Chinmaya Mission Ashrams

Address:
Chinmaya Mission Piercy
P.O. Box 129
83900, N.HIGHWAY 271
Piercy- CA 95587, USA
Phone:+1-707-237-5321
E-mail:info-krishnalaya@chinmayamission.org

Krishnalaya, or ‘the abode of Krishna,’ is situated on the banks of the Eel River, nestled in the coastal mountains and giant redwood trees of Northern California. The ashram is located in Piercy, on the border of Mendocino and Humboldt Counties.

‘Krishnalaya’ was established by Pujya Gurudev Swami Chinmayananda. Gurudev resided and conducted many spiritual retreats in Krishnalaya, and often compared it to the serenity and beauty of India’s sacred Himalayas.

The Eel River flows behind the ashram. Gurudev symbolically blessed and named the river as the ‘Eel Ganga’ when he poured holy water from India’s sacred Ganga River.

Swamiji also invoked and poured spiritual life and energy into the beautiful idol of Lord Krishna, the presiding Lord of Krishnalaya. Lord Krishna stands in the original temple shrine, enchanting all with his divine look and sweet smile.

Krishnalaya is the first property owned by Chinmaya Mission West. It was purchased in 1979 for conducting a two-and-a-half-year, in-depth Vedanta course. In 1992, Gurudev conducted a two-month Gita Camp at Krishnalaya, wherein he taught all 18 chapters of Shrimad Bhagavad Gita. These talks were professionally videotaped and are considered as one of the greatest legacies left by the spiritual master.

The gurgling flow of the Eel Ganga and the stunning views of the mountain ranges make Krishnalaya an ideal place for a retreat. To date, Chinmaya Mission West centres annually conduct intensive Vedanta retreats and spiritual camps for children, youth, and adults.

Gurudev’s presence is very much alive and vibrant in Krishnalaya. His residence is being maintained as he left it. His bedroom is a sacred haven for meditation. His living room/library is used for silent reading, reflection, and classes. Guests are welcome in both quarters.

The ashram presently houses a beautiful 200-person lecture hall with air conditioning, a state-of-the-art sound system, a big screen television, and multimedia equipment. The ashram lodges 80 people comfortably (9 of the rooms have balconies facing the river) and has a commercial kitchen, dining hall, satsang hall, and temple shrine.

Directions

Sandeepany Krishnalaya is accessible through a picturesque 200 miles drive from San Francisco and south of Humboldt State College. Eureka is the nearest major city to the north; Ukiah lies to the south. The town of Garberville is ten miles north. The famous redwood ‘Avenue of the Giants’ is fifteen miles from the retreat.

Krishnalaya by road… Krishnalaya is located 80 miles north of Ukiah (1 hour 30 min) and 80 miles south of Eureka (1 hour and 15 min drive). It is one turn off of Route 101, on Route 271.

Northbound: From San Francisco Bay Bridge, travel North on Route 101 for about 190 miles. Three miles past exit #627 turn LEFT at “Cooks Valley/Route 271.” Go 1/4 mile, cross over a bridge, Krishnalaya is the first property on the RIGHT. Turn Right into the secluded drive, you will see a stone wall and KRISHNALAYA sign. The OFFICE is on the right fork, and clearly marked.

Detailed driving directions coming in from San Fransisco (northbound):

  • From San Francisco, travel North on Route 101, about 190 miles
  • When you pass through Laytonville (NEAREST TOWN HAVING GAS/SERVICES before reaching here), you are about 30 miles/ 35 minutes away.
  • When getting close, you will see a few Exits for Piercy/ Route 271. DO NOT TAKE THESE. Continue on RT 101 (passing exits #625 and #627.) You will turn LEFT 3 miles, after #627.
  • The two North bound lanes merge into one.
  • You will see sign “Cooks Valley /Route 271” (there is NO exit number) A Left turn lane becomes available. MAKE THIS LEFT TURN.
  • [If you get to RICHARDSON GROVE State Park (2 miles north), or GARBERVILLE (9 miles north), you have gone too far.]
  • Drive ¼ mile, cross a bridge. We are the first property AFTER the bridge, on the West (right) side.
  • Turn RIGHT into secluded drive. AFTER turning, you’ll see a stone wall and “Krishnalaya” sign.
  • Follow drive toward the right, look for the “OFFICE” sign or come to room #26 or #29

Southbound: Travel south on Route 101. About 11 miles past of Garberville, turn RIGHT on “Route 271/ Cooks Valley”. Go 1/4 mile, crossing bridge. After bridge we are the first property on the Right. Look for the OFFICE, clearly marked.

