Where Divinity Meets the Mother Ganga- Rishikesh, the Soul of Spirituality

 

Rishikesh

Hello, readers! If you are exhausted from your daily routine and ought to have a tranquil trip, add "Rishikesh" to your list. Rishikesh's incredible natural magnificence, spiritual essence, and pristine environment attract over 3 lakh visitors annually.

In my last blog, I united you to the "Golden Temple." And you showered tremendous love through your views. I am happy that you find my words worthwhile. Inspired by your support, today I will take you on another trip. It is one of the most adored sacred places, renowned as the "Yoga Capital of the World."

According to Sanatan holy scriptures, over 2000 years ago, a great sage, Maharishi Patanjali, wrote the Yoga Sutras in this divine location. It is the motherland of Yoga, so the annual "International Yoga Festival" is celebrated here with traditional dance performances and spiritual leaders.

Rishikesh is the seventh largest city in India. It is part of Uttarakhand and is called the "Gateway to the Garhwal Himalayas." This holy city has many prominent spiritual ashrams, prolonged Himalayan peaks, the unflappable River Ganga, delicious traditional meals, and numerous adventurous sports.

Rishikesh is also recognised for the splendid architecture of bridges named "Ram Jhula," "Lakshman Jhula," and "Janki Jhula." "Janki Jhula" is recently constructed in 2020.

This religious place is also well-known for the "Char Dham pilgrims." Lord Shiva is the most worshipped deity in Rishikesh. Multiple statues of Lord Shiva reside in the entire city. One of the very respectable temples of Lord Shiva, "Triambakeshwar Temple," is visible from "Lakshman Jhula."

This place has the essence of God and Goddesses. Rishikesh holds the infinite spiritual stories of every era. Its existence harbours Lord Vishnu from Satyug, venerable Sheshnaag Avtar Lakshman from Treta Yug, and ingenious Sages of Dwapar and Kaliyug. Indeed, Rishikesh is part of Incredible India.

The best months to visit Rishikesh are October to March. These months encompass both the winter and spring seasons in India. July to September is their rainy season, and issues like floods happen there.

The problem with the summer season is the high temperature. From April to June, the temperature reaches 35-45 degrees Celsius. That sometimes becomes unbearable, but Goddess Ganga's unwavering waves relieve the day.

I visited Rishikesh in May, the hottest summer month in India. I intended to relax in its grandeur.

It took seven hours to reach Rishikesh from Delhi. I became indefatigable when the gloriousness of lustrous greenery, the River Ganga, and lofty mountains surrounded me. The attractiveness of Goddess River Ganga forced me to sit in the corner, stare at her waves and feel her serenity.

Bank of Ram Jhula

I parked the car near the "Ram Jhula." I stood around fifty feet above the River Ganga and a few hundred metres away from "Ram Jhula."

I used some stairs to go down. It was risky and slippery. There was sand on the stairs and no iron support to go down. Be alert to cross them. It might be dangerous. After that, I stood around twenty feet above.

I relished to see Goddess Ganga. It seemed like the river was tearing the mountains between and making space to give life to crores.

I was standing at the corner and just looking at her waves. It was fascinating. Very calm. The serenity that I felt in my every breath that calmed my nerves. Her purity helped to cleanse the soul.

The essence of motherhood was in her streams. I merely desired to hold those memories forever. River Ganga is the purest river in the Hindu religion. Hindus worshipped her presence and called her "Maa Ganga(Mother Ganga). They use Ganga's water to purify things. Travellers can collect Goddess Ganga's water in containers. Many cans of different sizes are available to buy. People can select them at their convenience. They are available at reasonable prices.

The bridge, "Ram Jhula," was just a few steps away from me. I forwarded my steps to experience the incredible architecture. I reached there. It was about 450 feet. I was on it and experienced the bridge was moving like a swing- left and right. It was a little scary but unique experience.

Ram Jhula

The bridge was made of iron and was strong enough to hold many visitors.

There is a history behind "Ram Jhula." Ram Jhula was first constructed using jute ropes and named after Lord Ram. It is a faith that Lord Ram did the penance here. The jute ropes were knotted tightly to provide support and strength. Later, in 1986, it was rebuilt with iron.

Ram Jhula connects the two districts, Sivananda Nagar area of Muni ki Reti in Tehri Garwhal and Swargashram in Pauri Garhwal.

