Sanatani Directory · Ashram
आर्ट ऑफ़ लिविंग केंद्र
Art of Living International Centre
Parichay · Introduction
In one line
Sri Sri Ravi Shankar's ashram in the Panchagiri hills outside Bangalore — global headquarters of the Art of Living Foundation.
Itihaas · History
How this place came to be
Founded in 1986 by Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar (Gurudev), the Art of Living International Centre — also called Ved Vignan Maha Vidya Peeth — sprawls across more than 60 acres on the Panchagiri hills outside Bangalore. The centre is built around the Vishalakshi Mantap, a five-petalled lotus-shaped meditation hall with a single pillar at the centre.
The Art of Living Foundation, headquartered here, is known globally for Sudarshan Kriya — a rhythmic breath-based practice that Gurudev introduced as a stress-relief and meditation tool. The Foundation runs programmes in over 180 countries, including in conflict zones and prisons. The Bangalore campus hosts the annual Mahasatsang on Gurudev's birthday, draws hundreds of thousands during World Culture Festivals, and serves as the launchpad for international Inner Engineering tours.
Karya · Day-to-day
What happens here
- ·Daily satsang and meditation in the Vishalakshi Mantap
- ·Sudarshan Kriya — taught in the foundational Happiness Programme
- ·Sahaj Samadhi Meditation initiations
- ·Sri Sri Yoga (TTC and short courses)
- ·Sri Sri Ayurveda — clinic and panchakarma centre on campus
Karyakram · Programmes
What you can take part in
Happiness Programme (3-day foundation course)
Sri Sri Yoga TTC (200-hour & 500-hour)
Sahaj Samadhi Meditation
Art of Silence (3-day silent retreat)
DSN — Divya Samaj ka Nirman programme
Aavas · Stay
If you want to visit
Open to course participants and visitors year-round. Accommodation in dorms, twin-share rooms, and private cottages. All bookings via the Art of Living website. Vegetarian satvik food included.
Utsav · Calendar
What to come for
Vishesh · Notable
Worth knowing
- Built around the Vishalakshi Mantap — a five-petalled lotus-shaped meditation hall
- Sudarshan Kriya, taught here, has been learned by an estimated 70 million people worldwide
- Art of Living programmes run in over 180 countries, including in conflict zones
- World Culture Festivals at the Yamuna Bank and elsewhere have drawn over 3.5 million attendees