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Parmarth Niketan literally means an Abode Dedicated to the Welfare of All and is a true spiritual haven, lying
on the holy banks of Mother Ganga, in the lap of the lush green Himalayas. Our facilities, with over 1,000
rooms are a perfect blend of modern amenities and traditional spiritual simplicity in a clean, pure and sacred
atmosphere with abundant, beautiful gardens, embracing and rejuvenating all.

Founded by HH Pujya Swami Shukdevanand Saraswatiji, in the early 1940s, the ashram is currently blessed by
HH Pujya MM Swami Asanganand Saraswatiji and guided by the leadership and vision of HH Pujya Swami
Chidanand Saraswatiji. Parmarth Niketan offers comfort, inspiration and upliftment for your body, mind and spirit
as well as a deeper connection with the Divine. As you experience the serenity of the Ashram you will feel your
soul bathing in the peace of sacred energies, including those that emanate from nature and those that linger from
the timeless healing powers of saints, sages and enlightened masters.














ACCOMMODATIONS

As mentioned above, our rooms retain the divine simplicity of ashram life, while being equipped with the
necessary modern amenities. Rooms have at least 2 beds (some have 3 or 4), fans with coolers, private, attached
bathrooms with hot / cold running water and western or Indian style toilets. Bed sheets, blankets and pillow
covers, towels, etc., are provided. To reserve accommodations at the Ashram, please send an email to
reservations@parmarth.com at least fifteen days prior to your arrival.

When you arrive, please ask for the Reception Office. The team there will assist you with the check-in process
and accommodations allocation. If you are to arrive after 9 pm or before 8 am, please call or email in
advance to inform us, as the office hours are from 8 am to 9 pm but special arrangements can be made to
receive you.

For your convenience, the contact numbers are as follows (from abroad, dial +91 instead of 0):
Reception: 0135 2434301/02
Subhash: 094111-06604, Narendra: 094111-06603, Nandini: 0757902-9225

The Ashram is not taking any additional bookings from the 28th Feb-8th March for the International Yoga
Festival. If you wish to register as a participant in the Festival, please register online:
www.internationalyogafestival.com.
H.H. Pujya Swami
Shukdevanand Saraswatiji
Founder of Parmarth Niketan
H.H. Pujya Swami
Asanganand Saraswatiji
Managing Trustee
H.H. Pujya Swami
Chidanand Saraswatiji
President
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DAILY ACTIVITIES

The daily activities at Parmarth Niketan are listed below:
(Please check in with the Reception Office about any changes to the daily schedule upon your arrival.)

5:00 am 6:00 am Universal prayers (Sanskrit) and lecture (Hindi) Satsang
Hall
6:00 am 8:30 am General Yog-asana & Meditation Yoga Hall Top Floor
8:30 am 9:30 am Breakfast (Dining Hall)
1:00 pm 2:00 pm Lunch (Dining Hall)
3:00 pm 4:30 pm General Yog-asana & Meditation Yoga Hall Top Floor
5:00 pm 6:00 pm Ganga Havan & Aarti Ghat on river bank
Immediately after Aarti Darshan with Pujya Swamiji in His Hut just in front of the
Reception Office
7:30 8:30 pm Dinner (Dining Hall)

Silence is appreciated at the Ashram from 10:00 pm to 6:00 am.

These classes are open to all on a donation basis. Nature Cure and Ayurvedic / Panchakarma
treatments are also available on the premises. In addition, there are frequent special cultural, Hindi,
Music, Sanskrit classes and spiritual programs given by visiting revered saints, acclaimed musicians,
spiritual and social leaders and others. All visitors are welcome to participate in our daily
activities.

Simple, homemade, satvic (vegetarian) meals are served in our bhojanalaya (dining room) and all
meals are prasad / blessed food which is not only to feed your physical bodies but also to nourish your
inner spirit.
DONATIONS

As per Sanatan Dharma tradition, all our programs and services at Parmarth Niketan Ashram
are offered on a donation basis. Whatever pilgrims, aspirants and visitors feel inspired and
able to give is always greatly appreciated and gratefully accepted. It is only with the devotion and
generosity of divine souls that we are able to feed the hungry, heal the sick, educate the illiterate, train
the unemployable and bring light to the darkness.
Generally visitors contribute whatever they can give, according to their financial means, for
accommodations, meals and general yoga and meditation classes. At the request of and to
assist our visitors, we can provide you with a guideline of suggested donations for
accommodations, meals and general yoga and meditation classes.
Donations may be offered in cash, bank drafts and / or travellers cheques in most major
currencies. We are not yet set up to accept credit or debit cards but hope to have this facility
available soon.

For more information regarding additional programs, getting to the Ashram and Ashram guidelines, please
check the website www.parmarth.com and follow the links.

