Discover the Beatles Ashram Rishikesh India with History & Timings
The Beatles Ashram Rishikesh India, also known locally as Chaurasi Kutia Ashram or Maharishi Mahesh Yogi Ashram Rishikesh, is a must-visit spot in Rishikesh. Located on the banks of the River Ganga, it sits within the beautiful Rajaji National Park in Uttarakhand. Here are some basic reasons to visit the Beatles Ashram Rishikesh India.
The Beatles and Maharishi Mahesh Yogi
First, a bit about The Beatles and Maharishi Mahesh Yogi. The Beatles are a famous English musical band, and most music lovers have heard of John Lennon, the well-known songwriter and singer who co-founded the band with Paul McCartney.
As for Maharishi Mahesh Yogi, he was one of India’s most renowned yoga & meditation gurus. He developed the Transcendental Meditation technique, which has gained worldwide popularity.
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The Beatles Connection
In early 1968, when The Beatles were incredibly famous and known by everyone, they made a journey to India, near the Himalayas, in search of something that their fame and wealth couldn’t provide: inner peace. They spent eight weeks in an ashram, a quiet place for spiritual learning, to study meditation. During their time there, they wanted privacy. So no journalists or visitors were permitted to enter.
History: Beatles Ashram Rishikesh India
As you arrive at the Beatles Ashram Rishikesh India, you’ll find the ticket booth just inside. The admission for Beatles Ashram tickets prices are INR 1200 for foreigners and INR 150 for Indian nationals.
The Beatles Ashram Timings: open from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM, allowing you enough time to explore and fully experience the grounds. It’s recommended to allocate an hour or two for your visit, ensuring you have ample time to take in everything and enjoy a leisurely walk around the area.
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The Secret: Beatles Ashram Rishikesh India
The Beatles departed from the ashram amid accusations against the Maharishi regarding his behavior with women. Years later, John Lennon apologized for his previous statements, and to everyone’s surprise, the Maharishi forgave him instantly.
It was possible that some of the people associated with The Beatles, who were often in their company, may have faced issues related to drugs. As a result, the Beatles might have spread the accusations against the Maharishi as a means to divert attention from those problems.
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The Meditation in Ved Bhavan Beatles Ashram Rishikesh
Reason: Beatles Ashram Rishikesh India
One of the main reasons this ashram is famous is because of its graffiti artwork. If you love painting, this is a fantastic place to visit. You can see creative paintings and quotes, including those of the Dalai Lama and Mahatma Gandhi. According to travelogue , artists from around the world, under the community known as The Beatles Cathedral Gallery, created these paintings.
Additionally, this place is ideal for photographers looking to capture perfect shots amid nature. Many people come to Rishikesh from across the globe for yoga and meditation, seeking peace and the opportunity to try meditation in this serene environment.
Exploring: Beatles Ashram Rishikesh India
- Artistic Graffiti: As you wander through the ashram’s premises, you’ll discover vibrant graffiti and murals left by visitors. These artistic expressions add a unique touch to the serene surroundings.
- Meditation Domes: The ashram features meditation domes where you can sit, meditate, and soak in the peaceful atmosphere that once inspired The Beatles. The quietude of these domes provides an ideal setting for self-reflection and mindfulness.
- Nature Walks: The sprawling ashram grounds are dotted with lush greenery, offering nature enthusiasts an excellent opportunity to take leisurely walks, birdwatch, and enjoy the natural beauty.
Things to Do Inside:
- Explore Meditation caves: Check out the small caves where The Beatles and others meditated.
- Graffiti and Murals: See fascinating paintings on the walls that showcase art and messages.
- Yoga and Meditation: Join yoga and meditation sessions to experience peace and tranquility.
- Silence and Reflection: Take quiet moments in the calm area, just as The Beatles did.
- Shiva Temple: Visit the small temple and offer prayers.
- Photography: Capture the ashram’s unique buildings, art, and beautiful nature.
- Birdwatching: Since the ashram is part of Rajaji National Park, it’s a great spot for birdwatching.
- Creative Fun: Engage in writing, drawing, or photography, inspired by the artistic environment.
Practical Tips for Beatles Ashram Rishikesh India
- Rishikesh India Beatles Entry Fee: Beatles Ashram tickets price INR 1200 for forewing National and INR 300 for India Nationals
- Beatles Ashram Rishikesh Timings: The ashram is generally open during daytime hours from 10 am to 4 pm.
- Footwear: Please remove your shoes before entering meditation areas and respect the ashram’s rules and regulations.
How to reach Beatles Ashram Rishikesh India
To reach the Beatles Ashram (Swarg Ashram) in Rishikesh, Uttarakhand, you can hire an auto-rickshaw to the main market for the Janki Bridge. From there, cross the bridge on foot, take a left turn, and continue walking for about 500 meters. Along the way, you’ll find signs that will guide you directly to the Beatles Ashram.
The Beatles’ Journey to India in 1968: A Magical Time at Maharishi Mahesh Yogi’s Ashram
The Beatles’ trip to India in 1968 is one of the most fascinating chapters in their history. Their stay at Maharishi Mahesh Yogi’s Ashram in Rishikesh is remembered as a time of spiritual exploration and creativity.
The Beginning of a Spiritual Journey
It all started when Pattie Boyd, George Harrison’s wife, discovered Transcendental Meditation in 1967 through a newspaper ad. This led the Beatles to attend a lecture by Maharishi Mahesh Yogi. Soon, they decided to give up drugs and join the Maharishi at a 10-day conference in Wales. After that, they accepted Maharishi’s invitation to visit his ashram in Rishikesh, India.
