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Rishikesh Tourist & Pilgrimage Guide- The Yoga Capital of World
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Rishikesh Tourist & Pilgrimage Guide- The Yoga Capital of World - Destination Overview
About Rishikesh Tourist/Pilgrimage Guide - The Yoga Capital of World
A most tranquil place in northern Uttar Pradesh, surrounded by hills and bisected by the wide and sluggish Ganges - Welcome to Tapobhoomi - Rishikesh,
The Best Divine Destination & Yoga Capital in India. Located in the foothills of the Himalayas in northern India, it is known as The Gateway to the Garhwal Himalayas.India's Most sacred river Ganges flows through Hrishikesh. It is believed that meditation in Hrishikesh brings one closer to attainment of moksha, as does a dip in the holy river Ganga that flows through it. Rishikesh is also the gateway for the Char Dham pilgrimage — Badrinath, Kedarnath, Gangotri, and Yamunotri.
Important Aspects of Rishikesh
In Rishikesh, Ganga River leaves the Shivalik mountains in the Himalayas and flows out into the plains of northern India. Rishikesh is known for clean Ganga, Several temples and Ashrams on its bank. Two Suspension Bridges are very famous in Rishikesh ( Laxman Jhoola and Ram Jhoola), Famous temples include Shatrughan Temple, Bharat Mandir, Laxman Temple, which were established by Adi Sancharacharya. Shatrughan Temple is located near Ram Jhula and Laxman Mandir is near to Laxman Jhula (Laxman Bridge).
Rishikesh is considered very holy city by Hindus and is vegetarian by law. Rishikesh is also called "the world capital of Yoga", has numerous yoga centers that also attract tourists.
Rishikesh is often claimed as the`Yoga Capital of the World'. Back in the 1960s Rishikesh gained instant fame as the site where The Beatles came to stay with their guru, the Maharishi Mahesh Yogi. It is an excellent place to meditate and study yoga. Every year thousands of tourists visit Rishikesh during the International Yoga week, which is held at Rishikesh from 2nd-7th Feb on the banks of the Ganga river.
ShivaStatueRishikeshonBankOf Ganga
Rishikesh The Gateway to Himalayas & Char Dham Yatra
Rishikesh is also a good starting point for treks to Himalayan pilgrimage centres such as Badrinath, Kedarnath , Gangotri, Yamnotri.It is rightly called the gateway to the Himalayan Shrines of Badrinath, Kedarnath, Gangotri and Yamunotri. Just 24 kms from Hardwar, the divine city of Rishikesh is located in the laps of Himalayas. This beautiful city is encircled by the picturesque hills on all three sides.
GangaGhat_Rishikesh
Ganga in Rishikesh-
Flowing through the valley. The divine land offers a perfect meditation center where pilgrims from all over the world come to attain salvation. The city of Rishikesh houses many new and ancient temples along the Holy river Ganga.
Ganga Adventures in Rishikesh
Apart from religious significance, Rishikesh is also a beloved destination for sportsmen. You can enjoy white water rafting and many other sports, trekking, rock climbing, and hiking in the Himalayas. Tourists from across the world haunt Rishikesh to enjoy various trekking expeditions and excursions.
RiverRafting in Rishikesh
Rishikesh & Its association with Beatles
In 1968 The Beatles visited Rishikesh & Maharishi Mahesh Yogi's ashram,John Lennon of Beatles recorded a song here, titled, 'The Happy Hrishikesh Song' The Beatles composed nearly 48 songs during their time at the Maharishi's ashram, many of which appear on the White Album. Several other artists, including Mike Love of The Beach Boys, Donovan and Gyp Mills, visited the site to contemplate and meditate.
Typical Rishikesh Tour Itinarary
While in Rishikesh, Visit Bharat Mandir the oldest temple; Nilkanth Mahadev - where Lord Shiva drank the poison churned out of the cosmic ocean; Raghunath Mandir and Triveni Ghat -most important places for religious ceremonies in Rishikesh. visit Chandreshwar Temple, Someshwar Temple, Lakshman and Shatrughan temples. Walk over Laxman Jhula and Ram Jhula bridges. Also visit famous Ashrams are Sivanand Ashram in Muni Ki Reti started by Swami Sivanand & Watch Famous Ganga Arti, Go to Yoga Niketan, an important meditation and Raja Yoga center; Swargashram, Geeta Bhavan etc.
Reach Rishikesh BY TRAIN
There are several trains a day between Delhi and Haridwar, schedule is posted below. You can book tickets online at http://www.indianrail.gov.in. You can either hire a taxi to take you directly to the Rishikesh.
DELHI TO HARIDWAR
The best trains to Rishikesh are 2017, 2017A, 2055 and 4041.
