Rishikesh is famous for its spiritual customs, the Ganga River and the landmarks that link the communities on either side of the river; among its most well-known buildings are the Lakshman Jhula and the Ram Jhula. Stories about these bridges combine religious beliefs with bridge engineering and also show how Rishikesh has become an important pilgrimage site.
The two bridges may appear similar when viewed from a distance, but they have different histories: Lakshman Jhula is connected with a traditional tale from the Ramayana, whereas Ram Jhula was constructed many years later as an additional crossing. Since we know their origins, it becomes clear why these landmarks are so significant in Rishikesh’s cultural identity.
The bridges are part of a wider spiritual landscape shaped by pilgrimage, ashrams and religious traditions. You can learn more about Rishikesh’s spiritual traditions and its reputation as the Why Rishikeh is known as Yoga Capital of the World in our related guide.
Lakshman Jhula is a suspension bridge in Rishikesh, and it is believed that Lakshmana, the younger brother of Lord Rama, crossed the Ganga on a rope made of jute.
The present-day bridge was constructed in the twentieth century, and Ram Jhula, which is a different suspension bridge, was finished in 1986 and subsequently became an important link between the ashrams and the communities situated on the riverbanks.
The two landmarks show different aspects of Rishikesh’s heritage; one has a close connection with the religious tradition, and at the same time both of them illustrate the town’s evolving transport requirements and spiritual geography.
The modern history of the Lakshman Jhula involves earlier customs for crossing the river, the building of a suspension bridge and finally its closure due to safety issues. According to Uttarakhand Tourism, the steel bridge was constructed in 1939. Although the traditional tale about Lakshmana is older in religious memory, it must not be confused with the established timeline of the steel structure.
| Period or year | What is known |
| Traditional account | Local religious tradition associates Lakshman Jhula with Lakshmana crossing the Ganga using a jute rope. |
| Before the modern bridge | Accounts describe an earlier rope crossing at or near the site. Details of the earliest structures should be treated cautiously where historical records differ. |
| 1939 | Uttarakhand Tourism records the construction of the modern 137-metre suspension bridge. |
| July 2019 | The historic bridge was closed to public crossing following safety concerns. |
| Subsequent years | Discussions and work on a replacement crossing led to the development of Bajrang Setu beside the historic bridge. |
| 2026 | Visitors need to distinguish the closed historic bridge from the newer crossing and verify current access arrangements before travelling. |
Several travel websites provide different dates for the first rope bridge, an earlier replacement bridge and the present-day steel bridge. The dates they give might be referring to different phases in the history of the crossing rather than relating to the same bridge.
To give a clear account, this article takes 1939 as the construction year of the modern bridge since that is the date given by Uttarakhand Tourism; earlier dates should only be included in cases where the source clearly specifies which structure or event it is referring to.
The bridge is connected with a religious tradition that tells of Lakshmana’s crossing of the Ganga River, a narrative which is the reason for its name and has increased its significance for pilgrims and tourists. In order to get a proper understanding of its history, it is helpful to distinguish between the traditional story of the crossing and the actual construction of the present suspension bridge.
In the local religious tradition, it is said that Lakshmana crossed the Ganga at this place by means of a jute rope; this story is connected with the Ramayana, the ancient Indian epic which relates the tale of Lord Rama, his wife Sita and his brother Lakshmana.
The usual explanation is for the name Lakshman Jhula; in Hindi, the word jhula usually means a swing, and the name suggests the swinging motion of a bridge spanning the river. This legend is still a significant element of the region’s spiritual identity.
It is necessary to realise that this relates to a religious tradition, not a historically verified account of the construction of the modern bridge; the bridge’s importance arises from the faith, the stories and the cultural memory connected with the area.
A suspension bridge known as the modern Lakshman Jhula was built in the 1900s; according to the Uttarakhand Tourism records, the year of its construction was 1939, and the bridge is described as being about 137 metres long.
Historical reports also mention an earlier bridge at that location and state that the crossing had practical purposes for the communities situated on either side of the Ganga.
The difference is important in that the legend accounts for the bridge’s traditional importance, whereas the modern bridge is part of a more recent phase in the development of infrastructure.
As time went on, Lakshman Jhula appeared as a well-known feature in photographs, travel writings and the various descriptions of Rishikesh; because of its connection with the Ramayana, it came to be more than just a crossing place and turned into a symbol of the link between the religious tradition and the town’s physical landscape.
