Spiritual · Ridi
Morning darshan at the Rishikesh temple
Join the morning worship at Ridi's Rishikesh temple, from the bath at the confluence to the queue for darshan of Vishnu, with a guide who explains the rites, the legend of Ruru and the king who found the god in the river.
We arrive early, when pilgrims are coming up from the river with wet hair and brass pots of Kali Gandaki water. At the ghats your guide explains the bath at a confluence, a beni, and why rivers that meet are especially sacred.
Then we join the line at the Rishikesh temple. Inside, devotees offer water, flowers and red powder to the image of Vishnu, ring the bells and receive tika from the priest. Non-Hindus are usually welcome to watch from the courtyard; your guide will check what is appropriate on the day.
We finish in the courtyard with the stories: Ruru's penance, Mukunda Sen's discovery in the river, and the belief that the god's face changes from child to old man as the day goes on.
Good for
Questions
Can non-Hindus enter the Rishikesh temple at Ridi?
Practice varies. Non-Hindus are generally welcome in the temple courtyard and to watch worship respectfully, but the inner sanctum may be restricted to Hindus. Ask the priest or follow your guide's advice on the day. Remove shoes and leather items, and dress modestly.
What is darshan?
Darshan means seeing and being seen by the deity. Devotees come before the image of the god, offer prayers, water, flowers or coins, and receive a blessing such as tika on the forehead. At Ridi, darshan of Rishikesh usually follows a bath in the Kali Gandaki.
What time should I visit the Rishikesh temple?
Early morning, from sunrise to about 9 am, is the most active and atmospheric time, when pilgrims come up from bathing. The temple is open through the day. During the Maghe Sankranti fair in mid-January, queues start before dawn and can take hours.
Also in Ridi
More ways to spend the day
Rivers and lakesShaligram stones on the Kali Gandaki shingle
Walk the shingle banks of the Kali Gandaki at Ridi with a local who can tell a true shaligram from …
HeritageRidi's old pilgrim bazaar
A slow walk through the old bazaar along the river, with its brick and timber houses, carved windows, small shrines …
SpiritualDawn bath at the Maghe Sankranti mela
Be at the Kali Gandaki ghats before sunrise during Ridi's three-day Maghe Sankranti fair, when thousands bathe in the cold …