Top 8 Ashrams in India; And What do they offer!

Top 8 Ashrams in India: Ashrams are known as a place where we are ought to be grown spiritually, Read below to know more about these top 8 Ashrams in India!

India has always been a popular destination with spiritual seekers who flock to the country's many ashrams. Every ashram is different though, so which one to choose? This guide to popular ashrams in India will give you some ideas as to what's on offer.

Watch this video to know about the Top 10 Yoga & Meditation Ashrams in India: ">

1. Art of Living Ashram:

Founded in 1982 by Sri Sri Ravi Shankar, the Art of Living is renowned world-wide for its stress-elimination and self-development programs based mainly on breathing techniques, meditation and yoga. The Art of Living as a voluntary organization also undertakes various initiatives aimed at uplifting humanity and enhancing the quality of life. The foundation course at the ashram is the three day Art of Living Part I residential workshop. You'll learn revitalizing breathing techniques to restore the natural rhythms of body and mind.

• Where: In the Panchagiri hills, 36 kilometres southwest of Bangalore, near Udipalya village.
• Courses: Art of Living I & II, yoga, meditation, Vaastu Shastra, Vedic math, and youth training courses.

2. Osho International Meditation Resort:

3. Isha Foundation Ashram:

The Isha Foundation is a non-profit organization, founded by Sadhguru Jaggi Vasudev in 1992. Its purpose is to foster people's spiritual and physical wellbeing through yoga and outreach programs, such as environmental rejuvenation. The core of the Foundation's activities is a customized system of yoga called Isha Yoga. The 3-7 day introductory program, known as Inner Engineering, introduces guided meditations and a powerful inner energy process for deep inner transformation.

• Where: Isha Yoga Center, at the base of the Velliangiri Mountains in Tamil Nadu.
• Courses: Inner Engineering, Hatha yoga, yoga for children, advanced meditation programs, sacred treks, mind and body rejuvenation retreats based on Ayurvedic principles.

4. Mata Amritanandamayi Ashram:

Fondly known as the "Hugging Mother" or "Amma, the Mother of All", Sri Mata Amritanandamayi Devi envelopes devotees with her love. She focuses her attention on trying to overcome the lack of love and compassion in the world, and devotees are particularly attracted to her for her comforting embraces. Free public darshans (audiences) are held with Amma at around 10 a.m. on Wednesdays, Thursdays, Saturdays and Sundays.

• Where: The Amritapuri Ashram is in Kollam, Kerala. 110 kilometres north of Trivandrum.
• Courses: Integrated Amrita Meditation Technique (a 20-minute combination of yoga, pranayama, and meditation). Morning and evening mediation, prayers, and service are all part of the ashram life.

5. Sri Ramana Maharshi Ashram:

The teachings of modern sage Ramana Maharshi are based on a process of self inquiry, which he initiated at the age of 16 in 1886. After realizing that his real nature was "formless, immanent consciousness", he left his family home and traveled to holy Mount Arunachala, where he remained for the rest of his life. The core of his teachings can be found in a booklet called, "Who Am I?"  It contains instructions that come from his direct experience of self-realization. Free accommodations and food are provided to devotees who wish to practice his teachings at the ashram.

• Where: Tiruvannamalai, 200 kilometers southwest of Chennai, in Tamil Nadu.
• Courses:  The ashram has a daily schedule of activities including puja (worship), Vedic chanting, and group readings.

6. Sri Aurobindo Ashram:

Founded in 1926 by Sri Aurobindo and a French woman known as The Mother, the Sri Aurobindo Ashram has grown into a diversified community with thousands of members. The ashram sees itself as working towards the creation of a new world, a new humanity. If you're looking for a quiet haven of retreat, this isn't the right ashram for you. It's "a vibrant center of life in a modern urban setting". There's no renunciation of the world there. Everyone spends time each day in one or another of the Ashram's 80 departments.

• Where: Pondicherry, 160 kilometres south of Chennai.
• Courses: Collective meditations are held, but there are no prescribed practices, rituals, compulsory meditations, or systematic instructions.

7. ISKCON:

The International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON) is commonly known as the Hare Krishna movement. It's based on the teachings of Lord Krisha and is a branch of Hinduism known as Gaudiya Vaishnavism, which was started in the 16th century by spiritual leader Chaitanya Mahaprabhu. ISKCON was not founded until much later, by Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada, in 1966. The Bhagavad Gita is one of the main texts used. Devotees practice bhakti yoga, which involves dedicating all thoughts and actions towards pleasing God (Lord Krishna).

• Where: There are centers all over India. The world headquarters are in Mayapur, West Bengal. Other popular centers are in Delhi, Mumbai (Maharashtra), Vrindavan (Uttar Pradesh), Bangalore (Karnataka). Do note that although both sexes are welcome, ashram facilities are mostly provided for men, as women are not encouraged to live an ascetic lifestyle in the temples. Guesthouses are available though, for short-term stays.
• Courses: Daily activities include worship, classes on the Bhagavat Gita, celebration of religious festivals, and lectures on spiritual topics.

8. Ramakrishna Mission:

Ramakrishna Mission is a religious movement that's based on the teachings of Sri Ramakrishna. It was founded by his chief apostle, Swami Vivekananda, in 1897. The teachings follow the system of Vedanta, which combines both Hindu religion and philosophy. The belief is that every soul is potentially divine, and this divinity can be manifested through work, meditation, knowledge and devotion to God (the four Yogas). All religions are recognized and honored, as they are considered to be different paths to the same reality.

• Where: There are branches all over India. The headquarters are at Belur Math near Kolkata.
• Courses: Depends on the branch. Activities include daily worship and bhajans (singing religious songs), a celebration of major Hindu festivals, religious classes, discourses, and spiritual talks and retreats. 

So which Ashram would you like to Visit? Comment below!

Read next: https://popdiaries.com/2021/11/08/paratha-recipe-for-this-season/

https://popdiaries.com/2021/11/08/salman-khan-points-out-umar-riaz-s-provocation-towards-simba-nagpal-says-whatever-you-did-was-a-reaction-to-his-provocation/