Shanti Kunj, Haridwar

Shantikunj Ashram lies in the lap (valley) of Ganges (the holiest river of India personified as a female deity). Being situated on the foothills it is under the shadow of the mighty Himalayas (like father protecting his child). The place is strongly charged with spiritual energy generated by penance of the most celebrated seven rishis (seers) of ancient times. The sacredness of Shantikunj has been further enhanced by a high order of ascetic exercises and rituals (including Yagyas, meditation and continuous chanting of Gayatri Mantra) being carried out by millions of devotees round the year. Hence the seeker perceives here a unique celestial protection and ethereal environment surcharged with spiritual energy. These are a few reasons amongst many other because of which the divinity may well have understandably considered this locality suitable for taking up the Herculean crusadem for establishing a new world order in the third millennium. A believer can without much effort perceive the charge of spirituality within a short period of stay at this place.

Shantikunj Haridwar was founded by the Saint-Scholar-Philosopher par excellence, Pandit Shriram Sharma Acharya, who in his youth was also a freedom fighter. Shantikunj has emerged over the years as a unique center and fountain-head of a global movement of Yug Nirman Yojana (Movement for the Reconstruction of the Era) for moral as well as spiritual regeneration in the light of very old Indian heritage. It is the head-quarter of Yug Nirman Yojna of the All World Gayatri Pariwar (or Akhil Bhartiya Gayatri Pariwar), which has a following of more than twenty million devoted disciples and seventy million persons all over the world.

Shantikunj Ashram Haridwar is the fountain head of cultural, ethical, spiritual awakening & national integration. Through the Seer-Vision of the Yugrishi the founder organiser and patron who was born on 20th September 1911 in the village Anwalkhera, Agra, (U.P.) India. Shantikunj Ashram India has grown into unique fountain head of moral, ethical and spiritual awakening of the masses in India carrying the seer-vision of Acharyashri with the messege of love, peace, Shanti Kunj Ashram Haridwar India understanding and unity-in-diversity to all corners of the globe. The gist of Gurudev's messege is the lightening up of human consciousness to a higher and nobler realm of light, love and life instincts with divine harmony and joy. Reverred Mata Bhagvati Devi Sharma (worshipped as the emanation of mother Durga by the Gayatri Pariwar) has been the foremost collaboration and discipline of Gurudev. She contributed the most in giving concrete shape to the ideals and dreams of her soul-mate. The smooth working of this vast organization is based on voluntary contribution of fifty paisa, one handful of grain and one hour daily of mission work by millions of its devotees.

Shantikunj Ashram Haridwar is devoted to cultural, ethical, moral and spiritual awakening and national integration. Development of divinity in mankind is the foremost goal and avowed objective. Pledged for national peace, prosperity, amity, love, goodwill and fraternity irrespective of region, religion, faith, caste, creed, sect etc., Shanti Kunj is a unique abode true to its name. Visitors who stay here are glued to the Ashram, when they visit and view its peace & fraternal treatment. The courteous ovation and pleasing treatment add glory to the solemn attraction and the visitor wishes to come here again for accomodation.

Expansion of national unity, amity and brotherhood and extinction of ignorance, jealousy, hatred and strife from globe are being attempted by popularizing Gayatri Mantra, Yagya and Sanskar, the adoption of which invokes celestial thoughts and inspires for divine deeds. The divinity may be seen firmly fixed in every activity of this holy shrine.

Places to Visit in Haridwar

Haridwar is an ancient city and important Hindu pilgrimage site in North India's Uttarakhand state, where the River Ganges exits the Himalayan foothills. The largest of several sacred ghats (bathing steps), Har Ki Pauri hosts a nightly Ganga Aarti (river-worshipping ceremony) in which tiny flickering lamps are floated off the steps. Worshipers fill the city during major festivals including the annual Kanwar Mela.