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India, Religion, Travel

Quintessence of spirituality – Rishikesh

Posted by Sid's Photologue on October 18, 2015April 6, 2026

Rishikesh (ऋषिकेश; हृषीकेश) is a small town around 20 km from Dehradun, Uttarakhand, located at the foothills of the Himalayas in northern India….

It is one of the key pilgrimage town and regarded as one of the holiest places to Hindus.

Being the “Gateway to the Himalayas” it is quite a busy town. It is also known as the Yoga Capital of the World.

Rishikesh, is a name of Vishnu that means ‘lord of the senses’. It originates from the words – Hrishika and Isha join together to make Hrishikesha…..

‘Hrishika’ means Senses and ‘Isha’ means Master or Lord. Hence the word means Lord of Senses or Lord Vishnu. The place gets its name after Lord Vishnu who appeared to ‘Raibhya Rishi’, as a result of his tapasya (austerities), as Lord Hrishikesha.

Hindu sages and saints have visited Rishikesh since ancient times to meditate in search of higher knowledge.

In the current times, some come here in search of holy divinity……

….& some seek adventure.

My memories go back almost 30 years, when I first visited Rishikesh….

…..& fed fishes with these wheat flour feed. Those days, the water of Ganga was crystal clear & one could see the pebbles at the bottom of the river bed.

Crossing the river has its own charm. One can go across either on foot, on one of these two suspension bridges…..

…or there are ferry boats to go across. I chose each of these, one way !!

The sacred Ganga river flows through Rishikesh. It is here that the river leaves the Shivalik Hills in the Himalayas and flows out into the plains of northern India. Several temples, as well as ceremonious Ghats, ancient as well as new, can be found along the banks of the Ganga in Rishikesh.

Lakshman Jhula…one of the two iconic suspension bridges in Rishikesh, is the older of the two. The original one built in 1889 was washed away in floods. The current one was built in 1924 & has been reinforced thereafter, several times

View of Swargashram, from Lakshman Jhula

Ram Jhula, the other iconic suspension bridge, is relatively a newer one.

It was built in 1986 to meet the increasing footfall demands.

Dharamshalas (religious or charitable rest houses or dorms) dot the town of Rishikesh. Surprisingly it is very difficult to find any place in here, as these are year round booked by the Western tourists who come to Rishikesh in the search of spirituality

…& no tourist place can be without local eateries !

….& some with ‘continental’ stuff too! Let’s create a Rome, when the Romans are around ;), Can’t believe pasta & macaroni sold side by side to Samosa & aaloo chat !

The famous ‘Chotiwala’ restaurant. I heard that this ‘chotiwala’ guy sits here throughout the day, posing for pictures with the tourists.

Being the holy town, Rishikesh is vegetarian by law. Meat and alcohol are not served within the town. Cows roam freely in the streets and always have the right of way …..

The narrow streets of Rishikesh are lined with small shops, selling souvenier & other religious items.

….that meets everyone’s budgets

One noticable fact is that no matter which shop or stall you see, the common theme is Religion….

…be it small idols….

…or a treasure trove full of coins embossed with figues or Gods & Goddesses….

…or stoles….

…or even T shirts. The faith & belief can sell everything !!!

As the dusk approaches, it is time for the famous Ganga Aarti (Prayers offered to river Ganga)…

…..& the golden hue of the setting sun paints the canvas of the flowing river…..

….& the devotion takes a sip of the faith !!!!

Parmarth Niketan & the famous Triveni Ghat of Rishikesh

Like Haridwar, the Ganga aarti performed at this Triveni Ghat is spectacular. There used to be a tall idol of Lord Shiva in meditation pose at this place, which was washed away in the floods of 2013

Parmarth Niketan Ashram

Crossing the river on Ram Jhula

The flock of devotees making their way to the Triveni Ghat for the evening Ganga Aarti

It is time for some local refreshments! Nothing can beat a sip of naturally cooled Shikanji (the lime water) after a long tiring walk…..

…..coupled with rejuvenating bites of tender coconut.

Over the past years, Rishikesh is becoming a popular destination for the yoga, spiritual & adventure enthusiasts, both from India and abroad. However, in the recent days, a large number of tourists from different geographies – obscure of spiritual and cultural values of Rishikesh, have been seen indulging in consuming drugs / alcohol and participating in partial nudity at the banks of Ganga, which affects the spiritual environment of area where sadhus and yogis gather to meditate and contemplate……

River Ganga is the embodiment of all sacred waters for Hindus. Its closeness invokes calmness & induces the feeling of peace and tranquility. Its serenity & sacredness is paramount to the culture, faith & tradition of this land. Lets make a conscious effort to preserve the cleanliness, the eco-diversity & the holiness of this sacred place. Har Har Gange

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