Greenland Ashram

This posting is about the opening of a new spiritual facility here at Arunachala. The founders (a married couple) are devotees of Sri Sathya Sai Baba and have dedicated themselves to setting up a meditative retreat centre where individuals or groups can imbibe the atmosphere of the great Arunachala in a peaceful, countryside environment isolated from the hustle-bustle of the ever-developing Tiruvannamalai. Greenland Ashram is situated at around 12 km from Ramanashramam 4 km off the main highway to Bangalore. 

These photographs were taken about 2 months ago; at this time the facility is near to completion. Its opening date is set for September 2014. 

To find out more information please visit their website at this link here. 

Lord Ganesha entrance to Ashram

Arunachala darshan from Greenland Ashram

Kiran, Philippe's wife; co-founder of Ashram

Philippe, Kiran's husband; co-founder of Greenland

Living at site overseeing development

Meeting hall with attendance for 250 people

Some of the accommodation cottages at the Ashram

Ashram buildings being constructed simultaneously

All buildings constructed in organic, natural method

Buildings surrounded by beautiful hilly countryside

Ashram is a gated 6 acre protected environment

At Papaji’s Cave

The below short video is of a clip from “River of Silence” (English subtitles) – which is a documentary project about the search for silence, truth and spiritual awakening. 

The film accompanies a small group of travellers from Germany and Switzerland to North India. The group is led by two spiritual teachers Padma Wolff and Torsten Brügge -- who are well known in the growing Satsang-Movement in Germany. Padma received her spiritual name from her teacher H.W.L. Poonja (1910-1997) – also called Papaji. 

Papaji was an awakened Master, who lived in the city of Luknow and liked to spend his time in the forested area near Rishikesh. The cooler area in the hills close to the Ganges served as his summer resort.

In the interview at “Papaji’s Cave” Padma and Torsten answer questions about the relevance and importance of visiting spiritual places, contemplation, and of nature as teacher. 

Padma Wolff and Torsten Brugge regularly bring Retreat groups to India. To find out more about their upcoming Retreat to Rishikesh from February 23rd to March 8th at Laxman Jhoola, Rishikesh check out this link here. At that link there is also contact information in connection with their 2014 Retreat to Arunachala. 

Sri Nannagaru Ashrams

Popular Ashrams to stay at Tiruvannamalai are those of Sri Nannagaru. Sri Nanngaru (a Guru from Jinnuru, Andhra Pradesh) has two Ashrams located on the southside of Arunachala; at which pilgrims, visitors and retreat groups are welcome to stay whenever the Ashrams are available. Sri Nannagaru visits Arunachala around 4 times a year, including his visit during the festival of Deepam (this year, Bharani Deepam, the night of the lighting of the flame on Arunachala falls on November 24th, 2007).


Sri Nannagaru Ashram:

The below photograph is the view of Arunachala from the front gate of Sri Nannagaru Ashram, which is located just off the pradakshina road about 1 1/2 kms east of Ramana Ashram. In this respect Sri Nannagaru Ashram is as close you can get to the area of Ramana Nagar (which is a preferred place because of ashrams and facilities) yet still be in the comparative peace of the countryside.

Sri Nannagaru ashram has 20 modern rooms available (with ensuite Western style bathrooms) for accommodation purposes, a bamboo covered waterproof roof and kitchen on the top floor and a meditation hall. Meal arrangements and motorcycle/bicycle rentals can be made through the manager of the Ashram.

The below is the outside of the Ashram's meditation room (which is always available to visitors)

The next photograph is of the spectacular darshan of Arunachala from the Ashram roof. Sri Nannagaru Ashram is a very popular venue for Retreat Groups (both from overseas and India). In such cases special group requirements can be arranged.

Andhra Ashram, (which has approximately 10 accommodation rooms available) is located in Ramana Nagar about a 2 minutes walk from Ramana Ashram.

It is located on a quiet, leafy street and is perfect for those who want to remain in Ramana Nagar; close to major ashrams and shops.

The below photograph is of the pretty street on which Andhram Ashram is located and which leads up to the main pradakshina road

Rooms at Andhra Ashram are more rustic and although most rooms have ensuite bathrooms, they are of the Indian variety. There is a large meditation room on the Ashram ground floor, that is available to visitors. As in the case of Sri Nannagaru Ashram, rooms at Andhra Ashram are only available at the times the Guru is out-of-station.

If you would like more information about either of these ashrams for either your own purpose or for group/Retreat stays, please get in touch with: arunachalana@fastmail.fm