Located in the holy city of Haridwar, ‘The gateway to Gods’, near the Ganges, in a serene and hidden place across the street from Swami Shri Mohananad Bharti Ashram. It is a quite receptive place for people who are beginning their spiritual journey. The ashram was previously known as Gaushala for cows and dogs.
It was slowly evolved and nurtured in 1978 by Guru Santosh Puri, a renunciate who moved to an island in Haridwar to practice severe austerity and Mata Narvada Puri, a German who left her country at the age of 24 and travelled across the world at search of spiritual realisation, later became a disciple of Guru Santosh. She practiced severe austerity and followed the wisdom as well as the practices of her guru.
Who Runs Santosh Puri Ashram in Haridwar?
Since both Guruji and Mataji took Samadhi in 2001 and 2014, respectively, the Santosh Puri Ashram is now by their children:
- Mandakini (eldest daughter)
- Ganga (son)
- Alaknanda (youngest daughter)
All three children are well qualified, trained and experts in Ayurveda, yoga, the art of living and philosophy.
Courses by Santosh Puri Ashram Haridwar
The different yoga courses offered are:
- The art of living
- Philosophy sessions for beginners on the path to yogi
- 56 aasanas comprising (rajas, tamas and satva)
- Mudra
- Pratyahara
- Pranayama
- Anatomy
- Physiology and Alignment
- Clinical yoga
The ashram has a deep positivity and is enriched by the severe practices of its founders and the deep spiritual connection shared by them amongst themselves and with the almighty. The mandirs where samadhis lie seem to be a place filled with love, respect and blessings for those coming in quest of self-awareness and mental peace. The different tunes of the Ganga aarti and the vibrations of the chants is a soothing experience for the soul.
Details of Shri Santosh Puri Ashram, Haridwar
Morning
The mornings begin with meditation, holy chants, shatkarma cleansing, and aasana followed by breakfast. Later on, karma yoga is practised.
Evening
In the evening, vedic chants, and aarti at dhuni (the fireplace) are performed.
Food
The ambience of the ashram is purely natural and reminds of village life with birds, greenery and domesticated animals and homegrown ingredients used for cooking.
The food served is amazing Indian, with vegetarian delicacies like curry, okra, chapattis, gazar halwa, rice and jalebis for prasad, though not purely satvik.
Library
This ashram is unique as it allows us to live and perform spiritual practices without any reservations or set of rules. It makes sure that its spiritual residents feel at home and able to achieve the objective in their spiritual sojourn. Moreover, not just the library but the entire ashram resembles a home of a common man. Perhaps this feature creates a homecoming experience for its visitors.
The library at Santosh Puri Ashram is stocked with books in both English and Hindi. These are based on Buddhism, Swami Sivananda, Swami Vivekananda, yoga, ayurveda, travel, and novels. There is also a book titled Tears of Bliss: A Guru- Disciple Mystery written by Mataji, which gives a detailed account of her austere journey with her guru towards consciousness and spiritual enlightenment.
Vibes and Experience
Apart from enjoying ginger tea, and the blissful experience of walking by the river Ganges, the ashram allows one to play musical instruments, and learn the art of healthy cooking. The power of silence, and deep connection with the almighty is reflected in the residents of the ashram.
Whoever visited this ashram had a unique story to narrate, but one thing is common that is the presence of almighty and divine souls of the founders provide essence to this natural, solemn place. I think one should visit this blissful place to silently interact with nature and the true self.
Contact Number
+91 96341-25559
Location
Haripur Kalan, Raiwala, Haridwar, Uttarakhand 249205
The power of transformation and positivity is such that it becomes an inseparable part of one’s life that enthralls, and inspires him throughout.
