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Rishikesh

Yoga In Rishikesh

Rishikesh is a dynamic international village of spiritual seekers situated in the lap of the Himalayas in Uttarakhand, India. And the most ancient pilgrimage location in India. In our epics, it also known as the TapoBhumi; meaning the place for yoga meditation of the Gods. Rishikesh stands at the bank of the holy river, the Ganga. The crystal clear and holy water of the Ganga attracts not only the people, also the Gods, for spiritual uplifting. It is a crowded town of the temples. It is full of spiritual energy flow in air. Terminologically the word Rishikesh” means “the city of saints” or one whose hair is like Lord” means ability to have endurance for tap” and Samadhi.

According to Hindu mythology, the sage Rishi Raibhya sat on the banks of the Ganga and performed severe penance in the form of extremely austere yoga practices. He was rewarded when Lord Vishnu appeared in the form of Rishikesh, thus giving the place its present name. Over the ages, saints have meditated at this peaceful spot with the soaring mountains looking down and the sacred Ganga flowing beside. One of the most prominent religious leaders in modern times, Adi Shankaracharya, traversed this land in the 9th century AD. Shankaracharyas pilgrimage to Rishikesh was later codified into the great pilgrim circuit, and gave a heightened sense of sacredness to this land of the gods. Ever since, Rishikesh has been the stepping stone and the first destination on a list of holy shrines and sites stretching across the lofty Himalayan Range. The peaks of the Himalayas seem to be heavenly and magnetize the people.

Rishikesh is the Yoga capital of the Globe as there are innumerable yoga centers here. An annual International Yoga Festival” is held by the Utrakhaand Tourism Board from March 1st to March 7th. In 2010, many acclaimed teachers and hundreds of practitioners from over 40 different countries converged to celebrate the universal spirit of Yoga in Rishikesh. In the 1960s, Rishikesh came into the Western world’s limelight as the place where the pop group Beatles met their guru, Maharishi Mahesh Yogi.

The blessed city of Rishikesh is a yoga tourism hub, and attracts millions of tourists, people every year come here to practice YOGA, MEDITATE, REJUVENATE and they gain peace of mind. The place is also very famous with foreigners who come to India as part of a spiritual journey. Whether its washing away karma in the Ganga, offering pujas (worships), or watching the aarti (the ceremony of lights on the ghats of Rishikesh. It is pure bliss and auspicious. The people find that Rishikesh touches their bottom of the hearts and transform them for the spiritual wellness.

Accessibility:

Airways : The nearest airport is Jolly Grant which is 18km. from Rishikesh on way to Dehradun. At present chartered planes services available.

Train : Rishikesh has a well connectivity with Indian Railways. Hardwar, Delhi, Bombay, Howrah, Lucknow and Agra are the major cities which are directly hooked up with Rishikesh through Trains.

Road : You can plan for your travel at any direction from Rishikesh by Roadways. Large road transport covers every route to State from here.

Climate:

Summer :- Max 40.0C, Min 34.6C.

Winter :- Max 30.2C, Min 15.3C.

Clothing:

Summer :- Cottons.

Winter :- Woolens.

Best Time to visit: any time when you feel to

Geographical Picture of Rishikesh

Area : 11.22 sq. km (City area).

Altitude : 356 m (1190 ft).

Population : 85,000