For information on activities in the area, you may go to www.uttarakhandtourism.net
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YOGA, MEDITATION & SPIRTUALITY CENTRE

With the Blessings and Grace of H.H. Pujya Swami Chidanand Saraswatiji
President and Spiritual Leader of Parmarth Niketan Ashram

OUR YOGA TEAM







Sadhvi Abha Saraswatiji Sadhvi Bhagawati Saraswatiji Swami Yoganandji









Resident Yoga Instructors:
Indu Sharma, Somesh Sharma, Shanti Mata, Nandini Tripathi









Visiting Yoga Instructors:
Tara (Canada), Jenny Holle (Germany)

We offer yoga programs from Beginner to Instructor Courses as well as Yoga Therapy throughout the year.
Please see the schedule and course descriptions below.

Yoga at Parmarth Niketan Ashram is holistic, spiritually oriented and focused on the deep and sublime
traditional ancient yogic discipline as taught by the rishis and sages. Our qualified teachers are rich in
experience, live yogic principles, and bring to you time-tested yoga practices.

Mastery of yoga is attained with devotion, patience and sincere, uninterrupted and regular practice. In 2-5
weeks, students are healthier, stronger and feel more confident to commit to the yoga way of life. Additionally,
we may offer special courses as instructors from across India and around the world come to share their
knowledge and expertise.

General Yoga and Meditation Classes are offered every morning, and in the
afternoons Monday to Friday. These classes are offered on a drop-in basis.
However please note that they may not be available whenever our Ashram is
reserved for specific functions. Please check with the Reception Office for timings of
the general yoga asana and meditation classes, and any cancellations.


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COURSE & EVENT SCHEDULE 2014



Please Note: For the Courses Listed Below: The first date listed is the orientation meeting, which is
held in the evening either before or after dinner. Students should try to be at the Ashram by 4 pm.
Please check at the Reception Office for the exact timing of the orientation.

Course Name Spiritual Retreat
Dates Sunday, December 29, 2013 Friday, January 3, 2014
Sunday, July 6 Friday, July 11, 2014
Sunday, August 24 Friday, August 29, 2014
Sunday, December 28, 2014 Friday, January 2, 2015
Duration 5 days
Description This 5-day Spiritual Retreat includes prayers, pranayama, Mauna Dhyana
Sadhana, Surya Namaskar and basic stretching, Hatha Yoga asana, question /
answer sessions, Mantra chanting, silent & guided meditations, Gita recitation,
Karma Yoga and Bhakti Yoga. Each day concludes with Ganga Havan and Aarti
at sunset.
Class Capacity Max 30 students


Course Name Beginner Foundation Yoga
Dates Sunday, January 5 Friday, January 17, 2014
Sunday, February 2 Friday, February 14, 2014
Sunday, April 6 Friday, April 18, 2014
Sunday, May 18 Friday, May 30, 2014
Sunday, June 1 Friday, June 13, 2014
Sunday, August 10 Friday, August 22, 2014
Sunday, November 30 Friday, December 12, 2014
Duration 10 days / 2 weeks
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Description This 10-day/2-week Beginner Foundation Yoga program is for individuals
with no yoga experience and includes prayers, pranayama, Surya Namaskar,
traditional Hatha Yoga basic asana, Vedic chanting, Karma Yoga and question
/answer sessions. Each day concludes with Ganga Havan and Aarti at sunset.
Class Capacity Max 30 students


Course Name Beginner Intensive
Dates Winter 2014: Sunday, January 19 - Saturday, January 25, 2014
Spring 2014: Sunday, April 20 Saturday, April 26, 2014
Autumn 2014: Sunday, September 7 Saturday, September 13, 2014
Duration 6 days / 1 week
Description This 1-week Beginner Intensive Yoga program is for individuals with some
yoga experience and includes prayers, pranayama, Surya Namaskar,
traditional Hatha Yoga basic asana, question/answer sessions, yoga
philosophy, Vedic chanting, meditation, Karma Yoga and Bhakti Yoga. Each
day concludes with Ganga Havan and Aarti at sunset.
Class Capacity Max 20 students


Course Name Intensive Yoga
Dates Spring 2014: Sunday, March 9 Saturday, March 22, 2014
Summer 2014: Sunday, June 22 Saturday, July 5, 2014
Autumn 2014: Sunday, September 14 Saturday, September 27, 2014
Duration 12 days / 2 weeks
Description This Intensive Yoga program includes prayers, pranayama, Surya / Chandra
Namaskar, traditional Hatha Yoga basic asana, in-depth practice of yoga
asana, Yoga in the Bhagavad Gita and Patanjali Yoga Sutras, Vedic chanting,
question/answer sessions, Karma Yoga, Bhakti Yoga, Havan (sacred fire
ceremony) and cultural aspects of Indian festivals (whichever occur during
the course). Each day concludes with Ganga Havan and Aarti at sunset.
Class Capacity Max 25 students
Pre-requisite 1 year regular yoga asana practice and a desire to live the principles of yoga
Certificate of
Attendance
Commitment to the practice, punctuality and attendance, and honouring the
yogic principles must be demonstrated to qualify for the certificate.


