Top 15 Unknown and Intriguing Facts about Devbhoomi Rishikesh in Uttarakhand | Rishikesh – The Yoga Capital of The World

Top 15 Unknown and Intriguing Facts about Devbhoomi Rishikesh in Uttarakhand the Yoga Capital of The World

Rishikesh, the Yoga Capital of The World

Rishikesh is one of the best prehistoric visiting locations in India. So many myths and historical events took place in this amazing location and a premium Yoga attraction. It is known as Tapasya Bhoomi, or the place for penance for yoga and practicing meditation. Rishikesh is a peaceful temple town situated in the state of Uttarakhand and a part of Dehradun district and in Tehri Garhwal region in northern India.

Here the Ganges River lands down from the hills and flows with its full potential of spiritual vibrancy and energy. The town of Rishikesh is also very close or can say in the foothills of the Himalayas. It is 250 kilometers north of Delhi and is known as the world center of yoga.

A taste of Historical Myths with Rishikesh

Rishikesh has been a part of the legendary “Kedarkhand”. The ‘Kedar Khand’ of Skanda Purana, also indicates the existence of Indrakund at this very point. Legends state that Lord Rama did penance here for killing Ravana, the asura king of Lanka.

 The myth also says that Lakshmana, the younger brother of Rama, crossed the Ganges, using two jute ropes. This place is famously known as ‘Lakshman Jhula’ at present-day it stands today. The jute-rope bridge was replaced by a 248-foot long iron-rope suspension bridge in 1889.

After it was washed away in the 1924 floods, it was replaced in 1927 by a stronger bridge built by the United Provinces Public Works Department. This bridge connects the two districts of Tapovan, Tehri and Jonk, Pauri Garhwal. Another similar suspension bridge Ram Jhula was built in 1986 at nearby Sivananda Nagar.

Spirituality in Hinduism and Rishikesh

India is the land of spirituality from ancient times. If you visit Haridwar, Benaras, etc. you must have noticed that several temples, ancient and new, are along the banks of the Ganges. Even in Rishikesh also it is no exception.

According to the myth of Ramayana, there were temples for four brothers very close relationship and bond to each other as symbolic to the love of brotherhood built and established by Adi Shankaracharya.

They are namely Shatrughna Mandir, Bharat Mandir (Lord Vishnu’s avatar), Lakshman Mandir are the ancient temples. Shatrughna Temple is near Ram Jhula and Lakshman Mandir is near Lakshman Jhula.

Rishikesh – A Base for Yogis

Rishikesh is having an excellent geographic location for different sect of yogis around the world It has access to Almora, Bageshwar, Chamoli, Champawat, Dehradun, Nainital, Haridwar, Rudraprayag, etc various amazing places where pilgrims used to move to higher mountains for pilgrimage.

A close location from Rishikesh, Rudra Prayag has the historical records mention as yogis used to settle for a few days as a resting place before moving for Kedarnath or Badrinath other sacred places. 

While a larger number used to visit Rishikesh as the original destination for quenching their thirst for spirituality. Many peoples as well as yogis used to visit various sites between Rishikesh and Lakshman Jula, Almora, Rudraprayag, etc also before returning.

Sacred Meaning of Rishikesh

The State of Uttarakhand is a rich repository of various sacred places as well as natural resources. It has plenty of water resources, glaciers, and dense forests.

In Sanskrit Rishikesh is a name of Vishnu that means ‘lord of the senses’. Rishikesh is where Raibhya Rishi is believed to have done penance to please God who appeared as Rishikesh, so the name.

It is believed that several yogis and sages lived and practiced penance here. Rishikesh represents the site where Vishnu vanquished the demon Madhu. In Skanda Purana, the Rishikesh area is known as ‘Kubjamrak’ as Lord Vishnu appeared, under a mango tree.

Rishikesh and Its Yoga Connection

Since time immemorial, India has been known for its spirituality, religious and yoga tolerance, and its secular character. India is called the “Yoga-Bhoomi” and the gateway to the heavens. India is internationally renowned for its ancient healing practices and alternative therapies.

Rishikesh – The Birthplace of Yoga

Rishikesh is believed as the birthplace of yoga for many centuries. It attracts spiritual-seekers, Yogis who come for learning the attire of Yoga, to meditate, do yoga, and learn about other aspects of Hinduism. The whole town is considered to be sacred and it’s believed that meditating in Rishikesh leads to salvation.

Yoga and Rishikesh – The Solution for InnerPeace

Yoga originates from the Sanskrit word “Yuj” which intends to join together or to join. Individuals by and large feel that yoga is an evolution of activities with turned body postures, it is not really.