I visited the bridge at noon, but I suggest for a wonderful experience, should visit at night.

The brilliance of the lighting on the bridge at night will win your heart. The beautiful tricolours of Tiranga, with the golden colour on the entire bridge, entice your sight. You may capture the moments there.

"Lakshman Jhula" in Rishikesh is 2km up from the river Ganga. According to scriptures, Lakshman crossed the river Ganga from this place while searching for Goddess Sita.

Lakshman Jhula was rebuilt in 1889. It was of jute ropes. Unfortunately, in 1924, it was destroyed by flood. Then, it was reconstructed in 1927 using iron cables and opened for visitors in 1930.

"Lakshman Jhula" is located in the sacred area of Tapovan. It connects the villages of Tapovan and Jonk.

Lakshman Jhula

But, recently, it closed because of safety issues. Its reinforcement work took place in the year 2022. The government is replacing the base with a glass bottom. Steel cables are using to make it stronger and more durable. Travellers can't walk on it but can see the view. It is expected that "Lakshman Jhula" will reopen in 2024.

Another piece of architecture, "Janki Jhula," is recently constructed in Rishikesh. It became a unique point of attraction for everyone. "Janki Jhula" is a modern bridge named after the Goddess Sita. It is inaugurated in November 2020 during the G-20 summit. This bridge contains detailed paintings and statues of Hindu mythology. It holds colourful lighting and a pacifying view. It is nearly 5 minutes distance from Ram Jhula.

Rishikesh is also famous for a great adventure sport- river rafting. If you are excited to add thrill to your journey, experience river rafting sport in Rishikesh. It is around 5km distance from Ram Jhula at high altitude. Visitors get every facility to enjoy this sport. Also, there is no need to know swimming for rafting. Anybody can add this adventure sport to their life but under conditions of age and weight. The weight limit is a minimum of 40kg and a maximum of 100. People below 15 and above 55 years old are restricted to do river rafting.

The minimum length of the rafting is 9km, which takes hours to complete. Travellers get enough time to play in the waves and add joy to the journey.

Rishikesh offers several spots for rafting at different levels. These levels are beginner to advanced based on their distances.

There are three sites- Brahmapuri is for beginners, Shivpuri is for moderates, and Marine Drive/Kaudiyala is for advanced people. People can choose the spot at their convenience. Kaudiyala is the longest river rafting path at 36 km.

Shivpuri is one of the famous sites known as the "whitewater rafting hub" in Uttarakhand. It is the most liked site for river rafting.

River rafting in Rishikesh is open at reasonable prices. The average cost of rafting is Rs 600 per person. That may vary with distance and hours.

At least six members are essential for river rafting. Rest depends on the number of people in a particular group. It may increase from eight to ten. I had six members in river rafting and followed all safety measures. There is no risk to the safety of travellers. All essential safety materials like life jackets, helmets, ropes, and much more are provided by vendors.

I was filled with enthusiasm. We all held our oars tightly and moved them in opposite directions. The surges of Goddess Ganga were very high. They hit us constantly. It was a little scary, but the water was not deep, so there was no fear of drowning. That was the real adventure. Try river rafting at least once.

The Rishikesh is also the house of many restaurants. I visited the Chotiwala- one of the most famous restaurants in Rishikesh. They offer vegetarian food items and also provide their guests the option of "Satvik food(food without onion and garlic). I ordered the veg thali. There were considerable food items to select from. Their price was fair. It was an impressive restaurant. Their cleanliness, servings, and facilities were fantastic. Try to visit "Chotiwala" for good quality food.

After finishing my meal, I turned my steps towards the hotel. A pinch of calmness was in my heart. I am glad that I visited this sacred location. I comprehended nature and the creation of god more closely.

Rishikesh is the city whose soil holds the essence of holiness. It connects you with nature, the spiritual world and purity. This place gives you a new perspective towards life. It fills a new purpose in you and encourages you to fulfil all your dreams that stay behind for some reason. It fills you with another power that motivates you to live happily.

Rishikesh's beautification added another lovely experience to my memories.

I hope my new blog on "Rishikesh" will help you to understand the city profoundly and feel like you are experiencing my own. To read more blogs like this, stay connected! 

Thank you for reading.