Parmarth Niketan is a holy retreat which was founded by Swami Shukdevanand Ji Maharaj (1901-1965). It was built to offer comfort and to open the doors of spiritualism. Since it is nestled in the foothills of the Himalayas, many foreign tourists come here to await their stay. Parmarth Niketan Ashram is the largest Yoga centre in Rishikesh. It also organizes the “International Yoga Festival” every year which is generally held in the month of March.
The holiness and serenity of river Ganga, attracts the tourists to Parmarth Niketan. People from all across the world come here to enrapture in spirituality. H.H. Swami Chidananda Saraswati Ji is the president of Parmarth Niketan Ashram. He is also the co-founder of Global Interim WASH Alliance, Founder of Ganga Action Parivar, Divine Shakti Foundation and India Heritage Research Foundation.
Facilities Offered by Parmarth Niketan:
Parmarth Niketan Ashram is packed with more than 1,000 rooms which are well-facilitated with modern yet traditional aesthetic beauty. All the rooms have attached washroom having hot/cold running water. Each room is clean, tidy and is well ventilated which makes them breezy.
In addition to this, the ashram also offers Yoga, Meditation, Ayurveda, Naturopathy courses and treatments for their guests. The ashram conducts frequent camps and courses on Yoga specializing in Vinyasa Yoga, General Hatha Yoga and Yoga Nidra. Apart from this, Stress management, Acupressure, Reiki, Ayurveda and other ancient Indian science disciplines are also practiced here.
Parmarth Niketan Yoga Courses:
The Ashrams runs many short-term Yoga courses that are tailored according to the demand and requirements of the guests. Some of the Yoga courses offered by the ashram are as follows:
- Beginner’s Founder Yoga (2 weeks duration)
- Beginner’s Intensive Yoga (One week duration)
- Intensive Yoga (2 weeks duration)
- Kriya Yoga & Meditation (2 weeks duration)
- Spiritual Retreat ( 5 days)
- Weekend Spiritual Retreat (2 days)
- Yoga Teacher Training Course (200 hours)
- Eternal Sound Healing and Gong Workshop (4 days)
- Chakrdance Awakening Retreat (4 days)
- Creating Balance in Life through Yoga (6 days)
- Embrace your spirit with Chakradance (2 weeks)
Daily Activities held at Parmarth Niketan:
The day at Parmarth Niketan starts from morning prayer followed by Yoga, Meditation Satsang, Kirtan and the World Famous Ganga Aarti held on the holy banks of river Ganga at sunset. Music, bhajan and kirtans are also performed here by the eminent spiritual leaders. The ashram welcomes visitors from all walks of life and there is no discrimination on the basis of race, nationality, religion, caste or creed.
Timings: 06:00 AM to 9:00 PM (open on all days)
Famous For: Religion, Yoga, History, Visuals
Entry fees: Free
Visit Duration: Around 3 hours
Nearby Landmark: Ram Jhula
Place: Rishikesh
Ideal time to visit: Throughout the year
Things to do in and around Parmarth Niketan:
Since the ashram is located on the banks of river Ganga, it’s aesthetic beauty soothes the soul from within. One can take part in the Ganga Aarti or visit the local market which showcases artistically made handicraft items, jewels, apparels etc. The Parmath Garden and the statue of Lord Shiva erected in the ashram makes the aura heavenly. The divine Kalpavriksha tree is also planted inside the ashram premises.
The visitors can relish the cultural and spiritual programmes conducted by the visiting revered saints, well-acclaimed musicians, spiritual and social leaders. There are many sightseeing options as some of the nearby attractions like Swarg Ashram, Geeta Bhawan, Shivanand Ashram, Yog Niketan, Ram Jhula, Lakshman Jhula, Triveni Ghar, Vashist Cave etc. are in the proximity.
How to Reach Parmarth Niketan:
The Parmarth Niketan is situated 3 km away from Lakshman Jhula, 8 km away from Triveni Ghat and only 500 metres away from Ram Jhula. It is 30 km away from Haridwar, 35 km from Dehradun and about 240 km from Delhi. One can visit here either by bus, taxi or their own vehicle. Rishikesh railway station is the nearest railhead to Parmarth Niketan Ashram. Dehradun’s Jolly Grant airport located at 20 km away is the nearest air connectivity from here.