Raghunath Mandir and Triveni Ghat
It is the most important places for religious ceremonies in Rishikesh. It is believed that the Ganga is joined here
by the Yamuna and the Saraswati Rivers. Gegraphically, however, the Yamuna joins the Ganga in Allahabad. The dusk
Aarti on the Triveni Ghat is most impressive.
Barefoot, sorried ranks of devotees sit in rows on the steps of the Ghat. As the sun begins to set, plating the river with gold, bells and
gongs ring and chants fill the air.
A row of religious celebrants hold plates of flaming ghee, moving them in a circular salutation to the Goddess of the River. Devotees also release flower-filled leaf boats carrying tiny
oil lamps and left them float out on the river. It is a ceremony of worship, rememberance and hope.
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Ashrams
There are many important
ashrams
in Rishkesh. Most ashrams are centres for spiritual studies which also calls for Physical
disciplines. Some ashrams, however, are monasteries. Among the better known ashrams are :- Paremarth Niketan, Sivanand Ashram, Yoga Niketan, Omkaranand Ashram, Vanprastha Ashram, Ved Niketan, Dayanand Vedanta Ashram, Vanmali Gita Yogashram, Shankaracharya Nagar Transcendental Meditatation Centre, Vithal Ashram and Yoga Study
Centre.
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