The Beatles Ashram : Enigmatic and Enthralling Essence of Rishikesh

Hi,

    There are many blogs regarding this Ashram and Beatle’s mysterious visit to this place. Their eventful arrival and more dramatic departure…We can say that because of them, Rishikesh came into the highlight, and the Western world became curious about yoga and meditation. The Beatles came with their wives and girlfriends and their whole troupe. They lived here for a few days to months and did transcendental meditation. They must have been inspired by the city or by the meditation or by the serene nature, whatever it was, but they had written almost 48 songs here, and most of them are in albums’ White Album’ and ‘Abbey Road’. I read about their visit and stay in India in this book. 

       The Beatles Ashram is also known as Chaurasi Kutiya, which means “84 huts.” It covers 14 acres of land and is located on a cliff. Many buildings exist, including Shivling-shaped mediation caves with Swargashram and Yogi’s home overlooking the Ganga. There is a temple, kitchen, post office, library, canteen, etc, but all are now in decomposing forms. Currently, one building is being used as a canteen with a small museum and restrooms.

            I don’t want to dwell on the past. Because the ashram was abandoned in 1970 and taken over by the forest department of Rajaji National Park, it was opened to the public in 2015 only. And it is now filled with striking murals…Somewhere there is a riot of colors, while somewhere, there is the magic of monochromes. Artists from all over the world are fascinated by this place, and the site is still evolving…They have created magic on the torn walls with peeled-off plasters. Somewhere you will find murals of The Beatles, some walls are enriched with enigmatic Yogis of Rishikesh…Mandalas and Geometric patterns will attract you to some walls due to their sacred harmony, and you will see lyrics of the Beatles songs at random places.

              The place is filled with mystery, yet there is some blatancy. The cracked walls might desolate you, but amazing graffiti and wall art will brighten any depressed soul. Whether it is covered with art or not, every corner and wall is perplexing. You might ask yourself a thousand questions about the past. You will open Google and read the history behind this mysterious place, but in the end, what you will enjoy is what it is now! An enigmatic exhibition of art and murals. You might want to stare endlessly at some of them. They speak volumes. They talk with you, and the eyes of those portraits might look deep into your heart.

              If you are a history lover or a mystery lover…If you are a nature admirer or art admirer…If you want peace or clarity…you should visit this place. It is the must-visit place in Rishikesh. Even kiddos loved it. And they have just listened to a few well-known songs by the Beatles, and they have an interest in art, like a bottle in the ocean.

          The predominant artwork is done by Canadian street artist Pan Trinity Das (Artxpan), who initiated a community art project at this place in 2012, known as The Beatles Cathedral Gallery. He and some other artists have given these decayed buildings a new life and increased the aura of an already magnetic place. He was invited again with Miles Toland in 2016. Miles Toland has created captivating murals and mandalas in this weathered ashram at unexpected places. Some artworks by Olivia Jane will also blow your mind. 

          So whenever you are in Rishikesh, please visit this place whether you have listened to Beatles songs. Walk on paved paths and nature trails. Meditate in abandoned caves, or pose for Insta pics. Go to the top of the Swargashram and view the majestic Ganga and appreciate all the beautiful graffiti. While doing all these, you will be accompanied by the constant chirping of birds and a gentle forest breeze.

        I hope the authorities start restoring it soon. Otherwise, these already dilapidated beautiful structures will be ruined shortly. Even some old murals have been damaged. It is up to us to maintain this gem which has once cocooned one of the most popular people of that era. 

How to reach:

From Ram Jhula, it is a 2.1 km and 30-minute walk  

From Jankri Bridge, it is 600 meters, 2 minute walk. 

Google location link: 

https://goo.gl/maps/euFyYRqX9nS4rA8eA

Timings: 10 am to 4 pm.

Sorry for all the photos dumping but as you can see it was so difficult to select.

If you liked this post please don’t forget to share.

If you have visited the place, please share your views in the comments below.

Thanks.

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Anand

1 year ago

Beat and Beatles ! Two sides of the same coin !!!!!!!!!!
Kajal even when we visisted it we were unaware of the bliss and serenity of the place which lies in itself !
Lovely description and it seems after reading the post that i visited it again !
Have u 4 been to Druk Path trek , Bhutan. U will surely like it

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Admin

1 year ago

Reply to  Anand

Thank you!
Yes! The Ashram has amazing vibes.
We haven’t been to Bhutan yet. But definitely have to add this trek to our bucket list.

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