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Rishikesh, which is also called “Yoga Capital of the World”, is popular not only as a centre for learning yoga and meditation but also for its rich history, ancient temples, and beautiful landscape. One such renowned holy place is the Bhootnath Temple in Rishikesh, devoted to Lord Shiva.
Located at the top of the hill, this place offers a 360° view of Devnagri Rishikesh and is surrounded on three sides by Rajaji National Park, providing tourists with lush green surroundings and a spiritual atmosphere. Devotees visit the temple to receive blessings and inspiration through its sacred beliefs, while its beautiful location draws travellers seeking peace, quiet and inspiration, even if they don’t follow the faith.
The temple receives thousands of visitors and pilgrims annually from all parts of India and abroad who come for meditation or to express their devotion with purity and peace.
The temple celebrates the popular Indian festival, Maha Shivratri, when devotees gather in large numbers to offer prayers and participate in night-long celebrations. In this blog, we will discuss everything from its history, beliefs, how to reach there, the journey, and other important points to know before visiting the Boothnath temple in Rishikesh.
Bhootnath Temple, Rishikesh: History or Story
There are many stories associated with this temple, but two legends are the most widely known, both connected to Lord Shiva.
According to the first legend, Lord Shiva passed through this place during his marriage procession to Sati Mata. King Daksha, Sati’s father, is believed to have welcomed Shiva and his divine wedding procession here. On this sacred night, Shiva rested at this spot along with deities, Ganas, spirits, and other celestial beings who accompanied him. It is believed that the presence of Shiva and his divine entourage blessed the land, and after that, the temple became a sacred place.
The second legend tells another story of a time when demons caused fear and destruction in the Rishikesh region to protect the land, Lord Shiva appeared in the fierce yet protective form of Bhootnath. In this form shiva defeated the evil forces and restored peace to the area. It is believed that Shiva chose this place as his divine seat to guard Rishikesh from harm.
Spiritual Importance of Bhootnath Temple
Rishikesh is home to Shiva temples, with some sources listing up to 12 popular ones and others highlighting a top 7 for pilgrims. However, the Bhootnath Temple is considered one of the important Shiva temples in Rishikesh.
At Bhootnath Temple, worshipping Shiva brings a unique experience for devotees because it blends devotion with nature’s quiet magic. The temple’s location, surrounded by hills and near the holy river, brings a sense of sacredness. Its high-energy spiritual power attracts many yoga practitioners and meditation devotees.
There are also local beliefs that proper rituals or mantras can help relieve stress and bring mental clarity and peace in life. This makes it a spiritual destination for travellers seeking wellness and for religious followers.
The Architecture of the Bhootnath Temple
The Bhootnath Temple states traditional Hindu temple architecture. The temple was built by the Sri Kailashananda Trust in 1952. It has detailed designs and carvings decorating the walls and pillars, and a tall spire visible from a distance, which adds to its magnificence.
Bhootnath Temple has a 13-storey tower, surrounded on three sides by the Rajaji National Park. On the first floor, visitors can see the stories of Shiva engraved in pictures. Pictures of Hanuman, Nandi, and all other deities are on every floor. On the seventh floor, there is a small Shiva temple. This is the sanctum sanctorum where pilgrims can worship Bhootnath in the form of a Shiva Linga. There are ten bells on each of the four sides (north, east, west, and south) covering him.
An interesting fact about the Bhootnath Temple is that each bell produces a different sound, and no one sound matches the others. People can see these bells radiate different sounds even when they are rung together. Believers can worship idols of Saraswati, Kalabhairava, and other deities as well.
In the courtyard, pilgrims can see pictures of Shiva’s procession and his Ganas. They can view Rishikesh, Ram Jhula, Parmarth Niketan, Muni Ki Reti, Laxman Jhula, and Shivanand Ashram from the top floor of the Bhootnath Temple.
Location of the Bhootnath Temple in Rishikesh
Rishikesh Bhootnath Temple is located just near Shivpuri in the Swargashram region of Rishikesh, right behind Parmarth Niketan Ashram and very close to the Ganga’s riverbank. The temple can be reached by landmarks such as the Laxman Jhula and Ram Jhula. It’s roughly 3 km from Laxman Jhula and some 2 km from Ram Jhula, making it easy to include in a half-day excursion for visitors staying in central Rishikesh.
The temple is located on a slightly hilltop area, with views of the surrounding hills and the river. Visitors usually walk along a short pathway surrounded by greenery to reach the temple. This spiritual journey becomes more beautiful with this walk, as it lets you appreciate the natural beauty and tranquil atmosphere of the place.
Local buses, taxis, and auto rickshaws are available for visitors who do not want to walk. Parking is nearby and can accommodate 20–30 cars, so the trail is perfect for small groups or families.
How to Reach Bhootnath Temple
Bhootnath Temple in Rishikesh is easily accessible by road, train, and air, as Rishikesh is well-connected. Visitors can choose the mode of transport that best suits them.
- By Road: The nearest bus stand is in Rishikesh, about 15 Km away from the temple, and can be reached via taxi or personal vehicle.
- By Rail: Rishikesh Railway Station is the nearest railhead here, which is nearly 9 km away from the temple.
- By Air: The nearest airport is Jolly Grant Airport in Dehradun, about 35 km away, and is connected to the Bhootnath temple by road.
Bhootnath Temple Timings
The timings for Bhootnath Temple are from 6.00 am to 8.00 pm.
Festivals at Bhootnath Temple, Rishikesh
Bhootnath Temple is highly regarded during Hindu festivals, especially Maha Shivratri. Believers come from different places to worship Lord Shiva, pray for his blessings throughout the night, and see the temple decoration with lights and flowers. The temple atmosphere becomes deeply devotional, filled with chants of “Har Har Mahadev” and the sound of bells as a part of traditional ceremonies.
