Swargashram is made up of two words – “Swarg” meaning “heaven” and Ashram meaning “hermitage”. A place where you feel like heaven. Swarg Ashram is a small township established about 5 km from Rishikesh on the left bank of the Ganges opposite to Shri Shivanand Ashram. It was built in the memory of Swami Vishudhananda who was known as Kali Kamli Wale (the saint with the black blanket). Swarg Ashram can be reached in two ways –
- Walking – Walking from Ram/Sivananda Jhula which was built across the river.
- Boat – By crossing the river Ganges by boat.
The popularity of Swarg Ashram
The Ashram is maintained by a trust called Kali Kamliwala Kshetra. This ashram is a very popular ashram among both local and foreign tourists because of its traditional and historical nature with views of the Ganges and its ethnic touch.
Inside the Swarg Ashram there are many shrines and temples depicting various Hindu gods and goddesses. Each temple is headed by a priest who looks after the shrines and residing crew.
Many religious ceremonies, such as chanting, processions as well as birth and death ceremonies, take place inside the Swarg Ashram. It is surrounded by forests of Rajaji National Park and has mesmerizing greenery all around. It is an ideal destination for nature lovers.
Tourists basically visit this place for ‘Yoga tourism’ and ‘Study of Ayurvedic medicines’. It is an ideal destination for all those who love to interact with nature and are spiritually inclined.
Parmarth Niketan, Geeta Bhavan, Bhootnath Temple and many other interesting places are part of the Swarg Ashram area.
Highlights of Ashram
- Swami Atma Prakash established this Ashram.
- It was built in memory of Swami Vishudhananda also known as Kali Kamali Wala.
- Swarg Ashram is maintained by a trust called Kali Kamliwala Kshetra.
- Swarg Ashram is a place for yogis and those who are seeking spirituality.
- It is an institution which aims to create a balance between the body, mind and soul.
- The ashram houses two buildings namely- Akash Ganga and Dani Kothi.
- Akash Ganga is a guesthouse, which has a spacious Yoga hall and canteen. While Dani Kothi is an administrative building.
- It is comprised of a dining hall that is often used as a lecture hall.
- Many foreign nationalists visit this place for “Yoga Tours” and to study “Ayurvedic Medicines”.
Inside Swarg Ashram
There are various shops and other necessities inside the ashram like –
- Residential cells
- Temples
- Cafes
- Shopping
- Complexes
- Parks
- Libraries
- Ayurvedic dispensaries
- Meditation centres
- Sanskrit schools
- Hotels
- Restaurants that a trust maintains, which is “Kali Kamliwala Kshetra”.
Amenities and Facilities Provided by Ashram
A lot of Amenities have been provided by Ashram like –
Accommodation –
Swarg Ashram provides various types of accommodation to the saints and visitors.
Saint Kutiyas – Ashram provides all kinds of help and residence to the sages within the premises of the ashram to follow the path of religious awakening through bhajan and meditation.
Dharamshala – There are three Dharamshalas on the premises of the Ashram for the needs of travellers (pilgrims) and religious people. Also, Ashram has a Dharamshala in the Pauri Garhwal district of Uttarakhand near Neelkanth Mahadev Temple. Apart from this, the ashram has also built several ghats, water points and pathways for the pilgrims.
Dwelling Units – The trust manages 119 residential units (rooms/suites/flats) spread over 8 buildings namely Shiv Ganga, Akash Ganga, Ganga Niwas, Ganga Line Flat, Main Gaddi, Ganga Niketan, Samadhi Flat, Laxmi Narayan Mandir Rooms etc. Most of these houses face the river.
Vidyalaya –
The ashram runs two charitable schools, a Sanskrit school and a Bal Vidya Niketan on the premises. The students of the Sanskrit school are provided with free food, accommodation and meals by the ashram. It provides primary and secondary education in English and Hindi.
They are being groomed to become responsible citizens and future torchbearers of the ashram and Hindu culture. Bal Vidya Niketan is a Hindi medium secondary school established for the local population.
Library –
The ashram has a library which has a vast collection of religious, cultural and spiritual books.
Gaushala –
The Swargashram has a well-built Gaushala to take care of a large number of cows.
Aushdhalaya-
Ashram runs a charitable Ayurvedic hospital in which medical advice and medicines are distributed to needy people. Also, the ashram has a charitable allopathic dispensary where allopathic medicines are distributed free of cost to the needy.
The ashram has its own Nirman shala (manufacturing facility) as well as an in-house ayudhalaya (pharmacy) where many medicines and Ayurvedic products are made.
