Parmarth Niketan
Rishikesh's largest ashram, founded in 1942 in Swargashram, known for its daily sunset Ganga Aarti and yoga programmes.
Overview
Parmarth Niketan is Rishikesh's biggest ashram and a popular place for the evening Ganga Aarti. This guide covers its history, timings and visitor etiquette.
Parmarth Niketan is an ashram in Swargashram on the banks of the Ganges, in the Tehri Garhwal part of Rishikesh. Wikipedia says it was founded in 1942 by Swami Shukdevanandji Maharaj and calls it the largest ashram in Rishikesh, with more than 1,000 rooms. Since 1986 its spiritual head has been Swami Chidanand Saraswati. The ashram's website says it is open to all regardless of race, nationality, religion, caste or creed.
It runs daily yoga and meditation classes, and is best known for the Ganga Aarti on its ghat each day at sunset, preceded by a yagna about 30 minutes earlier; the time varies with the season. The website does not say whether attending the aarti has a fee, and we found no official statement either way. You can stay in the ashram's rooms through its own booking system. Visitors should dress modestly, remove footwear and keep silent during prayers.
It is a short walk from Ram Jhula when that bridge is open, so ask about access first.
Entry fees
Entry
All visitors
The official site does not state whether the Ganga Aarti or visit has a fee.
Amount needs verification
Aarti and visiting fee not stated; accommodation and classes are charged by the ashram.
We only show an amount when a source backs it. Prices change, so confirm locally before you go.
Opening hours
Ganga Aarti daily at sunset, with the yagna about 30 minutes earlier; times vary by season (official site).
Check with the ashram reception for daily timings.
Visitor information
- Best time to visit
- October to March
- Best time of day
- 30–45 minutes before sunset
- How long to spend
- 1–2 hours
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Families
- Suitable for families
Good to know
- Dress modestly
- Remove shoes
- Keep quiet during prayers
Location
Parmarth Niketan, Swargashram, Rishikesh, Uttarakhand
Rishikesh, Uttarakhand, India
30.11923, 78.31221
Get directionsPhotos
Preparing for the evening Ganga Aarti. Photo: आर्या जोशी / Wikimedia Commons · CC BY-SA 4.0 The ashram across the river at night. Photo: Sheikh Ershad / Wikimedia Commons · CC BY-SA 2.0
Frequently asked questions
What time is the Ganga Aarti at Parmarth Niketan?
At sunset each day per the official site; times vary by season, so ask reception.
Is there a fee for the aarti?
The official site does not say; we could not confirm.
When was Parmarth Niketan founded?
In 1942, per Wikipedia.
Information sources
Where the facts on this page come from, and what still needs confirming.
Information last checked 7 October 2026
Not yet confirmed
- fee for aarti (not stated)
Not available yet
- more photos
- aarti fee statement
- Parmarth Niketan – official website · Official site
- Wikipedia – Parmarth Niketan · Encyclopedia
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