Special Ganga Aarti at Sai Ghat Rishikesh, Laxman Jhula, Uttarakhand
A quiet riverside ghat near Laxman Jhula where three priests perform the evening Ganga Aarti, away from the big crowds of Rishikesh.
The Ganga Aarti at Sai Ghat Rishikesh takes place every evening around 5:30 PM. It is performed by three priests on the right bank of the Ganges, near Laxman Jhula in the Tapovan area. It is a calm, less crowded place to sit by the river.
| Sai Ghat Rishikesh at a glance | |
|---|---|
| Ghat name | Sri Sathya Sai Ghat (Sai Ghat) |
| Location | Right bank of the Ganges, near Laxman Jhula, Tapovan area, Tehri Garhwal side |
| Ganga Aarti time | Every evening, around 5:30 PM |
| Performed by | Three priests |
| Special pooja | Can be arranged on request by the aarti committee |
| Inaugurated | 9 to 11 September 2016 |
| Main sights | 18-feet Mother Ganga statue, Paduka Mandir, Sri Sathya Sai Temple, Vedic Learning Centre & Library |
| Crowd level | Calm and less crowded than the main ghats |
About Sai Ghat Rishikesh
Sai Ghat Rishikesh is one of the best places to attend Ganga Aarti if you want a peaceful and quiet spot along the river. It is less crowded, so you can spend real quality time sitting by the holy Ganges. The river here is clean, and the mountains rise all around you.
Sri Sathya Sai Ghat is not just another riverbank. It is a spiritual, clean and peaceful place near Laxman Jhula. Its sculptures tell the old story of Ganga coming down to Earth. The most special one is the 18-feet statue of Mother Ganga, shown with Lord Shiva and King Bhagirath, who sits in deep meditation.
Your Evening at Sai Ghat: Step by Step
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Arrive a little before 5:30 PM
Reach the ghat near Laxman Jhula early. This gives you time to find a calm place on the steps by the river.
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Walk through the sculptures
See the statues of Mother Ganga, Lord Shiva and King Bhagirath. Together they show the Puranic story of Ganga flowing down from the hair of Lord Shiva.
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Visit the Paduka Mandir
The small temple at the ghat holds the holy white marble Padukas (footprints) of Sri Sathya Sai Baba.
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Sit for the Ganga Aarti
Around 5:30 PM, three priests begin the aarti. You hear flowing water and sacred mantras, with no loud crowd around you.
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Ask for a special pooja (optional)
The aarti committee can arrange a special pooja for visitors on request. This makes your visit more personal.
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Stop at the Vedic Learning Centre & Library
After the aarti, you can step inside to see books and ancient texts. It is open to everyone, free of cost.
Good to know: Aarti timing can shift a little with the season, so it is a good idea to confirm it locally on the day you visit.
Why Choose Sai Ghat for Ganga Aarti
Calm and intimate
Unlike the busy ghats of Rishikesh, Sai Ghat gives a quiet and close experience of the aarti.
Clean and modern
The ghat is made to be modern, clean and hygienic for devotees who come to take a holy dip.
Special pooja on request
Visitors can ask the aarti committee for a personal pooja ceremony.
Art and learning
Sculptures, a temple and a free library make it more than a place for aarti alone.
History of Sri Sathya Sai Ghat
Rishikesh, in Uttarakhand, now has a special riverfront named after Sri Sathya Sai Baba. The holy land of Deva Bhoomi celebrated the opening of the ghat with a 3-day spiritual event from 9 to 11 September 2016, with Vedic chants, homams and bhajans from Prasanthi Mandir.
| Date | What happened |
|---|---|
| 9 to 11 September 2016 | Three-day inauguration with Vedic chants, homams and bhajans |
| 10 September 2016 | Devotional concert by “Bhajan Samrat” Sri Anoop Jalota and the Prashanti Bhajan troupe |
| 11 September 2016 | Inauguration of the Sri Sathya Sai Vedic Learning Centre & Library |
Paduka Mandir and Sri Sathya Sai Temple
The Padukas are made of pure white marble and placed in the small Paduka Mandir at the ghat. They were brought from Prasanthi Nilayam, where they had been blessed by 40 years of continuous prayers in the prayer hall.
The ghat also has the beautiful Sri Sathya Sai Temple, a clean and hygienic place for devotees who come to take a holy dip in the Ganges.
Sri Sathya Sai Vedic Learning Centre & Library
The Vedic Learning Centre & Library is spread over 2,500 sq. ft. It is open to residents, students and tourists, and everything here is free of cost. You will find many books and reference material in different fields, along with ancient Vedic knowledge and the teachings of Sri Sathya Sai Baba.
Sri Sathya Sai School and Sai Organisation
Near the ghat is the Sri Sathya Sai School, one of the best-known schools in the area. Its big, grand building looks like a castle.
The Sri Sathya Sai Organisation in Uttarakhand is known for its service. During the 2013 Kedarnath floods, they were among the first to help and the last to leave.
About Rishikesh
Rishikesh is a city in northern India, close to the Himalayas. It is called the “Yoga Capital of the World”. Many people come here to learn yoga in the ashrams. It is also a holy place where sages and saints came in ancient times to meditate and find deeper knowledge.
Frequently Asked Questions
What time is the Ganga Aarti at Sai Ghat Rishikesh?
The Ganga Aarti at Sai Ghat takes place every evening around 5:30 PM. Timing can change slightly with the season, so please confirm locally.
Where is Sai Ghat in Rishikesh?
Sai Ghat is on the right bank of the Ganges, near Laxman Jhula in the Tapovan area of Rishikesh, on the Tehri Garhwal side.
Who performs the aarti at Sai Ghat?
The aarti is performed by three priests.
Is Sai Ghat crowded?
No. Sai Ghat is much calmer and less crowded than the main ghats of Rishikesh, so it is a good choice if you want a quiet aarti.
Can I request a special pooja at Sai Ghat?
Yes. The aarti committee arranges special poojas for visitors on request.
Is the Vedic Learning Centre & Library free to enter?
Yes. It is open to students, locals and tourists, and everything there is free of cost.
When was Sri Sathya Sai Ghat inaugurated?
It was inaugurated with a 3-day event from 9 to 11 September 2016.
Conclusion
Sai Ghat Rishikesh is a peaceful and spiritually rich spot along the Ganges, and a calm alternative to the city’s busier ghats. The sculptures of Ganga’s story, the sacred Paduka Mandir and the free Vedic Learning Centre & Library bring devotion, culture and knowledge together in one place.
The daily Ganga Aarti at around 5:30 PM, performed by priests near Laxman Jhula, is a deeply calm experience. If you want quiet reflection by the river, Sai Ghat is a hidden gem worth visiting.
Stay Near Laxman Jhula and Tapovan
Planning your Rishikesh trip? Stay at Om Homestay in Upper Tapovan and enjoy the evening aarti, the river and the mountains.