Rishikesh

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Rishikesh
ऋषिकेश  (Hindi)
हृषीकेश  (Sanskrit)
City
Rishikesh view across Lakshman Jhula bridge over the Ganges
Rishikesh view across Lakshman Jhula bridge over the Ganges
Nickname(s): Yoganagari
योगनगरी (Hindi/Sanskrit)
Rishikesh ऋषिकेश  (Hindi) is located in Uttarakhand
Rishikesh ऋषिकेश  (Hindi)
Rishikesh
ऋषिकेश  (Hindi)
Location in Uttarakhand
Coordinates: 30°06′30″N 78°17′50″E / 30.10833°N 78.29722°E / 30.10833; 78.29722Coordinates: 30°06′30″N 78°17′50″E / 30.10833°N 78.29722°E / 30.10833; 78.29722
Country India
State Uttarakhand
District Dehradun
Named for Hrishikesha (an avatar of Vishnu)
Government
 • Type Municipality
 • Body Rishikesh Municipal Council
 • Chairman Deep Sharma (INC)
Area
 • Total 11.5 km2 (4.4 sq mi)
Elevation 372 m (1,220 ft)
Population (2011)
 • Total 102,138 (Urban Agglomeration)
 • Rank 7th
 • Density 8,851/km2 (22,920/sq mi)
 • Male 54,446
 • Female 47,672
Languages
 • Official

Hindi
Sanskrit

Garhwali
Time zone IST (UTC+5:30)
PIN 249201
Telephone code 0135
Vehicle registration UK 14
Literacy (2011) 86.86%
• Male 92.21%
• Female 80.78%
• Rank 2nd
Sex ratio (2011) 875 ♀ / 1000 ♂
Website www.rishikesh.in

Rishikesh (Ṛṣikeś/Hṛṣīkeśa) is a city, municipal council and a tehsil in Dehradun district of the Indian state, Uttarakhand. Located in the foothills of the Himalayas in northern India, it is known as the 'Gateway to the Garhwal Himalayas'[1] and 'Yoga Capital of the World'.[2]: It is approximately 25 km (16 mi) north of the city Haridwar and 43 km (27 mi) southeast of the state capital Dehradun. According to Census of India, 2011 Rishikesh had a population of 102,138 making it the seventh most populated city and the largest municipal council in the state of Uttarakhand. It is known as the pilgrimage town and regarded as one of the holiest places to Hindus. Hindu sages and saints have visited Rishikesh since ancient times to meditate in search of higher knowledge.[3]

In September 2015, the Union tourism minister Mahesh Sharma announced that Rishikesh and Haridwar will be the first in India to be given the title of "twin national heritage cities".[4] Due to the religious significance of the place, non-vegetarian food and alcohol are strictly prohibited in Rishikesh.[5]

Etymology[edit]

IAST: "Hṛṣīkeśa" (Sanskrit: हृषीकेश) is a name of Vishnu composed of hṛṣīka meaning 'senses' and īśa meaning 'lord', thus 'Lord of the Senses'.[6][7] The name commemorates an apparition of Vishnu to Raibhya Rishi,[8] as a result of his tapasya (austerities), as Lord Hrishikesha.[9] In Skanda Purana, this area is known as Kubjāmraka (कुब्जाम्रक) as Lord Vishnu appeared under a mango tree.[7] 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.[10]

History[edit]

Rishikesh has been a part of the legendary 'Kedarkhand' (the present day Garhwal).[11] 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.[12] The 'Kedarkhand' of Skanda Purana, also mentions the existence of Indrakund at this very point. The jute-rope bridge was replaced by iron-rope suspension bridge in 1889. After it was washed away in the 1924 floods, it was replaced by the present stronger bridge. Another similar suspension bridge Ram Jhula was built in 1986 at nearby Sivananda Nagar.

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.

Geography[edit]

View of Rishikesh from beach

Rishikesh is at 30°06′12″N 78°17′41″E / 30.103368°N 78.294754°E / 30.103368; 78.294754. It has an average elevation of 372 metres (1,220 ft).[13]

The Tehri Dam is just 80 km (50 mi) uphill on the way to Gangotri. Rishikesh is the starting point for travelling to the four Chota Char Dham pilgrimage places — Badrinath, Kedarnath, Gangotri, and Yamunotri.