Reach Rishikesh BY AIR
Spice Jet, Jet Airways and Air India run daily flights to the Jolly Grant Airport in Dehradun. The airport is listed as Dehradun but it's actually very close to Rishikesh - between 30 min - 50 min depending on which route one takes.
Top Ashrams in Rishikesh
Latest Information on Top Rishikesh Ashrams++
Top Ashrams in Rishikesh - Best Ashrams in Rishikesh for Nirvana/Salvation/Moksha & Yoga and Meditation
1. Sivananda Ashram
Famous For :- Free Yoga Classes, Free Food and Accomodation. Ideal place for Sadhana (spiritual practice) and swadhyaya (study). Ashram has its spiritual air. Casual visitors with no spiritual motive are not encouraged to stay in the Ashram.
LOCATION :- Muni-Ki-Reti, Rishikesh is 225 km by road north-north-east of Delhi on the Delhi-Badrinath National Highway. Sivananda Ashram is 3 km from Rishikesh, on the way to Badrinath. This region is known as 'Devabhoomi,' region of gods, and the area around the Ashram as Muni-Ki-Reti. Rishikesh is 24 km from the well-known pilgrim centre, Haridwar, and 45 km from Dehra-Dun, the capital of the state of Uttarakhand.
Top Yoga centre in Sivananda Ashram
Another of India's top yoga centers, Sivananda Ashram was founded by Swami Sivananda and is run by the Divine Life Society. Teachings are based around the five points of yoga -- postures, breathing, relaxation, meditation, and diet. Free yoga and meditation classes are offered daily. However, accommodations (which are also provided free of charge, along with food) are only available to serious spiritual seekers who need to apply at least a month in advance. The ashram is located 3 kilometers from Rishikesh, on the way to Badrinath.
The Ashram being a Charitable Organization and Monastery, the guests, visitors and devotees are not charged for accommodation and food. However any Voluntary Donation / Love Offering to carry on with the Society's charitable activities are gratefully accepted.
The setting of Ashram is so alluring and capturing that all physical and mental ailments are forgotten for a moment, Added to this the Ashram is a most Holy Pilgrimage Spot for Spiritual Seekers, Devotees of Gurudev Swami Sivanandaji Maharaj and lovers of God from all over the world. In Ashram live a band of dedicated Sanyasins, Monks and Seekers after Truth trained by the Great Master Sri Swami Sivanandaji, for service to the Humanity. The Sivananda ashram is known for Saints and Sages of yore and tangible Spiritual Vibration.
visit their Website (http://www.sivanandaonline.org/public_html/)
2. Parmarth Niketen Ashram - Rishikesh
Famous for :- Yoga Classes, Evening Ganga Aarti & Spiritual Rituals like Sanskaras, Mundan, Sacred Thread, Marriage, Ash
Immersion etc
Location :- 100 meters from Ram Jhula - Muni Ki Reti
Parmarth Niketen is run under the able guidance of H.H. Swami Chidanand Saraswatiji. It is one of the top yoga centers & one of the biggest ashram in India and the . Parmarth Niketan is a spiritual haven, lying on the holy banks of Mother Ganga in the lap of the lush Himalayas. It is the largest ashram in Rishikesh, providing its thousands of pilgrims who come from all corners of the Earth with a clean, pure and sacred atmosphere as well as abundant, beautiful gardens. With over 1,000 rooms, the facilities are a perfect blend of modern amenities and traditional, spiritual simplicity.
Parmarth-Niketan-Ganga-Arti
It has more than 1,000 rooms which you cab avail on a "donation" basis from 300 rupees per person, per day, depending on the standard of accommodations and Ganga view. Two yoga classes and three meals daily are included in the price. The ashram runs an extensive program of beginner yoga, Vedic heritage and spirituality, and teacher training courses. Outsider
Visitors are welcome to attend daily classes by giving a donation.
About Beginner Foundation Yoga Course in Parmarth Niketen Ashram
This 10 day / 2 week Beginner Foundation Yoga program for individuals with no yoga experience includes prayers, pranayama, Surya Namaskar, traditional hatha yoga basic asana, Vedic Chanting, Karma Yoga and question / answer session. Each day concludes with Ganga Havan and Aarti at sunset.
Morning
6:30-7:00am Prayers, Pranayama
7:00-8:00am Loosening Practices, Surya Namaskaras, Yoga Asana
8:30-9:00am Breakfast in Silence
10:00-10:45am Vedic Chanting
10:45-11:45am Question/Answer Session
11:45am-12:30pm Shrama Daana
1:00-1:30pm Lunch in silence
Afternoon
4:00-5:00pm Yoga Asana
Evening
6:30-7:30pm Aarti (musical offerings to Mother Ganga) (Mandatory)
Visit Their Website (http://www.parmarth.com/)
3. Swarg Ashram - Rishikesh
Swargashram is the oldest ashram in Rishikesh, the precedent of such popular ashrams as Shivananda ashram, Yog Niketan, Parmarth and others. Swargashram is the yoga ashram from where the whole Hrishikesh started. And, we are sitting in the very center of this holy place.
