Acharya Karan V – In search of spiritual attainment, awakening of the consciousness and higher knowledge, humans have always turned towards nature. It is believed that in the lap of nature lies the answers to most of the questions. Rishikesh is one such place people have visited for ages looking for spiritual experience i.e. serenity and inner peace.

Rishikesh has earned the sobriquet “Yognagari” meaning a “heaven for Yogic Practices and Mediation”. People from all over the world visit Rishikesh to learn to practice Yoga and Meditation to have sound physical and psychological health. Situated at the foot of the Himalayas, in Uttarakhand, Rishikesh is considered to be one of the most sacred cities of Hindus. Rishikesh is derived from Sanskrit meaning “Lord of Senses” which is another epithet for Lord Vishnu.

Rishikesh got its name when Lord Vishnu manifested Himself as “Rishikesh” before Saint Raibhya. The place also has got religious history as Lord Rama spent some time here doing “Tapasya” or offering austerities to kill Ravana. His younger brother Laxman also crossed the Ganges using a bridge presently named “Laxman Jhula”. The holy river Ganga, rushing Her way through rocks and hills from Shivalik, makes Her way through Rishkesh, down to the lower parts of Northern India. One can find lots of ancient temples like Laxman Mandir, Shatrughan Mandir and Bharat Mandir, while going along the Ganga.

Besides a sacred place for devotees commencing their journey to pilgrimage, Rishikesh also attracts millions of foreigners visiting the hundreds of Yoga and Meditation Centers, seeking a refuge from the hustle bustle and mad rush of materialistic world. Numerous Ashrams (An institution of one of its kind for the curious minds seeking to study the secrets of Spirituality and Yog) are also situated here, being frequented by scholars all over the world.

For adventure seekers, Rishkesh offers a range of hair-raising adventure sports like river rafting, trekking, abseiling and recently introduced bungee jumping. Rishikesh witnesses quite a few festivals being celebrated with lot of fervours and spirits. The International Yoga Festival is thronged by millions from all over the world. Held in March, the festival is a joint venture by Parmath Niketan Ashram and Tourism Ministry of Uttranchal. The other major Hindu festivals like Holi, Basanth Panchami and Diwali are also celebrated with lot of enthusiasm.