Mayawati Ashram
Mayawati Ashram, also known as Advaita Ashram, is a branch of the Ramakrishna Math situated at an altitude of 1940 Meters. Founded in 1899 by Swami Vivekananda's disciples, Captain James Henry Sevier and Charlotte Elizabeth Sevier, the ashram is a major center for spiritual studies and meditation. It is uniquely dedicated to the practice of Advaita Vedanta, where no idols or images are worshipped, emphasizing the "Unity of All Existence." The ashram is set amidst a lush tea estate and surrounded by towering peaks of the Himalayas, offering a view that stretches over 380 KMS of the mountain range. Swami Vivekananda himself visited the ashram in 1901 and was mesmerized by its peace. The ashram publishes the prestigious monthly magazine, Prabuddha Bharata, which has been in circulation for over a century. It also houses a library with over 20,000 books on philosophy and religion. The serene environment, devoid of any ritualistic noise, makes it an ideal place for serious spiritual seekers and those looking for deep introspection. The ashram also runs a charitable hospital that serves the local mountain communities. Visitors are expected to maintain silence and respect the monastic discipline of the premises. It is a place where one can truly feel the presence of the divine in nature.
General information
-
Ideal Duration:
2 to 4 HoursPlace Type:
Spiritual Retreat / AshramEntry Fees:
Visitor Access: Entry to the ashram is Free of Cost.
Stay Donations: Guests staying at the ashram are encouraged to give voluntary donations for the charitable hospital. ...Visitor Access: Entry to the ashram is Free of Cost.
Stay Donations: Guests staying at the ashram are encouraged to give voluntary donations for the charitable hospital.Timing:
Regular Timings: Open for visitors from 08:00 AM to 12:00 PM and 02:00 PM to 06:00 PM.
Ideal Visit Time: Early morning is best for experiencing the silence and seeing the peaks. ...Regular Timings: Open for visitors from 08:00 AM to 12:00 PM and 02:00 PM to 06:00 PM.
Ideal Visit Time: Early morning is best for experiencing the silence and seeing the peaks.Best Photo Spots:
Ashram Entrance: The stone gate with the background of the Himalayas is iconic.
Forest Path: The dense deodar trees create a serene, mystical atmosphere for photography.
The Library Porch: Offers a grand vi...Ashram Entrance: The stone gate with the background of the Himalayas is iconic.
Forest Path: The dense deodar trees create a serene, mystical atmosphere for photography.
The Library Porch: Offers a grand view of the snow-capped mountains.Photo Gallery
Things To Do
-
Meditation: Practice silent meditation in the designated hall or amidst the pine trees.
Library Research: Spend time reading rare philosophical texts in the extensive library.
Museum Visit: Explore the small museum displaying artifacts related to the ashram's founders.
Nature Walks: Take a stroll through the deodar and oak forests surrounding the ashram.
Visit the Hospital: Observe the selfless service provided by the monastic members to the locals.
Bird Watching: Spot rare Himalayan birds that frequent the ashram gardens.
Mountain Viewing: Witness the sunset or sunrise over the vast Himalayan range. ...Meditation: Practice silent meditation in the designated hall or amidst the pine trees.
Library Research: Spend time reading rare philosophical texts in the extensive library.
Museum Visit: Explore the small museum displaying artifacts related to the ashram's founders.
Nature Walks: Take a stroll through the deodar and oak forests surrounding the ashram.
Visit the Hospital: Observe the selfless service provided by the monastic members to the locals.
Bird Watching: Spot rare Himalayan birds that frequent the ashram gardens.
Mountain Viewing: Witness the sunset or sunrise over the vast Himalayan range.
Information
-
Why Famous:
Sub Place Why Famous:
Vivekananda's Legacy: It was established as per the direct wish of Swami Vivekananda to have a retreat in the Himalayas.
Advaita Philosophy: It is one of the few places in the world dedi...Sub Place Why Famous:
Vivekananda's Legacy: It was established as per the direct wish of Swami Vivekananda to have a retreat in the Himalayas.
Advaita Philosophy: It is one of the few places in the world dedicated strictly to non-dualistic philosophy without any idol worship.
Prabuddha Bharata: The ashram is the headquarters for one of the oldest running English journals in India. -
Architecture:
The Himalayan Retreat: The ashram building is a colonial-style structure made of stone and wood, designed to withstand the harsh mountain winters.