Lakshman Jhula gained importance since it involved not only a practical means of crossing the river but also had a strong religious connection; it linked places on either side of the Ganga and thus enabled pilgrims, residents and visitors to move about the area. The elevated steel design also became a noticeable feature of Rishikesh’s scenery, associating the geography of the river with the spiritual customs of the region.
Before the modern system of roads and transport networks as they exist today had been developed, it was a major difficulty to cross a river. A suspension bridge made it much more convenient for locals and for people going to the nearby religious sites to get from one bank to the other.
Lakshman Jhula had this practical function at the same time as becoming a notable feature in its own right and, as a result, shops, temples, guesthouses and other facilities for visitors gradually appeared in the area around it. The bridge influenced the way people experienced this section of Rishikesh.
To many people, the Lakshman Jhula stands as a symbol of the union between mythology, pilgrimage and everyday life; the bridge’s name refers to the Ramayana tradition, and its location associates it with the Ganga and the religious communities situated along the river.
The bridge has likewise been featured in travel photography and in popular media, so that people who have never gone to Rishikesh are made familiar with it; consequently, its identity goes beyond that of an engineering achievement and is instead part of the way the town is remembered and represented.
Ram Jhula is also a famous suspension bridge spanning the Ganga in Rishikesh; unlike Lakshman Jhula, which is associated with the tale of Lakshmana, Ram Jhula is named in honour of Lord Rama. The present-day bridge was finished in 1986 and thus became an important connection between the ashrams, religious sites and residential areas situated on either side of the river.
The Incredible India website states that Ram Jhula was constructed in 1986; its construction took place many years after that of the modern Lakshman Jhula and thus provided another major crossing in the Rishikesh area.
It is a steel suspension bridge crossing the Ganga and is connected with the range of ashrams and spiritual organisations situated around Swarg Ashram and the Sivananda Ashram area. Because of its position, it was useful not only to pilgrims but also to the residents and to people travelling between the various religious centres.
The history of Ram Jhula shows how the infrastructure of Rishikesh has developed in conjunction with its long-standing function as a pilgrimage site. When the town expanded, reliable links across the river became more important for both ordinary travel and for visits relating to religion.
The name of Ram Jhula is derived from Lord Rama, who is the main character in the Ramayana; this shows the significant impact of Hindu religious traditions on the identities of places all over Rishikesh.
The name of the bridge also matches the area’s connection with Lakshmana; the combined reference to Lakshman Jhula and Ram Jhula calls up well-known figures from the same epic tradition, even though the modern bridges were constructed in different periods and each has its own recorded history.
One of the reasons why the bridges are usually mentioned together when people are investigating Rishikesh’s religious and cultural heritage is the connection between names, stories, and geography.
Lakshman Jhula and Ram Jhula are two distinct suspension bridges, each having a different history of construction and situated at different places along the Ganga; Lakshman Jhula is traditionally linked with Lakshmana’s crossing, whereas Ram Jhula was finished in 1986 and links up the major riverside areas and ashrams. Although both have become well-known landmarks, their present access conditions should still be checked individually.
| Feature | Lakshman Jhula | Ram Jhula |
| Name association | Lakshmana, Lord Rama’s brother | Lord Rama |
| Traditional significance | Legend of Lakshmana crossing the Ganga | Connection with the Ramayana tradition |
| Modern construction history | Modern bridge recorded as built in 1939 by Uttarakhand Tourism | Modern bridge completed in 1986 |
| Structure | Steel suspension bridge | Steel suspension bridge |
| Historical role | Connected communities and religious places across the river | Provided another important connection between riverside communities and ashrams |
| Cultural importance | A major symbol of Rishikesh’s religious and visual identity | A landmark linked with Rishikesh’s spiritual institutions |
| Current access | Check local official notices before visiting | Check local official notices before visiting |
The bridges are occasionally mistaken for one another since they have a similar design and are rooted in the same religious context; they can be told apart by their different names, dates of construction and positions. Nevertheless, both of them are included in the broader account of how Rishikesh has developed around the Ganga.
The Lakshman Jhula and Ram Jhula are significant in more than just the sense that they are means of transport. They are named after characters in the Ramayana, and their location places them in the wider context of Rishikesh as a destination of temples, ashrams and pilgrimage routes. For the visitor, they are a way of understanding the way the religious story, the local identity, and the modern infrastructure all co-exist in a living spiritual place.
