rishikesh-haridwar yaathu tours mini guide

8/2/2019 Rishikesh-Haridwar Yaathu Tours Mini Guide

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RishikeshRishikeshRishikeshRishikesh

About the Destination...

1) A sacred town at the convergence of rivers Ganges and

Chandrabhaga

2) Rishikesh is a naturally attractive place at the foothills of the

lower Himalayas in the state of Uttaranchal in India.

3)

The importance of this holy city lies in the fact that it servesas a gateway to other religiously important centers like

Kedarnath, Gangotri, Badrinath and Yamunotri.

4) Rishikesh, literally means Lord of the Senses, stands for Lord

Vishnu

5) Rishkesh is renowned for numerous Yoga centers, and

perfectly termed as the World Capital of Yoga, offering

training of Yoga and many other spiritual activities.

6) Many water sports activities like white water rafting and

adventurous activities like wild forest trekking can be

enjoyed in Rishikesh


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History...

1) The place gets its name after Lord Vishnu who appeared to

'Raibhya Rishi', as a result of his tapasya (austerities), as Lord

Hrishikesh.

2) In Skanda Purana, this area is known as 'Kubjamrak' as Lord

Vishnu appeared, under a mango tree.

3) Legends state that Lord Rama did penance here for killing

Ravana, the demon king ofLanka; and Lakshmana, his

younger brother, crossed the river Ganges, at a point, where

the present 'Lakshman Jhula' bridge stands today, using a

jute rope bridge.4) The 'Kedar Khand' ofSkanda Purana, also mentions the

existence of Indrakund at this very point. The jute-rope

bridge was replaced by iron-rope suspension bridge in 1889,

and after it was washed away in the 1924 floods, it was

replaced by a stronger present bridge.


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Important Places...

1) Bharat Mandir: Built by Adiguru Shankra Chrya arround 12th

century, Bharat mandir is situated in the heart of the old

town on the Banks of the Ganges. The Inner sanctum of the

temple has the idol of lord Vishnu, carved out of a single

Saligram. In the inner canopy above the idol is shree yantra

installed by Adi Sankraya Charya. The original temple was

destroyed by Tamur lane in 1398 A.D.

2) Rishikund: Close to Trivenighat is the most anciant place, therishikund. Ancient records relate this to Kubz Saint , who was

blessed by the Goddess Yamuna by saturating this pond byits water.

3) Triveni Ghat : Triveni Ghat, a confluence of three holy

important Rivers the Ganges, the Yamuna and the

Saraswathy, is a most revered sacred bathing spot in

Rishikesh

4) Geeta Bhawan: One of the oldest temple complex in the

area. The famous Indian epic Ramayana and Mahabharta are

described here on the walls.

5) Parmarth Niketan: One of the most renowned temple

complex and ashram in the area. Known for its substantial


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work on Hinduism, there is a school run on traditional Indian

Patterns.

6) Tera Manzil Temple: A multistory temple complex of idols of

hindu Gods, and Goddesses. Very popular among the

domestic pilgrims. Sunset view from this place in winters is a

excellent option.

7) Laxman Temple: On the right bank of the Ganges is situated

the ancient temple of Laxman. Lord Rama with Laxman

made a twig bridge here on the way to their journey to highHimalayas.

8) Laxman Jhula: Lakshman (Laxman) Jhula, very long, of

about 450 ft Iron Bridge suspended over the mighty Ganges

River, is constructed in the year 1939.

9) Ram Jhula: A new swinging bridge, constructed a few years

back and known as Ram Jhula (also Shivanand Jhula), is

nearby.

10) Nilkantha Mahadev Temple: It is perfectly placed at the

confluence of Pankaja and Madhumati rivers. This

enchanting revered shrine is placed at an altitude of 1330 m

with its main deity as Lord Shiva. The panoramic view of

surrounding hills of Brahmakoot, Vishnukoot and Manikoot

is very attractive. It is believed that the event of churning

the sea & drinking the poison by Lord Shiva occurred here

in this place where the temple is located.


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11) Shri Tryambakeshwar Temple: Tryambakeshvar, means the

abode of the three eyed one i.e. Lord Shiva, is considered as

one of the twelve Jyotirlingas (self emanated lingas

12) Outskirts of Rishikesh:- Kaudiyala: Kaudiyala, a perfect place for rock climbing,

is located 380 m high of sea level nearby Rishikesh. The

place is surrounded by dense forests and blessed with

the rare view of a number of wild animals in theirnatural habitat. White water rafting is a good sport

practiced here.

- Kunjapuri Temple: One of the 13 most important

Goddesses of Shivalik range. One can see almost all the

peaks of Garhwal Himalayas from here e.g

Banderpunch (6316 Mts) , Swarga Rohini (6252 Mts)

Gangotri ( 6672 mts) Chaukhamba (7138 mts) etc.

- Vashishtha Goofa: One hour drive from Rishikesh up

river, where famous saint Vashishtha mediated on the

banks of the Ganges. The cave is very peaceful and is a

perfect place for meditation.

- Devprayag: One of the panchprayags ( Five

confluences), Devprayagais an ancient town situated at

the confluence of Alaknanda & Bhgirathi river making

the holy Ganges.


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- Surkanda Devi ( 10,000 Feet): Drive ( 2.5 to 3 hrs) to

Kadukhal via Narender Nagar, the capital of Tehri

Garhwal once. Now the palace is converted in to a

world famous Spa. One of the 13 important Goddesss

of Himalayan Foot hills.


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Activities...

1) Water Rafting: The main sporting activity in Rishikesh is

White Water Rafting. September-November and March-May

are ideal for rafting.