Dimensions: The main prayer hall and library building cover a footprint of approximately 5000...The Himalayan Retreat: The ashram building is a colonial-style structure made of stone and wood, designed to withstand the harsh mountain winters.
Dimensions: The main prayer hall and library building cover a footprint of approximately 5000 Square Feet.
Unique Features: There is a separate building for the Prabuddha Bharata editorial office. The residential quarters for monks and guests are designed with simple, functional Himalayan aesthetics, featuring large windows to capture the majestic mountain views. No temple-like structures or idols exist on the grounds as per Advaita principles. -
How To Reach:
By Air: Pantnagar Airport is about 160 KMS away.
By Train: Tanakpur Railway Station is the nearest railhead at 95 KMS.
By Road: One can take a taxi from Lohaghat (9 KMS) or Champawat (22 KMS).By Air: Pantnagar Airport is about 160 KMS away.
By Train: Tanakpur Railway Station is the nearest railhead at 95 KMS.
By Road: One can take a taxi from Lohaghat (9 KMS) or Champawat (22 KMS).
By Local Transport: Private cabs are recommended as public transport to the ashram gates is infrequent. -
Weather and Best Time to Visit:
Autumn Splendor: October and November for the clearest views of the mountains.
Spring Bloom: March and April when the garden is full of flowers.
Winter Quiet: December for a peaceful, snowy experience. ...Autumn Splendor: October and November for the clearest views of the mountains.
Spring Bloom: March and April when the garden is full of flowers.
Winter Quiet: December for a peaceful, snowy experience. -
Near Tourist Places:
Sub Place Near Tourist Places: Lohaghat (9 KMS), Abbott Mount (15 KMS), Banasur Ka Kila (16 KMS), Champawat (22 KMS), Pancheshwar (46 KMS), Devidhura (54 KMS), Baleshwar Temple (23 KMS), Reetha Sahib (71 KMS), Ghatotkach Temple (20 KMS), Shyamla Tal (53 KMS).
Tourism Tips
-
Health and Safety: Keep warm as temperatures can drop suddenly even in summers.
Packing: Carry modest clothing and a good pair of walking shoes.
Accommodation: Limited rooms are available at the ashram with...Health and Safety: Keep warm as temperatures can drop suddenly even in summers.
Packing: Carry modest clothing and a good pair of walking shoes.
Accommodation: Limited rooms are available at the ashram with prior permission; otherwise, stay in Lohaghat.
Cash and Connectivity: No ATMs near the ashram; mobile signal is weak, providing a true digital detox.
Reviews
FAQs
Champawat Itineray And Cost:-
Other Places In Champawat :-
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
Abbott Mount
Some quick example text to build on the card title and make up the bulk of the card's content.
Go somewhere
Aditya Temple
Some quick example text to build on the card title and make up the bulk of the card's content.
Go somewhere
Baleshwar Temple
Some quick example text to build on the card title and make up the bulk of the card's content.
Go somewhere
Banasur Ka Kila
Some quick example text to build on the card title and make up the bulk of the card's content.
Go somewhere
Banbasa Barrage
Some quick example text to build on the card title and make up the bulk of the card's content.
Go somewhere
Champawat View Point
Some quick example text to build on the card title and make up the bulk of the card's content.
Go somewhere
Devidhura Temple
Some quick example text to build on the card title and make up the bulk of the card's content.
Go somewhere
Dhankeshwar Rudrakund
Some quick example text to build on the card title and make up the bulk of the card's content.
Go somewhere
Ek Hathiya Ka Naula
Some quick example text to build on the card title and make up the bulk of the card's content.
Go somewhere
Gwal Devta Temple
Some quick example text to build on the card title and make up the bulk of the card's content.
Go somewhere
Henry Waterfall
Some quick example text to build on the card title and make up the bulk of the card's content.
Go somewhere
Kranteshwar Mahadev Temple
Some quick example text to build on the card title and make up the bulk of the card's content.
Go somewhere
Lohaghat Town
Some quick example text to build on the card title and make up the bulk of the card's content.
Go somewhere
Maunpokhari Himalaya Viewpoint
Some quick example text to build on the card title and make up the bulk of the card's content.
Go somewhere
Mayawati Ashram
Some quick example text to build on the card title and make up the bulk of the card's content.
Go somewhere
Meetha Reetha Sahib Gurdwara
Some quick example text to build on the card title and make up the bulk of the card's content.
Go somewherein Other Cities