The Ramayana has had a profound influence on place names, religious practice and cultural traditions throughout India. In Rishikesh, you can see that influence in the names Lakshman Jhula and Ram Jhula.
The Lakshman Jhula story is, of course, the most significant one, as it’s the crossing associated with Lakshmana.
The name Ram Jhula is obviously a reference to Lord Rama, and so there’s a very natural cultural link between the two.
It’s often useful when writing about these traditions to present them as beliefs and stories which are very much part of the devotee experience rather than as a series of discrete historical facts.
That allows you to acknowledge the religious importance of the sites without necessarily having to establish every single element as a historical fact in itself.
The banks of the Ganga in Rishikesh are full of ashrams, temples and places of spiritual study. The bridges have obviously played a role in connecting these various institutions with the surrounding communities.
Ram Jhula is very much linked with the riverside ashram area (the Sivananda Ashram and Swarg Ashram areas in particular). Lakshman Jhula is similarly associated with the temples, the local bazaars and the religious activity in the vicinity.
The bridges therefore go some way towards telling the wider story of Rishikesh as a spiritual place. Its spiritual identity has not been forged solely through the individual institutions but through the routes and crossings that connected them.
The story of these bridges is also the story of the growth of Rishikesh itself. It started as a region defined by pilgrimage, river crossings and the various spiritual communities. It has since grown into a destination visited by people from all over India and indeed from all over the world. The infrastructure has enabled people to move around the area, and the bridges have become an integral part of the town’s identity.
The Lakshman Jhula story is of a rope bridge; the modern bridge is a product of 20th-century engineering, and Ram Jhula’s later construction is a case in point of the continued requirement for a bridge across the Ganga.
These are two very different kinds of history. One is the history that is preserved in the religious tradition; the other is the history that can be gleaned from the construction records and the public accounts of infrastructure. They both provide a picture of how the old and the new can co-exist in the same place.
A landmark’s significance isn’t just down to whether or not people can still use the original structure.
A historic bridge can be of immense cultural value even if safety issues, repair works, or replacement projects have altered the way it’s accessed.
Lakshman Jhula’s continued relevance is a perfect example of this. It’s still very much part of Rishikesh’s story even as the town changes and evolves to meet the demands of the modern visitor.
For that reason, the history of the bridges should be seen as an ongoing story rather than a closed chapter.
People wanting to see Lakshman Jhula and Ram Jhula need to be clear as to the difference between being able to visit the sites and being allowed to actually cross the bridges. Access is subject to change due to structural inspections, repair work, weather and crowd control. It’s always wise to check the current notices from the local authorities prior to your visit and to follow on-site instructions rather than just go by the old travel articles.
The historic Lakshman Jhula was closed to the public in 2019 on safety grounds. Bajrang Setu has since been constructed in its vicinity. Ram Jhula has also had its access restricted and has undergone various repairs in the recent past.
These are time-sensitive details. You cannot just assume that either bridge is open to all pedestrians or all vehicles simply because a website, a photograph or an old travel guide says it is.
Before setting out:
The areas around the bridges are part of a living religious and community environment rather than just a background for sightseeing. You can help preserve that atmosphere by being respectful of the temples, ashrams and ghats.
Keep these simple points in mind:
Thoughtful behaviour makes visits more considerate for residents, pilgrims and other travellers.
Lakshman Jhula and Ram Jhula are still important for the same reasons as before. They are embodiments of so many aspects of Rishikesh at once (the religious tradition, the river geography, the engineering history and the community life). They are a key part of the story of Rishikesh, and they are central to the way the town is understood.
Even as the access arrangements change, the significance of these bridges in the town’s identity remains.
The bridges also illustrate why local history is best understood through multiple lenses. The religious traditions provide the explanation for the names of the bridges; the construction records tell you when the modern bridges were actually built; and the ashrams and the surrounding neighbourhoods demonstrate how the bridges became an integral part of everyday life.
For anyone coming to Rishikesh, these are useful reference points in terms of understanding the relationship between the town’s spiritual character and its evolution over time.
