Rishikesh

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.

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)

Badrinath

Badrinath is a Hindu holy town and a nagar panchayat in Chamoli district in the state of Uttarakhand, India. It is the most important of the four sites in India's Char Dham pilgrimage, and for the Badrinath temple.

Geography

Badrinath is located at 30°44′N 79°29′E / 30.73°N 79.48°E / 30.73; 79.48.^[1] It has an average elevation of 3,415 metres (11,204 feet). It is in the Garhwal hills, on the banks of the Alaknanda River. The town lies between the Nar and Narayana mountain ranges and in the shadow of Nilkantha peak (6,560m). Badrinath is located 301 km north of Rishikesh. From Gaurikund (near Kedarnath) to Badrinath by road is 233 km.

Significance

Badrinath was established as a major pilgrimage site by Adi Shankara in the ninth century. In recent years its popularity has increased significantly, with an estimated 600,000 pilgrims visiting during the 2006 season,^[2] compared to 90,676 in 1961.^[3] The temple in Badrinath is also a sacred pilgrimage site for Vaishnavites.

Badrinath has been mentioned as a holy place in scriptures and legends for thousands of years. According to the Bhagavata Purana, "There in Badrikashram the Personality of Godhead (Vishnu), in his incarnation as the sages Nara and Narayana, had been undergoing great penance since time immemorial for the welfare of all living entities." (Bhagavata Purana 3.4.22)

Badri refers to a berry that was said to grow abundantly in the area, and nath means "Lord of". Badri is also the Sanskrit name for the Indian Jujube tree^[4], which has an edible berry. Some scriptural references refer to Jujube trees being abundant in Badrinath.

Badrinath Temple

The Badrinath temple is the main attraction in the town. According to legend Shankara discovered a black stone image of Lord Badrinarayan made of Saligram stone in the Alaknanda River. He originally enshrined it in a cave near the Tapt Kund hot springs.^[3][5] In the sixteenth century, the King of Garhwal moved the murti to the present temple.^[3]

The temple has undergone several major renovations because of age and damage by avalanche.^[5] In the 17th century, the temple was expanded by the kings of Garhwal. After significant damage in the great 1803 Himalayan earthquake, it was rebuilt by the King of Jaipur.^[6][7]

The temple is approximately 50 ft (15 m) tall with a small cupola on top, covered with a gold gilt roof.^[3] The facade is built of stone, with arched windows. A broad stairway leads up to a tall arched gateway, which is the main entrance. The architecture resembles a Buddhist vihara (temple), with the brightly painted facade also more typical of Buddhist temples.^[7] Just inside is the mandapa, a large pillared hall that leads to the garbha grha, or main shrine area. The walls and pillars of the mandapa are covered with intricate carvings.^[7]

History and legend

The Badrinath area is referred to as Badari or Badarikaashram (बदरिकाश्रम) in Hindu scriptures. It is a place sacred to Vishnu, particularly in Vishnu's dual form of Nara-Narayana. Thus, in the Mahabharata, Siva, addressing Arjuna, says, "Thou wast Nara in a former body, and, with Narayana for thy companion, didst perform dreadful austerity at Badari for many myriads of years."^[8]

One legend has it that when the goddess Ganga was requested to descend to earth to help suffering humanity, the earth was unable to withstand the force of her descent. Therefore the mighty Ganga was split into twelve holy channels, with Alaknanda one of them.

The mountains around Badrinath are mentioned in the Mahabharata, when the Pandavas are said to have ended their life by ascending the slopes of a peak in western Garhwal called Swargarohini - literally, the 'Ascent to Heaven'. Local legend has it that the Pandavas passed through Badrinath and the town of Mana, 4 km north of Badrinath, on their way to Svarga (heaven). There is also a cave in Mana where Vyasa, according to legend, wrote the Mahabharata.^[3]

The area around Badrinath was celebrated in Padma Purana as abounding in spiritual treasures.^[3]

Pilgrimage

Located only a few kilometers from the Indo-China (Tibet) border, Badrinath is generally a two-day-long journey from either Kedarnath, the site that precedes it in the Char Dham circuit, or one of the main disembarkation points on the plains. Hemkund Sahib, an important Sikh pilgrimage site, is on the way to Badrinath, so the road is especially crowded during the summer pilgrimage season. The temple and its substantial surrounding village are accessible by road. The best time to visit Badrinath is between June and September. Warm clothes are recommended all year.

