Ramana Ashram

Sri Ramanasramam in Tiruvannamalai (celebrated globally as the spiritual epicenter of modern Advaita Vedanta and the sacred abode of the 20th century sage Bhagavan Sri Ramana Maharshi, who taught the direct path of Self inquiry 'Who Am I?' or Atma Vichara to seekers from across the globe), situated at the southern base of Holy Mount Arunachala along Chengam Road in Tiruvannamalai in Tamil Nadu, is one of the world's most venerated, peaceful, and spiritually transformative pilgrimage sanctuaries.

Founded in 1922 around the sacred resting place of Ramana Maharshi's mother Azhagammal (Matrubhuteswara Temple) and expanded over decades beneath the shade of ancient neem, iluppai, and banyan trees, this spiritual oasis welcomes thousands of global seekers seeking peace, deep inner silence, and direct spiritual communion with the eternal presence of the Maharshi.

It's the home of the sacred Ramana Samadhi Hall with its black granite lingam where daily Vedic chanting and floral pujas are conducted with solemn reverence, the revered Old Meditation Hall where Bhagavan sat for decades answering questions from world luminaries including Paul Brunton, Somerset Maugham, and Carl Jung, the Mother Matrubhuteswara Temple carved in fine Dravidian granite with a consecrated Sri Chakra shrine, the Samadhi shrines of beloved ashram animals including the enlightened Cow Lakshmi, the peaceful ashram library preserving thousands of rare spiritual texts and translations, the shaded peacocks and deer roaming the leafy gardens, the back gate mountain path ascending Mount Arunachala toward Skandashram and Virupaksha Cave, and a profound atmosphere of living silence that instantly still the restless mind.

It represents a rich Advaita Vedanta tradition, direct Self inquiry path, and universal spiritual sanctuary where Bhagavan Ramana's eternal grace, sacred Arunachala energy, daily Vedic chanting, and deep inner peace unite at the foot of Mount Arunachala.

Located on Chengam Road, it sits just 2 km from the historic Arunachaleswarar Temple, 3.5 km from Tiruvannamalai Railway Station (TNM), 170 km from Chennai International Airport (MAA), and 200 km from Bengaluru Kempegowda International Airport (BLR), easily accessible on foot, auto rickshaws, and local town buses.

The Sacred Samadhi Hall & Living Spiritual Presence

Built over the physical remains of Bhagavan Ramana Maharshi following his Mahanirvana in April 1950, the spacious Samadhi Hall is the beating spiritual heart of the ashram.

Devotees from around the world sit in silent meditation on the polished stone floor, enveloped by the continuous, tangible spiritual vibration radiating from the consecrated Shiva Lingam.

Truth is, spending an hour in silent meditation inside the Old Hall dissolves all inner restlessness into deep tranquility.

The Old Meditation Hall: Seat of Self Inquiry

Historic Couch: The Old Hall preserves the simple stone sofa where Bhagavan reclined for decades, radiating boundless silence and compassion to all who entered.

Vedic Chanting: Twice daily, ashram students recite the ancient Vedas and Tamil devotional hymns (Ulladu Narpadu and Aksharamanamalai) in this sacred hall.

Mother Matrubhuteswara Temple & Sacred Cow Lakshmi

Mother's Shrine: The temple dedicated to the Maharshi's mother contains a consecrated Sri Chakra, where intricate pujas are performed by orthodox priests.

Animal Samadhis: Shrines honoring Cow Lakshmi, deer, and dogs reflect Bhagavan's profound teaching that all living beings possess the same divine Self.

After meditating at Sri Ramanasramam, visit Seshadri Swamigal Ashram next door, take the scenic hill trail to Virupaksha Cave and Skandashram, or join the full moon 14 km Girivalam circumambulation.