Lakshman Jhoola Of Rishikesh

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Lakshman Jhula, one of the major attractions of Rishikesh, is situated on river Ganga. The holy land on the banks of the holy Ganges, the place where the mighty Lord Vishnu of Hindu mythology defeated the demon Madhu, is Rishikesh. The average altitude of Rishikesh is 1360 ft. and there are several temples & ashrams located on both sides of the Ganges. Several sites of historical significance are located in Rishikesh & its scenic beauty gives the place a serene look appealing to both pilgrims and foreign travelers.

History of Lakshman Jhoola:

Legends state that Lord Rama did penance in Rishikesh for killing Ravana, the demon king of Lanka. His younger brother, Lakshmana crossed river Ganga at the same site where the bridge now stands. At that time, there was only a suspension bridge that was made of jute. After this incident, the bridge came to be known as Lakshman Jhoola. There is an interesting story attached to this place. Lord Rama did his meditation and other rituals on this bank and the flowing water of the river Ganga was disturbing him so much that he was unable to perform his rituals. Lakshmana got angry and in a fit of rage he shot an arrow on the river. From then onwards the river here is surprisingly quite and you can pass over the bridge at night without even knowing that a river is flowing beneath. Even today, the western bank of the bridge has a Lakshman temple, and across it lies a temple devoted to Lord Rama. Also present near by is a temple dedicated to his elder brother Bharata.

About the bridge:

Lakshmana Jhoola is a famous hanging bridge across Ganga, is about 3 km from the main township of Rishikesh. It's length is about 450 feet long and it is situated at a height of 70 feet above the river. The jute-rope bridge was replaced by an iron-rope suspension bridge in 1889, and in 1924 it was washed away in the floods, thereby it was replaced by a stronger present bridge. It is famous since it is present at the site of original bridge of Vedic era.

The bridge, a suspension iron bridge, is made over river Ganga to cross the river. The view from the bridge is incomparable. One can enjoy the magnificent surroundings and the cool breeze from the river while standing on the bridge. If you take a boat ride in the river, it gives a better view of the bridge and makes it appear more elegant.

The Lakshman Jhoola offers a splendid view of the entire landscape around. It has become very popular among the tourists because of the view it provides of the river below. The Ganga appears serene and very tempestuous. River rafting crews can often be spotted passing underneath the bridge on the way to their white water expeditions. It serves as a main path for the people going up the hills and down to Gita Bhawan and Swarg ashram. Manning either side of the bridge are temples and ashrams; the most popular one being the Lakshman Temple at Tapovan, Shri Raghunathji Temple and thirteen (13) storied Kailashnanda temple with each floor being devoted to a different deity.

Close to this bridge is another bridge called Ram Jhoola. It was built recently by the Indian Government between the Shivanand Ashram & Swarg ashram. It is not historical and doesn't belong to any Puranas. Its name at the time of inauguration was Shivanand Bridge. A trip to Rishikesh is incomplete without visiting Lakshman Jhoola.