Tired, worn out and to break the circle of ennui a person’s intense search for a quite and calm place begins. He looks for a spiritual healer and a small corner on earth where one can shut himself from the world of misery, fear and anxiety. A place where he can connect with himself and share silently his problems with the almighty. Such places are getting more and more prevalent these days owing to the never ending tensions and stressful life of people. The times keep changing and reminds us of getting back to ourselves and associate with god. We all feel a strong urge for change but aren’t able to recognize the suitable direction which can lead to freedom. Here comes the spiritual, holy and pious ashramas. Now the second most difficult part is which as to approach keeping in mind the vicinity, resources and our requirement. To help you out and save your time, we are sharing some of the best ashramas to visit.
Parmarth NiketanÂ
It lies at the banks of clear flowing river Ganga  at the foothills of the mighty Himalayas. Surrounded with lush green environment which includes forests, mountains and the river provides a true example of the places where sages used to meditate. Based on the foundation of traditional values and spiritual essence coupled with modern amenities it is the largest ashrama in Rishikesh.
It’s like coming home to a place where we actually belong and where our roots lie.
Spending  some time in the ashram provides ablution in the holy vibes and re-energize your mind and soul. You can be a part of the regular activities  of the ashram which begin with universal morning prayers, yoga and meditation classes, satsang and lecture programs, kirtan, the famous-Ganga Aarti at sunset. Apart from  this camps are also arranged for pilgrims that offers courses in  intensive yoga, meditation, acupressure, reiki  and ancient sciences.Â
Also Read: What is Adaptive Yoga? Meaning, Benefits, Full Guide
The International Sivananda Yoga Vedanta CentresÂ
This organization was established in 1957 by Swami Vishnudevananda (an expert  in hath yoga and Raj yoga) and named after a 20th century guru and his teacher HH. Sri Swami Sivananda Saraswati Maharaj. This ashram promotes the teachings of Swami Sivananda. It focusses on the basic teachings  of yoga and vedanta. It offers a congenial  environment to study and learn yoga along with the teachings of Swami Sivananda. Its mission is to spread the classical yoga which was classified  by Swami Vishnudevananda into Five principles: 1. Proper Exercise (Asana), 2. Proper Breathing (Pranayama), 3. Proper Relaxation (Savasana), 4. Proper Diet(Lacto- Vegetarian), 5. Positive Thinking and Meditation (Vedanta and Dhyana).
The activities of the centres are based on the aforesaid principles which is the route to healthy life. It centres are located in the northern and southern parts of India. It upholds traditional values and discipline which involves a set of rules and regulations for the visitors of the ashram to maintain its sanctity and heritage.
Many people spent their lives in the ashram as renunciants studying and practising yoga.
Omkarananda Ashram HimalayasÂ
A holistic learning  experience encapsulating spiritual, cultural educational, scientific fields is experienced in this ashram. It propagates the teachings of a great mystic philosopher Shri Paramahamsa Omkarananda Saraswati who worked for the upliftment  of the people of backward regions of Garhwal and received several honours like Mother India award, Bharat Nirman award and Hind Ratan award.Â
The main branch of the Ashram is located in Rishikesh – the city of saints in the vicinity of the Himalayas.
It imparts knowledge based on educational, social,cultural and spiritual projects thereby empowering people to look ahead and paves the way for intellectual and spiritual growth.Â
Also Read: Yoga for Anxiety: 11 Effective Yoga Poses for Anxiety and Depression Relief
Sadhana Mandir AshramÂ
Located in the serenity of the Himalayas with a nature’s scenic view of beautiful  flowering plants, lotus pond and mango trees all inspiring icons of god. The mandir was founded in 1966 by Swami Rama as a hub for the seekers of spiritual elevation and meditation centre. Its atmosphere makes it a suitable place for sadhana.
Swami Rama’s tradition is a chain of ancient sages who transmit their learning as a legacy to their students orally. According to this tradition yoga includes all the philosophies and practices ever performed by sages not just of Himalayas but also of other religions like Christianity, Judaism, Buddhism, Zen and Sufism.
Vast array of retreats are available  here for beginners as well as the experienced practitioners. Weekend retreats involve art of living and being, meditation and well being. Apart from these they offer 10 day retreats aimed at self realisation, science of joyful living and self transformation, guided meditation and silence retreats.
These exercises lead the people towards understanding the nature of their being on mental, emotional,physical and spiritual levels.
Yoga Niketan Ashram
Established by an austere saint Swami Yogeshwarananda Saraswati Maharaj with the aim to spread yogic science  and spirituality in the world. It is the oldest  ashram in Rishikesh which came into existence in 1964. Swami Yogeshwarananda Paramhans was a 20th century  saint who left his home at the age of 14 and led a life of austerity  in the Himalayas. All his life was spent on reviving the ancient  spirit of yoga and he practiced everything  written in Hindu scriptures for enlightenment of soul. He imparted the knowledge he gained from different ascetics and his own experiences. His teachings can be found in the form of well documented books in the ashram’s library.Â
It provides a comfortable  abode and a conducive environment for meditation.
Also Read: What is Hatha Yoga?
Swami Dayananda Ashram
A complete picture of ancient  form of learning and ancient  texts. Swami Dayananda ashram was established in 1960’s by Swami Dayananda Saraswati an internationally acclaimed Vedanta teacher and a Sanskrit scholar. Situated on the banks of the river Ganga it is away from tourist destination.
Its classes are conducted in English but the subjects taught are Vedanta and Sanskrit. It adheres to the traditional mode of teaching (Sampradaya).
The temple of Lord Siva- Gangadharesvara as well as the lecture hall both are facing the Ganga. It has a library with more than 5000 titles on different subjects- Vedanta, Sanskrit Grammar, Indian and western philosphies, Religion and Yoga. Regular Iyengar Yoga camps are conducted in an exclusive place called Yoga studio.
Residential courses on Bhagavad Gita and ten principal Upanishads commented upon by Adi Shankaracharya are taught here.
Phool Chatti  Ashram
Phool Chatti means the  land of flowers. Only 5 kms from Lakshman jhula the ashram is situated in north India along the banks of the Ganges River in a calmness of the mighty Himalayas. Surrounded by wonderful gardens it is a feast for eyes and relief for soul. For over 120 years, it has been the most sought after solution for spiritual seekers for meditation, renewal and growth.
Adorned with the sandy beaches, flowing river and lush green forests it lies right beside the Ganges.
The ashram offers a 7-day Yoga and meditation program and the actual experience of ashram life. If you just want to be in the company of tranquillity then also it’s your final destination.
It is an example of commingling of traditional values with modern comfort. Furthermore its Yoga and meditation programs are designed to provide a comprehensive view of yogic and ashram life to westerners in a serene environment.
Also Read: Yoga for Metabolic Syndrome
Osho Ganga Dham
This is a place to unwind yourself and be your true self. It is a perfect combination of nature and comfort which caters to the emotional, physical and spiritual needs of every individual. Just 15 minutes away from Rishikesh, Osho Ganga Dham is situated in the vicinity  of the holy Ganga.
It attracts visitors from all over the world and provides an experience to meet the people from all walks of life. It is a place to interact with self and with the outer world. It offers simple Osho Active meditation techniques to relax the supercharged and stressed minds. It provides an opportunity to learn the techniques to become aware of ourselves through observation and be in better control of ourselves and our situations which we encounter in the journey of life.
An additional feature of this place is that its services are affordable and meditation is free. Moreover it creates an environment full of life, humor and learning through observation and personal experience.
I think  by now you people must have made up your mind which abode to dwell in for an everlasting and enlightening experience.Â
Read more blog on yoga:
