Parmarth Niketan Ashram

Location

near, Main Market Road, ula, THDC Colony, Rishikesh, Uttarakhand 249304, India

Facilities

Languages

English, Hindi

Introduction

Perched on the tranquil banks of the Ganges River amidst the majestic Himalayas, Parmarth Niketan shines as a sanctuary of spiritual peace and holistic healing. As the largest ashram in Rishikesh, it draws pilgrims from around the world into a serene environment where modern amenities seamlessly blend with traditional simplicity. Surrounded by lush gardens and the sacred Ganges, the ashram offers a rejuvenating retreat where guests can immerse themselves in daily yoga, meditation, and spiritual practices. With its commitment to wellness and humanitarian efforts, Parmarth Niketan provides a profound connection to the divine, inviting visitors to experience the deep, transformative energies that flow through this sacred space.

A Typical Day

Morning:

  • Prarthana (Morning Prayer) (5:00 AM – 6:00 AM): Begin your day with a spiritually uplifting morning prayer.
  • Morning Asana Class (6:30 AM – 7:30 AM): Engage in a refreshing yoga practice to energize your body and mind.
  • Sacred Yagya Puja (8:30 AM – 8:50 AM): Participate in the sacred Yagya Puja.
  • Meditation (9:30 AM – 10:30 AM): Join a focused meditation session.

Afternoon:

  • Lunch (12:00 PM – 1:00 PM): Enjoy a balanced vegetarian meal
  • Afternoon Yoga Class (3:30 PM – 4:30 PM): Continue your yoga practice with an afternoon session.
  • Afternoon Meditation Class (4:30 PM – 5:00 PM): Partake in a guided meditation class

Evening:

  • Sacred Ganga Yagya & Aarti (5:30 PM – 6:30 PM): Experience the evening rituals at the Ganga Ghat. This divine light ceremony is filled with song, prayer, ritual and a palpable sense of the divine. Aarti is the beautiful ceremony in which dias (oil lamps) are offered to God.
  • Sadhviji’s Satsang & Meditation [English] (6:45 PM – 7:30 PM): Attend a satsang and meditation session led by Pujya Sadhvi Bhagawati Saraswatiji, answering questions from our global family across India and around the world that bridge the gap between science and spirituality and offer access to the keys of true happiness and purpose in our daily lives.

Additional Activities:

  • Special Programs: Participate in various cultural, music, Sanskrit, and spiritual programs conducted by visiting saints, musicians, and leaders.

Facilities

 

  • Accommodation: Several hundred residential rooms that retain the simplicity of ashram living and yet are equipped with the necessary modern amenities. Many guest rooms have attached, Western-style bathrooms and many have hot, running water. Linens are provided.
  • Gardens, courtyards
  • Yoga and Satsang Halls
  • Dining hall
  • A 14-foot statue of Lord Shiva sitting in a meditating position

Costs

N/A

Rules

  • Dress Code: Visitors are required to wear modest clothing that covers shoulders, midriff, and calves. Yoga students are expected to wear white attire to signify purity.  Additionally, shoes must be removed before entering buildings or sacred areas.
  • Participation in Activities: Active engagement in sadhana, meditation, seva, and satsang is highly encouraged to fully experience the ashram’s spiritual environment. Participation in the Ganga Aarti at sunset is expected of all pilgrims.
  • Behavioral Conduct: Pilgrims must observe truth, non-violence, self-discipline, and polite etiquette. Smoking, alcohol, drug use, and non-vegetarian foods are strictly prohibited. Additionally, the use of playing cards, radios, TVs, and loud music is not allowed.
  • Donations and tips: Donors should provide their contributions through the office to ensure proper distribution. Direct handouts or tips are discouraged to maintain the ashram’s discipline and integrity.