Ganga Aarti in Rishikesh: Significance, Timings, Places and Rules

Rishikesh is one of the prominent spiritual places in India. Ganga aarti in Rishikesh has its own significance for Hindu devotees. In the past few years, Rishikesh has gained global recommendation as a center of Meditation, Holistic Wellness and Yoga. Located in the Himalayan foothills beside Ganga River, this city has become a hub for international tourists as well. This place is not only an adventure hub but also a land to discover spiritual roots of Hinduism. It is the best place to witness the holiest Ganga Aarti. Besides the bank of Ganga there are several famous ghats, where you can attend this holy aarti. Here in this blog, we have mentioned every detail regarding Ganga Aarti. Read out this blog to know the significance, timings and places to attend the holy aarti in Rishikesh.

Significance of Ganga Aarti in Rishikesh

The Ganga River is worshiped as the goddess Ganga in Hindu religion. It is the most sacred river that cleanses all sins and provides spiritual liberation. In Hinduism, it’s a symbol of spiritual power and purity. Although, the holy Ganga aarti has been performed at so many cities in India, but in Rishikesh it is at its best. In the Hindu Mythology, it has been said that Ganga was brought on the Earth by the King Bhagirathi from heaven, to purify the souls of his ancestors. Since then, this river has been worshipped because of its divine values.

In the honor of Goddess Ganga, the holy aarti has been performed at every Ganga Ghatin Rishikesh and other cities also. In Hinduism, “Aarti” has been performed to pay homage to the respective deity. You can witness the Ganga aarti at Parmarth Niketan Rishikesh, one of the remarkable points to perform aarti. The divine aarti performed twice every day before sunrise and after sunset. The duration of this aarti may differ at every ghats but usually, this aarti takes almost one and half hours. Morning aarti has precisely seemed to be the best devotional experience. Chanting mantras during the early morning aarti can soothe your soul.

Rules of Performing Ganga Aarti in Rishikesh

Acknowledged as one of the enlightened spiritual rituals of Hindus, Ganga aarti in Rishikesh is a holy custom to obtain peace and experience divinity. People from different parts of the country gather in Rishikesh to attend this holy aarti at least once in a lifetime. This aarti is performed by the group of experienced priests with legitimate knowledge of Hindu Vedas. They start the ritual of Ganga aarti by chanting Vedic mantras and hymns. As a next step, they light up diyas and lamps in synchronization and start chanting specific mantras related to the aarti. They prepare the aarti plate with camphor, flowers, incense sticks, akshat (rice), turmeric and kumkum. They offer everything in the aarti plate to the river Ganga and ring bells along, makes the entire environment an absolute blessing to experience. In Hinduism, Ganga aarti is not just a personal devotional activity, but a way to experience divinity in a collective way. Every day, thousands of monks, saints and devotees gather at Ganga Ghats to witness this aarti.

Holy Mantras of Ganga Aarti

Chanting mantras during Ganga aarti in Rishikesh helps to establish a divine connectivity with the Goddess Ganga. Undoubtedly, it fosters a sensation of spiritual unity and power. All the Hindu devotees worships Ganga in a form of Goddess because of its so many heavenly qualities. Ganga water is believed to be the holiest water that purifies souls and protects from diseases. However, in this era this river is losing its quality due to the increasing level of pollution. Still, this river is sacred to Hindus. That’s why, to honor the Goddess Ganga people chant some of the specific Sanskrit mantras as a token of gratitude. Here are some of the essential Ganga aarti mantras, that you can also chant while attending this aarti.

