The sacred district of Devbhumi Uttarakhand– Rishikesh, India rests on the foothills of the magnificent Himalayas. Revered as the Gateway to the Himalayas, meditation center, and adventure capital of India, Rishikesh is the preferred location of pilgrims, wanderers, and spiritual seekers wishing to take a dip in the Holy Ganga river, appeasing the lust for thrilling activities, and a peaceful poetic time-out.
Surrounded by beautiful jungle-clad hills and the flowing holy river Ganges, Rishikesh is eminent as the yoga capital of the world. For years, Rishikesh has held a special place in the hearts of yoga aficionado, yoga luminaries,and peace seekers that travel to Rishikesh, India for the purpose of practicing the majestic art of meditation in the much-avowed Vashistha Cave, to dive bottomless into the science of yoga, and to connect with the lost soul amidst the exquisite beauty.
Given below are the facts that led Rishikesh to become the world capital of Yoga. Take a look at the pointers and expand the mind on the enlightening lessons:
- The Peaceful Himalayan Aura: A town nestled in the lap of the Himalayas, streamlined with the holy river Ganges, embellished with the calming sounds of temple bells, Rishikesh, India is indeed a place where the peaceful vibes can be truly felt. The scenic Himalayan backdrop and blessings of the Mother Ganga sanctify the place and infuse the atmosphere with tranquility and sacredness. Additionally, the soothing chants of hymns, the flickering Triveni Ghat Aartis, etc., create a spiritual environment ideal for taking up the yoga practices. As one digs into an asana, pranayama and meditation practice here, a sense of reconciliation with nature and soul unfolds.
Abode of Ashrams: Rishikesh, India is the domicile to many ashrams and yoga schools. Parmarth Niketan Ashram, Sivananda Ashram, Omkarananda Ganga Sadan Ashram, Rishikul Yogshala are some of the popular ashrams in Rishikesh, India. Along with the ashrams, the town is home to various certified Yoga and Ayurveda Schools exposing the students to the yogic way of life, ancient teachings, and traditional yogic culture. This holy land made its impression in the western world when the much-acclaimed Rock Band “ The Beatles” came to the town to learn the science of Transcendental Meditation under the guidance of Maharishi Mahesh Yogi and dwelled in his ashram. The Yogi’s ashram became the source of inspiration for several of their recordings including the “Happy Rishikesh Song” by John Lennon. The ashram is now known as the Beatles Ashram. To truly live with the simplicity of nothingness can be experienced in the ashram life which is one of the crucial reasons behind Rishikesh being known as the ‘yoga capital of the globe’.
3. The Divinity Bliss: Religious sentiments rest in Rishikesh, India. The land is enriched with the spirit of the holiest river Ganges and a string of temples. The river Ganga holds a spiritual significance in the lives of people. Millions of people take a holy dip in Ganga to wash off their sins. Traditionally, Saint Raibhya Rishi had come to serve penance on the banks of river Ganga. Lord Vishnu was impressed by the penance of the Saint Raibhya and he appeared in front of him in the incarnation of Lord Hrishikesh. This is how this place got its name. The presence of Bharat temple– a spot in Rishikesh where Lord Bharat himself performed penance, all these incident makes Rishikesh pious. The existence of sacred atmosphere is essential for yoga practices and to live in the realms of true peace.
Vegetarian Paradise: Rishikesh is a foodie’s paradise, especially for the vegetarians and the fresh-food cravers. The land is a host to several food joints, Yogic Food Cafes and eat-outs serving different vegetarian delicacies. The food at these places is prepared from the natural produces garnished with indigenous herbs and spices. The science of yoga places a prime emphasis on the principle of non-violence (Ahimsa) and sattvic diet. Consumption of vegetarian diet is the first step towards the inclusion of Ahimsa in real life. And, Rishikesh is the sole promoter of this on an absolute level. Sattvic diet grants the ideal physical and mental makeup to the yoga practitioners necessary to carry out deep yogic activities.- Authenticity to the core: For all the above reasons, Rishikesh, India, is a perfect place to undergo the yogic knowledge in the most authentic manner. The validated schools and ashrams facilitate the students with pure traditional teachings and help them imbibe the pragmatic yogic lifestyle for leading a fulfilling life. The place is a nurturing home to many yoga teachers living true to their purpose of spreading the art of yoga and smiles across the globe.
The alluring background, peaceful aura, sacred places, and everything so divine is what Rishikesh, India represents and so the world capital of yoga.
Author Bio: Manmohan Singh is a passionate Yogi, Yoga Teacher and a Traveller in India. He provides Yoga Teacher Training in Rishikesh, India. He loves writing and reading the books related to yoga, health, nature and the Himalayas.
Website: https://www.rishikulyogshala.org/
