Maharishi Mahesh Yogi Ashram
Good for: history, The Beatles, Historical Reference, The 60s
Not good for: Guided tour, Photo Opportunities
- Address
- S of Swarg Ashram
Lonely Planet review for Maharishi Mahesh Yogi Ashram
Just south of Swarg Ashram, slowly being consumed by the forest undergrowth, is what's left of the original Maharishi Mahesh Yogi Ashram. It was abandoned in 1997 and is now back under the control of the forest department, but the shells of many buildings, meditation cells and lecture halls can still be seen, including Maharishi's own house and the guesthouse where the Beatles stayed.
Indeed, in February 1968 Rishikesh hit world headlines when the four Beatles and their partners stayed, following an interest and earlier visit by George Harrison. Ringo and his wife didn't like the vegetarian food, missed their children and left after a couple of weeks, but the others stayed for a month or two. They relaxed and wrote tons of songs, many of which ended up on their double disc White Album. But rumours of the Maharishi's demands for money and his behaviour towards some female disciples eventually disillusioned all of them. 'You made a fool of everyone' John Lennon sang about the Maharishi. In later years, Harrison and McCartney went on record as saying the rumours were unfounded. The original ashram is now abandoned but nearly 40 years on, idealistic foreigners still swarm into Rishikesh seeking spiritual enlightenment from the teachers and healers in their tranquil ashrams scattered along the Ganges River.
The best way to appreciate it is to take the 'Beatles Ashram Tour' (Rs 100), run by former ashramite, Joshi. Contact Lucky Helpline Services (2440166) in Lakshman Jhula.
Traveller reviews for Maharishi Mahesh Yogi Ashram (1)
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Not much there, but neat being there and knowing the history
dylandparker recommends this,
It took me two days to find--not very well marked. The first time I went looking for it, I ended up wandering the roads of the Himalayan foothills walking by signs that read "Warning: Elefhant Zone. Be Careful." The walk itself was nice viewing Tapovan-Rishikesh from higher up the hills and I caught a few sights of peacocks and plenty of monkeys. After a bit of a strenuous climb, however, expecting to find the ashram, I found myself at a Shiva temple instead. Oops. Also, for those who don't want to try to find it on their own, there's plenty of travel places which offer guides to find the ashram--at a price, of course--just ask around.
I did, however, find it the next day. It's on the road that goes right off of Ram Jhula (coming from the Tapovan-Rishikesh marg (road) side). As I had heard, I had to pay the "guard" at the gates of the Ashram 50 rupees to enter. Pricey for Indian standards, but not too much coming from the US. Yes, everything is busted, broken and overrun with woods and vegetation. There's no real photo opportunities with any "Maharishi Ashram" signs or murals of the Beatles or anything, as I had foolishly hoped. However, it's silent and peaceful. Also, the buildings are still there, and while they're run-down, I still enjoyed being there just knowing that The Beatles--a cliche' yet hugely influential band for me personally--had been there with the Maharishi. A neat part of west-meets-east and 60s history.
All-in-all, it's not too far of a walk and not too expensive. You get lots of opportunities to see some nice sights too. I'd suggest it be visited, though don't expect to see anything "touristy."
Good for: history, The Beatles, Historical Reference, The 60s
Not good for: Guided tour, Photo Opportunities
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