Introduction
The air of the Shantikunj Gayatri Parivar Ashram is that feeling of spirituality, peace, and joy in it. As one enters their premises one can enjoy the environment where more than 2000 spirituality seekers get trained in a specific way of living life, respecting other creatures. which ultimately leads them to become a futuristic society that is bound by principles of human unity and equality.
The power of 1 crore Gayatri Mantras chanted daily are definitely going to make you enhance your Atma (Soul). Also the everyday practice of Yagya, unimaginably making your inside purer while listening to mantras.
Yes, I’m talking about Shantikunj Gayatri Parivar Ashram, the global headquarter of ALL WORLD GAYATRI PARIVAR. A mission of creating a futuristic society bounded by the rules of human unity and equality. An organization that literally follows the philosophy of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam (i.e. The world is one family).
Shantikunj was established by the Pandit Shriram Sharma Acharya and Mata Bhagavati Devi Sharma in the year 1971. Earlier it was a small land but later, went on increasing.
What to experience in Shantikunj Gayatri Parivar
Well, from a tourist perspective, you should obviously have this concern. Although, there are a lot of tourist places in Haridwar including Har Ki Pauri, But if you are here or planning to be here, then I assume that you are a little bit inclined toward spirituality, peace & real values of life.
One more thing, this article would belong to our Temple Travel series, which brings you the most authentic temple travel ideas, and information.
Now coming back,
Well, then for you, there are a lot of places inside the ashram, Let’s discuss them one by one.
Prakhar Pragya – Sajal Shraddha
Well, Prakhar Pragya is nothing but a memorial built in memory of Pandit Shriram Sharma & Mata Bhagavati Devi Sharma. This memorial is built with Marble and has two cenotaphs, each for both.
Have a look at the picture below.
Gayatri mantra is also carved on the stone, in front of cenotaphs with the name of Pandit Sharma and Mrs. Sharma. People usually sit there to meditate.
Yagyashala
On the back side of the Prakhar Pragya memorial, Yagya shala lies. The saints and devotees sit together to perform the Yagya. It’s said that the fire in the Yagya kund is kept burning in the Himalayas by the sages for ages. This fire is brought to Yagyashala by the founder of Shantikunj Gayatri Parivar.
Nearly 2000 devotees are trained in performing Yagyashala and a great lifestyle for spirituality. Daily practice of Yagya in Shantikunj creates a fascinating environment to bring humans closer to divine values.
Book Stall
Bookstall is available, carrying all the resources required to make your life meaningful. Beginning from the first book written by the saint Pandit Shriram Sharma to now, all are available. While Pandit Shriram Sharma in his reign has written more than 3200 books on almost all aspects of human life.
Apart from this, Ayurvedic medicines are also available here.
Himalayas temple
The divine temple resembles like Himalaya and incorporates Char Dhams inside i.e. Badrinath, Kedarnath, Yamunotri, Gangotri, and five Prayag i.e. Vishnu Prayag, Nand Prayag, Karnprayag, Rudra Prayagand, Dev Prayag and Holy rivers Ganga and Yamuna.
This is one of the beautiful creations inside Shantikunj Gayatri Parivar and allows you to sit and meditate. However, I did not have enough time for this. but It could be an insanely wonderful experience to sit in an imitating environment of the Himalayas.
Bhojnalaya
Here comes my favorite part of the story, I reached there in the morning. While I was roaming around I found this place, was hungry too. But, I had this question in mind “can I also eat this food?“
Everyone was sitting on the floor and traditional Indian Satvik food was being served, I went to this old guy who was serving rice to everyone, just for asking can I have this food?
I asked if this food was only for Shantikunj residents or if tourists can also have it, He replied with joined hand and I quote
Shriman ye khana sabhi ke liye hai, Ap kripya udhar se thali aur gilas leke yaha beth jaye, apko khana paros diya jayega.
Gentleman, This food is for everyone, You please bring a plate and Glass and sit there, you will be served.
I belong to Punjab, and I have only seen this level of devotion only in Gurudwara, But for the first time, I have seen this level of devotion in serving food outside. Well, it might also be that I have short of experience.
But anyhow, I got goosebumps that time. I sat and had food. Food is satvik, so maybe some of you might find it simple, but don’t forget that simplicity is the way of life in Shantikunj.
What you can experience in a day at Shantikunj
- The day begins at 3.30 AM with the morning prayer and special chanting of the Gayatri mantra, Sun worshipping, and Akhand lamp darshan.
- Yagya is also performed collectively in the morning.
- Lectures are also offered in the morning and afternoon under special courses and training.
- Two special Meditations are offered, i.e. Jyoti Avadharan Sadhana & Nad Yoga Sadhana in the afternoon and evening for 15 min each.
- 2 meals are offered free of cost to the visitors and residents
To know detailed information on daily routine you can visit this link.
Courses and Training programs at Shantikunj Gayatri Parivar
Shantikunj’s mission is to build a Futuristic society of human unity and equality. For this Gayatri Parivar at Shnatikunj offers a lot of training programs and courses on various aspects of the life of varying duration of 5 days to 3 months. You can check them out here.
My Last words on Shantikunj Gayatri Parivar
In my opinion, Shantikunj is not just an ashram, It’s a social mission of building a better human. With offering all the services of mankind from training courses, a beautiful and spiritual environment, daily Yagya and Gayatri mantras chanting, free accommodation, and food, to some of the rarest temples in form of the Himalayas.
Shantikunj is more than a destination to visit, considering it’s a great place to be here. While I spent more than 1 day here, it was a great peaceful environment here.
