Shanti Kunj Gayatri Pariwar - Haridwar

Shanti Kunj is a famous spiritual organization in Haridwar and it is the headquarters of All World Gayatri Pariwar (AWGP). The organization offers spiritual and moral training to devotees and followers. Shantikunj was established in 1971 by freedom fighter Pandit Shriram Sharma Acharya on a small piece of land but now it has grown into a huge complex.

Shantikunj is devoted to cultural, moral, ethical, and spiritual regeneration in the light of Indian heritage. Its aim is to spread the divinity within everyone along with the development of the individual, family, and social upliftment. It teaches and trains ordinary people on how to live a joyous life and contributes to social reconstruction.

Aims and Objectives of the Organization

Rise of divinity in human, descent of heaven on earth
Individual Development, Family Development, and Social Upliftment
Healthy body, pure mind, and civilized society
Atmavat sarvabhooteshu (all living beings are divine soul), Vashudhaiv kutumbkam (entire earth is one family)
One Nation, One Language (love), One Religion (humanity), One Government (Self Govern)
Everyone should get equal opportunity for self-growth irrespective of caste, color or creed

History of Shantikunj

Pandit Shriram Sharma Acharya, a freedom fighter and a social reformist, started a spiritual movement with the task of social upliftment with the blessings of Mahatma Gandhi. He established Gayatri Pariwar in Mathura and later in 1971, shifted its head office to present Shantikunj in Haridwar. Started in a small piece of land, it has now grown into a huge complex. The branches and centers are spread all over India and the world. Currently, the Shantikunj is functioning under Vedmata Gayatri Trust under Acharya's daughter Mrs. Shailbala Pandya.

Shantikunj has been visited by several personalities including the Dalai Lama, PM Narendra Modi, Abdul Kalam, Ananda Swami of Arya Samaj, and many others.

Also Read: Top 20 places to visit in Haridwar

Activities in Shanti Kunj

Gayatri Mandir - A temple dedicated to Gayatri Mata and also the idols of sapta rishis (seven eminent sages) can be seen in Shantikunj.
Yagya Shala - Everyday yagyas are conducted in Shantikunj. Every day about 1000 people take part in the Gayatri yagya and 24 lakh Gayatri mantra are chanted by spiritual seekers. Daily bhajan and aarti are performed. Also, all the sacramental rites are performed here in accordance with the Indian culture free of cost.
Akhand Deep (eternal light) - It is said that the founder of Shantikunj, Shriram Sharma Acharya lit this Akhand deep in 1926 on the day of Vasant Panchami festival. The lamp has ever since been kept lighted. Acharyaji has performed intense spiritual sadhana in front of this lamp. More than 2400 crore Gayatri mantras have been chanted so far in its presence. Thousands of devotees daily come here to seek a glimpse of the lamp.
Research on Scientific Spirituality (Brahmavarchas Shodh Sansthan) - Established in 1979 by Acharyaji, it is a research institute for the scientific establishment of spirituality with facts, examples, and interpretations. It is a modern laboratory with the integration of modern and ancient sciences. There is a garden that contains rare ayurvedic herbs and also they are working on projects combining yagya, ayurveda, and mantras.
Literary Heritage - They published numerous books on moral, ethical, cultural, and spiritual subjects. The objective of these books is to eliminate ignorance, fanaticism, jealousy, and all sorts of evils. They also publish a monthly magazine called “Akhand Jyoti”, with 1.5 million subscribers per month.
Sanskriti Vishwavidyalaya (Cultural University) - A fully residential university established in 2002 registered under State Government, provides degree, diploma, and certificate courses in areas like Clinical psychology, Yogic science, Alternative therapy, Tourism, Rural management, Indian culture, Theology, etc.
Hospital & Dispensary - Shantikunj offers free medical service to patients. There is a dispensary that offers Ayurveda, Homeopathy, and Allopathy medicines at free of cost.
Training camps - Spiritual Shivirs
Shantikunj offers various spiritual programs across the world with the aim of upliftment of spirituality.
- Nine days Sanjeevani Vidya - Spiritual initiation and Art of living courses
- One month course of Parivrajak Satra - Training on the art of leading training camps and for the dissemination of Indian cultural values
- One month Yug Shilpi course - Training on the art of serving
- Three-month training on Sangeet (Music)

How to reach Shantikunj Ashram

Shantikunj ashram is well connected with major Indian cities. It is located on Haridwar-Rishikesh highway road, with a distance of 6 km from Haridwar railway station. Shantikunj is located at a distance of 220 km from the National capital, Delhi, and 52 km from Dehradun. From Bus stand/railway station, you can hire an auto-rickshaw for Rs 120/- or can board a shared auto for Rs 15/- per person. It can be reached in the following ways:

By Road - Shantikunj ashram is located at a distance of 6 km from Haridwar Bus stand. There are Uttar Pradesh and Uttarakhand State Transport services and also some private buses ply from Delhi to Haridwar frequently. From Bus stand, one has to hire an auto-rickshaw to the ashram.
By Train - Train is the most common and preferable mode of transport for the devotees. Haridwar is a major railway junction and many direct trains are available from major Indian cities. However, one can come via Delhi, if there are no direct trains available. From the railway station, one has to come by auto-rickshaw.
By Air - Nearest airport is Jolly Grant Airport, Dehradun, which is around 30 km from Shantikunj. One can hire a taxi to reach the venue.