Phool Chatti Yoga Ashram: Little Slice Of Paradise
Phool Chatti Ashram is situated in the north of India along the banks of the Ganges River in the foothills of the Himalayan Mountains. Set in stunning gardens and surrounded by mountains the name “Phool Chatti” means “land of flowers”. Phool Chatti Ashram has been welcoming spiritual seekers for meditation, renewal, and spiritual growth for over 120 years.
People come to Phool Chatti Ashram for different reasons. Many come to experience the 7-day Yoga /Meditation Program and experience ashram life in its full expression; while others come for the quiet tranquillity available here to do their own personal practices. Only five kilometres upriver from Laxman Jhula, Phool Chatti Ashram is accessible yet still far from the noise and chaos of town life. Set in a beautiful, natural environment of forested foothills, flowing waters, and sandy beaches, the ashram lies right beside the sacred Ganga River (Ganges).
At Phool Chatti Ashram, ancient Hindu traditions join with modern comfort and cleanliness. The rooms are furnished simply offering the perfect retreat from the clutter of modern life.
Phool Chatti Ashram has designed the Yoga and Meditation Program to be a broad introduction to the yogic path and ashram life. It further recognizes the western guest’s desire for an Indian ashram experience in a tranquil setting with healthy food and a relaxed atmosphere.
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120-Year-old Ashram
Just above Rishikesh, Phool Chatti Ashram is a little slice of paradise! Located on the banks of the Ganga River (Ganges) in the Himalayan foothills, we are surrounded by mountain forests, hiking trails, swimming beaches, and nature in abundance. The Hem River also joins the Ganga at our doorstep, so we are double lucky! Once an ancient pilgrimage route, the site was thought to be ideal to provide rest for spiritual travellers.
In the late 1800’s, Sri Devi Dayal Ji Maharaj, a spiritually awakened sadhu, founded Phool Chatti Ashram in order to serve his fellow sadhus and other pilgrims venturing into sacred territory. Phool Chatti’s tradition of service continued and expanded over the decades to welcome people from all walks of life and many regions of the world.
Since 1977, Phool Chatti has been under the care and guidance of its present Swami Ji, Swami Dev Swarup Nanda Ji. The ashram has preserved its character and ’feel’ of its long 120-year (plus) history, yet it has modernized its facilities to provide comfort and convenience to its residents and guests. Electricity, western toilets, hot and cold water, as well as the ashram now managing its communications by phone and the internet; are all part of the way that Phool Chatti has kept the balance of tradition alive alongside the conveniences of modern life.
How Phool Chatti Ashram is unique
Many yoga courses are offered by ashrams in the urban atmosphere of Rishikesh. Two things make Phool Chatti’s yoga/meditation program especially unique: They teach a full spectrum of the yogic (spiritual) path and ashram life, not just asanas. Their aim is to give students a comprehensive experience including yoga (asanas), chanting, pranayama (breathing), lecture, meditation, neti pot cleansing, etc. They offer their students practical tools that they can continue to use in their lives after the program ends.
They are a remote ashram located in a stunning, natural environment along the banks of the Ganga River in the Himalayan foothills. With such a tranquil environment a deep experience of the inner self is supported allowing the mind to become still and meditation to come more naturally.
Spiritual-lineage
Brahmleen Swami Vishudha Nand Ji
Brahmleen Swami Vishudha Nand Ji was a self-realized saint and philosopher, an allopathic and ayurvedic doctor, and a master in the ancient Hindu tradition of Vedanta. Swami Ji was well educated in Sanskrit, astrology, and palmistry and was known to study scholarly books all through the night. He was a committed humanitarian who provided free medicine and treatment to the mountain people surrounding Phool Chatti Ashram. When Swami Ji died in 1977, given his high state of development, his body was set in the lotus position as his soul would be in Maha Samadhi.
Swami Dev Swarupa Nand Ji
Since 1977, Phool Chatti Ashram has been under the able care and guidance of Swami Dev Swarupa Nand Ji. His expertise in Ayurvedic medicine and Vedic astrology was gained as a disciple of the late Swami Vishudha Nand Ji. In recent years, the current Swami Ji has modernized the living accommodations at Phool Chatti Ashram, to include electricity, phone, and modern toilet systems, greatly expanded gardens, and initiated the Yoga and Meditation Program. It is the result of his excellent administration that Phool Chatti Ashram has successfully retained its traditional character while acquiring the infrastructure to provide comfort and convenience to its guests and residents.
Sadhvi Lalita Nand Ji
Sadhvi Lalita Nand Ji has lived at Phool Chatti Ashram for more than 25 years, since the age of 15. She is the Developer and Director of the ashram’s Yoga and Meditation Program, which has been serving students from around the world for more than 14 years. Swami Dev Swarupa Nand Ji is passing the knowledge of his spiritual lineage to his disciple, Sadhvi Lalita Ji. She has demonstrated a steadfast devotion in every area of life her path has taken her to her prayer, yoga, music, dedication to her students, and her heartful duty to Phool Chatti Ashram.
Phool Chatti Ashram Retreat Activities
Beginner & Intermediate 7-Day Course
This yoga and meditation course is perfect for those interested in studying the rich spiritual traditions of India and wanting to have a personal experience of ashram life.
The program is designed to be a broad introduction to the yogic path introducing students to a full yoga practice. The program offers practical tools for spiritual growth and wellbeing.
So many of our students return year after year often referring to their friends and family. They are dedicated to maintaining the excellent reputation we’ve established in more than 10 years of service.
