India has long been a sought-after destination for spiritual seekers who visit its many ashrams. These are places where spiritual or religious gurus live with their disciples, creating a community devoted to spiritual activities such as yoga, meditation, and religious instruction. Ashrams are often secluded, ideal for those longing for peace and tranquility in India.
However, each ashram is unique, so choosing the right one can be a bit challenging. This guide provides a glimpse into some of the popular ashrams across India, highlighting what they offer.
The Art of Living, established in 1982 by Sri Sri Ravi Shankar, is famous worldwide for its programs focused on stress-relief and personal growth through breathing techniques, meditation, and yoga. Recognized as a UN-accredited NGO, the ashram offers the foundational three-day Art of Living Part I workshop, where participants learn revitalizing breathing methods to harmonize body and mind.
Osho, a well-known but controversial spiritual leader due to his views on sex, founded the Osho ashram, which now refrains from practices like undressing workshops or promoting “free love.” Different from other ashrams, there is no gender separation here. The ashram resembles a resort, providing a luxurious space for self-comfort, although it does include wearing maroon robes. The focus of their courses leans more towards healing emotional trauma instead of personal development.
Founded in 1992 by Sadhguru Jaggi Vasudev, the Isha Foundation is a non-profit organization dedicated to enhancing spiritual and physical well-being through yoga and outreach initiatives like environmental projects. Its core activity is a unique system of yoga known as Isha Yoga. Their introductory program, Inner Engineering, spans three to seven days and includes guided meditations and profound energy processes for deep transformation.
Affectionately called the “Hugging Mother” or “Amma,” Sri Mata Amritanandamayi Devi offers love and warmth to her followers. Her mission centers on spreading love and compassion, and many devotees find solace in her comforting hugs. Free public darshans (meetings) with Amma are held on specific days of the week around 10 a.m.
Modern sage Ramana Maharshi’s teachings focus on self-inquiry, a practice he discovered at the age of 16 in 1886. After realizing his true nature as “formless, immanent consciousness,” he dedicated his life to spiritual practice at the holy mountain Arunachala. His core teachings are encapsulated in a booklet titled “Who Am I?” Devotees can practice these teachings at his ashram, where free accommodations and meals are provided.
Established in 1926 by Sri Aurobindo and Mirra Alfassa (known as The Mother), the Sri Aurobindo Ashram is a vibrant community with thousands of members, striving to create a new world and humanity. This lively urban center is not for those seeking solitude. Instead, it’s about active engagement, with members participating in various departments daily.
The International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON), often referred to as the Hare Krishna movement, is grounded in the teachings of Lord Krishna, rooted in the Gaudiya Vaishnavism branch of Hinduism initiated by spiritual leader Chaitanya Mahaprabhu in the 16th century. It was officially founded by Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada in 1966. Devotees study texts like the Bhagavad Gita and practice bhakti yoga, dedicating thoughts and actions to pleasing God, or Lord Krishna.
The Ramakrishna Mission was established by Swami Vivekananda in 1897, inspired by the teachings of Sri Ramakrishna. It follows the Vedanta philosophy, blending Hindu religion and philosophy, and holds that every soul is inherently divine. This divinity can be realized through work, meditation, knowledge, and devotion to God, known as the four Yogas. All religions are respected and seen as different paths leading to the same truth.
