Rishikesh: The Yoga capital of India
Rishikesh is known as the land of yoga, suspension bridges & countless temples. Rishikesh was the second stop on my trip to Uttarakhand and the place is full of positive energy. A must do activity in Rishikesh is just walk around Ram & Lakshman jhula and soak into the soothing beauty of Ganga river.
For urban dwellers like me, Rishikesh was only known for adventurous sports like river rafting, bungee jumping, river crossing, etc. This trip however, gave many new insights into the religious and spiritual experience that one can enjoy at Rishikesh.
Laxman (Lakshman) Jhula
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| Lakshman Jhula from Trayambakeshwar Mandir |
Lakshman Jhula is a 450 feet long an iron suspension bridge located in the Tapovan area of Rishikesh. It is one of the most prominent landmarks and must see places at Rishikesh. It is made over river Ganges to cross the river and is always crowded with pedestrians and two wheeler traffic. It is also crowded with local vendors trying to sell eatables and souvenirs. One can find many photographers offering quick photo prints to take home as a remembrance.
It is said that Lakshman crossed river Ganga on jute ropes near the same place where this bridge is built. Hence it derives the name. The views from the Lakshman jhula are spectacular. You can view numerous temples on the banks of the river Ganga with a mountain covered with dense forest in the background.
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| Lakshman Jhula |
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| View from Lakshman Jhula |
The most prominent view from the Lakshman jhula is the 13 storey Trayambakeshwar temple and once you start walking on the bridge you get glimpses of the mighty river Ganga.
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| Trayambakeshwar Mandir from Lakshman Jhula |
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| View from Lakshman Jhula |
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| Me @ Lakshman Jhula |
Ram Jhula
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| Ram Jhula |
Ram Jhula is situated about 1 km south of Lakshman jhula and it is also an iron suspension bridge. It is made over river Ganga to cross the river and is a landmark of Rishikesh. The fresh air and sound of flowing water, the scenic beauty of the region can be seen from the bridge. Similar to the Lakshman jhula, this bridge is also crowded with pedestrians and two wheeler traffic. Once you crossover to the other side of the bridge there are many temples and ashrams which one can visit on foot.
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| Ram Jhula |
First on the list is Gita Bhavan. The place is has a nice calm feeling. There are many devotees who come here to read the Gita and Ramayana.
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| Gita Bhavan |
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| Me @ Ram Jhula |
Trayambakeshwar Temple
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| Trayambakeshwar Mandir |
The very first sight to get to view as start walking on the Lakshman Jhula, is the Trayambakeshwar temple. Located on the eastern bank of the river Ganga near Lakshman Jhula Bridge, is this 13 storey high temple, with different deities throughout. It is similar to the Vaishno Devi Mata temple at Kullu with temples of various deities in the same premise as we keep moving ahead.
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| Lakshman Jhula from Trayambakeshwar Mandir |
It will away ones breath to keep climbing to the top but the soothing breeze from the river Ganga takes away the tiredness. On the way to the top winding through the corridors we come across small temples of various Hindu deities along with small shops selling idols, rings, bangles, artificial jewelry, souvenirs, etc
Once you reach the top, there is a temple dedicated to Lord Shiva. The view from the top of the river Ganga and the Laxman jhula is amazing. It is also amazing to witness the sunset from up here. A must visit place in Rishikesh especially in the evening.
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| View from Trayambakeshwar Mandir |
Parmarth Niketan Ashram
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| Parmarth Niketan |
Parmarth Niketan ashram is located close to the Triveni Ghat. The ashram has a soothing feel around it. There are some gardens within the ashram with replica of the Lakshman and Ram jhula. There are idols of Lord Ganesh and Lord Shiva. There is a natural formation in one of the trees resembling Lord Ganesha.
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| @ Parmarth Niketan |
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| Parmarth Aarti Stand |
The major attraction very close to the Parmarth Niketan Ashram is the Triveni Ghat. It is the confluence of three holy rivers the Ganges, the Yamuna and the Saraswati. It is believed to be the most sacred bathing spot in Rishikesh and is situated on the banks of Ganges River. A dip in the holy river here is believed to wash away all our sins, purify our soul and provide salvation. In the evening, devotees and tourists flock this place to enjoy the Maha Aarti being performed. It is a very soothing experience to sit on the banks of the river and enjoy the cool breeze.
Nice info.. Will help me sometime to visit these places
ReplyDeletePerfect!!! What I can say in this article is very important to be written as it may help everybody to get awareness. Good job done.
ReplyDeleteplaces to visit in rishikesh