Lakshman Temple
Lakshman temple is a temple on the bank of the river Ganges in the Tapovan area, about 5 km from Rishikesh town. It is dedicated to Lakshmana, brother of Lord Sri Rama. The temple stands close to Lakshman Jhula, the suspension bridge named after Lakshmana. Tradition holds that Lakshmana crossed the Ganges on jute ropes at the spot where the bridge now stands, and that is how the bridge and the neighbourhood around it took the name.
Tapovan lies on the west bank of the Ganga, in Tehri Garhwal district. Jonk, the village on the opposite bank, is in Pauri Garhwal district. The bridge joined the two, so the temple area was long reached on foot from either side of the river.
Lakshman Jhula: A plaque at the west end of the bridge records it as the first jeepable suspension bridge of the United Provinces. It has a span of 450 feet, and was built by the Public Works Department in 1927-1929 and opened to traffic on 11 April 1930. It replaced an older bridge of 284 feet that was washed away in the great flood of October 1924. (Other sources give an earlier construction date, so the plaque is the figure used here.)
Current status of the bridge: Experts who inspected the bridge in July 2019 found most of its parts in “fail” or “collapse” condition and recommended closing it to all traffic and pedestrians, according to India Today and PTI. Hindustan Times has reported that the old bridge is to be preserved as a heritage property, and that the replacement, the Bajrang Setu, is a glass-floor suspension bridge. Visitors can see the old bridge from the banks, and rafting and speed-boat operators work near the bridge area. Check locally which bridge or ferry crossing is open before planning a visit.
Temple Timings
Monday to Sunday 06:00AM – 06:00PM
Timings are not confirmed on an official website; check with the temple before travelling.
Address
Lakshman Temple, Tapovan, Rishikesh, Uttarakhand 249137.
How To Reach
Jolly Grant airport is the nearest airport which is 23 kms away. From their one should hire a cab to reach the temple.
The nearest station is Rishikesh Railway station which is 06 kms away.
Uttarakhand Transport Corporation is a public sector passenger road transport corporation providing services in the state of Uttarakhand and other adjoining states in North India. Click Here to see their services. Normal and luxury Buses to Rishikesh are easily available from Delhi ISBT Kashmiri Gate and Meerut.
Jolly Grant airport is the nearest airport which is 23 kms away. From their one should hire a cab to reach the temple.
The nearest station is Rishikesh Railway station which is 06 kms away.
Uttarakhand Transport Corporation is a public sector passenger road transport corporation providing services in the state of Uttarakhand and other adjoining states in North India. Click Here to see their services. Normal and luxury Buses to Rishikesh are easily available from Delhi ISBT Kashmiri Gate and Meerut.
Distances are not confirmed on an official website; check before travelling.
