Vashishta Gufa Rishikesh – History, Timings, Overview, Best time to visit, Location

Vashishta Gufa

Vashishtha cave is situated on the banks of the river Ganga at a distance of 16 km from Rishikesh. Vashishtha Cave is an ancient cave situated on the Rishikesh-Badrinath road in Uttarakhand. It is situated at an altitude of about 2000 feet above sea level.

It is a popular place for meditation lovers. Vashishtha Cave was relatively unknown to the world until 1930, when Swami Purushothamananda, who spent a major part of his life in Kerala, discovered the cave.

It is believed that Shri Swami Purushottamanand ji visited this cave in the year 1930 and now his ashram is situated close to Vashishtha cave, where meditation is practised. Presently Swami Purushottamanand Trust manages this cave.

Some rooms remain outside the cave area, where many sadhus are living permanently. Currently, Swami Chaitanyanand Ji (disciple of Swami Purshottamanand) is the head of the ashram.

The Vashishtha cave is situated in the middle of a grove of Gular (ficus) trees and slopes leading to the holy river Ganges. To reach this cave one has to climb about 200 steps. The ashram is situated in a pristine and peaceful location surrounded by mountains.

History of Vashishta Gufa

According to Hindu mythology, sage Vashishtha was one of the seven great sages (i.e. Saptarishis). He was the son of Lord Brahma and is also known as the teacher of Lord Rama. After the death of his children, Vashishtha was very upset and decided to commit suicide in the river Ganga.

But Goddess Ganga did not accept his plea of suicide. Then sage Vashishtha and his wife Arundhati meditated at this place for hundreds of years to overcome their sorrow.

Over the years a small hermitage was built near the cave. This ashram is known as Swami Purushottamanand Ashram. Shri Swami Purushottamanand Ji, a renowned Hindu saint, visited the place in 1928 and 1961. Some rooms remain outside the cave area, where many sadhus are living permanently.

Inside the Cave

There is some light at the entrance of the cave. But as you go deeper, it becomes pitch dark. The cave is properly maintained. It is very clean and the floor is covered with white mats to seat around 12 people, which I did not expect after seeing the outdoor area.

At the end of the cave is a Shiva Linga and a flickering oil lamp. There is no outside noise and the air inside the cave is very cool. The interior of the cave is filled with some aroma of burning oil and wood. It is certainly a very good place to meditate deeply.

The interior of the cave is filled with some aroma of burning oil and it makes for a peaceful and spiritual meditation sanctuary. The beach outside the cave is the perfect place to relax and reflect on nature after a deep meditation and silent introspection. It is said that this cave is where actor Rajinikanth often goes to meditate.

There is also a small cave outside the ashram called “Arundhati Gufa”. On the other side, you will see an iron bridge near Gular village to cross the river.

Inside Vashishta Gufa

Vashishtha Cave is a naturally formed cave which is 60 feet deep.
There is a vertically inclined Shivalinga in the opening of the cave.
There are many rooms outside the cave area which became the permanent residence of the sadhus.
The cave temple is situated amid dense bushes, you can explore the jungle.
The cave is clean and well-maintained and its floor is strewn with white mats that can seat 12 people at a time.
One can see a Shivlinga installed at the end of the cave.
The only source of light is the flickering oil lamp.
The cave is cool and the aroma of burning incense sticks lingers in the air.
It’s a very nice place to indulge in meditation.

Facilities near Vashishta Gufa

Food Joints –

There are some small tea stalls near the ashram and Gular village, where you can buy oily food items, biscuits, tea etc.

Phone Signals –

Phone towers are built near the ashram, so you can expect some signs on the ashram premises. But your mobile phone will not receive signals inside the cave.

Accommodation –

There are some hotels and cottages near Vashisht Gufa Ashram. Across the river, there is a very beautiful hotel run by a foreigner.

Timings of Vashishta Gufa

You can visit the Vashishta Gufa every day from 9 A.M to 12 P.M and from 3 P.M to 6 P.M.

