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PLACES
TO VISIT
Triveni Ghat
To be found in the heart of town, is the most famous bathing ghat, where
most pilgrims take a holy dip earlier than they visit the various
temples. This is done generally in the early mornings, with the pilgrims
offering prayers and milk at the Ghat and feeding the fish in the water.
An amazing sight here is the evening arati, a ceremony accompanied by
lights, drums and chanting, with the entire ghat lit with lamps glowing
from a distance.
Bharat Mandir
Near the Ghat, is the temple known as Bharat Mandir said to be the
oldest temple here built by the Adi Shankaracharya. This 9th century
temple has the deity of Lord Vishnu carved out of a single black stone
popular as Saligram, and is placed in the inner chambers of the temple.
The original temple was said to have been destroyed in 1398 AD. If you
are lucky, catch the spring festival also called Basant Panchami
celebrated here.
Rishikund
Close to the Triveni Ghat is the very old place of Rishikund where the
Saint Kubz is said to have been blessed by the Goddess Yamuna, who
filled the pond with her water. The temple of Raghunath dedicated to
Lord Rama and his wife Sita is sited here.
2 kilometers from Swarg Ashram, is the well-known Lakshman Jhula a
suspension bridge 450 feet long and built in 1939. Named after Lord
Ram's younger brother Lakshman, it has temples dotting its either side,
including the famed Lakshman Temple at Tapovan. One more noteworthy
ashram is the 13 storeyed Kailashananda Ashram, with each storey being
dedicated to a different deity.
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Triveni Ghat |
Bharat Mandir |
Rishikund |
Ramjhula
is situated 3Km north of Rishikesh. It's a very popular place amongst
people coming for religious purposes because it has very known Ashrams.
Most known is Geeta Bhavan & Swarg Ashram and these temples are very
important in Hindu society and you will see much more commotion here
then in Lakshmanjhula.
To be found at a distance of 12 km from Rishikesh, this temple stands at
a height of 926m on top of a hill across the river Ganga. It derives its
name from Lord Shiva. According to mythological belief; the cosmic
churning of the oceans (Sagar Manthan) for the potion of immortality
(amrit) by the Gods and the Demons; produced a venomous liquid, which
was consumed by Lord Shiva at this place. As a result, his throat became
blue in color, which in Hindi literally means 'Neelkanth' (blue throat).
The place is a favorite among the religious tourists.
Swarga Ashram
There is a cluster of ashrams on the eastern bank of the Ganges, and the
place is popularly known as 'Swarga Ashram'. Most of these ashrams
provide courses on yoga and spiritual studies, and are well-known among
the tourists. Some ancient temples with beautifully carved statues are
also located in the place. There are a few vegetarian food joints that
serve various Ayurvedic food and refreshments. A few shops are also
found, that sell various trinkets and souvenirs in the form of religious
tapes, books, beads, beaded garlands, shells and clothes
Gita Bhavan.
Near the Lakshaman Jhula, is the newly constructed building of Gita
Bhavan. It runs a free Ayurvedic dispensary and also has a branch of the
Gita Press, Gorakhpur. There are more than a hundred rooms for visitors
and this edifice houses various striking paintings and statues of
ancient mythological characters. The stories of the ancient epics- the
Ramayana and the Mahabharata are beautifully illustrated on its walls.
The place is also popular among the tourists.
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Ramjhula |
Swarga Ashram |
Gita Bhavan. |
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