Swarg Ashram takes up the whole area between Ram Jhula and Laxman Jhula. Swarg Ashram offers us two buildings – Akash Ganga and Dani Kothi.
Swarg_Ashram_Rishikesh
Akash Ganga is a guesthouse with a canteen and a yoga hall. Dani Kothi is an administrative building with a dining hall that can also be used as a lecture hall.
Why Name Swarg Ashram
As the name connotes, it is a beautiful place situated in picturesqe surroundings at the foothills of Himalayas. On the left bank of the Ganges between Rishikesh and Laxmanjhula, Swarg Ashram is the spiritual "ground zero of Rishikesh, filled with a concentration of ashrams and temples. The areas is known for its healthly and satvic living environment. It is this spot from ages of yore the famous Yogis and Rishis have been performing Tapasya. Numerous mentions of this spot occurs in the holy scripture Puranas.
Esteblishment of Swarag Ashram Rishikesh
Swami Atma Prakash, was the first yogi to come to the area. He established the Swarg Ashram Trust who's aim is to provide all the facilities for spiritual benefit of all religious-minded peoples for the purpose of following a path of renunciation and devotion.
Most of the lodging and business on the left bank, and Tattvaa Yoga Shala are leasors and participate in the below activities of the Swarg Ashram Trust
- There are a hundred of living spaces built where Sadhus and Mahatmas are lodged free of charge - At the free Kitchen, food is given to Saints, Mahatmas and the poor in the morning and evening everyday.
- In the library, a good collection of moral religious and cultural books are maintained with a reading room.
- In the hospital, free treatment is given to all Saints and Mahatmas and pilgrims. The medicines are prepared with purest Himalayan herbs by the doctors
- Tree-planting. As it is good Punya-Karma to have mango trees planted in this sacred Himalayan region, every year several thousand mango trees are planted and maintained according to the wishes the donors in the Ashram.
- Sanskrit Vidyalaya - School where free Vedic Education and food is provided to poor students.
- Modern School - Primary and Secondary Schools providing education in English & Hindi to the local children.
- Goshala - Ashram maintains a Goshala for the benefit to Sadhus.
Tattvaa Yogashala is proud to be a consistent, contributor to the Swarg Ashram Trust. A part of all proceeds go towards the Swarg Ashram goals.
4. Omkarananda Ganga Sadan
Famous For :- Iyengar yoga classes, Patanjali Yoga Kendra yoga center, Owns Ghat, Daily Ganga Aarti, Reasonable Room rates
Location :- Muni Ki Reti
Omkarananda Ganga Sadan is a beautiful Guest House of Omkarananda Ashram Himalayas at Rishikesh (Muni-ki-Reti), right at the bank of the holy river Ganga.
With the blessings of Gurudev Paramahamsa Omkarananda Saraswati, a beautiful Yoga Centre, the prestigious Patanjala Yoga Kendra, has been established in Omkarananda Ganga Sadan, where Yoga is taught according to the methods of the world-famous Yogacharya B.K.S. Iyengar by the Resident Instructor Usha Devi.
Ashram was established in 1993 on the banks of the Holy River Ganges in Rishikesh, the world capital of Yoga. The method of Yoga that is taught is Iyengar Yoga, as developed and taught by Shri Guruji, B.K.S. Iyengar, the world-famous Yoga Teacher. Guruji's method is firmly based in the ancient Indian tradition of Yoga as defined in the Yoga Sutras of Patanjali. Usha Devi is the resident Yoga Instructor.
About Iyengar Yoga
Iyengar Yoga teaches strength and stamina, flexibility and balance, concentration and meditation. Iyengar Yoga begins with physical awareness, but goes beyond to embrace emotional and spiritual growth. As students learn to extend consciousness to each part of their bodies, they experience a concentrated focus on the moment. In time, this concentrated focus (Pratyahara) becomes an integral part not just of a yoga practice, but of daily life.
Omkarananda Public Ghat
The Omkarananda Public Ghat covers a large area in front of and adjacent to Omkarananda Ganga Sadan. It is built out of glittering, shining white marble.
This beautiful Ghat is always kept neat and clean and is a delight to the eye. It provides an easy approach to the holy Ganga. Daily offerings of prayers (with Arati and flowers) to the holy Ganga enhance the pious and peaceful atmosphere of the Ghat.
http://www.iyengaryoga.in/accommodation.htm
5. Sadhana Mandir and Swami Rama Sadhaka Grama Ashram
Famous for :- Meditation, Self- Transformation, Science of Joyful Living, silence retreats, the art of living , Spiritual guidance, sankirtan.