IMPORTANT: Be aware that GPS and website maps will likely misguide you. Be aware that your cell phone may not get coverage. You have to make your reservations in advance before you plan your visit

Address:
Ellayapalle
Obulavarpalle P.O.
Mukkavaripalli Cuddapah District
Ellayapalle-516 108
Andhra Pradesh, India
Phone:+91-8566-248030

The Chinmayaranyam ashram at Ellayapalle in Andhra Pradesh, India was proclaimed by Swami Chinmayananda as a new kind of ashram, where the poor and needy would be served with love and affection. True to its motto, “Receive the light of Knowledge. Bring out the heat of action,” Chinmayaranyam has done tremendous work for the upliftment of the rural poor in that region. The project was spearheaded by Swamini Saradapriyananda (who attained mahasamadhi on April 17 2000), one of Swami Chinmayananda’s foremost direct disciples. As the driving force behind Chinmayaranyam and its activities, she conquered one and all with her selfless, tireless service and unconditional love. ‘Amma’ as she was lovingly called, had received a piece of barren land in a burial ground donated by the villagers for establishing an ashram in a remote village in the drought prone Cuddapah district of Andhra Pradesh. Gurudev’s first visit to this place on 8th February 1982 was to conduct the Bhoomi puja. The village had two wells, of which one was dry and the second would go dry any moment. Against this background Swamiji was visualizing a forest around the Ashram, which to many appeared to be a dream. Pointing out with his walking stick to two banyan trees, standing on either side of the land, Swamiji said, “Dig along the line that connects the two trees. Water is sure to come.” Water did sprout forth from the well when it was dug. Chinmayaranyam has now been transformed into a beautiful green ashram. In recognition of this work the government granted the ashram a hillock surrounding it for development.

Address:
Kothapatnam (Post & Mandal)
Prakasham District
Ongole
Kothapatnam-523 286
Andhra Pradesh, India
Phone:+91-8592-245122

Motto: “In the hushed silence of your heart, Listen to the divine melody of the Lord.”

The cool breeze and the rhythmic music from the oceanic waves add to the pleasant atmosphere of Chinmaya Sarada Tapovan ashram. The ashram is located at a walking distance from seashore in Kothapatnam town. Seven acres of land of the ashram is filled with beautiful trees and flower gardens with rows of individual cottages. The delightful and pleasant atmosphere of the ashram is sanctified by the distinctive Octagonal Sri Krishna Chinmayam. The unique and majestic form of ‘Dwarakadheesa” holding “Chinmudra” is the centre of attraction. The enchanting smile on the serene face of Lord Yogeswara Krishna seated in Meditation posture is a special blessing to the ashramites. Nobody can escape without getting attracted by His mesmerising smile. On the whole Chinmaya Sarada Tapovan is said to be agreeable and enjoyable place for senior citizens who prefer to spend the time in peaceful spiritual atmosphere in their twilight of the life.

Ashram routine is planned in such a way that the ashramites can spend the time in a purposeful way. The day starts with morning pooja, aarati and Nama Japa. Both morning and evenings vanaprasthas participate in satsangs lead by acharyas. Discourses on Bhagavad Geetha and Upanishads and scriptures like Maha Bharata, Srimat Bhagavata will be there during camps and regular satsangs.
A good library with valuable books along with monthly magazines is maintained to enrich ones spiritual knowledge.
Apart from regular satsangs all the festivals like Sivaratri, Sri Rama Navami, Dasara, Vinayaka Chaturthi are celebrated to strengthen religious fervor of the ashram.

Special Features & Programs
Every year two special camps “Sankranti Sadas” in the month of January and Sravana Sadas” in the month of August are organized by the ashram for devotees in which yoga, meditation and spiritual discourses and discussions are held to enrich their spiritual sojourn.

