Yogoda Satsanga Sakha Ashram — Dwarahat
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Set amidst the scenic Himalayan foothills of Uttarakhand, Dwarahat is a place of deep spiritual significance to devotees of Yogoda Satsanga Society of India/Self-Realization Fellowship (YSS/SRF). Blessed by the divine presence of Mahavatar Babaji and associated with the sacred legacy of the great YSS/SRF gurus, these hills have long drawn sincere seekers yearning for peace, inner communion, and realization of the eternal truths of Kriya Yoga.
In this naturally uplifting environment, the Yogoda Satsanga Sakha Ashram at Dwarahat offers devotees an idyllic sanctuary in which to deepen their spiritual life. Whether visiting for a retreat, a special programme, or a period of personal sadhana, devotees can avail themselves of the ashram’s peaceful atmosphere for meditation, introspection, and attunement with the teachings of Paramahansa Yogananda.
A Spiritual Haven in the Himalayas
Built and inaugurated in 1983, the ashram premises include a Dhyana Mandir (meditation hall), where devotees gather for daily group meditations and satsangas conducted by YSS sannyasis.
The residential blocks offer clean and comfortable rooms, dining facilities, and other essential amenities for devotees attending programmes or individual retreats. The pathways connecting the various buildings are bordered by well-maintained gardens, open courtyards, and shaded sitting areas. Together with the serene Himalayan surroundings, these peaceful spaces provide devotees with ample opportunity for meditation, introspection, and quiet communion with the Divine.
Mahavatar Babaji’s Cave and Smriti Bhavan
Nestled in the lap of the Dunagiri mountains, about 25 km from Dwarahat, lies Mahavatar Babaji’s Cave — the hallowed place where, in 1861, Mahavatar Babaji initiated Lahiri Mahasaya into the ancient science of Kriya Yoga. All Kriyabans in the modern times trace their lineage to this event — a divine meeting that reintroduced Kriya Yoga to the modern world.
Near the cave, YSS has also established a small shrine, Smriti Bhavan, in honour of Mahavatar Babaji. It serves as a place of remembrance and meditation for devotees visiting this sacred pilgrimage site.
Visits by Distinguished Persons and Dignitaries
As more and more people come to know of Mahavatar Babaji through our beloved Gurudeva’s Autobiography of a Yogi, the internet and online media, a growing number of visitors — at times arriving by the busload — and among them distinguished persons and dignitaries, make the pilgrimage to this sacred site each day to receive the blessings of the great immortal master.
For many visitors, these pilgrimages are an opportunity to learn more about Mahavatar Babaji and the ancient science of Kriya Yoga, whose modern revival and worldwide dissemination were guided by this great guru through Paramahansa Yogananda and the line of YSS/SRF gurus.
Charitable and Humanitarian Work
True to Paramahansa Yogananda’s ideal of serving mankind as one’s larger Self, YSS Dwarahat Ashram regularly undertakes various charitable initiatives and relief work for the residents of Dwarahat and the neighbouring Himalayan villages. The ashram conducts free medical camps twice a year, offering free medicines, diagnostic support, and consultations across multiple specialities for those with limited access to healthcare.
Additionally, the ashram focuses on education and youth development through its charitable primary school, Bal Krishnalaya, for underprivileged children and an annual children’s summer camp that blends meditation, yoga, arts, values-based learning, and life-skills training. The ashram also supports local students with exceptional talent and aptitude by offering various scholarships and other forms of help.
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Weekly Programmes
We offer regular meditation and satsangas which are open to the public. These sessions include periods of silent meditation, devotional chanting, and inspirational reading.
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Upcoming Special Events and Long Meditations
(Led by YSS monastics)
Plan Your Visit
Would you like to visit the ashram during the day?
We welcome you to attend group meditations and enjoy the serenity of the ashram. You are also welcome to make a pilgrimage to the sacred locations associated with Mahavatar Babaji near Dwarahat. If you are interested in a guided tour of the ashram or in visiting places such as Mahavatar Babaji’s Cave or Smriti Bhavan, please contact our Reception Desk to make an appointment.
Please note: The ashram grounds are open to all visitors every day from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Plan a personal retreat or join a conducted retreat at the ashram.
YSS/SRF Lessons students are welcome to stay at the ashram for up to five days. We encourage devotees to take a personal retreat or join us for one of the conducted retreats to recharge and rejuvenate. During these retreats, you can participate in group meditations conducted by YSS sannyasis twice a day, and obtain spiritual counsel and guidance in the study and practice of the Yogoda Satsanga teachings.
Please click the button below to request accommodation at the ashram.
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How to Reach
Dwarahat, located in the Almora district of Uttarakhand, is well connected by air, rail, and road. Most visitors reach Dwarahat via Kathgodam or Haldwani, which serve as the main gateways to the Kumaon region.
The nearest airport to Dwarahat is Pantnagar Airport (PGH), located approximately 149 kms away. Pantnagar is connected to Delhi and Noida by limited but regular flights. From the airport, taxis are readily available to Dwarahat, and the travel time by road is approximately 6 hours.
The nearest railway stations are Kathgodam and Haldwani, situated about 116 kms and 122 kms respectively from YSS Dwarahat Ashram. From the railway stations, taxis and bus services are easily available to Dwarahat. The travel time by taxi from the railway stations to the ashram is approximately 5 hours.
Please find below a few trains that are available from Delhi to Kathgodam:
- Kathgodam Shatabdi Express (12040) – leaves New Delhi station early morning and arrives at Kathgodam around noon.
- Ranikhet Express (15013) – runs from Jaisalmer to Kathgodam via Jaipur and Delhi. It leaves Delhi at night and reaches Kathgodam by dawn.
Dwarahat is well connected by motorable roads to major towns and cities in Uttarakhand and North India.
Bus and taxi services are available from nearby cities in Uttarakhand – Kathgodam (116 kms), Haldwani (122 kms), Almora (70 kms), Nainital (93 kms), Ranikhet (35 kms), and Kausani (50 kms).
You may alternatively drive from Delhi (420 kms) which takes about 10 hours. From Delhi, buses to Kathgodam, Almora, or Nainital can be taken from ISBT Anand Vihar, followed by a connecting bus or taxi to Dwarahat.
Please note: With an average altitude of 1,500 m (5,000 ft.) and a dense cover of pine forests, Dwarahat remains cool all year round and gets especially cold during the winter months from November to February. Since the town quiets down by around 7:00 p.m., we recommend you aim to reach the ashram before evening.