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Course Name Kriya Yoga
Dates Summer 2014: Sunday, May 4 Friday, May 16, 2014
Autumn 2014: Sunday, November 2 Friday, November 14, 2014
Duration 10 days / 2 weeks
Description Each day of this Kriya Yoga program begins with the 20 main Kriya Yoga
practices for pratyahara, dharana, dhyana (control of the senses, concentration
and meditation); and, includes prayers, pranayama, traditional Hatha Yoga
asana, question/answer sessions, Vedic chanting. Each day concludes with
Ganga Havan and Aarti at sunset.
Class Capacity Max 25 students
Pre-requisite Students should be able to sit cross-legged on the floor for 2 hours and desire
to live the principles of yoga.

Course Name Yoga Teacher Training Course
Dates Sunday, September 28 Saturday, November 1, 2014
Duration 30 days / 5 weeks
Description This 5-week Yoga Teacher Training Course includes prayers, pranayama, Surya
/Chandra Namaskar, traditional Hatha Yoga basic asana, in-depth practice of
yoga asana, Yoga in the Bhagavad Gita and Patanjali Yoga Sutras, teaching
methodology/teaching practices and opportunities for self-practice to deepen
your understanding, discipline and teaching abilities, Vedic chanting, question
/answer sessions, Karma Yoga, Bhakti Yoga, Havan (sacred fire ceremony) and
cultural aspects of Indian festivals (whichever occur during the course). Each
day concludes with Ganga Havan and Aarti at sunset.
Class Capacity Max 30 students
Pre-requisite Intensive Yoga or 2 years of regular yoga asana practice; and, a desire to live
the principles of yoga
Certificate of
Attendance
Commitment to the practice, punctuality and attendance, and honouring the
yogic principles must be demonstrated to qualify for the certificate.

Course Name Yoga in Patanjali Sutras and the Bhagavad Gita
Dates Sunday, December 14 Saturday, December 27, 2014
Duration 12 days / 2 weeks
Description This 12-day program includes prayers, pranayama, traditional Hatha Yoga
asana, Vedic chanting, question/answer sessions, Gita recitation, and yoga
philosophy from the Bhagavad Gita and the Yoga Sutras of Patanjali. Each day
concludes with Ganga Havan and Aarti at sunset.
Class Capacity Max 30 students




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S-VYASA Yoga Programs at Parmarth Niketan Ashram 2014

In collaboration with Swami Vivekananda Yoga Anusandhana Sansthana (VYASA), Bangalore, India,
Parmarth Niketan Ashram offers a certified Yoga Instructor Course which is recognized by the Council
of Yoga Accreditation, Washington, DC, USA. VYASA is an International Yoga Research Organization
recognized by the Department of Science and Industrial Research, Govt. of India (since 1988), and is a
ICMR Center of Advanced Research in Yoga and Neurophysiology, which is ISO 9001-2008 certified --
the first Yoga University to be so certified. This collaboration also gives us the opportunity to offer
Yoga Therapy programs for Diabetes, Hypertension and Asthma. Certified instructors, doctors and
therapists from Swami Vivekananda Yoga Anusandhana Samsthana facilitate these programs.

Course Name Yoga Therapy Camp
Dates Diabetes
Sunday, March 30 Saturday, April 5, 2014
Sunday, October 6 Saturday, October 11, 2014
Hypertension
Sunday, August 31 Saturday, September 6, 2014
Sunday, October 19 Saturday, October 25, 2014
Asthma
Sunday, October 12 Saturday, October 18, 2014
Sunday, November 16 Saturday, November 22, 2014
Duration 6 days / 1 week
Description Yoga Therapy Camps will include asana and pranayama to assist with reducing the
symptoms of the chronic issue, discussions, Om chanting and meditation, laughter
yoga, cyclic meditation, mind-sound resonance, pranic energization and trataka.
Class Capacity Minimum 20 students