Sri Krisna Janmashtami is specially celebrated in an inspiring manner with special poojas, Nama sankeertan, breaking the Pot(Utti) programme by children etc.,
Spiritual picnics (Vana Bhojana) are also organized on prior request during Mondays in the month of Karteeka.
Summer camp for children (below 15 years) “Bala Sadas” is also organized in the month of May.
Annual Geetha Chanting Competitions are also conducted by the ashram.
Pujya Mataji had an idea to develop Chinmaya Sarada Tapovan ashram as a camp site to organize sadhana camps by the acharyas of the Mission in the pleasant and beautiful atmosphere near seashore.

To provide accommodation for any seeker to do mouna sadhana by quietly himself for a short time.
Simple and comfortable cottages are built by donors for the stay of senior citizens. In order to provide accommodation for more number of camp delegates the ashram need to build extra rooms. So generous donors can build the cottage in their name and spend some time whenever it is possible.

Chinmaya Panchashrama Saptaskhetra Darshan: This is a special package tour planned for the sake of devotees from far off places; which will be arranged on request. After having the camp in Chinmaya Sarada Tapovan ashram the delegates can visit the following Kshetras halting/visiting in between in the ashrams sanctified by Pujya Gurudev and started by Pujya Amma.

Address:
Siva Engineering Agencies
Old Police Station Road
Kottapakanda Guntur District
Trikoota- 522 601
Andhra Pradesh, India
Phone:+91-8647-247012

Motto: “Receive the Light of Wisdom Sweetened by the honey of Devotion”

Surrounded by green fields, besides the sacred Krishna canal and the panoramic view of Lord Trikooteswara’s temple on the hill, Chinmayaranyam –Trikoota is located. The hill range is called as ‘Trikoota’ having three peaks named after the Trinity; Brahma konda (peak), Vishnu konda and Rudra konda. Lord Siva did penance here as Dakshina Murthy and so mother Uma Devi became part and parcel of His body as Medha Devi, the power of intelligence. Here the Lord is also called as Koteswara Swami showering His blessings on devotees as Wish-yielding Tree. Many pundits, yogis, Vedantins and the common folk, all types worship Lord and by His grace they get whatever they wished for.

The Lord Trikooteswara Bhagavan’s glory is especially witnessed during ‘Siva Ratri’ festival with countless “illuminating Prabhas” brought from different places, echoing with His name called out loudly by the devotees while doing Giri Pradakshina (going round the hill) along with cattle. Reverberating with sacred Mantras from pundits during poojas, abhishekams the whole atmosphere is filled with divinity filling the hearts of people with inexplicable peace and sanctity.

The Lord Trikooteswara Bhagavan’s glory is especially witnessed during ‘Siva Ratri’ festival with countless “illuminating Prabhas” brought from different places, echoing with His name called out loudly by the devotees while doing Giri Pradakshina (going round the hill) along with cattle. Reverberating with sacred Mantras from pundits during poojas, abhishekams the whole atmosphere is filled with divinity filling the hearts of people with inexplicable peace and sanctity.
“This is Gurudev’s Prasad! I have taken the land for you to start an ashram there!” Sri Gurudev expressed His idea to me when I met Him in Madras in 1984”. Pujya Gurudev, when he was in Guntur (A.P) during a Geetha Gnana Yagna a group of 23 or 25 people from Guruvayapalem Sakhamuri family met him and offered five and half acres land to develop ashram there. Gurudev readily accepted the proposal. When I met him in Chennai Gurudev told about the land offered by the above group of devotees. I enquired Gurudev about the place and the people. He said “the place seems to be a very famous Siva Kshetra!” Then I came to know that it is Kotappakonda. So Trikoota ashram land was actually taken by Him and given to us. Sri Gurudev himself did Bhoomi Pooja for the ashram on 27th Feb. 1985.

– Swamini Saradapriyanada

Address:
ELAMANDYAM VILLAGE
PILLA PALYAM B.P.O.
RENIGUNTA MANDALAM ELAMANDYAM CHITOOR DIST
Renigunta Mandalam-517 520
Andhra Pradesh, India
Phone:+91-0877-2275027

Motto: “Close the eyes which see the outer illusions, for the Inner vision to gain Supreme illumination.”
The ashram with 2.5 acres of land near Renigiunta Rly. Junction was handed over to Amma to run it on Chinmaya Mission lines by Brahmaleena Swami Kaleswaranandaji in May 1999. It serves as a home for Vanaprasthas. Satsang, Nama Japa and Vedanta class are a part of daily routine in the ashram. For Golden Jubilee year of Chinmaya Mission, Pujya Amma had a wish to bring out Bhagawad Geetha in Braille as a project of Chinmaya Geetha Ashram in remembrance of founder of the Ashram Pujya Kaleswarananda Swami. The work was completed and Bhagawad Geetha in Braille was released by Pujya Guruji in Viswa Sammelan in Dec. 2001. The books are available in Chinmaya Geetha Ashram.

