The literal translation of the word ‘ Rishikesh ’ is ‘ locks or hairs of a sage ‘ !
Rishikesh is a small town in the Dehradun district of the state of Uttarakhand in India. It is scenic and has the Holy Ganges River flowing through it.
The town has been a part of the legendary ‘ Kedarkhand ’ and it is believed that Lord Rama did penance here for killing Ravana, the demon king of Lanka. Legend also has it, that Rama’s younger brother, Lakshmana, crossed the river Ganges using a jute rope-bridge at a point where the present day ‘ Lakshmana Jhula ‘ stands.
Thousands of years ago, sages came to this place to attain peace and spirituality. As their study and practice grew, Rishikesh established itself as the birthplace of Ayurveda the Indian system of medicine, Yoga, Meditation, Spirituality and Spa Therapies. Now, it has become renowned the world over as the place to study, learn and practice these therapies.
Rishikesh known for its holiness, is equally popular for adventure sports! Being on the banks of the river Ganges and located at the Himalayan foothills, it is an ideal destination for activities like rafting, trekking, rock climbing, kayaking etc. The town is the world capital of Yoga, and it is believed that meditation here brings one closer to attaining moksha ( the release from rebirth on the Earth )!
Triveni Ghat: These stepped river embankments, are situated at the confluence of three sacred rivers the Ganga, the Yamuna and the Saraswati ( which legends state, once flowed here ). There is a belief attached to this ghat that Lord Krishna visited this spot when he was hurt by an arrow shot by a hunter! Most pilgrims take a dip in its holy waters to wash themselves pure from sin before visiting the various temples.
The ceremonies of ‘Pinda Shraddha’, which are pleasing to departed ancestors and which allow them to join their forefathers in heaven, are also carried out here.
