Rishikesh - The Mecca for peace seekers thorough Yoga & Meditation.
At the foothills of the Himalayas along the banks of the sacred river Ganges , lies the town of Rishikesh . The first town this holy river reaches on its decent from the mountains, Rishikesh is home to many ashrams , and most major Indian ashram, including Vivekenanda, Sivananda, Osho, Bihar school of yoga , have an office there. It is a good place to experience classical Indian yoga. Class instruction may leave a few gaps for students used to the precision of western classes, but with its slow and spiritual atmosphere, it's an enjoyable place to begin discovering what India has to offer.
Rishikesh is less intense than other parts of India , probably because people have religion on their minds. Most people are very friendly and quick to say hello or nam a ste. As a pilgrimage point, Rishikesh greets many devout Hindus and wandering sadhus (holy men). Many come to bathe in the sanctified waters of the Ganges , as Hindus believe this can remove layers of karma. This peaceful ashram centre is certainly one of the more atmospheric places in India.As the sun rises from behind the mountains, and cuts through the fog, locals wash in the river. Live temple chanting sets the tone. Beginning around 4 am , the chants float across the water until well after dark. During night time pujas (ceremonies), offerings of hundreds of camphor flame leaf boats float picturesquely on the river.
The commercial centre is more typical of India . But there is little need to visit it as the ashram centre, located on either side of a footbridge over the river, has great bookshops, good restaurants and email places. As a holy city, Rishikesh is fully vegetarian, so you won't even find an egg there. Rishikesh hosts an International Yoga Festival, which is held every year in the first week of February.
YOGA
The Path of Yoga and Meditation - an ancient Indian science and culture, a gradual, systematic and scientific way to release tension in day to day life different methods to overcome stress and a perfect way to live.
Today we live in a very stressful world with all economic uncertainties, high pressured competitiveness and social complexities. All these factors affect our mind leading to emotional imbalance, confusion, depression and lack of proper sleep. We have high rates of suicide, mental illness and other such problems. These emotional misbalance are often caused by the over or under secretion of glands, which have tremendous effect on our body and mind.
Hath Yoga helps to improve intake of oxygen and capacity of lungs, release muscular tension, de - toxify the body and internal organs, stimulate glands - balancing the quantity of hormones in blood, Canalizes the emotions, revitalize the nervous system and calm the mind.
Performing breathing asana properly and systematically gives subtle pressure on various glands, restores the proper secretion of hormones and gives emotional balances, will power, confidence, peace of mind and good physical health.
Benefits of Yoga
Healing by yoga is subtle as well as gross. Those suffering from physical ailment like Asthma, Arthiritis etc can gain tremendously from the practice of Yoga. There is no ailment (except AIDS, Cancer) which cannot be cured by Yoga. Asanas like sirsasana, sarvangasana and halasana can bring confidence and heal depression and psychosis.Customize Yoga tours
Yoga tour can be customized at wish according to Yoga classes (guest, periodic, regular)etc. These classes can be arranged for a group or even individuals. Classes will be conducted by competent tutors.PLACES TO VISIT
Rishikesh Town Area
Bharat Mandir : Built by Adiguru Shankra Chrya arround 12th centuray, Bharat mandir is situated in the heart of the old town on the Banks of the Ganges. Detailed account of this oldest temple of Rishikesh are available in anciant record of Kearkhand. The Inner sanctum of the temple has the idol of lord Vishnu, carved out of a single Saligram. In the inner canopy above the idol is shree yantra installed by Adi Sankraya Charya. The original temple was destroyed by Tamur lane in 1398 A.D. Lot of old statues , coins, pots and other things of historical importance were found in recent excavatiions in the premises of the temple.
Rishikund : Close to Trivenighat is the most anciant place, the rishikund. Anciant records relate this to Kubz Saint , who was blessed by the Goddess Yamuna by saturating this pond by its water.The pond reflects the temple of Ragunath , deicated to lord rama and his wife.
Triveni Ghat : The main ghat in the town area where most of the pilgrims take holy dip. Every evening hundreds of pilgrims attend the Ganga Arti at the Ghat.
RAM JHULA AREA
Geeta Bhawan : One of the oldest temple complex in the area. The famous Indian epic Ramayana and Mahabharta are described here on the walls.
