YOGA CAPITAL OF THE WORLD

                          

Rafting in Rishikesh is a popular sport in summer

meditation in Rishikesh brings one closer to attainment of moksha, as does a dip in the holy river that flows through it.

Βeach camps in rishikesh

Rishikesh for yoga, rafting, and traveling

Located in the foothills of the himalayas

 'Yoga Capital of the World'. Rishikesh is surrounded by three districts: Tehri Garhwal,

Due to the religious significance of the place, non-vegetarian food and alcohol is strictly prohibited in 

Rishikesh. "Hṛṣīkeśa" (Sanskrit: हृषीकेश) is a name of Vishnu composed of hṛṣīka meaning 'senses' 

and īśa meaning 'lord', thus 'Lord of the Senses'. The name commemorates an apparition of Vishnu

 to Raibhya Rishi, as a result of his tapasya (austerities), as Lord Hrishikesha.In Skanda Purana, this

 area is known as Kubjāmraka (कुब्जाम्रक) as Lord Vishnu appeared under a mango tree. Another 

legend says that fierce fire broke out here. Lord Shiva was angry with Lord Agni and cursed him. Then

 Lord Agni prayed here for the expiation of his sins. Hence it is also known as 'Agni Tīrtha' (अग्नि तीर्थ) — 

the holy place to do penance of Lord Agni or Fire God. Rishikesh has been a part of the legendary 

'Kedarkhand' (the present day Garhwal).Legends state that Lord Rama did penance here for 

killing Ravana, the asura king of Lanka; and Lakshmana, his younger brother, crossed the 

river Ganges, at a point, where the present 'Lakshman Jhula' (लक्ष्मण झूला) bridge stands today, using a

 jute rope bridge. The 'Kedarkhand' of Skanda Purana, also mentions the existence of Indrakund at this

 very point.The sacred river Ganges flows through Rishikesh. Here the river leaves the Shivalik Hills in 

the Himalayas and flows into the plains of northern India. Several temples, ancient and new, are along 

the banks of the Ganges in Rishikesh. Shatrughna Mandir, Bharat Mandir, Lakshman Mandir are the 

ancient temples established by Adi Shankaracharya. Shatrughna Temple is near Ram Jhula and 

Lakshman Mandir is near Lakshman Jhula. As with Haridwar about an hour south, Rishikesh is 

considered by Hindus to be a holy city and is vegetarian by law. Meat and alcohol are not served in the

 city. Cows roam freely in the streets and always have the right of way if they stop traffic. 

  this  ιs  Rishikesh.