Festivals
During Vasantha Navaratris Lord Rama is worshipped from Ugadi (the Telugu New year day) to Sri Rama Navami. Sri Sita Rama Kalyanam Sri Rama Pattabhishekam and Procession of the murthys are performed with great enthusiasm and devotion. People relish the Pravachans on Ramayana during these navaratris.
Devi Navaraatris:
During month of Aswayuja(Oct.) Sarannavaratries are celebrated and ‘Mother’ is decorated and worshipped in different forms. People from surrounding areas participate in the poojas. Devi Bhagavata is studied and explained in evening
sessions.

“Geetha Chanting is taught to the children and competitions are organized in and around schools of the ashram.”
Summer camps for children in and around the Ashram are conducted and are very well appreciated by all parents.

Address:
Palamaneru Road
Chittoor District
Iruvaram- 517 128
Andhra Pradesh, India
Phone:+91-8572-240741
This ashram is sanctified by long time tapas of a Yogini Mata and other mahatmas in the natural cave. So Pujya Amma might have felt the touch of divinity of the place. She told that she had an intention of sitting in the cave for tapas when she was a brahmacharini and working in Chittoor. But it is a wonder that after more than twenty years the abandoned ashram is taken over by Amma with the request of devotees of Chinmaya Mission Chittoor in 1996.

Purpose of the project:
To develop Chinmaya Dhyana Guha and to provide free accommodation in the ashram for acharyas of Chinmaya Mission (for a period of one month) who wish to spend their time in intense tapas in the solitude of the natural caves.

Address:
Chinmaya Tapovan Trust
Kangra District
Sidhbari-176 057
Himachal Pradesh, India
Phone:+91-1892-234324
Fax:+91-1892-236199
E-mail:ctt@chinmayamission.com

In the lush Kangra valley, at the feet of the Dhauladhar mountain range, nestles the small hamlet of Sidhbari, named as ‘the abode of the siddhas, or Self-realized masters.’ According to ancient scriptures, this mystical place was home to numerous great saints and seers, who, through their austerities, sanctified all the earth they walked on.

In 1977, Swami Chinmayananda came across the barren, hilly landscape and instinctively knew that it was hallowed space. There he founded Chinmaya Tapovan Trust (CTT) and the ashram it now administers. The once barren countryside of grazing grounds was transformed with the ashram’s new temple, cottages, and satsang halls, providing a panoramic view of Nature’s splendour.

In 1981, His Holiness Swami Chinmayananda established a Vedanta institute, Sandeepany Himalayas (Sandeepany HIM), and commenced a two-year, intensive, residential Vedanta course in Hindi, similar to the course offered in English in Mumbai’s Sandeepany ashram. Today, in addition to the course, spiritual camps for adults and youth are conducted at the ashram by Mission acharyas year-round.

Sandeepany HIM’s campus is stunningly lush and vast. The majestic Shiva lingam on the residential cottage of Swami Chinmayananda is visible for miles, and a mark of the pervading sanctity. Stately trees, gentle plants, and radiant flowers blossom effortlessly in the sacred environment and offer a vibrant backdrop that is loved by all the ashram residents and the neighbouring locals.

From virtually every corner of the ashram, the snow-capped peaks of the Dhauladhar are clearly visible. A thick pine forest closes in from one side of the ashram, and the view of magnificent terraced fields and gurgling streams flows in from the other.

With over 100 rooms for shared accommodation, the ashram can comfortably accommodate 300 people at a time. It also houses an exceptional spiritual bookstore, a medical dispensary, and a large cowshed.

