds of people are pushing their way across; and the bridges sway accordingly.

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Beautiful view of Laxman Jhula and Trayambakeshwar temple in Rishikesh.

The famous bridge in Rishikesh called Laxman Jhula which lies suspended over River Ganges is 450 ft long and connects Tehri and Pauri district. But did you know the story behind its name? Legend has it that Rama’s younger brother Laxman crossed the Ganga using just two jute ropes. To honor his feat, a 284 ft long hanging rope bridge was built at the same place and named Laxman. Until 1889, it was this very rope bridge that was used to cross the river but it was washed away during the floods of October 1924. After this, another bridge was built which opened to public use in 1930. This is still in use but its name remains the same in honor of Laxman. If you visit Rishikesh, don’t forget to cross this bridge. On either sides you will see markets where you can shop for idols, semi-precious stones and other knick-knacks. The famous 13-storey Trayambakeshwar Temple is also near Laxman Jhula.

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Peaceful Ganga Aarti at the Triveni Ghat in Rishikesh..

The sunset Ganga Aarti at Triveni Ghat draws between hundreds and thousands of visitors each day from all cultures, all languages, all religions and all walks of life.Ganga Aarti transcends the borders and boundaries of language and culture, diving straight into one's heart, carrying one to Heaven. Ganga is not only a river. She is truly a Divine Mother. She rushes forth from the Himalayas as the giver of life, carrying purity, bliss and liberation in Her waters.She is the Mother Goddess - giving freely to all with no discrimination, hesitation or expectation. Her waters purify all who bathe in them, all who drink from them.Each evening as the sun's last rays reflect off the boundless waters of Mother Ganga, we gather for Ganga Aarti. This divine light ceremony is filled with song, prayer, ritual and a palpable sense of the divine. Aarti is the beautiful ceremony in which diyas (oil lamps) are offered to God. Aarti can be done to a deity in the temple, it can be done on the banks of the Ganges to Mother Ganga, or it can be done to a saint.In the Aarti ceremony, the devotee waves the oil lamp burning with ghee and camphor from the eye to the feet, back to the eye and back to the feet of the Divine. The essence of the Aarti ceremony is that all day long God offers us light – the light of the sun, the light of life, and the light of His blessings. One of the meanings of Aarti literally is "remover of pain." There is nothing inherent in the name of the ceremony that says which form or name of God it should be performed to. It should be performed to the Divine Remover of Pain in our life. Ganga Aarti is a time in which we break free from the normal stresses and strains of everyday life and gather together in joy, reverence and peace. As the bright yellow sun dips into the water and the reflection of its rays brings tears to our eyes, we are filled anew with a deep sense of bliss, reverence and spiritual connection. 

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Beauty of the Bharat Mandir in Rishikesh..

Shri Bharat Mandir is the oldest temple situated in Rishikesh. History of Bharat mandir is indeed a History of Rishikesh. Situated in the heart of the township of Rishikesh, Shri Bharat Mandir is also regarded as one of the most ancient shrines in India. According to historical evidences, Adiguru Shankracharya, the great theologian, laid the foundation stone of Bharat temple.Bharat Mandir, an ancient temple founded by Adiguru Shankaracharya during the 12th century, is an imposing shrine located in the heart of the city Rishikesh. The main deity installed here is of Lord Vishnu, the idol is being carved out from a single piece of Saligram. A spectacular sacred Shree Yanthra is placed at the inner canopy of the temple. The details of this ancient temple are recorded in the very old record of Kearkhand. Present temple is the renovated one reconstructed on the ruins of the original temple destroyed by Tamur. Recent excavations brought out many old statues, ancient pots and coins from this site.This is a nice location for tourists who look for ancient religious places and historical facts.

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Beautiful Graffiti at Beatles ashram in Rishikesh..

The ashram, known amongst fans as the ‘Beatles ashram’, and amongst the locals as ‘Mahesh Yogi’s ashram’, is part of the Rajaji National Park that extends from Haridwar to Dehradun and beyond.

“In 1961, the Maharishi had got 15 acres of land for the ashram on a lease of 20 years,” says Dehradun-based journalist Raju Gusain who has done extensive research on the ashram and its Beatles connection. “When the lease expired in 1981, the ashram kept running for two more decades without a new lease. Then in 2000, a Supreme Court ruling ordered all staff members to vacate the premises, and in 2003, the ashram was formally shut forever.”

Ever since, weeds have sprouted across the paths, trees have grown wildly from inside many of the buildings, creepers have sneakily crawled up the walls of others, and the forest has slowly, determinedly reclaimed the ashram as its own. Although, not all of it.The 84 meditation caves, which were built for residents to live simply within their rounded walls and meditate undisturbed, still stand strong. A multistoried building that might have once housed living quarters, now stands covered in dust and leaves, its doors broken off the hinges, wind rustling through its empty corridors.Inside, the walls are a riot of colour. A big graffiti saying ‘100% Love Guaranteed’ is flanked by the Beatles on one side and various spiritual gurus on the other. Vibrant pop art covers other walls of the hall – some made with much effort by Beatles fans, and others, like names of lovers within hearts, scribbled hastily by locals.

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Famous Kunjapuri Temple in Rishikesh..

