More than 100 years of spiritual service

Phool Chatti Ashram lies at the scenic convergence of the Ganga and Hem Rivers in the Himalayan foothills above Rishikesh. Located alongside an ancient pilgrimage route at the headwaters of the Ganga River, this site was considered ideal for an ashram to provide spiritual travelers with food and rest. As a result, in the late 1800's Phool Chatti Ashram was founded by the spiritually-awakened sadhu, Sri Devi Dayal Ji Maharaj, to serve his fellow sadhus and other pilgrims venturing into sacred territory.
Phool Chatti's tradition of service continued and expanded over the decades to welcome people from all walks of life and many regions of the world. Medical, educational, and community service projects also became part of the ashram's efforts.
Since 1977, Phool Chatti Ashram has been under the able care and guidance of Swami Dev Swarup Nanda Ji. His expertise in ayurvedic medicine and vedic astrology was developed as a disciple of the late Swami Vishudaha Nanda, a Self-realized saint, philosopher, doctor, and master in the ancient Hindu tradition of Vedanta.



Swami Dev Swarup Nanda Ji is entering his fifth decade as head of Phool Chatti Ashram having arrived at the ashram in 1970. In recent years, Swami Ji has modernized the living accommodations at Phool Chatti Ashram which included putting in electricity as of 2004, greatly expanding the surrounding gardens, and initiating a Yoga and Meditation Retreat Program for western students. Swami Ji is passing the knowledge of his spiritual lineage to his disciple, Sadhvi Lalita Ambay.
Sadhvi Lalita Ambay, Swami’s Disciple, is the Director of the ashram’s yoga and meditation program. Sadhvi Lalita Ambay entered the ashram at the age of 15 and has lived at Phool Chatti for more than 21 years. Her teaching draws upon extensive skills in sacred music and her broad knowledge into the disciplines of yoga (Hatha and Astanga). She is able to provide instruction in either English or Hindi, and is an internationally sought-after yoga instructor.

A NOTE TO THOSE INTERESTED IN YOGA RETREATS:

Many fine yoga courses are offered by ashrams in the urban atmosphere of Rishikesh, but for western practitioners who prefer a quiet natural setting, the Phool Chatti Yoga and Meditation Retreat is considered second to none. Sandy beaches lie just outside the ashram gate for sacred bathing in the Ganga River. Jungle paths and river trails provide exquisite contemplative walks or simple relaxation. And the recent expansion of the gardens offer seasonal bursts of color and beauty. The ashram readily lives up to its name of Phool Chatti, meaning “land of flowers”.

I discovered an amazing ashram just north of town.
the Phool Chatti Ashram is incredible...a paradise on earth nestled where a powerful bend in the Ganges meets a small Himalayan tributary. It is about a 20 minute hike up the main road on the east side of Laxman Jullah...or you can take a jeep taxi.
They have an excellent, very full program that will give you a truly authentic ashram experience, for about $100 for the week, so do NOT haggle the price.

Other places are listed as ashrams, but are merely inexpensive hotels that might offer a class or two...Phool Chatti is the real deal, and the teacher is excellent! Posted on Thorn Tree (blog site for Lonely Planet)

YOGA AND MEDITATION AT PHOOL CHATTI ASHRAM:
…On the final day we did a Fire Ceremony which involved reciting a quite long chant 108 times and throwing a special wood powder mix into the flames, it was a perfect end to the week especially as it was carried out in a small room with arched windows overlooking the crystal clean azure Ganges.

At the end of the week I felt the healthiest, strongest and clearest in mind that I have for a long time. Posted by Anitas Walkabout December 1 2007
December 1st 2007

For more course information, please click “The Yoga Program” link on this page.

Group of Yoga Students	Evening Music Session	Rose Garden