Shri Bharat Mandir is said to be the oldest, most sacred, most famous temple in Rishikesh. It is dedicated to Vishnu – Lord Hrishikesh Narayan. Adi Shankaracharya reinstalled the presiding deity in the temple on the day of Basant Panchmi in 789 A.D.
Shri Bharatji Maharaj (not to be confused with Lord Rama's younger brother Bharat) is known as the incarnation of Lord Vishnu in Kaliyuga, the preserving force holding Shankh, Chakra, Gada and Padam in his four hands.
It is said that the five Pandavas along with Draupadi came here on their way to heaven. They stayed for some time and performed worship of Lord Hrishikesh Narayan.
If you come here, pay attention to the Sri Yantra in the main mandir. At the beginning of the 9th century (during the renovation of the temple) Guru Adi Shankaracharya installed the Sri Yantra at the sanctum sanctorium, the interior dome, of the temple above the idol of Lord Hrishikesh Narayana.
Visit the temple's website which gives comprehensive information about its history and background:
http://shribharatmandir.org
Just opposite to the main entrance of the temple is a huge old tree. Actually it's a combination of three different trees whose roots are intermingled in such a way that it is next to impossible to see them as a separate entities.
There is also a small museum which contains sculptures, pottery and decorated bricks found in the temple premises during excavation. The museum is registered and certified by the Department of Archeology Govt. of U.P.
Pilgrims are invited to do parikarmas (walks around the temple) of Lord Shri Hrishikesh Naranyan and seek his blessings.
Address:
Rishikesh Market
9 Ghat Rd, Mayakund
Rishikesh
phone: 0135 2430209
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