The Spiritual Ganga Aarti in Rishikesh : Truly Incredible!

The very popular Ganga Aarti is performed every evening at the Triveni Ghat, on the banks of the Ganga River in Rishikesh. The lightning of the lamps along with the recitation of sacred chants provide an unforgettable spiritual experience for the visitors. As the river Ganga is believed to have powers to remove the pains and sufferings of people, thousands of devotees from varied ethnic backgrounds assemble at the ashram for the holy ritual. The ritual is more relaxed and intimate when compared to the aartis at Varanasi and Haridwar.

Unlike other ashrams and temples, the aarti is not performed by the pundits. It is instead performed by the residents of the Parmarth Niketan Ashram, especially children who study Vedas there. The ritual begins with singing of the devotional songs (bhajans) and prayers. Then, all the lamps in the ashram are lit with the aarti, as the final part of the entire ceremony.

The main reason for performing the aarti is to request God to shower his blessings on everyone. It is conducted to thank god for his kindness and love. The Ganga Aarti ceremony does not specify the name of any God. It is simply conducted to thank the divine entity which removes all the pain in our lives. The Aarti is performed daily so that visitors and devotees are relieved from their strains and normal stress of everyday life. The main aim of the event is to meet together in peace, reverence and joy.

Since the Ganga Aarti is open for everyone, make sure you arrive early to get a good view of the ceremony. Remember to remove your shoes and go barefoot for the ritual!

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Bharat Mandir: One of India’s Oldest Temples in Rishikesh

Bharat Mandir, an imposing shrine located in the heart of the city Rishikesh was founded in the 12th century by Adiguru Shankaracharya. Located in the middle of Rishikesh, it is considered one of India’s oldest temples. Although the name of the temple is derived from Lord Ram’s brother, the primary deity worshiped is Lord Vishnu also known as the Preserver of the World.The other idols of Lord Shiva, the destroyer of the world can also be found here.
Shree Yanthra, that is considered sacred, can also be located within the inner canopy of the Bharat Mandir. It is believed that the temple that stands today is actually a renovated image of the original temple, which was destroyed by a bandit, Tamur.
You can locate this temple easily, as it is half a kilometre from Triveni Ghat, which is a popular river bank in Rishikesh. Lord Hrishikesh Bharatji’s idol can also be found in the Bharat Mandir. This idol was concealed in the Maya Kund area of the temple in order to save it from destruction by the Boddha people.
If you are visiting Rishikesh during the Basant Panchami, you can witness the procession of this idol. Every year, on this day, Lord Hrishikesh’s idol is carried out in a sacred procession, after which it is dipped in the holy water of the river Ganga. Thousands of devotees from all across the country come to visit this spectacle. Your pilgrimage to Rishikesh would be incomplete without a visit to the Bharat Mandir.

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Some Facts About Beatles Ashram in Rishikesh..

When The Beatles chose the Mahesh Yogi ashram in Rishikesh as their retreat way back in 1968, little did they know that the place will end up for global travellers and those seeking meditation, as the 'Beatles Ashram'. While it remained a hotspot for many years, its neglect for the past two decades became a sore in the eyes of many, who blamed the management for its sorry state. However, when the ashram was re-opened on December 8, much to the delight of locals and Beatles' fans alike, it also marked the 35th death anniversary of the band's lead member John Lennon. For starters, it is the same place where the band spent three months, to learn transcendental meditation. Its renovation has made it all the more special for 'The Beatles' fan Mitriya who came from Russia to witness the iconic retreat location being converted into an eco-friendly tourist destination.
This is our state's treasure and its opening is an important landmark for us. We plan to include a yoga learning centre and meditation classes at a later stage. Our aim is to ensure that visitors don't simply come for The Beatles connection, but to learn the magic of nature, meditation and yoga.
This is also the place where the band, sitting on the banks of river Ganga, wrote 48 songs in just seven weeks, many of which made it to their famous White Album. Even though the ashram got a facelift, the artwork on the walls have been left untouched, which is also the biggest draw for tourists.
This temple of spirituality has been renovated and opened for public who see the Chaurasi Kuttiya as an epitome of yoga, spirituality and music.The location now offers nature trails with tickets ranging from Rs 150 for Indians to Rs 600 for foreigners. For those who wish to catch a glimpse of the location where their favourite band was regenerated, refreshed and found peace, all they have to pay is a nominal fee.

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A Morning view at Maa Kunjapuri Temple..

Kunjapuri temple is one of the must visit places for all travellers coming to Rishikesh not just because of its story related to gods and goddesses (it is counted among the 52 Shaktipeeths of the Goddess Shakti) but also for the panoramic view of Garhwal Himalayan peaks it has to offer.

