Embrace the ancient wisdom of Parmarth Niketan, a haven of peace, spirituality, and cultural heritage.
The best time to visit Parmarth Niketan Ashram is any time between late September and November. This time, the weather is still pretty favorable, and you can explore a number of nearby tourist destinations without having to endure the unbearable heat or getting drenched in torrential rain that the valley experiences during the monsoon season.
Undoubtedly one of Uttarakhand's biggest ashrams is Parmarth Niketan. With the intention of giving his devotees a profound grasp of spirituality and the value of connecting with one's inner self, the ashram's founder Pujya Swami Divyanand Ji Maharaj built the location in 1942. The ashram was established with the idea that it was essential to incorporate the essence of peace and tranquilly into our everyday lives.
Because of this, the environment has been perfectly created here, where there is a wealth of natural beauty and numerous well-kept gardens, while the clean, pure, and spiritual home provides the much-needed shelter to the guests. Since 1986, Pujya Swami Chidanand Saraswatiji Maharaj has served as the ashram's president and spiritual leader.
He was a pioneer in turning the ashram into a focal point for different ancient Hindu healing techniques, natural remedies, and ayurvedic instruction. Parmarth Niketan Ashram has been conducting numerous spiritual gatherings ever since it was founded.
1. Lakshman Jhula: This suspension bridge across the Ganges provides a breathtaking perspective of the surrounding area, with mountains calling in the distance, temples, and lush greenery all around. Only 3 kilometres separate the ashram from this well-liked tourist attraction in Rishikesh. Two villages, Tapovan in the Tehri Garhwal district and Jonk in the Pauri Garhwal district, are connected by the bridge. This is a well-known sight throughout northern India, not just in Uttarakhand.
2. Triveni Ghat: The distance between Triveni Ghat and Parmarth Niketan Ashram is only 9 kilometres. It is the sacred meeting place of the Ganges, the Saraswathi, and the Yamuna rivers. Many people have the view that anyone who takes a dip in the confluence will be absolved of all their transgressions and crimes. Every evening, the renowned Maha Aarti is performed at the Triveni Ghat. During the Maha Aarti, a large number of worshippers do pujas at the ghat. Near the ghat are the well-known Geeta and Laxminarayan temples
3. Vashisht Caves: The distance between Vashisht Caves and Parmarth Niketan Ashram is around 32 kilometres. Vashishta, an old sage, used to meditate in this large cave. The caves here are frequently visited by those seeking spiritual solace. In these caverns, which are under the control of the Swami Purushottam Ashram, a Shivling is erected.
4. Ram Jhula: One of the most well-known sights in Rishikesh, Ram Jhula is around 500 kilometres from Parmarth Niketan Ashram. On the western side of the Ganges, this steel bridge was built in 1980. Compared to Lakshman Jhula, this bridge's length is a little bit longer. There are several temples and ashrams on both sides of the bridge. An enlarged Ganges will be seen cascading down the rocky ground as you descend the bridge. A trip here with the family would be lovely.
The following activities are a must-do if you're visiting Rishikesh and intend to stay at Parmarth Niketan Ashram for a few days.
By autorickshaw and boat: Parmarth Niketan Ashram is easily accessible from Ram Jhula by foot, however rickshaw and auto services are also offered. To cross the Ganges and get at the ashram ghat, you can also choose to take advantage of the lovely boat ride option.
By Train: The ashram is around 16 kilometres from Rishikesh train station. From the train station, you may go along Veerbhadra Road in a vehicle or an auto to get to the ashram.
By Bus: From major cities like Delhi and Dehradun, regular bus services are also offered. From Delhi, the bus travels via NH334, and the journey to Parmarth Niketan Ashram takes between 5 and 6 hours. It takes about two hours from Dehradun. The ashram stopover is travelled by all buses on the Ambala-Dehradun-Haridwar route.
By Air: Dehradun, which is just 35 kilometres from Rishikesh, has the closest airport, the Jolly Grant airport. To guarantee a secure and comfortable journey to the ashram, you can hire taxis and cabs.
Location: Uttarakhand, Pauri district, Rishikesh
Hours: The ashram is open daily from 7 am until 8 pm.
