Beatles Ashram - The Place Inspiring of Spirituality

 

Beatles Ashram also known as "Chaurasi Kutia", it is an ashram close to the north Indian city of Rishikesh in the state of Uttarakhand. This Ashram is located on the eastern bank of the Ganges river, opposite the Muni Ki Reti area of Rishikesh, in the foothills of the Himalayas. The place received a lot of hype and achieved wide recognition after the Beatles band of Liverpool came to stay there in the year 1986. The members of the band practiced meditation and composed many good songs in this place. The Beatles Ashram is believed to have a unique energy and inspiring vibe of its own that makes visitors realize the real power and value of spirituality.

 

 

During the 1960s and 1970s, as the International Academy of Meditation, it was the training centre for students of Maharishi Mahesh Yogi, who devised the Transcendental Meditation technique. The ashram gained international attention between February and April 1968 when the English rock band the Beatles studied meditation there, along with celebrities such as Donovan, Mia Farrow and Mike Love. It was the setting for the band's most productive period as songwriters, where they composed most of the songs for their self-titled double album, also known as the "White Album". 

 

 

The major attractions of the ashram include its stunning dome-shaped construction, amazing graffiti works, and the beautiful picture of the members of the Beatles band painted in one of the interior walls of Ved Bhavan. Other interesting things that can be seen here are the mysterious writings done on the walls of Siddhi Bhavan and Anand Bhavan and the beautifully designed meditation chambers of Chaurasi Kutia. The relaxing and rejuvenating environment of the place tranquilizes the body from within and refreshes the mind, filling you up with positivity. Surrounded by other serene attractions of the city, this place is totally worth visiting when you’re on a trip to the country’s Yoga Capital, Rishikesh.

 

 

The ashram was left abandoned in the 1990s and reverted to the local forestry department in 2003, after which it became a popular visiting place for fans of the Beatles. Although derelict and overrun by jungle, the site was officially opened to the public in December 2015. It is now known as Beatles Ashram and held an exhibition in February 2018 to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the Beatles' arrival in Rishikesh. At present, the Beatles Ashram is visited by locals as well as tourists, out of which most of the travelers are Beatles band fans. The place usually attracts history buffs, experience seekers, serenity and peace seekers, nature lovers, photo fanatics, and meditation enthusiasts.

 

 

Beatles Ashram is best visited in the spring months of March and April. You can also visit the place in the winter months when there is a slight cold in the city’s air and the weather feels amazing for taking a walk inside the ashram and sightseeing. However, avoid visiting the ashram in the summer season as the weather is a bit hot during this time.

 

 

Beatles Ashram in Rishikesh is well-connected to the major cities of the country through railways and airways. The place is located at a distance of around 30 kilometers from Jolly Grant airport and 13 kilometers from the nearest railway station. Local taxis can be easily hired to reach the ashram from the railway station and the airport.