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Yoga Ashram |
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Know Your Ashram |
Rishikesh Tour Fact File |
Your Himalayan Home!
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Our Ashram is a sacred haven, resting serenely on
the banks of the holy Ganga (Ganges), nestled in the lap of the
Himalayas. The ashrams beautiful architecture and aesthetic
presentation of pious themes create an atmosphere of true spiritual
sublimity.
It is no surprise that pilgrims are drawn here from
all over the world. The awe-inspiring beauty of the ashram, the clear,
flowing Ganga, the majestic mountains, and the lush green forests will
embrace and rejuvenate your entire being. The Ashram offers comfort,
inspiration and upliftment for your body, mind and spirit as well as a
deeper connection with the Divine.
As you stay in the ashram, you will feel your soul
bathing in the peace of sacred energies, including those that emanate
from nature and those that linger from the timeless healing powers of
saints, sages and holy ones. The Ashram contains within it the voice
and the spirit of divine communion.
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Accomodations
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There are about 1,000 residential rooms that retain
the simplicity of ashram living and yet are equipped with the
necessary modern facilities. All rooms have attached, Western style
bathrooms and many have hot, running water. All linens are provided.
The ashram provides a clean, pure and sacred atmosphere to thousands
of pilgrims and devotees. There is no charge for
pilgrims or devotees to stay here; everything is run on a purely
donation basis. Whatever visitors feel inspired and able to give is
greatly appreciated, and all donations are used for the beautification
of the ashram and for the continuation of its services.
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Daily Divine Activities
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Each morning from 5 to 6 am, all ashram residents
join together for universal prayer and meditation. We say "universal"
because the emphasis is on pure, devotional worship, rather than on
one name or form of the Supreme. We gather together, as the sun begins
its ascent over the sacred Himalayas, as the first light of dawn
dances on the waters of Mother Ganga.
Spirits soar and days are truly begun as we give
thanks for this new day and for all we are blessed with. Each evening
as the sun's last rays reflect off the boundless waters of Mother
Ganga, we gather for the Ganga aarti. This divine light ceremony is
filled with devotional song, prayer, ritual and a palpable sense of
the divine. The aarti, an ornate oil lamp, lined with dozens of flames
burning in pure ghee is offered to God.
We give thanks for the blessings bestowed upon us
that day, as well as symbolically offering light back to God. Aarti is
a time when we break free from the normal stresses and strains of
every-day life, and gather together in joy, reverence and peace. As
the bright yellow sun dips in the water, and the reflection of its
rays bring tears to our eyes, we are filled anew with a deep sense of
bliss, reverence and spiritual connection.
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Ashram Guide lines
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This ashram is open for the stay to only those pilgrims who are here
to devote themselves to sadhana, meditation, seva and satsang. People
who come to Rishikesh for picnics, recreation, business, etc. are not
allowed to stay in this ashram.
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The pilgrims staying in this ashram are
required to observe and adhere to truth, non-violence,
self-discipline, and polite etiquette. |
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All pilgrims are expected to join in Ganga
Aarti (the light ceremony with devotional songs at sunset). |
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All pilgrims are required to dress modestly and
soberly, in a way that shows respect for the tradition of ashram
life. We request that no shorts, sleeveless shirts, or other
revealing clothing are worn. |
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A pilgrim is allowed to stay in the ashram for
a maximum of 15 days on the first visit. This period can be
extended only with permission from the authorities. In the case of
extended stays, the accommodation may be shifted. |
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In the event that the administration asks the
pilgrim to leave (even prior to the conclusion of the first 15
days) the pilgrim must vacate the premises immediately. |
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No strangers or persons who are not mentioned
on the admission form are allowed to be invited or entertained in
the rooms. |
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If the pilgrim has to leave for two or three
days, he or she will have to inform the manager and will have to
leave the keys to the room in the ashram office. If he or she has
to leave for more than three days, he or she will have to vacate
the room. Locking the room without providing information to the
management is prohibited. If necessary, the management will open
the room by breaking the lock. |
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It is the pilgrim's responsibility to keep
his/her room clean and tidy. Rooms should always remain in the
same condition as when they were assigned. |
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Please refrain from picking flowers
and littering. |
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If you are eating your meals at the ashram.
Please be punctual. Meals will only be served during the posted
times. |
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It is prohibited to use playing
cards, radios, or TVs |
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No pets are allowed. |
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The following are strictly prohibited: smoking,
drinking intoxicants, eating egg or other non-vegetarian foods,
playing cards, watching television, playing radios/cassette
players loudly. We also recommend that you refrain from eating
onions and garlic. |
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No one will have the rights and
license of tenancy. |
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Each pilgrim will have to vacate the
accommodation on the stipulated day, even before the management
asks him/her to do so. |
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Please insist on a receipt for your donation.
Specify the cause to which you want to donate (e.g. food for the
poor, schools, Gurukul/orphanage, hospital, aarti, yagna, gaushala,
accommodation, yoga/meditation section, Veda Vidyayala, etc.) |
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Please do not oblige anyone by directly
providing money, clothes or tips of any kind. This affects the
discipline and management of the ashram as well as negatively
influences the divine, devoted feeling amongst the individuals
here. Whatever help you want to give, please donate it to the
office, and it will be distributed where it is most needed. |
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