Rishikesh also spelled Hrishikesh, Rushikesh, or Hrushikesh, is a city and a municipal board in Dehradun district in the Indian state of Uttarakhand. It is holy city for Hindus and a famous centre of pilgrimage.
It is also known as the gateway to the Himalayas and is located around 25 kilometres away from another holy city, Haridwar. Rishikesh is the starting point for traveling to the sites that form the Char Dham pilgrimage — Badrinath, Kedarnath, Gangotri, and Yamunotri.
The place is known as the Tapo Bhumi or the place for meditation of the Gods. Tapovan, on the other bank of the Ganges, houses a temple to Lakshmana. It is believed that Lakshmana, the younger brother of Lord Rama, carried out penances here. The Neelkanth Mahadev temple is believed to be the site where Lord Shiva had drunk the venom that came out during the churning of the ocean. Rishikesh is one of the most popular pilgrim centres and gateway to the Himalayan shrines of Badrinath, Kedarnath, Gangotri, & Yamunotri. The Yoga centres of Rishikesh have enhanced the significance of the place. An International Yoga Week is organized here every year by U. P. Tourism every year between 2nd and 7th February.
History
"Hrsikesa" is a name of Vishnu that means 'lord of the senses'. Rishikesh is a holy city for Hindus located in the foothills of the Himalaya in northern India. The place gets its name after Lord Vishnu who appeared to 'Raibhya Rishi', as a result of his tapasya (austerities), as Lord Hrishikesh. In Skanda Purana, this area is known as 'Kubjamrak' as Lord Vishnu appeared, under a mango tree.
Historically, Rishikesh, has been a part of the legendary 'Kedarkhand' (the present day Garhwal). Legends state that Lord Rama did penance here for killing Ravana, the demon king of Lanka; and Lakshmana, his younger brother, crossed the river Ganga, at a point, where the present 'Lakshman Jhula' bridge stands today, using a jute rope bridge. The 'Kedar Khand' of Skanda Purana, also mentions the existence of Indrakund at this very point. The jute-rope bridge was replaced by iron-rope suspension bridge in 1889, and after it was washed away in the 1924 floods, it was replaced by a stronger present bridge.
The sacred river Ganga flows through Rishikesh. In fact, it is here that the river leaves the Shivalik mountains in the Himalayas and flows out into the plains of northern India. Several temples, ancient as well as new, can be found along the banks of the Ganges in Rishikesh. The city attracts thousands of pilgrims and tourists each year, from within India, as well as from other countries. Rishikesh, sometimes nicknamed "the world capital of Yoga", has numerous yoga centres that also attract tourists. It is believed that meditation in Rishikesh brings one closer to attainment of moksha, as does a dip in the holy river that flows through it. It is also becoming a popular spot for white water rafting enthusiasts, both from India and abroad, as it offers medium to rough rapids in the course of river Ganges.
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 Ganges. These include Rishikesh itself, the commercial and communication hub; the sprawling suburb Muni-ki-Reti or the "sands of the sages"; Shivananda Nagar the home of Sivananda Ashram and the Divine Life Society founded by Swami Sivananda, north of Rishikesh; the temple section of Lakshman Jhula, a little further north; and the assorted Ashrams around Swarg Ashram on the east bank. One can reach the famous Neelakanta Maha Deva Temple from here. The Ganga Arati performed at dusk at the Triveni Ghat is popular with visitors. 'Neelkanth Mahadev Temple', situated 12 km from Rishikesh, amidst forest is also a popular local pilgrimage, along with 'Vasishtha Gufa', (Cave of sage Vasishtha), 21 km up from the town by the Ganges.
Rishikesh is also home to the 120-year old Kailas Ashram Brahmavidyapeetham, an institution dedicated to preserve and promote the traditional Vedantic Studies. Prominent personalities such as Swami Vivekananda, Swami Rama Tirtha and Swami Shivananda have studied in this institution.