The northern math established by Adi Sankara is nearby at Jyotirmath. Other places in the area are Haridwar and Rishikesh.

Transport

The nearest airport is the Jolly Grant Airport near Dehradun, (317 km). The nearest railway stations are at Haridwar (310 km) and Rishikesh(297 km) and Kotdwar, (327 km) respectively. There are regular buses operating to Badrinath, from New Delhi, Haridwar and Rishikesh. As the roads are very narrow, for your safety it is recommended to travel by all terrain vehicles. Until recently you could not drive here, but now you can drive right up next to the temple.

4 # Business Quotes

# That which is everybody's business is nobody's business.—Izaak Walton.
# Formerly when great fortunes were only made in war, war was a business; but now, when great fortunes are only made by business, business is war.—Bovee.
# Call on a business man at business times only, and on business, transact your business and go about your business, in order to give him time to finish his business.—Duke of Wellington.
# Men of great parts are often unfortunate in the management of public business, because they are apt to go out of the common road by the quickness of their imagination.—Swift.
# It is very sad for a man to make himself servant to a thing, his manhood all taken out of him by the hydraulic pressure of excessive business. I should not like to be merely a great doctor, a great lawyer, a great minister, a great politician—I should like to be also something of a man.—Theodore Parker.
# Not because of any extraordinary talents did he succeed, but because he had a capacity on a level for business and not above it.—Tacitus.
# The great secret both of health and successful industry is the absolute yielding up of one's consciousness to the business and diversion of the hour—never permitting the one to infringe in the least degree upon the other.—Sismondi.
# Few people do business well who do nothing else.—Chesterfield.

1 # Tales Of Wisdom

# THE GOOSE THAT LAID THE GOLDEN EGGS
A Man and his Wife had the good fortune to possess a Goose which laid a Golden Egg every day. Lucky though they were, they soon began to think they were not getting rich fast enough, and, imagining the bird must be made of gold inside, they decided to kill it in order to secure the whole store of precious metal at once. But when they cut it open they found it was just like any other goose. Thus, they neither got rich all at once, as they had hoped, nor enjoyed any longer the daily addition to their wealth.
The moral is : Much wants more and loses all.

# THE CAT AND THE MICE
There was once a house that was overrun with Mice. A Cat heard of this, and said to herself, “That's the place for me,” and off she went and took up her quarters in the house, and caught the Mice one by one and ate them. At last the Mice could stand it no longer, and they determined to take to their holes and stay there. “That's awkward,” said the Cat to herself: “the only thing to do is to coax them out by a trick.” So she considered a while, and then climbed up the wall and let herself hang down by her hind legs from a peg, and pretended to be dead. By and by a Mouse peeped out and saw the Cat hanging there. “Aha!” it cried, “you're very clever, madam, no doubt: but you may turn yourself into a bag of meal hanging there, if you like, yet you won't catch us coming anywhere near you.”
The moral is : If you are wise you won't be deceived by the innocent airs of those whom you have once found to be dangerous.

# THE MISCHIEVOUS DOG
There was once a Dog who used to snap at people and bite them without any provocation, and who was a great nuisance to every one who came to his master's house. So his master fastened a bell round his neck to warn people of his presence. The Dog was very proud of the bell, and strutted about tinkling it with immense satisfaction. But an old dog came up to him and said, “The fewer airs you give yourself the better, my friend. You don't think, do you, that your bell was given you as a reward of merit? On the contrary, it is a badge of
disgrace.” The moral is : Notoriety is often mistaken for fame.

