Virbhadra Mahadev Temple
Rishikesh, Uttarakhand · temple
- Days OpenOpen daily
- Entry FeeFree Entry
Virbhadra Mahadev Temple is one of Rishikesh's oldest and most quietly revered Shiva shrines, dedicated to Virabhadra — the fierce, blazing aspect of Lord Shiva. In Puranic tradition Virabhadra was created from a lock of Shiva's matted hair, flung to the ground in grief and fury after Sati immolated herself at her father Daksha's sacrifice, from which Shiva and Sati had been pointedly excluded. It is this powerful form that gives both the temple and its surrounding township their name: the entire suburb of Virbhadra, on the right bank of the Ganga a short way downstream of central Rishikesh, takes its identity from the shrine. Local tradition holds the temple to be roughly 1,300 years old, with some accounts tracing its sanctity back to the early centuries of the first millennium CE, which would place it among the most venerable religious sites in the Rishikesh area.
Where to Eat Nearby
- ✦Local pure-veg dhabas in Virbhadra and IDPL market — the whole town is vegetarian and alcohol-free by law; expect simple satvik thalis, chole-bhature, kachori-sabzi and chai. Confirm freshness locally.
- ✦Chotiwala (Swarg Ashram, near Ram Jhula) — Rishikesh's landmark pure-vegetarian thali house, about 7–9 km toward the town centre; dependable if you continue to the ghats.
- ✦Madras Cafe (near Ram Jhula) — long-running pure-vegetarian spot for South Indian and North Indian fare, a short drive into central Rishikesh.
- ✦Riverside pure-veg cafes near Lakshman Jhula — vegetarian thalis and filter coffee (ask for eggless bakes) if you pair the temple with a town visit. Hours vary seasonally.
About
Virbhadra Mahadev Temple is one of Rishikesh's oldest and most quietly revered Shiva shrines, dedicated to Virabhadra — the fierce, blazing aspect of Lord Shiva.
- In Puranic tradition Virabhadra was created from a lock of Shiva's matted hair, flung to the ground in grief and fury after Sati immolated herself at her father Daksha's sacrifice, from which Shiva and Sati had been pointedly excluded.
- It is this powerful form that gives both the temple and its surrounding township their name: the entire suburb of Virbhadra, on the right bank of the Ganga a short way downstream of central Rishikesh, takes its identity from the shrine.
- Local tradition holds the temple to be roughly 1,300 years old, with some accounts tracing its sanctity back to the early centuries of the first millennium CE, which would place it among the most venerable religious sites in the Rishikesh area.
- The temple is popularly counted as one of the three sidh-peeths (seats of spiritual accomplishment) of the Rishikesh region, mentioned alongside the Someshwar and Chandreshwar shrines.
- The sanctum enshrines a Shivalinga worshipped through the year with water, milk, bilva (bel) leaves, flowers and sandal paste, and the atmosphere thickens with bells, conch and incense at the morning and evening aarti.
- The temple comes fully alive on Maha Shivratri, when devotees keep night-long vigils and jagrans, and through the holy month of Sawan (Shravan, July–August), when Kanwar pilgrims carrying Ganga water pass through the Rishikesh region in their thousands.
- Being a working neighbourhood temple rather than a monument, it remains unhurried and local in feel for most of the year — a contrast to the busier riverside temples near Ram Jhula and Triveni Ghat.
- Rishikesh is a holy city that is vegetarian and alcohol-free by law, so every eatery around the temple is pure-vegetarian by default; you will find simple satvik thalis, chole-bhature, kachori-sabzi and chai at modest local dhabas in the Virbhadra and IDPL market lanes.
- Visitors of every background are welcome: remove footwear before the sanctum, dress modestly with shoulders and knees covered, keep phones silent during aarti, and ask before photographing inside.
- Combined with a walk to the nearby Ganga barrage and a visit to central Rishikesh's ghats, the temple makes a peaceful, authentic addition to any Rishikesh itinerary — a reminder that beneath the yoga capital's modern fame lies a deep and continuous Shaiva devotional life.
Timings & Entry Fee
Verified: August 2026
Location & How to Reach
Address
Aam Bagh, near IDPL Colony, Virbhadra, Rishikesh, Rishikesh, Uttarakhand, 249202
How to Reach: In the Virbhadra locality on the right bank of the Ganga, about 6–8 km south of central Rishikesh (Triveni Ghat / Ram Jhula) and close to AIIMS Rishikesh. From Rishikesh town, an auto-rickshaw or shared Vikram tempo costs roughly ₹50–150 (15–25 minutes); from Rishikesh (Yog Nagari) railway station it is about 5–6 km. Taxis and app-cabs are readily available. There is no metro in Rishikesh.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the timings of Virbhadra Mahadev Temple in Rishikesh?
The temple is generally open from roughly 6:00 AM to 8:00 PM daily, with morning and evening aarti. Timings extend well into the night on Maha Shivratri and during the month of Sawan (Shravan). As exact hours can shift seasonally, it is best to confirm locally before a late visit.
Is there an entry fee for Virbhadra Mahadev Temple?
No, entry is free. Like other active neighbourhood temples in Rishikesh, it is open to everyone regardless of faith, with no admission ticket. Devotees may make voluntary offerings, but none is required.
Why is it called Virbhadra Temple and who is worshipped there?
The temple is dedicated to Virabhadra, the fierce aspect of Lord Shiva said to have sprung from a lock of Shiva's hair after Sati's self-immolation at Daksha's sacrifice. The presiding deity is worshipped as a Shivalinga. The entire Virbhadra suburb of Rishikesh takes its name from this ancient shrine.
How old is the Virbhadra Mahadev Temple and why is it significant?
Local tradition holds the temple to be about 1,300 years old, with some accounts tracing its sanctity to the early first millennium CE, making it one of the oldest shrines in the Rishikesh area. It is popularly counted as one of the region's three sidh-peeths, alongside the Someshwar and Chandreshwar temples, and draws large crowds for night-long jagrans at Maha Shivratri.
How do I reach Virbhadra Mahadev Temple from central Rishikesh?
The temple is in the Virbhadra locality on the right bank of the Ganga, about 6–8 km south of central Rishikesh and near AIIMS Rishikesh. An auto-rickshaw or shared Vikram tempo costs roughly ₹50–150 and takes 15–25 minutes; taxis and app-cabs are also available. There is no metro in Rishikesh.
Where can I eat vegetarian food near the temple?
Rishikesh is a vegetarian and alcohol-free town by law, so every eatery is pure-vegetarian. Around the temple you will find simple satvik dhabas in the Virbhadra and IDPL market serving thalis, chole-bhature and chai. If you continue to the town centre, Chotiwala near Ram Jhula and Madras Cafe are dependable pure-veg institutions.