Shantikunj in Haridwar
There are certain places in Haridwar that inspire admiration and bring tourists one step closer to ancient Indian tradition; Shantikunj Ashram is one such place that falls into this category. Visit Shantikunj Ashram, a unique academy for religious and social awakening, while on a spiritual tour to Haridwar. Shantikunj, located on the banks of the Ganga, is the headquarters of the All World Gayatri Parivar in India.
Here is a complete travel guide for Shantikunj:
Location: Shantikunj is situated on the Haridwar-Rishikesh highway, around 6 kilometers from Haridwar city center. It is nestled amidst the serene and picturesque surroundings of the Himalayan foothills.
Spiritual Significance: Shantikunj is a hub of spiritual activities and serves as a center for moral and ethical development. It promotes the philosophy of “Yug Nirman Yojana” or “Movement for the Reconstruction of the Era” initiated by Pandit Shriram Sharma Acharya.
Objectives and Activities: The primary objective of Shantikunj is to foster individual and societal transformation through spiritual practices, self-discipline, and character building. It conducts various programs and workshops on meditation, yoga, self-improvement, and personality development.
Gayatri Parivar: Shantikunj is the headquarters of the All World Gayatri Pariwar, a global socio-spiritual organization dedicated to promoting Vedic wisdom, values, and culture. It emphasizes the worship of Goddess Gayatri and the chanting of the Gayatri Mantra for spiritual upliftment.
Akhand Deep Yojana: Shantikunj is known for the Akhand Deep Yojana or Continuous Lamp Program, where devotees light lamps continuously as a symbol of eternal light and positivity. This program signifies the eradication of darkness and the spread of knowledge and harmony.
Training and Workshops: Shantikunj conducts regular training programs, workshops, and seminars on subjects like meditation, yogic practices, holistic health, Vedic sciences, and spiritual awakening. These programs are led by experienced teachers and spiritual guides.
Research and Publications: The center is actively involved in research and publication of spiritual and philosophical literature. It publishes magazines, books, and other educational materials on various topics related to spirituality, holistic living, and self-transformation.
Daily Schedule: Visitors can participate in the daily spiritual routine at Shantikunj, which includes morning prayers, meditation sessions, devotional singing, and discourses by spiritual leaders. The atmosphere is serene and conducive to spiritual reflection.
Divine Life Society: Shantikunj is affiliated with the Divine Life Society, which focuses on the holistic development of individuals and societies through the integration of spiritual, intellectual, and physical dimensions of life.
Accommodation and Facilities: Shantikunj provides accommodation facilities for visitors, including guesthouses and dormitories. There are also dining facilities serving vegetarian meals prepared according to the principles of sattvic diet.
Accessibility: Shantikunj is easily accessible by road from Haridwar. It is approximately a 20-minute drive from the city center. Local transportation options like taxis, auto-rickshaws, and buses are available to reach the center.
