Geeta Bhawan Rishikesh
Geeta Bhawan is one of the oldest and largest ashrams in Rishikesh, founded by Jayadayal Goyandka of Gita Press Gorakhpur. Situated right on the banks of the holy Ganga River in the serene Swargashram area, the complex spans a vast area and is dedicated to the promotion of the teachings of the Bhaga vad Gita. The ashram is renowned for its philanthropic service, offering over 1,000 basic rooms for free accommodation to pilgrims, and serving wholesome, pure vegetarian (sattvic) meals at minimal or no cost. Its massive halls are adorned with verses from the Gita and other Hindu scriptures. A key feature is the extensive in-house library containing thousands of scriptures, including different editions of the Bhagavad Gita and publications from Gita Press. Visitors come here for spiritual retreats, to attend daily satsangs (spiritual discourses), bhajans (devotional songs), and to simply soak in the deeply spiritual and peaceful environment. (Approx. 130 words)
General information
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Ideal Duration:
2 to 4 hours (or more for a retreat)Place Type:
Ashram/Spiritual/Religious SiteEntry Fees:
No Entry Fee: There is no entry fee to visit the ashram or attend the satsangs.
Accommodation and Meals: Basic accommodation and sattvic meals are offered free of cost to pilgrims, though donations are appreciated. Guests are typically expe...No Entry Fee: There is no entry fee to visit the ashram or attend the satsangs.
Accommodation and Meals: Basic accommodation and sattvic meals are offered free of cost to pilgrims, though donations are appreciated. Guests are typically expected to stay for a limited period and abide by the ashram's rules.
Book Purchases: Nominal costs are involved if purchasing books from the Gita Press stall, which are typically very affordable.
Transport Cost: The cost of transport to reach the Swargashram area is the main expense. (Approx. )Timing:
Regular Timings: Open throughout the year. The complex is generally accessible from 5:00 AM to 8:00 PM, with specific timings for satsangs (morning and evening) and meals.
Ideal Visit Time: Early Morning is the best time for satsang and qui...Regular Timings: Open throughout the year. The complex is generally accessible from 5:00 AM to 8:00 PM, with specific timings for satsangs (morning and evening) and meals.
Ideal Visit Time: Early Morning is the best time for satsang and quiet reflection, or the late afternoon (4 PM to 6 PM) to catch the evening bhajans and the sunset over the Ganga. October to March is the most comfortable season for a visit. (Approx. )Special Events:
Janmashtami and Rama Navami: Festivals celebrating the birth of Lord Krishna (Janmashtami) and Lord Rama (Rama Navami) are celebrated with great fervor, including all-night bhajans, special pujas, and massive community meals (bhandaras).
Gita Ja...Janmashtami and Rama Navami: Festivals celebrating the birth of Lord Krishna (Janmashtami) and Lord Rama (Rama Navami) are celebrated with great fervor, including all-night bhajans, special pujas, and massive community meals (bhandaras).
Gita Jayanti: The anniversary of the day Lord Krishna delivered the Bhagavad Gita to Arjuna is a particularly important day for the ashram, involving intense readings and discussions of the text. (Approx. )Best Photo Spots:
Ganga Riverside View: The best spot is the ashram's ghat, capturing the flowing river, the surrounding hills, and the peaceful atmosphere of the ashram complex on the bank.
The Temple Interior: The walls adorned with colorful paintings and i...Ganga Riverside View: The best spot is the ashram's ghat, capturing the flowing river, the surrounding hills, and the peaceful atmosphere of the ashram complex on the bank.
The Temple Interior: The walls adorned with colorful paintings and inscriptions of the scriptures provide a unique backdrop for cultural and spiritual photography.
The Banyan Tree: The ancient Banyan Tree adorned with countless prayer threads near the Laxmi Narayan Temple is highly photogenic and symbolic. (Approx. )Photo Gallery
Things To Do
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Attend Daily Satsangs and Bhajans: Participate in the morning and evening spiritual discourses and devotional singing sessions, which are held in the large satsang halls and are open to all visitors.
Visit the Laxmi Narayan Temple: Offer prayers at the dedicated temple within the complex, which provides a serene atmosphere for worship.
Browse the Library and Book Stall: Spend time in the extensive library or purchase spiritual literature, particularly copies of the Gita and other religious texts published by Gita Press Gorakhpur.
Take a Dip in the Ganga: The ashram has its own private bathing ghat on the Ganga where pilgrims can take a holy dip.
Free Ayurvedic Consultation: If available, take advantage of the free consultation at...Attend Daily Satsangs and Bhajans: Participate in the morning and evening spiritual discourses and devotional singing sessions, which are held in the large satsang halls and are open to all visitors.
Visit the Laxmi Narayan Temple: Offer prayers at the dedicated temple within the complex, which provides a serene atmosphere for worship.
Browse the Library and Book Stall: Spend time in the extensive library or purchase spiritual literature, particularly copies of the Gita and other religious texts published by Gita Press Gorakhpur.
