Extracting yourself from the hustle and bustle of daily life and finding a serene place for meditation, is both rejuvenating and relaxing. Originally exercised as a way gain moksha or release from a cycle of rebirths, meditation is a great way to find your focus, clear your mind, and rediscover your priorities. Where can one go to find such a tranquil place?
India is a land of mystery, mysticism, and many meditation hotspots. As the birth place of Hinduism, it houses many ashrams, sanctuaries, and centres which promote the practice of meditation.
The following are some of the best places for meditation in India as recommended by those that enjoy them every day:
Rishikesh
This region, considered the origin of yoga, is situated on the holy Ganges River and surrounded hills on either side. There are a multitude of yoga institutes and ashrams in Rishikesh which promote the art and practice of meditation. For example, many practitioners flock to the meditation classes offered by Sadgurudeva, which are invigorating, intense, and awe-inspiring. These will surely help you attain moksha and salvation. Its location alone elicits the feeling of tranquillity and serenity.
Phool Chatti Ashram
This ashram is located at the base of the Himalayas, where the river Ganges enters the flat plains. The ashram is 7km from developed areas, and is situated near plenty of natural surroundings such as rivers, forests, and gardens. Visitors can take part in the ashrams 7-day meditation program and gain firsthand experience of ashram life.
Haridwar
This location, also called “The Gateway of God” is one of the holiest places to visit in India. Located in the foothills of the mighty Himalayas, many meditation practitioners arrive here and start their spiritual journey by first taking a dip in the holy Ganges River. The practice is symbolic and is meant to rid a person of their sins and make them pure. Surrounded my breathtaking scenery and spirituality, this place will surely encourage you to meditate.
Bodhi Zendo
The Bodhi Zendo meditation center is located in the Palani Hills, in Perumalai, Tamil Nadu. The center is located 1700m high in the hills, and is an ideal place for practitioners of Zen or those who want to experience this form of meditation. Visitors are encouraged to stay there for weeks or days amongst the Sangha brotherhood, and learn the practice of meditation and silence. The center also contains a picturesque Zen garden with breathtaking panoramic views of the valleys and mountains that surround the center.
Tiruvannamalai
Located in Tamil Nadu, the Annamalaiyar Temple is located on 24 acres and is one of the largest temples in India. It is a shrine of the god Shiva. Apart from meditating at the temple, practitioners can also visit many of the ashrams located here such as the Mahan Sri Seshadri Swamigal Ashram and the Sri Bhagavan Ramana Maharishi Ashram.
If you are considering taking up the practice of meditation, why not start in its birthplace? Visit India’s many places of meditation.