India, a land of vibrant colors, diverse cultures, and ancient wisdom, has long been a magnet for spiritual seekers from across the globe. These seekers are drawn to the country’s numerous ashrams, which serve as sanctuaries of peace, learning, and spiritual growth. But what exactly is an ashram?
An ashram is traditionally a secluded hermitage, a place of retreat often located away from the hustle and bustle of city life. It serves as a residential center for spiritual learning, often led by a guru or spiritual teacher. The term "ashram" can refer both to the physical location and to the community of individuals who reside there, dedicating themselves to spiritual practices. Within the serene walls of an ashram, individuals embark on a journey of self-discovery through various disciplines such as yoga, meditation, religious study, and selfless service.
These spiritual havens offer a unique opportunity to disconnect from the material world and reconnect with one’s inner self. However, with so many ashrams scattered across India, choosing the right one can feel overwhelming. To help guide your search, this article presents a curated list of some of the most popular and enriching ashrams in India, each offering a distinct path to spiritual awakening. The 8 Best Ashrams to Visit in India are listed below.
1. Art of Living Ashram
Nestled in the foothills of the Himalayas in Rishikesh, Uttarakhand, the Art of Living Ashram is a beacon of peace and well-being. Founded in 1982 by Sri Sri Ravi Shankar, this ashram has gained international recognition for its stress-elimination and self-development programs. These programs are built upon the foundation of breathing techniques, meditation, and yoga, providing individuals with practical tools to manage stress and enhance their overall quality of life.
The Art of Living Foundation, an NGO accredited by the United Nations, offers a variety of courses and workshops at the ashram. One of the most popular is the three-day Art of Living Part I residential workshop. During this immersive experience, participants learn revitalizing breathing techniques, such as Sudarshan Kriya, which helps restore the natural rhythms of the body and mind. The ashram itself is a sprawling complex, featuring lush gardens, meditation halls, and comfortable accommodations. The serene atmosphere, combined with the powerful teachings, makes the Art of Living Ashram a truly transformative destination for those seeking inner peace and self-discovery. Its address is Sheesham Jhadi, Gali no 13, near, Swaminarayan Ashram Rd, Chandreshwar Nagar, Rishikesh, Uttarakhand 249137, India. Contact them at +91 70602 95681.
2. Osho International Meditation Resort
Located in Pune, Maharashtra, the Osho International Meditation Resort presents a unique and contemporary approach to spirituality. Unlike traditional ashrams, this resort emphasizes individual freedom and self-acceptance within a luxurious and comfortable setting. Osho, the ashram’s founder, was a controversial spiritual leader known for his progressive views on sexuality and personal liberation. While the resort no longer promotes the radical practices of the past, such as undressing workshops and free love, it continues to offer a non-judgmental and open-minded environment for self-exploration.
One of the distinguishing features of the Osho International Meditation Resort is its lack of gender segregation. This reflects Osho’s belief in equality and his rejection of traditional social norms. The resort offers a wide range of courses and workshops, focusing primarily on healing from traumatic experiences and fostering personal growth. Visitors can participate in various meditation techniques, including Dynamic Meditation, Kundalini Meditation, and Nadabrahma Meditation. The resort’s modern facilities, lush gardens, and swimming pool create a relaxing and rejuvenating atmosphere, allowing individuals to explore their inner selves with ease and comfort. While some criticize its commercial nature and distance from traditional Indian culture, the Osho International Meditation Resort remains a popular destination for those seeking a non-traditional and liberating spiritual experience.
3. Isha Foundation Ashram
Situated in the foothills of the Velliangiri Mountains in Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu, the Isha Foundation Ashram is a spiritual center founded by Sadhguru Jaggi Vasudev in 1992. This non-profit organization is dedicated to promoting the spiritual and physical well-being of individuals through yoga and various outreach programs, including environmental initiatives. The ashram is renowned for its serene atmosphere, its stunning natural surroundings, and its powerful yoga programs.
The core of the Isha Foundation’s activities is Isha Yoga, a customized system of yoga designed to promote inner transformation and holistic well-being. The ashram offers a variety of programs, ranging from introductory courses to advanced retreats. The Inner Engineering program, a three- to seven-day introductory course, is particularly popular. This program introduces participants to guided meditations and a powerful inner energy process designed to facilitate deep inner transformation. The Isha Foundation Ashram is also home to the Dhyanalinga, a powerful meditative space that is open to people of all faiths. With its holistic approach to spirituality and its commitment to social and environmental causes, the Isha Foundation Ashram offers a unique and enriching experience for those seeking to deepen their spiritual practice and contribute to a better world. Contact them at +91 83000 83111.
4. Mata Amritanandamayi Ashram
Located in Kollam, Kerala, the Mata Amritanandamayi Ashram, also known as Amritapuri, is the home of Sri Mata Amritanandamayi Devi, affectionately known as "Amma," or the "Hugging Mother." Amma is a world-renowned spiritual leader and humanitarian whose mission is to alleviate suffering and promote love and compassion. Devotees flock to her ashram seeking her blessings and her comforting embraces.
Amma’s teachings emphasize the importance of love, compassion, and selfless service. She believes that the lack of love and compassion is the root cause of much of the suffering in the world, and she encourages her followers to cultivate these qualities in their own lives. One of the most unique aspects of Amma’s ashram is the free public darshans (audiences) that she holds several times a week. During these darshans, Amma embraces each individual who comes to her, offering them comfort, love, and blessings. The Mata Amritanandamayi Ashram is a vibrant and bustling community, with residents from all over the world. The ashram offers a variety of programs and activities, including yoga, meditation, and selfless service opportunities. For those seeking a spiritual experience centered on love, compassion, and selfless service, the Mata Amritanandamayi Ashram is a truly special destination.