In February 1968, The Beatles visited the now-closed Maharishi Mahesh Yogi's ashram in Rishikesh. John Lennon even recorded a song here, titled, 'The Happy Rishikesh Song'. The Beatles composed nearly 48 songs during their time at the Maharishi's ashram, many of which appear on the White Album. Several other artists, including Mike Love of The Beach Boys, Donovan and Gyp Mills, visited the site to contemplate and meditate. More recently, the place has been visited by Hollywood star Kate Winslet.
It is also known as the gateway to the Himalayas and is located around 25 kilometres away from another holy city, Haridwar. Rishikesh is the starting point for traveling to the sites that form the Char Dham pilgrimage — Badrinath, Kedarnath, Gangotri, and Yamunotri.
The place is known as the Tapo Bhumi or the place for meditation of the Gods. Tapovan, on the other bank of the Ganges, houses a temple to Lakshmana. It is believed that Lakshmana, the younger brother of Lord Rama, carried out penances here. The Neelkanth Mahadev temple is believed to be the site where Lord Shiva had drunk the venom that came out during the churning of the ocean. Rishikesh is one of the most popular pilgrim centres and gateway to the Himalayan shrines of Badrinath, Kedarnath, Gangotri, & Yamunotri. The Yoga centres of Rishikesh have enhanced the significance of the place. An International Yoga Week is organized here every year by U. P. Tourism every year between 2nd and 7th February.
History
"Hrsikesa" is a name of Vishnu that means 'lord of the senses'. Rishikesh is a holy city for Hindus located in the foothills of the Himalaya in northern India. The place gets its name after Lord Vishnu who appeared to 'Raibhya Rishi', as a result of his tapasya (austerities), as Lord Hrishikesh. In Skanda Purana, this area is known as 'Kubjamrak' as Lord Vishnu appeared, under a mango tree.
Historically, Rishikesh, has been a part of the legendary 'Kedarkhand' (the present day Garhwal). Legends state that Lord Rama did penance here for killing Ravana, the demon king of Lanka; and Lakshmana, his younger brother, crossed the river Ganga, at a point, where the present 'Lakshman Jhula' bridge stands today, using a jute rope bridge. The 'Kedar Khand' of Skanda Purana, also mentions the existence of Indrakund at this very point. The jute-rope bridge was replaced by iron-rope suspension bridge in 1889, and after it was washed away in the 1924 floods, it was replaced by a stronger present bridge.
The sacred river Ganga flows through Rishikesh. In fact, it is here that the river leaves the Shivalik mountains in the Himalayas and flows out into the plains of northern India. Several temples, ancient as well as new, can be found along the banks of the Ganges in Rishikesh. The city attracts thousands of pilgrims and tourists each year, from within India, as well as from other countries. Rishikesh, sometimes nicknamed "the world capital of Yoga", has numerous yoga centres that also attract tourists. It is believed that meditation in Rishikesh brings one closer to attainment of moksha, as does a dip in the holy river that flows through it. It is also becoming a popular spot for white water rafting enthusiasts, both from India and abroad, as it offers medium to rough rapids in the course of river Ganges.
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 Ganges. These include Rishikesh itself, the commercial and communication hub; the sprawling suburb Muni-ki-Reti or the "sands of the sages"; Shivananda Nagar the home of Sivananda Ashram and the Divine Life Society founded by Swami Sivananda, north of Rishikesh; the temple section of Lakshman Jhula, a little further north; and the assorted Ashrams around Swarg Ashram on the east bank. One can reach the famous Neelakanta Maha Deva Temple from here. The Ganga Arati performed at dusk at the Triveni Ghat is popular with visitors. 'Neelkanth Mahadev Temple', situated 12 km from Rishikesh, amidst forest is also a popular local pilgrimage, along with 'Vasishtha Gufa', (Cave of sage Vasishtha), 21 km up from the town by the Ganges.
Rishikesh is also home to the 120-year old Kailas Ashram Brahmavidyapeetham, an institution dedicated to preserve and promote the traditional Vedantic Studies. Prominent personalities such as Swami Vivekananda, Swami Rama Tirtha and Swami Shivananda have studied in this institution.
