Sivananda Ashram (Divine Life Society)
Rishikesh, Uttarakhand · temple
- Days OpenOpen daily
- Entry FeeFree Entry
Sivananda Ashram, the headquarters of the Divine Life Society (DLS), rises in terraces above the right bank of the Ganga at Shivanandanagar, a short walk upstream from Ram Jhula in the Muni Ki Reti stretch of Rishikesh. It was founded in 1936 by Swami Sivananda Saraswati (1887–1963), a physician-turned-monk whose prolific writing and simple formula "Serve, Love, Give, Purify, Meditate, Realise" carried classical yoga and Vedanta to a worldwide audience. From this hillside the Society grew into a global network of branches, and the ashram remains a living dharmic institution rather than a museum — a place of daily worship, study and seva (selfless service) rather than a ticketed monument.
Where to Eat Nearby
- ✦Divine Life Society dining / ashram satvik meals – strictly pure-vegetarian, no onion-garlic; generally for residents and by arrangement, so confirm at the office.
- ✦Pure-veg thali houses along the Ram Jhula lanes (Chotiwala-style and similar) – reliably vegetarian Ganga-side meals; menus and quality vary, so check before ordering.
- ✦German-bakery-style cafes near Ram Jhula (Little Buddha and others) – vegetarian bakes, herbal teas and river views; verify the current outlet as management changes.
- ✦Local pure-veg bhojanalayas in Muni Ki Reti – simple thalis and chai for pilgrims; entirely vegetarian neighbourhood, hygiene varies so pick a busy one.
About
Sivananda Ashram, the headquarters of the Divine Life Society (DLS), rises in terraces above the right bank of the Ganga at Shivanandanagar, a short walk upstream from Ram Jhula in the Muni Ki Reti stretch of Rishikesh.
- It was founded in 1936 by Swami Sivananda Saraswati (1887–1963), a physician-turned-monk whose prolific writing and simple formula "Serve, Love, Give, Purify, Meditate, Realise" carried classical yoga and Vedanta to a worldwide audience.
- From this hillside the Society grew into a global network of branches, and the ashram remains a living dharmic institution rather than a museum — a place of daily worship, study and seva (selfless service) rather than a ticketed monument.
- The compound is a cluster of shrines, study halls and simple residential blocks threaded by steep lanes and river-facing viewpoints.
- At its heart are the Vishwanath Mandir dedicated to Lord Shiva, shrines to Krishna and the Devi, and the samadhi (memorial shrine) of Swami Sivananda, where devotees gather for chanting and quiet prayer.
- The Yoga-Vedanta Forest Academy, established here, has trained generations of teachers, and the ashram's Bhajan Hall and library are central to its unhurried daily rhythm of prayer, kirtan (devotional singing) and philosophical discourse.
- The Divine Life Society Bookstore is a destination in itself, stocking Sivananda's many titles on yoga, health and scripture at modest prices.
- Visitors are welcome for darshan (sacred viewing) and to observe the morning and evening aarti and satsang, though the atmosphere is disciplined and contemplative — this is an active spiritual community, so dress modestly, remove footwear at shrine entrances, keep silence during worship, and ask before photographing.
- Longer or residential stays are by prior written permission from the General Secretary and are not casual drop-ins.
- For vegetarian travellers the setting could not be simpler: Rishikesh is an entirely vegetarian and alcohol-free holy town by long custom, and the ashram itself observes strict satvik cooking.
- The lanes toward Ram Jhula are lined with pure-vegetarian bhojanalayas, German-bakery-style cafes and Ganga-view thali houses, so a visit pairs naturally with an unhurried satvik meal and the evening Ganga aarti nearby.
Timings & Entry Fee
Verified: August 2026
Location & How to Reach
Address
Shivanandanagar, Badrinath Road, near Ram Jhula, Muni Ki Reti, Rishikesh, Uttarakhand, 249192
How to Reach: At Shivanandanagar on the Badrinath Road, just upstream of Ram Jhula in Muni Ki Reti. From Rishikesh town/bus stand it is about 3 km — auto-rickshaw or shared vikram costs around ₹30–100 (10–15 minutes) to the Ram Jhula/Shivanandanagar stand, then a short walk. From Rishikesh (Yog Nagari) railway station it is roughly 6 km by auto. There is no metro in Rishikesh; auto-rickshaw and shared tempo are the standard way.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who founded Sivananda Ashram and when?
It was founded in 1936 by Swami Sivananda Saraswati, a doctor who became a renowned monk and author. He established the Divine Life Society here at Shivanandanagar in Rishikesh, and the ashram is its worldwide headquarters. His teaching, summed up as "Serve, Love, Give, Purify, Meditate, Realise," spread classical yoga and Vedanta across the globe.
Is there an entry fee for Sivananda Ashram?
No, there is no entry fee. As an active dharmic ashram and place of worship, it is open to respectful visitors for darshan, aarti and satsang free of charge. It is a living spiritual community rather than a ticketed tourist monument, so please treat it accordingly.
Can tourists visit or stay at the ashram?
Yes, visitors are welcome to come for darshan and to observe the morning and evening aarti and satsang. However, longer or residential stays are not casual drop-ins — they require prior written permission from the General Secretary of the Divine Life Society, so arrange this in advance rather than turning up expecting a room.
How do I reach Sivananda Ashram in Rishikesh?
It sits at Shivanandanagar on Badrinath Road, just upstream of Ram Jhula in Muni Ki Reti, about 3 km from Rishikesh town. An auto-rickshaw or shared vikram to the Ram Jhula/Shivanandanagar stand costs roughly ₹30–100, followed by a short walk. From Rishikesh (Yog Nagari) railway station it is about 6 km. There is no metro, so auto-rickshaw is the usual option.
What can I see and do at the ashram?
You can visit the Vishwanath (Shiva) temple, shrines to Krishna and the Devi, and the samadhi shrine of Swami Sivananda, and sit in on kirtan and satsang. The Yoga-Vedanta Forest Academy and library reflect its role as a teaching centre, and the Divine Life Society bookstore sells Sivananda's many affordable titles on yoga and scripture. Dress modestly, remove footwear at shrines, keep silence during worship, and ask before taking photos.
Is the food around Sivananda Ashram vegetarian?
Completely. Rishikesh is a holy town that is entirely vegetarian and alcohol-free by long custom, and the ashram itself follows strict satvik cooking. The lanes toward Ram Jhula are full of pure-vegetarian thali houses, simple bhojanalayas and bakery-style cafes, so a visit pairs easily with a satvik meal — just pick a clean, busy place as standards vary.
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