Parmarth Niketan: A Spiritual Retreat by the Ganges
On the tranquil bank of the sacred Ganges River in Rishikesh lies Parmarth Niketan, an ashram and abode of a soul too.
Gateway to Spiritual Awakening
It was founded by Swami Shukdevanandji Maharaj in 1942, and Parmarth Niketan was the largest Indian spiritual order that started. Every year, there are thousands of pilgrims that arrive from around the world for seeking peace of mind, wisdom, and peace — and in themselves as much as there exist sacred energies present in Rishikesh.
With more than 1,000 rooms, lovely gardens, and spiritually charged atmosphere, the ashram is the very epitome of traditional Indian spirituality and warm modernity.
Ashram Daily Life
Temple bells and dawns signal the beginning of the day, and then meditation and yoga along the Ganga bank. From spiritual sessions (satsangs) to Ayurvedic massage here, all in the spirit of healing and transformation.
Anything and everything that is sacred, including:
Daily morning yoga session and daily prayer meeting
Lectures on Vedanta philosophy
Sunset Ganga Aarti — a ritual to be explained
Seva (unselfish work) and social service
International Yoga Festival
Parmarth Niketan is also internationally famous as the venue for the International Yoga Festival during March, when yoga gurus and enthusiasts from more than 100 countries. It’s a week of peace, asanas, and meditation for the entire world.
The Ganga Aarti – A Divine Experience
Parmarth’s sunset Ganga Aarti is a sacred experience of the most beautiful kind. Chanting reverberating off Himalayan foothills, diyas shining suspended their hundreds in the river, and the sight of Lord Shiva statuesque high above reigning supreme atop the ghat, the experience divine.
It’s one of those magical ones where nature, peace, and devotion all come together in one.
A Place for Everyone
Whatever one is – a god-seeker, a yogi, or just someone escaping the worldly plague, all are cordially invited to Parmarth Niketan by its heart without any discrimination based on religion, nation, or nationality.
Plan Your Visit
Where: Rishikesh, Uttarakhand
Best Time to Visit: October to April (pleasant and colourful weather)
Shelter: Simple but comfortable shelter. Prior booking.
Dress: Unobtrusive dress of choice for spiritual settings.
Last Thoughts
It’s a distraction season, and Parmarth Niketan is a haven of peace. It’s not somewhere you arrive at — it’s an inward journey.
No matter how brief you remain, you depart with more than memories. You depart with a segment of Rishikesh in your heart.
