Explore Rishikesh
Temples in Rishikesh
Religious sites and temples to visit in Rishikesh
Bharat Mandir
Bharat Mandir is Rishikesh's oldest and most sacred temple, believed to have been established by Adi Shankaracharya in the 9th century. Dedicated to Lord Hrishikesh (Vishnu), the presiding deity of the city, this ancient stone shrine sits in the heart of Rishikesh near Triveni Ghat. The original idol is said to be a shaligrama stone personally installed by Shankaracharya. A deeply venerated site for Vaishnavas and a must-visit for those tracing the city's spiritual origins.
Kunjapuri Devi Temple
Kunjapuri Devi Temple sits at 1,676 metres in the Shivalik hills, roughly 25 kilometres from Rishikesh, and is counted among the Siddhapeethas of Uttarakhand. Dedicated to Goddess Kunjapuri, it offers panoramic sunrise views of the Himalayan peaks including Bandarpunch and Gangotri ranges. The temple is accessible by road and a short climb of around 150 steps. Popular with trekkers, pilgrims, and sunrise chasers, it is a rewarding detour from the main Rishikesh circuit.
Neelkanth Mahadev Temple
A revered Shiva temple 32 km from Rishikesh at 1,330 metres, marking the spot where Shiva is said to have swallowed the cosmic poison halahala, turning his throat blue.
Raghunath Temple
Raghunath Temple stands near Ram Jhula as one of Rishikesh's principal Vaishnava shrines, dedicated to Lord Ram alongside Sita, Lakshman, and Hanuman. The temple is an active centre of Ramayan-tradition worship, attracting steady devotees throughout the day. Situated within walking distance of several ashrams and the Ganga ghat, it forms a natural part of any pilgrimage circuit in the area. The evening aarti here carries a warm, unhurried devotional character distinct from the larger riverside ceremonies.
Shatrughan Temple
Shatrughan Temple is a relatively lesser-known Vaishnava temple in Rishikesh dedicated to Shatrughan, the youngest of the four brothers of Ramayan fame. Located in the older quarter of the town, it holds significance for devotees completing a pilgrimage that covers shrines to all four brothers across the Rishikesh area. The temple maintains a quiet, contemplative atmosphere removed from the main tourist circuit, offering a more personal encounter with the Ramayan devotional tradition rooted in this sacred Himalayan town.
Trayambakeshwar Temple
Trayambakeshwar Temple is a revered Shiva shrine perched on the banks of the Ganges near Ram Jhula in Rishikesh. Dedicated to the three-eyed form of Shiva, it draws a steady stream of devotees seeking blessings before bathing at the ghats. The temple's riverside location makes it especially atmospheric during early morning prayers and evening rituals. Often overlooked by casual tourists, it remains a living place of worship central to the daily devotional life of Rishikesh.
Virbhadra Temple
An ancient Shiva temple in Rishikesh dedicated to Virbhadra, a fierce form of Shiva created to destroy Daksha's yajna, located in the historic Virbhadra village area.