Kunjapuri Temple is truly devoted to goddess durga which is the parvati next roop. Kunjapuri Temple is also consider by shaktipeeth. It is believed that lord Shiva approved all the way through this place on his manner go back to Kailash with the corpse of Sati whose dead body part cut down at the spot where the temple of Kunja Puri stands.Kunjapuri temple is one among the holy triangle - Chandrabadni, Surkhanda Devi and Kunjapuri temple in District Tehri Garhwal of Dev Bhoomi Uttarakhand. The legend goes, when Sati unable to tolerate the remarks of her father Dakshprajapati against her husband Lord Shiva jumped into Hawan Kund and Lord Shiva took burning sati in his arms and proceeded towards Himalya, the head of Sati fell at Surkhanda, torso at Chandrabadni and middle part of the body at Kunjapuri hills, as such these peaks of Himlaya are visited & worshiped by devotees.

Many tourists preferred this temple for day trekking of 14 Km. This trekking takes a time of 6 to 7 hours. Krishna Holidays organized Day Trekking Trip for Kunjapuri Temple. 

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Neelkanth Samudra Manthan in Rishikesh..

Neelkanth Mahadev Temple has a very attractive and colorful architecture. Above the entrance door, scene of mythology story of Samundra Manthan is depicted by sculptures of Gods and Demons. The walls of the temple shows the entire story of Manthan. Inner temple complex is equally divine and beautiful. A sacred Shivlinga is situated in this holy shrine. Devotees tie up sacred thread in a gigantic Peepal tree and makes a wish. A natural spring is situated in the temple where devotees takes a holy

bath. Maha Shivratri is celebrated in Neelkanth Mahadev Temple with full rejoice and large number of devotees visit the temple on this auspicious day. Devotees offers milk, Bael leaves, coconut, flower etc. to the Shivlinga.

Neelkanth Mahadev Temple is surrounded by dense forest and situated above a hill. Apart from devotees, trekkers also loves to reach the temple via 22 km trek from Ram Jhula.

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Famous Neelkanth Mahadev Temple in Rishikesh..

Neelkanth Mahadev Temple is a sacred and famous temple located at 32 km from Rishikesh. Scenically situated on a hill at a height of 1330 mtrs, Neelkanth Mahadev Temple is a one of the most popular temples of Lord Shiva. A famous pilgrimage near Rishikesh, the temple lies above Swargashram adjacent to Nar Narayan mountain range. The temple is surrounded by three valleys namely Manikoot, Brahmakoot and Vishnukoot which makes it a religious place at the confluence of two perennial rivers Pankaja and Madhumati.

As per mythology, Neelkanth Mahadev Temple is a holy place where Lord Shiva consumed the poison originated from ocean

(Samudra Manthan) and placed in his throat. This makes Lord Shiva's throat blue in colour and named Neelkanth. This

Mahadev Temple is best place for Lord Shiva devotees and people from far away places visit this sacred place round the

year.

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Lord Shiva inside Vashistha (Gufa) Cave in Rishikesh...

Vashistha Muni was one of the Saptarishis (Seven Great Sages) in ancient India. He was the manas putra of Lord Brahma & also the Guru of Lord Ram. Legend has it that Vashistha Muni meditated in a cave near Rishikesh for a considerable duration of time after the death of his children. This cave, situated approx. 25 kms from Rishikesh on the road to Badrinath, became known as Vashistha Gufa.

In the early 1900’s, three sages were referred to as Himavat Vibhooti amongst the locals and sadhus in Uttarakhand. These three sages were Sri Swami Tapovan ji Maharaj, Sri Swami Sivananda and Sri Swami Purushottamananda.

Swami Purushottamanandji Maharaj went wandering round the Himalayas in early 1920s, During his wanderings by foot he came across this Guha in 1928. The cave was surrounded by tall trees and it was all a jungle. He lived inside the Guha - doing his meditation / austerities for more than 25 years till a room was built for him near the Guha. Eventually, an ashram was established there. Today Gurudev, visited the Vashishta Gufa Ashram, thereby paying homage to all the three mahatmas known as Himavat Vibhooti.

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Evening Time at the Triveni Ghat in Rishikesh...

Triveni Ghat is believed that the confluence of Ganga, Yamuna and Saraswati took place here. It is also a spot for the pilgrims who visit Rishikesh to take a holy dip in its water. This ghat is large and clean, and has separate changing rooms for women. Nearby is the Rishikund or sages’ pond. This is said to have been a havan kund where the holy men performed fire rituals in ancient times.There is also a Shani Mandir here.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.

After sunset, the famous Ganga Maha Aarti takes place at around 6 PM, which sees the whole ghat come alive with divinity and religious fervour. Hundreds of leafed lamps float down the stream as divinity becomes the very air. You can buy these diyas from the nearby stalls and be a part of the beautiful custom. It is believed that a dip at Triveni Ghat can relieve one from the sins and help them attain salvation.

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Famous Bridge Ram Jhula in Rishikesh..

Rishikesh has been blessed by Shri Ram and Shri Laxman by getting these strong suspension bridges.

When in Rishikesh, you will frequently hear about two bridges, one is Ram Jhula and the other one is Laxman Jhula. Ram Jhula being the longer one, both the bridges are equally stunning both in terms of their designs and significance, connecting one end of the river Ganga to the other.When you walk on them, you can feel every footstep of yours making vibrations on the ground beneath. But the strangest part was to see the vehicles moving along with pedestrians in such a narrow area.It has extremely popular Ashrams Best-known are Geeta Bhavan, Swarg Ashram, Permarth Neeketan, Shivananda Ashram and these are terribly special in Hindu society. Most of those Ashrams offer courses for Yoga & spiritual learning and well recognized amidst the tourists. Some ancient temples with stunning Carven statues also are placed within the place.

Rishikesh is called the yoga capital.This is a wonderful place on the Gangа river in the foothills of the Himalayas. Lakshman Jhula and Ram Jhula are known places of pilgrimage for many Hindus.

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