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Introduction
Just 24 kilometers upstream of the holy city of Haridwar, situated at the banks of river Ganga and surrounded by the Shivalik Mountain range, Rishikesh has become home to many saints and sages who come here to connect with the Great Power. Known by many different names like “The Yoga Capital Of The World” and “The City Of Sagas”, the literal meaning of the word Rishikesh is “One Who Has Conquered His Senses”.
History
There are several legends associated with this city. It is believed that lord Hrishikesh appeared as a result of the hard penances by Rabiya Rishi, Thus, giving the city its name. Lord Shri Ram also came here with his brothers to do penance after killing Ravan.
Many yoga schools in Rishikesh have still kept the essence of yoga alive in this day and age as well.
Popular English rock band The Beatles, also came to Rishikesh for a similar program. They visited Rishikesh to take part in a Transcendental Meditation training camp at the Ashram of Maharishi Mahesh Yogi. While in Rishikesh, they spent their time in Chaurasi Kutia Ashram which was later renamed as the Beatles Ashram in the memory of their 1968 retreat, and also because of their huge fan following.
The Auspicious Ganga Aarti
Rishikesh is popular not only for its adventurous activities or yoga institutes. The main point of significance of Rishikesh is its evening Ganga Aarti which takes place every single day at different ghats in the city. It is one of the main reasons devotees come from far-off places to Rishikesh.
In Sanatan Dharm, it is believed that the water of the holy river Ganga removes all the sins and impurities in one’s mind and heart. Thus, Ganga Aarti is a way to worship and show respect towards The Goddess Ganga, and also to celebrate the rich and varied culture of the city, while giving an extravagant experience to the tourists. The 45-minute Aarti will hold you spellbound throughout and leave a massive yet beautiful impact on your soul. The Aarti is done by many priests who sing several bhajans and do a havan followed by lighting the diyas. Lastly, the locals float a diya sitting on some flowers into the River Ganga, praying for their loved ones.
Although many different ghats host the Ganga Aarti in Rishikesh every single day, the most famous aarti is the Ganga Aarti at Triveni Ghat, which is also the largest. The aarti at Parmarth Niketan Ashram is quite different from every other ghat. Here, the aarti is not done by priests but by the students who came to study the Vedas.
Personal Experience
My experience of the Ganga Aarti in Rishikesh was majestic. Those 45 minutes of the aarti make you forget every problem you ever had and you just think of your connection with the Almighty Power. The chanting of bhajans, the ringing of bells, and the sound of the river flowing altogether take you to another dimension. Rishikesh feels like it is God’s very own city. I think it must be on everyone’s bucket list. An experience like none other.
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