Course Name Yoga Instructor Course
Dates Winter 2014: Sunday, January 26 Saturday, February 22, 2014
Summer 2014: Sunday, June 1 Saturday, June 28, 2014
Duration 24 days / 4 weeks
Description This Yoga Instructor Course explores the 8 limbs of yoga in the different streams of
Karma Yoga, Jnana Yoga, Bhakti Yoga, Raja Yoga and Kriya Yoga including asana,
pranayama, meditation and mudras. Students will gain practical knowledge of Self
Management of Excessive Tension (SMET), teaching techniques, the relationship
between Yoga and the Panch Kosha (our five sheaths), yoga and health. Students will
also have the opportunity to learn from the life histories of Swami Vivekananda, Sri
Ramakrishna and Maa Sharada Devi.
Class Capacity Minimum 20 students
Pre-requisite Physically healthy and High School diploma / Grade 12 / 12
th
class. Please bring a copy
of your highest formal education certificate for the instructor.
Certificate Certified by VYASA, an International Yoga Research Organization, Bangalore, India, and
recognized by Council of Yoga Accreditation, Washington, DC, USA.
If you are interested in any of the above yoga programs or yoga therapies, please email us at
reservations@parmarth.com for additional information.
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SANSKARAS: RITES OF PASSAGE CEREMONIES

According to Vedic traditions, sanskaras are essentially the rites of passage that a person passes through
in life from conception to death. There are 16 sanskaras a person should go through in his/her lifetime.
The four most common and essential sanskars are performed with great piety, devotion and
tradition on the holy banks of Mother Ganga at Parmarth Niketan Ashram and are listed below.

For more information on Sanskaras, please visit the Life As Prayer section on www.parmarth.com
and/or to organize a sanskara ceremony for your family and friends email us at
parmarth@parmarth.com.

MUNDAN First hair cut
Mundan is performed typically during the 1
st
or 3
rd
year of age when the childs original, first
hair growth is shaved. This chudakarana sanskar is believed to bring long life to the child
free of undesirable traits from past lives.


UPANAYANA SANSKARA / YAGNO PAVIT / JANEO - Sacred thread
The Yagno Pavit ceremony can take place anytime between the ages of 5 12
when the child moves into the stage of serious study and sadhana. It is regarded
as one of the most important and essential sanskara, and thus can be
performed at any time that the person ready to move into sadhana.


VIVAH SANSKARA - Wedding / Marriage
In Hindu tradition, marriage is not only a ceremony, but it is truly a
sacrament. It is not a marriage for only a few years or a few decades, but
rather it is a marriage for at least 7 lifetimes. Different arrangements can
be made depending on the couple, their family, their tradition, etc.

ASTHI VISARJAN - Ash Immersion
Our holy scriptures say that to immerse the ashes of a loved one in the holy
waters of Mother Ganga is to ensure the release of their soul from bondage,
to help their spirit progress toward liberation. It is with this vision of
honouring our ancestors and maintaining our cultural heritage that we
are offering this Asti Visarjan (Ash Immersion) Program at Parmarth
Niketan Ashram.

NOTE: All pooja samagri (ritual supplies) and services at Parmarth Niketan Ashram are provided free
of cost.





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OUR INSPIRED SERVICE INITIATIVES
Living a life dedicated to the welfare of all, H.H. Pujya Swami Chidanand Saraswatiji leads, directs and inspires
numerous service initiatives, some of which are listed below. His divine example and action inspires people from
all over the world to join together with their time, talent, technology and tenacity.

Global Interfaith WASH Alliance
Pujya Swamiji is the Founder of GIWA-India which is an alliance in partnership with UNICEF that is
committed to bringing the worlds religions and their eminent leaders together to ensure and
encourage water, sanitation and hygiene for all.
www.i-wash.org

Project Hope
Pujya Swamiji has inspired and founded an initiative that brings all stakeholders together as one team
with one theme in times of natural calamity, serving to provide immediate and long-term relief as well
as long-term sustainable and green redevelopment.
www.projecthope-india.org

Ganga Action Parivar & National Ganga Rights Movement
Pujya Swamiji is the Founder of a massive ecological, river-cleanup campaign to keep the National River
Ganga free-flowing, natural and pristine as well as to inspire clean, green and serene movements all
around the world.
www.gangaaction.org

India Heritage Research Foundation
Pujya Swamiji is the Chairman of IHRF which serves with the mission to provide education, health care,
interfaith harmony and upliftment of women. IHRF has also created ashrams in Kailash-Mansarovar as
well as just recently launched the unprecedented and first-ever encyclopedia of Hinduism, a
compendium of Indian culture, heritage, history and civilization in eleven volumes.
www.ihrf.com

Divine Shakti Foundation
Pujya Swamiji has founded DSF for the service of providing holistic well being of women, their children,
and orphaned/abandoned children, and to all of Mother Nature.
www.divineshaktifoundation.org

Ganga Yoga
Pujya Swamiji has inspired Ganga Yoga as the practice of yoga, meditation and spirituality in action to
give and serve for the welfare of all like the Sun and like Mother Ganga with no expectation, no
hesitation, no discrimination and no vacation.

To learn more click here: http://parmarth.com/docs/Journey-of-Peace.pdf