Apart from Shivratri, many other important festivals such as Navaratri, Holi, and Diwali are celebrated with great enthusiasm here. On Navaratri days, the temple holds special prayers and ceremonies in honour of Devi, while Holi, the festival of colours, brings joy and community celebrations to the temple. Diwali, the festival of lights, is celebrated here as well, with rows upon rows of lit lamp decorations, giving the place an air of peace and serenity never seen before.
Being in the temple during these festivals is a special spiritual experience, and seeing their devotion, as well as the cultural traditions and celebrations that shape the identity of Bhootnath Temple, makes it one of the most popular places in Rishikesh.
Nearby Attractions
Rishikesh is a small city and a tehsil within the Dehradun district of Uttarakhand. It shares borders with three neighbouring districts: Pauri Garhwal, Tehri Garhwal, and Haridwar. Because of this, many popular attractions you’ll hear about may technically fall under these other districts. However, they are still very close to Rishikesh and easily accessible for day trips or short visits. A few popular places around Bhootnath are also in these districts; let’s get to know them:
1. Neelkanth Mahadev Temple
Neelkanth Mahadev Temple is near Rishikesh but falls under the Pauri district of Uttarakhand; it sits at an altitude of 1,330 meters above sea level. Visitors can expect a peaceful ambience for meditation and prayer, with mythological scenes from Hindu legends carved throughout the temples and all the traditional rituals performed by the temple priests.
Distance From Bhootnath Temple: 14 km
2. Triveni Ghat
Situated on the banks of the Ganga River, Triveni Ghat is famous for its Ganga Aarti, an evening ritual where locals and visitors pray to the Goddess River Ganga. It was named after the Triveni Sangam formed by the confluence of the Ganga, Yamuna and Saraswati, which has both mythical as well as practical significance since the Mahabharata times. Worshippers place small oil lamps on the water and bathe, especially in early morning hours. There are shops selling Rudraksha beads and souvenirs around the ghat.
Things To Do: Participate in Ganga Aarti, learn about rituals, shop for souvenirs
Distance From Bhootnath Temple: 14 km
3. Lakshman Jhula
Lakshman Jhula is a landmark bridge over the Ganges River in Rishikesh. The bridge itself stands amid temples, ashrams, and markets, as well as cafes offering local and international foods. You can also visit nearby sacred places such as Trimbakeshwar Temple and Lakshmana Temple.
What To Do: Nature walks, shopping, tasting local food, and photography
Distance From Bhootnath Temple: 2.4 km
4. The Beatles Ashram (Maharishi Mahesh Yogi Ashram)
It is best known as the place where The Beatles stayed while they were in India practising transcendental meditation; it is situated at the Rajaji National Park. It includes igloo-shaped meditation huts, a lecture hall, and an art gallery splattered with murals and graffiti. The pastoral surroundings provide an ideal setting for spiritual inspiration and discovery.
Things To Do: Sightseeing, meditation, exploring the graffiti
Distance From Bhootnath Temple: 950 m
5. Geeta Bhawan
Located on the banks of the Ganga in Swargashram, Geeta Bhawan is an ashram offering free lodging for pilgrims. It’s known for its calm atmosphere, spiritual talks, and large rooms filled with people reading scriptures. Visitors can take holy dips at the private ghat, attend satsangs, or purchase religious books.
Things To Do: Attend spiritual satsangs, bathe in the holy Ganges, and meditate
Distance From Bhootnath Temple: 2–2.5 km
Average Cost of the Trip to the Bhootnath Temple
Entry to the Bhootnath Temple is free. A 2-day budget trip can cost you anywhere from ₹2,000 to ₹5,000, depending on your choice of stay and food. You should consider booking a trip in advance, as you will find great offers and save a lot of money.
Tips for Travellers Visiting Bhootnath Temple:
- Wear Comfortable Footwear: The temple’s location requires some walking, so wear comfortable shoes; it will make your visit easier.
- Go at the Right Time of Day: Early morning and late afternoon are the best times to visit, as they are less crowded and the weather is cool.
- Silently Observe: The temple has a peaceful atmosphere, which is good for reflection or even meditation: Just slow down and enjoy it.
- Dress Properly: Wearing simple and respectful clothing is appreciated and aligns with local customs.
- Follow Local Traditions: Pay attention to the temple rules and, where appropriate, maintain silence. However, you are welcome to take part in all religious ceremonies here.
- Protect the Environment: The Bhootnath temple and its surroundings are part of Rajaji National Park, which is a natural beauty and a government property, so please don’t leave any trash behind.
- Some Essentials: Just carry a water bottle, light snacks, sun lotion, and some cash while visiting the temple, so you can spend more time exploring other breathtaking spots around.
Conclusion
Visiting the Bhootnath Temple leaves a quiet yet unforgettable impression, reminding us of the timeless devotion and spiritual rhythm that define Rishikesh. The experience is more than simply sightseeing — every ritual, every silence, and every glimpse of tradition encourages reflection and inner calm. Many visitors also choose to deepen their spiritual journey at Rishikul Yogshala Rishikesh, where programs like the 200 hour yoga TTC in Rishikesh offer a unique opportunity to connect with the same serene energy in a more immersive way. By honouring the temple’s practices and surroundings, visitors carry a piece of its serene energy with them long after they leave. It doesn’t take long to realise that Bhootnath Temple is not just a stop on the map but an unspoken invitation to stay a while, breathe, and feel the spiritual pulse of this beautiful land.
