Vashishtha Gufa Explained | A Hidden Meditation Cave Near Rishikesh

Vashishtha Gufa is one of the most peaceful and lesser-known places near Rishikesh. Located around 25 km from Rishikesh on the Badrinath Highway, this naturally formed cave lies along the banks of the Ganga and is often missed by people traveling to Devprayag or Chardham. According to legend, Rishi Vashishtha, one of the Saptarishis, son of Lord Brahma and guru of Lord Ram, meditated here. A tragic story speaks of Vashishtha losing his sons in a conflict with Rishi Vishwamitra. In grief, he attempted to give up his life in the Ganga, but the river refused to accept him. His wife Arundhati then convinced him to stay and meditate at this very place. The cave lies deep inside the mountain. As you descend nearly 200 steps, the light slowly disappears. Inside, your eyes take time to adjust before revealing an ancient Shivling. Only about 10-12 people can sit inside, and the silence is absolute - something we have never experienced elsewhere. Close by is Arundhati Gufa, an open cave near the riverbed. Between Vashishtha Gufa and Arundhati Gufa lies one of the scenic stretches of the Ganga near Rishikesh. These caves were rediscovered in 1928 by Swami Purushottamanand ji and are now maintained by a trust. This is not a place for sightseeing. This is a place for stillness. 📍 Vashishtha Gufa, Uttarakhand