Bharat Mandir is an ancient temple of Lord Hrishikesh Narayan located at heart of the Rishikesh city in Uttarakhand. This temple is believed to be very old and most sacred temple in the city. A great Hindu saint Jagadguru Adi Shankaracharya reinstalled the idol of presiding deity on Basant Panchmi in the temple in 789 AD.
Now every year on Basant Panchmi, a symbolic reinstallation is followed in the temple. On this occasion Shaligram is taken to nearby Mayakund for holy bath and then a grand procession is organize to take back the idol to the temple.
Bharat Temple also finds its name in many Hindu scripts and epics like Mahabharat, Vishnu puran, Shrimadbhagwat, Vaman Puran and Narsingh Puran. Legends believed that if one takes 108 rounds of Lord Shri Hrishikesh on the day of Akshya Tritiya and seek the blessing at Lord's uncovered feet, then all wishes will be fulfilled. It is also equivalent to holy pilgrimage of Badrinath Dham. This ritual become more considerable as only on Akshya Tritiya lord's feet are uncovered.
Legends believed that Pandavas after the Mahabharat, on the way to heaven stayed at this place and worshipped Lord Lord Hrishikesh Narayan. Many believed that during the reign of Ashoka, Bharat Mandir and other temples in the region was converted in Buddha monastaries. Lord Buddha also visited this temple. On excavation, a piece of statue is also believed to be of Lord Buddha. One can still find this piece under the old Banayan tree.
Bharat Mandir is also known for age old entangled trees having great significance in Hindu mythology. These trees are Vat Vriksh, Pipal and Bail tree and many believes that these trees signifies Tridev -Brahma, Vishnu, Mahesh. These trees are believed to be more than 250 years old.
A newly built museum attracts many historians and archaelogists to Bharat Mandir. This museum showcase sculptures, pottery and decorated bricks found during excavation.
Bharat Mandir is located in Rishikesh city and one can reach here by sharing auto or cycle rickshaw. Nearest railway station to reach Bharat Mandir is Rishikesh railway station (2 kms) and airport at Jolly Grant Airport, Dehradun (19 kms).
Bharat Mandir is located in In Rishikesh ( Bharat Mandir is situated in the middle of Rishikesh city. Just 2km far from Railway station and 1 km from Bus station).
