ABOUT RISHIKESH 

Rishikesh, Uttarakhand, known to be the Yoga Capital of the World. The town situated on the foothills of the Himalayas and banks of the Ganges River. It became a tourist destination in India and serves as the Gateway to the Himalayas. The district supports environmental movements, and posted policies on the banning of using plastic bags for shopping purposes. It is a vegetarian and an alcohol-free city. Because of the popularity of the city since the landing of the Beatles, people who seek spiritual needs, as well as those who seek for adventure attracted to visit Rishikesh.

HISTORY OF RISHIKESH

The district of Rishikesh has a history that associated with mythology. It said that there was a saint named Raibhya Rishi, who did penance on the banks of the Ganges River. After his penance, he rewarded by God, who appeared to him as Lord Rishikesh. This is where the city got the name Rishikesh. It was also said that this is the place wherein Vishnu was able to defeat and kill the demon called Madhu. From these myths, the district filled with spirituality and since then on, people who want to meditate come to this place.

RISHIKESH AS A TOURIST PLACE

Rishikesh is a place for adventure. Main tourist attractions found in the district are:

• Triveni Ghat

This is a bathing ghat that is popular because of the traditions of the locals. They would float on the river while holding flowers and lamps.

• Geeta Bhavan

Geeta Bhavan is a museum located on the banks of the Ganges River. It houses the statues that are relevant to Hindu mythology.

• Rishikund

Located beside the Triveni Ghat, this pond reflects the temple of Ragunath.

• Swarg Ashram

This spiritual community is popular among tourists because have a deeper understanding of themselves.

RISHIKESH AS A PLACE OF WORSHIP

Rishikesh is a city of spirituality. Because of its background and the influence of Hindu mythology, the city said to have legendary events relating to their gods and saints. There are several temples, which dedicated to different gods, found in the district. Among of which is the Bharat Mandir, which said to be the oldest temple in Rishikesh. Tourists come to the district to seek for their spirituality needs. They use the place for meditation to understand themselves better. This is the primary reason why the city has been known to be the World Capital of Yoga.

HOW TO REACH THERE

A person can reach Rishikesh by air, land, or railroad. When going by an airplane ride, the closest airport is the Dehradun’s Jolly Grant Airport. When you travel by car from Delhi to Rishikesh, it usually takes 6 to 7 hours of travel time, and when travelling by a bus ride, it usually takes from 5 to 7 hours of travel time from Delhi. Finally, when travelling by train, the closest train station to Rishikesh is Haridwar. However, only three slow trains travel each day. It is advisable to arrive at Haridwar station by train, and reach Rishikesh by land.

Article Posted By : savi  On June 13, 2011lView All Articles

Article Source :

http://www.veethi.com/articles/rishikesh---land-of-god-article-85.htm

Keywords :
rishikesh , uttarakhand