Address:
Medihala Post
Chokkahalli, Kolar- 563 103
Karnataka, India
Phone: +91-8152-234001

Chokkahalli is about 7 km from Kolar. ‘Chokka’ means that which is beautiful, neat and tidy. On about 8 acres of land in Chokkahalli is Chinmaya Sandeepany of Karnataka.
In addition to being a Vedanta Institute and having conducted Vedanta courses in Kannada, this ashram is also presently housing the Veda Vidya Peetha . The Veda Vidya Peetha conducts the Purohita course to facilitate the performance of rituals with an understanding,
The ashram has two residential buildings – Maitreyi and Yajnavalkya – which can accommodate 120 persons. The dining hall is known as ‘Annapoorna’ and can feed more than 150 people at one time.
The flora and fauna of the ashram is breathtaking. In addition, lots of vegetables are grown within the ashram premises. There are also a number of fruit bearing trees.

Sri Omkareshwara Temple
This beautiful temple has Lord Shiva engraved amidst Kailash. An idol of Lord Ganapati occupies the position below Sri Omkareshwara.

Chinmaya Ganapati
A captivating feature of this ashram is the 45 ft idol of Lord Ganapati.
Chinmaya Grameen Vidyalaya
This was started as a school for the poorer children from the surrounding villages. Transport to and fro is provided by the Ashram. The school is presently till Std VII and there are plans to introduce Std VIII next year. Presently there are over 300 children in the Vidyalaya. Recently a new building was constructed and now there are a total of 16 class rooms.

Address:
Rosario Church Road
Hoige Bazar
Mangalore-575 001
Karnataka, India
Phone: +91-824-2446158 / 91-9880373162,9900253655
E-mail:chinmayamission.sannidhi@gmail.com

Pujya Gurudev Swami Chinmayananda first came to Mangalore in 1956 to conduct a Yajna and then on he continued his visits to Mangalore. Members got together, formed committees and conducted Pujya Gurudev's yajnas as well as yajnas by other Acharyas till the year 2000 with the Mission Centre functioning from various locations.

In 2001 the Centre purchased a site; under the guidance of the then resident Acharya Br. Udaya Chaitanya (now Swami Hamsananda) and the construction of the new centre Sharada Sannidhi was commenced. On 22nd October 2004 the Sharada Sannidhi was formally inaugurated by Pujya Guruji Swami Tejomayananda in the holy presence of Veda Brahmashree, late Shri H Subraya Bhat.Various activities are conducted at the Centre for people of all age groups. Additionally the Centre is available for the conducting of Sadhana Camps by Acharyas from various other centres for Chinmaya Mission devotees.

Facility TypeDescription
Accomodation:
DormitoriesThere are two dormitories, one each for Ladies & Gents, with each one being able to accommodate 18 persons, i.e. a total of 36 delegates. The Dormitories are provided with steel cots & mattresses. The dormitories have common toilets and bathrooms.
Independent Rooms There are four independent rooms. Each room has attached toilet & bathroom and 3 beds
Areas/Halls for Conference:
Sharada Mandir / Meditation HallA large hall which can accommodate 400 devotees & where regular yagnas and other activities are held.
Annakshetra/ Satsang HallAnother hall which is a common Dining hall (Annakshetra). It can accommodate 200 devotees and classes also can be conducted.
Open Air TerraceClasses can also be conducted in the evenings on the covered terrace.
Availability
Facilities are available to all Chinmaya Mission Centres for Sadhana Camps. A notice 60 days in advance by Centres wishing to conduct camps, would help us in better coordinating the program.
EventTypeDescription
Jnana YajnasAs darkness can be dispelled only by light, so also ignorance of the true Self can be removed only by knowledge. A Jnana Yajna is a program of talks (discourses usually of 7 days) by Acharyas of the Chinmaya Mission where symbolically ignorance is burnt in the fire of knowledge.
Chinmaya Mission Mangalore conducts Jnana Yajnas (in English, Kannada and occasionally in Hindi) at intervals of about 3- 4 months. The schedule of Yajnas is indicated in the Calendar of events.
Study Group for AdultsFor the serious spiritual seeker interested in delving deeper into the secrets of the texts a "Study Group" for adults, is conducted by the Resident Acharya at the Sharada Sannidhi.
Devi GroupsSessions for ladies conducted by Swamini Supreetanandaji at the Sharada Sannidhi where participants are taught Stotrams, Bhajans & Bhagavad Geeta.
Balvihar & Chinmaya Yuva Kendra
The emphasis these days is increasingly on an educational system designed to provide youth with a college degree. This is with the aim of ensuring financial security through supposedly desirable jobs with high remuneration.