3 # Business Quotes

# There are two reasons why some people don't mind their own business. One is that they haven't any mind, the other that they haven't any business.
# "I'm a very busy man, sir. What is your proposition?"
"I want to make you rich."
"Just so. Leave your recipe with me and I'll look it over later. Just now I'm engaged in closing up a little deal by which I expect to make $3.50 in real money."
# A teacher asked those pupils who wanted to go to heaven to raise their hands. All except little Ikey's hands went up. The teacher asked him if he didn't want to go to heaven and Ikey replied that he had heard his father tell his mother that 'Business had all gone to hell' and Ikey wanted to go where the business had gone.
# "There is one respect in which a live business man isn't like a tree."
"What is that?"
"If he remains rooted to the spot, he can't branch out."
# First Merchant (as reported in the New York "Trade Record")—"How's business?"
Second Merchant—"Picking up a little. One of our men got a $5,000 order yesterday."
"Go away. I don't believe that."
"Honest he did—I'll show you the cancellation."
# A business man advertised for an office boy. The next morning there were some fifty boys in line. He was about to begin examining the applicants when his stenographer handed him a card on which was scribbled:
"Don't do anything until you see me. I'm the last kid in line, but I'm telling you I'm there with the goods."
# Unfortunate Pedestrian (who has been knocked down and dazed)—"Where am I? Where am I?" Enterprising Hawker—"'Ere y'are, sir—map of London, one penny."—Punch.

2 # Business Quotes

# Your role in achieving your goal must be giving your all. Involve yourself whole: with your heart, your mind and your soul. -Victoria Holtz
# Know your goal, make a plan and pull the trigger.- Phil C. McGraw
# The real contest is always between what you've done and what you're capable of doing. You measure yourself against yourself and nobody else.- Geoffrey Gaberino
# Our work is the presentation of our capabilities.- Johann Wolfgang Von Goethe
# Feel the power of team work; If you know that a drop of water easily gets dried And a pool of water hardly gets dried.- Brian Hu
# The great rule is not to talk about money with people who have much more or much less than you.— Katharine Whitehorn
# A thing is worth whatever the buyer will pay for it.— Publilius Syrus
# The only way to enjoy anything in this life is to earn it first.— Ginger Rogers
# Men too involved in details usually become unable to deal with great matters.— Francois de La Rochefoucauld
# The key to everything is patience.You get the chicken by hatching the egg--not by smashing it.— Ellen Glasgow
# Well done is better than well said.— Benjamin Franklin
# There are only two ways of getting on in the world; by one’s own industry, or by the weaknesses of others.— Jean de La Bruyere

1 # Business Quotes

# An expert is a man who makes his mistakes quietly.-saying
# Before salespeople can sell something to others, they must first sell it to themselves.-saying
# A banker is a man who lends you an umbrella when the weather is fair, and takes it away from you when it rains.-saying
# It takes less to keep an old customer satisfied than to get a new customer interested.-saying
# Advertising moves the goods—if it’s good advertising. Bad advertising doesn’t move the goods because it doesn’t move the buyers.-saying
# One ad is worth more to a paper than forty editorials.— Will Rogers
# Advertising may be described as the science of arresting the human intelligence long enough to get money from it.— Stephen Leacock
# No warning can save a people determined to grow suddenly rich.— Lord Overstone
# If you don’t sell, it’s not the product that’s wrong, it’s you.— Estée Lauder
# When you stop talking, you’ve lost your customer.— Estée Lauder
# Everyone lives by selling something.— Robert Louis Stevenson
# Any fool can paint a picture, but it takes a wise man to be able to sell it.— Samuel Butler

Haridwar (Gateway to God)

Haridwar (also spelled Hardwar) is a holy city of Uttarakhand, India. In Sanskrit, Haridwar stands for Dwar of Hari or Gateway to God, 'Hari' meaning god and 'dwar' meaning gate. Haridwar is regarded as one of the seven holiest places to Hindus. River Ganga after flowing for 253 km. from its source at Gaumukh, at the edge of the Gangotri Glacier, enters the Indo-Gangetic Plain of North India for the first time at Haridwar, and this is what gave the city its ancient name, Gangadwára , the place where the Ganges descends to the plains.