Free Kitchen (Annakshetra)-
Here food is prepared twice a day and distributed to saints, sadhus and the needy. Food is prepared from donated grains and on most days the food is sponsored by donors.
Orchards –
The ashram also has large gardens where fruit-bearing and Ayurvedic plants are grown. The gardens provide green cover in addition to organic fruits and Ayurvedic products for the hospital. Spices like turmeric and some vegetables are also grown here, which are used in Annakshetra.
Daily Activities in Ashram
- Bhajan and Kirtan are daily activities performed in Ashram.
- Meditation
- Ganga Aarti
- Yoga
- Holy chanting
- The ashram also sees several processions, birth and death ceremonies that are performed in this Ashram.
Timings of Swarg Ashram
You can visit the Ashram every day from 6A.M to 8 P.M.
Ticket Price of Swarg Ashram
Entry Fees for Swarg Ashram is Rs 600/-
Swarg Ashram Address
Swarg Ashram, Rishikesh, Uttarakhand, 249304, India
Things to do near Swarg Ashram
Trekking and Sightseeing: The area around Swarg Ashram offers various opportunities for sightseeing and trekking. There are many places where treks can be taken.
Meditation: The ashram has the right surroundings to indulge in meditation and self-reflection. The residents of the ashram often indulge in these activities and enjoy the company of Mother Nature.
River Rafting: Rishikesh offers opportunities for river rafting. Various private companies provide the facility. Guests visiting the ashram can avail the rafting adventures.
Bungee Jumping: There is a private bungee jumping facility about 17 km from the ashram. The adrenaline jump can be enjoyed by thrill seekers.
Tips to keep in mind
- You can carry a camera, phone and other electronic gadgets in your luggage, but always consider the situation before using them in public.
- Carry sunscreen and an umbrella if you are visiting the ashram in the summer months like May or June.
- Carry warm clothes if you are visiting in Winter.
- Maintain a calm and silent atmosphere.
- Do not litter or litter in and around the ashram premises as cleanliness is strictly followed here.
- Always follow the special customs prescribed by the ashram authorities regarding wearing shoes, using cameras, wearing hats, eating food or practising certain religious rituals.
Best time to visit Swarg Ashram
The best time to visit Swarg Ashram is from September to November. This time, the weather is quite pleasant and you can visit various nearby tourist attractions without facing the scorching sun or getting drenched in the heavy rains of the valley during monsoon.
How To Reach Ashram
By Air: The nearest airport to Ashram is Jolly Grant Airport in Dehradun. You can catch a bus or hire a taxi to reach the Swarg Ashram. It would take around a half hour to cover this distance of 22 KM.
By Train: Nearest Railway station is Rishikesh Railway Station which is 3km away from the Ashram. You should find a train stopping at this junction. You can get down here to fetch a bus, or a local ferry or hire a taxi to reach your destination.
By Road: Rishikesh Bus Stand is the nearest bus stand. The city roads are well connected with rickshaws and autos, helping you navigate the city and its surroundings without any hassle.
Nearby Points of Attraction
The Beatles Ashram:-
Beatles Ashram in Rishikesh Formerly known as Chaurasi Kutiya, Beatles Ashram is located east of the Ganges River in the foothills of the Himalayas, opposite the Muni ki Reti area of Rishikesh, Uttarakhand. The venue gained a lot of publicity and wider recognition after Liverpool’s Beatles stayed there in 1986. The band members practised meditation at this place and composed many good songs.
Triveni Ghat:-
Triveni Ghat is situated on the banks of the sacred river Ganga and it is the biggest Ghat of Rishikesh. It is believed that those who take a dip in the waters at this ghat wash away all sins and purify the soul and attain moksha, freedom from all sins; The water here has the power to purify them. Thousands of people take baths here every morning and evening and enjoy the Mahaarti being performed.
Ram Jhula:-
Ram Jhula is an iron suspension bridge located 3 km north of Rishikesh. It is built over the river Ganga to cross the river and is a landmark of this place. Ram Jhula has been recently built between Sivananda Ashram and Savargashram. The natural beauty of the area can be seen from the bridge, the sound of fresh air, and flowing water.
The Ganga Beach:-
Ganga Beach is a pleasant place to relax and unwind with family and friends. It is conveniently located on Laxman Jhula Road, which makes it highly accessible. The view of the sunset is spectacular at this beach and visitors can enjoy various local food served at the beach.
NOTE:- In this article, we cover all the important details regarding Swarg Ashram like the best time to visit and Activities you can do in Swarg Ashram, Still If you have any other queries you can visit the gov official website of Uttarakhand Tourism. And If you want to know the best places to visit in Uttarakhand then visit our website uttarakhandeyes.com.
