It is to be highly noted that Sri Ramakrishna's divinity always perfectly backons divinity. On the other hand, it is really no surprise, the saint chose this holy land for this ashram with his divine play in a significant manner. The mysticism and charm generally entwined with much divine aura of this particular spot. It also provides a setting perfect for the virabtion of spiritual nature to reverberate in all its perfect splendour in these environs of this ashram.
In 1927, Sri Ramakrishna Sharadashrama's majestic and sprawling form had its origin.
A monk of the Ramakrishna Order named Swami Nirmalanandaji was instrumental in perfectly setting up the ashram with his hard work blended with dedication and commitment in Ponnampet. Sri Achianda Kalammaiah's generous act of donating 1.57 acres of land for this Ashram when Swami Nirmalananda wholeheartedly visited Ponnampet, actually set into motion the principals of Sri Ramakrishna's divine thoughts and messages in spreading different kinds of divinity in this particular divine land of Kodagu.
During those days, most of the kings, queens, royal families and rich entrepreneurs were donating as much as possible through the means of land, kind and cash for the religious cause. This ashram was also born through the generous contribution from the local people of this land and rich and famous in its surrounding regions who were really fascinated with the ideas and thoughts of this religious and spiritual Guru who served the mankind in different forms.
On 7th of February, 1927, this ashram's foundation stone was laid. Within a span of six months, the ashram came up in this land. On 10th of June, 1927. Swami Nirmalananda consecrated the Ashram. Within the ashram, there is a couple of rooms to accommodate guests, visitors and resident monks, a prayer hall, a kitchen and a small pooja room. It is to be remembered that Swami Nirmalananda's message and vision has been fructified during the course of time when the new Ashram was set up. The various social and religious activities undertaken by this Ashram as years and decades have rolled by really bear's enough testimony in order to the realization of the preplanned vision, as envisaged by Swami Nirmalananda.
In the year 1934, Mahatma Gandhiji, the father of the nation, one of India's greatest political and social reformers, visited and enjoyed this Ashram's gracious atmosphere.
In the year 1957, Acharya Vinobha Bhave, another significant of India's foremost social reformers also graced this Ashram
Kodagu's proud son and one of India's most celebrated soldiers, Field Marshall K M Cariappa, was a frequenter to this Ashram.
Most of the kodagu people from different walks of life from last two to three generation had the golden opportunity to be the part and parcel of this ashram's various types of activities and functions. They have given their best hard work that is perfectly blended with much dedication and commitment to cooperate and coordinate with this ashram. Many foreigners from nook and corner of this world reach Sri Ramakrishna Sharadashrama as their hopeful destination for fulfilling their spiritual needs and requirements. The local people are friendly with them and give their best hospitality in making them feel at home in this hill station.
Some of the milestone events and activities of the Ashram are:
A grand Universal Temple for Sri Ramakrishna was set up within the ashram premises. It was a dream comes true for all those ardent follower of the Ashram. It was founded in the year 2009. It was befitted with the stature of Sri Ramakrishna.
There is an open air auditorium situated next to the Universal Temple that was established in 2004 in order to facilitate the various Ashram activities and functions.
There is a huge book store within the ashram complex in order to disseminate the various kinds of teachings of the Ramakrishna Mission and Ramakrishna Math.
In the year 1958, an allopathic hospital for needy patients was started.
in the year 2011, A Naturopathy, Yoga and Physiotherapy unit was set up in order to cater to needy and enthusiasts who would wish to get benefited from alternative systems of healing with a lot of perfection.
Free medical camps are held within the ashram and at various remote villages and towns regularly for needy patients.
Various types of social welfare projects in a successful manner have been implemented from time to time.
Relief and rehabilitation activities are part and parcel of this ashram that are held as and when required for the given society.
Financial plus moral support is provided to all the needy students who visit or participate in the various activities and functions in this ashram.
Various types of spiritual retreats are regularly held in order to inculcate moral and spiritual values to old and young alike in this ashram.
Sri Ramakrishna Sharadashrama has a yoga unit with qualified and vast experienced yoga teachers and experts who conduct various types of yoga courses and classes throughout the calendar year. The courses offered at this ashram are:
Beginners course for basic yoga practice
Intermediate course for yoga
Advanced course for yoga
Short term and long term yoga classes for Indian and Foreigners
The subject matters that are covered in these said courses of yoga deals with "Aims and objectives of yoga", Types of yoga, Yoga and diet, Raja yoga, Karma yoga, Bhakti yoga, Jnana yoga and Hatha yoga, Yoga-Disciplined way of life and application of yoga in physical Education, Yogic exercises such as Suryanamaskar, Advanced asanas, Asanas, Pranayama, Types of pranayama, Mudras and Bandhas plus Meditation, Concept of meditation, , Role of yoga in Diseases, role of Asanas, Pranayama and meditation in various diseases and Benefits of meditation.
The fees collected for these courses are reasonable and affordable for Indian and foreigners. A nominal fee is collected for the stay and food arrangement from the students and participant who join these courses. The classes are conducted as per the specified daily schedules in the morning and evening sessions daily. The daily activities differ on week days and weekends. There are a set of rules and regulations that need to be followed by the students, participants and guests who stay for different types of activities and functions held in this ashram. They should deviate from the given instructions under any situations and circumstances. They should give their best cooperation and coordination to their instructors and management authorities in any situations and circumstances within the ashram premises. They should keep the ashram premises and accommodation block and its surrounding very neat and clean.