Ever since my childhood I have heard about spiritual seekers leaving their homes to take abode in Himalayas and I always wondered if that helped! It is actually your mind that is the mischief-maker and if you are carrying your mind to the Himalayas too, then where is the respite? There is only a change in the location for the body. How would Himalayas help your mind?
While I still cannot speak with certainty for others, going to Rishikesh was nothing less than a spectacular experience for my spirit, mind and body. Every inch of the Devbhoomi was raising my energy upwards; mind was at peace and body was soaking in pristine mountain air and most reverent nectar of Gangaji. Every moment spent in that divine land was like spending an eternity in the lap of God.
Places to Visit in Rishikesh:
Gangaji: Just sitting on the banks of Gangaji and watching her flow, one could spend an entire lifetime and yet not get tired of it. As much as possible, we would sit at a quiet place and watch her. The fickle mind just could not stand her overwhelming presence and retire to its hideouts. The profound insight that dawned once again on watching the Gangaji was the message of ‘Keep Moving.’ She moves continuously without ever getting bothered by what is happening around her. Whether people are joyously celebrating or grievously mourning, singing her praises or throwing filth into her, she wouldn’t pause to either revel in the glory or chastise for the violation. It seems she has a much greater purpose and nothing is worth stopping by. Only if our resolve towards our purpose would gain same sincerity and momentum!
Shivananda Ashram: We stayed at the well-known Shivananda Ashram near Ram Jhoola and no amount of words can ever be enough to describe their divine spirit, organizational skills, simplicity and generosity. The Swamijis and Matajis there are so simple and humble that you would never guess how advanced they are, until you sit quietly near them and realize to your utmost surprise that your body is in a state of thrill, there is some upward motion in your spine and your mind is being internalized. And all this is happening absolutely effortlessly on your part. It is like being able to smell roses in a rose garden without even making an effort to take your nose near to a rose.
Vasishtha Guha: About 20 kms away from Rishikesh, it is quite a popular spot for seekers now and many websites and travel articles talk about visiting this ancient cave. Here Maharishi Vasishtha (one of the seven immortal sages) along with his consort Arundhati did penance for several years. Sri Purushottamananda Ji of the Ramakrishna Matha Kerala came to this cave in 1928 and did intense penance before achieving the goal of this life in 1961 on a Shivratri. The Guha is filled with divine vibrations and it is believed that many sages and adepts are still residing there in their astral bodies. One feels profound peace when meditating in this cave. Right next to the guha flows the Gangaji, and it is another absolutely stunning site to forget the world and go inside.
Naam Mandir: Through a friend we came to know of Raj Supe aka Kinkar Vishwashreyananda, a poet, novelist, seeker and devotee. Through the blessings of his Guru he left the corporate world and started a Naam Mandir on the banks of Mother Ganga. There is a continuous chanting of the Mahamantra in that beautiful and serene temple. It was so wonderful to meet Raj Supe Ji and he shared several amazing things with us including not so well known places to visit and saints to meet. Through him we also got introduced to his Guru ‘Sri Sitaramdas Omkarnath’ who although has left his body, his message and teachings are as fresh as ever.
Neem Karoli Baba Temple: The famous Hanuman Temple in Rishikesh that was frequented by Neem Karoli Baba. The temple has a very different aura and as we stepped inside, we could immediately sense peace descending in our hearts. The idols of Hanuman Ji and Neem Karoli Baba are beautifully carved and gentle to look at.
Kriya Yoga Ashram: We are Kriya Yoga practitioners and it made perfect sense to visit the Kriya Yoga Ashram. Very conveniently located, just a few steps away from the Lakshaman Jhoola, the meditation hall of the ashram was brimming with divine energy. Having practiced Kriya for more than 15 years and in so many different places, this place felt perfect. It is thoughtfully constructed so the Kriya practitioners can practice Kriya to their heart’s desire without getting disturbed.
Swami Rama Ashram: I have been a fan of Swami Rama ever since I read his ‘Living with the Himalayan Masters.’ The ‘Sadhak Seva Gram’ situated enroute to Haridwar is a place of immense beauty and peace. It is aesthetically built and one would feel being inside a stunning resort, except that here your mind will become peaceful instead of seeking more pleasures. Ganga Aarti: Just few steps below the Shivananda Ashram is the Shatrughana Temple and ghat where Ganga Aarti is conducted in full splendour. It attracts various visitors and passers by and is a divine spectacle that depicts the true spirit of India and glory of Gangaji. It is also conducted at many other places and the most popular are Triveni Ghat and Parmarth Niketan.
Another very interesting part of this city was its divine atmosphere in all the places. Wherever you are, you will always hear some devotional music and chants in the background. This stops your mind from thinking of unnecessary things. It is like every inch of this divine place is taking you nearer to yourself.
Eight days of Rishikesh seemed to have wiped out baggage of eighty lifetimes, that was the impact of the power of this holy city on my mind. Needless to say, the city beckons me to visit it again and I am all set and ready to plunge, hoping my mind would be completely purged and discarded, leaving just pure I behind.
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