Parmarth Niketan Ashram - Rishikesh

Parmarth Niketan is one of the large and most visited ashrams in Rishikesh. It is situated on the banks of river Ganga surrounded by majestic Himalayan mountains. Visitors from all over the world visit the ashram for Yoga, meditation, and Satsang activities. The serene Ganga ghat surrounded by beautiful nature is a perfect place for meditation and reflecting on yourself.

Parmarth Niketan is truly the largest ashram in Rishikesh with over 1000 rooms, with basic to AC luxury rooms, with basic amenities and traditional touch. The ashram is surrounded by a lush garden with beautiful flowers and trees.

History of Parmarth Niketan

Parmarth Niketan was founded by Swami Shukdevanandji and Swami Bhajananandji in the 1940s. They used to come and meditate on the banks of river Ganga and started with the small ashram. As they became famous and more devotees visited them to hear wisdom and lectures, they built Satsang hall and Bhojanalaya (dining hall) and named it ‘Parmarth Niketan’, an abode dedicated to spirituality. Over the years, Parmarth Niketan blossomed into the largest ashram in Rishikesh. Currently, the ashram is headed by Swami Chidanand Saraswati.

Also Read: Best Places to Visit in Rishikesh

Activities at Parmarth Niketan Ashram

The daily activities at the ashram include morning universal prayer, yoga & meditation classes, satsang, lecture programs, kirtan, and very famous Ganga Aarti at sunset. There are also special cultural and spiritual programs by saints and spiritual leaders. There will also be courses on yoga, meditation, reiki, and other Indian traditions.

Main Attractions of the Ashram

There is a 14 feet statue of Lord Shiva in the midst of the river Ganga in front of the ashram. In front of this statue, every day in the evening (around 6 PM), Ganga Aarti takes place. It is open to everyone and It will start with small pooja along with Vedic hymns and ends with beautiful aarti. Ganga Aarti is a way of showing gratitude to river Ganga. Everyone can personally take part in the aarti. There is also a statue of Lord Hanuman near the ashram.

How to reach Parmarth Niketan

Parmarth Niketan is located near Ram Jhula in Rishikesh at a distance of 28 km from Haridwar. The nearby railway stations are Rishikesh railway station (5 km) and Haridwar railway station (28 km). The nearest airport is Jolly Grant Airport, which is 23 km from the location