Spiritual Awakening at Rishikesh

The Indian state of Uttarakhand is one of the most beautiful states of India with several beautiful hill stations and forest reserves. It is also one of the few Indian states that has many holy places located in sylvan surroundings. From Varanasi to Allahabad, from Haridwar to Rishkesh–Uttarakhand indeed boasts of many wonderful holy places. However, it is the sacred Rishikesh that is really the pride of Uttarakhand.

The ‘Gateway to the Himalayas’ Rishikesh is located 230 km away from the National Capital Delhi and is situated on the banks of the Chandrabhaga and Ganga Rivers. It was at Rishikesh that the Lord Rama, on the advice of the Sage Vasishta, did penance for killing Ravana.

Rishikesh finds mention in Skanda Purana in which it’s mentioned as Kubjamrak. Also called Kedarkhand or Shiva’s abode Rishikesh is the ‘World Capital of Yoga’. The annual ‘International Yoga Week’ held in the month of February at Rishikesh attracts participants and yoga enthusiasts from all over the world. Rishikesh’s fame also rests on the fact that it is the entry point to the famous four holy places of India-Badrinath, Kedarnath, Gangotri, and Yamunotri.

Though the entire Rishikesh is worth visiting there are some prominent spots that the visitors must not miss. They are Neelkanth Temple, Trayambakeshwar Temple, Swarg Ashram, Triveni Ghat, Shivanand Jhoola or Ram Jhoola, Lakshman Jhula, and Kailas Ashram Brahmavidya Peetham.

Kailas Ashram Brahmavidya Peetham is a 120-year-old school that specializes in Hindu Philosophy, Vedantic Studies, and meditation. Swami Vivekananda was one of its many distinguished students. Triveni Ghat is a beautiful ghat where one can watch the much famous Ganga Arti in full operation and get spiritually and religiously stirred like never before.

But the holy Rishikesh is not only for those who are spiritually and religiously inclined. It is also the perfect destination for the adventurous and sports enthusiasts. From rock climbing to cliff jumping, from kayaking to white water rafting such people can enjoy several thrilling activities at Rishikesh.

In fact, Rishikesh is one of the best places in the world for white water rafting. The fast and furious the Ganga River at Rishikesh challenges the body and spirit of the rafters to give their best and discover the strength that they did not know they had. Taming the rapids at Rishikesh also gives them an unmatched high and thrill. No wonder, majority of the sports enthusiasts make it a point to enjoy this challenging sport at Rishikesh.