Rishikesh is famous for ayurvedic treatments. Many ayurveda centres are run, where classes are given by ayurvedic doctors.

According to Köppen-Geiger climate classification system, its climate is humid subtropical (Cwa).

Despite the pollution of the Ganges, the water in Rishikesh is relatively unaffected by the pollution as the major polluting points are down the course of the river in the neighbouring state of Uttar Pradesh.[14]

Climate data for Rishikesh
Month Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Year
Average high °C (°F) 17
(63)		 22
(72)		 29
(84)		 35
(95)		 39
(102)		 38
(100)		 33
(91)		 32
(90)		 32
(90)		 30
(86)		 25
(77)		 20
(68)		 29.3
(84.8)
Average low °C (°F) 5
(41)		 8
(46)		 14
(57)		 18
(64)		 23
(73)		 25
(77)		 25
(77)		 24
(75)		 23
(73)		 15
(59)		 9
(48)		 6
(43)		 16.3
(61.1)
Average precipitation mm (inches) 51
(2.01)		 33
(1.3)		 34
(1.34)		 9
(0.35)		 20
(0.79)		 94
(3.7)		 482
(18.98)		 495
(19.49)		 219
(8.62)		 76
(2.99)		 9
(0.35)		 17
(0.67)		 1,539
(60.59)
Average rainy days 3 2 3 1 2 7 15 16 8 2 0 1 60
Mean daily sunshine hours 6 7 8 9 9 7 6 6 7 8 8 7 7.3
Source: Weather2Travel[15]

Demographics[edit]

See also: List of cities in Uttarakhand by population

As per provisional data of 2011 census Rishikesh had a population of 102,138, out of which males were 54,466 and females were 47,672. The literacy rate was 86.86% compared to the national average of 74.04%.[16]

Yoga center[edit]

Rishikesh, sometimes nicknamed "Yoga Capital of the World",[17] has numerous yoga centres that attract tourists. It is believed that meditation in Rishikesh brings one closer to attainment of moksha, as does a dip in the holy river that flows through it.

The name Rishikesh is loosely applied to an association of five distinct sections encompassing the town and hamlets and settlements on both sides of the river Ganges. These include Rishikesh itself, the commercial and communication hub; the sprawling suburb Muni Ki Reti or the "sands of the sages"; Sivananda Nagar, the home of Sivananda Ashram and the Divine Life Society founded by Swami Sivananda, north of Rishikesh; the temple sections of Ram Jhula and Lakshman Jhula, a little further north; and the assorted ashrams around Swargashram on the eastern bank. The Ganga Arti performed at dusk at the Triveni Ghat is popular with visitors. Neelkanth Mahadev Temple, amidst forest 28 km (17 mi) from Rishikesh, is a popular local pilgrimage, along with Vashishtha Guha (Cave of Sage Vashishtha), 21 km (13 mi) up from the town by the Ganges. Over the years, it has established itself as the yoga capital of the world. From the US, Europe and China and Australia, serious yoga students come to learn asanas and kriyas that will help them lead a healthy life.[3]

Rishikesh is home to the 133-year-old Kailash Ashram Brahmavidyapitham, an institution dedicated to preserve and promote traditional Vedantic studies. Prominent personalities such as Swami Vivekananda, Swami Rama Tirtha and Swami Sivananda have studied in this institution.

In February 1968, The Beatles visited the Maharishi Mahesh Yogi's ashram in Rishikesh.[18] John Lennon recorded "The Happy Rishikesh Song".[19][20] The Beatles composed numerous songs during their time at the Maharishi's ashram, some of which appear on the White Album.[21] Several other artists, including Mike Love, The Beach Boys, Donovan and Gyp Mills visited the site to contemplate and meditate.[22] Former royal palace of the Maharaja of Tehri Garhwal at near by Narendranagar, now houses the Ananda–In the Himalayas destination spa and yoga retreat, estb. 2000.[23]

The Prince of Wales and Duchess of Cornwall visited Rishikesh in 2013 and participated in the Ganga arti.They also conducted a special havan for world peace at the Parmarth Niketan. Charles said: "I am amazed by the experience of sitting on the bank of one of the ancients rivers of the world. It is the right time for us to rediscover our connection with nature."[24]

Although Rishikesh is famous for yoga schools, the scope of education in Rishikesh has now been expanded to Ayurveda too. There are many schools in Rishikesh which provide Ayurveda and Yoga teacher training programs. Thousands of students come to Rishikesh to learn and experience Ayurveda, Yoga and Panchkarma in Rishikesh.