Lakshman Jhula and Ram Jhula are two of the better-known suspension bridges in Rishikesh (Uttarakhand). The Lakshman Jhula is the more modern of the two, having been constructed in 1939; Ram Jhula was completed in 1986. Both bridges are named in accordance with the Ramayana and are located in key riverside areas, on the pilgrimage routes and adjacent to various spiritual institutions.
| Feature | Lakshman Jhula | Ram Jhula |
| Location | Near Tapovan and the Jonk area, across the Ganga | Between the Sivananda Ashram area and Swarg Ashram |
| Name association | Lakshmana, younger brother of Lord Rama | Lord Rama |
| Modern construction date | 1939, according to Uttarakhand Tourism | 1986 |
| Approximate length | 137 metres, according to Uttarakhand Tourism | Reported at approximately 450 feet in tourism sources |
| Structure | Steel suspension bridge | Steel suspension bridge |
| Cultural association | Traditional story of Lakshmana crossing the Ganga | Religious heritage and riverside ashrams |
| Access considerations | Historic bridge closed to public crossing | Closed for repair work as of October 2026; check current notices |
| Nearby replacement or alternative crossings | Bajrang Setu is located nearby; confirm its current access arrangements | Janki Setu may be an alternative depending on the destination and current restrictions |
The construction dates refer to the modern bridges, not to the age of the religious traditions associated with them.
Lakshman Jhula and Ram Jhula cross the Ganga at different points in the Rishikesh area. Lakshman Jhula is further upstream near Tapovan and Jonk, whereas Ram Jhula is further downstream near the Sivananda Ashram and Swarg Ashram areas. Their positions account for their association with the localities, the pilgrimage routes and the riverside religious institutions.
Lakshman Jhula is in the northern part of Rishikesh, adjacent to Tapovan on one side and the Jonk area on the other. The area is dotted with temples, small markets, riverside establishments and various places of pilgrimage.
The bridge has for years been a kind of landmark for people visiting this part of Rishikesh. It’s not to be assumed that it’s actually a crossing you can use just because it’s in the photographs and the various travel guides.
Ram Jhula is further down the river and links the areas around Sivananda Ashram and Swarg Ashram. The locality is well known for its ashrams, temples, the opportunity to do religious study and access to the Ganga riverside ghats.
The bridge is a key landmark in the spiritual geography of Rishikesh. Its closure for the time being does impact the way people get across from one bank to the other, so it’s important to check the current route before you go.
The two bridges are not simply alternative points on a map. They connect different areas, and the most sensible route will depend on where you’re going. It’s quite useful to know which side of the Ganga has a temple, an ashram or a meeting point, as this can avoid you taking a completely unnecessary detour. This is particularly relevant when bridge repair work is going on, and normal pedestrian movement is affected.
The modern Lakshman Jhula is a suspension bridge across the Ganga, providing a crossing between the communities on either bank. As per Uttarakhand Tourism, it is about 137m long and 21m above the river. It is a steel structure which has, in effect, replaced the idea of a rope bridge with a much more robust structure which is capable of being used on a day-to-day basis.
A suspension bridge carries the deck via cables which are supported by towers and anchored at either end. That’s the basic principle which allows the bridge to span the river without having a row of supports all the way across.
At Lakshman Jhula, the suspended deck and the steelwork gave it a very distinct profile above the Ganga, and it became a significant landmark in Rishikesh as well as a practical crossing between the two banks.
The design of the bridge also accounts for why it shouldn’t be judged on appearance alone. Cable condition, connections, foundations, deck elements and all the other structural components are all relevant to safety. A visitor’s visual inspection is not going to tell you whether a bridge is safe to cross.
The local legend is that Lakshmana crossed the river on a jute rope. That’s the legend that gives rise to the name. The bridge is, of course, a modern structure.
It’s more accurate to say that the rope crossing is part of the area’s traditional story than that the current steel bridge dates from the Ramayana period. The steel bridge is of course a 20th-century structure.
The historic Lakshman Jhula was closed to public crossing in 2019 after safety concerns. A bridge’s closure does not erase its cultural importance, but it changes how people can safely experience the location.
Visitors can still learn about its history and see the surrounding landscape from permitted public areas. They must not enter a closed structure, cross barriers or assume that an old photograph represents current access conditions.
