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Lying
in Tehri-Garhwal district of Uttarakhand, Rishikesh is nearly 25 km
from Haridwar and one can visit the destination by road or rail.
Rishikesh on the foothills of Shivalik range has scores of ashrams in
the name of great sages of India and dharamshalas.
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| Ram Jhoola at Muni-ki-Reti, Rishikesh |
During my previous
visit to Rishikesh back in early 80’s, I had visited Lakshman
Jhula, so this time, I had made up my mind to travel to Ram Jhoola at
Muni-ki-Reti. The ghats on the banks of river Ganges are clean and
form the best place to get steeped in meditation.
Swarg
Ashram
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| Swarg Ashram |
One
of the earliest ashrams of Rishikesh, Swarg Ashram is dedicated to
the reputed saint, Baba
Kali Kamli Wale Atma Prakash Ji Maharaj.
I entered the ashram to view the statues of four great sages of
ancient India- Vasisht, Shankracharya, Tulsidas and Ved Vyas.
Gita
Bhawan
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| Gita Bhawan |
The
sprawling ashram of Gita Bhawan has a shrine honouring Lord Ganesha,
Shiva and Parvati. The walls of the shrine have many colourful
illustrations depicting mythological tales.
Parmarth
Niketan
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| Parmarth Niketan |
If
one walks past Gita Bhawan, one comes across the tranquil Parmarth
Niketan that is a significant centre of yoga and meditation in
Rishikesh. The entrance of Parmarth Niketan has the statue of Lord
Krishna riding the chariot along with Arjuna facing the Ganges.
Parmarth Niketan is run by Ganga Action for Planners (GAP) that is
constantly striving to save river Ganges from pollution and create
pollution-free ambience.
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