Lakshman Mandir
Rishikesh, Uttarakhand · temple
- Days OpenOpen daily
- Entry FeeFree Entry
Lakshman Mandir is the modest but historically resonant temple that stands on the Tapovan (west) bank of the Ganga, right beside the celebrated Lakshman Jhula suspension footbridge in Rishikesh. Dedicated to Lakshmana — the devoted younger brother of Lord Rama in the Ramayana — the shrine anchors one of the most photographed corners of the Himalayan pilgrim town. Local tradition holds that Lakshmana crossed the fast-flowing Ganga at this very spot on a bridge of jute ropes while performing penance, and it is from this legend that both the temple and the iron bridge take their name. The original steel-cable Lakshman Jhula was built between 1927 and 1929 and opened in 1930, replacing older rope crossings, and the temple beside it has long served the steady stream of pilgrims. The historic bridge was declared structurally unsafe and closed to the public — including pedestrians — in July 2019 and can no longer be crossed; a new parallel replacement bridge, Bajrang Setu, opened around 2023 to carry foot traffic, while the temple itself remains freely viewable from the Tapovan (west) bank.
Where to Eat Nearby
- ✦A pure-vegetarian café near Lakshman Jhula with a terrace overlooking the bridge (ask for eggless bakes) - the whole area is vegetarian and alcohol-free by law; confirm hours on arrival.
- ✦Little Buddha Café (Tapovan) - popular multi-level pure-veg café with Ganga views; the whole area is vegetarian by law.
- ✦Riverside and rooftop cafés around Lakshman Jhula - the lanes are lined with pure-vegetarian thali kitchens and coffee corners; all vegetarian and alcohol-free.
- ✦Simple ashram and dharamshala canteens nearby - satvik vegetarian thalis, some no onion-garlic; timings are limited, so check in advance.
About
Lakshman Mandir is the modest but historically resonant temple that stands on the Tapovan (west) bank of the Ganga, right beside the celebrated Lakshman Jhula suspension footbridge in Rishikesh.
- Dedicated to Lakshmana — the devoted younger brother of Lord Rama in the Ramayana — the shrine anchors one of the most photographed corners of the Himalayan pilgrim town.
- Local tradition holds that Lakshmana crossed the fast-flowing Ganga at this very spot on a bridge of jute ropes while performing penance, and it is from this legend that both the temple and the iron bridge take their name.
- The original steel-cable Lakshman Jhula was built between 1927 and 1929 and opened in 1930, replacing older rope crossings, and the temple beside it has long served the steady stream of pilgrims.
- The historic bridge was declared structurally unsafe and closed to the public — including pedestrians — in July 2019 and can no longer be crossed; a new parallel replacement bridge, Bajrang Setu, opened around 2023 to carry foot traffic, while the temple itself remains freely viewable from the Tapovan (west) bank.
- Architecturally the temple is a slender, multi-tiered structure that rises in receding storeys in the north-Indian sikhara-influenced idiom, its whitewashed and painted exterior visible against the forested foothills.
- Inside, the sanctum enshrines Lakshmana, and the walls carry painted scenes and images from the Ramayana that pilgrims read like an illustrated devotional text.
- The setting is the temple's real drama: the Ganga runs green and cold below, forested ridges rise on either bank, and the swaying bridge frames the shrine in almost every visitor's photograph.
- The temple is often visited together with the larger, thirteen-storey Tera Manzil (Trayambakeshwar) temple a short walk along the same bank.
- For vegetarian travellers, this corner of Rishikesh could not be more welcoming: the entire town is vegetarian and alcohol-free by law, so every café and eatery clustered around Lakshman Jhula serves pure-vegetarian food — from riverside Himalayan-view cafés to simple thali kitchens and German-bakery-style coffee corners overlooking the bridge.
- Modest dress and bare feet are expected inside the sanctum, and the surrounding lanes brim with rudraksha malas, prayer beads and Ayurvedic stalls.
- A visit here pairs naturally with evening Ganga aarti at the nearby ghats and the wider spiritual circuit of Rishikesh's ashram-lined riverfront.
Timings & Entry Fee
Verified: August 2026
Location & How to Reach
Address
Beside Lakshman Jhula, Tapovan (west bank of the Ganga), Rishikesh, Uttarakhand, Rishikesh, Uttarakhand, 249302
How to Reach: On the Tapovan (west) bank immediately beside Lakshman Jhula. The bridge is closed to motor vehicles, so the last stretch is on foot through the market lanes. From Rishikesh town / Triveni Ghat, an auto-rickshaw to the Lakshman Jhula parking area costs about ₹80-150 (20-30 minutes), then a short walk down to the bridge. From Rishikesh (Yog Nagari) railway station it is roughly 6-7 km by auto or taxi. Shared vikrams (tempos) also run toward Lakshman Jhula from the main town.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Lakshman Mandir in Rishikesh and why is it important?
Lakshman Mandir is a riverside temple dedicated to Lakshmana, the younger brother of Lord Rama, standing beside the famous Lakshman Jhula footbridge on the Tapovan bank of the Ganga. Local tradition says Lakshmana crossed the river here on a bridge of jute ropes, and it is from this legend that both the temple and the iron bridge take their name.
Is there an entry fee for Lakshman Mandir?
No, entry is free. Like most Hindu temples in Rishikesh it is open to all visitors regardless of faith, with no admission ticket. Please remove your shoes before entering and dress modestly.
What are the opening hours of Lakshman Mandir?
The temple is reported to be open roughly from 6:00 AM to 8:00 PM daily, with aarti at varying times. Hours can change seasonally and on festival days, so it is best to confirm locally on the day of your visit.
How do I reach Lakshman Mandir near Lakshman Jhula?
It sits on the Tapovan (west) bank right beside Lakshman Jhula. Since the bridge is closed to motor traffic, you walk the final stretch through the market lanes. From Rishikesh town or Triveni Ghat an auto-rickshaw to the Lakshman Jhula area costs about ₹80-150 and takes 20-30 minutes; from the railway station it is roughly 6-7 km. Shared tempos also run toward Lakshman Jhula.
What can I see around Lakshman Mandir?
Beyond the multi-tiered shrine itself, the highlight is the setting: the green Ganga below, forested foothills on both banks, and the swaying Lakshman Jhula bridge — closed to the public since July 2019 but still standing and framing the temple, with the new Bajrang Setu bridge now carrying foot traffic alongside it. A short walk along the same bank brings you to the larger thirteen-storey Tera Manzil (Trayambakeshwar) temple, and the nearby ghats host evening Ganga aarti.
Where can I eat vegetarian food near Lakshman Mandir?
All of Rishikesh is vegetarian and alcohol-free by law, so every eatery around Lakshman Jhula serves pure-vegetarian food. Terrace cafés overlooking the bridge serve coffee and eggless bakes, Little Buddha Café in Tapovan is a popular multi-level spot with river views, and the surrounding lanes have many pure-veg thali kitchens and coffee corners. Simple ashram canteens nearby serve satvik thalis, sometimes without onion or garlic.
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