Balvihar and Chinmaya Yuva Kendra are programs designed to increase the Emotional and Spiritual Quotient in children and Youth; the missing elements in the present educational system. They provide children & youth with a rudimentary road map & the necessary skills to navigate the increasingly difficult road in their journey in Life. They provide them with the Spiritual tips to successfully handle education,career and Life with fortitude.

Address:
Chinmaya Ashram, Toap
Sambhapur
Kolhapur-416 122
Maharashtra, India
Phone:+91-230-2465073 / 2465754 / +91-9423282227

This ashram is situated between Toap & Sambhapur villages, about 13 km away from the city of Kolhapur. Kolhpur is a historic city of Maharashtra, sanctified by the Shakti Peetha of Mahalakshmi. The ashram land was donated to the Mission. In January 1991 some devotees from Kolhapur along with Swami Purushottamananda met Pujya Gurudev in Mumbai to seek blessings and guidance to develop the land. Soon enough a beautiful ashram came up. The ashram spreads over 8 acres of serene land, most suited for spiritual sadhana. It is mainly developed as a site for spiritual camps and also as a Sandeepany centre, the Vedanta Gurukula in Marathi. There are comfortable self-contained rooms and the ashram can accommodate 150 persons. The ashram has two satsang halls each with a capacity of 300 persons. Within the precincts of the ashram stands an 85 ft tall Ganesha idol, Chinmaya Ganadhish, blessing all visitors and pilgrims to the ashram. The idol is seated on a huge Meditation Hall. There is also the Sri Dakshineshwar Kailasnath temple, which has a sphatika linga in the sanctum sanctorum. The ashram is managed by the Chinmaya Seva Trust Maharashtra, which also undertakes various service projects for nearby villages providing them medical help and value-education. For more information please visit the website: www.chinmayakolhapur.com

Address:
Sandeepany Sadhanalaya
Saki Vihar Road, Mumbai-400 072
Maharashtra, India
Phone:+91-22-2857-0368
Fax:+91-22-2857-8105
E-mail:tct@chinmayamission.com

Inaugurated on Shri Tapovan Jayanti in January 1963, Sandeepany Sadhanalaya was established as, and remains, a Vedanta institute dedicated to the intensive training of future monks, acharyas, and sevaks of Chinmaya Mission. Sandeepany in Mumbai was the first of many institutes formed by Swami Chinmayananda, who personally taught Chinmaya Mission’s very first Vedanta course.

The ashram (pronounced ‘saandeepanee saadhanaalaya’) is named after Rishi Sandeepany (pronounced ‘sandeepanee’), the guru of Lord Krishna. ‘Sadhanalaya’ means the abode of sadhana, or spiritual practices. A rare and serene oasis in Mumbai’s busy metropolis, Sandeepany is a natural, picturesque home away from home.

Exquisitely situated on a hill overlooking Powai Lake, it is only 20 km from Mumbai’s buzzing city life. In the late 1950s, Mrs. Tara Sarup, a devotee of His Holiness Swami Chinmayananda, donated seven acres to build the ashram. Tara Cultural Trust (TCT), which administers the ashram, was registered in January 1960.

The Sandeepany ashram can presently provide residential accommodations for over 250 people. Visiting acharyas and devotees stay in one of the three large hostels or the seven-storey ‘Chinmaya Vihar’ residential building.

All classes are normally conducted in the ashram’s main lecture hall, ‘Saraswati Nilayam.’ ‘Annakshetra’ is the ashram’s large kitchen and dining hall.

Address:
Siruvani Main Rd
Nallur Vayal P.O.
Coimbatore- 641 114
Tamil Nadu, India
Phone:+91-422-2615637 / +91-9360461568
Fax:+91-422-2615725
E-mailcgardens@satyam.net.in

Chinmaya Gardens is 26 km away from Coimbatore, nestled at the foothills of the Siruvani range of the Western Ghats. The Ashram is spread over 100 acres of green lush land. Chinmaya Gardens is solace to the body, mind and soul, a temple of spiritual wisdom.

Regular camps, yajnas and classes are conducted at the Ashram with the help and guidance of Swamini Vimalananda and other acharyas.

The Dhyana Nilayam (Satsang Hall) is an exquisitely architectured meditation hall for over 100 people with audio and conference facilities. It also houses the Library with an exclusive collection of books on Vedanta and Indian Culture.