According to Hindu scriptures, Haridwar is one among the four sites where drops of the elixir of immortality, Amrit, accidentally spilled over from the pitcher, in which it was being carried away by the celestial bird Garuda, after the Samudra manthan. So on these four sacred spots – Ujjain, Haridwar, Nasik, and Allahabad – the Kumbha Mela is celebrated once every 3 years in rotation, and also in any of these 4 places the Maha Kumbha Mela is celebrated every 12th year in rotation. Millions of pilgrims, devotees, and tourists congregate here from all over the world to celebrate the event. They perform ritualistic bathing on the banks of the river Ganga, which is considered to be the equivalent of washing away one's sins to attain Moksha. The spot where the Amrit fell is considered to be the Brahma Kund at Har ki Pauri (literally, "footsteps of the Lord,"), the most sacred ghat of Haridwar.

A paradise for nature lovers, Haridwar presents a kaleidoscope of Indian culture and civilization. In the scriptures it has been variously mentioned as Kapilsthan, Gangadwar and Mayapuri.  It is also an entry point to the Char Dham (the four main centers of pilgrimage in Uttarakhand viz, Badrinath, Kedarnath, Gangotri, and Yamunotri), hence, Shaivaites  (followers of Lord Shiva) and Vaishnavites  (followers of Lord Vishnu) call this place Hardwar and Haridwar respectively, corresponding to Har being Shiv and Hari being Vishnu.

# Important : neither alcohol nor non-vegetarian food is permitted in Haridwar.

TRANSPORT

Haridwar is headquarters of Haridwar district and it has good connectivity with the other towns of the district and the state.

Road

National Highway 58, between Delhi and Mana Pass passes through Haridwar connecting it with Ghaziabad, Meerut, Muzzafarnagar, Roorkee and Badrinath and National Highway 74 originating from Haridwar connects it with Kashipur, Kichha, Nagina, Pilibhit and Bareilly.

Rail
The Haridwar Junction Railway Station located in Haridwar is under the control of the Northern Railway zone of the Indian Railways. It has direct links the major cities of India such as Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, Chennai, Indore, Jaipur, Ahmedabad.

Air
The nearest domestic airport is Jolly Grant Airport in Dehradun which is a located 35 km from Haridwar. Indira Gandhi International Airport in New Delhi is the nearest International Airport.

PLACES OF INTEREST
In Hindu traditions, the 'Panch Tirth' (Five Pilgrimages) within Haridwar, are Gangadwara  (Har ki Pauri), Kushwart (Ghat in Kankhal), Bilwa Teerth (Mansa Devi Temple) and Neel Parvat (Chandi Devi Temple).

Har ki Pauri
This sacred Ghat was constructed by King Vikramaditya (1st century BC) in memory of his brother Bhrithari. It is believed that Bhrithari came to Haridwar and meditated on the banks of holy Ganga. When he died, his brother constructed a Ghat in his name, which later came to be known as Har-Ki-Pauri. The most sacred ghat within Har-ki-Pauri is Brahmakund. The evening prayer at dusk (Aarti) offered to Goddess Ganga at Har-Ki-Pauri (steps of God Hara or Shiva) is an enchanting experience for any visitor. A spectacle of sound and colour is seen when, after the ceremony, pilgrims float diyas (floral floats with lamps) and incense on the river, commemorating their deceased ancestors. Thousands of people from all round the world do make a point to attend this prayer on their visit to haridwar. A majority of present ghats were largely developed in the 1800s.

