Indian Ashrams were centres of great learning in the past
India has a tradition of Ashram that were small huts of sages in dense forest. Ashram in ancient times were meant for only intellectual purposes either for meditation of sage or learning of students. This is commonly known as Guru-Shishya Paramapara which translates to teacher-pupil tradition. TheseAshram were centres of great learning and many of great personalities of ancient India were mentored in these Ashram.
Though time has changed and we are living in a wholly mechanized world of learning where by learning from computers and other teaching aids is prevalent, we still need some mental relief from never ending activities that surround us. If not young elderly miss that lack of space for common folk and loiter here and there in search of any kind of assistance that could give them some mental, emotional and physical relief from tiring day to day life.
What are the motives of ashrams of India at present?
Ashram system still exists in India though with some alteration of past system. These Ashram are a centre of activities that could give people some psychological peace. Generally these are owned by some great saints or babas. Though these are organisational in structure these ashram are centres of intellectual and spiritual activities like Yoga, Asanas, Meditations and some other activities that include groups. Many devotional songs and cultural activities like preaching by great saints or religious gurus are a part of daily lives of people. People come in large numbers especially those who have some problems in their lives stay for some time get mental relief and learn to be happy in life accepting challenges and obstacles.
Ashrams and Muths in Varanasi
In Varanasi different religious outfits have their own Muths and Ashram. Many of these Muths and Ashram have survived for centuries and are centers of spiritualism and religious activities. Some of the noted Muths and Ashram of Varanasi are listed below:
- Dharm Sangh
- Nirajani Akhanra
- Satua Baba Ashram
- Widow Ashram
- Shankaracharya Math
- Jangambari Math
- Sadhu Bela Ashram
- Mata Anandmai Ashram
- Radha Swami Bag
- Kabir Math
- KarpatriJi Math
- Dandi Swami Math
- RamKrishna Mission Sevashram
- Kinaram Math
- Sanatan Gaudiya Math
- ShriMath, PanchgangaGhat
- Tailang Swami Math
- GadwaGhat Ashram
- Gopal Math
- Bhinagaraj Dandi Sevashram
These Ashram are non-political organisations and almost all run on charity of members. Many times some self-proclaimed god-men or god-women come to light in some other contexts or clearly saying criminal acts.
To avoid cheatings and frauds in the name of providing ashram shelter tour and travel companies have emerged for your assistance.
Holy Voyages provides you a list of Ashram on its itinerary with best opportunities to visit an ashram in Varanasi. This could bring a miraculous change to your life.