Powerful Shatrughna Temple Rishikesh near Ram Jhula Bridge

Rishikesh, located in the divine land of Uttarakhand (Devbhoomi), is a holy pilgrimage site where people from different parts of India come for worship.

Among the many ancient temples established here, one notable temple is the Shri Shatrughna Temple, located near Ram Jhula.

Shatrughna Temple Rishikesh — A Historic Site

Shatrughna, the younger brother of Maryada Purushottam Shri Ram, performed years of penance at Muni Ki Reti in Rishikesh.

The ancient Shatrughna Temple is located about 100 meters from the main highway at Muni Ki Reti. It was established in the 8th century by Adi Guru Shankaracharya.

While traveling on the main highway towards Ram Jhula, this temple is located midway along the route. In this temple, along with Lord Shatrughna, devotees also worship the Chaturbhuj form of Lord Narayan and perform puja and rituals for the Ram Darbar.

This temple has its own unique history, attracting devotees from far and wide. While all festivals are celebrated here with great enthusiasm, the two main festivals of this temple are Janmashtami and Ram Navami.

Historical Significance 

In earlier times, pilgrims traveling towards the Char Dham would first visit this temple before continuing their journey. Shatrughna performed silent meditation (maun sadhana) here, and because of this, the place came to be known as “Maun Ki Reti” (the sands of silence), which over time evolved into “Muni Ki Reti”

Mahant Manoj Prapanchaarya of Shri Shatrughna Temple explains that in ancient times, Lord Shatrughna performed silent meditation (maun tapasya) at this place. Because of this, the site was originally known as Maun Ki Reti (the sands of silence), and today it is famously called Muni Ki Reti.

According to legend, Lord Shatrughna had slain Lavanasura, a member of Ravana’s family, which resulted in a Brahma Dosha (a divine curse) to him. To nullify this Brahma Dosha, he came to Rishikesh and performed silent penance at this site. Since then, the temple has been known as the Shatrughna Temple.

Shatrughna Ghat — Evening Ganga Aarti

Right in front of the ancient Shatrughna Temple is Shatrughna Ghat, where a grand Ganga Aarti is held every evening. Before the Ganga Aarti, the Shiv Tandav Stotra is recited.

The scenic beauty surrounding the ghat adds to the splendor of the aarti. This ghat is located between Ram Jhula and Janki Setu.

Traditionally, five priests perform the Ganga Aarti here, but when was  the COVID-19 pandemic, only three priests were conducting it for the time being.

The Shri Ganga Gau Seva Samiti manages the aarti. During the aarti, the illuminated Ram Jhula on the left and Janki Setu on the right captivate and attract devotees.

Festivals of Shatrughna Temple Rishikesh

Mahant Manoj Prapanchaarya further explains that while all festivals at Shatrughna Temple are celebrated with great enthusiasm, the two main festivals are Janmashtami and Ram Navami.

During these festivals, the temple is beautifully decorated, and bhajans and kirtans are organized for devotees. Devotees from far and wide come to this temple for darshan and blessings.

Also Known as Shri Adi Badrinarayan

It is noteworthy that this temple is known not only as Shatrughna Temple but also as Shri Adi Badrinarayan. In this temple, you can find idols of Shatrughna, Lord Rama, Mata Sita, Lakshman, as well as Lord Vishnu.

The temple opens at 7 AM for devotees from India and abroad, and its doors are closed in the evening after the Ganga Aarti.

Two Aartis are performed daily in this temple. If you are visiting or planning to visit Rishikesh, do not forget to pay your respects at this ancient Shri Shatrughna Temple.

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