Sivananda Ashram

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In 1932, Swami Sivananda founded the Sivananda Ashram, located quite close to the Swarg Ashram. Initially it was no more than an abandoned cowshed, which he called Ananda Kutir (Abode of Bliss). And soon with the gathering of disciples other nearby cowsheds were also added to Ananda Kutir.

Divine Life Society
Four years later the Divine Life Society was established at the Sivananda Ashram and in 1938 a journal by the name of The Divine Life was started.

The motto of this Society which is in keeping with that of its founder is best summarised in the following six words: "Serve, Love, Give, Purify, Meditate, Realise".

In 1943 the Sri Viswanath Mandir was consecrated at the gradually expanding ashram premises.

All through this phase of expansion Swami Sivananda attended to his patients, comprising of passing monks, pilgrims and local inhabitants of the area. And in 1945, he established the Sivananda Ayurvedic Pharmacy. The pharmacy uses rare Himalayan herbs in its medical preparations.

One of the most prominent and known yoga teachers of the world, Swami Sivananda established the Yoga-Vedanta Forest Academy in 1948 to train disciples, whose numbers were swelling by the day being pulled by the ashram like a magnet, in the pursuit of yoga. The Academy set up its own Press in 1951.

The Swami was a true believer and practitioner of karma yoga. The Sanskrit term karma means action, both physical and mental. It is the sum total of our acts, both in the present life and in the preceding births. Hindus believe that each individual or soul is part of a collective consciousness. And yoga is a set of methods by which the union of the individual soul with this universal consciousness is reached.

Thus Karma Yoga is the samarpan (offering) of all actions and their fruits to the Lord. On a simpler plain it signifies selfless service offered to humanity.

The Sivananda Eye Hospital was established in 1957, six years prior to the passing away of this visionary doctor.

The natural beauty of the Sivananda Ashram is a captivating site. Situated in the verdant, tranquil lap of the majestic Himalayas, with the holy river Ganga flowing by its side is the ashram - a sure sight for sore eyes. The sight itself is a stress-buster.

Geographically speaking the Ashram is located three 3 kilometres from Rishikesh. Also called Sivanandanagar, it falls under the Tehri-Garhwal district of the state of Uttaranchal (earlier Uttar Pradesh).

In order to get to the ashram, one needs to first get to Rishikesh. The nearest airport to this city is Jolly Grant Airport at Dehradun, which is 40 kms away. From the airport, the ride to the city is approximately an hour by either taxis or buses. Rishikesh is well connected by the railways from all parts of the country.

Having reached Rishikesh one can avail of three-wheeler Autorickshaws or taxis.

Where to Stay
All pilgrims are allowed to stay within the ashram premises, on a prior intimation to the ashram authorities. This is because of a space constraint. It is advisable to write in to the ashram informing them of the time and duration of your visit and obtaining a written permission from them. You can send your query at the following address:

The Postal Address:
Divine Life Society,
P.O. Shivanandanagar,
Pin Code 249 192,
District Tehri-Garhwal,
Uttaranchal,
India.
Tel: (091)-135-430040
Fax: (091)-135-433101
Email: dlshq@sancharnet.in or dlshq@yahoo.co.in

The best time to go there is between the months of May and November. The average temperature in winter can go as low as 5-Degree Celsius and in summers the mercury can touch a high of 32-35 Degree Celsius.

Divine Life Society,
P.O. Shivanandanagar,
Pin Code 249 192,
District Tehri-Garhwal,
Uttaranchal,
India.
Tel: (091)-135-430040
Fax: (091)-135-433101

– Vandana Mohal