Sivananda Ashram, Rishikesh: How To Reach, Best Time & Tips

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Sivananda Ashram Overview

Those who look forward to take part in some spiritual outing in Uttarakhand, then Sivananda Ashram would be a great choice. Swami Sivananda was the founder of this ashram which is also known as the Divine Life Society. Rishikesh as all of us know is albeit holy and it comes in terms with more spirituality through this Ashram; thousands of devotees arrive here to indulge in the most peaceful prayers and to witness the architecturally brilliant building as well.

The yoga classes provided at the Ashram makes it popular among natives as well as foreigners who visit Rishikesh. Iyengar is the specialization here and there are separate classes for men and women. One point never to be missed out is the presence of the holy Ganga on the side of the Ashram, it flows so quietly to extend all its purity and blessings to the surroundings of this beautiful Ashram.

Located close to the Ram Jhula in Rishikesh, Sivananda Ashram is renowned as the next heaven for the inhabitants of the Blue Planet. Since ages, this heavenly place has been guiding its visitors with spiritual happiness, delight and peace.

For those who are entirely new to this place, Sivananda Ashram is a serene abode dedicated to the great Saint Swami Sivananda.

The credit to its present-day maintenance and administration goes to a committee called Divine Life Society. This place has been amongst the favourite spots for the visitors who want to indulge in quality meditation.

The calm and serene atmosphere at Sivananda Ashram makes it a great yoga and meditation centre. Adjacent to it, flows the river of the Ganga Vatika – The Ganges which amplifies the sanctity of the region.

The presence of the mighty Ganges here helps in maintaining the connections of both the past and present intact. Besides, it gives rise to a peaceful environment with the lush green valley in the backdrop.

Plan your visit on any day at the Sivananda Ashram, and you will be surprised with the feasts, satsangs, and the yoga sessions that are scheduled there. If you are keen on participating in any of these events there, Sivananda Ashram offers both yoga and meditation classes.

Besides this, Sivananda Ashram is also engaged in the publications of various pamphlets, books and magazines.

This place is truly an ideal spot for all yoga lovers to indulge in their passion for yoga and embrace their spiritual awakening.

History of Sivananda Ashram:

According to history, Sivananda Ashram was founded in the year 1936 by the then revered Saint – Swami Sivananda.

He was the first saint amongst the other yogis of his era to open the western world doors. Swami Sivananda did so for introducing the world with a scientific aspect of the traditional Indian yoga.

Those who used to enter his Ashram were first asked the three underlying principles of Yamas – Integrity, non-violence, and purity. These three basic principles were alternatively known as Moral Principles of Yoga Sutras of Sage Patanjali.

If we believe the ideology of Swami Sivananda, these three principles contribute to the mastery of breath, body and mind and achieve a status much beyond of self-realization.

He inculcated the importance of four major yoga branches in his disciples – Raja, Bhakta, Jnana, and Karma.

After the demise of Swami Sivananda, the ownership of the Ashram was transferred to Swami Chidananda.

By traveling across the world, he spread the message of both Yoga and Vedanta amongst his disciples and followers. Under the shelter of his effective leadership skills, Sivananda Ashram rose to prominence as a chief center of spiritual significance.

How To Reach

Swami Sivananda Ashram is located only at a distance of 50 metres from the Ram Jhula of Rishikesh. You can either opt for an auto-rickshaw ride or a hired taxi ride from the centre of the city. Rishikesh Railway Station is the closest railway station (03 km) to reach Sivananda Ashram and Jolly Grant Airport – the nearest airport (22 km).

Best Time To Visit

There is no specific period to be accounted for as the best period to schedule your visit to the Sivananda Ashram. You can visit the temple at any point in time throughout the 365 days in a year. However, it is always advisable to avoid the winter period as far as possible. It is during the winter season, when the temperature of Rishikesh may drop beyond the extreme levels.

Other Essential Information

Location – Sivananda Ashram, Rishikesh, Uttarakhand, India

Timings – You can walk in at the Sivananda Ashram anytime between 06:00 am to 10:00 pm. It only takes 2 to 3 hours for you to visit the Sivananda Ashram.

Price – There are no entry fees to visit the Sivananda Ashram.

Facilities at Sivananda Ashram:

Sivananda Ashram is well-equipped with a plethora of facilities for all their guests and visitors to enjoy a comfortable stay. Inside the ashram somewhere, you have a boutique and a small health hut.

You can get CD’s, snacks, yoga mats, and clothes for your routine use throughout your stay at the Sivananda Ashram. For avid book lovers, the Sivananda Ashram has got a small library where you can read your favourite books on mythology and Swami Sivananda’s philosophy.

It is an excellent place for researchers who want to research how yoga and meditation came into existence and flourished tremendously.

You can avail both telephone and internet services so that you do not entirely disconnected from the outer world. Besides, the Sivananda Ashram has facilities both for travel guide and laundry service.

Accommodation Facility at Sivananda Ashram –

Sivananda Ashram provides facilities both for an air-conditioned and non-air-conditioned room for all their guests. Besides that, the place has got a very serene, calm and pleasant natural surroundings.

If you want to relax in the laps of Mother Nature, you can surely bring in your own tent, enjoy a peaceful stay with your companions. The ashram authorities regularly facilitate their guest with a new pillow, bedsheets, and pillow covers.

Health is a prime concern here. Thus, the Sivananda Ashram authorities ensure that their guest receives sumptuous food without compromising on quality.

Also, these foodstuffs is highly affordable for every single wallet that steps in at this Ashram.

