About the famous bridges of Rishikesh. Rama and Lakshman Jula, Hanuman and how it is related to UrjaYogShala
Why did I suddenly decide to tell you about the bridges of Rishikesh? Because the story of their creation is inextricably linked to legends, which gives it a sacred meaning.
When you arrive at the UrjaYogShala yoga school in Rishikesh, you will discover many new and interesting things. Bridges are one of the main attractions of the world’s yoga capital.
Every day you will cross the sacred river Ganga and remember the stories related to these bridges.
Many years ago, when Rishikesh was a group of small villages and ashrams, crossing the Ganges was done by boats. The only place for crossing was considered sacred and was connected with the legend from the Indian epoch - «Ramayana», according to which it is here that Rama, Lakshman and Sita crossed the river on the way to Ayodhya (holy city in northern India).
Lakshman Jula Bridge (Laxman Jhula) was built in 1929 and over the years has become a visiting card of Rishikesh. The construction initiative came from local residents, sadhus and pilgrims who wanted a safe and stable transit.
The bridge was named after Lakshman, Rama’s younger brother. According to local legend, it was at this place that Lakshman crossed the Ganga by jhula - a cable crossing or ropes. In some legends you can hear that he crossed the river on a bridge created by himself from two huge snake-nags.
This classic bridge, about 137 meters long, at an altitude of about 15-20 meters above the river, connected the village of Tera Manzil on the west bank and Jansi on the east, making accessible the ashrams of Sarvesvaranath and Triambanath.
By the middle of the 20th century, Lakshman Jula, being the only pedestrian bridge in the upper part of Rishikesh, had ceased to cope with the growing flow of pilgrims. There was a need for another crossing. Between 1980 and 1986, the second bridge - Ram Jula was built. It is located about 2 km downstream from Lakshman Julah.
The second bridge was named after his older brother, Rama. It is also sometimes called the Shivananda Julah because it leads to the famous ashram founded by Swami Shivananda.
The Ram Jula Bridge is slightly longer (about 230 meters) and wider, it allows the movement of motorcycles and two-wheelers, which makes it an important transport artery.
According to legend, after the rescue of Sita, Rama, Lakshman and Sita returned to Ayodhya. Their way lay through Rishikesh. When they came to the shore of the stormy Ganga, Sita asked them to cross over to the other side, where there was a secluded ashram for prayer. True Hanuman, son of the wind, offered to carry them instantly across the river. But the humble Sita wished to cross the river with her feet as a common man, showing reverence for the sacred river. Then Hanuman, always ready to serve, manifested a different form of bhakti (devotion). He did not reduce the river and did not grow in size. Instead, it took the form of a bridge so that Sita and Rama could cross the river without getting their feet wet.
Therefore, the pilgrims believe that by walking on the swaying boards of Lakshman Julah, they symbolically walk on the back of Hanuman, repeating the path of Rama and Sita.
Both bridges have been repaired and strengthened several times. In 2019, Lakshman Jula was closed for a major renovation due to wear and tear and security concerns. It has been reopened, retaining its historical appearance, but with a reinforced construction.
Today these bridges are not just crossings. These are the main tourist and spiritual symbols of Rishikesh, a meeting place for sadhu, pilgrims and travelers from all over the world. Their image has become synonymous with the «capital of yoga».
It’s not just a bridge across the river. These are bridges through time, connecting the epochs of epic exploits with today’s, reminding everyone who treads them of eternal values: service, faith and brotherly love, manifested once in the image of the great Hanuman.
