"Why not reside in Kashi? The abode of Shambhu & Bhavani, knowing it the birthplace of Mukti, the mind of spiritual wisdom & destroyer of Sins"
These lines are taken from the holy book, Ram Charita Manas. In English translation, these lines ask the question that why not stay in Kashi (the name given to Varanasi) is the home of Shambhu (God Shiva) & Bhavani (Goddess Parvati), the place of Mukti (liberation), and where you can become spiritually wise & sin-free!
So, why not take a cue from these lines? I am not saying that leave your jobs & go to Kashi. But if you want a peaceful break, then why not visit your own Kashi or Varanasi? Book hourly hotels near the Varanasi ashrams, enroll in their programs & seek peace in your life!
I. Ramkrishna Advaita Ashram
Ramakrishna Advaita Ashram is one of the oldest branches of a global group of Ramakrishna Mission of Belur Math. Started by the spiritual guru Swami Sivananda in 1902, the ashram is a perfect place to visit for your peaceful break.
The ashram offers a large library with more than 20,000 books, 28 periodicals & newspapers with a free reading room area. You can experience the serenity of the place by visiting there during daily pooja, bhajans & religious discourses. Don't forget to book a hotel for a few hours in Varanasi so that you can participate in their welfare activities.
II. Shri Ram Taraka Andhra Ashram
About 1.5 kilometers from the Kashi Vishwanath Temple, Shri Ram Taraka Ashram offers you a variety of yoga classes. You can perform their yoga style, Bhakti Yoga. The ashram provides you a free of cost vegetarian food. You can enjoy the religious bhajans in the evening.
So, what are you thinking? Pack your bags, and schedule an hourly hotel in Varanasi from MiStay so that you can pay for the time you stay. You can also visit the ashrams of the nearby city of Allahabad. Make sure to plan to book a hotel for a few hours in Allahabad.
III. Cycle Swami Ashram
Founded in 2005 by Sri Dodda Ventakshwara Rao, the Hema Sai Ram Annapurna Charitable Trust is now lovingly known as the Cycle Swami Ashram. The ashram provides food & refreshments at affordable prices. Most of the time, the food provided here is free.
As the founder of the ashram is from Andhra, you will see authentic south Indian dishes on the menu & many Telugu-speaking people in the administration. The advantage of the ashram is its location. It's 500 meters walking from Dashashwamedha Ghat, where you can witness the beauty of the Ganga Aarti. So, remind yourself to book hourly hotels in Varanasi from MiStay for your stay.
IV. Shri Satua Baba Ashram
Satua baba is one of the most acclaimed spiritual gurus in Varanasi. Dedicated to him, Shri Satua Baba Ashram is a place of teaching holy books, scriptures & Sanskrit language. It is located near the famous Manikarnika Ghat. This ghat is known for its cremation ceremonies of the dead bodies & after-death pooja for the salvation of the departed soul. The reason why you can observe the various before & after cremation processes happening in the ashram.
If you are thinking of visiting the ashram, kindly note that the ashram allows men as it's near the Manikarnika Ghat. Don't miss out on booking hourly hotels in Varanasi for your stay. Allahabad is about 120 kilometers from Varanasi, so you can travel to the ashrams there too & relax in a day-use hotel in Allahabad.
V. Gadwa Ghat Ashram
Gadwa Ghat Ashram is also known as Sant Mat Anuyayi Ashram. Here, the ashram teachers impart spiritual knowledge & practices to saints and spiritual seekers. It is believed that Gadwa Ghat is related to the lineage of God Shri Krishna. That's the reason many religious sages believe living in the ashram is the same as living in the home of God Shri Krishna.
You can attend classes of spiritual teachings, meditation & other peaceful practices. Ashram provides affordable medical facilities & free food for the poor are some other services. So, visit this ashram & do contribute to serving meals (or prasad) to the devotees. Make sure to book a hotel for a few hours in Varanasi for your rest break.
VI. International Music Centre Ashram
Located near Dashashwamedha Ghat, International Music Centre Ashram is the place for music lovers & aspirants. Here, you can witness melody-filling performances through Indian classical musical instruments. The ashram is one of the ancient buildings of Varanasi.
You can take music classes too in the ashram by renowned classical musicians. What a peaceful & wonderful time to experience when harmonious music flows in the air with tingling sounds from temple bells! Don't miss out on booking an hourly hotel in Varanasi from MiStay so that you check in to the hotel whenever you like.
VII. Mata Anandamayi Ashram
Mata Anandamayi lived on the philosophy of showing compassion, particularly to the needy & poor people. Ashram also takes care of financially weak widows & shelterless women. Here, you can listen to religious bhajan & kirtans. Various seminars are going on to impart spiritual knowledge.
You can also relish the twinkling bells during morning & evening prayers. What a serene ambiance, right? So, book tickets to Varanasi & schedule a hotel for a few hours for an economical stay. Don't forget to visit the scenic ashrams of Allahabad, a nearby city of Varanasi. Make sure to book hourly hotels for flexible check-in timings from MiStay.
Final Thoughts
Varanasi is synonymous with serenity. Whenever anyone hears the word Varanasi, the scene of ghats, Ganga aarti, street foods & Banarasi sarees come in front of their eyes! So, why not ditch the mountains this time & instead travel to the city of ghats for your peaceful break?