Rishikesh Live

A pleasant 2km walk south of Lakshman Jhula along the path skirting the east bank of the Ganges leads to the spiritual community of Swarg Ashram. This area comprising cafes, ashrams, temples, bathing ghats where religious ceremonies are performed at sunrise and sunset and shops lies opposite to Shivananda Nagar and is a fascinating place full of local charm and lilting international accents. Foreigners in search of their inner selves can be found rubbing shoulders with the smiling, down-to-earth locals for whom spirituality is a deeply ingrained way of life.

Some of the ashrams to visit in the Swarg Ashram area are the Baba Kali Kambliwale, founded by Shri Baba Vishuddha Nandaji and the Parmath Niketan Ashram. The Shivananda Ashram also known as the Divine Life Society is one of the oldest and most active ashrams here. It conducts many yoga and meditation courses as well as runs a charitable hospital.

Next to it is the Gita Bhavan, one of the oldest temple complexes in the area where one can find the epics of Mahabharata and Ramayana inscribed on the walls. It houses an Ayurvedic dispensary and shops selling khadi and religious literature.

Another popular ashram located here is the Transcendental Centre of Maharishi Mahesh Yogi made famous by the Beatles' visit in late 90s. The Neelkanth Mahadev Temple, considered a sacred temple in Rishikesh, is perched just above the Swarg Ashram at an altitude of 1675 mts.

Another noteworthy ashram here is the thirteen storied Kailashnanda Ashram with each floor being dedicated to a different deity. The colourful ganga aarti ceremony is held at the riverside temple of the Parmarth Niketan Ashram, with singing, chanting, musicians and the lighting of candles.