Lakshmi Ashram
A Spiritual and Educational Sanctuary: Lakshmi Ashram, also known as Sarla Ashram, is a prominent institution devoted to social service and the upliftment and education of Kumaoni women. It was founded in 1948 by Sarla Ben (born Catherine Mary Heilemann), an English disciple of Mahatma Gandhi. Inspi red by Gandhian principles, Sarla Ben left her life in London in 1931 and dedicated herself to the service of India. The ashram functions as a Gandhian Basic Education Center (Buniyadi Shiksha) for girls, focusing on self-reliance through practical skills like spinning, weaving, vegetable cultivation, and cooking, alongside academic studies. It is situated in a tranquil and picturesque setting, reflecting the peaceful principles of its founder. The atmosphere here is one of quiet contemplation and dedicated work, offering a profound sense of peace and a glimpse into a model of self-sufficient rural living inspired by the Father of the Nation. The ashram is a living tribute to Sarla Ben's work until her passing.:
General information
-
Ideal Duration:
1 to 2 HoursPlace Type:
Spiritual and HistoricalEntry Fees:
Entry Fee: Free Entry. The ashram's mission is social and educational, so there is no fee for visiting.
Donations: Visitors are welcome to leave a voluntary Donation to support the girls' education and the ashram's maintenance, but this is ...Entry Fee: Free Entry. The ashram's mission is social and educational, so there is no fee for visiting.
Donations: Visitors are welcome to leave a voluntary Donation to support the girls' education and the ashram's maintenance, but this is entirely optional.
Shopping: The cost is only for any woolen items purchased from the small sales counter, the proceeds of which directly fund the ashram. Expect fair, non-negotiable pricing for the handmade goods, reflecting their quality and social value. :Timing:
Visiting Time: Open daily from approximately 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM. Visitors are requested to adhere strictly to these times to respect the school schedule.
Prayer Timings: Visitors might be able to attend the morning or evening prayers, typic...Visiting Time: Open daily from approximately 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM. Visitors are requested to adhere strictly to these times to respect the school schedule.
Prayer Timings: Visitors might be able to attend the morning or evening prayers, typically held around 6:00 AM/PM, but should check locally and attend with utmost silence.
Ideal Visit Time: The Mid-Morning (9:30 AM to 11:30 AM) is the best time, as this is when the school activities and vocational training (like spinning/weaving) are most likely to be in session, giving the best view of the ashram's purpose.Special Events:
Sarla Ben's Birth Anniversary (June 20th): While not a public spectacle, the girls and staff often hold a special prayer and remembrance ceremony to honor the founder.
Annual Day/Graduation Ceremony: The ashram sometimes holds a simple annua...Sarla Ben's Birth Anniversary (June 20th): While not a public spectacle, the girls and staff often hold a special prayer and remembrance ceremony to honor the founder.
Annual Day/Graduation Ceremony: The ashram sometimes holds a simple annual day or graduation event, often attended by local dignitaries, to celebrate the girls' achievements, which offers a glimpse into the community's culture, though dates vary.
Gandhi Jayanti (October 2nd): A special prayer meeting and community work are typically organized to celebrate Mahatma Gandhi's birthday, reflecting the ashram's core values. :Best Photo Spots:
The Spinning Wheel (Charkha): A close-up, artistic shot of a girl's hands turning the charkha, symbolizing self-reliance and the Gandhian ethos.
The Simple Prayer Hall: A wide-angle shot of the modest prayer hall's interior, emphasizing the ...The Spinning Wheel (Charkha): A close-up, artistic shot of a girl's hands turning the charkha, symbolizing self-reliance and the Gandhian ethos.
The Simple Prayer Hall: A wide-angle shot of the modest prayer hall's interior, emphasizing the simplicity and light.
The Ashram Exterior with Mountains: A photo of the ashram's simple, traditional building framed against the backdrop of the Himalayan peaks, symbolizing the institution's spiritual connection to the high-altitude region.
The Vegetable Garden: A close-up of the girls tending to the garden, a beautiful image of 'bread labor':Photo Gallery
Things To Do
-
Observing the Daily Activities: Watch the girls engaged in their daily chores, academic studies, or practical work like spinning on the charkha. Visitors should do this respectfully and quietly.