2)

Trekking:Situated at the foothills of Himalayas, Rishikesh, isan ideal location for rafting and cannoning and trekking

activities in India. One can also witness the amazing

scenarios, ancient temples, Buddhist monastaries on the

way. One of the main attractions of the destination is a trek

into Garhwal Himalayas.

3) Shopping: Many religious and temple related articles likeRudraksha, Ganesha idols, Nataraja statues, religious books

and mythological sculptures are available here in moderate

rates. Winter clothes, Kurtaz and Salwar kumeez beautifully

knit are specialty of this location. Handicraft items made of

shells, pearls and beads are other attractions in the shops of

Rishikesh.


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HaridwarHaridwarHaridwarHaridwar

About the Destination...

1) Haridwar or Hari-dwar in Hindi literally means Gateway to

God; Hari is synonymous to God and Dwar means gate!

2) Situated in the state of Uttarakhand

3) The ancient Indian mythology refers to Haridwar as

Gangadwar, Kapilsthan and Mayapuri, as also known inolden times.

4) Placed at a height of 249.7 meters above sea level and

spread across an area of 2360 sq km, this district witnesses

hot summers and cold winters.

5) This city hosts religious festivals throughout the year. Some

of the well known festivals (mela) are Kumbh mela, Kavad

mela, Somvati Amavasya mela and Ganga Dussehra.


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History...

1) Various scriptures have also mentioned the city as

Kapilsthan, Mayapuri and Gangadwar.

2) The city has been linked to various mythological heroes like

King Bhagirath, who is said to have brought river Ganga from

heaven.3) The most revered Sikh guru, Guru Nanak is also said to have

bathed at the popular Kushwan Ghat, which today is

commemorated by a Gurudwara.

4) The East India Company used the Upper Ganges Canal at

Haridwar extensively, causing deterioration to the Ganges

water flow.


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Important Places...

1) Udan Khatola: or ropeway, is a mode of transport to reach the

hill top temples of Haridwar. Also known as the ropeway to

Gods, this facility came into effect more than a decade back.

2) Chilla Wildlife Sanctury: A treat for wildlife enthusiasts and

nature lovers, Chilla Wildlife Sanctuary is located on the eastbank of the Ganga River. Spread across an area of 249 sq km,

the wildlife fauna includes elephants, tigers, bears and small

cats.

3) Bharat Mata Mandir: The Bharat Mata temple is a religious

shrine, founded by Swami Satyamitranand Giri. This temple

salutes all the patriotic freedom fighters who contributed to

the freedom of India.

4) Chandi Devi temple: It is known to be a divine place where

wishes are granted and fulfilled by Goddess Chandi. One can

either take a ropeway ride or spend over 45 minutes to climb

the steep steps leading to the temple.

5) Har Ki Pauri: is believed to be the exit point of the Ganges

from the mountains and entry into the plains. Also known as

Brahm Kund, this ghat was built by King. History records an

imprint of Lord Vishnus foot on one of the stones present on

the ghat, which is indicative of the name.


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6) Mansa Devi Mandir: Goddess Mansa Devi, wife of the Nag

King Vasuki, is believed to fulfill the wishes of devotees visiting

her temple. Mansa Devi temple is one vertex of the

Siddhapeeth triangle formed between three temples, Chandi

Devi and Maya Devi temples being the other two.

7) Maya Devi Temple: This temple dates back to the 11th

century. It is believed that the heart and navel of Goddess Sati

(first wife of Lord Shiva) fell in the premises of this ancienttemple. Goddess Maya Devi, the Adhisthatri deity of Haridwar,

is known to be an incarnation of power or shakti.

8) Sapt Rishi Ashram: is an ancient ashram famous for having

hosted seven (sapt) sages (rishis), namely, Kashyapa, Vashisht,

Atri, Vishwamitra, Jamadagi, Bharadwaja and Gautam. In

order to avoid any disturbance to the seven sages meditating

in the ashram, it is believed that river Ganga split herself into

seven currents at this spot. Hence, this ashram is also referred

to as Sapt Sarovar or seven streams.

9) Vaishno Devi temple: This temple was recently built and does

not fall into the league of ancient temples. Goddess Vaishno

Devi is full of tunnels and caves.


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10)Daksha Mahadev Temple: The mythological story about this

place is that King Daksha Prajapati, father of Sati (Lord Shiva 's

first wife ) performed yagya at this place. Daksha Prajapati did

not invite Lord Shiva and Sati felt insulted . Therefore she

burnt herself in the yagya Kund. This incident provoked the

disciples and followers of Mahadev who killed King Daksha,

but later on Lord Mahadev brought him back to life. Daksha

Mahadev temple is thus a tribute to this legend .

11)Bhimgoda Tank:This tank is at a distance of about 1 km from

Harki Pairi. It is said that while Pandavas were going to

Himalayas through Haridwar, Bhim made this tank with the

blow of his knee.

12)Piran Kaliar:The tomb Piran Kaliar of Shabir Shahib in

Roorkee is a living example of religious harmony in India which

is visited by the people of all religious sects from all over the

world. 'URS' festival is organized every year on the holy dargah

in summer.

13)Parad Shivling:Situated in Harihar Ashram, Kankhal. Shivling

weighing about 150 kg and Rudraksha tree are main

attractions here.


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Shopping...

Moti Bazaar:

- One of the best and busiest shopping areas in Haridwar,

Moti Bazaar is situated between the Har-ki-Pauri and the

Upper Road.

-

Religious items such as Rudraksha or sacred beads, Gangajalor water of the holy Ganges stored in a container, precious

stones for prosperity, images of deities, food offerings,

sacred threads, pickles, and ayurvedic medicines are

available here.

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