Discover Peace and Spirituality: Exploring Pune’s Top 7 Ashrams
Discover Peace and Spirituality: Exploring Pune’s Top 7 Ashrams
Pune, known for its fast-growing industrial landscape and academic vibrancy, is also a city deeply rooted in spirituality and culture. Despite its bustling, cosmopolitan nature, the city retains a spiritual essence, with serene ashrams dotting its landscape. These ashrams serve as sanctuaries for those seeking meditation, peace, and a deeper connection with the divine. Here’s a look at seven prominent ashrams in Pune that offer a blend of tranquility and spiritual growth.
1. Manan Ashram
Located on the outskirts of Pune, Manan Ashram is surrounded by nature’s pristine beauty. The ashram follows the principles of Maha Nirvana Nirmaan, focusing on raising human consciousness both within and outside the body. Manan Ashram emphasizes sustainable living, teaching its disciples to maintain harmony between Earth and humans. This eco-friendly sanctuary provides a perfect retreat for those seeking spiritual growth amidst nature.
2. Maher Ashram
Founded by Sister Lucy in 1997, Maher Ashram, meaning “Mother’s Home” in Marathi, is situated in Koregaon Bhima. Unlike conventional ashrams, Maher serves as a safe haven for homeless, distressed, and tormented individuals, particularly women. Now a UN-registered NGO, the ashram also extends its support to children and men from underprivileged backgrounds. With its focus on humanitarian work, Maher Ashram is more than just a spiritual retreat; it’s a lifeline for the vulnerable.
3. Punyadham Ashram
Punyadham Ashram, created with blessings from Acharya Sudhanshu Maharaj and led by Maa Krishna Kashyap, is a hub of social service. The ashram focuses on serving humanity as a path to serve God. Known for organizing mass marriages for the poor, the ashram’s “Hamari Beti” project addresses education, life skills, healthcare, and shelter for impoverished people. Punyadham’s work in uplifting society has garnered widespread praise, making it a unique spiritual and charitable institution.
4. Anath Hindu Mahila Ashram
Anath Hindu Mahila Ashram, located in Narayan Peth, is one of Pune’s largest ashrams, dedicated to the care and rehabilitation of homeless girls. In addition to its noble cause, the ashram emphasizes religious and spiritual practices, with daily bhajans, jnana sessions, and satsangs. It also provides vocational training to its residents, empowering them to live independently while maintaining a strong connection to their spiritual roots.
5. Shree Ma Anandamayee Ashram
Known locally as Ma’s Ashram, this spiritual center is located on Chaturshringi Hill. Dedicated to Ma Anandamayee, the ashram has been a place of devotion since 1961. Followers continue to chant her 108 mantras regularly, keeping her teachings alive. The ashram includes a large satsang hall and a Shiva temple, where spiritual seekers come for meditation and to immerse themselves in divine energy.
6. Art of Living Pune (Triveni Ashram)
Situated about 10 km from Alandi, the Art of Living’s Triveni Ashram is nestled between the Bhima, Bhama, and Indrayani rivers. This 32-acre retreat, established in 2008, is a peaceful haven for those seeking mental, physical, and spiritual peace. With meditation halls, an amphitheatre, a vegetable farm, and a Gau-shala (cowshed), the ashram offers a holistic space for visitors to unwind and connect with nature.
7. Datta Ashram (Dagdu Halwai Dutta Mandir)
Established nearly a century ago, Datta Ashram is one of Pune’s most well-known spiritual centers. Founded in memory of Gurudutta by Smt. Laxmibai Dagdu Halwai, the ashram conducts daily pujas and rituals dedicated to Brahma, Vishnu, and Shiva, the trinity of Hinduism. Its spiritual ambiance attracts devotees seeking blessings and guidance.
