Spiritual peace is significantly ignored in today’s fast-paced world. The brisk lives that most of the people live is rewarding most of the time but at a notable cost of inner-peace and mental health. At this point, an outing adventures tour of a hill station could do wonders for your weekend plans. And Rishikesh is the perfect destination for your weekend blues. With activities like rafting and camping, it will give you a secluded time with nature near the great Ganges river, and at the same time, will feed your thrill-seeking soul. But most of all, Rishikesh will leave you in awe with its evergreen divine temples. These below-mentioned temples will rejuvenate your senses as positive energies will surround you and refresh you for all.
- Trayambakeshwar Temple- Also known as Terha Manzil Temple due to its thirteen-storeyed structure, Trayambakeshwar temple is a majestic work of art standing in front of Lakshman Jhula. The temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva and is believed to be 400 years old. The top of the temple also offers a great viewpoint to behold the Lakshman Jhula.
- Lakshman Temple- The way to get to the temple goes through the popular jute bridge, Lakshman Jhula, as both are dedicated to Lord Lakshman, brother of Lord Rama. It’s a short trek of less than a half kilometer from the Trayambakeshwar temple. Legend has it that at this place, Lakshman meditated to attain the enlightenment.
- Parmarth Niketan- Parmarth Niketan is also an ashram with over a 1000 rooms under its authority, and a school as well. It was founded by Swami Shukdevanandji Maharaj in 1942 and is the largest ashram in Rishikesh today. Devotees come here to offer their prayers to River Ganges and enjoy the numerous yoga camps at its establishment.
- Gita Bhawan- Gita Bhawan is one of the oldest shrines in Rishikesh, with a housing facility of over 1000 rooms for devotees. It is situated in the Swargasharam region of Rishikesh and also comprise a ghat for devotees to take a dip in Ganges. It is a part of Gita Press, and you can find hundreds of Vedic texts available to devotees to read.
- Kunjapuri Devi Temple- Kunjapuri Devi temple is one of the 52 shaktipeeths and is considered as the place where the chest of burned Sati, wife of Lord Shiva, fell from the sky. It is situated at the top of a hill, and the way to reach there consists of 80 steep steps. The shrine also offers aesthetic views of several snow-clad mountains.
- Raghunath Temple- Raghunath Temple is at a distance of 200m walk from Triveni Ghat. It is dedicated to Lord Rama and his wife Sita. There is a small pond known as Rishikund inside the temple, and legend says that Lord Rama took a bath in it when he was in exile. Another legend has it that the ancient river of Saraswati used to meet Yamuna and Ganga here, however, it is still a gray area for archeologists all over the country.
- Bhootnath Temple- Bhootnath temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva, and legend connects it with his marriage to his first wife, Sati. It has multiple floors, and the main temple is on the top floor. From the shrine, you can take a look at the mesmerizing city of Rishikesh.
- Neelkantha Mahadev Temple- Neelkantha Mahadev temple is approximately one and a half-hour drive away from Rishikesh city. This temple holds religious significance for devotees as it is believed that Lord Shiva drank poison originated from Samudramanthan at this very place, thus taking the name Neelkantha, meaning one with a blue throat.
- Shri Bharat Mandir- Bharat temple is located near Triveni Ghat, and just a small walk away from there. The temple is dedicated to Lord Rama’s brother Bharat who, as per legends, meditated here along with Shatrughan. The temple sees huge crowd during Akshaya Tritiya as pilgrims gather here to perform parikrama of the idol inside the temple.
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