A Guide to Temples, Ashrams, and More

Rishikesh, nestled in the foothills of the Himalayas along the banks of the holy Ganges River, is a place of immense spiritual significance. This serene town has long been a haven for seekers of inner peace, enlightenment, and spiritual awakening. In this comprehensive guide, we'll take you on a journey through Rishikesh's rich tapestry of temples, ashrams, yoga, and meditation, helping you make the most of your spiritual sojourn.

Discovering Rishikesh's Spiritual Landscape

The heart of any spiritual exploration in Rishikesh starts with its ancient temples. From the grandeur of Triveni Ghat, where the Ganges Aarti takes place, to the tranquility of the Kunjapuri Temple, we'll walk you through the most significant and serene temples Rishikesh has to offer.

Tera Manzil Temple

The temple is a remarkable 13-story structure, often known as the 'Terah Manzil Temple.' Inside, you'll discover numerous depictions of Hindu deities. However, this holy site is predominantly dedicated to Lord Shiva and is known as 'Trayambakeshwar,' symbolizing it as the abode of the three-eyed deity, Lord Shiva. It is open from 9 am to 9 pm.

How to reach: Laxman Jhula, Rishikesh

Neelkanth Mahadev Temple

The Neelkanth Mahadev Temple is where Lord Shiva consumed the poison that emerged during the churning of the cosmic ocean. This poison turned his throat blue, earning him the name "Neelkanth" (Neel - blue; Kanth - throat). Surrounded by mountains and forests, this temple creates a connection between the divine and the natural world.

How to reach form Rishikesh: You can take an auto rickshaw to Laxman Jhula. From there, you'll have four-wheel transportation options for one-way or round-trip travel to Neelkanth Temple. The temple is about 25 kilometers away from Laxman Jhula, and you can also choose to trek 8 kilometers if you prefer.

Pramarth niketan

Parmarth Niketan is nestled in the serene Himalayan foothills, right on the banks of the Ganges. As the largest ashram in Rishikesh, boasting more than 1000 rooms, it offers a pristine and sacred environment along with extensive, picturesque gardens. Pilgrims from around the world visit Parmarth Niketan to experience its tranquil ambiance and enjoy its beautiful gardens.

How to reach: You can reach Parmarth Niketan Ashram by either walking across the Ram Jhula or taking a boat ride across the Ganga River.

Shri Bharat Mandir (Temple)

Bharat Mandir is an ancient temple dedicated to Lord Hrishikesh Narayana, situated in the heart of Rishikesh city. This place is believed to be the resting place for the Pandavas after the Mahabharat. On their way to heaven, they stayed here to worship Lord Hrishikesh Narayan. It is also said that Lord Buddha visited this temple, and there's a piece of a statue believed to be Lord Buddha, which can be found beneath the old banyan tree.

How to reach: The temple is just 2 kilometers from Rishikesh Railway Station and 19 kilometers from Jolly Grant Airport in Dehradun. You can simply instruct your driver to take you there directly.

Kanjapuri devi temple

The Kunjapuri Devi Temple is of profound importance in the Hindu religion. Perched atop a hill at an elevation of 1676 meters, it is acknowledged as one of the 52 Shaktipeeths in Uttarakhand. It is believed that the chest of Sati, the wife of Lord Shiva, fell at this sacred site. The view from Kunjapuri Devi Temple is truly enchanting, offering vistas of majestic peaks including Swarga Rohini, Gangotri, Banderpunch, and Chaukhamba.

How to reach: The temple is situated 25 kilometers from Rishikesh. You can easily hire a taxi to reach the Kunjapuri Devi Temple directly.

Embrace the Spiritual Essence of Rishikesh

Rishikesh is more than just a destination; it's a transformative experience. Whether you're looking for solace in a temple, serenity in an ashram, or the wisdom of yoga and meditation, this comprehensive guide will help you embark on your spiritual journey in Rishikesh's spiritual oasis.

Come, join us in exploring the spiritual heart of Rishikesh, where the sacred and the serene intertwine, inviting you to discover your inner self and experience the divinity within.