TRIVENI GHAT

Situated on the banks of the holy Ganges, Triveni Ghat is among the most magnetic places to visit in Rishikesh. The confluence point of three of the most sacred rivers in Hindu mythology: Ganga, Yamuna and Saraswathi, this ghat is considered as the most pious among all the other ghats within the vicinity.

According to the legends, the water of this ghat has the magical power of purifying one's heart and soul, and make it free from all the sins. Devotes from every corner of the country throngs Triveni Ghat and takes a dip with utmost devotion and faith. Come morning, you can witness them offering milk to the river, performing 'Surya Namaskar' and feeding the fishes around the ghat. By evening, this auspicious ghat turns into a riot of colours as it is time of the 'Maha Aarti' or the aarti to Mother Ganga.

Priest and the devotees perform several rituals during this sacred event, and offers lamps clad with flowers and incense stick to the Goddess as mark of their gratitude and devotion. The melodious hymns of the temple bells and the shanks can be heard everywhere, and the entire vicinity turns into a plethora of colour during this time. The peace and devotion that exists during the aarti makes Triveni Ghar one of the must visit Rishikesh tourist places.The convergence of three great rivers of Ganges, Yamuna and the Saraswati defines the Triveni Ghat. Nestled in the lap of Himalayas, Triveni Ghat is the most sacrosanct bathing spot and considered the holiest spot in Rishikesh. Triveni Ghat, all year round is inundated with people. It is believed that when one takes a dip in the Ghat, it washes away all the sins of the person resulting in a pure soul. Pilgrims from all over the globe visit here to take a dip in the holy waters to reach divine salvation. When you set your eyes on the Ghat, the holy chants, the fragrance of flowers, the light of the earthen lamps and the feeling of peace will envelop you.

Maha-Arti is performed here every day in the morning and night. The arti has its relevance and is said to hold special significance to those who attend it. Despite people swarming in great numbers, Maha-Arti is attended both the times with much enthusiasm and devotion throughout the year. Devotees also release small oil lamps on boats made of big leaves and release them in the holy water. There are other ceremonies like 'Pindha Daan' considered very important for ancestral salvation performed here.

Right across the Ghat, is a flourishing market that satiates the needs of pilgrims for religious artifacts and objects of worship. The market also has souvenirs and items of daily need which is why it is always crowded. You can also sit by the Ghat and enjoy a moment of much-needed peace and serenity. Feeding the fish is also an engaging and satisfying activity while sitting here. Rishikesh is full of beauties and Triveni Ghat is satisfying not just as a pilgrim locale but also as a place where you can find salvation.

History of Triveni Ghat

The name Triveni means three and that comes from the fact that it is the confluence of three major rivers of India namely Ganga, Yamuna, and Saraswati. It is said that a dip can relieve a human from all his sins and takes him/her towards purity of mind and soul. Devotees offer many things here, especially in the morning like milk and food for fish. Triveni Ghat holds an important place in Hindu Mythology and finds its mention even in the great tales of Ramayana and Mahabharata.

It is said that Lord Krishna came to the Ghat when he was hit by an arrow shot by Jara, a hunter. The famous Krishna Chatri is also constructed here because of the Lord's visit.The rivers also have their part to play in the rich history of the Ghat. The confluence of the rivers brings together this magnanimous Ghat.

The Ganges is always considered holy mainly because it is considered to ward off evils and sins that the human has done in his entire life. The Ghat is also considered as the cremation place of Lord Krishna. Every Ghat which marks the meeting of rivers holds importance in their own right.