Today we grew brave and left Haridwar for a few hours to see temples and shrines in Rishikesh. Like Haridwar, Rishikesh has been the abode of saints and holy persons. I can remember the Beatles joining an Ashram here in the 1960s under the guidance of the Maharishi Mahesh Yogi. Despite an impressive gorge through which the Ganges flows, I found the town disappointing. The temples were not as impressive as those we had seen at Haridwar. We were warned about the cows that roam unmolested through the streets, but we were not warned about the dung and the flies that seem to have moved in for the summer season.
Temple in Rishikesh
High above Rishikesh, surrounded by forest is the temple Neelkanth Mahadev - associated with Lord Shiva. It’s a long walk from Rishikesh - even the guide-book warns four hours. “Better to take a taxi!” “WOW!” What they didn’t warn us was that the local taxi drivers use the narrow winding road to hone their skills as rally drivers. Despite a wild and hairy journey the shrine was clearly greatly loved by the faithful who queue for hours in the hot sun to catch a glimpse of the God.
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