The Ashram is a Pitamaha Sadan (Senior Citizen Home) and provides a quiet serene environment conducive for reflection and meditation.

The Ashram has also set up the Chinmaya Vaidik Vidyapeetha to conduct the Purohita Course in order to facilitate the performance of rituals with understanding.

The Chinmaya International Residential School (CIRS), a shining example of modern education is set in the premises of the Ashram.

The Ashram has its own Goshala, paddy fields, coconut groves, orchards, vegetable gardens and crops, and thus is totally self sufficient.

The Ashram also houses Chinmaya Organisation of Rural Development (CORD), Siruvani. A variety of community welfare projects are conducted under this umbrella.

A primary health centre with modern facilities provides health care to the inmates of the Ashram, students of the International school and to the villages around.

A number of accommodation options are available for visitors varying from dormitories to self-contained rooms.
Ananda Nartana Vinayaka Mandir A beautiful idol of Lord Vinayaka adorns the sanctum sanctorum of this temple.

Address:
Madras Chinmaya Seva Trust
Sarveswara Nagar
Thiruvallur District
Tamaraipakkam- 601 103
Tamil Nadu, India
Phone:+91-4116-66745

‘Tamarai’ means lotus. The lotus is a flower that symbolises knowledge and prosperity and is closely associated with the Goddesses of Learning and Prosperity, Saraswati and Mahalakshmi. ‘Pakkam’ is place and so Tamaraipakkam means a place of lotuses. In the past there were number of ponds here filled with lotus flowers. Sarveshwara Nagar in Tamaraipakkam is an ashram situated in Vengal village in the Tiruvallur District of Tamil Nadu, about 40 km away from Chennai city. The eight acres land of the ashram was donated by two noble devotees from Chennai to Pujya Gurudev in June 1984.

This ashram was set up as a Pitamaha Sadan – a place where people over the age of 60 can come and stay permanently. The purpose is to provide a quiet serene environment conducive for reflection and meditation.

It was also here that Sandeepany (Tamil) took firm roots and two batches of students underwent training under the guidance of Swami Shreedharananda.

Facilities:

The ashram has a number of cottages providing comfortable accommodation to its senior residents. The Geeta satsang hall on the ground floor of Sarveshwara Dhyana Nilayam (the temple) is a well-ventilated circular prayer hall neatly furnished. The hall is suitable for meditation and satsang.

The ashram also has
Rooms for Mission Acharyas
A goshala (cowshed)
Paddy fields
Beautifully forested areas where people can walk in solitude
A scintillating aquarium
An auditorium

Sarveshwara Dhyana Nilayam
Sarveshwara Dhyana Nilayam has a massive Shiva Lingam, which stands 90 ft from ground level. The Sivalinga shaped dome is 65 ft high. Inside the temple are a Sphatika Lingam and a granite Lingam.

Medical Centre

A free Anant’s Medical centre, to cater to the needs of inmates of the Ashram as well as for the villagers around, was declared open by Pujya Gurudev on the installation day. It is a tribute offered by the undiminished enthusiasm and interest of the dedicated team of doctors, as well as Chinmaya Yuva Kendra members, who travel 40km from Chennai every Sunday morning to offer their services to the sick and the suffering. There is a proposal for an Intensive Care Unit to attend to emergencies, with two beds and plans to develop the centre into a well-equipped hospital in due course of time.

Harihar School
The educational needs of the children of the locality, deserve the highest priority in any scheme of reconstruction. Pujya Gurudev, foresaw this need and on 22nd February 1990 inaugurated a free Harihar school. The school is based on the ancient Gurukula system wherein not only the education but also the other developmental needs such as food, clothing, medication, etc of the village children are taken care of. The dedicated teachers living with the children guide them and strive to develop the personalities of the children, giving them value-based education.

It is here that Sandeepany (Tamil) took firm roots and two batches of students underwent training under the guidance of Swami Shreedharananda.
Thus a sleepy, little-known village has been slowly transformed into a vigorously active and spiritually inspired place!

