Rishi Kund (Sacred Pond)
Rishikesh, Uttarakhand · monument
- Days OpenOpen daily
- Entry FeeFree Entry
Rishi Kund — locally written Rishikund and meaning "Pond of the Sages" (rishi = sage, kund = sacred tank) — is one of the quiet devotional anchors of central Rishikesh, tucked a few steps inland from the busy riverfront at Triveni Ghat and sharing its courtyard with the old Raghunath (Ram) Temple. Unlike the open Ganga ghats, it is an enclosed masonry tank: a walled, spring-fed pool reached by stone steps, historically used by ascetics and pilgrims for ritual ablution before worship. Its intimate scale and shaded stillness make it feel worlds away from the crowds gathered at the water's edge only a lane or two away.
Where to Eat Nearby
- ✦Pure-vegetarian thali dhabas around Triveni Ghat – the whole lane is satvik by default in this alcohol-free holy town; look for a busy counter and freshly cooked plates (many are no-onion-garlic).
- ✦Chotiwala Restaurant (Swarg Ashram / Ram Jhula side, ~3 km) – a long-running pure-vegetarian thali institution; worth combining with a Ram Jhula walk. Confirm which branch you are at.
- ✦Madras Cafe (near Ram Jhula, ~3 km) – well-known pure-vegetarian South-Indian and satvik fare; reliable dosas, thalis and healthy bowls.
- ✦Mithai and kachori shops near Triveni Ghat – traditional sweets, kachori-sabzi and chaat for pilgrims; entirely vegetarian neighbourhood. Choose freshly made items.
About
Rishi Kund — locally written Rishikund and meaning "Pond of the Sages" (rishi = sage, kund = sacred tank) — is one of the quiet devotional anchors of central Rishikesh, tucked a few steps inland from the busy riverfront at Triveni Ghat and sharing its courtyard with the old Raghunath (Ram) Temple.
- Unlike the open Ganga ghats, it is an enclosed masonry tank: a walled, spring-fed pool reached by stone steps, historically used by ascetics and pilgrims for ritual ablution before worship.
- Its intimate scale and shaded stillness make it feel worlds away from the crowds gathered at the water's edge only a lane or two away. The pond carries layered legend.
- As its name suggests, sages are said to have performed penance and purifying baths here across the ages, and one widely repeated tradition holds that Lord Rama himself bathed at this kund during the years of his exile — a story that mirrors the dedication of the neighbouring Raghunath Temple to Rama (Raghunath being a name of Rama).
- Devotees also relate that the tank's waters were drawn here through the tapasya of a sage, so that the pond is spoken of as gathering the sanctity of the holy rivers.
- As with much of Rishikesh's sacred geography, these are living oral traditions rather than dated history, and are best received in that spirit.
- For the visitor, Rishi Kund is a short, contemplative stop rather than a monument to tour at length.
- You will see the rectangular walled tank, worn bathing steps, small shrines and the adjoining Raghunath temple, all woven into the Triveni Ghat pilgrim circuit — which comes alive at dusk with the Ganga aarti a few minutes' walk away.
- There is no ticket and no fixed "sightseeing" itinerary; people come to sit, to offer a quiet prayer, and to move on toward the ghat.
- Rishikesh is a holy city that is vegetarian and alcohol-free by law, so the entire neighbourhood around the kund is pure-vegetarian by default.
- The lanes threading back from Triveni Ghat are lined with satvik thali dhabas, chaat and kachori stalls, South-Indian tiffin counters and mithai shops feeding the pilgrim traffic — a genuinely reassuring setting for vegetarian and Jain travellers, where you can eat almost anywhere without a second thought.
- Combine the kund with the Triveni Ghat aarti and a simple thali for a calm, unhurried half-morning or evening in the old town.
Timings & Entry Fee
Verified: August 2026
Location & How to Reach
Address
Rishikund, beside the Raghunath (Ram) Temple, near Triveni Ghat, central Rishikesh, Rishikesh, Uttarakhand, 249201
How to Reach: In central Rishikesh beside the Raghunath (Ram) Temple, a short walk inland from Triveni Ghat. From the main Rishikesh (Triveni Ghat) taxi/auto stand it is a 3–5 minute walk. From Rishikesh Railway Station an auto-rickshaw costs about ₹40–60 (10 minutes); from the ISBT bus stand about ₹50–80 (10–15 minutes). Ram Jhula and Laxman Jhula are roughly 3–4 km away by shared auto. There is no metro in Rishikesh — auto-rickshaw and walking are the norm.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Rishi Kund in Rishikesh?
Rishi Kund (Rishikund) is an ancient walled sacred pond in central Rishikesh, its name meaning "Pond of the Sages." It sits beside the old Raghunath (Ram) Temple, just inland from Triveni Ghat, and was historically used by ascetics and pilgrims for ritual bathing before worship. It is a short, contemplative stop rather than a large monument.
What is the legend behind Rishi Kund?
By tradition, sages (rishis) performed penance and purifying ablutions at the pond, which is how it earned its name. A widely told legend also holds that Lord Rama bathed here during his exile — fittingly, the adjacent temple is dedicated to Raghunath, a name of Rama. Devotees further speak of the tank's waters being drawn here through a sage's tapasya, gathering the sanctity of the holy rivers. These are living oral traditions rather than dated history.
Is there an entry fee for Rishi Kund and what are the timings?
There is no entry fee — Rishi Kund is a free sacred site within the Triveni Ghat and Raghunath temple precinct. It is generally accessible through daylight hours, roughly 6:00 AM to 8:00 PM, though the neighbouring temple usually observes a midday break; hours can vary, so confirm locally. Visiting in the late afternoon lets you continue to the Triveni Ghat evening Ganga aarti nearby.
How do I reach Rishi Kund?
It is in central Rishikesh beside the Raghunath (Ram) Temple, a 3–5 minute walk inland from Triveni Ghat. An auto-rickshaw from Rishikesh Railway Station costs about ₹40–60 (10 minutes) and from the ISBT bus stand about ₹50–80. Ram Jhula and Laxman Jhula are around 3–4 km away by shared auto. There is no metro in Rishikesh, so autos and walking are the standard way to get around.
What should I combine with a visit to Rishi Kund?
Pair it with the adjacent Raghunath (Ram) Temple and the Triveni Ghat riverfront, timing your visit for the evening Ganga aarti a few minutes' walk away. Together they make a calm half-morning or early-evening in the old town. Please dress modestly, remove footwear where required, and keep quiet around people at prayer.
Where can I eat vegetarian food near Rishi Kund?
Rishikesh is a holy city that is vegetarian and alcohol-free by law, so the entire area around the kund is pure-vegetarian by default. The lanes behind Triveni Ghat are full of satvik thali dhabas, kachori and chaat stalls and mithai shops. For a longer sit-down meal, Chotiwala Restaurant and Madras Cafe on the Ram Jhula side (about 3 km away) are long-standing pure-vegetarian favourites — reassuring for vegetarian and Jain travellers alike.