The primary object of Yoga is to help one associate with one’s inward soul, which is associated with the widespread soul or God. Yoga makes a harmony between the body and the psyche and to achieve self-illumination.

Learning Yoga in Rishikesh

Yoga conveys strength to the body and the uncertain personality. With a specific culmination goal to fulfill it, Yoga makes deployment of various expansions, breathing activities, unwinding system, and contemplation.

Yoga is connected with a solid and vivacious way of life with an adjusted way to deal with life. It is the union between the brain, body, and soul. Here is the rundown of ashrams for learning yoga in Rishikesh.

Rishikesh with Serene Popularity from Early 1900

The discovery of sacred places like Rishikesh also noted a big name in Indian history. In the contemporary history, it was found that Rishikesh exist in The Gazetteer of Dehra Dun. The person who was appointed by East India Company for ICS (Indian Civil Service) at 1900 or so was Officer HG Walton.

 According to the note “A village or town beautifully situated on the right bank of the Ganges, on a high cliff overlooking the river”. The place is developing very rapidly, especially since the construction of the new bridge over the Song River. This bridge was made for the pilgrim road from Raiwala to Rishikesh.

Breath-Taking Beauty of Rishikesh

People around the world nowadays arrive in India with a hope for learning Ayurveda, yoga, and meditation. In Rishikesh, Uttaranchal these are practiced for centuries. In fact, India has emerged as a health tourism destination because of these unique practices for self wellbeing.

 For more than thousands of years now, we have shared our own indigenous healing systems and medicinal practices such as Ayurveda, Naturopathy, and Pranic Healing to name just a few for the well-being of others.

 It is no wonder then that people from all over the world are turning to the Indian sub-continent for guidance towards a more spiritually satisfying way of life. Rishikesh is considered the most attractive place for learning these practices by staying there. This is one of the many reasons Rishikesh is called as Yoga capital of the world.

Himalaya and Rishikesh

Once you reach Rishikesh you can explore a splendid view of the snow-capped Himalayas and the serene Bhagirathi valley. One of the nearby places Dhanaulti which is located amidst thick, virgin forests of Deodar, Rhododendron, and Oak, has an atmosphere of perfect peace & tranquility.

If you go to Rishikesh, you should catch a glimpse of the snow-capped Himalayan peaks. Kunjapuri Devi, an old temple dedicated to the goddess Kunjapuri Devi, is the closest place to see them. It’s only an hour’s drive and a nice walk up to the top.

A few other very close places to Rishikesh and Himalayas are Raghunath Temple, Baital Kund, Brahm Kund, Surya Kund, and Vasisht Kund, the Indradyumna Tirth, Pushyamal Tirth, Varah Tirth, Pushpavatika, Baitalshila, and Varahishila. These places offer trekking opportunities and adventure sports also.

Rishikesh – A favorite Destination for Indians

Rishikesh is of the famous attraction for even Indians also. Each year around India people comes to visit Lakshman Jhula, Vashishtha Cave and Nilkanth Mahadev Temple are the main tourist destinations. There are a lot of attractions for the natural beauty here.

Few amazing places I will mention you should not miss at any cost while visiting Rishikesh are Triveni Ghat, Bharat Mandir, Kaishanand Mission Ashram. The people are also very helpful while you visit these places.

One of the famous idea Indians keep in mind as even if you’re not a spiritual seeker. In case you just want to spend a peaceful holiday, you must choose Rishikesh. It’s much more laid-back and less crowded than rather chaotic Haridwar.

 Haridwar is also considered a famous destination for Indian Tourism but it is quite crowded nowadays. It’s possible to get out and enjoy the great outdoors there too. Otherwise, head to Almora or Nainital to have your senses unlocked.

Ganges and Rishikesh

Rishikesh is a city sacred with a rich cultural past history, surrounded by a beautiful mountain range and the serene Ganga River. It has many stories associated with the Ganges. The city is a perfect blend of modern and an olden era into one place.

The Ganges, one of the most sacred rivers to Hindus, flows through Rishikesh. Here the river leaves the Shivalik Hills in the Himalayas and flows into the plains of northern India.

The Ganges is so fresh it can be felt. People can swim, bath, raft in it. Here the water is very clear and has a white texture mixed with blue color. It is also called DudhGanga and it is beautiful. White water rafting is one of the most popular water activities to engage yourself in Rishikesh.

 The amazing part is it costs only a couple of hundred rupees, it definitely shouldn’t be missed. There are a lot of undiscovered things that you can do by the city and one of them is camping by the Ganga river. The only criterion you must follow is that you must be a good swimmer. The water has a strong current and it can cause life also.

Best Time to Visit Rishikesh

Rishikesh as well as Uttarakhand has immense tourism potential with its unique natural offerings, picturesque locations, snowcapped mountains, lush green valleys, and cool climate with hospitable people. If you want to visit during the winter season from October end till the end of January the temperature comes down to 2°C to 3°C sometimes also.

