Bharat Mandir, <em>Rishikesh</em>
Rishikesh

Bharat Mandir, Rishikesh

About Bharat Mandir


Opening Hours: 5:00 AM to 11:00 AM and 1:00 PM to 9:00 PM

Prime Day & Hours: Weekends, 1:00 PM to 7:00 PM

Suggested Duration: 1-2 hours approximately

Tickets: Free entry

Nearest Railway Station: Rishikesh railway station, 2 km away

Nearest Airport: Jolly Grant Airport, 18 km away

Nearest Bus Stop: Rishikesh bus station, 1 km away 


Bharat Mandir is an ancient and revered temple in the heart of Rishikesh, dedicated to Lord Hrishikesh Narayan. Believed to be the oldest temple in the city, it holds immense spiritual and historical significance. In 789 AD, Jagadguru Adi Shankaracharya reinstalled the Shaligram idol here on Basant Panchami to revive Sanatan Dharma. This tradition continues with an annual ritual bath and procession from Mayakund.

According to legend, Sage Raibhya Rishi’s deep penance pleased Lord Vishnu, who manifested and chose to reside here as Hrishikesh Narayan giving the city its name. The temple is also mentioned in scriptures like the Mahabharata, Vishnu Puran, and Shrimad Bhagwat, making it one of the most spiritual places to visit in Rishikesh.

Devotees believe 108 circumambulations of the deity on Akshaya Tritiya fulfill wishes. The temple complex houses 250-year-old sacred trees Vat, Pipal, and Bail symbolizing the Tridev: Brahma, Vishnu, and Mahesh. A museum within the temple showcases excavated artifacts, including pottery and idols of Lord Tirupati, Badrinath, and Hrishikesh Narayan. 

Bharat Mandir Highlights

• Admire the ancient architecture of Bharat Temple, believed to be one of the oldest temples in Rishikesh, established by Adi Shankaracharya.
• Explore Bhadra Kali Temple,  known for its fierce energy, vibrant rituals, and grand Navratri celebrations.
• Marvel at the sacred Shaligram idol, carved from a single black stone and revered for its unique spiritual aura.
• Uncover the treasures of the Bharat Mandir Museum, where ancient idols, pottery, and stone carvings reveal Rishikesh’s cultural heritage.
• Experience the spiritual energy during festivals like Basant Panchami, when the idol is taken on a traditional procession around the city.

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Point of Interest for Bharat Mandir

Explore the temple

Explore the temple

Bharat Mandir is an ancient temple dedicated to Lord Hrishikesh Narayan, housing a 5-foot idol carved from a single black shaligram stone. The idols of Lord Tirupati, Badrinath, and Hrishikesh Narayan are all carved from the same sacred rock. Built with massive stone walls and topped with a 125-tonne dome, the temple stands as a remarkable feat of ancient architecture. It was restored by Adi Shankaracharya in the 9th century, who installed a sacred Sri Yantra to unify five Vedic traditions. It was later renovated in 1832 by Maharaja Yashwant Singh of Nabha. 


Offer your prayers

Offer your prayers

Bharat Mandir resonates with daily poojas, aartis, and Vedic chants, keeping its spiritual energy alive. During Basant Panchami, the temple celebrates the idol’s reinstallation with a holy bath at Mayakund and a grand procession. On Akshaya Tritiya, the Lord’s feet are unveiled, and devotees perform 108 parikramas, believed to fulfill wishes.


Discover the Museum

Discover the Museum

The museum at Bharat Mandir houses artifacts unearthed during temple excavations, including pottery, ornamental bricks, and idols, all certified by the Archaeology Department of Uttar Pradesh. Dating from the 3rd to 14th century, the highlights include sculptures of Yaksha, Yakshini, a four-armed Vishnu, and a lion-headed figure. The museum offers a glimpse into Rishikesh’s rich heritage and inspires further historical and archaeological exploration.


Bharat Mandir FAQs

Bharat Mandir Reviews

5

From 1 verified visits

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Somnath Johar15 Feb 2020
5.0
Booked: Tour Guide In Rishikesh

Very good guide and fluent in English as well as in hindi, temples were very good and interiors were brilliant. Good budgeted tour.

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