Famous Guests at the Ashram
The Beatles weren’t the only ones there! Donovan, Mia Farrow, and Mike Love of The Beach Boys were also part of the group. This time in the ashram was peaceful, and it gave the Beatles a huge burst of creativity, leading to many of the songs they would later record for their famous White Album.
Life at the Ashram
The ashram, which was funded by American heiress Doris Duke, felt like a summer camp to Paul McCartney. The Beatles ate vegetarian meals, meditated, and spent time together. They were surrounded by wildlife, adding to the calm and natural atmosphere.
Maharishi’s Personality
The Maharishi was more than just a spiritual teacher—he was also pretty business-savvy! He negotiated with ABC for a TV special featuring the Beatles and was known for organizing group activities at the ashram. He even loved riding in helicopters!
George and John’s Commitment
While all the Beatles meditated, George Harrison and John Lennon were particularly dedicated. George once said that meditation gave him a higher experience than drugs ever did. Both of them found the ashram to be a place of deep spiritual fulfillment.
Ringo’s Struggles
While some of the Beatles loved it, Ringo Starr had a harder time adjusting. He wasn’t used to the food and had trouble with insects. After 10 days, he and his wife Maureen decided to leave. Later, Paul McCartney and his girlfriend Jane Asher followed.
Mixed Experiences
While George and John were deeply engaged in meditation, Ringo struggled with food allergies and homesickness. Even Paul found the meditation routine a bit too tedious, making his stay shorter.
Cultural Immersion
The Beatles really enjoyed their time in India and fully embraced the Indian culture. They loved wearing traditional Indian clothes—George particularly liked the bright, colorful outfits. The band had fun shopping for shirts with Nehru collars and tight pants, reflecting their enthusiasm for the local culture.
The Beatles Wanted to Make a Lord of the Rings Movie
Believe it or not, the Beatles once thought about making a movie based on The Lord of the Rings! They even considered playing the characters—John Lennon wanted to be Gollum, Paul McCartney was set to be Frodo, George Harrison as Gandalf, and Ringo Starr as Sam. Unfortunately, this movie idea never happened.
India Couldn’t Save John’s Marriage
John Lennon’s marriage to Cynthia was already troubled before the trip. She had hoped the experience in India would bring them closer, but John grew distant, even moving into a separate room. Cynthia later discovered that John was receiving letters from Yoko Ono during their stay.
Bungalow Bill Was a Real Person
John Lennon’s song “The Continuing Story of Bungalow Bill” was based on a real event. An American named Richard Cooke III visited the ashram and went on a tiger hunt. He ended up killing a tiger to protect his mother, and this story surprised everyone at the peaceful ashram. Later, Richard became a photographer for National Geographic.
John’s Disillusionment
Towards the end of their stay, John had a falling out with the Maharishi. He questioned why the Maharishi, who was supposed to be so spiritual, didn’t understand why they were leaving. Lennon later felt the Maharishi was too focused on fame and money, which led to their departure. However, there were no lawsuits or serious accusations against the Maharishi, and over time, George Harrison doubted the rumors that caused them to leave.
The Ashram Today
After the Beatles left, the ashram eventually closed and was abandoned for over 30 years. It became a place for street artists to paint murals and graffiti, until the local forestry department took over in 2003. In 2015, the ashram was reopened to tourists, and today, visitors are amazed by its connection to both spiritual history and the legacy of the Beatles.
The Beatles’ time in India was a unique experience that shaped not only their music but also their personal lives. The ashram continues to inspire people who visit it, connecting the past with the present in a magical way.
A Glimpse into the Past
The ashram became world-famous in the late 1960s when The Beatles—John Lennon, Paul McCartney, George Harrison, and Ringo Starr—visited in search of spiritual guidance under Maharishi’s tutelage.
Along with them, other notable personalities like Mia Farrow and Donovan also sought inner peace here. Their stay marked a creative outburst for the band, with many songs from the “White Album” written during their time in Rishikesh.
Maharishi Mahesh Yogi’s Transcendental Meditation Techniques attracted global attention, transforming the ashram into a hub for those seeking inner peace. Its unique design, which included dome-shaped meditation huts, combined nature with modernity, creating a serene environment ideal for reflection.
However, after the lease from the Uttar Pradesh Forest Department expired, the ashram fell into neglect, leaving behind dilapidated structures and graffiti left by fans of The Beatles.
A Vision for the Future
Recognizing the ashram’s cultural and spiritual significance, the Uttarakhand Tourism Department has partnered with the Department of Forests and HCP Design, Planning, and Management Pvt. Ltd. to breathe new life into the site.
The project’s vision aims to revive the ashram as a state-of-the-art heritage destination that offers a holistic blend of wellness, hospitality, and artistic experiences.
A Master Plan and Vision Document are underway to restore the ashram’s buildings, preserve its historical significance, and introduce new facilities that align with Rishikesh’s reputation as a global wellness hub.
FAQ
- Q. Beatles Ashram from Laxman Jhula?
- A. Rishikesh India Beatles is located within walking distance, just 1.5 km away from Laxman Jhula.
- Q. Beatles Ashram from Ram jhula?
- A. Rishikesh India Beatles is located within walking distance, just 1 km away from Ram Jhula.
- Q. Beatles Ashram Tickets?
- A. There is an entry fee: Rishikesh India Beatles for foreigners pay INR 1200 per person, while Indians pay INR 300 per person.
- Q. Beatles Ashram Rishikesh Timings?
- A. Entry time for Rishikesh India Beatles from 10 am to 4 pm
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