Rishikesh
represents the Gateway to the Himalayas in the Tehri-Garhwal
region of Uttar Pradesh. It abounds in natural splendour. The
spectacle of the Ganga rushing through the Himalayan foothills
is an awesome sight. Several temples dot the banks of the
Ganga at Rishikesh.
Rishikesh is located at a height of about 1360 feet above sea
level. It is believed that several yogis and sages lived and
practised penance here. Rishikesh represents the site where
Vishnu vanquished the demon Madhu.
Places of
Interest
Lakshman
Jhula
The suspension
bridge Lakshman Jhula was built in 1929 to replace a rope
bridge. This is where Rama's brother Lakshmana is said to have
crossed the river on a jute rope, TRIVENI GHAT The Ghat is an
interesting place to be at dawn, when people make offerings of
milk to the river and feed the surprisingly large fish. After
sunset, priests set floating lamps on the water in the Ganga
Aarti (river worship) ceremony.
Shivananda
Ashram (The Divine Life Society)
Founded by Swami
Shivanand, is a well-known ashram and the society has branches
in many countries).
Nilkanth
Mahadeo
12 km away from
Rishikesh is located the Nilkanth Mahadeo temple at a height
of about 5000 feet, commanding spectacular views of the
region.
Tapovan
Tapovan on the
other bank of the Ganges houses a temple to Lakshmana. It is
believed that Lakshmana carried out penances here. It is also
believed that his brother Bharata meditated here, and there is
a temple to Bharata here. Also seen here are the Swargashram
and the Geeta Bhavan temples.