The three structures have to be dealt with separately when checking current access in Rishikesh. Lakshman Jhula is still closed to the public. Ram Jhula was closed for repairs in July 2026, and Bajrang Setu is the more recent bridge adjacent to Lakshman Jhula. Access arrangements (particularly on the newer bridge) should be checked via the latest official notices before travel.
The original Lakshman Jhula is a heritage structure, but it by no means should be taken for granted as being open to the public. It was shut in 2019 due to safety issues.
Visitors are to view it only from the public areas permitted and are to follow the signage and instructions of the local authorities. If the route involves crossing the Ganga, then it is important to check which of the alternative crossings is in operation at that time rather than just assume it is the old bridge.
Ram Jhula was closed to the public in July 2026 for maintenance, renovation and structural work. At the time, it was reported that the bridge would reopen in the December 2026 timeframe (subject to project schedule).
As the bridge is closed for repair work, visitors are not to cross it without an official reopening. Check local notices before departure if you’re going to Swarg Ashram, Sivananda Ashram or any of the riverside areas.
Bajrang Setu was built alongside the historic Lakshman Jhula as a replacement crossing. Reports on its opening and access have been somewhat conflicting with regard to various sections. For that reason, it is worth checking whether it is actually open and which sections are accessible before including it in your itinerary.
Don’t assume that every feature shown in the promotional photos (including the glass floor sections) is in fact available to visitors when they go.
Before leaving for the bridge area:
This is especially important for families, older travellers and anyone with mobility requirements.
You can still go and look around the areas adjacent to the Lakshman Jhula and Ram Jhula, find out about the history of the area and visit the local places of worship (subject to local access rules). Sightseeing in the bridge area is of course very different from actually crossing the bridges. Be sure to check current restrictions, plan alternative routes and allow plenty of time for walking across the two banks of the Ganga.
If you plan to explore several parts of the town, our guide to planning a trip to Rishikesh can help you organise sightseeing and travel logistics around your itinerary.
The wider Lakshman Jhula area is renowned for its riverside views, the temples, the local shops and its links with the spiritual life of Rishikesh. You can walk the permitted streets and look out from the public viewpoints to get a feel for the landscape in which the bridge became so famous.
As the historic bridge is closed, don’t plan any itinerary that relies on walking across it. Check local access options around the alternative structure nearby.
The Ram Jhula area is all about riverside ashrams, religious places and ghats. Depending on the access arrangements, visitors may be able to walk around the permitted streets and adjacent public areas without having to cross the closed bridge.
If you’re planning to go to Parmarth Niketan or Swarg Ashram, check the route before you go. A bridge can close, and that can affect the most direct route even if the ashram itself is still accessible.
Morning is good for a quieter stroll, and late afternoon is ideal for the softer light when you want to look at the river and the hills around it. There will be larger numbers on the day of religious events and holidays, so allow plenty of time and follow local advice.
Conditions will vary by season. In heavy rain or during the monsoon, the river levels, the walking conditions and the local restrictions can all change. Always check the forecast and any official advice before going.
A walk around the Lakshman Jhula and Ram Jhula (both of which are closed to the public) can actually be a good way of getting a feel for the riverfront, the religious traditions and the historic character of the Rishikesh neighbourhoods. The key is to pick the streets and viewpoints that are permitted, learn about the ashrams and temples in the vicinity, and if your route requires you to cross from one side of the river to the other, make sure you’ve checked that it is possible.
Rather than promising a fixed route that may be disrupted by closures, plan your walk in sections:
This flexible approach is more reliable than following a walking itinerary written before the current closures.
A heritage walk is more meaningful when visitors look beyond the bridge itself. Pay attention to how religious institutions, shops, public paths and riverfront spaces relate to one another.
Consider these questions as you explore:
These observations help connect the bridges’ history with the living city around them.
The most frequent confusion regarding both the Lakshman Jhula and the Ram Jhula is to do with their names, their dates of construction and their current state of access. The tale of Lakshmana crossing the Ganga is of course a religious myth. The modern bridges have proper records of when they were built. People need to be aware of the difference between the old Lakshman Jhula and Bajrang Setu and should not assume that either of the old bridges is currently open.
What the evidence says: The bridge’s name is connected with a traditional account of Lakshmana crossing the Ganga. However, Uttarakhand Tourism records the modern suspension bridge as having been built in 1939. The legend and the modern structure belong to different kinds of historical evidence.
