Yoga Niketan Ashram, Rishikesh

Along the banks of the Ganges, Parmarth Niketan is nestled in the beautiful Himalayan foothills. Pujya Swami Shukdevanandji Maharaj (1901–1965) started the ashram in 1942. President and Spiritual Head of Parmarth Niketan since 1986 is Pujya Swami Chidanand Saraswatiji Maharaj. Sadhvi Bhagawati Saraswati has been teaching and living in the Parmarth Niketan Ashram for the past 25 years. Parmarth Niketan, Rishikesh's largest ashram with over 1000 rooms, offers thousands of pilgrims from all over the world a clean, pure, and spiritual atmosphere as well as extensive, beautiful gardens. Everyday yoga, specialised in Vinyasa yoga, general Hatha yoga, and yoga Nidra are among the daily activities of Parmarth Niketan. Morning universal prayers and meditation courses, daily satsang and lecture programmes, kirtan, a Ganga aarti at sunset on the Ganges beach attended by hundreds of tourists each day, as well as Nature Cure and Ayurvedic treatment and training are all part of the daily activities. On the banks of the Ganges, Parmarth Niketan is home to a 14-foot Shiva monument that gives a beautiful perspective of the ashram. Vijaypal Baghel of Himalaya Vahini planted the sacred tree of heaven Kalpavriksha on the grounds of this ashram. Visiting respected saints, acclaimed artists, spiritual and social leaders, and others regularly provide special cultural and spiritual activities. Pilgrims go from all over the world to participate in intense yoga, meditation, pranayama, stress management, acupressure, Reiki, Ayurveda, and other ancient Indian sciences camps. The Swami Shukdevanand Trust, a non-profit religious/spiritual organisation committed to religion, spirituality, and culture, is headquartered in Parmarth Niketan. It was formed in 1942 by Pujya Swami Shukdevanandji Maharaj and registered in 1962 under the Societies Registration Act. There is no prejudice against guests based on race, country, religion, caste, or creed at Parmarth Niketan.