Ashrams

Swami has three Ashrams (a spiritual hermitage or a monastery) in India.

Shanti Madom

Location: Uppaychal, P.O. Azhikode,
Kannur, Kerala State, India

The first is in the village where Swami was born, near to the town of Kannur in Kerala State.

Sri Chaithanyapuri

Location: Kovoor Road, Nayattupara, P.O. Pattannur,
Kannur, Kerala State, India

The second is located some 30 km to the east, also in Kerala State.

Sri Chaithanyapuri (Karnataka)

Location: Atmachaithanya Road, No. 27 in Dasenahalli Village, Hessaraghatta, Bangalore,
Karnataka, India

The third is located near Hesaraghatta, Bangalore in Karnataka.


Ashram Guidelines

Please read the guidelines below before visiting the Ashrams.

Shoes

On arrival at the Ashram, please remove your shoes and wash your feet at the outside taps.

Registration

All visitors to the Ashram must record their contact and passport details on the day of arrival. This is required by local police.
Be sure to bring your required documents as well.

Morning Programme

  • 5:30 AM: Wake up, shower
  • 6:30 AM: Puja: prayer, spiritual sadhana
  • Breakfast
  • Sevā: support any work that needs to bedone in the Ashram
  • Join Swamiji for his teachings

Toilets

Under no circumstances may toilet paper be used, as drains will block.

Alcohol & Cigarettes

These must not be consumed during your stay in the Ashram or brought onto the premises.
Please also do not bring eggs, meat, and fish into the Ashram (flower remedies or other medicines preserved in alcohol are permitted).

Cleaning the Ashram

As part of sevā (selfless service without any expectation of reward for performing it) it is expected you will be responsible for cleaning your room, and share the cleaning of common areas e.g. bathroom, toilet, stairs, kitchen, with other visitors staying in the Ashram.
Also share in the cleaning-up after meals, and be responsible for washing your own plate and cup.

Dress

This should be modest and simple, with no unnecessary jewelry, make-up, or perfume/after-shave. Shorts are inappropriate dress for both men and women. Women need to be especially vigilant, ensuring that underwear is not showing through thin clothes.
Indian suits (salowar, chemise) are available in many Indian shops in Western countries.

Electricity

Be economical. Always turn off the fan and light in your room when not needed. Take a torch as there are occasional power cuts.

Holy Shrines at the Ashram

There are endowed with powerful energy and should be treated with respect.

Necessities of Modern Life

Manufactured products, which have become ‘necessities’ of modern life, are often superfluous in the Ashram. As there is no refuse collection, all inorganic waste has to be burnt.
Out of consideration for the environment and for the people who live in the Ashram, please think carefully when you pack your suitcase.

Showers & Clean Clothes

On rising in the morning, have a shower. Wear clean clothes before doing any spiritual sadhana (ego-transcending spiritual practice), or eating breakfast.

Water

Please do not waste water. do not leave taps running while washing or cleaning.

On leaving the Ashram

Please take your used bed-linen to the appropriate place and leave your room as you would like to find it: clean, tidy, and empty of rubbish.

Required Documents

Please note that in order to comply with official requirements, visitors need to bring a copy of their passport, their visa and two passport-size photos. If you are visiting Ashrams in different states (i.e. Karnataka and Kerala), you will need to bring two copies of your passport and four passport-size photos as you will need to register in both states.

There are now new regulations for anyone planning to travel to India for medical treatment. This will apply to all types of medical treatment, including Ayurvedic or other forms of alternative medicine. The Indian government will require travellers to have a “Medical Visa”. Please see the website of the High Commission of India in your country.

Directions to the Kerala Ashrams

The nearest town to Shanti Madom is Kannur (also known as Cannanore), about 20 minutes by taxi (buses and rickshaws are also available).

Sri Chaithanyapuri is about 30 km east of Kannur, at Nayattupara in Kovoor.

The nearest airport is Kannur International, which is approximately 40 minutes from Shanti Madom and 20 minutes from Sri Chaithanyapuri.

Other nearby major airports are Kozhikode and Mangalore, with travel from Kozikhode being about 2:40 hours by taxi to Shanti Madom, and travel from Mangalore being about 3 to 4 hours by car. There are also trains or buses from Kozhikode/Mangalore to Kannur.

Directions to the Karnataka Ashram

The nearest airport is Bangalore, with travel from Bangalore to Karnataka being at least 1 hour by taxi.