RISHIKESH ASHRAMS

Rishikesh is one the holy cities of India, the Hatha Yoga Capital of the World, a totally vegetarian town. It's about a 6 hours taxi ride from Delhi, and Rishikesh is also a major gateway to the Himalayas. About 26 Kms from Haridwar. Located in the laps of lower Himalayas, and is surrounded by scenic beauty of the hills on three sides with Holy Ganga flowing through it. The pace in Rishikesh is much more mellow than Delhi, and you will enjoy walking about town undisturbed by touts and hawkers The whole place is considered to be sacred as it is believed that meditation at this place leads to attainment of salvation. There are many temples-some ancient, some new along the river Ganges. Rishikesh is important not only as pilgrimage centre closely associated with the Ramayana, but also as home for many important centres of Hindu religious thought and spirituality, and Great Yoga Centres. There are a great many ashrams and Yoga institutes here. Rishikesh is also the gateway and the start-off point for journeys to important religious places like Badrinath, Kedarnath, Gangotri, and Yamunotri.

Swarga Ashram: The place has quite a few temples. Each of these temples are extremely beautiful and is worth a visit. There are also a few eating restaurants where you will find some good Indian delicacy. Here people are vegetarian and you will not have the opportunity to taste non-vegetarian food. There are also few shops that sell wonderful handicrafts. The beautiful statues that can be found in the area speaks volumes of the skill of the people.

Swami Dayananda Ashram: A traditional centre of Vedic teaching and Sanskrit, in Rishikesh. Situated on the banks of the sacred river Ganga, the Ashram provides an ideal retreat from the stress and strain of day-to-day living. Here, in the sylvan surroundings in the foothills of the mighty Himalayan peaks, one can sit in the shade of a giant peepul tree and watch the holy Ganga rush by towards the plains. One can spend time browsing in the comprehensive book and cassette libraries, or attending the twice daily Vedanta classes. But whatever one chooses to do one will find serenity here and a sense that all is as it should be in the world. This ashram offers nucleus of other activities as well.

Rishikesh itself is one of the most ancient towns with a history dating back to the Vedic Age (c1500-1200BC). Its geographical location at 356m in the Himalayan foothills makes it a convenient stopover point for pilgrims heading for the four holy sites of the Char Dham and trekkers committed to exploring the worlds largest and highest mountain range.
This ashram frequently plays host to groups on their way to and from the Char Dham - Yamunotri, Gangotri, Kedarnath and Badrinath.

Omkarananda Ashram Himalayas: Omkarananda Ashram Himalayas is a spiritually focused non-political, scientific, cultural, educational, humanitarian, Charitable Trust, which persistently strives to provide untiring selfless service for spiritual enhancement and to create an infinite source of happiness and bliss through God realization in daily life.

The Ashram was established by Sage and Philosopher Swami Omkarananda who is an embodiment of highest spirituality, with the prime objective to love, serve and help all equally.

The Ashram aims to create a sanctum where spirituality encompasses every action, where truth attains a personality, divine love becomes an all-pervading reality and peace becomes an eternal constant companion.

Neem Karoli Baba's Rishikesh Ashram: Just south of Rishikesh, on the west side of the road you will be greeted by one of the two Hanuman murtis at Neem Karoli Baba's Rishikesh Ashram. This Hanuman rises forty feet above the passing motorists so that everyone who enter Rishikesh from Haridwar can have the darshan of Sri Hanuman-ji. Morning and evening arati practice. Beautiful Gardens. Westerners have not been permitted to stay at this very small ashram with very large temples, located about 7 km south of Rishikesh.
A beautiful new library of spiritual knowledge has been established at this ashram. Head Librarian is Vidhu Bhushan Pant-ji.

Yoga Niketan Ashram: Located near the footbridge, just south of the Sivananda Ashram, classes are taught in a traditional Indian teaching style. Asanas taught are the classical postures with few variations or adjustments. Class instructors often use the sing-song voice sometimes found in India as they gently urge you to 'Relaaaax'. The green ashram grounds full of monkeys are a short, steep walk up from the main road, taking you towards river views and away from the bustle. To stay on the ashram you need to commit to 15 days or more and attendance at the morning and evening yoga and meditation classes is compulsory. Those not staying on the ashram are welcome to attend classes and can also use the library. Tel. +91 135 430227.

Sri Ved Niketan Ashram: Across the river on the Eastern side of the Ganges, turn right after the footbridge and it's a five minute walk. The classes offer gentle yoga style similar to the Bihar School of Yoga and classes cover gentle warm ups for the joints, a few asanas and some pranayama. Meditation classes are offered too. Classes are held morning and evening in the big central hall. One month courses held seven times a year, and cover asana, pranayama and yoga and Hindu philosophy. It is not obligatory to participate in the classes, bhajans or satsangs in order to stay on the grounds.Tel. +91 135 433537/430279.

Sivananda Ashram: P.O. Sivanandanagar, Dist. Tehri-Garhwal, 249192. While they share the same guru, this ashram is part of the Divine Life Society, and different to the Sivananda Yoga Vedanta Ashrams and Centres found around the world. The Sivananda Ashram has three living gurus - Chidananda, Brahmananda and Krishnananda, all direct disciples of the Swami Sivananda. Although no regular yoga classes are conducted here, it is possible to attend the lectures on philosophical subjects, and studies of classical texts like the Bhagavad Gita and the Upanishads. To stay on the ashram it is necessary to request it in writing ahead of time, and explain your reasons for the stay. The ashram is near the footbridge on the west - city- side of the river.

Baba Kali Kamliwala Panchayati Kshetra : It is one of the oldest institutions, founded by Shri Baba Vishuddha Nanda Ji and now run by a Trust. The main office of the institution is at Rishikesh and it has branches at all the pilgrim centres in Garhwal hills. They provide lodging and boarding facilities to the pilgrims all along the route even at the higher altitude of the Himalayas upto Kailash.

Maharishi Mahesh Yogi Ayurvedic Centre: located by the Niketa Ashram sells ayurvedic health products. It might be possible to organise classes in ayurveda if you can put together a small group.