Vashishta Gufa Rishikesh: Today Vashishta Cave Timings, 2025
Vashishta Gufa ( Cave )
If we talk about the most famous cave present in Rishikesh, then the first name that comes is Vashishta Cave. It is said that the history of Vashishta Cave is very ancient, about 3000 years old. Vashishta Cave is considered a mysterious cave.
It is believed that even today the soul of Rishi Vashishta, the guru of Lord Rama, resides here. As soon as the sun sets, no one dares to go around this cave. Let it be known that this cave is dedicated to Rishi Vashishta, the guru of Lord Rama, and it is also believed that Rishi Vashishta used to perform worship here.
Rishikesh is a sacred pilgrimage site. This place is famous in India and abroad for its yoga and meditation. It is believed that many sages and ascetics have performed intense penance here on the foothills of the Himalayas.
About 25 kilometers from Rishikesh, there is an ancient Vashishta Cave, which is also a good center for peace and meditation. All tourists coming to Rishikesh, visit here for meditation and peace.
This cave is known by the name of the great sage Vashishta. one of the monkcame from south India ,his name is Swami Purushottamananda also performed intense penance here.
About Sage Vashishta
Rishi Vashishta performed penance
Rishi Vashishta Cave is located in the Shivpuri Range, just a short distance from Rishikesh. Shivpuri is a very beautiful and captivating place. Shivpuri is surrounded on all sides by huge mountains, dense forests, and lakes and waterfalls.
This cave is an ancient cave situated about 25 kilometers from Rishikesh, in complete seclusion. According to the information received from the office here, this cave is associated with Rishi Vashishta. the guru of Lord Rama, performed penance here.
This cave is known by his name. In 1930, Swami Purushottamananda decided to take care of this ashram and also of this cave, and therefore, its management is carried out by the Swami Purushottamananda Society.
This sacred place has now become the Vashishta Yoga Ashram, where everyone comes for meditation and peace, away from the crowd and noise of Rishikesh.
Vashistha Cave Rishikesh Timing Rishikeshg )
The Vashistha Cave Rishikesh Timing has specific opening hours for visitors. It is open in two slots during the day:
This cave is located on the bank of the sacred Mother Ganga in a secluded place. This cave remains open for tourists from 8 AM to 1 PM and then from 3 PM to 6 PM.
Inside the cave, tourists sit for meditation, therefore making noise and taking photographs is prohibited. Near this cave, there is another cave in the name of Maharishi Vashishta’s wife Arundhati, which everyone calls Arundhati Cave, and it is also quite famous as Jesus cave among aboard tourists.
- Morning Slot: 8:00 AM to 1:00 PM: Visitors can enter and explore the cave during this time.
- Afternoon Slot: 3:00 PM to 6:00 PM: The cave remains closed for two hours from 1:00 PM to 3:00 PM.
- After 3:00 PM, it reopens for visitors to continue their exploration and meditation.
What Say Miss Karen?
Miss Karen who came to visit Rishikesh every year, in a special conversation with her, she told that she like the Vashishta Cave very much. Sitting inside the cave, she does meditation for some time, and her mind became completely calm.
She says that this place is completely peaceful, away from the noise of Rishikesh, and everyone should definitely come here at least once.
Vashistha Cave, Rishikesh
Overview: Vashistha Cave Rishikesh
Inside the Cave
- Long and Natural: Vashishta Gufa is a long, naturally formed cave. It is not fully lit, so visitors are advised to bring a torch for comfort and safety.
- Shiva Linga and Diya: Deep inside, a small diya (oil lamp) glows softly, illuminating a sacred Shiva Linga. Here, you will often see people sitting in silent meditation.
- Calm Space: The cave is rarely crowded. It is meant for silence, reflection, and spiritual rest.
Experience of Meditation
- Simple Practice: Sit quietly for 10-15 minutes. The gentle darkness and mild echoes help focus your mind and refresh your thoughts.
- Feel the Energy: Many describe an uplifting, peaceful energy that makes it easy to relax, let go of stress, and connect with yourself.
Practical Tips
- Carry a flashlight/torch: The cave is dim inside.
- Dress simply: Wear comfortable clothes, and bring a shawl or mat.
- Arrive early: For the quietest experience, visit in the morning or late afternoon.
- Keep it clean: Help preserve the cave’s beauty by not littering.
- No shops nearby: Bring your own water or snacks.
Beach Rishikesh by Vashishta Gufa
The area boasts lush greenery and a seemingly endless stretch of the Ganges, making it a beautiful landscape and an ideal photography spot . Visitors can find tranquility within the cool, quiet cave, or relax on the beautiful sandy beach along the river, enjoying the calm environment, the sound of flowing water, and the cool breeze .
