Exploring RISHIKESH The Spiritual Way

Rishikesh is a city on the banks of the Ganges, where people from all over the world come in search of peace, yoga and spirituality. Being in the shadow of the Himalayas, it is also called the gateway to the Himalayas. The holy land here is adorned with temples, ashrams and the pure water of the Ganges. And that's why Rishikesh attracts yoga enthusiasts and spiritual seekers like a magnet. In today's journey, we will also try to understand this deep relationship between Rishikesh and spirituality a little more closely. In any new city, I find it very fascinating to just walk aimlessly. And in Rishikesh, I started my morning with Aastha Path. Aastha means belief and path means way. And my belief is that in an unknown city, on unfamiliar streets and in unexplored corners, observing people and their daily lives is the best way to explore. Locally, Aastha Path is also called the Marine Drive of Rishikesh. Early in the morning, on the banks of the Ganges, you get the air, water and people of the Ghat Ghat. Some people start their day by worshipping, some by feeding others and some by earning their daily bread and butter. Dotted with benches lining the Ghats and old-fashioned lampposts, this pathway definitely adds a touch of change to the spiritual landscape. Rishikesh is generally known for Lakshman Jhula and Ram Jhula. But another bridge that was inaugurated a few years ago is Janki Setu. Named after Goddess Sita, this one connects Munikireti with the Swarg Ashram area. And is a modern marvel that blends harmoniously with the town's divine setting. After crossing the bridge, I reached the part of Rishikesh where there are many Ashrams. These places provide a clean, pure and sacred atmosphere along with rooms for the pilgrims to stay. This area is also known as Ground Zero. Because hundreds of years ago, yogis and sages used to do penance on this spot. And from here, Rishikesh slowly began to grow. Moving ahead, I reached the Paramat Niketan Ashram. This is not only Rishikesh's, but also one of the largest spiritual havens in the country. This Ashram built right on top of the river Ganga, offers all kinds of programs and activities from yoga and meditation to satsang and seva. When I got my first touch of the cool water of the river Ganga in Rishikesh, I found myself not only physically but also mentally lighter for a few moments. This peaceful atmosphere in the morning, the simplicity of this place, the satsang in my ears and the flowing water of the river Ganga, took my heart and mind on a different journey. For a wholesome, calming experience in Rishikesh, it's very important to choose the right stay and the right location. And I found a place that is away from all the rush and hustle and yet just 10 minutes walk to the Ghats. Lambrin Rishikesh is a set of boutique cottages set in a peaceful surroundings. I stayed in their Palampur cottages as well, so my expectations bar was already set to a high level. And as soon as you enter the property, the serene atmosphere instantly puts you at ease. Even though it's a small property, the attention to detail is evident throughout. From the minimal yet tasteful design of the rooms to the one-of-a-kind paintings of the common areas, it feels as if everything has been personally handpicked. One of the major highlights of Lambrin is the warm hospitality and attentive service. From the moment I arrived, I felt like a valued guest with every need anticipated and every request handled with care. Every morning, they offer a complimentary yoga session that is a perfect opportunity to start the day feeling refreshed and balanced. The staff at Lambrin always go above and beyond to ensure a comforting stay throughout. The attentive butler service adds an extra touch of luxury catering to every need with efficiency and grace. The breakfast served each morning was not only delicious but also a delightful way to start the day. As the day progresses, the Ghats of Rishikesh start to glow with the glow of lamps and the sound of worship. Usually, most people go to the bigger Ghats like Parmarth or Triveni for the evening Ganga Aarti. But somehow, I prefer low-key and intimate ceremonies. So, I preferred to go to the Shatrughan Ghat which is closest to Lambrin. The spiritual heartbeat of Rishikesh can be truly felt during the Ganga Aarti. The sound of Aarti, the fragrance of Agarbatti and Kapoor in the air, the synchronized movements of all the Pandits and the dance of Aarti in their hands all these things infuse a sense of unity in the crowd by keeping aside all the language and culture. Rishikesh, India Sometimes, we are so busy that sometimes, we are asked to sit alone and remain silent. Because, if we keep talking all day long, our power will be depleted. So, how can we cut this power? So, for this, we need an hour in the evening. Not an hour, but first sit in the sun for 10 minutes and then increase the time. If you believe in Shiva, Durga, Ganesha, Guru or Ganga, then why should we be indolent? When you become indolent, you will get so much satisfaction, so much relaxation, so much power that you can't even think about it. The mind will be completely clear. With the melodious chants of mantras echoing through the air and the gentle rustle of leaves as accompaniment, each morning at Lambrin is a blend of harmony and balance. And in this serene environment, they also offer experiences like Panchakarma Ayurveda and sound healing. After a full day's rest, we set out for a short drive and found our way to Badrinath Road. About 25 km from Rishikesh, there is a cave called Vashisht on this road. According to Hindu mythology, Rishi Vashisht had meditated here. He was one of the Saptarishis and on the request of King Dashrath, he named Lord Ram. In 1930, Swami Purushottamanand came here and from then on, the cave and ashram began to be looked after. To reach here, you have to get down about 5-10 minutes from the main road. Many people come here for meditation away from the crowd. We did not get permission to shoot in the cave, but sitting in this cold cave in the light of just one lamp was a very peaceful experience. In the heart of Rishikesh lies the essence of spiritual India, where serenity meets divinity. Its spiritual aura has the transformation power to touch souls. Some feel it through yoga, some through tranquil ashrams, and some through just sitting in peace on the banks of Ganga, listening to the soothing sounds of gurgling waters. At this very moment, right here is my version of spirituality.