Rishikesh
- Balaji Mandir
Rishikesh is really a veritable unearthly haven of rare bliss; spiritual resort
for Vanaprasthasram, and a sure and safe seat of beatitude. There hovers over
every inch of this sacred soil, divine tranquility and celestial harmony. It is
here in the caves of Himalayan range, or in the parnasalas on the banks of
Ganges, world famous saint-seers, sitting in motionless solitude meditated on
the Highest in all seasons, lasting for centuries, till gods blessed them with
flashes of intuition - source of the entire Bharata Vignana that has surpassed
all the lab-born modern science.
The
two most sacred places, Haridwar and Rishikesh, lying, say almost adjacent, with
hardly lb km between them, but situated on the banks of the Ganga, and at the
foot of the world famous mountains - the Himalayas are luring pilgrims in all
seasons.
There
are many temples here built for all deities. Among them this imposing Balaji
shrine depicting the South Indian architectural design in sculpture is the
benefaction of the world famous Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams, Tirupati. It is
of modest dimension, yet contains all external parts. The temple enshrines the
lift-size idol of I3alaji, and resembles in all aspects the Moolavigraham of
13alaji installed in the sacred temple atop the Seven Hills. Though the poojas
offered to the Lord are according to Vaishnava Sampradaya only, they evoke
admiration and appear novel to the northerners and foreigners. The TTD. Guest
House adjoining it provides accommodation at cheap rates and extends other
facilities, like halls, vessel for conducting marriages etc. if required.
It
is in the heart of the town and so very near to bus - stand and railway station,
accessible by tonga or auto.
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