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ASHRAMS AND HOLY SITES OF RISHIKESH

August 10, 2015 By Howard Kramer 10 Comments

Rishikesh, Uttarakhand

The city of Rishikesh is one of India’s most popular spiritual centers, where people from all over the world come to seek enlightenment (religious, philosophical or otherwise) at its many ashrams and schools. Although it has been an important Hindu center for many centuries, it is only in the last few decades that Rishikesh has soared into the international spotlight. Among its most prominent visitors have been the Beatles and the Beach Boys. Many yoga enthusiasts from around the world now regard it as the world capital of their studies.

History

The history of Rishikesh has its roots in ancient Hindu stories. The main tradition revolves around the deity Rama. Rama, after killing the demon known as Ravanna, came to this place by the banks of the Ganges due repent for his actions. While here, Rama’s younger brother Lakshmana famously crossed the Ganges in order to aid Rama. The crossing place would later become one of Rishikesh’s most popular spiritual sites.

At some point in centuries past, a rope bridge was erected that spanned the Ganges River. This allowed pilgrims to honor the loyalty of Lakshmana by making a similar crossing. Huge numbers of visitors began coming to ritually cross the bridge, and many temples and ashrams grew up around the site. Rishikesh became known as a place of study and meditation, especially during the years of the British occupation.

Rishikesh was not truly ‘discovered’ by the world at large until 1968, when the Beatles visited the city in order to rest and recuperate and otherwise meditate on their meteoric careers. Their stay inspired several songs, and musicians, entertainers and artists would soon be following the Beatle’s pilgrimage in droves.

By the late 20th century, Rishikesh had developed a reputation as a spiritual seeker’s paradise on Earth. This included it becoming a mecca for the study and practice of yoga. Thanks to the abundance of outdoor activities, it also became a center for outdoor recreation, making the city a place for the enrichment of both mind and body. When one thinks of modern Hinduism and spirituality in India, Rishikesh is the place they are thinking of.

Visiting

The entire city of Rishikesh is considered by many to be one great sacred site. Its best known structure hands down is the footbridge which crosses the Ganges. The current bridge is an iron structure built in the 1980s and replaces a series of several earlier bridges. Crossing it is still considered a quintessential experience in Rishikesh.

There are many ashrams in Rishikesh where spiritual seekers come to learn and meditate. The most famous and most visited by far is the Kailash Ashram Brahmavidyapitham. Founded in the late 19th century, it is the city’s primary destination for Yoga enthusiasts, and many prominent teachers and students have trained here. Also popular is the Maharishi Mahesh Yogi Ashram where the Beatles famously spent time in the 1960s.

Rishikesh and its spiritual sites are spread out along the Ganges River in a valley in the middle of Rajaji National Park, a little less than a hundred miles north of New Delhi. The city and bridge are open sites, while the various ashrams keep their own hours and have their own admission charges. Web: www.rishikeshtourism.in (official website).

Other Sites

The entire of city of Rishikesh is itself one big spiritual destination. However, for a more specific palce to go, try the Swarga Niwas Ashram whose main tower offers a magnificent view of the city and valley. Also of interest is the Lakshman Temple.

Filed Under: Hindu Tagged With: India (NW)

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About Howard Kramer

Howard Kramer is the creator and author of The Complete Pilgrim. He first took an interest in religious sites in his early twenties when traveling through Italy after college. In the two decades since he has traveled to more than two dozen countries and almost every state, visiting and photographing hundreds of the world’s greatest churches, synagogues and other places of religious interest. Howard has been writing about religious sites for the better part of the last decade, and The Complete Pilgrim is a culmination of years of his work and passion.

Comments

  1. Kanchan says

    January 31, 2020 at 11:40 pm

    Thnx Howard
    I wishe you come for Visiting Our City One More Time. And Give A few More & Updated Information To people.

    Reply
    • Howard Kramer says

      March 23, 2020 at 12:10 pm

      I wish I could spend a year in India just to see the highlights!

  2. Geeta Ramola says

    April 22, 2019 at 3:29 am

    What an amazing post .. Great article

    Reply
    • Howard Kramer says

      July 17, 2020 at 2:46 pm

      Thank you!

  3. Geeta Ramola says

    April 18, 2019 at 8:29 am

    Thanks for sharing.,,very informative

    Reply
    • Howard Kramer says

      July 17, 2020 at 2:47 pm

      Thank you!

  4. bike rental in dehradun says

    February 2, 2019 at 3:24 am

    It takes current status about the spots in traveling site in uttarakhand, check the current plan which are running in actual season in our website.

    Reply
    • Howard Kramer says

      March 31, 2019 at 4:27 pm

      Noted

  5. Uttarakhand Life says

    August 30, 2018 at 7:24 am

    Uttarakhand Life website gives very real and actual rate to know about the adventure spots in uttarakhand. It takes current status about the spots in traveling site in uttarakhand, check the current plan which are running in actual season in our website.

    Reply
    • Howard Kramer says

      December 6, 2018 at 9:20 pm

      Next time I’m in the neighborhood, I’ll look up your site!

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Welcome to The Complete Pilgrim(TM)! This site, created by Howard Kramer, is a combination travel blog and online guide to the world's greatest sites of religious interest (with some historic and recreational places thrown in for good measure). All written content has been originally researched and produced and is provided free for public research and enjoyment. Thank you for visiting!

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Where would you like to go?

Africa (North) Africa (Sub-Sahara) Arabia Armenia/Azerbaijan/Georgia Australia/Pacific Austria/Switzerland Balkans Belgium/Netherlands British Isles Canada Caribbean Central Asia China Czech Republic Egypt France Germany Greece Hungary/Romania/Bulgaria India (NE)/Nepal India (NW) India (South)/Sri Lanka Iran/Iraq Israel Italy/Malta Japan/Korea Latin America Mexico Palestine Poland/Lithuania Russia Scandinavia Southeast Asia Spain/Portugal Syria/Jordan/Lebanon Turkey/Cyprus Ukraine US-California US-Mid Atlantic US-Midwest US-New England US-New York US-Pacific Northwest US-South US-Southwest

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Have a comment, a great photo or a religious site you'd like to nominate for the weekly spotlight? We would love to hear from you. Email us at hkramer@thecompletepilgrim.com.

About the Author

Howard Kramer is the creator and author of The Complete Pilgrim. He first took an interest in religious sites in his early twenties when traveling through Italy after college. In the two decades since he has traveled to more than two dozen countries and almost every state, visiting and photographing hundreds of the world’s greatest churches, synagogues and other places of religious interest. Howard has been writing about religious sites for the better part of the last decade, and The Complete Pilgrim is the culmination of years of his work and passion.

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