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Feel the Beatles at the Beatles Ashram

By Akshatha Vinayak

When the whole world was grooving in the "Beatlemania", something attracted the Fab Four to India! A so-called unknown spiritual place was calling for their attention. The world famous Beatles were drawn towards the Transcendental Meditation!

Yeah! It was their stay at the Maharishi Mahesh Yogi Ashram that made it popular as the Beatles Ashram in Rishikesh.

the Beatles Ashram

The Beatles pictured at Grammys
Photo Courtesy: EMI

After all which place is better than India to learn meditation? Transcendental Meditation is a technique of yogic meditation which was introduced by Maharishi Mahesh Yogi.

So, the Fab Four along with a few others stayed in Maharishi Mahesh Yogi Ashram for some weeks. The guru himself is said to have trained them in transcendental meditation. Being at the peak of their success, the Beatles wanted to stay out of media attention and stress.

the Beatles Ashram

Photo Courtesy: Am Ator

The Beatles wrote more than 40 songs during their stay in this ashram. Later, many of these songs became a part of the "White Album" and "Abbey Road".

However, some reports say that they couldn't adjust to the lifestyle and food at the ashram. They returned after spending some time in Rishikesh.

the Beatles Ashram

The Beatles Ashram from a distance
Photo Courtesy: Morgan López

Later, the Maharishi Mahesh Yogi Ashram became famous as the Beatles Ashram. It became a tourist place and a shrine for the fans who could feel the presence of the Band!

Unfortunately, The Beatles Ashram was shut down after the demise of the guru Mahesh Yogi. It didn't stop the crazy fans from straying into this disputed property. As a result of this fan interventions, we can see some amazing graffitis on the walls of this ashram.

the Beatles Ashram

One of the meditation halls in the Beatles Ashram
Photo Courtesy: ramesh Iyanswamy

Where is the Beatles Ashram?

The Beatles Ashram is inside Rajaji National Park near to the bank of Ganga River in Rishikesh. This place reopened after shutting down for three decades. The Forest Department of Uttarakhand has also planned to construct a meditation hall and Yoga centre around this location.

Thankfully, the site has got revamped and now it is open to the public. The Beatles Ashram locally famous as Chaurasi Kutiya also attracts many travellers and fans.

the Beatles Ashram

Cave halls were used for practicing medition in The Beatles Ashram
Photo Courtesy: Taz

It was this visit by the Beatles that pushed Rishikesh to the global picture. Today, Rishikesh is not just the 'Yoga Capital of the World' but also one of the top places for adventure activities in India.

So, don't forget to peek inside this Beatles Ashram on your visit to Rishikesh!

Read more about: unique travel ideas rishikesh
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