Triveni Ghat is a ghat situated in Rishikesh, Uttarakhand. It is the biggest and most famous ghat in Rishikesh at the banks of Ganges. It is named after the confluence of three holy rivers: Ganga, Yamuna and Saraswati. It is a sacred place for Hindus, who believe that bathing here washes away their sins and grants them salvation. Visit during One day Haridwar and Rishikesh Local Sightseeing by Private cab
Triveni Ghat is also a scenic place for tourists, who can enjoy the beauty of the river and the hills, as well as witness various cultural and religious activities. In this article, we will explore the various aspects of this ghat, such as its location, timing, entry fees, how to reach, things to do, must see, significance, FAQs, and conclusion.
Location of Triveni Ghat
Triveni Ghat is located in Asthapath area of Rishikesh city, about 2 km from Ram Jhula and 6 km from Lakshman Jhula. It is easily accessible by road from various parts of Rishikesh and nearby cities. The ghat covers an area of about 1 km along the river bank and has a wide concrete platform for visitors to sit and relax.
Timing / Entry Fees Triveni Ghat
The ghat is open for visitors from 6:00 am to 8:00 pm every day. There is no entry fee for visiting the ghat. However, visitors have to pay a nominal fee for using the changing rooms and lockers if they wish to take a bath in the river. The fee ranges from Rs 10 to Rs 20 per person.
How to Reach Triveni Ghat
The ghat is well-connected by road from various parts of Uttarakhand and nearby states. The nearest airport to the ghat is Jolly Grant airport in Dehradun, which is about 21 km away from Rishikesh. The nearest railway station to the ghat is Rishikesh railway station, which is about 3 km away from the ghat. There are regular buses and taxis available from the airport and the railway station to the ghat.
Alternatively, visitors can also take a shared auto-rickshaw or a cycle-rickshaw from Ram Jhula or Lakshman Jhula to reach the ghat. The fare ranges from Rs 10 to Rs 20 per person.
Things to Do / Must See Triveni Ghat
The main attraction of Triveni Ghat is the evening aarti, which is a spectacular sight as devotees offer their prayers to the holy Ganges river. The aarti starts at around 6:00 pm and lasts for about an hour. During this time, hundreds of lamps are lit on the river bank and on floating platforms on the water. The lamps create a mesmerizing effect as they reflect on the river surface. The devotees chant hymns and songs in praise of the river goddess and seek her blessings. The aarti is accompanied by music, bells and conch shells.
Apart from the evening aarti, there are other activities that visitors can enjoy at Triveni Ghat, such as:
- Bathing in the river: Bathing in the holy Ganges river at Triveni Ghat is considered a sacred ritual and is believed to cleanse one’s body and soul. Many pilgrims come here to take a dip in the river before visiting other temples and ashrams in Rishikesh. There are separate changing rooms and lockers for men and women at the ghat.
- Boating on the river: Visitors can also enjoy a boat ride on the river and admire the scenic views of the ghat and the hills. There are various types of boats available at the ghat, such as paddle boats, motor boats and row boats. The boat ride costs Rs 100 per person for half an hour.
- Shopping at the market: The ghat has a market nearby where visitors can buy souvenirs, handicrafts, religious items, clothes and snacks. The market is open from 10:00 am to 8:00 pm every day.
- Photography at the ghat: The ghat offers stunning views of the river and is a perfect spot for photography enthusiasts. Visitors can capture beautiful pictures of the ghat during sunrise, sunset and the evening aarti. The ghat is also a great place to observe the local culture and lifestyle of the people.
Significance of Triveni Ghat
Triveni Ghat is not only a tourist attraction but also a spiritual place that has a lot of significance for Hindus. The ghat is named after the confluence of three holy rivers: Ganga, Yamuna and Saraswati. According to Hindu mythology, these three rivers met at Prayagraj (Allahabad) and then flowed together as one river, which is known as Ganga. However, Saraswati remained invisible and underground, and emerged only at Triveni Ghat in Rishikesh. Therefore, Triveni Ghat is considered as the second most sacred confluence of the three rivers after Prayagraj.
The ghat is also associated with various legends and stories from Hindu scriptures. One of them is that Lord Krishna visited this ghat after being wounded by an arrow shot by a hunter named Jara. He came here to wash his wound in the river and was cremated here by his brother Balarama. Another legend is that Lord Rama came here with his wife Sita and brother Lakshmana after killing the demon king Ravana. He performed a fire sacrifice here to purify himself from the sin of killing Ravana.
The ghat is also a place where many saints and sages have meditated and attained enlightenment. Some of them are Adi Shankaracharya, Swami Vivekananda, Swami Shivananda and Swami Rama Tirtha.
FAQs
Q: What is the best time to visit Triveni Ghat?
A: The best time to visit Triveni Ghat is during the winter months from November to February. The weather is pleasant and the river is calm and clear. The ghat is less crowded and you can enjoy the beauty of the ghat without any hassle.
Q: How can I participate in the evening aarti at Triveni Ghat?
A: You can participate in the evening aarti at Triveni Ghat by buying a lamp or a flower basket from the vendors at the ghat. You can then offer your lamp or flower basket to the river along with your prayers. You can also join the devotees in chanting hymns and songs during the aarti.
Q: What are the other places to visit near Triveni Ghat?
A: Some of the other places to visit near Triveni Ghat are:
Ram Jhula: A suspension bridge across the Ganges that connects Swargashram and Sivananda Ashram.
Lakshman Jhula: Another suspension bridge across the Ganges that connects Tapovan and Jonk.
Parmarth Niketan: A large ashram that hosts daily yoga classes, meditation sessions and evening aarti.
Neelkanth Mahadev Temple: A temple dedicated to Lord Shiva that is located on a hilltop about 32 km from Rishikesh.
Beatles Ashram: An abandoned ashram where the famous Beatles band stayed and composed some of their songs in 1968.
Conclusion
Triveni Ghat Rishikesh is a sacred and scenic spot that attracts thousands of visitors every year. It is a place where you can experience spirituality, culture and nature at the same time. It is a place where you can create unforgettable memories with your family and friends. So, what are you waiting for? Plan your trip to Triveni Ghat Rishikesh today!
