I have found the oneness of macrocosm with the microcosm, in the microcosm of the body, everything that is there in the macrocosm exists. I have seen the whole universe within an atom.
This was Swami Vivekanand’s rendezvous with eternal truth during his spiritual journey in the deep valleys of Kumaon.
It is indeed Kumaon’s greatest benefaction passed on by Yogis & Swamis through intense yogic practices to find the eternal truth. Here in deep gorges and Prayags of Kumaon, you will find tranquil Ashrams & Temple complexes dedicated to Gurus who attained at the spot or offered discourses on how to attain the final truth.These centres are either run directly by Guru’s lineage or are run by a trust, a group of true devotees of the Guru.For Spiritual aspirants across the globe, these ashrams act as epicentres of knowledge.
Here is a list of Kumaon’s most distinguished Spiritual centres to stimulate your consciousness
Kainchi Dham, Kainchi, Nainital
Kainchi dham near Nainital is idyllic to what Ashrams are documented in spiritual books. Surrounded by lush deodar patches and a tiny rivulet, the Ashram is dedicated to Neeb Kareri Baba, or Neem Karoli Baba as many would call him. A Bhakti yogi and an enlightened guru, Babaji's miracles and discourses on god have touched millions. The Ashram is run by his followers & devotees and is a divine experience for travellers to sit in front of his consecrated idol. Kainchi Dham is about 16 km from Nainital. It is a non-residential Ashram.
Distance from Kathgodam: 42km
Distance from Nainital: 19km
Distance from Bareilly Airport: 153km
Kakri Ghat, Bir gaon, Nainital
On their journey in the deep valleys of Kumaon Swami Vivekanand along with Akhandananda touched Kakrighat and sat for meditation. When he emerged from his meditation he was a changed man, He addressed Akhandanand saying, O Gangadhar I am just passed through one of the greatest moments of my life. Here under this people tree, I have realized what truth is. Here he experienced the oneness of the universe, of the microcosm and macrocosm, and realized that in the microcosm of the body exists everything that is there in the entire universe. is situated on the road towards Almora from Nainital near about 20 km from Kainchi ashram on the banks of a local river. Today the ashram is under the management of Shri Neem Karoli Baba's Kainchi Dham Ashram - Neem Karoli Baba lived and meditated at this place. Kakri ghat today resonates with the teachings of Vedanta and Advaita philosophy, a philosophy which Swami Vivekanand himself promulgated.
Distance from Kathgodam: 35km
Distance from Nainital: 42km
Distance from Bareilly Airport: 175km
Dol Ashram, Dol, Almora
Shri Kalyanika Himalaya Devasthanam, popularly known as the Dol Ashram was built with the purpose to disseminate the teaching of Yoga and Vedic Methodology. Situated amidst the finest Deodar tree patches in Dol, Af Uttarakhand. It is a residential Ashram $ the spiritual aspirants can decide to stay here depending on the course duration they choose. The ashram also boasts the largest SRI YANTRA to be consecrated ever. It is a divine treat for all the devotees.
Distance from Kathgodam: 77km
Distance from Nainital: 75km
Distance from Bareilly Airport: 196km
Sathkhol Ashram, Sathkhol, Nainital
Satkhol Ashram is an invitation into profound silence, a sanctuary of peace and purity. It is dedicated to Sri Ram Chandra’s mission and serves as a sacred place in the hearts of followers of the Sahaj Marg system of spirituality. A visit to Satkhol can be a transformational journey, changing the lives of those who immerse themselves in its quiet and subtle atmosphere. It celebrates spirituality in its true essence. Located in the foothills of the Himalayas in the Nainital District of Uttarakhand, at an elevation of approximately 1900m (5700 ft.). It is a residential Ashram and regular programs and courses for the aspirants.
Distance from Kathgodam: 66km
Distance from Nainital: 50km
Distance from Bareilly Airport: 177km
Advait Ashram Mayavati, Mayavati, Lohaghat
Mayawati Ashram or commonly known as Advaita Ashram was born out Swami Vivekanand’s idea of a Hermitage in the Himalayas for devotees to meditate. It is situated in the Old Tea Estate area in the Lohaghat region of Champawat district of Uttarakhand. The ashram’s featured attraction is an old printing press that draws attention. it is the same press that printed the first two volumes of “The Complete Works of Swami Vivekananda”. The Ashram was inaugurated by Swami Vivekananda in 1899. Belur Math, established earlier, approved of its objects and principles and recognized Advaita Ashrama as its branch. The object of the ashrama was to study, practise and preach the Advaita philosophy free from ritualistic settings, and also to train others in spreading it. The ashrama in a short time became a melting pot, as it were, of the best minds of the east and the west. It helped spread the core Advaita doctrine. It is a residential ashram and prior written permission from Adyakh of the ashram is required.
Distance from Kathgodam: 194km
Distance from Nainital: 153km
Distance from Bareilly Airport: 226km
Yogoda Satsanga Sakha Ashram, Dwarahat, Almora
Yogoda Satsanga Sakha Ashram at Dwarahat was inaugurated in 1983, which serves to promulgate the teachings of Gurudeva & Founder, Sri Sri Paramahansa Yogananda, the master of Kriya yoga. The mountainous region around Dwarahat is hallowed with the memories of Mahavatar Babaji, the first in the line of the Kriya Yogis Gurus, who revived the ancient technique of Kriya Yoga in 1861, and made it available to the world through his exalted disciple Sri Sri Lahiri Mahasaya. A visit to Baba jis cave gives you truly a glimpse of eternal truth
Distance from Kathgodam: 116km
Distance from Nainital: 92km
Distance from Bareilly Airport: 250km
Narain Ashram, Pithoragarh,
Situate at 2400 mt just 129 km from Pithoragarh in Uttarakhand, Narain Ashram serves as a spiritual cum socio-education centre. The surrounding landscape makes it even more convenient to witness the divine. This hermitage was established by Guru Narayan Swami in 1936.
Distance from Kathgodam: 295km
Distance from Nainital: 291km
Distance from Bareilly Airport: 366km