I don’t know why but I always feel that some or the other way we all are so much connected to God. We can feel his presence everywhere. I’l take you to the MYSTICAL LAND OF PILGRIMAGE - RISHIKESH.
A country where the Buddha attained Nirvana - where people practiced Christianity even before Europe took to it - where Sufis and the Mystics walked on lonely trails for days on end, and where as recently as 1995, thousands of Ganesha idols suddenly started drinking milk! People still debate if they really did - some believe, others do not. In India, you always have a choice.
No country in the world is full of so many religious pilgrim sites as India. India has welcomed all religions and people across the world thereby making itself more richer. It is a potpourri of different cultures, races, religions
India is the land of unity and diversity, where there is not a single place, where one can find similarities. Whether it is climate, culture, caste or religion, you will find people practicing different faith and religion. India is one such place where major religions of the world was founded or it has some important religious places of all religions. It is considered the mystical land for pilgrimage with century Old Temples, Churches, Mosques, Gurudwaras and many Monasteries it is often called " dev bhumi" or the abode of gods.
I was small when we had gone to Char Dhaam. My mother still tells me everything about it. The most pious place. I was scared seeing the sadhus there but still remember every bit of it.
Surrounded by hills on three sides, Rishikesh is located on the right bank of the Ganga, at its confluence with the Chandrabhaga stream. One of the holiest places on the upward pilgrimages to the Himalayas, Rishikesh is, where Raibhya Rishi did penance to please God, who appeared as Hrishikesh, hence the name, Rishikesh. Millions of Hindus come here every year, to absolve themselves of their sins by bathing in the holy Ganges. Rishikesh abounds in stories of renunciation, meditation, penance and salvation. It has developed into one of the better known centres, for schools of yoga and meditation. Rishikesh is also significant as the trekking base, to the Himalayan shrines of Yamunotri, Gangotri, Kedarnath and Badrinath. Neel Kanth Mahadev temple is situated at a height of 5, 500 ft. above sea level. The trek to the temple, gives a fantastic wide - angled view of the Himalayan peaks, Babhar forests and the plain below.
Rishikesh is a holy city for Hindus located in the foothills of the Himalayas in northern India. It is 24 kms away from another holy city, Haridwar, and is considered an access point for the cities that form the Chardham - Badrinath, Kedarnath, Gangotri, and Yamunotri.
The sacred river Ganga (anglicized to Ganges) flows through Rishikesh, adding to its spiritual appeal and natural beauty. In fact, it is here that that the river leaves the Himalayas, and flows out into the plains of northern India. Several temples, ancient as well as new, can be found along the banks of the river in Rishikesh. The city attracts thousands of pilgrims and tourists each year, from within India, as well as from other countries. The city has several Yoga centres that also attract tourists. It is believed that meditation in Rishikesh brings one closer to attainment of salvation, or moksha, as does a dip in the holy river that flows through it.
TO REACH RISHIKESH by air the nearest airport is Jolly Grant. But is not the preffered mode of transport for getting into the town.
By rail Rishikesh is well connected with all the major towns and cities of India. We had gone by rail, it is the best mode to go there, can can see the beauty and power of it.
Rishikesh is very well connected by a network of roads and road transport to all major towns of Uttaranchal and surrounding areas. Tourist places in India can arrange for you all types of land transport for your comfortable journey in Rishikesh and throughout the Indian state of Uttaranchal.
It can be visited throughout the year. We had visited in the month of may.
One should atleast , one’s in his / her life go there. It is to be felt, its beauty, its power, can only be felt when you see it in real. It is that place where one forgets all his sorrows, selfishness, we just feel like heaven. God surely exists and no matter what is always there with us.