• ॐ नमो गंगायै नमः
• ॐ नमो गंगायै विश्वरुपिणी नारायणी नमो नम:
• गंगां वारि मनोहारि मुरारिचरणच्युतं ।
  त्रिपुरारिशिरश्चारि पापहारि पुनातु मां ।।
• गंगा गंगेति यो ब्रूयात, योजनानां शतैरपि। मुच्यते सर्वपापेभ्यो, विष्णुलोकं स गच्छति
• ॐ पितृगणाय विद्महे जगत धारिणी धीमहि तन्नो पितृो प्रचोदयात
• ॐ श्री गंगायै नमः

While chanting all these mantras, it is essential that your heart should be pure, and focus should be on mantras. At the time you perform Ganga Aarti, it is vital that you must control your mind and emerge into the devotion of Goddess Ganga. Be mindful towards the pronunciation of Sanskrit mantras. Regular chanting of all the above mantras during Ganga aarti timings in Rishikesh can add peace and calmness to your daily life. Attending Ganga aarti has the divine power to purify your mind and soul, encourages you to live a peaceful life. The flowing river, chants of holy mantras and the glow of diyas, creates a serene spiritual environment.

Timings & Places to Attend Ganga Aarti in Rishikesh

If you have never experienced the divine Ganga aarti in Rishikesh, this listing will help you to plan a visit soon. Here we have mentioned some of the iconic places where Ganga Aarti has been performed every day in Rishikesh. Before you plan which places to visit in Rishikesh for Ganga Aarti, it is essential to go through this comprehensive information.

1. Parmarth Niketan Ghat Rishikesh

Parmarth Niketan in Rishikesh is recognized as one of the elite Yoga ashrams in India. This ashram has been in exitance from more than 50+ years at the bank of Ganga. This place is typically famous for Ganga aarti in Rishikesh. People of every caste, creed, nationality and religion are welcome here. This place does not discriminate and is open to everyone. Tourists visit this place to witness the divine morning and evening Ganga Aarti. Apart from attending aarti, you can indulge in Musical therapies, Ayurvedic diet, Yoga and Spa sessions. This ashram also has accommodation facilities for up to 1000 rooms. You can make your bookings and enjoy a luxurious stay at Parmarth Niketan. During your stay, you can learn different Yoga forms, work on stress management and learn about the ancient Ayurvedic formulas.

Timings of Morning Ganga Aarti: 5:30 am to 6:30 am

Timings of Evening Ganga Aarti: 6 pm to 7 pm

2. Triveni Ghat Rishikesh

Triveni Ghat is one of the biggest ghats in Rishikesh. You can witness “Maha Aarti” at this Ghat every day during the morning and evening hours. This ghat has a distinct place in Hindu mythology, it has been said that Lord Krishna visited this ghat after been attacked by a hunter. Wounded Krishna takes a holy dip in the confluence (Sangam) of rivers to get rid of wound and pain. At Triveni Ghat, Ganga, Yamuna and Saraswati River meets and creates holy “Sangam”. However, Ganga is the prominent river and that’s why Ganga Aarti is performed significantly at this ghat. Apart from attending Ganga aarti at Triveni Ghat, you can take a holy dip and visit some ancient temples as well. Lakshmi Narayan Temple, Gita Temple and Triveni Mata Temple are some of the iconic temples to worship and seek blessings from Hindu Goddesses.

Timings of Morning Ganga Aarti: 5:30 am to 6:30 am

Timings of Evening Ganga Aarti: 6 pm to 7 pm

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3. Shatrughan Ghat Rishikesh

Shatrughan Ghat in Rishikesh is located near the famous “Ram Jhula” in Rishikesh. Ganga aarti timings in Rishikesh are almost the same at every Ghats. You can witness Ganga aarti at every small and big ghats of Rishikesh before sunrise and sunsets. Devotees who visit Ram Jhula usually stop by this ghat to perform holy Ganga Aarti. However, at this ghat the Aarti does not perform extravagantly but yes, it beholds the same religious beliefs. While visiting this ghat you can also visit the Lord Shatrughan temple. This ghat offers a serene nature view, surrounded by the river Ganga and mountain foothills. Experiencing divine aarti with great view is all you need to elevate your spirituality.