It’s a peaceful hideout for meditation, offering a chance to connect with nature and find inner peace away from the city noise
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How To Reach Vashishta Gufa Rishikesh
To reach Vashistha Cave in Rishikesh, you can follow these steps:
- Start by getting to Rishikesh: If you are coming from outside Rishikesh, you can reach the city by train, bus, or flight. The nearest airport is the Jolly Grant Airport in Dehradun, which is about 22 kilometers from Rishikesh.
- Travel to the Vashistha Cave: Once you are in Rishikesh, you can hire a private vehicle, taxi, or a local guide to take you to the Vashistha Cave. The cave is located around 25 kilometers from the city.
- Enjoy the journey: As you travel towards the cave, you will get to experience the beautiful scenery and the spiritual vibes of the region.
- Arrive at Vashistha Cave: The journey might take some time, but eventually, you will reach the cave. Be prepared to walk a short distance to reach the actual cave site.
- Explore and meditate: Once you reach the Vashistha Cave, take your time to explore the surroundings and feel the peaceful ambiance. You can sit for meditation, self-reflection, and enjoy the tranquility of the place.
Remember to carry essential items like water, a torch for illumination, and comfortable shoes for walking. The journey to Vashistha Cave will be a rewarding experience, offering you a chance to connect with nature and find inner peace.
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Jesus Cave Rishikesh
Just a five-minute walk downriver from Vashistha Gufa Rishikesh, there is another fascinating cave known as the “Jesus Cave.” It sits on the side of a steep cliff, overlooking the Ganges River and the beautiful green hills of the Himalayas. The cave got its name from the belief that Jesus once spent time here with Mother Ganga.
Back in 1957, Sri Sathya Sai Baba visited this cave, and he mentioned it in his book. According to the stories, both Swami Rama Tirtha and Swami (Papa) Ramdas lived in this cave at different times, and they had visions of Jesus meditating here.
Historically, the Kashmiri tradition’s Rajatarangini, written in 1148 A.D., mentions a great saint named Issana living at Issabar on the bank of Dal Lake. Moreover, the book titled “Jesus Lived in India” provides additional evidence about Jesus’ presence in this region.
The Jesus Cave is not only a beautiful place but also a spot rich with historical and spiritual significance. It’s a wonderful place to visit and feel the connection with nature and history.
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Arundhati Cave Rishikesh:
- Arundhati Cave is a small cave near the Vashistha Cave. It is named after Arundhati, who was the wife of Maharshi Vashistha. In Hindu stories, she is connected to the morning star and the Alcor star, which is linked to Maharshi Vashistha.
Vashistha Cave History:
- Vashishta Cave, also called Vashishta Gufa, is an ancient cave where Maharshi Vashishta and his wife meditated for a long time. Legend says that Vashishta Maharshi was a wise person and one of the seven great Rishis, known as Saptarishis.
- The cave ( Gufa) is situated among Gullar trees by the Ganges River, making it a perfect place for meditation. Vashishta Maharshi was an important scholar in ancient Vedic times and contributed to Rigveda.
Yog Vasistha
- The Yoga Vasistha, also known as Maha Ramayana, is a long text with 32,000 verses, second only to the Hindu epic Mahabharata. In 1960, Swami Pursottamananda rediscovered the cave and meditated there. His followers later built an ashram at the spot where he left his body.
- When you visit Vashishta Gufa, it’s nice to also see the Samadhi Sthal of Sri Prusottamananda Swami. It’s a special place with a rich history!
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Yoga Retreats:
Recently, the Vashishta Gufa Rishikesh or Gufa has become famous for hosting half-day yoga retreats and meditation retreats near Rishikesh.
The Vashishta Gufa is about 20-25 feet deep and can comfortably hold 10-15 yoga enthusiasts. Additionally, the spacious Ganges riverbank allows hundreds of visitors to participate. This makes the cave’s ashram a great location for one-day yoga retreats in the Rishikesh area.
Stay at Vashishta Ashram
If you want a longer spiritual retreat, you can stay at the nearby Vashishta Ashram. The ashram welcomes meditation practitioners and visitors looking for simple accommodation, daily yoga, and community gatherings in a peaceful riverside setting.
Conclusion:
Vashishta Cave Gufa Rishikesh is more than just a tourist spot. It is a special retreat for anyone who wants a peaceful mind, a restful heart, and a closer connection to nature and spirituality. The beauty of the Ganga, the shade of Gular trees, and the ancient energy of the cave make it a must-visit place for meditation and self-discovery.
FAQ
- Vashistha cave: Vashistha Cave Rishikesh is not really in Rishikesh it is about 25 km away from Rishikesh
- Vashishta Gufa Rishikesh timing: Summer timing from 8 am 12 pm and 3 pm to 8 pm/ Winter Timing 8 am to 1 pm and 3 pm to 6 pm.
- Vashishta Gufa Temple Shivpuri: It is not in Shivpuri Town it is Gullar , near Sirasu village
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