Adventure sports[edit]

River rafting at Rishikesh

Rishikesh is becoming a popular spot for white water rafting enthusiasts, both from India and abroad, as the Ganges offers medium to rough rapids rated class 3 and class 4.[25] The rafting season starts in March and ends in September. Rishikesh is also a center for backpacking, bungee jumping, hiking, kayaking, mountain biking, rock climbing, rappelling, and zip lining.[26][27][28]

Environmental concerns[edit]

As tourists from all over the world are attracted to Rishikesh for yoga, rafting, and traveling, Rishikesh has become an international attraction. Rafting in Rishikesh is a popular sport in summer, but due to violations of rules most rafting camps in Rishikesh cause pollution to the river.

Rafting camps[edit]

View of Rishikesh
River Banks in Rishikesh

According to environmental activists, "These camps are not only in violation of Forest (Conservation) Act, 1980 but also the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986 as well as the Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1974 as it is leading to pollution of Ganga by discharging effluent, throwing of solid waste directly and adversely affecting the ecological integrity of the river system."

Environmental activists alleged that these camps, which are established as temporary sites, do not have adequate sewage and sanitation facilities, disturb the habitat of wild animals and "affect the peace, tranquility and serenity of the forest area."

"At the camp sites, the camp owners permit employees and the visitors to have food and alcohol. They leave empty bottles, cans, unconsumed food and waste including bones and filth in and around the camp site."

In a 2008 study on the beach camps between Kaudiyala and Rishikesh, experts from the Govind Ballabh Pant Himalayan Environment and Development Institute — R. K. Maikhuri, Nihal Farukhi and Tarun Budhal — found that wildlife conservation standards and norms, particularly for waste management, were routinely disregarded.

A bench headed by the National Green Tribunal chairperson Justice Swatanter Kumar on 1 April 2015 heard a plea filed by the non-governmental organisation Social Action for Forest and Environment (SAFE). The National Green Tribunal has sought explanations from the Government of India and the Government of Uttarakhand on the "unregulated" operation of rafting camps on the banks of Ganga between Shivpuri and Rishikesh in Uttarakhand. The state government has assured the tribunal that it would not grant permission to any new camp till the next hearing in May.[29][30][31][32][33][34]

As the seriousness of issue "The National Green Tribunal," a bench headed by Justice U. D. Salve has reject permission to rafting camps operating in Rishikesh and slammed the Ministry of Environment and Forests (MoEF) and the Government of Uttarakhand for not filing their replies in the case and directed them to file their response.[35][36]

Effect on spiritual environment[edit]

Chit chat at bank of River Ganga at Rishikesh
Shiva statue near Parmarth Niketan which washed away by the 2013 flood on River Ganga

It has been reported that large numbers of tourists visiting Rishikesh from India and the world have been consuming drugs and alcohol and appearing partially naked at beaches, leading to complaints that the spiritual environment of the area has been affected.[37][38][39][40]

According to many Hindu yogis and sadhus, the riverside stretch is of spiritual and religious importance, as it is where the Ganges takes its form after the confluence of the rivers Bhagirathi and Alaknanda at Devprayag in the Garhwal Himalayas. Saints and yogis have been meditating on the banks of Ganges since antiquity. However, these banks have been polluted with liquor bottles at camps as well as obscene activities and behavior at the beaches.[39][41][42][43][44][45][46]

Health[edit]

See also: All India Institute of Medical Sciences Rishikesh

AIIMS Rishikesh is one of the six apex healthcare institutes being established by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Government of India under the Pradhan Mantri Swasthya Suraksha Yojana (PMSSY) with the aim of correcting regional imbalances in quality tertiary level healthcare in the country and attaining self-sufficiency in graduate and postgraduate medical education and training.[47][48]

