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Phil's Mondo India Slide Show
Sights of Rishikesh
The LakshmanJhula area of Rishikesh is one of the major centers of town for tourists, sadhus
and ashram residents. Jhula is Hindi fro bridge and this is the site of a rope bridge where Lakshman,
the brother of Lord Ram, crossed to flee from demons. In 1929 the rope bridge was upgraded to a
metal suspension bridge.
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The eastern portion of Rishikish is known as the Swarg Ashram area and has a high density of ashrams and yoga
centers. Come to think of it, so does the wst side of town! It's said to be auspicious to cross the bridge on foot
and this is a big destination for Indian tourists. Across the way is the 13 story Kailashanand Mission Ashram,
soaring to new heights of garrishness, but there's supposed to be a great view from the top.
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On the eastern side of Lakshamjhula stands one of many statues of Lord Shiva. The painted statue is
an Indian standard. While crossing the bridge, I encountered an impoverished and blind beggar who really tugged
on my heartstrings - one of the ashrams takes in the blind and crippled.
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