Overview
The Lakshman Temple stands on the bank of the Ganga at Lakshman Jhula in Rishikesh, Uttarakhand, and is dedicated to Lakshmana, the younger brother and lifelong companion of Rama. It is among the best-known temples specifically associated with Lakshmana, drawing pilgrims and visitors who cross to it beside the famous footbridge that shares his name. The temple is noted for its old wall sculptures and paintings and for its riverside setting in one of North India's principal centres of pilgrimage and yoga.
History
Local tradition holds that this is a spot where Lakshmana performed penance and meditation, and that he crossed the Ganga here, an association that gives the adjacent bridge its name. The original Lakshman Jhula was a rope bridge; it was rebuilt in iron and steel and opened in 1939, and for decades was one of Rishikesh's most recognisable landmarks. The historic bridge was later closed to the public on structural-safety grounds, with a modern replacement crossing planned nearby. The precise founding date of the temple itself is not firmly documented in the accessible sources and should be verified with temple or local heritage authorities before publication.
Spiritual Significance
The temple honours Lakshmana as the embodiment of devoted service (seva) and loyalty, the brother who chose fourteen years of forest exile at Rama's side over comfort at home. Its riverside location joins that devotion to the sanctity of the Ganga herself, so a visit typically combines darshan at the temple with time on the ghats. It sits within the wider sacred landscape of Rishikesh, long regarded as a gateway to the Himalayan pilgrimage routes and a centre of spiritual practice.
Prayers at Lakshman Temple, Rishikesh
आरती श्री रामायण जी की
श्री रघुबीर भक्त हितकारी।सुनि लीजै प्रभु अरज हमारी॥
अस्य श्रीरामरक्षास्तोत्रमन्त्रस्य। बुधकौशिक ऋषिः। श्रीसीतारामचन्द्रो देवता। अनुष्टुप् छन्दः। सीता शक्तिः।
श्री रामचन्द्र कृपालु भजुमन हरण भवभय दारुणं।
ॐ जय गंगे माता
जय जय जय जग पावनी,जयति देवसरि गंग। जय शिव जटा निवासिनी,अनुपम तुंग तरंग॥
Pilgrimage Information
When to visit: February to April and September to November offer the most comfortable weather; the monsoon (roughly July to September) can bring heavy rain and a swollen, fast river. Ram Navami is the most relevant festival, given the Rama connection.
Getting there: Rishikesh is well connected by road; the nearest airport is Dehradun (Jolly Grant) and the nearest major railheads are Rishikesh and Haridwar. From central Rishikesh, the Lakshman Jhula area is a short local drive or auto-rickshaw ride.
Getting around: The temple is reached on foot in the Lakshman Jhula area. Because the historic bridge's public access has changed, confirm the current pedestrian route across or along the river before setting out.
Family Suitability
Suitable for families of all ages: easy access, no trekking, and a compact riverside setting. Take normal care with children near the river and on steps and ghats, and be prepared for crowds and busy lanes of shops and eateries around the bridge area.
Do’s & Don’ts
Do
- Confirm the current pedestrian crossing/access route in the Lakshman Jhula area before you travel, as bridge access has changed in recent years.
- Dress modestly and remove footwear as required at the temple.
- Combine the visit with the Ganga ghats and the evening aarti nearby.
Don’t
- Don't rely on the old Lakshman Jhula suspension bridge being open to pedestrians; check first.
- Don't enter the river without regard for currents, which can be strong, especially after rain.
Nearby Sacred Locations
- Rishikesh (City page)
The wider pilgrimage-and-yoga city on the Ganga; gateway to the Himalayan Char Dham routes.
- Triveni Ghat
Principal Rishikesh ghat, known for its evening Ganga Aarti.
- Ram Jhula
The other famous Rishikesh footbridge, near the Swarg Ashram temple cluster.
Giving Back
Support the temple through its official donation channels on site, and use locally based guides, boat operators and accommodation to support Rishikesh's pilgrimage economy directly. Treat the Ganga and its banks with care: carry out litter and avoid single-use plastic on the ghats.
Sources
Last reviewed: 2026-07-16. Scaffolding content: This page was seeded with well-known public information for development purposes and is pending full editorial review before publication.