Chandi Devi Temple
The temple is dedicated to Goddess Chandi, who sits atop the 'Neel Parvat' on the eastern bank of river Ganga. It was constructed in 1929 A.D. by the king of Kashmir, Suchat Singh. Skanda Purana mentions a legend, in which Chanda-Munda, the Army Chief of a local Demon Kings Shumbh and Nishumbha were killed by goddess Chandi here, after which the place got the name Chandi Devi. It is believed that the main statue was established by the Adi Shankracharya in 8th century A.D. The temple is a 3 km trek from Chandighat and can also be reached through a ropeway.

Mansa Devi Temple
Situated at the top of Bilwa Parwat, the temple of Goddess Mansa Devi, literally meaning the Goddess who fulfills desires (Mansa), is a popular tourist destination, especially because of the cable cars, which offer a picturesque view of the entire city. The main temple houses two idols of the Goddess, one with three mouths and five arms, while the other one has eight arms.

Maya Devi Temple
Dating to the 11th century, this ancient temple of Maya Devi, the Adhisthatri deity of Hardwar, is considered one of the Siddhapethas and is said to be the place where the heart and navel of Goddess Sati had fallen. It is one of few ancient temples still standing in Haridwar, along with Narayani Shila temple and Bhairav Temple.

Daksheswara Mahadev Temple
The ancient temple of Daksha Mahadev also known as Daksheswara Mahadev Temple, is situated in the south Kankhal town. According to Hindu texts, King Daksha Prajapati, father of Dakshayani (Sati), Lord Shiva's first wife, performed a yagna, to which he deliberately did not invite Lord Shiva. When he arrived uninvited, he was further insulted by the king, seeing which Sati felt infuriated and self-immolated herself in the yagna kund.King Daksha was later killed by the demon Virabhadra, born out of Shiva's anger. Later the king was brought to life and given a goat's head by Shiva. Daksha Mahadev temple is a tribute to this legend.

Neel Dhara Pakshi Vihar
This Bird Sanctuary is situated on the main Ganga river, or Neel Dhara, at the Bhimgoda barrage, it is a paradise for bird watchers and home to many migratory birds during the winter season.

Sati Kund
Sati Kund, another well-known mythological heritage worth a visit is situated in the Kankhal. Legend has it that Sati immolated herself in this kund.

Bhimgoda Tank
This tank is situated at a distance of about 1 km from Har ki Pauri. It is said that while Pandavas were going to Himalayas through Haridwar, prince Bhima drew water from the rocks here by thrusting his knee, or goda, to the very ground.

Jairam Ashram
Famous for its diorama exhibition, and a massive white statue depicting the famous Samudra manthan episode, a must-see for any visitor.

Sapt Rishi Ashram and Sapt Sarovar
A picturesque place near Haridwar, where seven great sages or Saptarishis, namely Kashyapa, Vashisht, Atri, Vishwamitra, Jamadagni, Bharadwaja and Gautam, said to have meditated. Ganga split herself into seven currents at this place so that the Rishis would not be disturbed by the flow.

Parad Shivling
Situated in Harihar Ashram, Kankhal. Shivling weighing about 150 kg and Rudraksha tree are the main attractions here.

Ramanand Ashram
Situated in shravan nath nagar of the town near railway station, this is the main ashram of Ramanand Sampraday in Haridwar.

Ram Mandir
This mandir is under construction near Saptarishi marge, at Bhupatwala. Mandir is being constructed by Swami Ramanandacharya Smarak Seva Nyays headed by Jagadguru Ramanandacharya Swami Ramnareshacharya of Sri math, Panchganga Ghat, Varanasi. This Ram temple would be biggest in India.

Doodhadhari Barfani Temple
Part of the ashram of Doodhadhari Barfani Baba, this temple complex in white marble is one of most beautiful temples in Haridwar, especially the temples of Ram-Sita and Hanuman.

Sureshvari Devi Temple
Temple of Goddess Sureshwari, situated in midst of beautiful Rajaji National Park. Serene and religious makes this temple abode of worshipers, saints etc. Located at outskirts of Haridwar in Ranipur and permission from forest rangers is necessary.