Reading About Sarla Ben's Life: Spend time reading the plaques, informational boards, or available literature detailing the inspiring life story of Catherine Mary Heilemann and her transformation into Sarla Ben.
Quiet Meditation and Reflection: The peaceful atmosphere is ideal for a few moments of silent contemplation, away from the typical tourist rush.
Supporting the Girls: Purchase the locally made woolen handicrafts (socks, caps, scarves) from the small shop. The proceeds directly support the girls' education and the ashram's running costs.
Read MoreObserving the Daily Activities: Watch the girls engaged in their daily chores, academic studies, or practical work like spinning on the charkha. Visitors should do this respectfully and quietly.
Reading About Sarla Ben's Life: Spend time reading the plaques, informational boards, or available literature detailing the inspiring life story of Catherine Mary Heilemann and her transformation into Sarla Ben.
Quiet Meditation and Reflection: The peaceful atmosphere is ideal for a few moments of silent contemplation, away from the typical tourist rush.
Supporting the Girls: Purchase the locally made woolen handicrafts (socks, caps, scarves) from the small shop. The proceeds directly support the girls' education and the ashram's running costs.
Walking the Grounds: Take a quiet stroll through the grounds, appreciating the simple architecture and the surrounding natural beauty.
Maintaining Silence: Respect the environment by keeping noise to a minimum, as it is a functioning school and place of learning. :
Information
-
Why Famous:
Sarla Ben's Legacy: The ashram is famous for being a living institution founded by Sarla Ben, a key foreign disciple of Mahatma Gandhi, who devoted her life to empowering women in the Himalayan region. This connection to a prominent figure in India's history is a major draw...Sarla Ben's Legacy: The ashram is famous for being a living institution founded by Sarla Ben, a key foreign disciple of Mahatma Gandhi, who devoted her life to empowering women in the Himalayan region. This connection to a prominent figure in India's history is a major draw.
Women Empowerment Center: It is widely recognized for its unique educational model, providing a self-reliant, comprehensive education to Kumaoni girls based on Gandhian principles of 'bread labor'.
Tranquil Atmosphere: Its peaceful, picturesque setting, surrounded by nature, makes it an ideal spot for meditation and quiet reflection, attracting visitors seeking spiritual solace.
Spinning and Weaving: The ongoing production of hand-spun and hand-woven items like sweaters, caps, and socks by the resident girls is a unique attraction. : -
Architecture:
Simple, Functional Gandhian Architecture: The architecture is intentionally austere, simple, and functional, reflecting the Gandhian philosophy of non-possession and simplicity (Sarvodaya).
Structure and Materials: The buildings are typicall...Simple, Functional Gandhian Architecture: The architecture is intentionally austere, simple, and functional, reflecting the Gandhian philosophy of non-possession and simplicity (Sarvodaya).
Structure and Materials: The buildings are typically single or double-storey structures made of local stone, wood, and sometimes concrete, with minimal ornamentation. The roofs are usually pitched to handle monsoon rains.
Dimensions: The layout includes school rooms, dormitories (for resident girls), a small prayer hall, a kitchen, and a workshop area for spinning (charkha) and weaving activities. The surrounding grounds include vegetable gardens.
Aesthetic: The aesthetic is one of utility and cleanliness, prioritizing a peaceful, conducive environment for education and social work over grand design. The focus is on natural light and ventilation, supporting a simple, disciplined life. : -
How To Reach:
By Air: Nearest is Pantnagar Airport (PGH) (170 KM). Take a taxi to Kausani.
By Train: Nearest is Kathgodam Railway Station (KGM) (135 KM). Taxis are available to reach Kausani.
By Road: Kausani is well-co...By Air: Nearest is Pantnagar Airport (PGH) (170 KM). Take a taxi to Kausani.
By Train: Nearest is Kathgodam Railway Station (KGM) (135 KM). Taxis are available to reach Kausani.
By Road: Kausani is well-connected. The ashram is located about 1 KM from the main market area of Kausani. It is on the main road, making it easy to find.
