Shree Swami Ramanand Sant Ashram, Rishikesh

Height from Sea Level: 2000 ft.
How to Reach:	5 minutes walk from Triveni ghat, on the bank of the Ganga, Mayakund, Rishikesh
Nearby Airports: Dehradun		Nearby Railway Stations: Rishikesh	Nearest Bus Station: Rishikesh
Map:		Google Map

Rishikesh indeed is an abode of saints, ashrams and temples! It's the holy bank of river Ganga and the sacred abode of saints. The place is replete with religious and spiritual vibrations. For ages it has been a centre of attraction for devotees as well as saints

Every Indian, with very few exceptions, has an innate desire to have darshan of the Ganga and also to bathe in the holy water of mother Ganga.

Shree Ramanad Sant Ashram is at a walking distance of 5 minutes from Triveni ghat at Mayakund on the very bank of the holy Ganga in Rishikesh. Revered Shree Swami Abhiramdasji Tyagi is the sculptor and founder of the ashram. The construction work of the ashram began in the year 1985. It was developed gradually over a long period of time. The ashram is divided in different sections and today has almost every facility for the saints and the devotees for lodging, boarding and also meditation.

As per the traditions of Shree Swami Ramanandacharya, the ashram houses beautiful temple of Shree Sitaramji, temple of Lord Shiva, cow shed, meditation hall for saints, library, a spacious hall for recitation of Shreeram katha, large kitchen and a huge dining hall. Almost 150 to 200 saints dwell here constantly performing meditation. Moreover, a large number of saints visit the ashram during religious ceremonies and festivals. The ashram regularly organises bhandara (meal for everyone inside, as well as outside visitors) during such occasions.

The favourite scripture of these devotees of Shree Sitaramji is Shree Ramcharit Manas, favourite festival is Shree Ramjanmotsav (Lord Shreeram's birthday) and favourite festivity is Shree Gurupoornima celebration.

One can hear the chant of Jai Shreeram here. Saints and devotees even use the name Shreeram for calling each other. People hardly address each other by their worldly names or even by the name acquired after renouncing the world. While talking about their own self also they use the expression My Ram.

Musical recitation of Shreeram katha is organised here during Chaitri Navratra. Mostly saints and orators come from Vrindavan for this. Shreeram katha is recited by them beautifully in various musical notes which fills one's heart with devotion for Shreeram.

Shreeram janmotsav is celebrated very ceremoniously here. All the arrangements are made on the previous day. The saints start assembling in the sanctum sanctorium of the temple from early morning. Saints from Vrindavan fill the atmosphere with hymns, songs and holy chants of Shreeram swaying everyone's heart with fascination.

Jagadguru Shree Swami Ramanandacharyaji's birthday is also celebrated here with great dedication. On that day, a huge procession is carried out in the city and a congregation of saints is also organised.

Shree Ramarchan pooja is performed on the punyatithi (death anniversary) of Shree Swami Parmeshwardasji Maharaj along with a bhandara on the next day. These are special events of the ashram.

One can observe a very different and peculiar life of saints here. After the morning aarti a call is given for tea and baalbhog ki Sitaram (breakfast offered to Thakorji as prasad). All the saints have tea and breakfast and the devotees also follow the same practice. An announcement is made of pangat ki Sitaram for afternoon meal and byaru ki Sitaram for evening meal. A long bell is rung during the announcement and all the saints gather in the dining hall. Chants of Shreeram or prayers are recited till the meal is served to all. The meal is also served by the saints only.

Almost every saint has an idol of Thakorji which is extremely dear to them. They carry the Thakorji wherever they go and worship Him all their life. They spend their whole life submitting themselves to Thakorji only.

The morning and evening aarti creates a divine atmosphere here. After the prayers the saints call out loudly: Saints are benevolent
They don the attire of monks
When chant of Ram booms
Death departs soon

The loud chants by the saints exhibit their devotion and unwavering faith towards Shreeram.

Another unique feature of this ashram is that the saints are at a liberty to practice meditation or penance as per their will. There is no restriction from the ashram about following a particular practice for meditation. Saints from different sects can follow the paths of meditation as per their will. They are also at a liberty to adopt the type of attire they wish. There is one thing common for everyone and that is accepting pure, virtuous and holy Prasad offered to Thaokrji. This Prasad is prepared by the saints and offered to Thakorji and the same is taken in the form of meals by all the saints.

After the evening aarti, it is an amazing experience to sit on the terrace and revel in the view. Endless range of Himalayan Mountains, holy flow of the Ganga, the firmament above, gleaming stars, gentle and soft moonlight… everything is so unprecedented that the mind rests at peace effortlessly and a devotee can instinctively experience oneness with Shreeram. It gives such indescribable joy that one doesn't want to leave the place at all.