Paavan Dham
A modern temple, made entirely of glass pieces, and now a popular tourist destination.

Bharat Mata Mandir
A multi-storey temple, dedicated to Bharat Mata, Mother India, with each floor depicting an era in the Indian History, from the days of Ramayan till India's independence.

Anandamayi Maa Ashram
Situated in Kankhal, one of five sub-cities of Haridwar, the ashram houses the samadhi shrine of Sri Anandamoyi Ma (1896–1982), a noted saint of India.

The Eight Limbs of Ashtanga Yoga

The sage Patanjali outlined eight aspects—or "limbs"— of spiritual yogic practice in his Yoga Sutras:

• Yama (moral codes)
• Niyama (self-purification and study)
• Asana (posture)
• Pranayama (breath control)
• Pratyahara (sense control)
• Dharana (concentration)
• Dhyana (meditation)
• Samadhi (contemplation) ^[6]

The first four limbs—yama, niyama, asana and pranayama—are considered external cleansing practices.

• 1 # Yama (moral codes)

In the Yoga Sutras of Patañjali, the yamas are the first limb of the eight limbs of Raja Yoga. They are found in the Sadhana Pada Verse 30 as:

1. Ahimsa : non-harming
2. Satya : absence of falsehood
3. Asteya : non-stealing
4. Brahmacharya : appropriate use of vital essence
5. Aparigraha : absence of avarice

• 2 # Niyama (self-purification and study)

In Patanjali's Yoga Sutras, the Niyamas are the second limb of the eight limbs of Raja Yoga.They are found in the Sadhana Pada Verse 32 as:

1. Shaucha: in the traditional codification, this item is listed under Yamas; this word means purity.
2. Santosha: contentment.
3. Tapas: austerity.
4. Svādhyāya: self-study or study of spiritual scriptures.
5. Ishvarapranidhana: self-surrender.

• 3 # Asana (posture)

In the Yoga Sutras, Patanjali describes asana as the third of the eight limbs of classical, or Raja Yoga. Asanas are the physical movements of yoga practice and, in combination with pranayama or breathing techniques constitute the style of yoga referred to as Hatha Yoga.^[6] In the Yoga Sutra, Patanjali describes asana as a "firm, comfortable posture", referring specifically to the seated posture, most basic of all the asanas. He further suggests that meditation is the path to samādhi; transpersonal self-realization. ^[7]

The eight limbs are, in order, the yamas (restrictions), niyamas (observances), asanas (postures), pranayama (breath work), pratyahara (sense withdrawal or non-attachment), dharana (concentration), dhyana (meditation), and samadhi (realization of the true Self or Atman, and unity with Brahman (The Hindu Concept of God)).^[5][7]

• 4 # Pranayama (breath control)

Pranayama is the fourth 'limb' of the eight limbs of Raja Yoga mentioned in verse 2.29 in the Yoga Sutras of Patanjali.^[9][29] Patanjali discusses his specific approach to pranayama in verses 2.49 through 2.51, and devotes verses 2.52 and 2.53 to explaining the benefits of the practice.^[30] Patanjali does not fully elucidate the nature of prana, and the theory and practice of pranayama seem to have undergone significant development after him.^[31] He presents pranayama as essentially an exercise that is preliminary to concentration, as do the earlier Buddhist texts.^[31]

Many yoga teachers advise that pranayama should be part of an overall practice that includes the other limbs of Patanjali's Raja Yoga teachings, especially Yama, Niyama, and Asana.^[32]

• 5 # Pratyahara (sense control)

Pratyahara or the 'withdrawal of the senses' is the fifth element among the Eight stages of Patanjali's Ashtanga Yoga ^[1], as mentioned in his classical work, Yoga Sutras of Patanjali written in 2 BCE ^[2].

