History of Rishikesh

Rishikesh, also called as Hrishikesh has today has many credentials, epic centre of spiritual and religious activities since early age, yoga hub of the world or adventure capital of the country. Rishikesh is situated on the right bank of Ganges surrounded with the hills of Garhwals making it a perfect spot for spirituality and rafting. It is said that this town contains mystical powers and regarded as very pure and pious place for meditation and spiritualism.

The name Hrishikesh comes from two words Hrishi and Kesh (Hrishi means sage and kesh means hair). There is yet another combination is Hrishik and Ish, Hrishik stands for our senses and Ish means God. So the word Rishikesh at times is known has Lord of senses or Lord Vishnu, since Lord Vishnu is conqueror of senses. A legend says he had killed demon Madhu here.

Another scripture pertaining to the name of Rishikesh says that once a fire broke out and Lord Shiva got angry at Lord Agni, then Lord Agni sat for repentance of his sins.

We plunge back to the history when Rishikesh was a part of Kedarkhand (today’s Garhwal) the scriptures tell that Lord Rama did reparation to kill the Lanka king Ravana here. The Laxan Jhulla bridge, a jute , rope bridge is standing today is dedicated to Lord Ram’s younger brother Laxman. There is also Ram Jhula a similar bridge dedicated to Lord Ram. Over the centuries people have visited this peaceful town surrounded with mountains around and Ganges flowing along many famous temples.

A famous teacher of Hinduism in modern ages, Adi Shankaracharya traveled through this land in 9th century and since then the far sighted vision of Shankracharya has turned Rishikesh as a stepping stone and the starting destination for the holy shrines of Kedarnath, Badrinath, Gangotri, Yamnotori, Hemkund Sahib extended in the Himalayas. Many temples in Rishikesh are from 8th century.

Ganga Aarti

The exotic cuisines is another factor to pull the crowds here, apart from this many religious practices brings tourists here. Recently Rishikesh has developed a spot for adventures like Rafting, Trekking, Rock climbing, Jungle walk etc due to the hilly Surroundings
Rishikesh has recognized itself as the most favored places in India for white water rafting. Rafting in Rishikesh, certainly, the most exciting adventure activity in India. Rafting in Rishikesh, Enjoy camping out in the nature as piece of your Weekend Rafting Camp in Rishikesh.

White water rafting has grow to be identity of Rishikesh though Rishikesh is an important pilgrim centre set on the precise bank of holy river Ganga, Rishikesh is bounded by Shivalik Ranges on three sides and is the starting point for Char Dham Yatra, But now days Rafting in Rishikesh has become a popular centre of white water rafting in North India.