Bharat Mandir, Rishikesh

Bharat Mandir, Rishikesh – Timings, History, Darshan Timings

Adiguru Shankaracharya established the 12th-century Shri Bharat Mandir in Rishikesh, dedicated to Lord Vishnu, whose idol is carved from a single Saligram stone. The temple’s architecture is described in Kearkhand’s ancient records, and its inner canopy houses the revered Shree Yanthra. The site was rebuilt after Timur destroyed it, and excavations have turned up interesting artefacts like statues, ancient pots, and coins, underscoring its spiritual and historical significance.

History of Bharat Mandir, Rishikesh

The same Shaligram rock is used to carve the idols of Lord Tirupati, Lord Badrinath, and Lord Hrishikesh Narayan. Both Lord Narayan and the four-armed idol carved from the black Shaligram rock are alone in Badrik Dham. The temple was constructed with big stones. Its walls are 7′ to 8′ feet wide. A single piece of black Shaligram stone is used to create the five-foot-tall idol of Hrishikesh Narayan. Beside it, is the idol of Lord Varah in a piece of rock.

The outside building of the temple was restored by Maharaja Yashwant Singh Malvendra Bahadur of Nabha state in 1832 A.D. (1889 samvat). The top of the dome of the temple is composed of a single chunk of rock which weighs 125 tonnes. The main temple is divided into sixteen corners. Nine domes, arranged in threes, make up the outer framework.

According to the temple’s custom, only a limited group of renounced seekers, sadhakas, learnt academics, and pundits are permitted entry into the shrine’s interior sanctum sanctorum after taking a holy bath and purifying their bodies. A specific king restored the temple before the twelfth century, according to the decree written in Pali/Prakrit in Lord Narayan’s Parikarma. Archaeologists claim that the original temple predates Shankaracharya. This is also demonstrated by the fragments of rock that were used to build the temple, which have been worn down over many centuries by storms and rain.  The temple is built on a raised platform to protect it from the floods which implies the river Ganga flowed quite near by the temple in the past.

The excavation work done by the archeological department of the Garhwal University found bricks and earthern pots underground which also attest it. Additionally, the banyan tree in front of the temple’s main gate is rather old.

It was common during the Shak period, as evidenced by the Sun God idol in the temple. The final Shakya ruler Rudradev was vanquished by Chandra Gupta-II in third century consequently this idol shows that the temple existed in two or three century B.C.

Sri Yantra at Bharat Mandir, Rishikesh

In order to harmonise a synthesis of five Vedic rituals and methods of worship between Shaiv, Shakta, Vaishnav, Ganapatya, and Saur, Guru Adi Shankaracharya installed the Sriyantra at the sanctum sanctorium in the interior dome of the temple during the renovation of the temple at the beginning of the ninth century. The holy installation of Sriyantra was carried out with unique and mystical rituals and was intended for a select few Sadhakas for their spiritual elevation.

This Sriyantra, which is very grand and splendid and bestows all powers, success, and prosperity, is worshipped and glorified by Shaivs, Vaishnavs, and numerous Sampradayas (sects). It has also added to the spiritual grandeur and mystical power of this ancient shrine.

Popular Myths about Bharat Mandir, Rishikesh

There are many myths and stories prevelant about this temple.

• On their route to heaven, the Pandavas and Draupadi are reported to have stopped by the temple. After spending some time here and worshipping Lord Hrishikesh Narayan, they left for Uttarakhand’s pilgrimage. According to Sage Lomash, they should only bring the bare necessities.
• In the period between 273 and 232 BC, when Ashoka the Great ruled, Buddhism was also influencing the hills. Even the Lord Buddha went there. This temple was not an exception to the region’s trend of turning all of its temples into Buddhist monasteries. This statue, which is still in the temple museum, is believed to be of Lord Buddha and was discovered during excavation.
• The temple’s sole four-armed statue of Lord Hrishikesh Narayan represents Raibhya Rishi’s ascent to Lord Vishnu after he conquered his senses.
• This sacred location is the synthesis of the three religious sects of Vaishnav tirth Badrinath, Shaiv tirth Kedarnath, and Shakti Pitha of Uttarakhand. The pilgrimage for these places began from this place. Bhadrakali, Lord Hrishikesh Narayan, and Pataleshwar Mahadev are all depicted in the temple.
• The poet Moularam in his song `Garh Rajya Vansh’ relates that in 1635 Mahipat Shah, the king of Garhwal, on his route to Ardha-Kumbha at Hardwar, visited Sri Bharat Mandir. He thought, incorrectly, that Lord Hrishikesh Narayan was glaring at him. Thus, he had the eyes removed. But soon he understood his error and pleaded for forgiveness. After putting the eyeballs back, he headed for Haridwar. He killed a lot of sadhus and sanyasis along the way. Later he died in the battle-field.
• In his book “Himalay Parichaya,” Rahul Sankrityayan recounts this event on page 140. He mentioned that Rishikesh was once a little hamlet with only five or ten residents, but that it has since outgrown Ayodhya.

Bharat Mandir Museum

Many historians and archaeologists visit Bharat Mandir because of a recently constructed museum. Sculptures, ceramics, and ornamented bricks discovered during excavation are on display at this museum.

How to reach Bharat Mandir, Rishikesh

The closest train station to Bharat Mandir is Rishikesh railway station (2 km away), and the nearest airport is Jolly Grant Airport, Dehradun (19 km away). Bharat Mandir is situated in Rishikesh city and may be reached by sharing an auto or a cycle rickshaw.

Timings: 5 AM – 12 PM and 4 PM – 9 PM