Rishikesh: The Global Capital of Religion and Yoga

   If you call Rishikesh the entrance of the Himalayas, there will probably be no exaggeration. The city of Uttarakhand, Rishikesh is unique and amazing. Say that even if Rishikesh is the capital of religion, spirituality, culture and yoga, there will be nothing wrong. 

   Rishikesh is also called the global capital of yoga. Indeed, Rishikesh is the only pilgrimage site for Hindus. Rishikesh starts the series of mountain ranges of the Himalayas. 

  Perhaps this is why Rishikesh is called the Himalaya gateway. Situated at an altitude of about 1360 feet above sea level, Rishikesh is famous for its picturesque and peaceful atmosphere. 

  It is particularly important that the entrance of the Hindu pilgrimage to Dham is also a Rishikesh. Ganga-flowing Ganga also makes Rishikesh incomprehensible. Rishikesh paved the way for the philosophy of Kedarnath, Badrinath, Gangotri and Yamunotri. It is believed that by meditating here, the seeker receives liberation.  

   There is a long series of temples and ashrams here. Yoga and meditation practice bring in immense peace to the mind. Foreign tourists Rishikesh seeks spiritual peace. Seeing this, Rishikesh has got the status of international tourism.

   Experts believe that Rishikesh is the most beautiful and picturesque area of ​​the Himalayan foothills. Therefore, it is the preferred destination for tourists from abroad and abroad. The beauty of the lower hills in Rishikesh is very visible. 

   This area of ​​the Shivalik mountain range is also special for intellectual enrichment. It is believed that in Rishikesh Lord Shiva has a special grace. Experts believe that Shiva had taken the poison from sea churn at this place. Shiva is called Neelkanth due to the poison holding.

   It is also auspicious that Lord Rama had also traveled in Rishikesh during the exile period. Rishikesh's Laxman Jhula is a testimony to this. The saying is also that Rishi Rahabya had worshiped Lord and performed harsh tenacity for God's vision.

  Pleasingly, the Lord had appeared to Rishi Rahabya in the form of a Rishikesh. So this place is named Rishikesh. Rishikesh has a long series of beautiful, romantic, religious places and scenic spots. 

   These are especially visible in Laxman Jhula, Triveni Ghat, Paradise Ashram, Neelkanth Mahadev Temple, Bharat Mandir, Kailash Niketan Temple, Vashishta Cave and Geeta Bhawan.  Lakshman Jhula: Lakshman Jhula actually connects one side of the Ganges to the other side. This hammock was constructed in the year 1939. Although this place had a bridge of jute in the east. Nearly 450 feet long this hammock is near the temple of Laxman and Raghunath ji. A beautiful and panoramic view of the Ganges and the surroundings can be seen from Lakshman Jhula. Ramjula is also nearby too. This swing is between Shivanand Ashram and Paradise Ashram.

   Triveni Ghat: Triveni Ghat is the main ghat of Ganga Dam. The devotees or tourists dive with faith, belief and faith on the Triveni Ghat. It is believed that Triveni Ghat is the confluence of Ganges, Yamuna and Saraswati. Ganga Aarti is a wonderful sight on the Triveni Ghat.   Swarg Ashram: Swarg Ashram is the ancient Ashram of Rishikesh. This Ashram was founded by Swami Vishuddhanand ji. Swami ji is also known as the black lotus man. Here is a great range of beautiful and scenic temples. There are also shops of handicrafts products outside the ashram.

  Neelkanth Mahadev Temple: Neelkanth Mahadev Temple is located at an altitude of about 5500 feet above sea level. It is believed that Lord Shiva had held venom in this place at this place. So this place is known as Lord Shiva's Neelkanth. There is also a beautiful waterfall here. Before the sight of Neelkanth, devotees take bath in the waterfall.   Bharat Temple: Bharat temple is one of the ancient temples of Rishikesh. Bharat temple was built by Adi Shankaracharya. It is believed that this temple was built in the 12th century. This temple dedicated to Lord Rama's younger brother Bharat is located in the Old Town. Shaligram statue of Lord Vishnu is installed in the sanctum sanctorum of the temple. The village established by Adi Shankaracharya is also visible here.

   Kailash Niketan Temple: Kailash Niketan Temple is situated near Lakshman Jhula. This temple, divided into approximately 12 blocks, is unique. Kailash Niketan Temple is different from other temples of Rishikesh. The idols of all the gods and goddesses in this temple are pran.   Vashishta Cave: The Vashishta Cave is situated on Kedarnath-Badrinath road, about 22 km from Rishikesh. It is believed that Vashishta Cave is nearly 3000 years old. This is considered as the site of sadhus sadhana. 

   The sadhus can be seen doing rest and practice. It was the residence of Maharishi Vashishta. In the cave a grand-divine shivaling is established. This is a beautiful place. Therefore, there is a favorite place of tourist.

   Geeta Bhawan: Geeta Bhawan is near the Ram Jhula. Gita Bhavan was constructed by Jyyyal Goyadkaji in the year 1950. Geeta Bhawan is particularly famous for painting decoration. The storyline of Ramayana and Mahabharata has been decorated on the walls through pictures. There is also an ayurvedic dispensary operated here.

   Gita Bhavana continuously recursive singing and singing of tunes of the discourse continues. Visitors or devotees can also enjoy devotional songs in Geeta Bhawan. There is also arrangement for pilgrims to stay.

   All necessary resources are available for Rishikesh visit. The nearest airport is Jolly Grant. The distance of Jolly Grant airport from Rishikesh is about 18 kilometers. The nearest railway station is Rishikesh Junction. Visitors or pilgrims can also visit Rishikesh by road.
30.107700,78.287804