Standing on the top of a hill at a height of 1676 meters, tourists have to climb more than 100 steps to reach the temple. Located at a distance of 29 km from Rishikesh.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, standing at 5,400 ft in the foothills of the Himalayas, is one of the 52 most sacred temples to visit when worshiping the Goddess Durga. Visiting this temple at Sunrise offers epic views of the Sun coming up through the mountains. On a good, clear day one can even see snow-capped Himalayan peaks! This temple shares the story of Lord Shiva and the incarnation of Durga as Sati, and how her heart came to rest at this very place where the temple sits.

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Peaceful Place for mediation at the Vashishta Cave..

On the banks of holy river Ganga, away from the crowd of Rishikesh town, there is a very peaceful place known as Vashishta Gufa.Vashishta Gufa is located about 17 KM from Tapovan(Rishikesh) and 6 KM from Shivpuri on Rishikesh-Badrinath Highway. This ashram is located among the trees of Gular. There is a small village near the ashram known as ‘Gular village’. The ashram is located in a pristine and peaceful location surrounded by mountains.
According to Hindu mythology, Sage Vashishta was one of the seven great sages (i.e. Saptarishi). He was the son of Lord Brahma and is also known as the teacher of Lord Rama. After the death of his children, Vashishta was very upset and he decided to commit suicide in river Ganga. But the Goddess Ganga didn’t accept his plea of suicide. Then Sage Vashishta and his wife Arundhati meditated at this place for hundreds of years to overcome their sorrow. Over the years a small ashram was built near the cave. This ashram is known as Swami Purushottamanand ashram. There are some rooms built outside the cave area, where many sadhus have been living permanently.
The entrance of the cave has some light. But as you go deeper, it is pitch dark. The cave is properly maintained. It is very clean and the floor is strewn with white mats for about 12 people, which I was not expecting after looking at the outer area. At the end of the cave, there is a Shiv Linga and a flickering oil lamp. There is no external noise and the air inside the cave is very cool. The interior of the cave is filled with some aroma of burning oil and sticks. It is definitely a very nice place to meditate deeply.You may find a priest worshipping the Shiv Linga and some other tourists during daytime. You are supposed to sit quietly inside the cave.
Outside the ashram premises, you may relax on the beach near the river. There is also a small cave outside the ashram called “Arundhati Cave”. On the other side, you will see an iron bridge near the Gular village to cross the river.

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Evening time at the Triveni Ghat in Rishikesh..

Triveni Ghat, which is a well known bathing ghat of Rishikesh, is a confluence of three sacred rivers that are Ganga, Yamuna and Saraswati. The evening aarti, also known as the 'Maha Aarti', which takes place at this ghat, is the major attraction among the tourists. This aarti is accompanied by chantings of bhajan, beating drums, bells and diyas glowing all over the place. The devotees release small oil lamps placed on leaf boats in the water. These lamps floats down the river and provide a beautiful view. Ceremonies like 'Pindha Shraddha' in the name of ancestors are also done at Triveni Ghat.
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 meet with the Arabian Sea. The confluence of the three rivers or Sangam as it is referred to in Hindu religious terms is one of the most holy places in India. This is also the place where the chatri of the Lord Krishna is constructed. Krishna is said to have visited this holy spot after being hit by an arrow. The Ghat is considered to be the cremation ground of Lord Krishna.Triveni Ghat has a market 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. Pick up simple, painted Ganesh idols, gems, incense, rudraksh beads, religious books, paintings, Natarajas and statues of almost every deity in the Hindu pantheon. For food they have road side shops Ice creams Shops, Golgappa and sweets shops. For who like to read books they have a book stall you can find every kind of books here.

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Foggy Weather at Ram Jhula in Rishikesh..

Ram Jhula is an iron suspension bridge situated at Muni Ki Reti in Tehri Garhwal disctrict in Indian state of Uttarakhand. Built in the year 1986, over river Ganges to cross the river and is a landmark of Rishikesh.
Ram jhula is located 3 kilometres north of Rishikesh at Muni Ki Reti. There are some of the Hindu ashrams and religious centers like "Gita Bhawan", and "Swargashram" located here.It is also a connecting bridge between Swargashram, Gita Bhawan and other temples with Sivananda Ashram. Though similar in design, this bridge is bigger than Lakshman Jhula. This bridge constructed with the span of 750 feet. Cars and tuk tuks are not allowed to cross the Jhulas, though motorcycles, 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.
On one occasion, the crowds and high winds coming off the Himilayas made the Ram Jhula bounce up and down in the air. In monsoon the view of Ram Jhula and the mountains is cover with the white clouds and you see the nature beauty of the Rishikesh.

More info: http://raftingcampingrishikesh.com/sightseeing-in-rishikesh.html