First Ayush Centre (The Department of Ayurveda, Yoga and Naturopathy, Unani, Siddha and Homoeopathy of India) was opened in Rishikesh on 4 June 2015 by Shripad Yasso Naik, Minister for Yoga and Traditional Medicine. He believes Ayurveda (Indian traditional medical science), Yoga, Naturopathy, Unani, Siddha, Homeopathy, and other alternative medicine systems will be researched in Rishikesh.[49]

Transport[edit]

Rishikesh railway station is the major railway station in the city. The railway station was created in 1939, during the British era.[50] A new railway line, connecting Rishikesh with Karnaprayag is under construction.[51]

Gallery[edit]

See also[edit]

References[edit]

  1. ^ "Rishikesh: Indian Railways". Irctctourism.com. Retrieved 2015-06-12. 
  2. ^ Tribune News Service. "Rishikesh’s identity as yoga capital to be maintained". Tribuneindia.com. Retrieved 12 June 2015. 
  3. ^ a b "Rishikesh: Haven for yoga and wellness enthusiasts". timesofindia-economictimes. Retrieved 12 June 2015. 
  4. ^ http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/Centre-to-declare-Haridwar-Rishikesh-national-heritage-cities/articleshow/48535927.cms
  5. ^ http://www.eenaduindia.com/State/Uttarakhand/2015/08/06141616/Garhwal-nigam-presses-for-liquor-shop-in-Rishikesh.vpf
  6. ^ Monier-Williams: "lord of the senses".
  7. ^ a b [1] Archived 13 May 2008 at the Wayback Machine.
  8. ^ Glossary of terms in Hinduism#R
  9. ^ [2] Archived 11 July 2006 at the Wayback Machine.
  10. ^ Satish Sangtani. "Rishikesh History". theRishikesh.com. Retrieved 12 June 2015. 
  11. ^ [3] Archived 19 May 2007 at the Wayback Machine.
  12. ^ "Places of Tourist Interest in Rishikesh". Dehradun.nic.in. Retrieved 2015-06-12. 
  13. ^ "Rishikesh Coordinates". Tools.wmflabs.org. Retrieved 2015-06-12. 
  14. ^ "Invigorating Rishikesh". Newindianexpress.com. Retrieved 2015-06-12. 
  15. ^ "Rishikesh Climate and Weather Averages, India". Weather2Travel. Retrieved 2014-01-14. 
  16. ^ "Urban Agglomerations/Cities having population 1 lakh and above" (PDF). Provisional Population Totals, Census of India 2011. Censusindia.gov.in. Retrieved 2012-07-07. 
  17. ^ "Leh and Rishikesh in Tripadvisor’s Asia ‘top 10 destinations on the rise for 2015′ list". Financialexpress.com. Retrieved 2015-06-12. 
  18. ^ "Home". Thebeatlesinindia.com. Retrieved 2015-06-12. 
  19. ^ The Happy Rishikesh Song [long version] - John Lennon. YouTube. 22 February 2010. Retrieved 12 June 2015. 
  20. ^ "Beatles - (Happy Rishikesh Song tab)". Guitaretab.com. Retrieved 12 June 2015. 
  21. ^ Richard A Bustraan. The Jesus People Movement: A Story of Spiritual Revolution Among the Hippies. Wipf and Stock. p. 28. 
  22. ^ "Stanford Magazine - Article". Stanfordalumni.org. Retrieved 2015-06-12. 
  23. ^ Dugger, Celia W. (2000-07-30). "Himalayan Spa for Sybarites - NYTimes.com". The New York Times. Rishikesh (India); India; Himalayas. Retrieved 2015-06-12. 
  24. ^ "Prince Charles, Camilla participate in Ganga aarti in Rishikesh". Indiatoday.intoday.in. Retrieved 12 June 2015. 
  25. ^ "11 Top Destinations for River Rafting in India - Travel News India". travelnewsindia.com. 2017-02-01. 
  26. ^ "Bungee Jumping: Rishikesh beckons". timesofindia-economictimes. Retrieved 12 June 2015. 
