About Bharat Mandir Rishikesh: Why Rishikesh is called Rishikesh?

Bharat Mandir is one of the oldest temples in Rishikesh, dedicated to Lord Vishnu. Situated near Triveni Ghat and Chandrabhaga Bridge, this temple is integral to the city’s heritage, even giving Rishikesh its name. The name “Rishikesh” translates to “Lord of Senses,” another name for Lord Vishnu.

The Shri Bharat Mandir Rishikesh is situated in the heart of the city and is the most ancient and famous temple in Rishikesh. Its history is rich and describes the glory of this ancient temple. Kedar Khand (vide chapters 115 to 120) is a great resource for learning about the temple’s history.

In the seventeenth Manavavtar, Lord Vishnu was pleased by the hard penance of Raibhya Rishi and said “I will reside here forever as Hrishikesh Narayan and this place will be known as Hrishikesh.” Those who worshiped Lord Vishnu as Varah in Satyug, Parashuram in Treta Yug, Vaman in Dwapar, and Bharat in Kaliyug are certainly entitled to liberation.

What to See:

Inside Bharat Mandir Rishikesh, you’ll find a full-sized idol of Lord Vishnu crafted from Shaligram, a sacred stone. The idol holds four symbols: the Shankha (conch shell), Gada (mace), Chakra (spinning disk), and Lotus. This representation is traditional for Lord Vishnu and reflects his divine attributes.

Basant Pancahmi Festival

On the auspicious day of Basant Panchami, Adi Shankaracharya reinstalled the idol of Lord Hrishikesh Bharatji in the temple during the first decade of the ninth century.
Every year on Basant Panchmi at Bharat Mandir Rishikesh, there is a symbolic reinstallation in the temple. On this occasion, the Shaligram is taken to Mayakund for a holy bath and then a grand procession is organized to take the idol back to the temple.

History of Bharat Mandir Rishikesh

The Bharat Mandir Rishikesh has a rich history. According to the Skand Purana, the sage Raibhya Rishi and Pundit Sri Somnath Sharma meditated here, leading Lord Vishnu to bless the site.
The Bharat Mandir Rishikesh was established by Adi Shankaracharya around 789 A.D. During Basant Panchami, a significant festival, the deity is ceremonially reinstalled, and the idol is taken to Mayakund for a holy bath.

Hrishikesh Mandir Rishikesh

Connects Mahabharata

The Bharat Mandir Rishikesh is mentioned in many Hindu sacred texts and epics, such as the Mahabharat, Vishnu Puran, Shrimadbhagwat, Vaman Puran, and Narsingh Puran. Legends believe that if one takes 108 rounds of Lord Shri Hrishikesh on the day of Akshaya Tritiya and seeks the blessing at Lord’s uncovered feet, then all wishes will be fulfilled.
This ritual is seen as being equivalent to the holy pilgrimage of Badrinath Dham, as on Akshaya Tritiya lord’s feet are only uncovered.

Legends & History

It is believed that the Pandavas, after the Mahabharat, stopped at this place on their way to heaven and worshipped Lord Hrishikesh Narayan. Many believe that during the reign of Ashoka, this temple and others in the region were converted into Buddha monasteries.
Lord Buddha is also said to have visited this temple. A piece of a statue found during excavations is believed to be of Lord Buddha. This piece can still be found under the old Banyan tree.

Eternal Tree

Bharat Mandir Rishikesh is also famous for its age-old entangled trees, which have great significance in Hindu mythology. These trees are Vat Vriksh, Pipal, and Bael trees, and many believe that they signify Tridev – Brahma, Vishnu, and Mahesh. These trees are more than 250 years old.

Museum and School:

A museum, established in 2000 by Garhwal University, is part of the temple complex. It showcases ancient idols ranging from the 2nd to the 15th century. The museum is free to visit and allows photography. Additionally, there’s a traditional school at the temple teaching Sanskrit in the ancient gurukul system, with around 60 students.

Timings:

The temple is open daily from 5:00 AM to 11:00 AM and from 1:00 PM to 9:00 PM.

How to Reach:

Bharat Mandir is centrally located near the Chandrabhaga Bridge, about 300 meters away, and Triveni Ghat is just a 400-meter walk. For a visual guide, refer to the map provided at the end of the page.
Visiting Bharat Mandir offers a glimpse into Rishikesh’s spiritual and historical legacy, making it a must-see for anyone exploring the city.
To reach Bharat Mandir, visitors can take a rickshaw or walk from the Rishikesh bus stand. The temple is open to visitors from 5:00 AM to 11:00 PM and 3:00 PM to 9:00 PM every day, and there is no entry fee.