Journey of an atheist in Rishikesh

Nikita Tuli
July 17, 2012

Living in the city and being caught up with material concerns such as earning money, buying a new car, inventing ideas to get the much coveted promotion become our central priorities. I too am no different. A trip to Rishikesh made me at least think about some of these things, even if it did not really set me on a saintly meditative path.

The holy city is a six-hour drive from the capital city of New Delhi. The roads are smooth and the drive is a treat. The air is fresh, the vegetation lush green and the experience worth a lifetime. The cool breeze and the smell and sound of the river Ganges give you a hint of you being in the city which is also known as “The Gateway to the Himalayas”. The morning silence, ringing of bells and chanting of prayers transports you to another world, one where there is calmness, peace and luxury. I don’t know if I am a follower of god but coming to Rishikesh made me realise the power of ‘ME’.

If there is a list of ten best places in India where you can rediscover your inner self, Rishikesh will have to be one of them. As you take in the motley collection of Sadhus, Indian and foreigners and the boatmen who are the only link to transport people from one end of the Ganges to the other, the life of the children in the ashrams who dream of following the path laid down by their gurus, and the comings and goings of the thousands of people who visit the place each day to attain purity of mind and soul, you realise the different kind of appeal that the city holds for different people.

Sacred for those inclined towards religion and spirituality

Most people come to Rishikesh for the religious attachment they have with the various customs and traditions that the place symbolises for those who follow the Hindu faith. Dotted with temples and places of worship, each has a story or legend behind it, adding to the reverence devotees have. The Ram Jhula and Lakhsman Jhula are the two sacred bridges which dates back in time and are like a visual testimony of this little township which is forever humming with activity. It is said that Lakshman crossed the bridge using jute ropes and the very sight of the entire scene inspires awe and wonder even today. The jute ropes have since been replaced by an iron and metal bridge. The Ganga Aarti performed at dusk at the Triveni Ghat is popular with visitors is a not-to-be-missed event and one that is likely to stay with
you till much later.

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Nikita Tuli is a Delhi-based writer who loves to experience traditions, cultures and people as she traces the country’s development story. You can follow her at http://nikita-tuli.blogspot.in/ .