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PLACE
About Rishikesh
Rishikesh is home to many religious sites, including numerous ashrams and ancient temples. As one of the Holiest locations in India, it is also known as the Yoga capital of the world, and it is no wonder Rishikesh has been attracting spiritual practitioners from different traditions since decades. Since the ancient times the sages and rishis have visited Rishikesh to practice austerities and meditate in search of the ultimate goal of life – self-realization. The presence of the sacred river Ganga together with the surrounding Himalayas creates an auspicious and purifying atmosphere for one’s spiritual life. In the Bhagavad Gita we can find that Ganga is none other than Lord Krishna Himself in the form of water (river), and Himalayas, the greatest mountains in the world, similarly represent Him. Lord Krishna Himself says;
“Of purifiers I am the wind; of the wielders of weapons I am Rama;
of fishes I am the shark, and of flowing rivers I am the Ganges.”
BG 10.31
“Of the great sages I am Bhrgu; of vibrations I am the transcendental om.
Of sacrifices I am the chanting of the holy names [japa],
and of immovable things I am the Himalayas.”
BG 10.25
Rishikesh is named after Lord Hṛṣīkeśa. Hṛṣīkeśa is a name of Vishnu that means ‘Lord of the senses’ – Hrishik meaning the Senses and ish meaning the master or the Lord. The place gets its name after Lord Vishnu, who appeared to a sage called Raibhya Rishi as a result of his intense tapasya (austerities). After Lord Vishnu’s appearance to him, Raibhya Rishi appreciated the sacredness and beauty of the place so much that he remained there in form of intense plants, which looked like his matted locks. In consideration of this and the divine qualities of Raibhya Rishi, the area is recognized as Rishi Kesha or Rishikesh, or the hair of the Rishi (Sage).
Rishikesh is also the starting point for the Hindu Char Dham pilgrimage, including Yamunotri, Gangotri, Kedarnath and Badrinath.