Lakshman Jhula, Rishikesh

Lakshman Jhula, Rishikesh | History, Timing & How to reach

Two villages, Tapovan in the Tehri Garhwal district and Jonk in the Pauri Garhwal district, are connected by the well-known Lakshman Jhula, a hanging bridge over the Ganga. The entire bridge, which is 450 feet long and 70 feet above the river, is built of iron and is located in the Indian state of Uttarakhand, in the town of Rishikesh. Unfortunately, because of the danger to safety and security, it has been permanently closed. Beside Lakshman Jhula, a new glass bridge is scheduled to be built. Bikes are completely prohibited, however walkers are still permitted to use it.

The Lakshman Jhula is well-known amongst tourists because it is believed that Lord Lakshman, the younger brother of Lord Rama, had crossed the river Ganga at this same site.

Along with the historic route to the holy sites of Badrinath and Kedarnath, the Lakshman Jhula now serves as an adjacent bridge across the river. The bridge’s construction was finished in 1929. With the emergence of grand temples and well-known marketplaces, the area has gained widespread recognition as one of Rishikesh’s most popular tourist destinations.

The Terah Manzil temple, the Lakshman temple, and the Ram Jhula are significant locations near the Lakshman Jhula. The sounds of the temple’s mesmerising mantras and shlokas fill the entire area.

History of Lakshman Jhula

According to mythology, Lord Lakshman, the brother of Lord Rama, is said to have once crossed the Ganga at the location where the current bridge is built. According to legend, Lord Lakshman just needed two ropes to cross the river. The ‘Lakshman Jhula’ is a 284-foot hanging rope bridge that was constructed in remembrance of Lord Lakshman’s valiant deed.

This specific bridge was used to cross the river until 1889. Regretfully, the October 1924 floods destroyed the bridge. In 1939, an iron bridge was built along the same route to replace the deteriorated jute bridge. The iron Lakshman Jhula today stands majestically across the Ganga, and the bridge’s name has remained the same.

Things To Do at Lakshman Jhula

Do not forget to cross the Lakshman Jhula if you ever get the chance to visit Rishikesh. You can purchase a wide range of items in the markets on either side of the bridge, such as wooden goods, Rudraksha, idols of gods and goddesses, holy books, gems, local jewellery, clothing, semi-precious stones, and other trinkets. The wonderful street cuisine at these local markets is another reason for their fame.

Attractions Near Lakshman Jhula

It is preferable to combine a visit to the Lakshman Jhula with a tour of the neighbouring temples and sites. Not far from the Lakshman Jhula lies the well-known 13-story Trayambakeshwar Temple. Near the Lakshman Jhula is another thirteen-story temple known as the Terah Manzil. The exquisite temple’s upper level offers a stunning perspective of the surrounding area. Locals claim that after killing the demon Ravana, Lord Rama and Lord Lakshman bathed in the Lakshman Temple, which is located near the Jhula with Risha Kund, to atone for their crimes. It is also essential to see this temple. Sri Raghunath Ji’s Temple and the Sachha Akhileswar Mahadev Temple are two other well-known temples close to the Lakshman Jhula.

How To Reach Lakshman Jhula

The Lakshman Jhula is 12 km from the Inter State Bus Terminal in Adarsh Gramme, Rishikesh, and is on the route to the Trayambakeshwar Temple. From practically anyplace in the town, you may take an automobile to get here.

Is Lakshman Jhula open now?

No, Lakshman Jhula is permanently closed:

Reason for closure
Because of the growing volume of cars and pedestrians, the bridge was blocked for safety reasons. In April 2022, a cable broke, making the bridge unsafe for both cars and pedestrians.

Replacement
Parallel to the existing bridge, a glass-bottomed bridge is being constructed. When the new bridge is finished, Lakshman Jhula will be shut down for good.