Traditionally, an Ashram, a Hinduism term, is a spiritual hermitage or a monastery inside a forest or on mountains. Today the term Ashram often is known as a Hindu cultural activity such as yoga, music study or religious instruction. Rishikesh has a long list of Ashrams, and numerous styles of Yoga and meditation, to choose from. Here are some of the top Rishikesh ashrams and what they teach –
1. Parmarth Niketen
Parmarth Niketen, across Ram Jhula on the banks of the holy Ganges river is one of the top Yoga centers in India and the biggest ashram in the area with about 1,000 rooms on its sprawling eight acre campus. Yoga classes are normally free. The ashram runs an extensive program of beginner yoga, Vedic heritage and spirituality, and teacher training courses. Outsider visitors are welcome to attend daily classes by giving a donation. The Ashram’s evening Ganga Arti is popular and best in the region
2. Sivananda Ashram
Sivananda Ashram located 3 kilometers from Rishikesh, on the way to Badrinath was founded by Swami Sivananda, another of India’s top yoga centers. Teachings center around the five points of yoga — postures, breathing, relaxation, meditation, and diet. Free yoga and meditation classes are offered daily. However, accommodations (which are also provided free of charge, along with food) are only available to serious spiritual seekers who need to apply at least a month in advance.
3. Omkarananda Ganga Sadan
Omkarananda Ganga Sadan Ashram and guest house located at the Muni-ki-Reti area of Rishikesh, on the banks of the Ganges river has its own ghat, and a daily Arti performance. It is home to the Patanjala Yoga Kendra yoga center that includes Iyengar yoga classes. Yoga classes are open to everyone Lectures on the Bhagavad Gita are also offered. Rooms are reasonably priced and clean, many have river views.
4. Sadhana Mandir and Swami Rama Sadhaka Grama Ashram
Founded in 1966 Sadhana Mandir by Swami Rama, author of Living with the Himalayan Masters, and many other spiritual books, Meditation is the focus of the teachings at this ashram. Covered by a beautiful garden setting on the banks of the Ganges river, but away from the hustle and bustle of Rishikesh. Various residential programs are offered.
Swami Rama Sadhaka Grama was founded by Swami Veda Bharati, a disciple of Swami Rama. This Ashram is a highly respected center for scientific research related to yogic meditation. Accommodations in bungalows, limited to 100 guests, with daily schedule of activities, as well as personalized instruction and individualized spiritual retreats.
5. Shree Mahesh Heritage Meditation School
Founder Ram Gupta has a degree in Nature Cure Science and Master Degree in Yoga and Meditation. More on meditation than yoga, Shree Mahesh Heritage Meditation School offers a 300 hour meditation teacher training course, as well as meditation retreats and beginners’ courses. Ashram teaches thru Vedic texts Yoga, Ayurveda, life healing, and spirituality. There is a special non-residential Health Supportive Lifestyle Program that teaches diet, exercise and other lifestyle habits.
6. Yoga Niketen
Yoga Niketan founded by Swami Yogeshwaranand Paramahans, a renowned master of Raj Yoga is located in the Muni-Ki-Reti area of Rishikesh, and centered on the Patanjali yoga shastra. The ashram requires a minimum stay of 15 days for any of its courses. Niketan also has a public guesthouse that’s available for shorter stays, and guests can attend daily classes at the ashram.
7. Swami Dayananda Ashram
Established in 1960s by Swami Dayananda Saraswati, an internationally recognized teacher of Vedanta and scholar of Sanskrit, Ashram is located in peaceful surroundings, 10 minute’s walk from the Ram Jhula. Activities focus on Bhagavad Gita and the 10 Upanishads. Vedic chanting is also taught during the courses. At times, visiting teachers conduct Iyengar yoga sessions suitable for beginners. The ashram has more than 150 rooms with attached bathrooms.
8. Phool Chatti
120 years old Phool Chatti Ashram (Land of Flowers), was founded in the late 1800s and is located 5 kms upriver from the Laxman Jhula. Famous for its seven day yoga and meditation program. The teachings are different from other schools as they focus on the full spectrum of the yogic path and ashram life, not just asanas, postures, experiencing meditation, breathing (pranayama), cleansing, chanting, mauna (silence), pooja (worship), kirtan (sacred singing), and other instruments of the yogic path.
9. Anand Prakash Ashram
Here the target is on balanced sequencing of asana, pranayama, relaxation, mantra and meditation, discussions and readings on the yogic lifestyle and philosophy. There are 18 rooms, and a minimum three nights stay is required. Yoga classes for non-residents are there too. The ashram also runs 200 hour and 500 hour Yoga Teacher Training programs. Located at the last town of Tapovan, Anand Prakash Ashram was founded in 2007 by husband and wife team Chetana Panwar (a Canadian lady) and Yogirishi Vishvketu (a student of Hatha and Raja yoga, and the Vedic healing arts). They offer their own style of yoga called Akhanda Yoga, holistic, non-sectarian.
10. Himalayan Yog Ashram
Again a Tapovan gem, Himalayan Yog Ashram, great for food and environment teaches the Himalayan Yoga based on the Vedic traditions. The schedules consist of yoga asanas, breathing, meditation, Ayurveda healings and spiritual teachings. The minimum stay at the ashram is a week.
11. Osho GangaDham Ashram
At this Ashram, you may just relax or listen to daily discourses and do nothing. The Osho GangaDham ashram is located on the Ganges river at Brahampuri, around 10 minutes from the Laxman Jhula on Badrinath Road. Various Osho Active Meditation practices are taught at the ashram, and meditation camps are offered throughout the year.
