Prem Nagar Ashram, located along the banks of holy Ganges in Haridwar is one of the holiest ashrams in India. This ashram was established by Shri Hans Ji Maharaj and later developed by Jagat Janani Shri Mata Ji and Shri Satpal Ji Maharaj. Haridwar is one of the holiest cities of India which has been the chosen retreat of saints and pilgrims for thousands of years who come here to study and meditate. The location of this place is apt for meditation and spiritual practice as it is located in the lap of the mighty Himalayas along the shore of Ganges. One can also see the twin peaks of Chandi Devi and Mansa Devi capped by temples from the site of the ashram.

Founded in 1944, the founder of this ashram Yogiraj Satgurudev Shri Hans Ji Maharaj had a vision of blessing his followers with spiritual knowledge and a sense of service. It is a place where people practice meditation and where spiritual knowledge is passed from master to the disciple. It represents purity, virtue, spirituality and high ideals. It is a place where people share highest ideals and knowledge with each other. It is a centre of learning where people come to free themselves from all sorts of intoxication and learn the art of selfless service and studying the scriptures and teaching of great saints and masters. This ashram enshrines the twin ideas of service and meditation. The environment of the ashram is so peaceful and soothing that as soon as you enter the front gate you can feel the calmness and the serenity. As you move along the main driveway you will come across scriptural quotations from different religions which are meant to illustrate the fundamental unity of all religions. It brings a sense of self-realization and initiates the merging of the individual soul with god. The lovely environment of the garden adorned with more than 250 varieties of flowers and different types of trees makes it more natural and thus perfect for a great time away from all kinds of complexities of the world.

Accommodation at Prem Nagar Ashram

The ashram provides a perfect and hassle free accommodation that serves your main purpose of medication, study and service and general relaxation. There are about 800 rooms in four large residential buildings. Each room has an attached bath to it. Along with there is plenty of place around to stroll around and enjoy the beauty of nature. Meals are provided at the ashram and it is purely vegetarian. Along with meditation people also have the option of doing simple karma yoga by participating in light work or service in running the ashram. Some activities include plucking flowers in the morning for prayers, helping to collage and bind magazines, packing medicines for pharmacy etc.

Rules and Regulations of Prem Nagar Ashram

There are simple rules and regulations that one has to follow during the course of stay at the ashram. Few of them are attending the morning and evening Arti and satsang programs, keeping ones room and surroundings clean, not using intoxicating drugs and beverages, no smoking, eating vegetarian diet, not picking flowers from the gardens, no loud music and observing celibacy during the course of ones stay.

What to see and do in the Ahsram

Shri Hans Tirath - This is a shrine constructed in the name of Shri Hans Ji Maharaj who passed away in 1991. It is made entirely of white marble and is crowned with nine pyramid shaped domes. The interior of this temple is decorated with domes of different sizes which depicts the chakras on one side of the temple and past masters and divine incarnations on the other side. This temple has the perfect atmosphere for prayer and meditation. On festive days arti is conducted here during mornings and evenings.

Natural Medicines - This ashram also has a fully functioning and licensed Hans Ayurved Bhavan which produces more than 150 varieties of natural medicines and tonic from pure herbal ingredients. The recipe of these medicines is derived from ancient Vedic recipes. There is a pharmacy in this ashram which sells these products. There are fully qualified Ayurvedic physicians who supervise all the stages of manufacturing process. These medicines are pure, unadulterated and chemical free. The prices of these medicines are reasonable and this ashram also has a free clinic which is open to public on weekdays.

Bathing in the Ganges (Ghat) - There is 220 feet long protected bathing areas which provide facilities for the ashramites to take a bath in the holy Ganges. The bathing area is called a ghat and was constructed in 1978. Along with bathing this is also a perfect place for meditation during the dawn and dusk. The water here is icy cold but also pure and unpolluted. You can also get a very good view of sunrise over the Himalayas.

Panch Pallav - Behind the ghat there is a beautiful garden which contains the Panch Pallav grove. This place is very peaceful and good for medication. The Panch Palav is a combination of five types of trees which happens to grow naturally as one. This is considered to be very rare and is also described to be a very auspicious thing in great epics like the Ramayana.

Special events - Two special events of this ashram are Vaishakhi and Shri Satpal Ji Maharajs Bday. Vaishikhi is celebrated from 12th to 14th April and Shri Satpal Ji Maharajs Birthday is celebrated on 20-21 September. Every year thousands of devotes come to visit the ashram during this time, so in case you are planning to visit, please inform about a month in advance so that accommodation and others things can be taken care of. Other festivals celebrated in the ashram are Winter mela in January and February, Republic Day as National Unity Day, Guru Puja, Krishna Janamashtmi, Independence Day, Sant Sammelan, Shir Hans Jayanti, Christmas and New Year. Some of these are conducted in the ashram and some are conducted outside.

This is a great place for some good spiritual experience and everyone irrespective of their religion, economic and social status is welcome here.