RISHIKESH- Of YOGA ASHRAMS and RAFTING ADVENTURES

Uttarakhand Idyllic for introspection and healing the mind, body, and soul 

The colourful festivities of Mesha Sankranti celebrate the birth of the Solar New Year in the Hindu calendar marked by the sun’s transition into the zodiac sign of from Pisces (Meena) to Aries, known as Mesha Rashi. This year falls on April 14th, 2024. In the state of Uttarakhand, the celebrations reach their peak as the devout find their way to sacred hubs such as Rishikesh and nearby Haridwar which nestle by the holy Ganga in the Himalayan foothills

The ancient town of Rishikesh, located by the confluence of the Chandrabhaga and Ganga, is one of the most celebrated places to kick off Mesha Sankranti  which marks the beginning of the renewal of cosmic energies with thousands of devotees thronging the sacred ghats for the ritual purification dip in the hallowed waters of the Ganga. Prayers are offered to Surya for a good harvest and Lord Shiva and Lord Vishnu are invoked for a new year filled with joy, prosperity, and abundance. Astrologically, Mesha Sankranti symbolizes the birth of a new solar cycle and influencing the energy and events of the coming year.

Long venerated as a staging post for Char Dham Yatra for Hindu devotees Rishikesh has served as a base for sadhus and sages for centuries. Its peaceful environs are still idyllic for reflection and holistic practices for benefits of the mind, body, and soul. 

The throng of devotees, sages, sadhus, visitors is unbated all year round. The focal point remains the Ganga, the clutch of temples and ashrams scattered through the hill town Further north-east of town are two bridges spanning the Ganga, Shivanand Jhula and Lakshman Jhula, and either end of these bridges are the main hubs of activity and interest

Yoga Capital
For decades now Rishikesh has been a major draw for the global community in search for spiritual sustenance. Resident practitioners of the holistic traditions of yoga and meditation, Ayurveda and other spiritual learnings continue to attract visitors from home and abroad. The annual International Yoga Festival organized by and held at Parmarth Niketan Ashram in March, witnesses the participation of knowledgeable speakers, practitioners of yoga and meditation, teachers, new and diverse forms of yoga, and other learning experiences such as Reiki, Pranic Healing, Past Life Regressions, etc.

Spiritual Explorations
The scattering of ashrams across town now provides a wide range of packages that are allied to the growing needs of an ever-growing clientele. Some of these also include traditional Ayurvedic wellness treatments.

A host of yoga schools have come up with customized services in town, while others offer both short and long-term courses. There are options available for anything between a 200-hr to a 500-hr yoga teacher training. You can sign up for pranayama classes, a spiritual retreat or an Ayurveda training program.

Temples, Ashrams and Sacred Ghats
The centre of attraction is the ever-popular Parmarth Niketan Ashram. Having concluded its explosive Holi celebrations its slowly settles into a more contemplative mood with the onset of April and the Solar New Year celebrations on Mesha Sankranti.

An unmissable experience if the spectacular evening aarti at the riverside at Parmarth’s Ganga Ghat, as the sun sinks below the horizon. The ashram, the biggest one in the hilltown, is a flourishing learning centre for yoga. It offers Yoga Courses, Workshops and Spiritual Retreats. Students receive a holistic education on the principles, practices, and philosophy of yoga. It also arranges cultural, spiritual and environmental programmes given by revered spiritual leaders, acclaimed musicians, scientists and scholars. 

Triveni Ghat, has long been an integral part of Rishikesh’s landscape of rites and rituals. Standing at confluence of the Ganga, Yamuna and mystical Saraswati, it’s one of the most important spots for the ritual purification bath; the concentration of devotees here can grow by leaps and bounds every hour. The Holi celebrations here are simply awesome.

The significance of Triveni Ghat is underpinned by mentions of it in the Puranas, as well as the great Hindu epics, the Ramayana and Mahabharata. Lord Krishna is said to have come here when he was hurt by an arrow shot by the hunter Jara. The evening Ganga Arti is particularly beautiful. Nearby lies the ancient Rishikund. Records point to a saint who lived here and who was blessed by the Goddess Yamuna who filled this pond with water. In its waters, one can see reflected, the temple of Ragunath, dedicated to Ram and Sita.

In the Ram Jhula area Geeta Bhawan, one of the oldest temples in Rishikesh and is famed for the epic Ramayana and Mahabharata inscribed on its walls. The Transcendental Centre of Maharishi Mahesh Yogi, situated on the extreme end of Geeta Bhawan, once a hub of activity, is almost silent today.

In the Lakshmanjhula area a visit to the Tera Manzil, multi-storeyed complex that is filled with images is very popular with domestic pilgrims. It’s very popular for viewing Rishikesh’s spectacular sunsets.

In the heart of the town is Bharat Mandir, which nestles by the Ganga, was built by Adiguru Shankaracharya around 12th century. Inside, is an idol of lord Vishnu, carved out of a single stone.

A short excursion out of town brings you to the popular Kunjarapuri Temple one of the 13 important Goddesses of Shivalik range.

ACCOMMODATION

The hill town has an excellent range of hotels, ashrams dharamshalas and budget lodges

ACCESS

Air: Nearest airport is Jolly Grant (20 km); onward journey by taxi

Rail: Rishikesh is well connected by rail.

Road: Rishikesh is connected to other parts of India with a wide network of roadways.