Ganga Aarti Rishikesh: The Maha Aarti

Your trip to Rishikesh is incomplete without seeing the Ganga Aarti performed at Parmarth Niketan Ashram and Triveni Ghat. The Maha Aarti Starts with the chanting of bhajans, beating drums, bells and diyas offering to the Ganga. You can sit quietly and watch the ritual or be a part of the crowd singing Bhajans with them. The prayers offered to the lord are tuneful and release energy that connects you to the lord.

Also, The devotees lit diyas and oil lamps on small floating leaf boats. The view of floating leaves is mesmerizing leaving the entire river dotted with little yellow burning flames.

Ganga Aarti at Parmarth Niketan Ashram

Located at the banks of the Ganga river, Parmarth Niketan Ashram is cluttered with devotees and tourists for Ganga Aarti in Rishikesh. The Parmarth Niketan Ashram is a school for students to study Vedas and practice it. The Ganga Aarti is performed by Vedic priests, or by the children. The Maha Aarti begins with the chanting of Vedas, bhajans, and offers prayers to Agni, the god of fire. As said the fire creates positivity among the people and in the surroundings.

One can reach Parmarth Niketan Ashram by walk, car or private vehicle. It is only 500 meters from Ram Jhula and 15 Km from Haridwar.

Ganga Arti at Triveni Ghat

Triveni Ghat is the most revered holy bathing place in Rishikesh where many pilgrims take bath on the occasions of Ganga Dussehra, Ekadashi, Purnima and more. It is widely famous for its sunrise and sunset views. The Maha Aarti takes place in the morning and the evening when many people just sit on the banks of Ganga and enjoy the cool breeze with positivity.

Here, the aarti starts with the chanting of bhajans, priests holding large fire bowls in their hands, ringing the bells and the chants of mantras. The Ghat also illuminates every night at Maha Aarti. It is believed that whosoever takes a bath in this holy river, washes all their sins and purifies their souls and will attain salvation after death.

You can reach Triveni Ghat by bus or by own vehicle as it is only 1 km away from Rishikesh Bus Stand and 10 km away from Haridwar.

Things to do at Triveni Ghat

Devotees come to the Triveni Ghat to perform the ceremony of Pindha Shraddha. This ceremony is performed to honour the ancestors and pray for their souls to find peace.

The mesmerizing view of the sunrise at the Triveni Ghat is a famous tourist attraction. They sit there calmly and enjoy the cool breeze. Many devotees also come to the ghat to pray for a fruitful day. They offer milk to the holy river and also feed the many thousand fishes.

Other Places to Visit in Rishikesh

Rishikesh, also known as the Yoga Capital of the Country, a quaint city is known for its bountiful beauty, sanctity, and magnificent places. Here are some best places to visit near Rishikesh:

1. Lakshman Jhula

Lakshman Jhula is one of the famous dangling bridges near the holy river Ganga. This jhula is a link between two villages in Rishikesh named Tapovan village in Tehri Garhwal and the Jonk village in Pauri Garhwal. The bridge is composed of iron and it is almost 450 feet long and has a height of almost 70 feet above the river. Lakshman Jhula has a major role in Hindu Mythology and has been the centre of tourist attraction since its origin. Legend says that where the bridge was built, once Lord Ram and his brother Lakshman had crossed the Ganga river at the same place. The bridge was publicly opened in 1929.

2. Neelkanth Mahadev Temple

Located at a distance of 32 km from Rishikesh, the famous Shiva Temple called the Neelkanth Mahadev temple is a sacred pilgrim spot. Situated at a height of 1330 meters the Shiva temple is one of the famous temples in Rishikesh amidst the valleys of Manikoot, Brahmakoot, and Vishnukoot. The temple is covered by dense forests and sturdy mountain ranges with Rivers Pankaja and Madhumati. Large numbers of followers gather at this place and express their devotion to the Shiva during the months of Shrawan and Shivratri. The splendid architecture of the temple will leave you mesmerized because of the fine detail with no use of technology. In the temple lies a natural spring of water where devotees take bath. This ancient temple of Lord Shiva is more than a pilgrim spot as it gives lovely sights of the mountains and valleys.

3. Ram Jhula

Among the places to visit in Rishikesh, Ram Jhula is the most iconic place. The length of the bridge is around 450 feet and is made up of iron. It was constructed in 1986. The bridge is built over the holy Ganga river and it connects Sivananda Nagar in the west to Swargashram in the east. On the side of the Bridge, there can be several holy ashrams and religious centres along with temples. These ashrams encompass the true essence of Rishikesh, with their peace, warmth and piousness. You can experience the most memorable view of Rishikesh through Ram Jhula. The city is all covered in its natural and ancient glory, fenced by the river and the doughty mountains.

4. Neer Garh Waterfall

Neer Garh Waterfall is the natural beauty to visit when in Rishikesh. This place is covered with woods with a height of 25 feet long. Here, three waterfalls combine to make this one mighty waterfall. To Reach this waterfall one needs to trek for 15 mins. The surroundings of this waterfall are clean and one can relax in the calm and mesmerizing view that you have never before. Also, you can witness a wide variety of flora and fauna spread around the area. The place has some amazing views of valleys that will be a treat for photographers and nature lovers.

5. Rishikund

One of the most important places to visit in Rishikesh is Rishikund, located near Triveni Ghat, it is a natural hot water spring. There are many stories behind this holy pond. One of them is that Lord Ram and Sita took a bath in this pond. Others say that the saint Kubz was blessed by the Goddess Yamuna who promised to stay in Rishikesh forever. Devotees from all over the world come to these Rishikesh tourist places to seek blessings and offer their prayers to the Goddess Yamuna.

There are many more places and sports activities that you can enjoy. Make sure you must include them in your Rishikesh tour package.