The holy city of Rishikesh, nestled in the foothills of the Himalayas, is one of the significant starting points for the Kawad Yatra. Every year, lakhs of Kanwariyas visit Rishikesh to collect sacred Ganga Jal for Jal Abhishek of Lord Shiva during the auspicious month of Shravan.
Why Rishikesh is Important for Kawad Yatra
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Origin of Holy Jal: The Ganga here is fresh, clean, and sacred, making it one of the most preferred points for Kanwariyas.
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Spiritual Vibes: With countless temples, ghats, and ashrams, Rishikesh adds deep spiritual energy to the pilgrimage.
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Gateway to Haridwar & Beyond: Many Kanwariyas start from Rishikesh and walk towards Haridwar, Meerut, or their hometown temples.
Key Ghats & Temples in Rishikesh for Kanwariyas
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Triveni Ghat – Famous for Ganga Aarti and Jal collection.
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Neelkanth Mahadev Temple – A highly revered Shiva temple near Rishikesh, often visited during the Yatra.
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Parmarth Niketan Ashram – Popular for spiritual stays and prayers.
♂️ Kawad Route from Rishikesh
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Rishikesh → Haridwar → Meerut → Delhi (and further to hometown temples).
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Many devotees also directly take the Rishikesh to Neelkanth route, which is shorter but spiritually powerful.
✅ Tips for Kanwariyas in Rishikesh
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Start early in the morning to avoid heavy crowds at ghats.
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Use proper Kawad stands (chabutras) while resting.
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Keep hydrated and eat satvik food for stamina.
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Follow local rules, maintain cleanliness, and respect the spiritual environment.