Timings of Morning Ganga Aarti: 5:30 am to 6:30 am

Timings of Evening Ganga Aarti: 6 pm to 7 pm

These three ghats are the prominent ghats in Rishikesh where you can attend the holy Ganga Aarti. Apart from visiting these holy ghats you can also explore other tourist attractions and camping sites in Rishikesh. For a hassle-free travel experience it is advised to book hotels in Rishikesh near Ganga Aarti ghats.

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Tips to Follow Before Attending Ganga Aarti in Rishikesh

Due to the spiritual significance of Ganga aarti in Hinduism, you may experience heavy traffic and rush during the Aarti hours. It can ruin your entire planning, and you may not be able to attend the aarti on the planned date. However, you need not to worry, all you need to do is just follow some specific tips before attending Ganga aarti in Rishikesh. Here we have mentioned some of the crucial tips that can help you to attend the aarti in full swing.

1. Finalize the Ghat to Attend the Ganga Aarti

First and foremost, whenever you visit Rishikesh to Ganga Aarti, it is utmost important to determine the ghat where you want to attend the aarti. To save your time over unnecessary discussion to finalize a place, it can be the best way. This practice can help you to reach the place directly without any hurdles. You can select a place for aarti, such as Ganga aarti at Parmarth Niketan Rishikesh, Triveni Ghat, and Shatrughan Ghat. Suppose if you want to attend the aarti tomorrow, it will be better if you select your destination prior to the day.

2. Check the Aarti Timings

There is a fixed timing for Ganga aarti in Rishikesh, in morning aarti typically happens between 5:30 am to 6:30 am and evening aarti timings are 6 pm to 7 pm. If you reach the ghat after the respective timings, you may miss the Ganga Aarti. However, these timings are subject matter to change on some specific occasion. During Navratri and Diwali, the Ganga aarti performed according to the “Muhurat” or specific religious timing. So, be mindful and do check the timings before you arrive in Ganga Aarti.

3. Reach Early to Avoid Rush

Rishikesh over crowds during the morning and evening aarti timings. A huge number of people gather to attend the aarti and if you do not reach early, you may have to attend the holy ceremony from a distance. To experience the true essence and vibe of holy Ganga Aarti, try to reach a little early. You can fix your own spot before the Aarti starts and can experience the entire ritual closely. Attending Ganga aarti is considered as best things to do in Rishikesh.

4. Wear Indian Attire

Believe it or not, when we talk about attending pooja, aarti or any other religious ceremony, the first thing comes in our mind is wearing Indian attire. Though it is not mandatory, it goes well with the nature of the respective ceremony. Covering your head and wearing full sleeves clothes is also a way to show respect towards the Goddess Ganga. This practice should be followed by everyone irrespective of their genders.

5. Take Public Transport

If you are visiting Rishikesh for the first time, it will be better if you take public transport to visit ghats. It can be difficult for you to reach the ghat on your own before the aarti timing. Local taxi and rickshaw drivers can help you reach your destination on time. Since they know the place already, they can guide you better with other things as well.

6. Avoid Flash Photography

Flash photography during the Ganga Aarti ceremony should be avoided to maintain religious ethics. However, photography is not banned but considering not to take flash photos is appreciated by priests. Throughout the Aarti ceremony it will be beneficial if you focus on chanting mantras and try to establish a spiritual connectivity with Goddess Ganga. You can take pictures once the Aarti ends.

Sacred Ganga aarti in Rishikesh is the most prominent religious ceremony in Hinduism. People gather at Ganga ghats during the morning and evening to perform the holy aarti. Not only Indians but foreigners also attend this ceremony while being in this city of Uttarakhand. Although there are so many places to visit in Uttarakhand, Rishikesh is famous because of its spiritual and adventures activities. So, what are you waiting for? Book from the well-curated Rishikesh tour packages with Myholidays and experience a budget friendly stay.

Ganga Aarti in Rishikesh - FAQ's