Parmarth Niketan Ashram
Rishikesh, Uttarakhand · temple
- Days OpenOpen daily
- Entry FeeFree Entry
Parmarth Niketan is the largest ashram in Rishikesh and one of the spiritual anchors of the yoga capital of the world. Founded in 1942 by Pujya Swami Shukdevanand Ji Maharaj (1901–1965) and today led by Pujya Swami Chidanand Saraswati Ji, it stands in the Swarg Ashram belt on the west bank of the Ganga, a short walk from the Ram Jhula suspension bridge. Set in a serene, garden-filled campus in the lap of the lower Himalaya, the ashram houses more than 1,000 rooms and functions as a living dharmic institution — a place of daily worship, yoga, meditation and Vedic study rather than a monument. Visitors of every background are welcomed without distinction of nationality, faith or creed, and the campus is entirely vegetarian and alcohol-free, in keeping with Rishikesh's status as a holy town.
Where to Eat Nearby
- ✦Ashram / Swarg Ashram satvik dining halls – simple pure-veg thali-style meals near Ram Jhula; often cooked without onion and garlic (timings are fixed, so check on arrival).
- ✦Chotiwala, Swarg Ashram – long-running pure-vegetarian thali restaurant near Ram Jhula; a Rishikesh institution (verify the current outlet locally).
- ✦Riverside vegetarian cafes and German-style bakeries along the Ram Jhula lanes – pure-veg breakfasts, banana pancakes and filter coffee with Ganga views.
- ✦Chai and snack stalls near the ashram gate – pakoras, samosas and masala chai; entirely vegetarian, alcohol-free neighbourhood.
About
Parmarth Niketan is the largest ashram in Rishikesh and one of the spiritual anchors of the yoga capital of the world. Founded in 1942 by Pujya Swami Shukdevanand Ji Maharaj (1901–1965) and today led by Pujya Swami Chidanand Saraswati Ji, it stands in the Swarg Ashram belt on the west bank of the Ganga, a short walk from the Ram Jhula suspension bridge.
- Set in a serene, garden-filled campus in the lap of the lower Himalaya, the ashram houses more than 1,000 rooms and functions as a living dharmic institution — a place of daily worship, yoga, meditation and Vedic study rather than a monument.
- Visitors of every background are welcomed without distinction of nationality, faith or creed, and the campus is entirely vegetarian and alcohol-free, in keeping with Rishikesh's status as a holy town.
- The ashram's most recognisable landmark is a large statue of Lord Shiva seated in meditation on a lotus, installed on the riverbank so that the Ganga appears to flow past the deity's feet.
- The gardens are dotted with murtis and tableaux drawn from the Ramayana and other epics, making a slow stroll through the grounds a gentle introduction to Hindu iconography.
- Sadhaks and saffron-clad sadhus move between the prayer halls, the yagna (fire-offering) platform and the ghats, and the atmosphere is calm, unhurried and devotional even when the campus is busy.
- The daily highlight is the world-renowned Ganga aarti held each evening at sunset on the ashram's own ghat.
- Children of the ashram's gurukul lead the chanting of Vedic mantras and bhajans as rows of lamps are lit and floated, and hundreds of visitors gather on the steps to watch the fire and river meet at dusk — an experience many travellers describe as the emotional heart of a Rishikesh visit.
- A hawan (sacred fire ceremony) precedes the aarti, and morning prayers, yoga sessions and spiritual discourses run through the day.
- For vegetarian and pure-veg travellers, the setting could not be simpler: the entire Swarg Ashram and Ram Jhula neighbourhood is strictly vegetarian, with no meat, egg or alcohol sold anywhere nearby.
- Many kitchens here follow satvik cooking (often without onion and garlic), and simple thali halls, chai stalls and German-bakery-style cafes cluster along the riverside lanes within a few minutes' walk of the ashram gate.
- Dress modestly, remove footwear where indicated, and arrive around 45 minutes before sunset to find a good place on the steps for the aarti.
Timings & Entry Fee
Verified: August 2026
Location & How to Reach
Address
Swarg Ashram, near Ram Jhula, west bank of the Ganga, Rishikesh, Uttarakhand, 249304
How to Reach: In Swarg Ashram on the Ganga's west bank, a short walk from Ram Jhula. From Rishikesh (Triveni Ghat / main town) an auto-rickshaw to the Ram Jhula parking is about ₹80–150 (15–20 minutes), then cross the pedestrian Ram Jhula bridge on foot and turn along the riverside lane. From Rishikesh railway station it is roughly 4–5 km (auto ₹120–180). The immediate lanes are pedestrian-only, so the final approach is always on foot.
Frequently Asked Questions
What time is the Ganga aarti at Parmarth Niketan?
The famous Ganga aarti is held every evening at sunset on the ashram's own ghat — roughly 6:00 PM in winter and about 6:30 to 7:00 PM in summer, as the time shifts with the season. Arrive around 45 minutes early to find a spot on the steps, and confirm the exact timing at the ashram gate on the day you visit.
Is there an entry fee for Parmarth Niketan Ashram?
No, there is no entry fee to visit the ashram grounds or to attend the evening Ganga aarti — it is free and open to visitors of all backgrounds. Guests staying overnight or joining specific yoga and meditation programmes pay separately for those, but simply walking in and watching the aarti costs nothing.
How do I reach Parmarth Niketan from Rishikesh town?
The ashram is in Swarg Ashram on the west bank of the Ganga, right by Ram Jhula. Take an auto-rickshaw to the Ram Jhula parking area (about ₹80–150 from central Rishikesh), then cross the Ram Jhula pedestrian bridge on foot and follow the riverside lane to the ashram gate. The final stretch is pedestrian-only, so plan to walk the last few minutes.
What can you see at Parmarth Niketan Ashram?
The highlights are the large meditating-Shiva statue seated on a lotus at the river's edge, the peaceful garden campus dotted with murtis and scenes from the epics, the yagna (fire-offering) platform, and above all the sunset Ganga aarti led by the ashram's gurukul children. It is a living ashram with more than 1,000 rooms, so you will also see yoga sessions, morning prayers and sadhus going about the day.
Is Parmarth Niketan and the area around it vegetarian?
Yes. Parmarth Niketan is strictly vegetarian and alcohol-free, and the entire Swarg Ashram and Ram Jhula neighbourhood around it is pure-vegetarian by the norms of this holy town — no meat, egg or alcohol is sold nearby. Many kitchens follow satvik cooking, often without onion and garlic, so pure-veg and Jain-leaning travellers are very well catered for.
Can visitors attend yoga or stay at the ashram?
Yes. Parmarth Niketan offers daily yoga and meditation sessions, spiritual discourses and seasonal courses, and it has simple room accommodation for guests who wish to stay. Casual visitors are also welcome to walk the grounds and attend the free evening aarti. Dress modestly, remove footwear where indicated, and observe the prayers quietly out of respect.
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