This involves withdrawal of senses, or sensory inputs into our physical being, coming from our five senses, namely organs creating a sensory overload, and hence hinders collection of the mind, as in Dharana, the next stage of Yoga ^[5]

• 6 # Dharana (concentration)

Dhāraṇā is the sixth stage, step or limb of eight elucidated by Patanjali's Ashtanga Yoga or Raja Yoga.

Dhāraṇā (from Sanskrit dhāraṇā) is translated as "collection or concentration of the mind.

• 7 # Dhyana (meditation)

According to Patañjali, this is one method of achieving the initial concentration (dhāraṇā: Yoga Sutras, III: 1) necessary for the mind to become introverted in meditation (dhyāna: Yoga Sutras, III: 2). In deeper practice of the technique, the mind concentrated between the eyebrows begins to automatically lose all location and focus on the watching itself. Eventually, the meditator experiences only the consciousness of existence and achieves self realization. Swami Vivekananda describes the process in the following way:

When the mind has been trained to remain fixed on a certain internal or external location, there comes to it the power of flowing in an unbroken current, as it were, towards that point. This state is called dhyana. When one has so intensified the power of dhyana as to be able to reject the external part of perception and remain meditating only on the internal part, the meaning, that state is called Samadhi.^[1]

• 8 # Samadhi (contemplation) ^[6]

This is generally interpreted to mean that samādhi is a state of complete control (samadhana) over the functions and distractions of consciousness.

Samādhi is described in different ways within Hinduism such as the state of being aware of one’s existence without thinking, in a state of undifferentiated “beingness" or as an altered state of consciousness that is characterized by bliss (ānanda) and joy (sukha). Nisargadatta Maharaj describes the state in the following manner:

When you say you sit for meditation, the first thing to be done is understand that it is not this body identification that is sitting for meditation, but this knowledge ‘I am’, this consciousness, which is sitting in meditation and is meditating on itself. When this is finally understood, then it becomes easy. When this consciousness, this conscious presence, merges in itself, the state of ‘Samadhi’ ensues. It is the conceptual feeling that I exist that disappears and merges into the beingness itself. So this conscious presence also gets merged into that knowledge, that beingness – that is ‘Samadhi’.^[6]

Daily meditation is required to attain samādhi. The initial experience of it is enlightenment and it is the beginning of the process of meditating to attain self-realization (tapas). "There is a difference between the enlightenment of samādhi and self-realization. When a person achieves enlightenment, that person starts doing tapas to realize the self."^[7]

2 # Wisdom For Money & Wealth

# He who gives up shyness in monetary dealings, in acquiring knowledge, in eating and in business, becomes happy.
# Accumulated wealth is saved by spending, just as incoming fresh water is saved by letting out stagnant water.
# He who has wealth has friends and relations; he alone survives and is respected as a man.
# Low class men desire wealth; middle class men both wealth and respect; but the noble, honour only; hence honour is the noble man's true wealth.
# O wise man! Give your wealth only to the worthy and never to others. The water of the sea received by the clouds is always sweet. The rainwater enlivens all living beings of the earth both movable (insects, animals, humans, etc.) and immovable (plants, trees, etc.), and then returns to the ocean where its value is multiplied a million fold.
# Poverty is set off by fortitude; shabby garments by keeping them clean; bad food by warming it; and ugliness by good behaviour.
# One destitute of wealth is not destitute, he is indeed rich (if he is learned); but the man devoid of learning is destitute in every way.
# Fate makes a beggar a king and a king a beggar. He makes a rich man poor and a poor man rich.
# He who is not shy in the acquisition of wealth, grain and knowledge, and in taking his meals, will be happy.
# As centesimal droppings will fill a pot so also are knowledge, virtue and wealth gradually obtained.

