

Parmarth Niketan
India's largest ashram — yoga, spirituality and Ganga aarti on the banks of the holy river
About
Parmarth Niketan is one of the largest and most revered ashrams in Rishikesh, situated on the banks of the sacred Ganges River at Swargashram. Founded by H.H. Pujya Swami Shukdevanandji Maharaj and now led by H.H. Pujya Swami Chidanand Saraswatiji, the ashram has welcomed seekers from across the world since 1942.
The ashram offers daily yoga and meditation classes taught by experienced teachers in a deeply spiritual setting. Morning classes begin at sunrise and include Pranayama, Hatha yoga and guided meditation. The ashram's school of yoga, Parmarth School of Yoga, also offers certified teacher training programs and retreat packages.
Parmarth Niketan is world-famous for its breathtaking evening Ganga aarti ceremony — a devotional fire ritual performed at sunset on the ghats, accompanied by chanting, flowers and lamps floated on the Ganges. It is one of the most moving spiritual experiences in India and open to all visitors.
Accommodation and vegetarian meals are available on the ashram campus, and donation-based yoga classes make the teachings accessible to all. Organised retreats, international yoga festivals and charitable programs run year-round.