In February 1968, The Beatles visited the now-closed Maharishi Mahesh Yogi's ashram in Rishikesh. John Lennon even recorded a song here, titled, 'The Happy Rishikesh Song'. The Beatles composed nearly 48 songs during their time at the Maharishi's ashram, many of which appear on the White Album. Several other artists, including Mike Love of The Beach Boys, Donovan and Gyp Mills, visited the site to contemplate and meditate. More recently, the place has been visited by Hollywood star Kate Winslet.
General Information
Area:-11.20 sq km
Altitude:-356 metres
Season:-Throughout the year.
Clothing:-Summer- Cotton/Tropical; Winter- Woollens.
Temp.(deg C): -Summer- Max 44.4, Min 29; Winter- Max 32.2, Min 3.
STD Code:-01364
Access
Air: The nearest airport is Dehradun (Jolly Grant)-18 kms.
Rail: Rishikesh is connected to all the major places of India via Haridwar.
Road: Rishikesh is well connected to Haridwar (24 kms), Dehradun (42 kms), Mussoorie (77 kms), Badrinath (301 kms), Gouri Kund (214 kms & then by trek to Kedarnath 14 kms), Hanuman Chatti (275 kms & then by trek to Yamunotri 13 kms), Gangotri (258 kms), Srinagar/UP (105 kms), Joshimath (252 kms), Nainital (260 kms), Lucknow (555 kms), Delhi (238 kms), Agra (398 kms).
Places of Interest
Lakshman Jhula - This suspended iron bridge was built in 1939 and has been a major attraction among the tourists. It is said that Lakshman crossed Ganga on jute ropes between the places 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 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 is 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 excavations 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 km from Rishikesh and is surrounded by peaceful forests.
Other Places of Interest
Pushkar Temple (1.6 kms), Triveni Ghat, Shatrughan Temple, Shivanand Ashram, Gita Bhawan, Kailash Ashram and Academy of Meditation, Parmarth Niketan (8 kms), Sadanand Jhoola.
Excursions
Haridwar (24 kms), Gangotri (253 km), Dehradun (45 kms), Yamunotri (226 kms), Mussoorie (77 km), Neelkanth (12 kms), Shivpuri (16 kms), Rajaji National Park (15 kms), Chilla (18 kms), Kedarnath (228 kms), Narendernagar (16 kms), Badrinath (203 km)
Area:-11.20 sq km
Altitude:-356 metres
Season:-Throughout the year.
Clothing:-Summer- Cotton/Tropical; Winter- Woollens.
Temp.(deg C): -Summer- Max 44.4, Min 29; Winter- Max 32.2, Min 3.
STD Code:-01364
Access
Air: The nearest airport is Dehradun (Jolly Grant)-18 kms.
Rail: Rishikesh is connected to all the major places of India via Haridwar.
Road: Rishikesh is well connected to Haridwar (24 kms), Dehradun (42 kms), Mussoorie (77 kms), Badrinath (301 kms), Gouri Kund (214 kms & then by trek to Kedarnath 14 kms), Hanuman Chatti (275 kms & then by trek to Yamunotri 13 kms), Gangotri (258 kms), Srinagar/UP (105 kms), Joshimath (252 kms), Nainital (260 kms), Lucknow (555 kms), Delhi (238 kms), Agra (398 kms).
Places of Interest
Lakshman Jhula - This suspended iron bridge was built in 1939 and has been a major attraction among the tourists. It is said that Lakshman crossed Ganga on jute ropes between the places 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 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 is 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 excavations 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 km from Rishikesh and is surrounded by peaceful forests.
Other Places of Interest
Pushkar Temple (1.6 kms), Triveni Ghat, Shatrughan Temple, Shivanand Ashram, Gita Bhawan, Kailash Ashram and Academy of Meditation, Parmarth Niketan (8 kms), Sadanand Jhoola.
Excursions
Haridwar (24 kms), Gangotri (253 km), Dehradun (45 kms), Yamunotri (226 kms), Mussoorie (77 km), Neelkanth (12 kms), Shivpuri (16 kms), Rajaji National Park (15 kms), Chilla (18 kms), Kedarnath (228 kms), Narendernagar (16 kms), Badrinath (203 km)
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