  27. ^ Zip Lining in Rishikesh: In search of New Thrills Anurag Malick & Priya Ganapthy 3 Jan 2016
  28. ^ "Top 10 Adventure Activities to Enjoy in Rishikesh". Alaknandariverrafting.in. Retrieved 12 June 2015. 
  29. ^ Press Trust of India (1 April 2015). "Rafting in Rishikesh: Green Tribunal asks Centre to respond". Business-standard.com. Retrieved 12 June 2015. 
  30. ^ "Rafting in Rishikesh explanation of the center - Navbharat Times". Navbharat Times. Retrieved 12 June 2015. 
  31. ^ "ऋषिकेश में राफ्टिंग : राष्ट्रीय हरित प्राधिकरण ने केंद्र से माँगा जवाब मांगा". Samaylive.com. Retrieved 12 June 2015. 
  32. ^ "NGT pulls up Centre, Uttarakhand over unregulated rafting camps on Ganga banks". timesofindia-economictimes. Retrieved 12 June 2015. 
  33. ^ IANS (6 April 2015). "Green tribunal notice over rafting camps in Uttarakhand". Business-standard.com. Retrieved 12 June 2015. 
  34. ^ "Despite U’khand assurance to NGT, licences being issued for camping, rafting". The Times of India. Retrieved 12 June 2015. 
  35. ^ http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/home/environment/flora-fauna/National-Green-Tribunal-denies-permission-to-Rishikesh-rafting-camps/articleshow/48297249.cms?
  36. ^ http://www.indiatimes.com/news/india/is-this-the-end-of-river-rafting-in-rishikesh-ngts-latest-verdict-surely-makes-it-seem-so-243718.html
  37. ^ "PICS: ये है ऋषिकेश के गोवा बीच का नज़ारा, विदेशियों की बेशर्मी से आहत हो रही आस्था". Samaylive Photo Gallery. Retrieved 12 June 2015. 
  38. ^ "Where Rishikesh Meets Goa". The New Indian Express. Retrieved 12 June 2015. 
  39. ^ a b "Rafting in Ganga promotes obscene activities, VHP says, wants it banned". The Times of India. Retrieved 12 June 2015. 
  40. ^ "Adventure tours @ Rishikesh end up in rave parties". Andhraheadlines.com. Retrieved 12 June 2015. 
  41. ^ "VHP now demands ban on river rafting in Ganges, says it leads to 'many objectionable activities'". Firstpost. Retrieved 12 June 2015. 
  42. ^ "WTF — now the VHP wants to ban river rafting in Rishikesh!". India.com. Retrieved 12 June 2015. 
  43. ^ "VHP demands ban on Rishikesh rafting". News18. Retrieved 12 June 2015. 
  44. ^ "River Rafting Promotes Obscenity: VHP Seeks ban in Rishikesh". The Quint. Retrieved 12 June 2015. 
  45. ^ "VHP demands ban on Rishikesh rafting". News.haridwaronline.in. Retrieved 12 June 2015. 
  46. ^ Tribune News Service. "VHP demands ban on river rafting in Ganga". Tribuneindia.com. Retrieved 12 June 2015. 
  47. ^ "Welcome to AIIMS Rishikesh - All India Institute of Medical Sciences, Rishikesh - India". Aiimsrishikesh.edu.in. Retrieved 12 June 2015. 
  48. ^ "AIIMS Rishikesh to get 100-bed hospital within three months - News18.com". News18.com. Retrieved 12 June 2015. 
  49. ^ "एम्स ऋषिकेश में देश का पहला आयुष सेंटर खुला" [India First Ayush Center Open in Rishikesh]. Jagran.com (in Hindi). 4 June 2015. Retrieved 7 June 2015. 
  50. ^ Singh, Kautilya (9 January 2015). "Speed up rail extension in state: Cong MP - Times of India". Dehradun: The Times of India. TNN. Retrieved 17 June 2017. 
  51. ^ Jaiswal, Sheo S (18 October 2016). "Work on Rishikesh-Karnaprayag railway line to begin in December". Haridwar: The Times of India. TNN. Retrieved 17 June 2017. 

External links[edit]

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