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Exploring The Temples Around Rishikesh, A Spiritual Journey

There’s a lot more to Rishikesh other than adventure activities, and that is, the legendary temples and renowned yoga schools. Rishikesh is home to numerous old temples and the following is the list of a few ancient temples along with their history and stories associated.  

1. Neelkanth Mahadev Temple:

Neelkanth Mahadev temple is dedicated to lord Shiva and is one of the most revered Hindu sites. This temple is situated about 7km. from Swarga Ashram in the PauriGarhwal region. According to the Hindu mythology, it was this place, where lord Shiva consumed the poison that appeared after the ‘AmritManthan’ that turned his throat blue. Hence, the name NeelkanthMahadev. 

2. Triambakeshwar Temple (Tera Manzil Temple):

This temple is also known as the Tera Manzila Mandir as it has 13 stories and is situated on the banks of the Ganges. This temple is also dedicated to lord Shiva and its main feature is that it could be seen from the Lakshman Jhula. Apart from its phenomenal architecture, it offers a wonderful view from the top story.

3. Shri Bharat Mandir:

This temple was founded in the 12th century by Adhiguru Shankaracharya and it has a very beautifully carved statue of lord Vishnu from the stone Saligram. Inside the canopy of the temple is where the Shree Yantra lies. The architecture of the temple is extremely detailed in the record of Kearkhand. The present structure was rebuilt after the original one was destroyed by Taimur.  

4. Kunjapuri Temple:

This temple is considered one of the Shakti Peeths and is dedicated to the first wife of lord Shiva, Sati. It is believed that the chest part of Mata Sati had fallen here at this location as lord Shiva carried her corpse across the universe.  

5. Raghunath Temple:

Raghunath Temple is a very sacred place for Hindus as this is the place where the famous Ganga Aarti takes place every evening. The deities worshipped here are primarily Ram and Sita and this temple is closely located to the sacred pond of Rishikund.

6. Hanuman Mandir:

The Hanuman Mandir is also one of the famous temples around here and Tuesdays are busy at this temple with numerous rituals and offerings that take place. Not to forget that the key highlight is the Ganga Aarti that is conducted here. 

7. ShatrughnaMandir:

This temple was founded by Adi Shankaracharya and is dedicated to the younger brother of lord Ram, Shatrughna. This temple is located in the Ram Jhula and is of great historical significance.

8. Bhootnath Mandir

This temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva and is surrounded by Rajaji National Park from 3 sides and the Ganges from the other. It is believed that lord Shiva rested here on the journey to marry Mata Sati. This temple is located at an elevation hence providing a breathtaking view of the city.  

9. Lakshman Temple:

This temple holds significance from the legend of Ramayana, as it is believed that it is this place where both Ram and Lakshman attained enlightenment. Some numerous ancient sculptures and paintings adorn the temple. 

10. Swarg Ashram Temple:

This temple is located alongside the Ganges and is a 3 story temple that provides an absolutely stunning view of the valley. This is also one of the favourite tourist spots as it offers a sense of peace and serenity.

11. Parmarth Niketan:

This is the largest aashram of Rishikesh has more than 1000 rooms and provides a spiritually captivating environment for people all across the globe who visit the city. The daily activities of the ashram include yoga sessions, hatha yoga, vinyasa etc..it’s the best place to be for someone who seeks holistic experience.   

These shrines and their stories contribute to the richness of the culture and spirituality of Rishikesh, attracting tourists across the globe to explore their greatness and find solace in the sacred landscape. These temples not only are a haven for the spiritual seekers but also portray the roots of tradition and legends of Rishikesh.   

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Sattal: Hidden Gem In Uttarakhand Surrounded By Seven Lakes

Situated in the arms of the Nainital district, Kumaon, Sattal is a place, that is a meeting point for seven interconnected freshwater lakes. The dense oak and pine forests decorate the landscape with them mesmerizing views, at the height of 1370 meters from the sea level.  

Sattal translates to Seven Lakes that come together to form a mesmerizing landscape. The lakes add to the tranquility of nature which is a perfect view. Sattal is a destination that captivates all the senses and soothes the soul as it is the perfect place for newlyweds, lovers, nature enthusiasts and families. As far as the history of this place is concerned, during the British Raj this region was known for its tea plantation.  

Sattal welcomes visitors and tourists with open arms in the pleasant season of summer and makes it the ideal destination for all the migratory birds and their admirers during the months from October to June. Although the monsoon season brings vibrant colours to the landscape, there still lies a risk of landslides. So the best time to visit here is between March to June and October to December, with the pleasant balance between the temperatures. January and February are the months when this tranquil tapestry is covered with a thick blanket of snow. 

This place has a lot of fun activities to offer that you can enjoy with your family and make unforgettable memories for a lifetime. 

  • Bird-watching paradise is for all bird enthusiasts as Sattal is a heaven with over 500 species of local and migratory birds. The environment comes to life with all the melodies of the birds singing around the sky. You can even arrange a local guide for morning walks who will help you to recognize and know the birds more. 
  • One of the most thrilling experiences of Sattal is kayaking. There are various packages available for this activity that allow the visitors and tourists to participate in this activity with utmost safety, without compromising the fun. 
  • Another unique adventure that can be explored here is the night swim under the stars which will not only give you some personal space to yourself, but also you can explore and admire the natural beauty of the landscape. 
  • Camping and tenting around nature is one of the most phenomenal activities that you can do with your family and friends. Choosing a natural home instead of a hotels provides you with an exhilarating gateway to the world of nature. 
  • Another interesting activity that you can indulge yourself in is interacting with the locals and getting to know about their local stories. This will provide you with an insight into the culture and the history of the town. 
  • For all the beauty admirers, Just at the distance of 2 kilometres away from Bhimtal is the beautiful butterfly Museum. This museum is in the house of Peter Smetacek, a famous lepidopterist; this museum shows a private collection of all the insects and beautiful butterflies. 

So we can conclude by saying that Sattal is an ideal place for all nature lovers that promises not only a charming view of the landscape but also offers a variety of adventures and cultural experiences. Be it kayaking in the Bhimtal Lake, admiring the beauty of the butterflies and the birds or engaging with the locals, this place offers a gateway into a world where nature and adventures live in harmony.