Sacha Dham Ashram
Rishikesh, Uttarakhand · temple
- Days OpenOpen daily
- Entry FeeFree Entry
Sacha Dham Ashram (also spelt Sachcha Dham) is a traditional Vedic ashram set on the banks of the Ganga near the Laxman Jhula suspension bridge, in the Tapovan quarter of Rishikesh. It belongs to the Sacha lineage: the ashram was established by Sri Hans Raj Maharajji — reverently called Maharajji, and himself later honoured as Sacha Baba — following the guidance of his own master, Sant Sacha Baba Kulanandji, who on a retreat at Laxman Jhula pointed to this spot as a place that should become "a pillar of light for the whole world." The founding is commemorated each year on 13 April, when the lineage's flag is ceremonially raised. Maharajji left his body in 2011, but the ashram remains a living, active devotional institution rather than a museum.
Where to Eat Nearby
- ✦Devraj Coffee Corner (Laxman Jhula) - a long-running vegetarian cafe-bakery on the west bank with sweeping Ganga views; ideal for a relaxed post-visit meal (menu is fully vegetarian, as everywhere in Rishikesh).
- ✦Multi-level riverside cafes (Laxman Jhula) - several popular vegetarian cafes overlook the river and serve wood-fired pizzas, thalis and coffee; confirm the day's menu and ask for eggless options on arrival.
- ✦Pure-veg cafes near Laxman Jhula (Tapovan) - a short walk uphill leads to small vegetarian and organic kitchens; ask for eggless bakes and confirm timings, as smaller Tapovan cafes keep variable hours.
- ✦Tapovan pure-veg thali eateries - several simple vegetarian dhabas near the ashram serve North Indian thalis and chai; many cook satvik (no onion, no garlic). Ask before ordering if you prefer no onion-garlic.
About
Sacha Dham Ashram (also spelt Sachcha Dham) is a traditional Vedic ashram set on the banks of the Ganga near the Laxman Jhula suspension bridge, in the Tapovan quarter of Rishikesh.
- It belongs to the Sacha lineage: the ashram was established by Sri Hans Raj Maharajji — reverently called Maharajji, and himself later honoured as Sacha Baba — following the guidance of his own master, Sant Sacha Baba Kulanandji, who on a retreat at Laxman Jhula pointed to this spot as a place that should become "a pillar of light for the whole world." The founding is commemorated each year on 13 April, when the lineage's flag is ceremonially raised.
- Maharajji left his body in 2011, but the ashram remains a living, active devotional institution rather than a museum.
- The heart of the complex is Sacha Baba's Mandir, where the presiding murti (sacred image) is venerated and where daily rituals, pujas (offerings) and kirtan (devotional chanting) unfold — all open to every visitor, with no financial contribution required.
- Beside the temple stands the Samadhi, the house where Maharajji once lived, now a quiet shrine where devotees sit in meditation; nearby is the Yagyashala, where fire ceremonies are performed, and a marble platform facing the river where Sacha Baba himself used to meditate (shoes are removed to sit there).
- A gaushala (cow shelter) is maintained on the grounds, and satsangs are held here by disciples of the Sacha lineage, including the well-documented Western disciple ShantiMayi.
- Views of the forested Himalayan foothills and the flowing Ganga add to the reflective calm.
- For travellers, entry is free and the atmosphere is deliberately unhurried and sacred.
- Dress modestly, remove footwear at the shrines, keep voices low during worship, and respect that the residential areas are private; casual overnight stays are not offered, so lodging is at surrounding guest houses.
- On food, an honest note: the ashram serves a daily free meal purely as seva — for its residents and for street dwellers and the needy, following instructions left by Sacha Baba — and visitors are politely asked to eat outside, as there is no infrastructure to feed the general public.
- Happily, Rishikesh is a vegetarian and alcohol-free holy city, so every cafe and eatery around Laxman Jhula and Tapovan is meat-free, and many follow satvik (no onion, no garlic) cooking.
Timings & Entry Fee
Verified: August 2026
Location & How to Reach
Address
Laxman Jhula Road, Tapovan, near the Laxman Jhula bridge, west bank of the Ganga, Rishikesh, Uttarakhand, 249192
How to Reach: In Tapovan, on Laxman Jhula Road beside the Laxman Jhula bridge, on the west bank of the Ganga. From Rishikesh town (Triveni Ghat) it is about 5-6 km; shared autos and taxis run to Laxman Jhula/Tapovan, with the final stretch near the bridge best covered on foot as vehicle access is restricted. Yoga Nagari Rishikesh railway station is roughly 6 km away, and Dehradun's Jolly Grant Airport about 20 km. From Ram Jhula it is a short auto ride or a scenic riverside walk.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the timings of Sacha Dham Ashram in Rishikesh?
The ashram grounds are generally open from early morning until evening, and the Samadhi shrine is reported to be open roughly 6:00 AM to 2:00 PM and 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM. Puja, kirtan and satsang timings vary through the day, so it is best to confirm the current schedule at the ashram gate. Early morning and dusk are the calmest, most atmospheric times to visit.
Is there an entry fee for Sacha Dham Ashram?
No, entry is free. It is a living Vedic ashram, and its daily rituals, pujas and chanting are open to all visitors with no financial contribution required. Please dress modestly and behave respectfully, as it is an active place of worship and residence.
How do I reach Sacha Dham Ashram near Laxman Jhula?
It sits on Laxman Jhula Road in Tapovan, on the west bank of the Ganga right beside the Laxman Jhula bridge. From Rishikesh town it is about 5-6 km; take a shared auto or taxi to Laxman Jhula/Tapovan and walk the last stretch near the bridge, as vehicle access there is restricted. Yoga Nagari Rishikesh station is around 6 km away and Jolly Grant Airport (Dehradun) about 20 km.
What can you see and do at Sacha Dham Ashram?
You can attend meditation, mantra chanting (kirtan) and daily pujas at Sacha Baba's Mandir, sit quietly at Maharajji's Samadhi shrine, and see the Yagyashala where fire ceremonies are held. A marble platform facing the Ganga, where Sacha Baba used to meditate, is a special spot for stillness (shoes off), and a gaushala is kept on the grounds. Satsangs are held here by disciples of the Sacha lineage, including ShantiMayi. The riverside setting with Himalayan foothill views makes it a deeply peaceful stop.
Can I eat or stay at the ashram, and is the food vegetarian?
The ashram serves a daily free meal purely as seva for its residents and for street dwellers and the needy, following instructions left by Sacha Baba, so visitors are kindly asked to eat outside rather than expect to be fed. Casual overnight stays are not offered either; lodging is available at nearby guest houses and hotels. Rishikesh is a vegetarian and alcohol-free holy city, so every cafe around Laxman Jhula and Tapovan is entirely meat-free, and many cook satvik (no onion, no garlic).
Who founded Sacha Dham Ashram?
It was established in the Sacha lineage by Sri Hans Raj Maharajji, lovingly known as Maharajji and later revered as Sacha Baba, on the guidance of his own master, Sant Sacha Baba Kulanandji, who identified this riverside spot at Laxman Jhula. The founding is celebrated annually on 13 April with a flag-raising. Maharajji left his body in 2011, and the ashram continues as an active centre for meditation and satsang.
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