Ramana Maharshi Ashram, also known as Sri Ramanasramam, is located in Tiruvannamalai, Tamil Nadu. This ashram is a spiritual center dedicated to the teachings of the great Indian sage, Ramana Maharshi. Thousands of spiritual seekers from India and across the world visit the ashram every year to experience peace, meditate, and learn about self-inquiry, which was Ramana Maharshi’s main teaching.
If you are interested in joining or visiting Ramana Maharshi Ashram, this guide will explain how you can do so easily.
Visiting the Ashram as a Guest
Ramana Maharshi Ashram welcomes visitors who wish to experience its peaceful atmosphere and engage in meditation or spiritual study. You can visit the ashram anytime during the day to explore the place and soak in its serene environment.
Steps to Visit as a Guest:
- Plan your visit: The ashram is open to visitors throughout the year, and you can visit the ashram for a day or more. However, it is a good idea to check the ashram’s website or contact the ashram office before your visit to confirm the open hours and any special guidelines.
- Explore the ashram: You can spend time in various places within the ashram, such as the Mother’s Shrine, Ramana Maharshi’s Samadhi, and the meditation hall. The atmosphere of the ashram is ideal for meditation and quiet reflection.
- Arunachala Hill: Many visitors also choose to climb Arunachala Hill, which is considered sacred and closely associated with Ramana Maharshi’s teachings. The Virupaksha Cave and Skandasramam on the hill are places where Ramana Maharshi spent many years in deep meditation.
Staying at the Ashram
If you wish to stay at the ashram for a few days to deepen your spiritual practice, the ashram offers simple and modest accommodation. However, keep in mind that accommodation is limited, and priority is given to spiritual seekers who want to stay for meditation or study.
Steps to Book Accommodation:
- Contact the ashram: If you wish to stay at the ashram, you need to write to the ashram office in advance, either by email or post. Mention the dates of your stay, your purpose of visit, and any other relevant information.
- Approval for stay: Once your request is approved, you will receive confirmation from the ashram regarding your accommodation. The stay is typically limited to a few days, but extensions can be considered depending on the availability and your spiritual purpose.
- Simple living: The accommodation provided is basic, in keeping with the spiritual and simple life encouraged by the teachings of Ramana Maharshi. Meals, which are served at fixed times, are simple and vegetarian.
Participating in Ashram Activities
During your stay at the ashram, you can participate in the daily activities and rituals. The ashram follows a routine of meditation, chanting, and prayers, which help create a peaceful and spiritually uplifting environment.
Activities Include:
- Meditation: There are specific times set for meditation in the Old Hall, where Ramana Maharshi used to sit in silence. Visitors are encouraged to join and meditate in this space.
- Chanting and Prayers: The ashram conducts regular chanting sessions of sacred texts, including Vedic hymns and Ramanam (songs in praise of Ramana Maharshi). You can join these sessions and experience the spiritual vibrations of the place.
- Spiritual Talks: Occasionally, there are spiritual talks or readings from the works of Ramana Maharshi, which are shared in the ashram. These are helpful for those who want to deepen their understanding of Ramana’s teachings on self-inquiry and self-realization.
Volunteering at the Ashram
If you are interested in staying at the ashram for a longer period and contributing to the daily functioning of the place, you can inquire about volunteering opportunities. Volunteers help in various ways, such as maintaining the premises, assisting in the kitchen, or helping with ashram events.
How to Volunteer:
- Contact the ashram: If you wish to volunteer, you can write to the ashram office and express your interest. Include details about how long you can stay and what kind of service you are willing to offer.
- Follow the guidelines: Volunteering at the ashram is considered a form of service (seva), and it is expected that volunteers follow the ashram’s simple lifestyle and maintain the discipline of the place.
Address and Contact Information
- Addres: Sri Ramanasramam, Tiruvannamalai, Tamil Nadu – 606 603
- Phone: +91 4175 237200
- Website: https://www.gururamana.org/
Joining Ramana Maharshi Ashram is a peaceful and fulfilling experience for spiritual seekers. Whether you visit for a short stay, to meditate, or to explore Ramana Maharshi’s teachings, the ashram offers a serene environment that encourages self-reflection and inner growth. By contacting the ashram in advance and following the simple guidelines, you can easily plan your visit or stay at this sacred place in Tiruvannamalai.
