Virbhadra Temple: A Sacred Shrine Of Lord Shiva In Rishikesh

Image of Lord Shiva idol in Rishikesh Ganga near the Virbhadra Temple in Rishikesh

Virbhadra Temple, is located in Rishikesh, Uttarakhand. This temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva. This temple is 1,300 years old and is dedicated to one of the avatars of Lord Shiva. According to legends and myths, Virabhadra is an avatar that was born from the anger of Lord Shiva when his wife Sati jumped into the fire as she couldn’t bear her husband’s dishonour. There are night-long jagrans, bhaans, poojas, fairs and melas held during Mahashivratri and Sawaan.

Location

A beautiful view of the mountains in Rishikesh, where the Temple is located

Photo: Kafaldiary / Wikimedia Commons

The temple is located in IDPL Colony, Rishikesh Town, Uttarakhand, which is 2 km away from the highway between Neelkanth and Rishikesh. The temple is located on the banks of the River Ganga. This temple can also be reached from the Veerabhadra Railway Station, which is 2 km away. There are also a few nearby villages like Meera Nagar and Tehri Visthapit. This temple is also 25 km away from Dehradun.

How To Reach

A view of the Jolly Grant Airport, which is located near the temple

Photo: Anonymous8010 / Wikimedia Commons

By Air: Jolly Grant Airport in Dehradun is 25 km away from the Virbhadra Temple.

By Rail: there is a local railway station located near the Virbhadra Temple known as Veerabhadra Railway Station, which is 2 km away.

By Road: The Rishikesh and Haridwar Highway is located 2 km away from the temple. There are also many buses and taxis from various parts of the town to this temple.

Places To Visit In And Around Virbhadra Temple

Here are a few places to visit in and around the temple to explore the beauty of the town of Rishikesh.

1. Tehri Dam

A top view of the Tehri Dam located near the temple during day time view

Photo: Dr Vikramjit Kakati / Wikimedia Commons

Tehri Dam, located in Uttarakhand, is known to be the highest dam in India and the fourth highest dam in the world. This dam is 260.5 m high and 592 m long. It is also a part of the hydropower project taken for construction from the Bhagirathi River. It is an earth and rock fill dam that is used for various irrigation and hydroelectric purposes. The project of this dam was completed under Jawaharlal’s Ministry in 1961. This place is also famous for many water sports activities like boating, water skiing and many more.

Location: Tehri Dam, Chokhala, Uttarakhand
Timings: 9 AM – 5 PM
Distance From Temple: 85.7 km

2. Kempty Falls

Image of people swim near this waterfalls located near the temple

Photo: BestMan20 / Wikimedia Commons

Kempty Falls, located between the roads of Dehradun and Mussoorie roads, is situated in the area of Tehri Dam. It is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Mussoorie. This falls is surrounded by mountain cliffs at an altitude of 4500 feet above sea level. A pond situated at the bottom of the waterfalls that is the best place to swim and bath. There are also camping activities at this place surrounding the scenic beauty, which is an amazing experience.

Location: Kempty Falls, Yamunotri road, Lakhwad, Mussoorie, Ram Gaon
Timings: 24*7
Distance From Temple: 89.4 km

3. Triveni Ghat

Maha Aarti performed at the banks of the river every day near the temple

Photo: Bhuvi Uniyal / Wikimedia Commons

Triveni Ghat is situated on the banks of the Ganga River, which is one of the biggest ghats in Rishikesh. The Maha Aarti at Ghat happens every day. This ghat plays a major role in the Hindu mythology that is also mentioned in Ramayan and Mahabharat. This ghat is the place where Chattri of Lord Krishna was constructed, which is considered to be the cremation ground of Lord Krishna. Devotees also perform pindha shraddha for their beloved departed souls. This place is also known for its beautiful sunrise and sunset.

Location: Triveni Ghat Rishikesh, Triveni Ghat, Mayakund, Rishikesh
Distance From Temple: 5.4 km

4. Beatles Ashram

Many meditation huts at the Beatles Ashram located near Virbhadra Temple

Photo: Sumita Roy Dutta / Wikimedia Commons

Beatles Ashram, located on a cliff of the Swargashram area in Rishikesh, is also known as Chaurasi Kuti. This ashram is the place where The Beatles wrote many songs and meditated in 1968. This ashram is now a temple that also has a library, house and meditation huts. There are many buildings in decay but have beautiful and colourful graffiti on walls. There is also a cafe and a gallery in this ashram. This ashram has also been the training centre of Maharishi Mahesh Yogi. This ashram is run by the Rajaji Tiger Reserve located outside its walls.

