Yoga is an Indian origin health and wellness activity, the holistic science of which is hailed by many global leaders. The practice of this soul-mending activity is accompanied by meditation and tranquil surroundings. Its alignment with spirituality further amazes the tourists who are yoga and meditation lovers. Rishikesh or the Yoga Capital of India has numerous temples and ashrams, flocked on the bank of river Ganga that gushes through the city. These institutions strive to spread the goodness of these activities and help unite individual consciousness with the universal consciousness. Also being a popular Hindu pilgrimage site, it is revered by the saints as a hub for meditation and salvation.
From ancient to modern, there is no limit to the number of ashrams in Rishikesh, but to name some, Sivananda, Parmarth, Omkarananda, and Sadhana Mandir are some of the best places to attain solace. Let’s dive deeper into their existential information.
Sivananda Ashram
Founded in 1948 by Gurudev Swami Sivanandaji Maharaj and run by the Divine Life Society, this sanctum is located at Ram Jhula near the main road. Severe spiritual seekers apply a month in advance for free classes, accommodation, and food. For the rest of the seekers, the academy offers three paid courses each of two months duration, which is conducted, first, from March to April; second, May to June; third, September to October.
Parmarth Niketan
If you know about the International Yoga Festival, then this is the place where it is held every year from 1st March to 7th March. This massive complex consists of 1000 rooms on its eight-acre land. Each person has to pay 300 rupees to enjoy two yoga classes and three meals a day. Eminent practitioners teach yoga, Vedic heritage, and spirituality. Apart from that, activities like universal morning prayers, meditation classes, Satsang, Kirtan, and Ganga Arti at sunset cover the entire day at the Niketan. People from across the globe also come here to get classes and certification for exceptional teacher training programs.
Omkarananda Ganga Sadan
Home to Patanjala Yoga Kendra, the Sadan was established in 1993 in the Muni-Ki-Reti area of Rishikesh. Guided by world-renowned Shri Guruji, B.K.S. Iyengar, Iyengar yoga style is taught here. His teaching method focuses on strength, stamina, flexibility, balance, concentration, and meditation. Besides, the evening Arti and lectures on Bhagwat Geeta, fuse spirituality with the health practices amazingly.
Yoga Niketan
One of the most prominent Yogis of the 20th century, Swami Yogeshwaranand Paramahansa, established this place in the Muni-Ki-Reti area of Rishikesh. The teachings are offered without any discrimination, based on an eightfold path as per the Patanjali yoga Shastra. You will need to stay for at least 15 days to complete a course or you will be provided with a commercially-run guesthouse for a shorter stay. Just note that kids below the age of 12 aren’t allowed to stay at the ashram.
Sadhana Mandir
Swami Rama established this Mandir in 1966 as an international retreat center for meditation. Later on, his disciple, Swami Veda Bharati, founded Swami Rama Sadhaka Grama. The 5,000 years old Himalayan way of meditation is taught in the temple using scientific, systematic, and inward-directed methods. Here, aspirants get to entertain self-transformation, self-retreats, and the art of living, which eventually induce spiritual learning.
Rishikesh Yogpeeth
Established in 2005, this place is one of many modern edifices where traditional science of health and wellness is taught using modern methods. It is a non-profit organization that aims to spread awareness about the holistic science of Yoga and meditation. Experienced instructors take classes daily and help people feel connected with their spirit and divine.
No riches can buy the peace of mind these Ashrams offer with quaint yoga and meditation classes. The science behind these activities emphasizes their ability to heal the human soul and strengthen it for facing life challenges. So, without further-a-do, visit one of these Ashrams in Rishikesh and rejuvenate your soul.