RISHIKESH
The Fount of Arsha Samskriti 

NAME & ITS DERIVATION

ANTIQUITY

According to the version of Sthalagna - local guide, once Raibhya, a powerful sage lived in a hermitage. He had a massive growth of locks that formed thick jatas, and he sported them on his little head. One day, while the sage was returning from the river' after ablutions in the Brahmamuhurt, when darkness was still folding its sway, his son, Paravasu, who was on his way to the Ganges for bath then, hit him, mistaking for a wild animal. Raibhya met with instant death.

For expiation of the sin of pitruhatya, Paravasu performed Thomas with such austerity and fervour that gods descended and questioned his purpose. He spelt that it was all for his father's life, he performed hoina. Pleased, they granted life to Raibhya. All were happy. The rishivatikas enjoyed beatitude again.

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