Rishikesh, along with Mysore, is one of the most popular destinations for yoga in India. There are numerous ashrams, and numerous styles of yoga and meditation, to choose from. Hence, it's important to investigate which best meets your needs. Find out about some of the top Rishikesh ashrams and what they teach in this article.
1. Parmarth Niketan
Parmarth Niketan, on the banks of the holy Ganges river in Rishikesh, is one of the top yoga centers in India and the biggest ashram in the area. It has 1,000 rooms on its sprawling eight acre campus, with various rates (on a "donation" basis from 300 rupees per person, per day) depending on the standard of accommodations and view. Two yoga classes and three meals daily are included in the price. 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 aarti is popular.
2. Sivananda Ashram
Another of India's top yoga centers, Sivananda Ashram was founded by Swami Sivananda and is run by the Divine Life Society. Teachings are based 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. The ashram is located near Ram Jhula, adjoining the main road.
3. Omkarananda Ganga Sadan
Omkarananda Ganga Sadan, the guesthouse of the Omkarananda Ashram Himalayas, is home to the Patanjala Yoga Kendra yoga center. Iyengar yoga classes are the specialty there. The center is located at the Muni-ki-Reti area of Rishikesh, on the banks of the Ganges river. It has its own ghat, and a daily aarti is performed. Daily (except Sundays) yoga classes are open to everyone but reservations need to be made months in advance for the intensive yoga courses. Lectures on the Bhagavad Gita are also offered. Accommodations are reasonably priced and clean, and many rooms have river views.
4. Sadhana Mandir and Swami Rama Sadhaka Grama Ashram
Sadhana Mandir was founded in 1966 by Swami Rama, author of Living with the Himalayan Masters, and many other renowned spiritual books. Meditation, in the Himalayan Tradition, is the focus of the teachings at this ashram. It has a serene garden setting on the banks of the Ganges river, but away from the hustle and bustle of Rishikesh. Various residential programs are offered and require reservations at least two weeks in advance.
Swami Rama Sadhaka Grama was founded by Swami Veda Bharati, a disciple of Swami Rama. In addition to offering meditation instruction in the Himalayan Tradition, the ashram is a highly regarded center for scientific research into yogic meditation. Accommodations, limited to 100 guests at a time, are provided in very comfortable self contained bungalows. There's a daily schedule of activities, as well as personalized instruction and individualized spiritual retreats. Accommodation rates vary according to nationality, and include meals and daily classes.
5. Shree Mahesh Heritage Meditation School
If your focus is more on meditation than yoga, Shree Mahesh Heritage Meditation School offers a 300 hour meditation teacher training course, as well as meditation retreats and meditation for beginners courses. The school's approach is based on Vedic texts, and you'll also learn about yoga, Ayurveda, life healing, and spiritual development. In addition, there's a special non-residential Health Supportive Lifestyle Program that teaches healthy choices about diet, exercise and other lifestyle habits that can be easily applied in day-to-day life. Founder Ram Gupta has a degree in Nature Cure Science and Master Degree in Yoga and Meditation, plus more than 20 years of diverse experience in India and internationally.
6. Yoga Niketan
Yoga Niketan was founded by Swami Yogeshwaranand Paramahans, a renowned master of Raj Yoga. The teachings of this ashram, which is located in the Muni-Ki-Reti area of Rishikesh, are based solely on eight fold path as per the Patanjali yoga shastra. The ashram requires a minimum stay of 15 days for any of its courses. However, it also has a commercially run guesthouse that's available for shorter stays, and guests can attend daily classes at the ashram. Room rates start from 500 rupees a day, per person, for Indians and 900 rupees a day for foreigners.
7. Himalayan Yog Ashram
Located a short walk up the hill from Anand Prakesh, the compact Himalayan Yog Ashram teaches the practice of Himalayan Yoga based on the Vedic tradition, which forms the base for all different paths of yoga. The programs consist of a combination of yoga postures, breathing, meditation, and spiritual teachings. Various Ayurvedic healing programs are offered as well. The minimum stay at the ashram is a week, but two weeks are recommended to obtain maximum benefit. As well as the teachings, guests praise this ashram for its great food, beautiful environment, and welcoming hosts.
8. Phool Chatti
Meaning "Land of Flowers", Phool Chatti ashram was founded in the late 1800s (yes, it's more than 120 years old) and is located a peaceful 5 kilometers upriver from Laxman Jhula. The ashram is renowned for its frequent seven day yoga and meditation program. The teachings are different from many others as they focus on the full spectrum of the yogic path and ashram life, not just asanas (postures). Students will get to experience meditation, breathing (pranayama), cleansing, chanting, mauna (silence), pooja (worship), kirtan (sacred singing), and other important aspects of the yogic path. There are opportunities for meditative walks among nature as well.
11. Osho GangaDham Ashram
The Osho GangaDham ashram is situated on the Ganges river at Brahampuri, around 10 minutes drive from the Laxman Jhula area on Badrinath Road. Various types of Osho Active Meditation practices are taught at the ashram, and meditation camps are offered throughout the year. Alternatively, you can simply listen to discourses, or do nothing but relax there.
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