Entry to the ashram is free of charge. For basic accommodations, pay Rs 800. For accommodations with air conditioning and a view of mountains and rivers, pay Rs. 1200 or Rs.
If this is your first time visiting the ashram, you should familiarise yourself with the activities and conducts that are permitted there.
1. You are allowed to pack a camera, phone, and other electronic devices, but you should always think twice before using them in public.
2. The ashram grounds and its surroundings are kept extremely clean, so please do not trash or produce any pollution there.
3. If you're visiting the ashram in the height of summer, such as May or June, bring sunscreen and an umbrella.
4. Here in the winter, you must wear warm clothing.
5. Always adhere to the distinctive rules established by the ashram administration on wearing headgear, retaining shoes, using cameras, or performing religious rites.
6. To get the most out of your trip to the ashram, maintain a serene and tranquil environment during your stay.
Raj Cottage Ganga Vatika (0.5 km from Parmarth Niketan Ashram) Raj Cottage Ganga Vatika is located in Rishkesh and approximately 1640 feet from Parmarth Niketan Ashram. On-site private parking is cost-free. Price per night begins at Rs. 2,999.
Yog Niketan by Sanskriti, second (0.4 km from Parmarth Niketan Ashram)
Yog Niketan By Sanskriti is a 4-star hotel featuring a restaurant and a patio in Rishikesh. Price per night begins at Rs. 8,500.
The Yog Vashishth Hotel (0.2 km from Parmarth Niketan Ashram)
Rooms are available at Hotel Yog Vashishth in Rishikesh, which has a restaurant and a patio. Ram Jhula is 1640 feet distant, whereas Parmarth Niketan is 656 feet away. Price per night begins at Rs. 2,800.
Some of the common questions asked related to Parmarth Niketan Ashram
Parmarth Niketan is a spiritual retreat and ashram located in Rishikesh, India. It was founded in 1942 by Pujya Swami Shukdevanandji Maharaj, and is now run by his disciple, Pujya Swami Chidanand Saraswatiji Maharaj. Parmarth Niketan is one of the largest ashrams in Rishikesh and is known for its beautiful location on the banks of the Ganges River.
Parmarth Niketan offers a variety of spiritual and wellness programs, including daily yoga and meditation classes, Ayurvedic healing therapies, Vedic chanting and philosophy classes, and spiritual talks by visiting teachers and gurus. The ashram also hosts several festivals and events throughout the year, including the International Yoga Festival, the Parmarth Niketan Ganga Aarti, and the annual Global Interfaith WASH Alliance Summit.
Yes, Parmarth Niketan is open to people of all religions, nationalities, and backgrounds. However, visitors are expected to follow the ashram's rules and guidelines, which include refraining from alcohol, drugs, meat, and other non-vegetarian foods, as well as dress modestly and respect the ashram's spiritual atmosphere.
Yes, Parmarth Niketan offers a range of accommodation options for visitors, including single and double rooms, cottages, and tents. Rates vary depending on the type of accommodation and season, and meals are included in the cost of the stay. Visitors are advised to book in advance, especially during peak seasons and festivals.
The Parmarth Niketan Ganga Aarti is a daily ritual that takes place in the evening on the banks of the Ganges River. It is a prayer ceremony that involves the lighting of lamps and the chanting of hymns in praise of the river and the divine. The ceremony is open to all visitors and is considered a highlight of any visit to Rishikesh.
Visitors should bring comfortable and modest clothing suitable for the ashram's spiritual atmosphere, as well as a yoga mat and any personal items they may need. The ashram provides bedding and towels, but visitors may also want to bring their own. It is also a good idea to bring a water bottle, sunscreen, and insect repellent
Parmarth Niketan is in the Swarg Ashram area of Rishikesh, which is easily accessible by road, rail, and air. The nearest airport is Jolly Grant Airport in Dehradun, which is about 35 kilometers from Rishikesh. From there, visitors can take a taxi or bus to Rishikesh. Rishikesh also has a railway station, with trains running from major cities in India. Once in Rishikesh, Parmarth Niketan is a short walk from the main market area.
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