Chanakya Nitishastra

1 # Wisdom For Money & Wealth

# Save your wealth against future calamity. Do not say, "What fear has a rich man, of calamity?" When riches begin to forsake one even the accumulated stock dwindles away.
# Do not inhabit a country where you are not respected, cannot earn your livelihood, have no friends, or cannot acquire knowledge.
# Lakshmi, the Goddess of wealth, comes of Her own accord where fools are not respected, grain is well stored up, and the husband and wife do not quarrel.
# Learning is like a cow of desire. It, like her, yields in all seasons. Like a mother, it feeds you on your journey.  Therefore learning is a hidden treasure.
# Consider again and again the following: the right time, the right friends, the right place, the right means of income, the right ways of spending, and from whom you derive your power.
# As gold is tested in four ways by rubbing, cutting, heating and beating -- so a man should be tested by these four things: his renunciation, his conduct, his qualities and his actions.
# Rain which falls upon the sea is useless; so is food for one who is satiated; in vain is a gift for one who is wealthy; and a burning lamp during the daytime is useless.
# There is no water like rainwater; no strength like one's own; no light like that of the eyes; and no wealth more dear than food grain.
# To wake at the proper time; to take a bold stand and fight; to make a fair division (of property) among relations; and to earn one's own bread by personal exertion are the four excellent things to be learned from a cock.

Chanakya Nitishastra

Gifts Of God For Life

LOVE & COMPASSION -The Divine Gift Of God For Humanity!
EYES -To See The Beauty in Every Creation of God!
HANDS - To Protect The Nature And To Do Creative Work!
HEART - To Feel The Miseries of Others And be Helpful!
MIND - Always Think Good, Do not Create Trouble For Others!
EARS - Listen The Song & Rhythm of Life And Nature!
LEGS - Forever Put Your Foot Forward in Right Direction!
TONGUE - Always Speak Truth, Speak Gently & Politely. Do not Hurt Others!

Copyright- Rajnish Singh, All Rights Reserved.

THE HIMALAYA

The Greatest Mountain,
Crown Of India.
Fully Covered With Silvery Snow.
What Attraction? I Know.
It’s Green Valleys,
Beautiful Flowers,
Always Attract Nature Lovers.
It’s Waterfalls And Lakes,
Which See People Awake.
It’s Beauty Out Of Explanation,
It Is India’s Heaven.
It’s High Peaks,
Kisses Beloved Sky Cheeks.
It Is Best Place For,
Spiritual Meditation.
It’s Solitude Influence,
Artists, Poets And Holy Men.
It’s White Radiance,
Increases It’s Beauty And Eminence.
It’s Sight In Leisure,
Gives Absolute Pleasure.
The Sacred Place Of Gods,
Which Attract Me Most.

Copyright- Rajnish Singh, All Rights Reserved.

NATURE

In Nature,
High Mountains, Large Rivers,
Dense Forests, Trees And Birds,
Flowers & Green Valleys,
Waterfalls & Great Oceans
Every One Is Calling Us!
Mountain Says-More Challenges Are In Life!
River Says-Do Not Stop Explore The World!
Dense Forest Says-Solve Their Mystery!
Bird Says-Listen Their Love Song!
Ocean Says- Understand My Depth & Hugeness!
Valley Says- Miss Yourself In My Greenery!
Waterfall Says- Listen My Music And Rhythm!
Flower Says- Respect My Beauty & Aroma!
Nature Is Really Mysterious And Enchanting!
But Everyone Can’t See This Beauty & Call,
Its Need Respect Of Beauty, Creative Eye
& Solitude That’s All!
Then We Can Understand This Call!

Copyright- Rajnish Singh, All Rights Reserved.

LOVE

It Is Immortal & Sacred
It Has No Definition!
It Related To Heart And Mind
Blow Like Wind!
It Is Very Vital
Whether It Is Little!
It Is Way To God
Lights The Life Load!
It Gives Charm & Pleasure
Life’s Real Treasure!
In Which Life Lack Of Love
Always Surround With Anxiety, Tension & Drug!
It Gives Power And Happiness
Helps To Identify Our Existence!
It Is Energizer For Lovers
Spiritual Bliss For Saints!

Copyright- Rajnish Singh, All Rights Reserved.