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Rishikesh
- Sri Bharatji Mandir
The origin of this temple dates back to distant
past and is linked up with the illustrious
humanist sage Raibya Hishi, who did austure
tapascharya here for long, propitiating
Mahavishnu, the protector of fourteen worlds.
When the Lord descending direct here from
Vaikunta asked him to name his desire being a
supreme specimen of lokabandhu, he requested
the Lord to bless him with the vision of Lord's
Maya in all its manifestation,. He did Realizing
its strong hold, the Rishi prayed for the release
of mankind from the bondage of Maya. Pleased
with his inimitable manavatha, the Lord said that
He would be born in Kaliyuga as Bharat and
release those ardent devotees who bathe in the
Mayakund and pray to Him at this temple
devoutly with strict religious disciplines as laid
down in the scriptures. Before disappearing he
said that the kshetra would be called Rishikesh
after him. Since then, the sacred place lying
between the wooded Himalayas and the holy
Ganga has turned an ideal haven for
solace-seekers and peace-lovers. This legend
finds an elaborate descriptions in Skanda
Purana.
This ancient temple going by the revered name
of Narayana Shri Maharaj Mandir has become a
pilgrim centre of great religious significance. It
was renovated by the Adi Sankaracharya. He
reinstalled the statue with special rituals on the
Vasant Panchami day. Many new traditions
were introduced at that tune and since then its
fame is rising high. The best among them is
making 108 parikramanas to this temple on
AkshayaTritiya day, which on completion
showers blessings of Badarinath even without
going to him. Belief fetches relief. Faith
emancipates, How grand!
It lies on the bank of Ganga in Rishikesh,
accessible by walk or auto.
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