Haridwar is a popular and revered place for Hindus largely because the Kumbh Mela is held here every twelve years. 25 kilometers upstream along the River Ganga is a smaller pilgrimage center, Rishikesh. Rishikesh, also known as Hrishikesh, is the point from which the ascent to the holy shrines of Badrinath and Kedarnath begins. Rishikesh has preserved much of its natural beauty.
Rishikesh in the Puranas and Epics
Rishikesh finds significant mention in the Kedar Khand (section) of the Skanda Purana. In ancient times the sage Raibhya performed severe austerities beneath a mango tree where the River Ganga enters the plains. Lord Vishnu was pleased by the devotion displayed by Sage Raibhya and appeared before him. He told the sage to ask for a boon.
Raibhya requested Vishnu to remain at this place forever. Since Raibhya had to conquer his physical senses in order to realize Vishnu, therefore Vishnu was worshipped here as Lord of the Senses. “Rishik” means senses and “Ish” means king. Together Rishikesh means Lord of the Senses. The place also came to be known as Rishikesh. In the Skanda Purana and many other ancient scriptures Rishikesh is referred to as Kubjamrak, because the sage performed his austerities under a mango tree.
Rishikesh is also associated with the Ramayana. Ravan was a Brahmin by birth. He was the son of the sage Vishrava and the she demon Kaikasi. Rama committed the sin of killing a Brahmin when he slew Ravan. Therefore, his family preceptor Sage Vasishtha advised Rama to perform penance at the Indra Kund in Rishikesh so that he would be absolved of the sin. So that Rama could cross the Ganga, Lakshman strung a rope bridge across the river. A jute rope suspension bridge had existed at this place for centuries and was known as Lakshman Jhula. In 1889, the bridge was rebuilt using iron ropes. Lakshman Jhula is a must see attraction at Rishikesh.
Gita Bhawan, Ashrams and Yoga
One of the modern attractions at Rishikesh is the Gita Bhawan. It is a unit of the Gita Press, which was founded with the objective of disseminating Hinduism. Gita Bhawan at Rishikesh is a large complex that offers free lodging, halls for religious discourses, the Gita Press book shop, an Ayurvedic dispensary and a kitchen that offers simple vegetarian meals.
Over the years many learned spiritual leaders have had their ashrams at Rishikesh. Two bear special mention. One is the 120 year old Kailash Ashram Brahmavidyapeetham. This ashram has had several illustrious students, the most prominent of them being Swami Vivekananda. The other ashram, that of Maharishi Mahesh Yogi, received international fame when the Beatles spent time here. In fact it was the Beatles who put Rishikesh on the international map.
Many yoga centers flourish in Rishikesh. The International Yoga Festival was held here in 2009 in which more than 400 delegates from 30 countries participated. Since many international tourists come to Rishikesh to participate in the yoga camps, there is ample residential accommodation and other facilities that are world class. Of late Rishikesh has also become popular for white water rafting on the River Ganga.
Sources:
- Rishikesh City: Rishikeshcity.com
- Gita Bhawan: Gitapress.org
- Vishrava, Kaikasi and Ravan: Suite101.com
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