Vashishta Gufa is a renowned cave in the hills of Rishikesh, Uttarakhand. It is believed to be the ashram of the great sage Vashishta, who is known to be one of the Saptarishis or the Seven Sages. The cave is situated on the River Ganga's banks and is surrounded by lush green forests and hills.
The cave has been named after Vashishta Rishi, known to have meditated here for several years. It is believed that Lord Rama and his brother Lakshmana came to this cave to seek the blessings of the sage Vashishta during their exile. The cave has a serene and peaceful atmosphere and is popular for meditation and spiritual practices.
The cave is quite spacious and has a natural water source that flows through it. It has been converted into a small temple decorated with images of various Hindu deities. The cave is accessible by a steep trek through the forest, which takes around an hour to reach.
Vashishta Gufa is also famous for its hot water spring, which is believed to have healing properties. The spring water is rich in sulfur and is said to cure various ailments. A dip in the hot water spring is considered very beneficial for health.
Vashishta Gufa is also a popular tourist spot, attracting many visitors yearly. The scenic beauty of the surrounding hills and the tranquillity of the place make it a must-visit destination for those seeking peace and solace.
Places To Visit Near Vashishta Gufa:
Vasishtha Temple:
This temple is located near the Vashishta Gufa and is dedicated to sage Vasishtha, who is believed to have meditated here.
This beautiful waterfall is located about 8 km from Vashishta Gufa. The trek to the waterfall is scenic and offers stunning views of the surrounding hills.
Triveni Ghat is a sacred bathing spot located in Rishikesh. Dipping in the holy waters of the Ganges here is believed to cleanse one's sins.
Neelkanth Mahadev Temple:
This temple is about 30 km from Vashishta Gufa and dedicated to Lord Shiva. It is situated at an altitude of 1,330 meters and offers a stunning view of the surrounding mountains.