OM Ashram to officially open in 2024
OM Ashram – a beacon of spiritual education and Vedic culture.
In 1990, the world-renowned teacher, Vishwaguru Mahamandaleshwar Paramhans Swami Maheshwarananda Puri, embarked on a monumental project that would change the landscape of spiritual education and research.
The Om Vishwa Deep Gurukul Ashram Education & Research Centre, commonly known as the "OM Ashram", was born out of Vishwaguruji's unrelenting dedication to the welfare of the world and developed in tribute to his gurudev, Sri Swami Madhavanandaji, and the lineage of masters from Sri Alakhpuriji Siddha Peeth Parampara. Located in Jadan, Rajasthan, India, it has already been a beacon of hope and a centre for spiritual growth for over three decades.
The OM Ashram Grand Opening ceremonial event, scheduled for February 2024, will be the culmination of years of hard work and dedication. Its primary objective is to foster the ancient disciplines of Yoga and promote the priceless spiritual heritage of Vedic culture.
Vishwaguruji recently welcomed the Prime Minister of India, Narendra Modiji, to Jadan, ahead of the official opening – see report: omashram.com
An ashram, derived from the Sanskrit word srama, meaning 'to work/strive', is a spiritual hermitage or a monastery where people are welcome to work on their spiritual growth through practising self-awareness and serving others in the ashram community and the wider world. Ashrams have existed in India for thousands of years and are mostly associated with Hinduism, although other religions, including Christianity, Sikhism and Jainism, have also adopted the model of the ashram as a spiritual retreat or residence.
Ashrams are an integral part of the Indian spiritual landscape, and the OM Ashram is no exception, providing facilities for personal growth, spirituality, and the practice of yoga and meditation. It is a sacred place that offers an opportunity to step away from worldly affairs and return to a simpler way of living. A chance to nourish the soul, deepen spiritual practice, and awaken one's true Self.
Living in an ashram requires a high level of commitment and determination, as it is not always an easy path. In order to keep healthy in body, mood and mind, the residents of an ashram regularly perform spiritual and physical exercises, such as various forms of yoga asanas, pranayama breathing techniques, cleansing kriyas, meditation and prayers.
It provides an environment for self-discovery and self-improvement, with some time for dedicating oneself to the discipline of spiritual practices, as well as taking on the responsibilities of serving others and uplifting oneself within a spiritual community. Through this dedicated work, an ashram can be a powerful energy space for self-transformation, putting one's spiritual path into an intense mode of deep development and fast growth.
The system of residential ashrams has been prevalent in Vedic society since at least the 5th century BCE, but its impact has also been relevant in more recent modern times. After a period of suppression during British rule, ashrams gained traction again when Indian inspirational leader Mahatma Gandhi founded his famous ashrams at Sabarmati near Ahmedabad in Gujarat, and at Sevagram ('village of service') near Wardha, in Maharashtra, the latter being located in the very centre of India.
The OM Ashram has been created to offer a supportive and nurturing environment for individuals seeking a deeper understanding of themselves and the world around them, thereby playing a crucial role in spiritual growth for humankind as a whole – its very creation is a testament to the power of spiritual education, determination and research. The Grand Opening in February 2024 will be a momentous occasion for devotees and seekers of spiritual truth from all over India and around the world.
