About Swami Dayananda Ashram
Opening Hours:7:00 AM to 7:00 PM
Prime Day & Hours: Course dependant
Suggested Duration: Course dependant
Tickets: Online
Nearest Railway Station: Rishikesh railway station, 2 km away.
Nearest Airport: Jolly Grant Airport, 18 km away.
Nearest Bus Stop: Rishikesh bus station, 2 km away.
Swami Dayananda Ashram in Rishikesh is a renowned center for the study of Vedanta and Sanskrit. Founded in the 1960s by Swami Dayananda Saraswati, the ashram combines traditional teachings with modern techniques. Also known as Arsha Vidya Pitham, it offers courses on Vedanta texts, Sanskrit grammar in the Paninian style, and Vedic chanting.
The ashram offers various courses, including a 3-month Vedanta course and a 3-year long-term program for deeper exploration of Vedantic philosophy. It also hosts family retreats and Swami Dayananda Memorial Retreats, where children must be accompanied by parents. The syllabus covers the Vedas, Upanishads, Yoga, and Vedic mantras, complemented by regular Satsangs. Retreats focus on topics like inner growth and the teachings of Isha Vasyopanishad, offering a holistic approach to personal transformation.
It is also home to Lord Sri Gangadharesvar Temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva. Its lecture hall, offering a serene view of the Ganga, comfortably accommodates 250 participants for seminars and classes. The well-stocked library offers a wealth of spiritual texts, while the dining hall serves nutritious, sattvic meals, creating a nurturing environment for all.
Swami Dayananda Ashram Highlights
• Visit Swami Dayananda Ashram, a peaceful retreat for Vedic and Sanskrit learning, self-reflection, and spiritual growth.
• Offer your prayers at the Sri Gangadharesvar Temple, the spiritual heart of the ashram, known for its daily rituals and abhishekams.
• Explore the ashram’s well-stocked library, home to a rich collection of spiritual texts, offering space for quiet study, reflection.
• Immerse yourself in the calming atmosphere of daily yoga, guided meditation sessions, and the chanting of sacred mantras.
How To Reach Swami Dayananda Ashram
By road- The Swami Dayananda Ashram is located around 3 km from the Rishikesh city center and can be reached in approximately 7 minutes via ISBT Road.
Best Time To Visit Swami Dayananda Ashram
Peak Season (October to February):
- Weather insights- Pleasant weather, clear skies, temperatures between 8°C and 34°C.
- Things to do- Visit the ashram, attend the retreats, relax with yoga, explore the temple.
Moderate Season (March to May):
- Weather insights- Hot and humid, temperatures between 24°C and 36°C.
- Things to do- Explore the ashram, participate in retreats, rejuvenate through yoga, visit the temple.
Low Season (June to September):
- Weather insights- Moderate rainfall, potentially humid with temperatures between 24°C and 35°C.
- Things to do- Explore the ashram, participate in retreats, unwind with yoga, visit the serene temple.
Swami Dayananda Ashram Other Essential Information
Know before you go to Swami Dayananda Ashram:
- Maintain silence during the classes to respect the sanctity of the ashram.
- Wear comfortable, modest clothing suitable for meditation and spiritual practices.
- Refrain from using mobile phones during the classes to maintain focus.
- Avoid bringing non-vegetarian items or alcohol, as they are strictly prohibited.
- Consume food only in the Annakshetra and refrain from bringing food into the rooms.
- Avoid using garlic or onion inside the ashram premises to follow the spiritual guidelines.
- Do not bathe in the Ganga away from the riverbank, as some areas are deep.
Visit the Ashram
Swami Dayananda Ashram in Rishikesh offers a peaceful environment for spiritual growth. It provides courses such as a 3-month Vedanta course, a 3-year long-term Vedanta program, family retreats, and the Swami Dayananda Memorial Retreats. The ashram also features a fully equipped Yoga studio for regular Iyengar Yoga camps and a spacious air-conditioned lecture hall for seminars and teachings. It’s an ideal place for those seeking deep spiritual learning and rejuvenation.
Explore the Library
The ashram houses a vast library with over 5,000 titles. The collection covers a wide range of subjects, including Vedanta, Sanskrit grammar, Indian and Western philosophies, religion, and yoga. The bookstore offers a large selection of Vedanta books authored by Pujya Sri Swamiji. It also displays works of his senior disciples, including Sri Swami Viditatmananda, Sri Swami Tattvavidananda, Sri Swami Suddhabodhananda, and Sri Swamini Pramananda.
Worship at the temple
The Sri Gangadharesvar Temple at the ashram is dedicated to Lord Shiva, facing the sacred Ganga. The installation of the deity was performed by Pujya Sri Swamiji himself, with his own hands. Traditional Vedic pujas and prayers are offered at the shrine every morning and evening. Adjacent to the Lecture Hall, the samadhi shrine of Pujya Sri Swamiji also faces the Ganges, where regular pujas are conducted.
Tourism Board Alliances
Swami Dayananda Ashram FAQs
What is the real name of Swami Dayananda?
Swami Dayanand Saraswati was originally named Mool Shankar. After renouncing worldly life and embracing the path of a sannyasi, he was given the name Dayanand, which signifies “one who finds joy in compassion”.
What are the main attractions of Dayananda Ashram?
The Swami Dayananda Ashram in Rishikesh is renowned for its peaceful atmosphere, dedication to Vedanta and Sanskrit studies, and its picturesque setting along the banks of the Ganges. The ashram offers a range of activities, including yoga camps and spiritual retreats. Its facilities include a lecture hall, a yoga studio, and classrooms designed for long-term courses.
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