Vashisht Cave

If there is heaven on earth, it is certainly Vasishta Guha. Guha means a cave and Vashishta Guha is situated at about 22 kms from Rishikesh on the bus route to Badrinath/Kedarnath. In the Himalayas, the names of many caves are linked with some renowned sages. Vashisht is one of the Saptarshis (7 sages) and one of the first creations of Lord Brahma (the creator). He was the chief priest (Kula Guru) of the line of kings tracing his roots to the family of Sun God (Surya Vansha), the most famous in that line being the Lord Rama – an incarnation of Lord Vishnu. Vashisht’s one hundred sons were killed by the black magic another sage Viswamitra.

When one enters the opening of the cave, one is engulfed by darkness, unable to see anything around. This sustains for about a minute during which one could feel the presence of some people inside who are meditating. This cave is about 20 ft long, 10 ft wide at the entrance but slowly tapering down and the height is about 7 ft. At the furthest end of the cave, there is a Shivling. Apparently, sages from the remote and higher reaches of the Himalayas come down to this cave for meditation.

Below this cave, the majestic Ganges flows, towards Rishikesh, giving a scenic appeal to the entire location. The cave is being looked after by Swami Chaitanyananda Ashram. This ashram was established by Swami Sri Purushottamananda Maharaj (guru of Swami Chaitanyananda). Purushottamananda was a disciple of Swami Brahmananda (disciple of Sri Ramakrishna Paramahansa). Many believe that this great cave has some divine presence as well. Vasishta Cave is a wonderful place for meditation and to find a few moments of solace.