Bharat Mandir is one of the oldest temple in Rishikesh. Bharat Mandir is a temple dedicated to Lord Vishnu. It is located near Triveni Ghat and Chandrabhaga Bridge. Bharat Mandir is temple from where the city get its name. Rishikesh is name of Lord Vishnu (which means Lord of Senses). Inside the temple there is full size idol of Lord Vishnu made from Shaligram. Shaligram is considered auspicious stone to make Lord Vishnu Idols. The idol of Lord Vishnu is holding four things Shankha (Conch shell), Gada (mace), Chakra (Spinning disk like weapon) and the lotus. Some people get confused by the name “Bharat” Bharat Mandir is not related to Bharat (Lord Ram’s brother). Bharat is another name of Lord Vishnu. According to “Skand Purana” Raibhya Rishi and Pundit Sri Somnath Sharma meditated here for blessing from Lord Vishnu. Due to their intense devotion Lord Vishnu appeared here and told them that the place will be called Rishikesh as you overcome your senses. Adi Shankaracharya reinstalled the deity at temple in about 789 A.D. on the Basant Panchami Festival day. Every year on Basant Panchami there is reinstalling ceremony organized in which the Idol of Lord Vishnu is taken to the Mayakund near Triveni Ghat for holy bath. On the wall of temple you will see the incarnations of Lord Vishnu. Apart from Skand Puran the temple is also mentioned in Srimad Bhagwatam, Vaman Puran, Narsingh Puran.

At Bharat Mandir temple you can also see the museum. Museum is established in year 2000 by the garhwal university. In the museum you can see some very old idols from 2nd century to the 15th century. There is no charge for museum visit. Even photography is also allowed. There is small traditional school is also located in the temple. This school teaches Sanskrit language in traditional gurukul system with approx 60 kids. Just outside the temple you can also see the interesting tree. This big tree is actually three different trees growing together. The unique thing about the tree is that these three trees are considered as auspicious trees in hindu culture, banyan tree, pippala or pipal tree and bael tree.

Bharat Mandir Timings: The Temple is open from 05 AM to 11 AM and 01 PM to 09 PM.

How to reach: The Temple is centrally located near the chandrabhaga bridge (300 meters). Triveni ghat is also very close from here just a 400 meter walk. For more details you can also see the map at the end of the page.

Important Information: Shoes are not allowed inside the main temple. Photography is also not allowed inside the temple.

Bharat Mandir Images:

Bharat Mandir Map