Geeta Bhawan Rishikesh | Timings, Images, Best time

Geeta Bhawan, Rishikesh Overview

Also popularly known as the Guru Shri Ram Sukh Daasji, the Geeta Bhawan is a vast and spacious complex that is located on the banks of the river Ganga in Swargashram in Rishikesh, at the foothills of the mighty Himalayas. The Ashram is renowned as an important institution that preserves Hindu literature since it houses the Gita, which symbolizes the Hindu Vedas and epics. The Geeta Bhawan is visited by a large number of people each year, who flock to here to take a dip in the holy waters of the Ganges, listen to the discourses and meditate.

Other than airy and large discourse halls, the ashram also has over one thousand rooms that are available free of cost for the devotees to stay at. The pious devotees are also served with simple vegetarian food and Indian sweets at nominal prices during their stay at the Geeta Bhawan. Be it a mere two-hour visit to the ashram, or a stay there for a few days, the experience imbues the devotee with tranquillity, peace and devotion.

The visitors gladly indulge in the devotion of the River Ganges every evening, and the bathing ghats in front of the Geeta Bhawan offer them with an opportunity to take a holy dip in its waters. The ancient Banyan tree that is located within the complex is also worthy of notice since this spot has been the site of penance for numerous saints. All in all, the Geeta Bhawan comes across as a place that is overflowing with religious fervour and calmness, and is a must visit while in Rishikesh.

Inside The Geeta Bhawan Ashram

The Geeta Bhawan Ashram is a part of the Gita Press, which is a reputed publishing house that prints a myriad of religious books for Hindus in numerous languages like English, Hindi, Sanskrit, Tamil, Gujarati, Bangla, Marathi, Oriya, Kannada, Telugu and other regional languages. Other than the Laxmi Narayan Temple, the ashram also comprises of a bookshop which sells all books that are printed by the Gita Press, including the Gita, Ramayan, Srimad Bhagvat and Upanishads. Other conveniences found here include a cloth store and a boat ferry service.

In the Ayurvedic department of the ashram, medicines are prepared following the instructions that are given in the scriptures. Herbs from the Himalayas and the holy water of the Ganges are used to make these medicines, which are then distributed free of cost in the dispensary, and at a nominal cost to the general public. Discourses are regularly organised in the ashram in a large hall that has been built specially for this purpose, and prayer in dedication to the River Ganges also takes place every day in the evenings and lasts for about 30 minutes. Simple vegetarian food, kitchen, grocery items and Indian sweets are also available at a very moderate price inside the Ashram.

Saints who visit the temple are also offered free food and clothes. The ancient Banyan tree located inside the complex is also a famous spot in the ashram. Various renowned saints like Swami Ramtirth practised penance under this huge tree years many years ago. The tree and the surrounding silent woods make for a perfect place for meditation and introspection, and the two well-built bathing-ghats in front of Gita Bhawan offer an opportunity for a holy dip in the Ganges to all the devotees.

Lakshmi Narayan Temple At Geeta Bhawan Ashram

One of the most famous attractions of the Geeta Bhawan is the Laxmi Narayan Temple, which beautifully narrates the story of Lord Krishna through elaborate pictures. Teachings from the Bhagavad Geeta, which is undoubtedly the most important holy book of the Hindu religion, can also be found on the walls of the temple.

Accommodation At Geeta Bhawan Ashram

The Geeta Bhawan has over 1000 well-maintained rooms where devotees can stay free of cost. Visitors who wish to stay at the Ashram can contact the Geeta Bhawan directly for their bookings. These rooms are very basic, and only have a bed inside them, with common bathrooms.

Best Time To Visit Geeta Bhawan

Special Satsang programmes that last for all day are organised in the ashram in the summer months from the end of April to the beginning of July. This is the best time to visit the Geeta Bhawan Ashram, and thousands of people come here during this time.

Tips For Visiting Geeta Bhawan

Make sure that you book for your accommodation well in advance, else you might not be able to get it due to the huge number of people who visit the ashram.

How To Reach Geeta Bhawan

The Geeta Bhawan is located in Swargashram. From the Ram Jhula, one can either walk or hire a cycle rickshaw to reach the destination. The place is also just three kilometres away from the railway station.