Temples in Rishikesh

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Bharata Temple

Despite the name, the presiding Deity at this temple is Lord Narayana, not Bharata, Lord Rama's brother. It is a very old temple with a high wall around it. It is located in the heart of Rishikesh, about a half km from Triveni Ghat. There is an inscription on the temple that says the temple was renovated by Adi Sankara.

Laksman Jhula

Laksman Jhula is about 3 km north of downtown Rishikesh. At this place Laksman, Rama's younger brother, is said to have performed penance. There is a Laksman Temple here by the bridge. It is said that near this temple at Risha Kund is where Lord Rama and Laksman took bath to atone for the sin incurred for killing Ravana, who was a Brahmin. There is also a seven story temple housing dioramas depicting spiritual subject manners.

There was a hanging jute rope bridge here until 1889. It was rebuilt with iron ropes in 1939. This is a very peaceful area, but can be crowded during the day.

There is a nice peaceful area with a small sandy beach where you can bathe in the Ganges. It is just south of the bridge, on the other side of the river from the main part of town.

Triveni Ghat is the main bathing ghat where the Ganges and the subterranean Yamuna and Saraswati are said to flow together. Pinda sraddha, or offering to the forefathers, is performed here. There is a daily evening Ganges arati (offering of lamps). It is a well-attended, interesting event.

Shatrugna Temple, Muni-ki-Reti, is about 4.5 km from downtown Rishikesh. It is dedicated to Shatrugna, the youngest brother of Lord Rama. At Muni-Ki-Reti (abode of the Rishis) the Ganges emerges out of the Himalayan foothills.

The Balaji and Chandramouleswara Temple is constructed in the South Indian style. It is run by the same board that runs the temple in Tirupati, and the temple rituals are the same as at Tirupati. It is north of the Bharata Mandir beyond the Chandrabhaga River.

Neela Kantha Mahadeva Temple is situated at a height of 5,500 feet above sea level and is about 11 km from Laksman Jhula. It takes four hours to walk there from Laksman Jhula. There are regular shared jeeps to this temple from Rama Jhula.