Why Swaminarayan Ghat Rishikesh famous for Ganga Aarti?
Swaminarayan Ghat Rishikesh is a special place by the River Ganges. It’s where people go to feel close to Gangaji, the holy river of India. At Swaminarayan Ghat Rishikesh, there’s a spot at the end where you can bathe in Gangaji. In the evening, everyone gathers here because it’s time for the worship of Gangaji.
Shri Swaminarayan Ashram, Rishikesh
Shri Swaminarayan Ashram in Rishikesh, Uttarakhand, is a non-profit organization. Its mission is to give high-quality education to children and individuals from low-income families. The goal is to help them reach their full potential and change their lives.
The Ashram collects donations from generous and financially stable supporters to fund education for those in need.
In addition to education, the Ashram also focuses on:
- Rural and urban development
- Women empowerment through advocacy and direct programs
- Helping communities access government benefits
This work is aimed at improving lives and building stronger communities.
Our Experience at Swaminarayan Ghat Rishikesh
It’s evening time, and the sun is playing hide and seek behind the mountains. Even though the sun isn’t fully down, the mountains glow with the last light of the day.
The Ganga Aarti happens right after sunset. Lots of people come to watch and participate in the Aarti. I got there after 5 pm just for the aarti and to see darshan.
When I reached, I saw lots of people taking a dip in the Ganges. We usually like to bathe in Gangaji in the morning, so I decided to wait until then to take bath in the Ganges.
Here, Gangaji is truly a sight to behold, especially in the evening. The sunlight in the sky, with the sun tucked away behind the mountains, makes Gangaji look incredibly beautiful. Here, Gangaji has a huge presence, flowing between two banks with a mesmerizing grace.
Suggested Read: Discover Ganga Aarti Timing Rishikesh: Tips for the best view
When Gangaji rushes over the stones, it creates a beautiful sound – the water clattering against the stones can be heard from quite a distance, adding to the magical atmosphere. Just sitting by the banks of Gangaji, time seems to slip away unnoticed.
If you find yourself at Swaminarayan Ghat, you can enjoy this Darshan and also catch a glimpse of Ram Jhula right in front of you. Ram Jhula, a cable bridge, not only serves as a passage but also offers a beautiful view of Gangaji.
Rishikesh: Hub for meditation and Yoga
Rishikesh is known globally as a hub for meditation, attracting visitors from all over the world. To cater to this diverse crowd, the government has ensured the place is decorated beautifully. Not only does this enhance the aesthetic appeal, but standing at the top also offers a beautiful view of the Ganges, enriching the experience for everyone who visits.
Ganga Aarti at Swaminarayan Ghat Rishikesh
The beautiful lighting arrangements during the Ganga aarti at Swaminarayan Ghat add a special touch, making the ceremony even more enchanting. These decorations and setups are all thanks to the Swaminarayan Ashram. Here, the aarti of Gangaji is conducted every day with heartfelt devotion, or Bhakti Bhav.
In the evening, there’s a profound sense of peace that envelops the area. Beyond the the Ganga aarti, the Swaminarayan Ashram has made numerous other arrangements to ensure visitors have a fulfilling experience. They offer accommodation and food, so you can immerse yourself in the serenity and spirituality without any worries.
Ganga Aarti Rituals
The Ganga Aarti at Swaminarayan Ghat is conducted by a Brahmin boy who is a student at the Swaminarayan Ashram. Despite his young age, this wandering boy is deeply knowledgeable about worship rituals and scriptures. He takes care of all the preparations for the aarti and performs the ceremony for Gangaji with great skill.
These boys, including our Brahmin boy, reside at the Swaminarayan Ashram Rishikesh where they acquire knowledge and learn all the rituals that are part of their spiritual education.
The Brahmin children at Swaminarayan Ghat have begin the ritual of worshiping Gangaji. Each child knows exactly where to sit, demonstrating a level of organization that is quite surprising to witness. One child sits for the puja, while another stands behind, ready to pass along the necessary puja materials with precision.
The sincere worship by these children is truly touching to watch. The atmosphere during the Ganga Aarti at Swaminarayan Ghat is imbued with a sense of wonder, making the experience deeply moving for everyone present.
Once the Ganga Aarti starts at Swaminarayan Ghat. the Brahmin children take the lead in the rituals. After the initial steps, the ceremony included Achaman, followed by blowing wind from Chamar as part of the reverence for Gangaji. Each of these acts represents different steps of worshiping, carried out sequentially by these dedicated children.
Following the initial rituals, the Brahmin children proceed with the Ganga Aarti They use big lamps for this sacred act. The five standing children assist the one performing the aarti by delivering the necessary items. They are not alone; saints also participate in this ceremony, adding to its sanctity.
The entire Ganga aarti is conducted with a very formal manner, with everyone involved maintaining their roles diligently until the shunt (final part) of the aarti is completed by those standing at the back.
Services Offered by Shri Swaminarayan Ashram
Mahayog Dhyan Mahotsav
- A week-long residential camp focused on teaching Yoga and Spirituality to sincere seekers under the guidance of experienced experts.
Ashrams
- Traditionally, ashrams are spiritual hermitages or monasteries where individuals can focus on spiritual growth and meditation.
Dharamshalas
- Affordable accommodations for travelers, offering a comfortable stay without high expenses.
Schools
- Dedicated to providing excellent education, offering students the best schooling experiences to nurture knowledge and growth.
Health
- GoTirth Healthcare produces natural and ayurvedic medicines using indigenous Himalayan cow’s gavya combined with herbs.
- Committed to the service of humanity, holy cows, and nature, ensuring high-quality production and cleanliness.
- The initiative supports cow welfare, ensuring they are well-fed and kept in hygienic conditions.
Disaster Relief
- A dedicated team of volunteers and doctors responds swiftly to natural disasters, providing immediate help.
Care-Give Education Programs
- Organizes group counseling workshops to educate communities on nutrition, hygiene, and health care.
Child Malnutrition
- Focused on combating malnutrition in children, providing essential health care equipment and services to improve their well-being.
Final Thoughts About Ganga Aarti Swaminarayan Ghat Rishikesh
Experiencing the Ganga Aarti at Swaminarayan Ghat is incredibly enriching and beneficial. It sets against the backdrop of the flowing Gangaji, you’ll see Brahmin children and Saints together, chanting hymns and mantras as they perform the Ganga aarti with reverence to Gangaji. The melodious sound of Tankoris and the fragrance of incense fill the air, creating an atmosphere that is both invigorating and calming for the mind.
This spiritual environment at Swaminarayan Ghat Rishikesh offers a profound sense of peace to every devotee present. From my perspective, if you ever find yourself in Rishikesh, you absolutely must experience the evening Ganga Aarti at Swaminarayan Ghat; it’s an opportunity not to be missed.
The Ganga Aarti at Swaminarayan Ghat holds a special significance for me. Here, the Brahmin children perform the ceremony, chanting under the guidance of the shunt, which adds to the solemnity of the ritual. What’s unique is that every devotee present is also given a lamp, allowing them to partake in this sacred act.
Following the aarti, there’s a beautiful tradition where the river is prayed to with lamps filled with flowers. These lamps, floating on the water, create a divine atmosphere, enhancing the spiritual experience for everyone gathered.
Swaminarayan Ashram Rishikesh Contact Number
Rishikesh, India, Uttarakhand
+91 93198 25050
swaminarayanrksh@gmail.com
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