Top 10 famous Temples in Rishikesh, Uttarakhand
Rishikesh is a town in Uttarakhand, northern India, nestled in the Himalayan foothills. Known as the ‘Yoga Capital of the World’ and the ‘Gateway to the Garhwal Himalayas’, it’s about 25 kilometers from Haridwar, another holy city. Since 2015, both Rishikesh and Haridwar are recognized as “Twin National Heritage Cities”. Rishikesh is strictly vegetarian and alcohol-free due to its religious importance. The Rishikesh is famous for its ancient temples, which you can easily explore on foot.
Overview: Temples in Rishikesh
Rishikesh, in particular, attracts devotees from across India for its ancient temples and spiritual ambiance. The city hosts numerous saints and sages, adding to its sacred atmosphere. Besides temples, Rishikesh is known for its ashrams, where religious events occur year-round. Exploring these ashrams offers insight into local traditions. Don’t miss shopping in the vibrant markets filled with colorful items related to Hindu religion, temples, and deities.
Top 10 Temples To Visit In Rishikesh
( Temples in Rishikesh )
- Neelkantha Mahadeva Temple
- Bharat Mandir
- Kunjapuri Devi Temple
- Tera Manzil Temple or Trimbakeshwar Temple
- Raghunath Temple
- Virbhadra Temple
- Shatrughna Temple
- Bhootnath Temple
- ISKCON Temple ( Madhuban Ashram)
- Kamakshi Devi Mandir
Neelkanth Mahadev Temple
( Temples in Rishikesh )
Neelkanth Mahadev Temple in Rishikesh is holy site dedicated to Lord Shiva, located about 22 kilometers from Swarg Ashram. You can reach the temple via a three-hour walk through a forest path or by using the Lakshman Jhula bridge. Alternatively, you can hire a cab for convenience. Devotees often offer holy Ganga water as a tribute. Besides visiting the temple, you can also enjoy the natural beauty of waterfalls and dense forests nearby.
- Distance from City Centre: 22 kilometers
- Visiting Hours: Daily, 6:00 AM to 8:00 PM
- Time to Explore: Approximately 3-4 hour
Bharat Mandir
( Temples in Rishikesh )
Bharat Mandir in Rishikesh is a historic temple established in the 12th century by Adiguru Shankaracharya. Dedicated to Lord Vishnu, it houses a beautifully carved idol made from a single Saligram stone. The temple’s architecture includes an inner canopy featuring a Shree Yantra, noted in ancient scriptures. Destroyed by Tamur, it was later rebuilt on the original site, where archaeological excavations have uncovered ancient artifacts like pottery, statues, and coins. This temple is a testament to both aesthetic beauty and traditional architecture.
- Distance from City Centre: 2 kilometers
- Visiting Hours: Daily, 5:00 AM – 11:00 PM, 1:00 PM – 9:00 PM
- Time to Explore: 1 to 2 hours
- Entry Fee: None
Kunjapuri Devi Temple
( Temples in Rishikesh )
Kunjapuri Devi Temple, located on Kunjapuri Hill near Rishikesh, is a revered site dedicated to Goddess Parvathi. It’s one of Uttarakhand’s fifty-two Shaktipeeths, drawing both locals and tourists alike. The temple offers stunning views of the Shivalik Ranges, Bandarpunch Peak, and Chaukhamba Peak. It’s a place to learn more about Hindu religion and culture, especially during Dussehra and Navratri when the temple and its surroundings are beautifully illuminated for grand celebrations.
- Distance from City Centre: 32 kilometers
- Visiting Hours: Open 6 am to 6 pm
- Time to Explore: 4 to 5 hours
Tera Manzil Temple
( Temples in Rishikesh )
Tera Manzil Temple, also known as Trimbakeshwar Temple, is a prominent attraction in Rishikesh. This massive thirteen-story temple sits on the banks of the sacred River Ganga, directly across from Lakshman Jhula. It houses multiple deities for pilgrims to worship and is renowned for its impressive architecture.
The top floor offers a breathtaking view of the surrounding landscape. Dating back around four hundred years, the temple showcases stunning ancient architecture that is a must-see during your visit to Rishikesh.