What the evidence says: They are two separate bridges at different locations along the Ganga. Lakshman Jhula’s modern structure dates to 1939, while Ram Jhula was completed in 1986. Their similar designs and religious associations are understandable reasons for confusion, but their histories are distinct.
What the evidence says: Photographs can remain online long after access arrangements change. The historic Lakshman Jhula was closed to public crossing in 2019. Always rely on current official notices rather than old images or travel itineraries.
What the evidence says: Bajrang Setu is the newer bridge developed beside the historic Lakshman Jhula. They are separate structures. Confirm which one a source or travel guide is describing before relying on information about access, design or facilities.
What the evidence says: Ram Jhula was closed for repair work in July 2026. Alternative routes may be necessary until authorities announce reopening. Check current conditions and choose an available crossing appropriate to your destination.
When you’re looking at accommodation for a Rishikesh trip, you need to think about where you’re going, what the current crossings are and how much walking/road travel your itinerary will require. The accommodation closest to the town isn’t necessarily the most convenient if bridge access is in any way restricted. You need to check the routes, the transport options and the facilities available before you book, particularly if you’re planning to go into the ashram areas on either side of the bridge.
If you’re primarily interested in the Lakshman Jhula area, then go for accommodation that has access to the area’s permitted streets, the viewpoints and the nearby attractions. If you’re going to be spending a lot of time around the Swarg Ashram and the Ram Jhula side, then you’ll want to check the route from your accommodation before finalising your plans.
Before choosing a place to stay, check:
These checks are more useful than choosing accommodation based only on a broad location label.
Travellers looking at a stay in the wider Rishikesh area can look at Shri Vrindavan Resort, a luxury resort in Rishikesh, as an option once they’ve worked out which of the locations and activities they’re after. It’s in Gattu Ghat, Mohan Chatti. People should check the road journey and time to the bridge areas for themselves,s as it’s by no means within walking distance.
The story of Lakshman Jhula and Ram Jhula is one of faith, history and evolving infrastructure. Lakshman Jhula is of course part of the traditional narrative of Lakshmana crossing the Ganga. The modern bridge (Lakshman Jhula) is of course from the 20th century. Ram Jhula, completed in 1986, is the more recent bridge that linked the riverside communities to the various religious institutions.
Together, the two sites go some way to explaining the link between Rishikesh’s religious traditions and its physical landscape. By understanding their separate histories, you can appreciate them as much more than just bridges, as integral parts of the town’s cultural fabric.
Lakshman Jhula is part of the religious tradition that Lakshmana crossed the Ganga here on a jute rope. The present-day suspension bridge was constructed in the 20th century (Uttarakhand Tourism lists the year as 1939). It became a major crossing and a well-known feature in Rishikesh.
Lakshman Jhula is of course famous for its Ramayana associations, its suspension bridge form and its place in the cultural fabric of Rishikesh. It’s a landmark that, in a sense, links the religious narrative with the history of river crossings in the area. The historical significance is there, though the original bridge was closed to the public for crossings on safety grounds.
Ram Jhula was completed in 1986 (Incredible India). It’s a suspension bridge across the Ganga and is in the vicinity of some important riverside ashrams and spiritual institutions. It’s another bridge that has helped to link the two communities on either side of the river as Rishikesh has grown and the need for such crossings has continued.
Lakshman Jhula is traditionally linked with Lakshmana, and the present-day bridge was constructed earlier. Ram Jhula is named after Lord Rama, and the present-day structure was completed in 1986. They are both suspension bridges over the Ganga but are in different locations and have different histories of construction and local associations.
The bridge is named after a local religious tradition that Lakshmana crossed the Ganga on a jute rope. That’s the tradition most people associate with it (the Ramayana tradition), and it must not be confused with any historical evidence that the bridge existed in the Ramayana period. The bridge in question is a modern structure.
Access can change due to structural safety issues, maintenance and official restrictions. The original Lakshman Jhula was closed to the public in 201,9 and Ram Jhula has also had its access restricted and undergone repair work at various times. Always check current local authority notices prior to visiting and don’t enter any closed or restricted areas.
The bridges are significant in that they combine religious connotations, engineering history and the practical link they provide between the communities on the Ganga. The names of the bridges are all derived from the Ramayana,na and their positions link them to ashrams and places of pilgrimage. They are in no way obscure or unrecognisable as symbols of the town’s religious and spiritual character.