Rishikesh-the land of the sages, yoga place.
Rishikesh, the 'place of sages', is an important pilgrim and spiritual center on the right bank of the holy Ganga. It is surrounded by Shivalik ranges on three sides and is the starting point for the sacred CHAR DHAM YATRA pilgrimage of Uttarakhand. According to mythological legends, sage Raibhya Rishi did severe penance here, and God appeared to him in the form of the 'Rishikesh'. It is also believed to be the place where Lord Vishnu killed the demon Madhu; Lord Shiva consumed the deadly poison obtained after the churning of the primordial sea and Laxman, the younger brother of Lord Rama, did penance. It also attracts a large number of people interested in meditation, Yoga and other aspects of Hinduism. The International Yoga Week, which attracts participation from all across the world, is held here every year from 1st March to 7th March on the banks of river Ganga.