Rshikesh to Vashishta Gufa: A Mediative Cave of Inner Awakening
There are many caves around Rishikesh, where silence observers visit frequently such Vashishta Gufa, Jhilmil Gufa, Mainu Baba Gufa and Tat Wale Gufa but the Vashishta Gufa is very special because of its ancient connection with Guru Vashishta and location, on the serene bank of the Ganges near Rishikesh
It is one of the oldest meditation caves in India near Rishikesh where travelers experience total divine connection in the silence of the cave and feels being part of the present.
For spiritual seekers, Yogis, Sadhaka and Travellers, it is not just a cave where you simply go and meditate whereas it offers a divine experience to your heart that connects you with ancient tradition of devotion and inner awakening.
Where Celestial Sage Guru Vashishta Found Solace
As per the Hindu ancient scriptures, there are wide details of the Sage Vashishta. It is said that he is one of the seven great celestial sages and a Manas Putra (born form the mind) of Lord Brahma.
As per the ancient Hindu scriptures the Guru Vashishta married with Arundhati (extra-terrestrial being) after death of all his children, both Guru Vashishta married and his wife; Arundhati decided to retire from otherworldly life and in looking of solace and peace of mind, they reached here in Rishikesh at the cave, where they retrieved the true self and cave become a divinely spiritualized place because of their presence.
Therefore, today, there are two caves, the big one is known as Vashishta cave and another small cave, just few meter down to the river, beach facing cavity is known as Arundhati cave.
The cave was unknown for many centuries, nobody know only was exist in books, but as time pass on, in 19th century there was a monk his name is Swami Purushottamananda Ji, rediscovered this cave during his journey to upper Himalayas.
Once he found this cave, he discontinued his journey and decided to stay at the cave. Now the cave is being maintained by TRUST. Today cave is well – maintained with a small alter presenting Shivlinga inside the cave symbolizes connecting Shaivites tradition.
The recent history talks about how, in 1929, Swami Purushottamanand Trust built a small shrine and some rooms beside the cave for devotees and spiritual person, who can stay for spiritual purpose there only.
Rishikesh to Vashishta Gufa
it is distancing about 22 km from Rishikesh city, lies besides the Badrinath Highway, the journey Rishikesh to Vashishta feels like going in the heaven, deep mystic Ganges valley and below the emerald blue flow of the holy water, a divine experience like never before. Travelers easily arrive there by private taxi, cab, or private bus. Please note that there is no operation of public transportations between Rishikesh and Vashishta cave.
From Jolly Grant Dehradun Airport is about 45 km away by road, while Rishikesh city Railway Station lies around 26 km from the cave.
From the Badrinath Highway
Once you reached there by private car the driver drops you off at roadside and form there you to follow the sign board and pathway down to river nearly 200 meters steps through thick bushes and trees, accompanied by ascending gurgling water of the Ganges.
Once you at the entrance gate of the cave, take off shoes and maintain silence and walk slowly inside the cave, is dimly lit by oil lamps, sit where is space and feel encircling a divine silence, sometime your inner silence is shattered by the distant flow of the Ganga River.
Why you must go to this cave?
The Vashishta Gufa is like a big hole in the rock, nearly 60 feet deep and at end of the cave there is small alter enshrining a Shivalinga. This ancient spiritual cave is not just for doing spiritual activities like observing silence, mastering senses or seeking blessing or ritual; instead, its divine ancient energy takes you into a deep meditation, making you an awakening soul.
It is one of the holy caves in Rishikesh where meditation touches your heart and soul and the stillness ancient energy envelopes the space of your entire exitance.
The cave remains open on daily schedule basis in tow slots from 8:00 AM to 1:00 PM, and 3:00 PM to 7:00 PM with 2 hours mid-day closure. On special occasion, I have noticed that it remains open entire day.
The best times to visit here, is morning time and late afternoons also good but the morning is more serene cool and more stillness in nature. During summer season from April to June, better to go in first morning there are two reasons; 1- the mid-day heat and 2- crowd.
Stay at Om Homestay, Tapovan Rishikesh
Your visit from Rishikesh to Vashishta Gufa, becomes even more spiritual, if you stay at Om homestay in Tapovan area of Rishikesh. It is perched on a hillside and surrounded by mountains and jungles, staying here like a retreat, you feel like woven into its devotional surroundings.
Only 1 km from Iconic suspension bridge, called Laxman Jhula and just 2 km from the Ram Jhula suspension bridge, makes your stay wonderful.