Sanatani Directory · Ashram
परमार्थ निकेतन
Parmarth Niketan
Parichay · Introduction
In one line
Largest ashram in Rishikesh, known for the Ganga aarti at Triveni Ghat and the residential Yoga Vedanta studies under Pujya Swami Chidanand Saraswati.
Itihaas · History
How this place came to be
Founded in 1942 by Pujya Swami Shukdevanand Saraswati, Parmarth Niketan grew under the leadership of Pujya Swami Chidanand Saraswati (Muniji) into the largest ashram in Rishikesh, with over a thousand rooms. Its evening Ganga aarti at the ashram ghat is one of the most attended public worship events in the city, broadcast and live-streamed daily.
The ashram has become a hub for inter-faith dialogue, environmental activism (Ganga Action Parivar), and yoga education. It hosts the International Yoga Festival every March, drawing teachers and students from across the world. The Divya Jyoti Jagrati Sansthan adjoining offers free Sanskrit, Vedic, and yoga education to thousands of children.
Karya · Day-to-day
What happens here
- ·Daily Ganga aarti at the ashram ghat (sunset)
- ·Yoga, meditation and pranayama classes
- ·Residential yoga teacher training programmes
- ·Free Sanskrit and Vedic education for children
- ·Ganga Action Parivar — Ganga conservation initiative
Karyakram · Programmes
What you can take part in
International Yoga Festival (annually in March)
200-hour, 300-hour, and 500-hour Yoga TTC
Ayurveda short courses
Vedic & Vedantic philosophy retreats
Aavas · Stay
If you want to visit
Open to visitors year-round. Accommodation ranges from simple ashram rooms to deluxe suites, all on a donation basis. Vegetarian satvik meals included. Booking via the ashram website in advance is recommended, especially during the Yoga Festival in March.
Utsav · Calendar
What to come for
Vishesh · Notable
Worth knowing
- Largest ashram in Rishikesh with over a thousand rooms
- Evening Ganga aarti is one of the most attended public worship events in the city
- Hosts the International Yoga Festival each March
- Headquarters of Ganga Action Parivar — large-scale river conservation initiative