- Distance from City Centre: 4 kilometers
- Visiting Hours: 6:00 AM – 7:00 PM
- Time to Explore: 2 to 3 hours
- Entry Fee: None
Raghunath Temple
( Temples in Rishikesh )
Raghunath Temple is a revered Hindu shrine in Rishikesh, located near Triveni Ghat in the city center. Dedicated to Lord Ram and Mata Sita, it holds great significance for Hindus in Uttarakhand. The temple features a small pond called Rishi Kund, known for its sacred natural hot water spring.
Rishi Kund stands by River Yamuna and is where Lord Ram bathed during his exile. It’s also a meeting point of River Ganga and River Yamuna. The peaceful atmosphere of Rishi Kund is a highlight not to be missed during your visit. Nearby, you can explore the local market offering crafted ornaments, holistic statues, and other attractions.
- Distance from City Centre: 3 kilometers
- Visiting Hours: Daily, 6:00 AM – 8:00 PM
- Time to Explore: 1 to 2 hours
- Entry Fee: None
Virbhadra Temple
( Temples in Rishikesh )
The Virbhadra Temple in Rishikesh is fierce avatar of Lord Shiva, which he assumed after the death of his wife Devi Sati. The temple, only thirteen years old, hosts the vibrant Mahashivratri festival annually, drawing devotees from near and far. During this festival, a lively fair surrounds the temple, offering a joyous atmosphere for families and friends to enjoy.
- Distance from City Centre – 4 kilometres
- Visiting Hours – 05:00 AM – 09:00 PM
- Time to Explore the Virbhadra Temple – 2-3 Hour
- Entry Fee – No Entry Fee
Shatrughan Temple, Rishikesh
Shatrughna Temple
( Temples in Rishikesh )
The Shatrughna Temple in Rishikesh is famous for its serene atmosphere, making it one of the city’s most popular religious destinations. Visitors can not only worship but also participate in yoga sessions on the temple premises. Dedicated to Lord Lakshmana, the younger brother of Lord Rama, this temple holds historical significance as it was built by Adi Shankaracharya during his visit to the city.
- Distance from City Centre – 3 kilometres
- Visiting Hours – During the day time
- Time to Explore the Shatrughna Temple – 1 to 2 Hours
- Entry Fee – No Entry Fee
Bhootnath Temple
( Temples in Rishikesh )
The Bhootnath Temple in Rishikesh is a serene and sacred place dedicated to Lord Shiva. This is a spot where Lord Shiva rested on his journey to marry Mata Sati. Nestled amidst lush greenery, this temple offers a peaceful retreat away from the hustle and bustle of tourist crowds, making it a tranquil haven for spiritual seekers.
- Distance from City Centre – 4 kilometres
- Visiting Hours – During the day hours
- Time to Explore the Bhootnath Temple – 3 to 3 Hours
Madhuban Ashram Rishikesh
Iskcon Temple
( Temples in Rishikesh )
The Iskon Temple is as Madhuban Ashram. It is located on the banks of the Ganges near Muni-ki-Reti. It translates to “Sands of the Sages.” Rishikesh is traditionally a gateway for the Do Dham Yatra, which involves a pilgrimage to the sacred sites of Badrinath and Kedarnath. It sits just near Kailash Gate, Janki Jhula Rishikesh.
- Distance from City Centre – 2 kilometres
- Visiting Hours – During the day hours
- Time to Explore the Bhootnath Temple – 30 Minutes
Hare Krishna Hare Krishna, Krishna Krishna Hare Hare! Hare Rama Hare Rama, Rama Rama Hare Hare!
Shree Vithal Ashram & Omkarananda Kamakshi-Devi Mandir
Kamakshi Devi Mandir
( Temples in Rishikesh )
The Kamakshi Devi Mandir in Rishikesh is holy temple of Goddess Kamakshi Devi, an embodiment of Goddess Parvati. It is renowned for its architecture in the traditional South Indian style. Nearby, the Swami Omkarananda Ashram offers visitors a breathtaking view of the Himalayan mountains and their picturesque surroundings.
Founded by Gurudev Paramahamsa Omkarananda Saraswati, the ashram is also known as the Sanayas Ashram in Rishikesh, adding to the spiritual allure of the area.
- Distance from City Centre – 2 kilometres
- Visiting Hours – During the day hours
- Time to Explore the Bhootnath Temple – 30 Minutes
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