Divine Resorts Laxman Jhula

Evening Ganga prayers

by toonhut

After seeing all three, here's what I think of the basic difference in the evening Ganga prayers.

1. Haridwar: Big, bass boosted, tight, kind of a spectacle for the eyes with all the human energy and little temples bustling together.

2. Rishikesh, Triveni Ghat: More quiet, subtle, payers directly next to the river almost touching the water; no steps in between like in Haridwar. Wide, stony, empty beach with twinkling lights in the back... pretty peaceful (if the prayers are not being done over loudspeakers).

3. Swarg Ashram, Ram Jhula: 3km from Rishikesh, prayers here are most different. Many people gather here too but its not tight like Haridwar. More of a meditative discussion-prayer-chant. Whole thing lasts the longest here. Lots of young disciples sing along with much harmony and unison.

They all start at about 6.30 - 7.00 pm. Being part of any is a feast. See whatever works works for you.

The Monkey God of Rishikesh.

by goutammitra

We came across this man disgused as our Monkey God Hanuman, who was friend and deciple of Lord Rama. For a small sum usually one or two Rupee coin this man will wish goodluck for you and your family. I think this is how he runs his family. Being a Holy town lot of Pilgrim visit this place.

LAXMAN JHULA FROM VARIOUS ANGLE.

by goutammitra

This bridge was built in 1909 as wooden bridge by a Marwari Businessman as the pilgrims had tough time to cross the Ganges. Then it was built again in 1929 as the wooden bridge broke down due to huge flood and turbulent weather. Then the British came to the rescue of the Pilgrims, and a suspended bridge was built to last for atleast 200/300 years, what we see today.

According to Mythology brother of Lord Rama, Lord Laxmana, used to meditate here and used to cross the bridge built with Arrows. Hindus over 2500 years believe this and it is now in the life of any Hindu and they at least want to have a walk on it at least once in his life.

The Beatles stayed here for very long time and used to take daily stroll.

The Heaven On Earth in India !!!

by kayshree2010

"a visit to rishikesh !¬"

Hi, If you are spiritually inclined , please dont miss your visit to Rishikesh.
The Idyliic surroundings of the Mighty and the only great Himalayas surrounded by wonderful elevating mountains and the great Ganges flowing on the down stream. Its really an awe inspiring look. You would feel as if you are in alps. An abode of all spiritual lovers all over the world.
Visit the mighty Swami.Shivananda ashram as seeing is believing. Never worry for anything when you are inside the wonderful ashram. You learn a lot as to how to BE GOOD AND DO GOOD. Here is the place where I underwent an academic course on Yoga Vedanta Philosophy and learnt to do Karma Yoga. The Great Shivananda's Principles are : SERVE - LOVE - GIVE- MEDITATE - PURIFY AND REALIZE ...!!! I visited for the fourth or fifth time in a row . Every year during august and september I camp there to do karma yoga and to learn more about spiritualism of the Hindus. You feel the quietness of the place giving you a great relief from the madding crowd. to know more about the place do not hesitate to contact me . my e mail id :"srinivasan krishnamoorthy" ,
India mobile : +91 9698042744.
more to come about my recent visit over there during september 2010.

RISHIKESH- THE HOME OF SAGE RAIBHYA RISHI!!!!

by goutammitra

"RISHIKESH THE PLACE OF PENANCE AND LEARNING!!"

According to mythology, the sage Raibhya Rishi sat on the banks of the Ganga and performed severe penance. He was rewarded when the lord 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. The Shankaracharya’s pilgrimage into the hills 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 Himalayas.

We visited this place on 25th January 2007. Can you notice our Holy Ganges has clear Bluish Green water??? Yes the Ganges here is in the purest form. There after where ever it crosses any city it also takes the dirt and filth with it. It has happened because of lot of Industry, and cities situated on the bank of the Ganges download their filth and waste in the Ganges. But over the last several years it has reduced a lot because of the Ganges action comittee started by Late Prime Minister Mr.Rajiv Gandhi. People live in the several thousand kilometer stretch of the Ganges are now more Responsible and Much More aware than before. I
I had the opportunity to travel almost all the place and cities situated in the stretch of the Ganges from Gangotri( starting point of The Ganges) to Ganga Sagar near our very own Diamond Harbour ( Near Kolkata). I have visited Gangotri, Joshimath, Rishikesh, Haridwar, Kanpur, Allahabad, Varanasi, Buxar, Patna( I stayed there for 18 yesrs and had education), Bhagalpur, Sahibganj( Had my schooling at St.Xaviers'), Rajmahal ( We have our home there), Murshidabad, Nadia, Krishnanagar and of Course Kolkata, Diamond Harbour, Sagar Island and Ganga Sagar, where it meets the Indian Ocean.

Rishikesh is just 24 Kms from Haridwar. Located in the laps of lower Himalayas, this place is considered to be the access point of three other pilgrim places of Badrinath - Kedarnath, Gangotri and Yamunotri the four great places which combine to make Chardham . Rishikesh is surrounded by scenic beauty of the hills on three sides with Holy Ganga flowing through it.

The whole place is considered to be sacred as it is believed that meditation at this place leads to attainment of salvation. There are many temples-some ancient, some new along the river Ganges. The River side is dotted by the ashrams of Sadhus and sages. Rishikesh is also famous for ashrams teaching Yoga.

In the 60's even the Beatles could not miss the charm of Rishikesh and they came here to meet their Guru. The Ganga, which is known for its strong currents and fierce behaviour up stream, suddenly becomes slow and gracious here. At Rishikesh, Ganga leaves the mountains and joins the plains for her long journey.

Rishikesh is not only an attraction for pilgrims but it also attracts foreigners who want to know about Hinduism, who want to spend some time close to the Lord, people who love rafting come here to conquer the rapids of Ganga. Rishikesh is also an ideal base camp for trekking in the nearby Himalayas.