Rishikesh is one of India's most important spiritual destinations, known for its ancient temples, sacred ghats, yoga ashrams and the holy River Ganga. The city is home to several temples dedicated to Lord Shiva, Lord Vishnu, Goddess Durga and other Hindu deities, attracting pilgrims and visitors throughout the year.
Many temples in Rishikesh are closely associated with Hindu mythology and are visited for daily prayers, Ganga Aarti, meditation and religious festivals. Some are centuries old, while others have become iconic landmarks because of their architecture and location along the Ganga.
The most popular temples visited by pilgrims include Bharat Mandir, Trayambakeshwar (Tera Manzil Temple), Veerbhadra Temple and Raghunath Temple. Many visitors also combine these temples with Triveni Ghat and Parmarth Niketan while exploring Rishikesh.
Below are some of the most famous temples in Rishikesh.
Raghunath Temple, also known as Trayambakeshwar or Tera Manzil Temple, is one of the most recognizable temples in Rishikesh. Located near Lakshman Jhula, the multi-storey temple houses shrines dedicated to several Hindu gods and offers panoramic views of the Ganga and surrounding hills.
Hanuman Mandir at Maya Kund is dedicated to Lord Hanuman and is one of the oldest temples in central Rishikesh. Devotees gather here throughout the week, with Tuesdays and Saturdays witnessing larger crowds for special prayers.
Parmarth Niketan is one of the largest spiritual ashrams in Rishikesh. Besides its temples, it is widely known for the evening Ganga Aarti performed on the banks of the river. The ashram also conducts yoga, meditation, spiritual discourses and various social initiatives.
Bharat Mandir is one of the oldest temples in Rishikesh and is dedicated to Lord Bharat, the younger brother of Lord Rama. The temple is believed to have been re-established by Adi Shankaracharya and remains an important pilgrimage site in the city.
Popularly known as Trayambakeshwar Temple, Tera Manzil Temple is a thirteen-storey temple located near Lakshman Jhula. Each floor contains shrines dedicated to different Hindu deities, and the upper floors provide impressive views of the Ganga and surrounding mountains.
Triveni Ghat is the most important bathing ghat in Rishikesh and an integral part of the city's spiritual heritage. Pilgrims visit the ghat for holy dips, daily rituals and the famous evening Ganga Aarti.
Veerbhadra Temple is dedicated to Lord Veerbhadra, a fierce form of Lord Shiva. According to Hindu mythology, Veerbhadra appeared during the Daksha Yajna episode. The temple attracts large numbers of devotees during Mahashivratri and the holy month of Shravan.