The cave remains closed between 12 P.M to 3 P.M.

Ticket Price of Vashishta Gufa

There is no ticket price for Entry into Vashishta Gufa.

Vashishta Gufa Address

Haridwar Rishikesh Badrinath Rd, Near Swami Purushottamananda Ji Ashram, Rishikesh, Uttarakhand, 249304, India

Tips to keep in mind

Advised to bring your medicines with you as there are no medical stores near the Vashishta Gufa ashram.
It is advised to get the fuel before you start the journey as There is no petrol pump near the ashram, but you can get the fuel in the Shivpuri.
Carry enough cash with you as there is no ATM facility at the ashram. You can find ATMs in Rishikesh town & Tapovan area.
Sit quietly inside the cave.
You can relax on the beach by the river, outside the ashram complex.

Best time to visit Vashishta Gufa

Vashishta Gufa can be visited throughout the year since the weather is always pleasant here. but still visiting between February to June and September to December is considered best.

How To Reach

By Air: The nearest airport to the waterfalls is Jolly Grant Airport in Dehradun. You can catch a bus or hire a taxi to reach the Parmarth Niketan Ashram. It would take around an hour to cover this distance of 39 KM. airport for Bageshwar.

By Train :The nearest Railway station is Rishikesh Railway Station. You should find a train stopping at this junction. You can get down here to fetch a bus, or a local ferry or hire a taxi to reach your destination.

You can get Bus or taxi for Bageshwar from station.

By Road: Rishikesh Bus Stand is the nearest bus stand. The city roads are well connected with rickshaws and autos, helping you navigate the city and its surroundings without any hassle.

Near By Attraction Places

The Beatles Ashram:-

Beatles Ashram in Rishikesh Formerly known as Chaurasi Kutiya, Beatles Ashram is located east of the Ganges River in the foothills of the Himalayas, opposite the Muni ki Reti area of Rishikesh, Uttarakhand. The venue gained a lot of publicity and wider recognition after Liverpool’s Beatles stayed there in 1986. The band members practised meditation at this place and composed many good songs.

Triveni Ghat:-

Triveni Ghat is situated on the banks of the sacred river Ganga and it is the biggest Ghat of Rishikesh. It is believed that those who take a dip in the waters at this ghat wash away all sins and purify the soul and attain moksha, freedom from all sins; The water here has the power to purify them. Thousands of people take baths here every morning and evening and enjoy the Mahaarti being performed.

Ram Jhula:-

Ram Jhula is an iron suspension bridge located 3 km north of Rishikesh. It is built over the river Ganga to cross the river and is a landmark of this place. Ram Jhula has been recently built between Sivananda Ashram and Savargashram. The natural beauty of the area can be seen from the bridge, the sound of fresh air, and flowing water.

Laxman Jhula:-

Laxman Jhula is a 450 feet long iron suspension bridge located in Rishikesh in the Indian state of Uttarakhand. Laxman Jhula is one of the most prominent places in this place. It is built over the river Ganga to cross the river and is a landmark of this place. It is said that at the place where this bridge is built, Laxman crossed the Ganges on jute ropes. Laxman Jhula was built in 1939. There are spectacular views from the bridge.

The Ganga Beach:-

Ganga Beach is a pleasant place to relax and unwind with family and friends. It is conveniently located on Laxman Jhula Road, which makes it highly accessible. The view of the sunset is spectacular at this beach and visitors can enjoy various local food served at the beach.

Neer Ghattu water-fall:-

About 2.5 KM from Tapovan (Rishikesh), there is a big waterfall. You have to walk 1 KM up the hill to reach this place.

Shivpuri:-

A famous destination for river rafting and camping, about 11 KM from Tapovan (Rishikesh).

NOTE:- In this article, we cover all the important details regarding Vashishta Gufa like the best time to visit and Activities you can do in Vashishta Gufa, Still If you have any other queries you can visit the official gov website of Uttarakhand Tourism. And If you want to know the best places to visit in Uttarakhand then visit our website uttarakhandeyes.com.