The spiritual haven of Sivananda Ashram, located in the holy city of Rishikesh, Uttarakhand, has been a significant destination for spiritual seekers and yoga enthusiasts from around the world. The Ashram was founded in 1936 by Swami Sivananda, a revered spiritual teacher and a proponent of Yoga and Vedanta. Swami Sivananda's philosophy of 'Serve, Love, Give, Purify, Meditate, Realize' has been the cornerstone of the ashram's teachings and practice.
The ashram is part of the Divine Life Society, an organization aimed at disseminating spiritual knowledge. Swami Sivananda's teachings have had a profound impact on the spread of yoga and spirituality across the globe. The Sivananda Ashram has played a pivotal role in the making of Rishikesh as the "Yoga Capital of the World."
For decades, the Sivananda Ashram has attracted tourists not just for its serene location by the banks of the sacred Ganges but also for its spiritual ambiance. The ashram provides an opportunity for visitors to immerse themselves in the practice of yoga, meditation, and to learn about the Hindu way of life. Tourists come here to attend yoga courses, receive spiritual discourses, and participate in the Ashram's daily activities such as the 'Ganga Aarti' at dusk.
The Ashram offers simple and modest accommodations for its guests, providing an environment that encourages a focus on spiritual practices and self-discovery. The facilities include a library, a book shop with a vast collection of spiritual literature, and a yoga hall where daily classes are held.
Wellness Tourism: Recent trends in tourism have seen a significant surge in wellness travel. Tourists are increasingly seeking destinations that offer experiences aimed at improving health and well-being. Sivananda Ashram's programs that focus on holistic wellness through yoga, meditation, and a satvik (pure) diet align perfectly with this trend.
Yoga Retreats and Teacher Training: There has been a growing popularity in yoga retreats and teacher training programs. The Sivananda Ashram provides various courses for those looking to deepen their practice or become certified yoga instructors, keeping pace with the global demand for professional yoga education.
Eco-Spiritual Tourism: With the growing awareness of sustainability, tourism that combines ecological responsibility with spiritual growth is gaining traction. Tourists are increasingly drawn to places like Sivananda Ashram that offer an opportunity to reconnect with nature while advancing on the spiritual path.
For those planning to visit Sivananda Ashram, it is open throughout the year, and it's advisable to book in advance due to the high demand for its courses and retreats. The Ashram maintains a structured schedule, and visitors are expected to adhere to the rules and daily routines, including attending satsangs, yoga classes, and meditation sessions.
Rishikesh is well-connected by road, rail, and air. The nearest airport is the Jolly Grant Airport in Dehradun. From there, one can take a taxi or a bus to reach the Ashram. For those traveling by train, Rishikesh railway station is the closest terminal, while road travelers can reach Rishikesh via National Highway 58.