5. Sri Ramana Maharshi Ashram
Situated at the foot of the holy mountain Arunachala in Tiruvannamalai, Tamil Nadu, the Sri Ramana Maharshi Ashram is a place of profound peace and spiritual inquiry. The ashram is dedicated to the teachings of Ramana Maharshi, a modern sage who advocated for a path of self-inquiry as the means to self-realization. Ramana Maharshi’s teachings are based on the question "Who Am I?" a process of introspection that leads to the realization that one’s true nature is formless, immanent consciousness.
The ashram provides a simple and austere environment, conducive to contemplation and self-reflection. Visitors can participate in daily meditation sessions, attend discourses on Ramana Maharshi’s teachings, and simply spend time in quiet contemplation. The ashram also offers free accommodations and food to devotees who wish to practice his teachings. The core of Ramana Maharshi’s teachings can be found in the booklet "Who Am I?", which contains instructions derived from his direct experience of self-realization. The Sri Ramana Maharshi Ashram is a haven for those seeking to understand their true nature through the practice of self-inquiry. Its address is Chengam Road, 63F4+GMH, NH 66, Thamarai Nagar, Tiruvannamalai, Tamil Nadu 606603, India. Contact them at +91 4175 237 200.
6. Sri Aurobindo Ashram
Located in Puducherry, the Sri Aurobindo Ashram is a vibrant and diverse community founded in 1926 by Sri Aurobindo and Mirra Alfassa, known as The Mother. Unlike some ashrams that emphasize renunciation and seclusion, the Sri Aurobindo Ashram is a dynamic center of life within a modern urban setting. The ashram’s mission is to work towards the creation of a new world and a new humanity, based on the principles of spiritual evolution and integral yoga.
The Sri Aurobindo Ashram is not a place for passive retreat; rather, it is a place of active engagement and contribution. Members of the ashram participate in various departments, contributing their skills and talents to the community’s diverse activities. The ashram runs schools, libraries, hospitals, and various other institutions that serve the local community. The teachings of Sri Aurobindo emphasize the integration of spirituality and everyday life. Integral Yoga, the system developed by Sri Aurobindo, aims to transform all aspects of human existence – physical, vital, mental, and spiritual – into a harmonious whole. The Sri Aurobindo Ashram is a unique and inspiring community for those seeking to integrate spiritual principles into their daily lives and contribute to the creation of a more evolved and harmonious world. Its address is and, No. 9, Marine Street, White Town, Puducherry, 605002, India. Contact them at +91 413 223 3604. The 8 Best Ashrams to Visit in India includes this ashram.
7. ISKCON (International Society for Krishna Consciousness)
With centers around the world, the International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON), commonly known as the Hare Krishna movement, has a strong presence in India. Based on the teachings of Lord Krishna and rooted in Gaudiya Vaishnavism, a branch of Hinduism founded in the 16th century by Chaitanya Mahaprabhu, ISKCON was established in 1966 by Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada. Devotees of ISKCON practice bhakti yoga, dedicating their thoughts and actions to pleasing Lord Krishna.
The Bhagavad Gita is a central text in the ISKCON tradition, guiding devotees in their spiritual practice. ISKCON temples and centers offer a variety of activities, including chanting, meditation, devotional singing (kirtan), and lectures on Krishna consciousness. The movement emphasizes a vegetarian lifestyle, the avoidance of intoxicants, and the practice of ethical living. ISKCON’s vibrant culture, devotional practices, and emphasis on community make it an appealing destination for those seeking a path of devotion and service to God. Its address is Hare Krishna Hill, Chord Rd, 1st R Block, Rajajinagar, Bengaluru, Karnataka 560010, India. Contact them at +91 80 2347 1956.
8. Ramakrishna Mission
Founded in 1897 by Swami Vivekananda, the chief disciple of Sri Ramakrishna, the Ramakrishna Mission is a religious movement based on the teachings of Sri Ramakrishna. The mission follows the system of Vedanta, which combines Hindu religion and philosophy. The core belief is that every soul is potentially divine, and this divinity can be manifested through work, meditation, knowledge, and devotion to God (the four Yogas).
The Ramakrishna Mission is dedicated to serving humanity through various charitable and educational activities. The mission runs hospitals, schools, colleges, and rural development projects throughout India and around the world. The teachings of the Ramakrishna Mission emphasize the harmony of all religions, recognizing them as different paths to the same ultimate reality. The mission’s commitment to social service and its emphasis on the unity of all religions make it a significant force for positive change in the world. Its address is Ramakrishna Ashrama Cir, Gandhi Bazaar, Basavanagudi, Bengaluru, Karnataka 560004, India. This is one of The 8 Best Ashrams to Visit in India.
Choosing the right ashram is a personal journey, dependent on individual preferences and spiritual aspirations. This guide offers a starting point, highlighting some of the most popular and enriching ashrams in India. Whether you seek rigorous discipline, compassionate embrace, or intellectual exploration, the ashrams of India offer a diverse range of paths towards inner peace and self-discovery. Embark on your spiritual adventure and discover the transformative power of these sacred spaces.