Parmarth Niketan : One of the most renowned temple complex and ashram in the area . Known for its substaintial work on hinduism, three is a school run on tradtional Indian Patterns. The ashram organises ecellent Ganga Arti and Hawan on the Parmarth Ghat every evening.
"When global orange sun suspended, waits low amid the red/yellow streaked horizon, then all these combine to give this town a very special evening. The temple bells roar, priests enchant mantras. Immersed in sublimation stand the pilgrims . Cupped leaves, with saffron marigold petals and a small candle flame, flickering ride the current of water of wisdom. Suddenly the sky darkens , spreading a blanket of stillness. Everything stops, except the sound of current , which has just sunk the tiny flames of cupped leaves, few minutes back". Transcendental Centre of Maharishi Mahesh Yogi : Situated on the extreme end of Geeta Bhawan area , Marishi's TM centre is situated in the pecaeful forest area. Once the most active branch has nothing much to offer to the visitors today.
LAXMANHULA AREA
Tera Manzil Temple : A multistory temple complex of idols of hindu Gods, and Goddesses. Very popular among the domestic pilgrims. One can have an excellent view of the entire area from the top floor of the temple complex. Sunset view from this place in winters is a excellent option. Places to Visit around Rishikesh.
KUNJAPURI TEMPLE - SUN RISE OR SUN SET
Drive to Kunja Puri, one of the thitrteen most important Goddesses of Shivalik range , the lower Himalayas.One can witness excellent sunrise or sun set on the Greater Hiamalayan Peaks and the vast Indo Gangetic plains . One can see almost all the peaks of Garhwal Himalayas from here e.g Banderpunch (6316 Mts) , Swarga Rohini (6252 Mts) Gangotri ( 6672 mts) Chaukhamba (7138 mts) etc.
VASISHTHA GOOFA
One hour drive from Rishikesh up river is situated Vasishtha Goofa , where famous saint vasishtha meditaed on the banks of the Ganges. The cave is very peaceful and is a perfect place for meditation.
Yoga & Meditation Tour Itinearary
DAY 01 DELHI - RISHIKESH
Arrive and transfer to hotel . After a welcome drink and acclimatization briefing about the whole program followed by introduction to the Yoga teacher. Evening dinner and overnight hotel.
DAY 02 RISHIKESH
Early morning drive or walk to the yoga centre for yoga class followed by relaxation of body & mind. After relaxation learn about breath awareness exercise & stretching exercise. After yogic breakfast Evening in - house yoga & traditional meditation class with visiting instructor . Late evening visit the Ghats for Arti dedicated to Goddesses Ganga .Overnight hotel.
DAY 03 RISHIKESH
Early morning drive or walk to the centre. Today we will do relaxation, asana, followed up by yognindra. After nutritious breakfast. Day free for own activities. Optional you can take rafting trip or can do temple tour for half a day. Evening followed by modern meditation. and class of suggestion therapy. Meals and overnight hotel.
DAY 04 RISHIKESH
Today we'll get training for Pranavam (advance breathing), Dynamic yoga. advance yoga postures. After breakfast drive up to Vashist Gufa. The entire drive is along the river Ganges towards the source for about an hour. Arrive and explore vashistha Goofa (cave), where famous saint Vasistha, meditated. A perfect place for transcendental meditation. Late afternoon drive back to resort. Evening meditation & lecture. Dinner and overnight at hotel
DAY 05 RISHIKESH
Early morning wake up for Pranayam and advance techinque of Yoga. Evening followed by meditation and curative yoga. Meals and overnight . one can take optional trip to Devprayag, one of the five most important confluences of Garhwal Himalayas . Arrive and explore the area. Also visit 10th centaury old temple of Ragunath ji.
DAY 06 RISHIKESH
Early morning followed up by Vipasana class. Evening curative Yoga and meditation class. Dinner and Overnight at cCamp Resort .
DAY 07 RISHIKESH - DELHI
Early morning practice advance posture of yoga and vipasna. Day free for own activities. Evening meditation and question answer session. Evening the course terminates. One can stay back or take Shatabdi Express back to Delhi or drive to onward destination.
Important : The yoga activities in the course are flexible and will change as per the requirement
