The Divine Life Society Sivananda Ashram in Rishikesh

It is believed that God has given us a great gift in the form of this human body. Many think that the only purpose of this human birth, which is however very difficult to get, is to realize God and hence terminate this incessant cycle of birth and death. The Divine Life Society (Sivananda Ashram), situated in Rishikesh, contains the teachings of the great teacher of the 20th century, ‘Sri Swami Sivananda Maharaj’. The teachings are considered as supreme blessedness, God-realization, and many more which are one’s birthright. To inspire and strengthen one’s faith in God, they have included some inspiring messages and the lives of some saints who have trodden the path that we are now attempting to tread. The blessings of unhampered spirituality and attainment of Bliss, Peace, and Illumination are the core content of this ashram that will help to lead a peaceful life.
The Divine Life Society carries out numerous objects of a worldwide revival of spirituality through the publication of books, pamphlets, and magazines. This involves dealing scientifically with all the aspects of Yoga and Vedanta, universal religion and philosophy, and ancient medicine; establishing a few training centers for the practice of Yoga and the revival of true culture; holding and arranging cultural and spiritual conferences and discourses; and many more. Taking such other steps from time to time as may be necessary for bringing about a quick moral and spiritual world is regularly conducted by the Ashram.

Attraction

The idea of ‘Divine Life’ has its humble beginning in the building of a true human being, even as the fine superstructure has its small start in the foundation. It is the achievement of the ‘Divine dependent’ on the strenuous preparation of man, to annihilate the animal in him, to develop human nature as well as to allow it to blossom into Godliness. Thus, the Divine Life is trying to become human first. One cannot claim to be a human being without loving the creation of God.
This institution serves as a place of preservation of the ancient traditions and cultural practices of India that have come down as a ‘time-honored’ heritage. For spiritual connectivity, the Ashram attracts many people from all over India. Now, it has been built up to serve as a model of many altruistic activities, an ideal to copy, which intends to bring about a complete unfoldment of the human personality, as well as to reveal the essential blending together of all sides of human nature. The Society also functions as an ideal place of ‘spiritual retreat’ for the educated citizens of the country, where they can renew themselves and recreate and refresh their being, spiritually, physically, mentally, and morally.
The Institution caters according to the cultural needs of all ranks of people (to whatever class they may belong). Each one can choose whatever suits him the best according to his nature, intellectual or spiritual attainments.

History

The Divine Life Society works as a bridge between the Divinity and the man. It is considered as a remarkable achievement of the Founder, ‘His Holiness Sri Swami Sivananda’, who from the year 1936, has built up the wonderful mansion of ‘Divine Life’. The establishment was built brick by brick, on the firm foundations of integrity, nobility, purity, and magnanimity. Since then, the ashram has been working to reach every human being, irrespective of position, caste, color, country, and creed.

Inside/Outside Views

The holy river ‘Ganga’ flows by the side of the Ashram, coming down from the Himalayas, carrying with her the message of seers and sages of the past as well as the present. Thus, in a way, keeping intact the connection between the ancient and the modern by nourishing the body and the mind of the weary soul in its very earthly sojourn. There is also available a ‘Jnana Ganga ‘, the river of knowledge, emanating from the prolific pen of the Great Master, Sri Swami Sivananda, and his direct disciples, whom the Master has chiseled and molded into his own pattern along with the laudable idea of enabling them to continue and further the cause of his lofty mission.

Opening Hours

Friday 9 AM–12 PM, 2–5 PM

Saturday 9 AM–12 PM, 2–5 PM

Sunday 6 AM–10 PM

Monday 9 AM–12 PM, 2–5 PM

Tuesday 9 AM–12 PM, 2–5 PM

Wednesday 9 AM–12 PM, 2–5 PM

Thursday 9 AM–12 PM, 2–5 PM

How to Reach

By road: The Sivananda Ashram is situated in Rishikesh’s Badrinath Road area. From the busy area of Rishikesh, Sivananda Ashram is only 5 km away. Rishikesh is well connected with other major cities of the country. And from Rishikesh, you will get local transport to reach the site.

By air: The closest airport, ‘Jolly Grant Airport’, is only 20 and a half kilometers away from this area which is in Dehradun. Apart from that, there are airports in Delhi or Lucknow to reach Dehradun by flight. From the airport, you can easily get local transport to reach the site.

By train: The closest railway station from Sivananda Ashram is less than 7 km away at the ‘Rishikesh railway station’. From the station, you will get local transport.

Tips for Travellers

Please wear suitable clothes according to both culture and seasons.
Don’t forget to follow the code of conduct.
If you are visiting Rishikesh for the first time, try to visit in group for safety purposes.
Avoid the Monsoon, it’s better to avoid visiting during the monsoon season (from July to August) due to heavy rainfall, which can lead to landslides and difficult travel conditions.
If you are visiting Rishikesh for the first time, we suggest you visit in a group.

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