Virbhadra Temple is a Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Shiva in his fierce avatar, Virabhadra, who was created by him in anger when his wife Sati immolated herself. The temple is located at Virbhadra Town near Rishikesh in Uttarakhand, India. It is a 1300-year-old temple that attracts many devotees and pilgrims throughout the year. Visit during Haridwar and Rishikesh one day trip from Delhi – Visit Best shrines.
Virbhadra temple also celebrates various festivals such as Shivaratri and Sawan with night-long jagran and special poojas. A mela is also held to coincide with the Mahashivaratri festival. In this article, we will explore the various aspects of this temple, such as its location, timing, entry fees, how to reach, things to do, must see, significance, FAQs, and conclusion.
Location of Virbhadra Temple
Virbhadra Temple is located at Aam Bag, IDPL Colony, Rishikesh in Uttarakhand. It is situated about 6.3 km from the Inter State Bus Terminus and about 3 km from the Rishikesh railway station. The temple is surrounded by greenery and has a peaceful atmosphere.
Timing / Entry Fees Virbhadra Temple
The temple is open for visitors from 6:00 am to 8:00 pm every day. There is no entry fee for visiting the temple. However, visitors have to pay a nominal fee for using the parking lot near the temple. The fee ranges from Rs 10 to Rs 20 per vehicle.
How to Reach Virbhadra Temple
The temple is well-connected by road from various parts of Uttarakhand and nearby states. The nearest airport to the temple is Jolly Grant airport in Dehradun, which is about 25 km away from Rishikesh. The nearest railway station to the temple is Rishikesh railway station, which is about 3 km away from Rishikesh. There are regular buses and taxis available from the airport and the railway station to the temple.
Alternatively, visitors can also take a shared auto-rickshaw or a cycle-rickshaw from Lakshman Jhula or Ram Jhula to reach the temple. The fare ranges from Rs 10 to Rs 20 per person.
Things to Do / Must See Virbhadra Temple
The main attraction of Virbhadra Temple is the temple itself, which is a sacred abode of Lord Shiva in his fierce avatar. Visitors can offer their prayers and worship to the idol of Virabhadra that represents Shiva’s anger and power. Visitors can also participate in the daily rituals and ceremonies that take place in the temple premises. Some of the things to do and see at Virbhadra Temple are:
- The Temple Architecture: The temple has a simple and elegant architecture that reflects the ancient style of temple construction. The temple has a shikhara or a tower that is adorned with sculptures of various gods and goddesses. The temple also has a spacious hall where devotees can sit and meditate.
- The Temple Complex: The temple complex has various facilities and amenities for the visitors such as a library, a museum, a canteen, a souvenir shop, a water tank, a rest house and more. The complex also has a natural spring where visitors can take a holy bath before entering the temple.
- The Nature Trail: The temple complex also has a nature trail that goes around the temple campus and offers scenic views of the river and the hills. The trail also passes by some old buildings that were part of the ashram complex but are now abandoned.
- The Festivals: The temple celebrates various festivals throughout the year that attract many devotees and pilgrims. Some of the major festivals are Maha Shivaratri, Shravan Mela, Kanwar Yatra and more. During these festivals, the temple is decorated with lights and flowers and special rituals and ceremonies are performed.
Significance of Virbhadra Temple
Virbhadra Temple is not only a tourist attraction but also a religious and cultural landmark that has a lot of significance for Hindus and others. The temple is the place where Lord Shiva created Virabhadra out of his hair and sent him to destroy Daksha’s yagya where Sati had immolated herself. This story is mentioned in the Hindu scriptures such as the Puranas and the Ramayana.
The temple is also a symbol of faith and devotion, as it is visited by thousands of devotees every year who seek the blessings of Shiva. The temple is also a place where visitors can experience the ancient wisdom and traditions of India and its relevance in the modern world. The temple is also a place where visitors can connect with themselves, nature and the divine.
FAQs
Q: What is the best time to visit Virbhadra Temple?
A: The best time to visit Virbhadra Temple is during the winter months from November to February. The weather is pleasant and the river is calm and clear. The temple is less crowded and you can enjoy the beauty of the temple without any hassle.
Q: How can I participate in the festivals at Virbhadra Temple?
A: You can participate in the festivals at Virbhadra Temple by visiting the temple during the festival days and joining the devotees in their rituals and ceremonies. You can also offer your offerings such as milk, bael leaves, coconut, flowers, fruits and water to the idol of Virabhadra. You can also witness the cultural events such as dances, dramas, concerts and more that take place during the festivals.
Q: What are the other places to visit near Virbhadra Temple?
A: Some of the other places to visit near Virbhadra Temple are:
Lakshman Jhula: A 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.
Beatles Ashram: An abandoned ashram where the famous Beatles band stayed and composed some of their songs in 1968.
Conclusion
Virbhadra Temple Rishikesh is a temple of Lord Shiva’s fierce avatar that attracts thousands of visitors every year who seek spirituality, culture and nature. It is a place where you can experience history, architecture and art 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 Virbhadra Temple Rishikesh today!.
