Rishikesh Introduction 1

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So I'm in Rishikesh and have come to work on a small Electricity project at the Swami Rama Sadhaka Gram. It is a Yoga School and not denominated with any one religion. I need to get that out because whenever someone thinks of Rishikesh, the first image that comes into your mind is Hinduism. While Rishikesh is a Hindu pilgrimage centre this ashram is a school of Yoga and doesn't limit itself to any one religion. It carries books on all faiths in its library and bookstore and its teachings are universal.

Its hard to walk on the streets of Calgary and miss the numerous Yoga schools. Its become a big business lately. This ashram is pretty new (only 2 years old) and I've come here to help out.

The best way to show you this place is by pictures. So here goes. I wish I could take credit for these pics but they've all been taken by my friend Pierre.

As you can see, the area is breathtakingly beautiful. It kind of reminds you of Kananaskiss ans Banff in the summer. Work never really felt like work when I was here. The atmosphere was great and the people even better!

The Ganges separates the National Forest and the ashram. A quick walk across the bridge and you're in the Forest. People have seen Elephants, and other wild animals bathe in the river. I unfortunately was not so lucky and maybe I'll catch them next time.

I feel that you can spend your whole trip exploring the foothills and trekking up the Himalayas. The area is just beautiful that leaving it is going to be very tough. Its hard not to get cought up in the spiritual atmosphere of the area because every where you turn, you'll see an ashram or a temple or a sculpture of some Hindu God.

Rishikesh is about 20 Kms from Haridwar, another Hindu pilgrimage centre. The puja (worship) at night along the Ganges is a sight to see. One can hear the temple bells clamouring as flowers and little lamps are offeried in devotion.

Apart from that, Rishikesh is a white water rafting spot as well. Although, the rapids here are pale in comparison to the ones in the Rockies but they're still pretty good. I however didn't get a chance to do so. Since I didn't get much of a chance to leave the ashram because of work, I'll have to come back.

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Photos

View from the cottage
The view from my cottage

Ashram 1
The view towards the mountains

Ashram 2
Foothills of the Himalayas as a backdrop

Ashram 3
The Main Building is in the back left and the cottages are in the front.

Ashram 4
The Main Building

Entrance to the Ganges
The Ganges is on the back

Ganges 2
View during the rains

Flowers
No place is complete without these flowers

Rishikesh
Overlooking the Ganges

Jungle
Picture of the mountains in the area around Rishikesh

Rishikesh 2
View of Lakshman Jhula (Bridge)

Rafting on the Ganges
One of the many whitewater rafting camps.

Shiva
You'll see many such beautiful sculptures in and around Rishikesh.

Forest
The forest across the Ashram.

Comments

[Paul]

Thanks for the dramatism
Your blog is great...always lots of the dramatism...ure in the wrong industry, brother...u need to be writing hindi serials in mumbai!!!