Not Bajrang Setu! Priests, locals oppose renaming of Rishikesh’s Laxman Jhula, demand to keep old identity
Pilgrim priests and locals in Rishikesh have opposed the government's decision to name the new bridge "Bajrang Setu." They say the bridge should continue to be called "Laxman Jhula," as it carries deep religious history and identity linked to Lord Laxman and Rishikesh's heritage.
Dehradun: A major controversy has started in Rishikesh over the name of the new bridge built across the Ganga. The government has named the bridge "Bajrang Setu,” but locals and pilgrim priests are demanding that it should be called "Laxman Jhula,” the name of the old bridge that stood at the same site.
On Tuesday, local shopkeepers, residents, and priests gathered in Rishikesh to raise their demand. They said that changing the name would destroy the identity of the area. For decades, people from India and abroad have known this place as Laxman Jhula. The bridge is not just a tourist attraction but also a symbol of faith and history.
Skanda Purana mentions Rishikesh as the place of penance for Lord Laxman
Ujjwal Pandit, an official of the Ganga Sabha in Haridwar, met with priests of the Laxman Temple in Rishikesh. He explained that the Skanda Purana mentions Rishikesh as the place of penance for Sage Rabhya, Lord Vishnu, and Lord Laxman. On one side of the bridge stands a temple dedicated to Lord Laxman, while on the other side is a temple of Lord Ram. It is believed that Lord Ram himself visited this holy site.
"Visitors from all over the world know Rishikesh because of Laxman Jhula. If the name is changed, the identity will be lost,” Pandit said. He urged Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami to reconsider the decision and keep the old name.
Area’s identity will change in the future
Purushottam Kothari, president of the Tapovan Laxman Jhula Maa Ganga Seva Samiti, also opposed the renaming. He said, "People already know this entire area by the name Laxman Jhula. If the name is changed, the area’s identity will change in the future. Shops, hotels, dharamshalas, and institutions are connected with this name. The government should respect this.”
A local resident added that the decision was not right and the government should listen to the people.
Old Laxman Jhula bridge was closed in 2019
It should be noted that the old Laxman Jhula bridge was closed in 2019 due to safety concerns. The state government has now constructed a new glass bridge at the site. The new bridge is stronger, modern, and designed to attract tourists. It has selfie points, decorative lighting, and special features to give visitors a unique experience of crossing the Ganga. The bridge will soon be opened to the public.
Issue has now reached the state government
However, despite its modern design, locals say the name should remain tied to its religious roots. For them, Laxman Jhula is not just a bridge but a sacred symbol of Rishikesh’s spiritual identity. The issue has now reached the state government, and priests and residents are waiting to see if their demand will be accepted. For now, the debate continues, with faith and tradition on one side and modern naming on the other.