Location :- The ashram is located on Virbhadra Road, just below Hotel Ganga Kinare
Accomodation :- The ashram offers single, double, and dormitory accommodation. Rooms have two beds and an attached bath. Dormitories have four beds per room with an attached bath (men and women separate). Please specify if you cannot climb stairs. Single occupancy is limited and may be unavailable for some programs. Three delicious vegetarian meals are served daily.
Founded in 1966 on the banks of the Ganges in Rishikesh, India, Sadhana Mandir Trust was established by Swami Rama as an international retreat center for sincere aspirants to practice meditation in a spiritually elevating environment. Away from the hustle and bustle of Rishikesh, nestled in the foothills of the Himalayas, Sadhana Mandir is located on the banks of the holy river Ganges. Surrounded by beautiful flowering gardens, mango trees and a lotus pond, a quiet and serene atmosphere permeates the ashram making it ideal for sadhana.
http://sadhanamandir.org/
6. Sanskriti Yogpeeth
Sanskriti Yogpeeth is relatively new and modern -- it was founded in 2010 -- and is located in the happening Swarg Ashram area. Rather than being a typical ashram, it markets itself as a "yoga hotel". There are 21 rooms with attached bathrooms, hot water, and even room service! Expect to pay $400 per person for one week, single occupancy, with all meals provided. On offer are daily Hatha yoga classes (morning and evening), seven or 15 day yoga retreats, Indian dance and classical music, philosophy of Yoga, and Ayurvedic massage.
7. Yoga Niketen
Yoga Niketan was foundecd by Swami Yogeshwaranand Paramahans. The teachings of this ashram, which is located in the Muni-Ki-Reti area of Rishikesh, are based solely on eight fold path as per the Patanjali yoga shastra. The ashram requires a minimum stay of 15 days for any of its courses. However, it also has a commercially run guesthouse that's available for shorter stays, and guests can attend daily classes at the ashram. Room rates start from 500 rupees a day, per person, for Indians and 900 rupees a day for foreigners.
8. Swami Dayananda Ashram
This ashram was established during the 1960s by Swami Dayananda Saraswati, an internationally recognized teacher of Vedanta and scholar of Sanskrit. It's located in picturesque surroundings, around 10 minutes walk from the Ram Jhula area. Regular residential courses are conduced there, with focus on Bhagavad Gita and the ten principal Upanishads. Vedic chanting is also taught during the courses. In addition, visiting teachers conduct Iyengar yoga retreats (suitable for beginners and intermediate students) at the ashram. The ashram has more than 150 rooms with attached bathrooms. However, ccommodations are provided for course students only. The ashram doesn't run a guesthouse.
9. Phool Chatti
Meaning "Land of Flowers", Phool Chatti ashram was founded in the late 1800s (yes, it's more than 120 years old) and is located a peaceful 5 kilometers upriver from Laxman Jhula. The ashram is renowned for its frequent seven day yoga and meditation program. The teachings are different from many others as they focus on the full spectrum of the yogic path and ashram life, not just asanas (postures). Students will get to experience meditation, breathing (pranayama), cleansing, chanting, mauna (silence), pooja (worship), kirtan (sacred singing), and other important aspects of the yogic path. There are opportunities for meditative walks amongst nature as well.
10. Anand Prakash Ashram
Anand Prakash Ashram was founded in 2007 by husband and wife team Chetana Panwar (a Canadian woman) and Yogirishi Vishvketu (who's studied Hatha and Raja yoga, and the Vedic healing arts, in northern India since childhood). They offer their own style of yoga called Akhanda Yoga, which has holistic, non-sectarian teachings. Emphasis is on balanced sequencing of asana, pranayama, relaxation, mantra and meditation, as well as discussions and readings on the yogic lifestyle and yoga philosophy. Stays at the ashram including yoga, accommodations, and meals are from 700 rupees ($15) per person, per night.
There are 18 rooms, and a minimum three nights stay is required. Yoga classes for non-residents are 150 rupees for afternoon classes and 200 rupees for morning classes. The ashram also runs 200 hour and 500 hour Yoga Teacher Training programs. It's located in the Tapovan area.
11. Osho GangaDham Ashram
The Osho GangaDham ashram is situated on the Ganges river at Brahampuri, around 10 minutes drive from the Laxman Jhula area on Badrinath Road. Various types of Osho Active Meditation practices are taught at the ashram, and meditation camps are offered throughout the year. Alternatively, you can simply listen to discourses, or do nothing but relax there.