Location: The Beatles Ashram, Rishikesh, 4876+4V3, Swarg Ashram, Rishikesh, Uttarakhand
Timings: 10 AM – 4 PM
Distance From Temple: 10.4 km

5. Rishikund

A view of the holy pond located near Virbhadra Temple

Photo: Madmaxsudip / Wikimedia Commons

Rishikund is one of the holiest places in Rishikesh, which is a pond located near Raghunath Temple. This bond is very ancient and is believed to have been built by Kubz Saint. It is also believed that this pond was blessed by goddess Yamuna and filled the holy pond with sacred water. An interesting fact about this bond is that it always reflects the image of Raghunath Temple, which is dedicated to Lord Rama and goddess Sita. Respond has 10 steps from all four sides and receives the shadow of the large trees nearby.

Location: Rishikund प्राचीन तालाब, Mayakund, Rishikesh, Uttarakhand
Timings: 6 AM – 7 PM
Distance From Temple: 5.4 km

Where To Stay

Image of a hotel room with a nice cosy bed and a lamp located in Uttarakhand

Photo: Pixabay / Pexels / Image For Representation Only

There are many hotels and resorts located within the range of nearly 5 km from the temple that provide amazing views of the mountains and hygiene facilities to the tourists, like restaurant-free parking, Wi-Fi, housekeeping, AC, umbrellas, laundry service and security. Some of these hotels are Hotel Namo Gange, Hotel SRP, Hotel The Grace, La Riqueza Heritage, Perfect Stays, The Mountain View Homestay and many more.

Where To Eat

Delicious food served at multiple restaurants near Virbhadra Temple

Photo: Mridul Pareek / Wikimedia Commons

Most of the restaurants near the temple are pure vegetarian, as it is located at a pilgrimage centre. All these hotels provide delicious food of local cuisine and various other cuisines with clean maintenance. A few of those restaurants are VARR Restaurant, Holy Water Restaurant, Purple Dhaba, Marwadi Zaika, Krishna Restaurant and Sweets, Sai Krishna Kitchen and many more.

Best Time To Visit

A beautiful view of the mountains in Rishikesh during an evening

Photo: Vijay Krishnawat / Pexels / Image For Representation Only

The temple is open from 5 AM to 9 PMon all days. The best time to visit the Temple is between the months of October to March because during these months the weather is cool and pleasant to explore the place and to also indulge in various other activities nearby.

Other Factors To Consider

Image of a temple - Mahashivaratri grandly celebrated at Virbhadra Temple

Photo: Vinu raj / Wikimedia Commons / Wikimedia Commons

Average Cost Of The Trip

The average cost of a trip to Virbhadra Temple can range from ₹2,500 to ₹7,000 per person. This includes expenses for transportation ₹1,000-₹3,000, accommodation ₹1,500-₹4,000, meals ₹500-₹1,000, and entry fees. Costs may vary based on travel distance, choice of stay, and dining preferences. Planning ahead can help in managing the budget effectively.

Tips For Travellers

  • Carry water and cap, during summer
  • Take a camera to capture the beautiful scenery
  • Spend at least half a day exploring the temple and its architecture
  • Visit the temple during Mahashivratri for an unforgettable experience of colourful celebrations

Virbhadra Temple, located in Rishikesh town, Uttarakhand, is a famous and ancient temple that is dedicated to Lord Shiva. This place is known for its legends and myths. This temple is also famous for various celebrations during festivals. Also, there are many interesting places to visit near this temple that offer an opportunity to explore the mountains and get to know about the culture. To plan your trip to the temple and for further information.

Cover Photo: Naitek Bhardwaj / Unsplash / Image For Representation Only

Frequently Asked Questions

The best time to visit a temple is between the months of October because during these months the weather is ideal to explore many places and to view the picture-perfect scenery of the mountains.
The timings of the temple are from 5 AM to 9 PM on all days. There is also a huge fair organised during Mahashivratri where the timings extend.
There are many places to visit near the temple, like Rishikund, Beatles Ashram, Kempty Falls, Tehri Dam and many more.
By air, Jolly Grant Airport is the nearest. By rail, Veerabhadra railway station is the nearest. By road, this temple is very near the Rishikesh and Haridwar highways, where there are many buses and taxis from the major parts of the town.
Yes, accommodation is available near the Temple with many hotels and resorts that provide a beautiful mountain view along with all the facilities required for the visitors at budget-friendly prices.

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