A learning center for enlightened living🔗

Live and learn in the ambience of a contemporary Vedic ashram, where the simple delights of monastic living blend seamlessly with basic modern amenities and care. Above all, absorb the subtle energies of an intense spiritual field, where even everyday acts, like a quiet morning walk or a shared meal, are transformed into powerful spontaneous meditations.

'Each of us comes in with rough edges, from different walks of life – and it is easier to see those edges in others than in yourself at first. Then, like a well-orchestrated symphony, with the growth we experience, everyone settles down. A different depth of harmony is experienced – interdependent yet individual. Here, intelligence and compassion lead to harmony. This harmony is different from the forced harmony of the corporate world, where there is an underlying current of fear and greed.'

a Vedic renaissance

All the civilizations that have evolved on planet Earth have contributed something towards humanity. The most valuable contribution from the Vedic civilization was the science of living enlightenment – jeevan mukti.

On the ashram campus, the Vedic traditions come alive. Like the Vedic culture, the ashram too is a melting pot of people from diverse communities, religions and backgrounds, working towards the common goal of an enlightened global community.

In keeping with the life-affirmative Vedic tradition, equal emphasis is laid on creating material abundance, providing constant learning opportunities and nurturing inner growth.

Banyan Tree

The vast umbrella of the ancient sacred banyan encloses a space resonant with spiritual energies. Under this umbrella sits the majestic statue of Dakshinamurti, the first-ever guru, imparting the deepest spiritual truths to his disciples in silence.

Over the years, this sacred space has acquired a powerful reputation for healing, wish-fulfillment and awakening spiritual clarity, and draws visitors and seekers from around the world.

The vibrations in this space are so distinct that even the casual visitor can feel its effects. In fact, many find that simply sitting here in silence is a deep meditation in itself.

‘After going to the banyan tree and sitting there, without any experience or knowing what to do, I just sat and closed my eyes and fell into such a deep state that I realized there is so much to meditation that I did not even know about.’

- SD, Researcher, Ohio, USA

A short walk from the sacred banyan is the Sri Anandeshwara Temple, which re-creates the enchanting scene where Lord Shiva delivers the Shiva Sutras (techniques for enlightenment) to his consort Devi. True to the Vedic tradition, the temple resonates with the chanting of mantras at dawn and dusk, sending out ripples of positive energy that cleanse and energize the space around.

The mystical arati (ceremonial waving of lamps before the deities) symbolizes the silent transmission of spiritual illumination in the time-honored guru-disciple tradition of Vedic India.

The concept of the temple is a unique gift to planet Earth from the Masters of the Vedic civilization. When it is consecrated by an enlightened being, the temple becomes a powerhouse of cosmic energy, and a space where spontaneous physical and mental healing can take place.

This charming lake hidden away in a corner of the ashram is home to lotuses, migratory birds and seekers of solitude. With the setting of a natural amphitheater, Manasarovar is best remembered as the scene of the indescribable Zen tea meditation sessions with the Master.

The Raja Sabha or Royal Hall is the space of all the Inner Awakening sessions, including morning yoga and meditation. With a seating capacity of 1300, this hall is equipped with powerful acoustics and a modern projector system that bring to life Swamiji's vibrant talks, the lively interactive sessions and evening keertans (devotional music). Raja Sabha soon becomes the 'preferred living space' of Inner Awakening participants, who are so comfortable in its bubbling energy that they hardly visit their rooms, except to sleep!

The legendary Laughing Temple, where Swamiji delivered his first talks to a group of intimate disciples, has today become the focus of awe and curiosity for those who visit the ashram. Today, with the number of ashramites swelling far beyond its capacity, Laughing Temple is no longer in use. But this tiny rustic temple with such an inviting name still echoes the laughter that must have filled its space during the early days with the Master!

The ashram restaurant prides itself on providing healthy vegetarian food that is both tasty and satvic (satvic food uses only those ingredients that hold positive energy and support spiritual practices). You can choose from a buffet meal that has elements of North Indian, South Indian and Continental cuisine. Simple shared accommodation is available for participants with all basic amenities. The Welcome Center takes care of all your requirements, but the volunteers will also be happy to help. The internet center is open all day, so you can stay connected during your stay at the ashram.

'I never realized sharing was such fun! Sharing ideas, eating together, doing yoga and meditation together, having lively discussions in our dorm till midnight, and of course, walking the spiritual path together...'