Vashisth Guha or Gufa (Cave) is an ancient cave where great Sage Vashistha meditated. As per Hindu Mythology, Sage Vashistha was a manas putra (born of will power) of Lord Brahma, and one of the seven great sages (Saptarishis). This cave is located at 25 KMs far from Rishikesh, Uttarakhand (India) at Badrinath Road. Vashisth Cave is popular among visitors come for deep meditation in Rishikesh. This cave has a Shivalinga inside it, and just nearby there is a cave named Arundhati Gufa, where Vashistha’s wife did meditation and tapas for purification. Vashisth Cave has been maintained by Shri Ramakrishna Ashram Saint, Swami Purushottamanand Ji Maharaj.
History:
According to history, after the death of all of 100 children of Sage Vashistha, he decided to suicide in River Ganga, but Goddess Ganga refused his suicide. Then Sage Vashistha’s wife decided to stay at the same location due to pleasant environment. Sage Vashistha meditated here for long time in a cave.
This is said that also Jesus Christ had visited this place, and did Spiritual Yoga practices.
With the passing time a small ashram was developed near the cave. In 1930, Swami Purushottamananda decided to maintain this ashram and cave, which is still managed by Swami Purushottamanand Society.
How to reach this sacred cave:
Vashisth Cave is located at 25 kms from Rishikesh on Badrinath Road. You can reach at this cave by your own Car or by hiring taxi or by bus from Rishikesh bus stand. Nearest Railway station is Rishikesh Railway Station, and nearest Airport Jolly Grant Airport, Dehradun (39 kms).
