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Rishikesh represents the site where Lord
Vishnu vanquished the demon Madhu. 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
near Rishikesh is believed to be the site where Lord Shiva had drunk the venom that came
out during the churning of the ocean.
In the 1960s, the place came into limelight as the place where the po p
group Beatles met their guru, Maharishi Mahesh Yogi. 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. Nowdays Rishikesh is famous for White Water Rafting Expeditions.
Prime Attractions:
Rishikesh
Lakshman Jhula :
This suspended iron bridge was build in 1939 and has been a major
attraction among the tourists. Ram Jhula - the other suspended Iron bridge
was constructed between Shivanand Ashram and Sawarg Ashram some year back.
Triveni Ghat :
This is a bathing ghat. Daily in the morning and evening there are
thousands who take bath here and enjoy the Maha Aarti being performed. It
very soothing to sit on the banks of the river and enjoy the cool breeze
from the river.
Swarga Ashram :
One can find numerous temples here. This place has the eating joints and
shops where one can do shopping. The beautiful statues in the area
mesmerise the visitors.
Gita Bhavan :
This newly constructed building is famous for its attractive paintings and
statues from the Hindu mythology. Situated just across the Lakshman Jhula.
Bharat Mandir :
Built by Adiguru Shankra Chrya arround 12th centuray, 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 are 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 excavatiions 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.
White Water Rafting At
Shivpuri [ Rishikesh]
The challenge of violent rivers is no less than that of the rugged
mountains. The icy heights of the Himalayas are the source of some of
India's mighty rivers, Shivpuri [ 16 kms] is having many rafting camps at
Ganga beach [ September to June ].
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