Snacks, fresh fruits and fruit juices can be purchased from the health huts that are located on specific points within the premises of Sivananda Ashram.

Yoga and Meditation Classes –

Till date, Swami Sivananda Ashram is fulfilling all its objective on which it was once founded. The present yoga sessions here are organised under the leadership of Swami Yogasawarupananda.

It schedules for regular yoga classes (both for men and women) under the leadership of trained instructors. The primary aim underlying these yoga sessions is that followers benefit from a daily yoga practise.

Right from breath awareness to meditation to relaxation, the yoga training sessions here inculcate various elements of yoga. If you are here for a more extended stay, you can even be a part of their two-month course on meditation and pranayama.

Rules and Regulations at Sivananda Ashram:

As a guest, you are expected to observe these rules and regulations as a part of their discipline maintenance.

1. Dress Code –

All the guests visiting the Sivananda Ashram are expected to observe a decent dress code according to the pre-set norms there. Both men and women are expected to cover their legs, midriff, and shoulders.

You won't be allowed to wear revealing clothes, transparent, and tight-fitting garments while visiting here.

As a guest, your overall dress code and behaviour should be in line with the local culture, thereby embracing the spiritual atmosphere.

2. Prohibited Items –

As this place is highly spiritual and with luxurious aesthetics, you won’t be allowed to smoke or consume alcohol within the premises of the Ashram. Likewise, consumption of eggs, fish, meat, onions, and garlic is completely prohibited.

Also, cell-phone use is restricted only to certain areas. If you are willing to capture some good clicks or enjoy video or audio recordings, you are requested to acquire prior permission from the Director of the Sivananda Ashram. Finally, you won't be allowed to bring in your pets here.

3. Attendance –

You will be required to observe a mandatory attendance requirement at all the events and programmes organised under the Ashram Yoga Vacation Program.

4. Free Day –

Friday is reserved as a ‘Free Day’ here at the Sivananda Ashram. There are early morning and late evening satsangs organised here. You can participate in these satsangs if you wish to.

5. Silence –

Silence is a prerequisite discipline to be observed while enjoying your meal sessions and during your Satsang sessions. Lights will be called off as soon as the clock strikes 10:30 pm.

6. Personal belongings –

No authority at the Sivananda Ashram Rishikesh will take responsibility for your personal belongings. There are safe-keeping options available for all the guests. You may use it whenever you want.

7. Minimum Stay –

Once you accomplish your registration for accommodation at the Sivananda Ashram, you are expected to make minimum payments for 3-night accommodation. This initial payment shall be made on non-refundable and non-transferable mode.

Tips for Sivananda Ashram –

Here are a few tips for peeping in while planning your visit to the Sivananda Ashram –

1. The evening Ganga Aarti at the Triveni Ghat alongside Sivananda Ashram is something you should not miss on. The loud chantings and innumerable lighted diyas are a true delight for every spiritual heart.

2. If you are desirous of attending the yoga sessions, it is good to pre-book for the same.

3. If you are willing to perform a Pooja at the Ghat of the River Ganges, you may seek assistance from the religious Swamis there.

4. Never forget to pack your bags with sandals, comfortable clothing, meditation mattress, personal items, toiletries, water bottles, torch, yoga asana mats and a personal medical kit. In case you forget any of them, you can purchase the same from the Ashram’s boutique located within the premises of the Sivananda Ashram.

5. It is advisable to carry your valid Photo ID with you all the time. It may either be your VISA or any other original documents.

6. It is essential to note the timings for purchasing necessary stuff from both the ashram’s boutique and post. Both shops remain closed during the yoga and meditation classes, Satsang sessions, and as soon as the clock strikes 07:30 pm.

7. Neither Sivananda Ashram nor any of its faculty will be held responsible for availing the independent services such as laundry and travel agency requirements.

Sivananda Ashram FAQs

Is camera allowed in Sivananda Ashram?

You are allowed to carry your personal camera within the premises of the Sivananda Ashram. To click pictures of the premises, you are requested to seek permission from the Director of the Ashram in writing.

Is there any locker facility available in Sivananda Ashram?

Yes, there are locker facilities available to store all your personal belongings during your visit to the Sivananda Ashram. You can lock your belongings there solely at your responsibility. Once you reach Sivananda Ashram’s reservation cell, you may make requests to avail the locker facility available.

Are baby strollers or backpacks permitted in the Sivananda Ashram?

You are allowed to carry your baby strollers or backpacks within the Sivananda Ashram. You may leave your bags locked within the locker facility at the entrance of the Ashram.

Also, you will be requested to leave your baby stroller somewhere nearby and carry your baby in your arms.

Can I use my mobile phone in the Sivananda Ashram?

There are no restrictions on carrying your mobile phones within the premises of Sivananda Ashram. However, you need to ensure that you must keep it entirely in switched off mode while you attend any form of Satsangs or Pooja or chantings there. In case of any emergency, you may visit the permissible mobile areas located at various places within the premises to dial or receive calls.

Can I eat or drink in the Sivananda Ashram?

Sivananda Ashram of Rishikesh is a highly pious place. Each and every guest visiting here is required to observe the complete prohibition of activities such as smoking and drinking alcohol. If you are accommodating yourself at the Sivananda Ashram, you may avail their meal facilities at highly affordable pricing.

Every day, the authorities at the Sivananda Ashram, cook a healthy and sumptuous meal for all their guests and visitors. Besides, they do have small health huts located everywhere within the premises of the Ashram where you can purchase snacks, fruit juices, and fresh fruits as an alternative food reserves.