Yoga practitioners, travelers, and spiritual seekers from around the globe make the journey to experience Rishikesh, India. But why is Rishikesh the yoga capital of the world?
Rishikesh has a long history of spiritual significance, and in many ways can be considered the birthplace of modern yoga. An important site in Hindu mythology, Rishikesh exploded into global fame in the 1960s when The Beatles traveled there to study meditation and Indian spirituality.
However, there’s more to Rishikesh than ancient stories and The Beatles. We talked with Monika Singh, who teaches subjects like pre-natal yoga and pranayama energy techniques at Rishikul Yogshala, to learn more about the city she calls home.
Yoga training at Rishikul Yogshala with head instructor Bipin Baloni. Classmates looking concerned because I’m not the most flexible…
Why is Rishikesh the Yoga capital of the world?
The practice of yoga in Rishikesh dates back centuries, and that tradition continues today. The city is full of yoga schools and ashrams, and with thousands of people journeying each year to study there, Rishikesh has rightfully been dubbed ‘the yoga capital of the world.’
For a long time, the sacred knowledge of yoga was kept hidden away in scriptures, and it wasn’t until the 19th century that a few masters started to transmit it to the general public. Starting in Rishikesh, the techniques of yoga made their way to every country on Earth.
Left: evening aarti ritual on the Ganges River; Right: cow 🙂
Is Rishikesh the Birthplace of Yoga?
Hindu tradition believes that in the beginning of history, the god Shiva passed the sacred knowledge of yoga to the Seven Sages to aid the evolution of humanity. This knowledge was handed from master to disciple through the ages, so while it’s impossible to pinpoint yoga’s exact point of origin, Rishikesh is considered the art’s spiritual home.
When I visited Rishikesh, it was the month of Sawan, a holy period celebrating the god Shiva. Millions of devotees had traveled from across India to bathe in the Ganges River, washing away the sins and karma of their past lives.
Why is Rishikesh called Rishikesh?
In Hinduism, ‘Hrishikesh’ is one of form taken by the god Vishnu. It’s believed that when the sage Raibhya undertook a rigorous penance on the banks of the Ganges River, he was rewarded by Vishnu, who appeared as Hrishikesh. The name literally means “god of the senses,” and this is why Rishikesh is called Rishikesh.
Two active temples in Rishikesh. Left: monks prepare an evening ritual on the Ganges River; Right: monks performing an afternoon mantra practice.
Why is Rishikesh sacred?
Rishikesh is an important site in Hindu mythology, and home to many famous and active temples for followers of the gods Shiva and Vishnu. Even today, Rishikesh is filled with yogis and holy men, who perform deep acts of ascetic austerity in search of new heights of human consciousness. Many of these individuals are hidden away, but still their presence is felt by the local community.
Today, the “Beatles Ashram” is a popular and Instagram-friendly site for those visiting Rishikesh.
Where did the Beatles study yoga and meditation?
The Beatles helped popularize Indian yoga and meditation in the West after traveling to Rishikesh to study at the ashram of Maharishi Mahesh Yogi. Today, the site is open to the public and fondly known as the Beatles Ashram.
Although the group’s relationship with the Maharishi became tense amidst controversy, members of The Beatles later returned to supporting him and his Transcendental Meditation movement.
There you have it — some fast facts about Rishikesh, and what makes this city such a magical place for yoga practitioners and spiritual seekers.
This is, however, just the tip of the iceberg. To truly understand the significance and energy of this city, you’ll have to visit yourself!
This post is produced in partnership with Rishikul Yogshala in Rishikesh, India, and draws on the expertise of its faculty. Rishikul Yogshala is where I completed my own 200 Hour Yoga Teacher Training — check them out if you’d like to learn more about authentic yoga!