It is an ashram of sages in the state of Uttarakhand, India. It is located on the banks of the Ganges, the God of the Himalayas. It was founded in 1942 by Saint Shukdevanand Saraswati Ji Maharaj. Parmarth Ashram is the largest ashram of the sage. Pujya Swami Chidanand Saraswati Ji is the President of Parmarth Niketan, whose life is dedicated to the motto, “In the service of God and humanity”. Parmarth means in English: the ultimate goal, the highest ideal, the highest welfare; universal good; spiritual knowledge, salvation, belief in the attainment of supreme welfare, and faith in the attainment of spiritual knowledge. Nestled on the sacred banks of Maa Ganga and surrounded by the lush Himalayas, Parmarth Niketan Ashram is a true spiritual retreat. As the largest ashram in Rishikesh, it offers a serene and sacred environment to thousands of pilgrims who visit from all over the world. With over 1,000 rooms, this ashram offers a perfect blend of modern amenities and traditional spiritual simplicity, all set amid beautiful, well-maintained gardens. This sprawling ashram is housed in a huge eight-acre plot on the sacred banks of the River Ganges. Over the years, it has grown into the largest ashram in Rishikesh.

Rishikesh, known as the “Divine City,” has been a spiritual hub for millennia, attracting sages, rishis, saints, and pilgrims. The city’s vibrant markets, sacred pilgrimage sites and the tranquil River Ganges create a unique spiritual ambiance. As you cross the footbridge over the sacred Ganges, with the sun glistening off the Himalayas, you will feel a profound sense of coming home.

Daily activities at Parmarth Niketan include morning universal prayers, yoga and meditation classes, satsang and lecture sessions, lively kirtans and the world-famous Ganga Aarti at sunset (6pm).

Parmarth Niketan’s mission encompasses a wide range of initiatives from restoring the holy Ganga River to Ganga Aarti, medical camps to protecting the girl child, promoting education, and encouraging hygiene and sanitation practices.

Parmarth Niketan Ashram welcomes pilgrims dedicated to sadhana, meditation, seva, and satsang. To make the most of your spiritual journey, we encourage you to engage in introspection, reflection, and our daily activities.

Article written by and Editorial credit: State Bureau Chief Himanshu Nauriyal.