By Local Transport: The best way to reach is via a short, pleasant walk (10-15 minutes) from the main Kausani Bus Stand or market. A local taxi or auto-rickshaw can also be hired for the brief journey. The location is famous and known to all local drivers and shopkeepers. : -
Weather and Best Time to Visit:
Clear Skies Season (October to May): Best for general visiting and enjoying the tranquil surroundings. The gardens are most lush in the Spring and early Autumn.
School Term Time: Visiting during the regular school term (avoiding major schoo...Clear Skies Season (October to May): Best for general visiting and enjoying the tranquil surroundings. The gardens are most lush in the Spring and early Autumn.
School Term Time: Visiting during the regular school term (avoiding major school holidays, typically May/June and December/January) is recommended to see the educational activities in action.
Morning Visit: Visiting in the Morning is preferred, as it aligns with the school's active schedule and the time for vocational work. : -
Near Tourist Places:
Anasakti Ashram (Gandhi Ashram) (1 KM), Sumitranandan Pant Gallery (1 KM), Kausani View Point (2 KM), Kausani Shawl Factory (1. 5 KM), Kausani Tea Estate (4 KM), Rudradhari Falls (12 KM), Baijnath Temple (17 KM), Starscapes Observatory (4 KM), Pinnath Village Trek Start (3 KM), Bageshwar (39 KM).
Tourism Tips
-
Health & Safety: Be aware of the ashram's rules, especially the need for Silence and respectful conduct. It is a place of learning and spiritual reflection.
Packing: Dress modestly, covering shoulders and knees, out of respect for the ashra...Health & Safety: Be aware of the ashram's rules, especially the need for Silence and respectful conduct. It is a place of learning and spiritual reflection.
Packing: Dress modestly, covering shoulders and knees, out of respect for the ashram's spiritual nature. Leave your phone on silent mode.
Respect for Privacy: Do not try to interrupt or disturb the girls in their work or studies. Take photos only with permission and from a respectful distance, especially avoiding close-ups of the students. Do not smoke or consume alcohol on the premises. No Food is allowed inside the ashram premises. :
Reviews
FAQs
Kausani Itineray And Cost:-
Other Places In Kausani :-
Other States In India :-
Information about New and Updated Locations() of Uttarakhand Has Been Added :-
Card subtitle
Note:-
Information provided here in good Faith and for reference only.
Near Places
Anasakti Ashram
Some quick example text to build on the card title and make up the bulk of the card's content.
Go somewhere
Binsar Wildlife Sanctuary
Some quick example text to build on the card title and make up the bulk of the card's content.
Go somewhere
Bura Pinath Temple
Some quick example text to build on the card title and make up the bulk of the card's content.
Go somewhere
Chirang Village
Some quick example text to build on the card title and make up the bulk of the card's content.
Go somewhere
Dhaulinag Temple
Some quick example text to build on the card title and make up the bulk of the card's content.
Go somewhere
Kafni Glacier Trek
Some quick example text to build on the card title and make up the bulk of the card's content.
Go somewhere
Kausani Hill Station
Some quick example text to build on the card title and make up the bulk of the card's content.
Go somewhere
Kausani Main Market
Some quick example text to build on the card title and make up the bulk of the card's content.
Go somewhere
Kausani Shawl Factory
Some quick example text to build on the card title and make up the bulk of the card's content.
Go somewhere
Kausani Tea Estate
Some quick example text to build on the card title and make up the bulk of the card's content.
Go somewhere
Kausani Tourist Rest House
Some quick example text to build on the card title and make up the bulk of the card's content.
Go somewhere
Kausani View Point
Some quick example text to build on the card title and make up the bulk of the card's content.
Go somewhere
Lakshmi Ashram
Some quick example text to build on the card title and make up the bulk of the card's content.
Go somewhere
Pindari Glacier Trek
Some quick example text to build on the card title and make up the bulk of the card's content.
Go somewhere
Pinnath Village Temple
Some quick example text to build on the card title and make up the bulk of the card's content.
Go somewhere
Rudradhari Falls & Caves
Some quick example text to build on the card title and make up the bulk of the card's content.
Go somewherein Other Cities