During summer season in India from March to May usually is best time to visit this place. The temperature has quite a variation from 14 – 15°C to 35-36°C. It is not suggested during monsoon season from June till September due to high rainfall in the region. Even there exist landslides and flash floods in the region also.

What Should I Wear In Rishikesh?

Indian Hindus had specific ways of wearing in different ways for different time, place, and festivals. So for a spiritual and religious place like Rishikesh has a special importance given by everyone.

For a yogi, you might find a different wearing while you are a learner or a spiritual seeker. For local people you can notice Kurtas, Pants, Khadi dresses are absolutely fine. Indian outfit is preferable as it is a religious place. Dress modestly if you plan to visit religious places. For women, sarees, salwar suits, or Kurtis/pants are good to go.

Foods and Delicacy in Rishikesh

While talking about food India is way ahead due to its cultural heritage. You can find different types of delicacy in each different state in India. To name some I have Samosa, Aloo Poori, Chole Bhature, Pani Puri, Dosa are readily available in various local hotels and food outlets.

 Even then if you are practicing or learning Yoga then there is a specific Yogic Food regime you must practice. They are mostly vegetarian food that we name as Satvik Foods.

Rishikesh and Yoga Tourism

Rishikesh and overall India holds immense importance as a religious place known around the world. Here for engaging spiritual experiences, each year vast amount of domestic as well as international tourists gathers around.

Badrinath, Kedarnath, Gangotri, Yamunotri, and Haridwar attract regular religious tourists which significantly add to the State economy. The State is divided into two regions i.e. Garhwal and Kumaon and comprises 13 Districts out of which four Districts are in the plains and the other nine are in the hills.

Spiritualism and Touring in Rishikesh

 Every now and then in a year, it keeps drawing the attention of tens of thousands of foreign yoga seekers. Major reason for yoga seekers or yoga learners is coming to Rishikesh is because dozens of ashram retreats and yoga schools are situated here in Rishikesh.

Rishikesh has in recent decades lifted from a spiritual pilgrim to a vacationer town. The International Yoga Festival introduced in 2000 has brought new arrival of tourists.

Famous Band Beatles and Yoga in Rishikesh (Chaurasi kutia Ashram)

The famous music band Beatles tried to search the enlightenment through the Maharishi Mahesh Yogi, the leader of the Transcendental Meditation movement.

Their association with the guru resulted in a visit to the Maharishi’s ashram in Rishikesh, India. They arrived in February 1968, in the famous Chaurasi kutia Ashram once abandoned now reopened for visitors.

The Reason Foreigners Keep Visiting in Rishikesh and India

1. Approximately half of the tourists believe in Indian Hindu religion and customs and enjoy the rituals followed in Indian tradition. They have an urge to learn about the religious importance of Haridwar, ashrams, and Holy Ganges.
2. Foreign tourists like Holy Ganges, prayers at night at the bank of Ganges, temples, Indian cuisines, sermons, and interaction with monks. They are likely to celebrate and participate in Indian festivals. They feel very pleasant and more satisfying in their lives.
3. They believe that they are not looking for luxury but their arduous journey to meet the divine goal to make life simple and more fulfilling and rewarding. The majority of foreign tourists visiting Rishikesh believe that religious places give peace of mind and they feel spiritually satisfied.

Yoga Teachers Training in Rishikesh

If you want to learn and experience Yoga, then Yoga Teacher Training in Rishikesh is a great option to explore in Rishikesh. In India, various other places also exist but Rishikesh is the place you should reach.

Rishikesh is an incredible place for homework and practice yoga. This inspiring and blissful location offers you a chance to feel your spirituality, benefit from traditional yoga teachers.

You will feel the essence of Yoga and immerse yourself in yoga ancestry that comes from the realized being such as Matsyendranath, Gorakhnath, Shankaracharya, Patanjali, etc. and their teachings.

Anyone with yoga persuasion on a global measure will convey to you that in Rishikesh, you will find some of the best yoga teachers coming from a range and different backgrounds. It depends on the ability to absorb and influence more familiar to students.

Conclusion

India had always directed visitors from all over the ecosphere to practice its 5000 years old civilization. The country’s multiplicity of culture, faiths, languages, fairs and festivals, majestic monuments, and captivating wildlife made for a variety which could take in almost the whole world. All these provide a unique set of opportunities for tourists to enjoy. Tourist arrivals are still just a fraction of those in such popular Indian destinations as Rishikesh. Even with the recent boom, industry experts say that to attract more visitors, India needs to upgrade its airports, roads, and other infrastructure to global standards.

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