The Beatles in India: How Rishikesh Changed Music, Spirituality, and the Band Forever

In 1968, at the height of their global fame, The Beatles did something no pop stars of their scale had ever done before—they left the spotlight and traveled to India in search of inner peace. Their destination was Rishikesh, a quiet Himalayan town on the banks of the sacred Ganges. What followed became one of the most fascinating chapters in modern music and spiritual history.

This journey didn’t just influence their personal lives—it reshaped Western attitudes toward meditation, yoga, and Eastern philosophy.

Why Did The Beatles Come to India?

By the late 1960s, The Beatles were exhausted by fame, controversy, and constant media attention. They were searching for meaning beyond success and found guidance in Maharishi Mahesh Yogi, the founder of Transcendental Meditation (TM).

After first meeting Maharishi in London, the band decided to study meditation at his Himalayan ashram in Rishikesh—far away from screaming fans and recording studios.

The Beatles Ashram, Rishikesh (Chaurasi Kutia)

The place where The Beatles stayed is today known as Beatles Ashram. Back in 1968, it was officially called the International Academy of Meditation.

Life at the Ashram

• Simple stone cottages surrounded by jungle

• Daily meditation sessions

• Silence, nature, and discipline

• No alcohol, drugs, or distractions

Each member lived separately, spending long hours meditating—and writing music.

Music Born in the Himalayas

The Rishikesh stay turned out to be one of the most creatively productive periods in Beatles history.

During their time in India, they composed over 40 songs, many of which later appeared on:

• The White Album

• Abbey Road

• Let It Be

Songs inspired or written in India include:

• Dear Prudence

• Blackbird

• Mother Nature’s Son

• Sexy Sadie

The simplicity of Indian life, bird sounds, river flow, and meditation deeply influenced their lyrics and melodies.

The Beatles in India

Individual Experiences of the Band

John Lennon

Initially enthusiastic, Lennon later became skeptical and eventually left the ashram early. His disillusionment inspired Sexy Sadie, originally written as a criticism of Maharishi.

Paul McCartney

Paul enjoyed the calm and creativity, embracing meditation without becoming overly involved in spiritual politics.

George Harrison

George’s connection with India was the deepest. He later studied Indian classical music, played the sitar, and helped introduce Hindu philosophy to Western audiences.

Ringo Starr

Ringo left early due to dietary issues and health concerns but still valued the peaceful experience.

.Suggested Read-  The 6 Best Ashram to Stay for Yoga & Meditation in Rishikesh 

The Controversy and Departure

The Beatles’ stay ended abruptly amid rumors and misunderstandings surrounding Maharishi. While the truth remains debated, the group departed Rishikesh within weeks. Despite this, none of them denied the lasting impact India had on their lives and music.

Beatles Ashram Today: A Living Art Space

Today, the Beatles Ashram is one of the most visited places in Rishikesh. Managed by the forest department, it has transformed into:

• A heritage site

• An open-air art gallery with graffiti and murals

• A peaceful walking and meditation zone

Visitors can explore meditation domes, living quarters, lecture halls, and forest trails—each echoing the creative energy of 1968.

How The Beatles Changed Rishikesh (and the West)

The Beatles’ visit put Rishikesh on the global spiritual map. After 1968:

• Yoga and meditation gained massive popularity in the West

• Thousands of seekers began traveling to India

• Rishikesh became known as the “Yoga Capital of the World”

Their journey bridged Eastern wisdom and Western pop culture in a way never seen before.

Visiting the Beatles Ashram Today – Travel Tips

• Location: Near Swarg Ashram, Rishikesh

• Best time to visit: October to March

• Entry fee: Nominal (varies for Indians/foreigners)

• Time required: 1.5–2 hours

Combine your visit with nearby attractions like Ram Jhula, Parmarth Niketan, and riverside cafes.

• Ringo’s Struggles: Ringo Starr had a harder time adjusting to the ashram’s lifestyle, facing challenges with the food and insects. Despite the initial excitement, he and his wife Maureen left the ashram after 10 days, followed later by Paul McCartney and his girlfriend Jane Asher.

• Mixed Experiences: While Harrison and Lennon were deeply engaged in meditation, Ringo Starr faced difficulties due to food allergies and homesickness, leading to his early departure. Paul McCartney also struggled with the meditation routine, finding it tedious.
• Cultural Immersion: The Beatles embraced Indian culture, donning traditional clothing and enjoying the unique lifestyle. This cultural immersion was part of their broader exploration of Indian spirituality and music.

The Beatles Loved Indian Clothes
When the Beatles visited India, they really enjoyed wearing the traditional clothes. George Harrison loved the bright, colorful outfits like big shirts and loose pants. Ringo Starr said they had fun shopping and getting clothes made, like shirts with Nehru collars and pants with tight legs.

The Beatles Wanted to Make a Lord of the Rings Movie
The Beatles once thought about making a movie based on the book “The Lord of the Rings.” Each member read a different part of the story, and they even considered who would play the characters. John Lennon wanted to be Gollum, Paul McCartney was going to be Frodo, George Harrison would be Gandalf, and Ringo Starr would play Sam. However, they never made the movie.

India Couldn’t Save John’s Marriage
John Lennon and his wife Cynthia were having problems before they went to India. Cynthia hoped the trip would bring them closer, but John became distant. He even moved into a separate room and spent little time with her. Cynthia later found out that John was waiting for letters from Yoko Ono, who he was already close to.

Bungalow Bill Was a Real Person
John Lennon wrote a song called “The Continuing Story of Bungalow Bill” after a real event. An American named Richard Cooke III visited India and went on a tiger hunt. He ended up killing a tiger to protect himself and his mother. John and the others were surprised that this happened at a peaceful ashram. Richard later worked as a photographer for National Geographic.

Lennon recalled an argument with the Maharishi when he decided to leave the ashram, implying that the Maharishi should have known why they were leaving if he was truly “cosmic.” Lennon felt disillusioned, thinking the Maharishi was too focused on fame and money.

Although there were rumors of misconduct, no lawsuits were filed against the Maharishi. Over time, some Beatles members doubted the truth of the accusations, with George Harrison suggesting the rumors were baseless and fueled by jealousy. It was also believed that Lennon might have used these rumors as an excuse to leave and be with Yoko Ono.

The Maharishi continued promoting Transcendental Meditation and rarely spoke about the Beatles later in life. He passed away in 2008.

The ashram in Rishikesh was abandoned in the 2000  and left in ruins for over 30 years. In 2003, the local forestry department took over, and it was reopened to tourists in 2015. Before that, street artists had painted the walls as part of an art project, which was later stopped by authorities. Visitors are often amazed that such a historic site was left to decay.

Suggested Read- 9- Experience You Should Live in Rishikesh

Meeting the Beatles in India

The Beatles first met Maharishi Mahesh Yogi in Bangor, Wales, in 1967: the Fab Four The Beatles in India joined him a year later in Rishikesh in February, accompanied by a party of which the companions were part, assistants to several journalists.

Ringo Starr and his wife left the ashram after ten days, while McCartney stayed another three weeks: Harrison and Lennon interrupted their stay after six weeks following Maharishi’s accusations of harassment of his guests.

During the stay in Rishikesh were written by the Beatles numerous songs, most of which then merged into the “white album” recorded between March and October of ’68.

Final Thoughts

The Beatles didn’t just come to India for meditation—they unknowingly started a global spiritual movement. Their time in Rishikesh remains a powerful reminder that even the biggest stars sometimes seek silence, simplicity, and self-discovery.

In the quiet ruins of the Beatles Ashram, where music once met meditation, their legacy still whispers

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