Shatrughna Mandir
Rishikesh, Uttarakhand · temple
- Days OpenOpen daily
- Entry FeeFree Entry
Shatrughna Mandir is a small but historically significant riverside temple on the west bank of the Ganga at Muni Ki Reti, a short walk from Ram Jhula. It is dedicated to Shatrughna, the youngest of Lord Rama's four brothers in the Ramayana, and is counted among the oldest temples in the Rishikesh area. The shrine is unusual: temples dedicated principally to Shatrughna are exceedingly rare in India, and this one is often described as one of only a couple of such shrines anywhere, which gives it a quiet significance far out of proportion to its modest size. Together with Bharat Mandir in the old town and the Lakshman temple by Lakshman Jhula, it completes the devotional trio that maps the four Ramayana brothers onto the sacred geography of Rishikesh — the town where the Ganga finally leaves the Himalaya and enters the plains.
Where to Eat Nearby
- ✦Chotiwala, Swargashram (across Ram Jhula) — an iconic long-running pure-vegetarian thali institution; hearty North Indian meals in a busy pilgrim setting.
- ✦Madras Cafe, Muni Ki Reti (near Ram Jhula) — a well-established pure-vegetarian favourite reported for South Indian tiffin, thalis and its 'Himalayan' health dishes; confirm current hours locally.
- ✦Ashram and Swargashram-lane bhojanalayas near Ram Jhula — simple satvik thalis, many no-onion-garlic; the whole area is strictly vegetarian and alcohol-free.
- ✦Ganga-front tea and snack stalls along Muni Ki Reti — chai, pakoras and light vegetarian bites; quality varies, so pick a busy, clean counter.
About
Shatrughna Mandir is a small but historically significant riverside temple on the west bank of the Ganga at Muni Ki Reti, a short walk from Ram Jhula.
- It is dedicated to Shatrughna, the youngest of Lord Rama's four brothers in the Ramayana, and is counted among the oldest temples in the Rishikesh area.
- The shrine is unusual: temples dedicated principally to Shatrughna are exceedingly rare in India, and this one is often described as one of only a couple of such shrines anywhere, which gives it a quiet significance far out of proportion to its modest size.
- Together with Bharat Mandir in the old town and the Lakshman temple by Lakshman Jhula, it completes the devotional trio that maps the four Ramayana brothers onto the sacred geography of Rishikesh — the town where the Ganga finally leaves the Himalaya and enters the plains.
- The temple complex is also known locally as the Aadi Badrinarayan and Shri Shatrughan Temple, and alongside the presiding image of Shatrughna it houses idols of Adi Badri Narayan (an ancient form of Vishnu linked in tradition to the Char Dham pilgrimage circuit) and Lord Hanuman.
- Set close to the water, the shrine is associated with the adjacent Shatrughan Ghat, where a modest evening Ganga aarti is sometimes held — a gentler, far less crowded alternative to the large ceremonies at Triveni Ghat and Parmarth Niketan across the river.
- The atmosphere is unhurried: local worshippers, sadhus from the surrounding ashrams, and pilgrims crossing at Ram Jhula stop in for a few quiet minutes of darshan before continuing along the riverside lanes.
- Rishikesh is a holy city that is vegetarian and alcohol-free by law, so every eatery around the temple is pure-vegetarian without exception.
- The Ram Jhula and Swargashram lanes are lined with satvik thali halls, South Indian tiffin counters, and simple ashram-style kitchens, many serving no-onion-garlic food.
- For a traveller, Shatrughna Mandir pairs naturally with a slow morning walk across Ram Jhula — combine it with Bharat Mandir, the ghats, and the ashram quarter for a half-day immersion in Rishikesh's living Ramayana heritage.
- Visitors of every faith are welcome; remove your shoes, dress modestly with shoulders and knees covered, and observe quietly during any ongoing worship.
Timings & Entry Fee
Verified: August 2026
Location & How to Reach
Address
Muni Ki Reti, Shivananda Nagar, near Ram Jhula, west bank of the Ganga, Rishikesh, Uttarakhand, 249192
How to Reach: Muni Ki Reti, on the west bank near Ram Jhula, about 4 km from Rishikesh Railway Station. From the station or Rishikesh bus stand, an auto-rickshaw to Ram Jhula costs roughly ₹80–150 (15–20 minutes); the temple is a short walk from the Muni Ki Reti end of the Ram Jhula footbridge. If arriving from the Swargashram side, cross Ram Jhula on foot. There is no metro or railway at the temple itself — auto-rickshaw, shared vikram, or walking are the practical options.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Shatrughna Mandir in Rishikesh known for?
It is a rare temple dedicated to Shatrughna, the youngest of Lord Rama's four brothers in the Ramayana. Temples focused principally on Shatrughna are extremely uncommon in India, which makes this small riverside shrine near Ram Jhula quietly special. It is also one of Rishikesh's oldest temples and, along with Bharat Mandir and the Lakshman temple, forms the town's Ramayana-brother devotional map.
Where exactly is Shatrughna Mandir located?
It sits at Muni Ki Reti (Shivananda Nagar), on the west bank of the Ganga, a short walk from the Ram Jhula footbridge, at postal code 249192. It is about 4 km from Rishikesh Railway Station and roughly 2 km from Ram Jhula's main crossing point.
Is there an entry fee for Shatrughna Mandir?
No, entry is free. Like most Hindu temples it is open to everyone regardless of faith, with no admission ticket. Any donation you leave in the temple box is entirely voluntary.
What are the temple timings?
It is generally open daily from around 6:00 AM to 8:00 PM, though aarti and closing times shift with the season. A modest evening Ganga aarti is sometimes held at the adjacent Shatrughan Ghat. As timings can vary, it is best to confirm locally on the day of your visit.
How do I reach Shatrughna Mandir from Rishikesh town?
Take an auto-rickshaw or shared vikram from Rishikesh Railway Station or the main bus stand toward Ram Jhula / Muni Ki Reti (about ₹80–150, 15–20 minutes), then walk a short distance to the temple. If you are on the Swargashram side, simply cross Ram Jhula on foot. There is no metro in Rishikesh — road transport and walking are the usual ways.
Where can I eat vegetarian food near Shatrughna Mandir?
Rishikesh is a strictly vegetarian and alcohol-free town, so every eatery near the temple is pure-vegetarian. Chotiwala across Ram Jhula in Swargashram is an iconic thali institution, Madras Cafe at Muni Ki Reti is a long-standing favourite for South Indian tiffin and thalis, and the Swargashram and ashram lanes have many simple satvik bhojanalayas, several serving no-onion-garlic meals. Hours can change, so it is worth checking locally.