Take a Dip in the Ganga: The ashram has its own private bathing ghat on the Ganga where pilgrims can take a holy dip.
Free Ayurvedic Consultation: If available, take advantage of the free consultation at the Ayurvedic center.
Experience Seva (Service): For longer stays, pilgrims can participate in seva—volunteering in the ashram's kitchen or other areas as a spiritual practice. (Approx. )
Information
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Why Famous:
Free Accommodation and Food: It is famously known for offering free stay (basic rooms) and complimentary sattvic meals to all pilgrims on a first-come, first-served basis, embodying the ancient Indian tradition of hospitality to spiritual seekers.
Read MoreFree Accommodation and Food: It is famously known for offering free stay (basic rooms) and complimentary sattvic meals to all pilgrims on a first-come, first-served basis, embodying the ancient Indian tradition of hospitality to spiritual seekers.
Teachings of the Gita: The ashram is a major center for daily discourses and satsangs focused on the wisdom and philosophy of the Bhagavad Gita. (Approx. )Architecture:
Architectural Style and Scale: The architecture is functional and traditional, designed to accommodate a large number of pilgrims. It is a sprawling complex with multiple large, multi-storey buildings constructed primarily of masonry and concrete.
Read MoreArchitectural Style and Scale: The architecture is functional and traditional, designed to accommodate a large number of pilgrims. It is a sprawling complex with multiple large, multi-storey buildings constructed primarily of masonry and concrete.
Key Structures: The complex features numerous prayer halls (satsang halls), a large dining hall (bhandara), a dedicated library and book shop, and the Laxmi Narayan Temple. The halls are distinctly decorated with moral verses and spiritual wisdom inscribed on the walls, a signature feature. The central Laxmi Narayan Temple is built in a simple but revered style, housing the idols of Goddess Laxmi and Lord Narayan. (Approx. )How To Reach:
By Air: Nearest is Jolly Grant Airport (DED) (approx. 25 KMS). Hire a taxi to the Swargashram/ Ram Jhula side, which takes about 1 hour.
By Train: Nearest is Rishikesh Railway Station (RKSH) (approx. 6 KMS). Take an auto-rickshaw to the ...By Air: Nearest is Jolly Grant Airport (DED) (approx. 25 KMS). Hire a taxi to the Swargashram/ Ram Jhula side, which takes about 1 hour.
By Train: Nearest is Rishikesh Railway Station (RKSH) (approx. 6 KMS). Take an auto-rickshaw to the Ram Jhula parking area.
By Road: Rishikesh is well-connected. Drive to the Ram Jhula side. The ashram is close to the Ram Jhula bridge's eastern end. Parking is available near Ram Jhula. From there, it is a short walk or shared rickshaw ride.
By Local Transport: Take a shared Vikram (auto-rickshaw) to Ram Jhula. You can then walk across the Ram Jhula bridge or take a ferry/boat across the river (if available) to the Swargashram side, and then walk the short distance to the ashram. (Approx. )Weather and Best Time to Visit:
Different Types of Seasons: October to March is ideal for staying at the ashram as the weather is cool and pleasant for daily routines and attending satsangs. Summers are very hot, making the halls uncomfortable.
Different Parts of the Day:...Different Types of Seasons: October to March is ideal for staying at the ashram as the weather is cool and pleasant for daily routines and attending satsangs. Summers are very hot, making the halls uncomfortable.
Different Parts of the Day: Early Morning is essential to secure accommodation, as rooms are given on a first-come, first-served basis. Morning and Evening are the most active times for prayers and spiritual discourses. (Approx. )Near Tourist Places:
Ram Jhula (0. 5 KMS), Parmarth Niketan Ashram (1. 5 KMS), Bhootnath Temple (1. 5 KMS), Beatles Ashram (3 KMS), Janki Setu (2 KMS), Tera Manzil Temple (1. 5 KMS), Lakshman Jhula (Old, 3. 5 KMS), Triveni Ghat (5 KMS), Sivananda Ashram (3 KMS), Shivananda Jhula (2. 5 KMS).Tourism Tips
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Health & Safety: The ashram is safe, but be cautious on the ghat near the river. The food is sattvic (pure vegetarian) and generally very hygienic. Carry all essential medication.
Packing: Dress modestly (covering head, shoulders, and knee...Health & Safety: The ashram is safe, but be cautious on the ghat near the river. The food is sattvic (pure vegetarian) and generally very hygienic. Carry all essential medication.
Packing: Dress modestly (covering head, shoulders, and knees is highly recommended). The rooms are basic, so you may need your own toiletries and a warm blanket during winter. Carry a copy of the Bhagavad Gita.
Accommodation: No advance booking is available for the free rooms; you must arrive early in the morning to secure a spot. Be prepared for very basic, dormitory-style living with shared facilities.
Other Tips: Maintaining silence (mauna) within the premises is often requested to preserve the spiritual atmosphere. Do not bring or consume non-vegetarian food, alcohol, or tobacco. (Approx. )
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