Address:
28-B Shilakhana Rasulabad Road
Allahabad-211 004
Uttar Pradesh, India
Phone:+91-532-322546540
E-mailshivswarupalld@gmail.com

Navin Sevashram was registered as a Trust in Allahabad (India) in 1951 to serve the poor and under privileged members of the Society. In June 1983 it was reorganized. Brahmaleen Swami Chinmayanandaji was invited to be its President. The objectives of the trust were broadened to include Self unfoldment and Social welfare. Operations of the Trust increased many fold over the years. These now include Education, Health Care, Vanprasth Ashram, Spiritual, Cultural and Horticulture Activities. In due course, the name of the Trust was changed to Chinmaya Navin Seva Ashram Nyas.

Address:
Ujeli, Uttarkashi-249193
Uttarakhand, India
Phone: +91-1374-222357 / 223373 / +91-9412077357

The Ashram Uttarkashi is 165km from Rishikesh. Even the lowest region there is 5,800 ft above sea level. It is surrounded by a mountain range called Varanavata. The tributaries of the river Bhageerathi flow around the mountain tract like two hands hugging the plains. At the central point in the plain, almost like the lap of the mountain tract, is Ujeli. It is here that Tapovan Kuti lies, the home of Swami Tapovan Maharaj. Built in 1936 by some of his devotees, its location is truly unique. The river Bhageerathi flows at the foot of the mountain giving out a soothing pranava sound that can be heard in Tapovan Kuti. It was a small, spartan one-room hut and a cattle shed. The kutia today is exactly the way Swamiji left it. The mud-walled, dung-floor hut contains his cot and kamandalu (water pot) and little else. But the little verandah outside the hut, where the Mahatma would sit and give Vedantic discourses, has been converted into a shrine. Devotees speak in hushed tones of profound experiences while meditating there. It is here that Pujya Gurudev, Swami Chinmayananda spent a total of seven years studying at the feet of his teacher. Recently the capacity of Tapovan Kuti was increased. A 3-storey building, Tapovan Chinmayam was inaugurated on 15 March 2005 by Swami Tejomayananda. It has twenty four self contained rooms with balconies all having breathtaking views. Today the ashram can house around 130 people. The satsang hall in the ground floor of Tapovan Chinmayam can comfortably seat around 300 people. A large white marble murthi of Lord Jagadeeshwara with Goddess Saraswati and Lord Ganesha on either side graces the stage. Portraits of Swami Tapovanji Maharaj and Pujya Gurudev look on. The foyer is dedicated to a pictorial life sketch of Swami Tapovanji Maharaj. Tapovan Kuti is a popular site for spiritual camps and retreats organized by the Mission Acharyas. Students taking the Vedanta course at the Mission’s Sandeepany Ashrams are treated to a month or two at this retreat, where their study is doubtless deepened by the divine vibrations all about them. In the village is the temple of Vishwanath, the Lord of Uttarkashi. There is a svayambhu linga in this temple, tilted slightly to the right side. This temple is also known as Sowmya Kashi. In fact monks in the Himalayas referred to Swami Tapovanam himself as the Spiritual Bird of Sowmya Kashi – a bird possessed of the freedom and strength needed to reach great heights.

Address:
Lakshmanpur
Lakshmanpur-486 440
West Bengal, India
Phone:+91-7662-263 205 / 236 262 / 320 920
E-mail:swami.prashantanand@gmail.com

Chinmaya Ashram is a Pitamaha Sadan (ashram for senior citizens) offering residents a conducive quiet serene atmosphere for meditation and contemplation. The ashram was established by Pujya Swami Chinmayananda in 1983 in the village of Lakshmanpur 13 km from Rewa.

The ashram is on a 3-acre campus. The residential accommodation, dining hall, library, office and dispensary are all grouped around the temple.

The Pitamaha Sadan allows the resident elders to sincerely pursue their sadhana and live a true vanaprasthi life. The accommodation provided, the food served, the daily sessions of study and contemplation, the punctual routine and the relaxed tension-free life help the sadhak to undertake the journey and attain that bliss which wealth or power cannot provide.

Accommodation options vary from dormitory style to self-contained rooms. There is a library with an interesting collection of books. Meals consist of simple vegetarian food. A doctor visits the ashram daily. Rewa has good medical facilities if required.

Shri Raghunathji Temple

The temple is dedicated to Lord Rama and Mother Sita. The main idols in the temple are a replica of those installed at Rama Mandir in Sidhbari. The temple is in the centre of the Pitamaha Sadan.