Parmarth Niketan Rishikesh: The Hidden World of Stillness
There’s a place at the foothills of the Himalayas, where the Ganga flows gently and the air hums with serenity. It is a place that feels like a secret, waiting to be discovered! And, the place is called Parmarth Niketan Rishikesh. This isn’t just an ashram. It’s a sanctuary where time slows. It is the place where the world’s noise softens to a whisper. We were craving a moment of true calm, so we decided to stay here for a night. And it was one of the best decisions we made. Read on to understand what I mean when I say this is the hidden world of stillness.
The Journey to Parmarth Niketan Rishikesh
When we set out from Dehradun and were driving through the forests of Thano, the windows were down. We felt the morning sun filtering through the trees, and oh boy, the feeling was magical! The drive itself was like stepping into a different world. Driving on winding roads, feeling the crisp mountain air, and getting that first breathtaking glimpse of the Ganga flowing along was pure bliss. Upon reaching Rishikesh, we crossed the Ganga barrage, and it felt like leaving behind the rush and chaos. We stepped into a quieter rhythm.
We hadn’t booked our stay at Parmarth. However, we thought we would give it a shot. As we arrived at Parmarth Niketan Rishikesh, we felt an immediate shift in energy. The ashram isn’t grand in a flashy way. But there’s beauty in its simplicity, which holds a magnetic calm. The peeling paint on the walls and the ancient trees standing tall felt like silent witnesses to countless souls who had come seeking refuge and transformation. Seeing this, our desire to stay here grew even stronger. We closed our eyes and prayed. And to our surprise, they were willing to give us rooms without having a prior booking! (Usually they don’t. You need to book at least 15 days in advance on their website parmarth.org, show your booking confirmation at the reception, and get your keys to the room.)
We checked into a modest, non-AC room. It wasn’t fancy, but it was comfortable enough. And we felt at ease. Well, this place wasn’t about luxury at all. It was about connection!
The Calm We Experienced
Walking through the ashram, we could hear the soft chimes of bells and the gentle rustling of leaves. We could feel a sacred stillness here. And it was not just in the surroundings, but in the people too. Strangers were smiling without hesitation. There was a shared understanding that this space was special. We could smell faintly the incense in the air. And the earth was fresh after the morning rain.
Hridayam at Parmarth Niketan Rishikesh
It was lunchtime by the time we had checked in. We were hungry. So we put our bags in our rooms and headed straight to Hridayam, a canteen at Parmarth. It was simple, clean, and basic. But as we glanced through their menu, we were in for a surprise. They served sattvik (no onion, no garlic) meals, but the menu was very elaborate. From simple roti-sabji to pizza and Indian desserts to brownies, ice creams, and falooda – you name it and the place had it all! We had a Shahi Thali and pizza, followed by kulfi. The food didn’t just feed our bodies, it nourished our souls.
A much-needed walk after a hearty meal
With our hearts contented, we decided to take a walk. First, we wandered towards the Ganga ghat built by the ashram itself. And the sight took us by awe. We saw a mighty statue of Lord Shiva in the middle of the flow of the Ganga. What a sight it was!
We stepped into the water, gathered some in our palms, and offered our prayers to the most holy river. The water was cold, and our hands and feet felt numb. But the experience was surreal.
We then crossed the Janaki Bridge next to the ashram. The view from the bridge was something we won’t forget. The river pawed gently beneath. The distant hum of prayers mixed with the gentle breeze. We walked on the Astha Path, along the ghats towards Ram Jhula, and it felt like walking through a living painting, vibrant and timeless.
We then came back to the ashram. The afternoon was a lull. It was an invitation to rest. We took a short nap, but our minds kept replaying the peaceful moments by the river. There was a strange comfort in tiredness here, as if the place itself lulled us into surrender.
A Spiritual High at the Ganga Aarti
In the evening, the ashram came alive with a very different energy. It was the auspicious day of Maha Ashtami. The atmosphere was festive yet deeply reverent. We went over to the ghat, and to our pleasant surprise, the devotees were playing garba. We too joined them for a while. It was fun!
Later, we recited some bhajans. These felt like a spiritual warm-up. We were getting ready for the mesmerising Ganga Aarti. And when it commenced, the flickering of countless lamps along the riverbank, and the echoing chants created a scene that cannot be described in words. We stood there while feeling a whirl of emotions. Those were joy, gratitude, and a profound sense of being a part of something greater.
That moment was the high point of our day. It was the kind of spiritual experience that touched our souls and has stayed with us even until now. And I guess, it will continue to stay longer. The river, the chants, and the collective devotion were a symphony of stillness and movement, simplicity and depth.
A quiet morning by the Ganga
I was up early. So, I walked once again to the ghat. It was dark. There were very few people and pin-drop silence. Sitting on the ghat, all I could hear was the sound of the water flowing. Being here in that moment was the best moment, personally, for me!
Later, as it got bright, I walked the empty lanes to reach Ram Jhula and the Goa Beach just beside it. Walking barefoot on the soft sand was yet another high moment I experienced that morning.
And then we all had a dip in the Ganga. The cold waters awakened every sense. They also washed away the remnants of city chaos. There was something sacred about starting our day connected to this ancient, holy river. We felt both humbled and renewed.
A bit about Parmarth Niketan Rishikesh
The ashram was founded in 1942 by Swami Shukdevanandji Maharaj. He envisioned this as a space for spiritual learning and selfless service. Today, under Swami Chidanand Saraswatiji Maharaj, it stands as Rishikesh’s largest ashram with over 1000 rooms, welcoming visitors from all walks of life.
The ashram regularly hosts yoga, meditation, and wellness retreats. You will have to stay longer for these. Check out the details and register at parmarth.org.
My thoughts
When we checked out, we carried with us a sense of stillness that we hadn’t anticipated. It wasn’t just the sights or rituals. It was the feeling of being seen and held by a place that promises peace amid life’s storms. For us, this hidden world of stillness was a gentle invitation to pause, breathe, and find our own calm.
So if you’re searching for spiritual wisdom, a break from the everyday, or simply a new adventure, Parmarth Niketan Rishikesh welcomes you. And maybe, just maybe, it will help you find the stillness you didn’t know you were missing.
