Top 6 ashrams in India where you can stay for free

Deciding to live in a ashram is a great step towards improving your inner self. It’s a soul enriching experience, which we would surely recommend for you to try atleast once in your life. It is the best place to be if you are looking for a break from your daily chaotic life and spend some time in a peaceful stress-free environment.

If you are planning a spiritual trip in India, get your free travel itinerary here!!

Here is a list of ashrams you can live for free. Ofcourse, it goes without saying that you should be willing to volunteering in the activities. Volunteering is one of the basic idea of how ashrams function and a great example of how content lies in simple things in life.

To read about the experiences of people who lived in an ashram, check Experience of people living in an ashram.

If you are someone who prefer to relax and rejuvenate with the backdrop of the Himalayan snow-capped mountains, here are the Himalayan monasteries you can stay in. For more details, check out Top 10 Himalayan you can stay in.

If you want to see the Top 10 Detox Ashrams in India, visit Detox Ashrams.

1. Isha Foundation

Picture Courtesy – https://isha.sadhguru.org/in/en

A chain of spirituality centers created by Sadhguru, it has two residential centers at Coimbatore and Delhi. This foundation is almost entirely volunteer run. There are a lot of volunteering options like :

  • Sadhanapada – It is a 7 month intensive residential program for complete transformation. The daily schedule includes yoga, seva and celebrational events. Interested individuals are required to fill an application form and submit the necessary documents.
  • Skill based – social media handling, IT developers, video and photography editing, proof reading in different languages, graphic designs are some of the many options under this category.
  • Program/Event based – organizing business leadership programs, handling Sadhguru’s personal social initiatives like Rally for Rivers, and other Isha yoga programs.
  • Ashram Volunteering – This involves volunteering in the dining, kitchen, serving the temple programs. Interested individuals can join to participate at any given time of the year.
  • Dhyanalinga – This involves one day of silence followed y an 8 day course of Linga Seva – to make oneself more receptive.

All the above mentioned volunteering options comes with free accommodation in the yoga center and 2 vegetarian full meals everyday.

2. Art of Living

Picture Courtesy – https://artofliving.org

Their Ashrams are everywhere in India. Its spread in major cities like Bangalore, Rishikesh, Kerala, Pune, Assam and Nagpur. Their volunteering program is called ‘Service and Yoga Fellowship’. It is a 2 month to 12 months range of opportunities.

Their service opportunities require 35 house per week of service. The range of options are culinary assistance, dining service, content development, organic farming and program coordinator. If you are not interested in volunteering, there are options of activities like adventure hiking, knowledge discussions and movie nights.

The part -1 course is for 2 months. And after completing that successfully, an individual is eligible for the Part – 2 course free of cost. The application process has to be filled out prior in hand. The center provides housing and food for volunteers. Single-sex rooms with private bathrooms and plant- based vegetarian meals are served.

3. Mata Amritanandamayi Ashram

Picture Courtesy – https://www.amritapuri.org/ashram

They have branches in every major city, but their main Ashram is in Chennai. The volunteering options they have are disaster relief, in the field of healthcare, nature care, educating kids and social welfare services like housing, food distribution and scholarship opportunities to the deserving mass. They provide housing for the volunteers for any number of days they wish to serve.

4. Geeta Bhawan

Picture Courtesy – http://wikimapia.com

It is one of the biggest and most famous ashrams in Rishikesh. This ashram has roughly over 1000 rooms for visitors from all over the world. The devotees come from far away places to take a dip in the holy Ganga water right in front of the Bhawan.

There are many meditation sessions happening at all times of the day for the visitors to involve themselves in. The Bhawan provides free accommodation and food for everyone who wishes to stay. There are other facilities like retail stores, temples, book stores and rejuvenating spots for spiritual improvement.

5. Ramana Maharshi Ashram

Picture Courtesy – www.google.com

This is located in Thiruvanamalai, Tamil Nadu. The place has a very homely vibe to it. Encouraging visitors from all over the world, it has facilities like an in-house library, dining hall, meditation room and many more.

The visitors are allowed to take free advantage of the ashram activities like yoga, prayer readings in different languages and meditation. They are given an option to take part in transmission of self knowledge sessions and spiritual practices held by the ashram. Anyone coming here are given an accommodation for free, for a maximum of one week. The arrival should be booked before one month.

6. Anandashram

Picture Courtesy – https://wikipedia.org

This Ashram is located in Kasargod, Kerala. It was built in 1931. It has its Samitis spread across India in places like Bangalore, Hyderabad, Mumbai, Trivandrum and so on. There are numerous volunteering options if interested. If you are seeking to involve in spirituality without volunteering you are welcome here to stay for 2 days, absolutely free.

Experienced living in an ashram before? Do comment your experience below. We would love to hear your experience!

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154 Replies to “Top 6 ashrams in India where you can stay for free”

    1. Hello.
      In India:
      (1) Thiskse Monastery in Ladakh, is the biggest one.
      (2) Hemis Gompa in Ladakh, is the richest in that region.
      (3) Tabo Monastery and Nako Gompa, are in Spiti, Himachal Pradesh.
      In Nepal:
      (1) Kopan Monastery in Kathmandu is a very famous one. They willaccept visitors as long as they want to live, with no rules and regulations. You can read more about it here – Lawudo Gompa
      (2) Thupten Choling is also another monastery in Khumbu district of Nepal.

        1. in kashi or varanasi there is annapurna old age home or asram is there. Another one in varanasi is Ramakrishna mission hospital and asram..everything is free here. u can go to darshan of lord siva every day

          1. I am too an Advocate and I think I should have stayed in Ashrams before I started my practice.

  1. Hi my name is Shivam Singh and stay in Mumbai. I am very much interested to leave in ashram where I can improve myself and stay out of these nonsense. I want to stay there till my death.
    Please suggest.
    You can get in touch with me on my email address sunnyshivam041@gmail.com for more details

  2. Hello, the above mentioned ashrams encourage volunteer work while you stay. Kopan Monastery in Kathmandu is a very famous one. They will accept visitors as long as they want to live, with no rules and regulations. You can read more about it here – Lawudo Gompa

    1. Hi good day
      Me and my wife willing to stay in monastery for our rest of lifesaver sanyasi.
      I am 59 and my wife 55.
      Can you advise how to contact and reach there.

  3. Hi I’m sowmiya 21 years old I’m a devotee of bhagwan Sri Krishna i would like to live my remaining life as a sanyasi where i can stay..? Is there any place to permanently in free of cost..?

    1. there is one asram called vatsalya gram or it also called sadhvi ritambhara asram..in uttarpadesh..there is a krishna temple inside asram. the asram is for women of all ages. the address is
      sadhvi ritambara asram NH2 bhuteswar road vatsalya gram dhorera khader uttarpadesh 281121
      they have branches in sijai and omkareswar in madhya pradesh
      barmer in rajasthan and rudraprayag in uttarakhand

  4. Hi!
    I am Nalini, aged 39, a single, Sri Lankan who is a devotee of Goddess Sri Durga. I would like to lead my life as a sanyasi forever.
    Is there any place to stay permanantely for free of cost? Please reply me.
    Thank U!

      1. Hlo surabhi …can u please provide me your ph number so i can directly ask you regarding the place to stay in ashrams ..becoz i want to spend my few months in ashram to devlop my self but i m not able to get the best place to stay

    1. annapurna asram near siva temple in varanasi; rama krishna mission varanasi
      Apna ghar sarvdharm colony kolar road bhopal madyapradesh
      first two r nice for u

    1. vatsalya gram asram in vrindavan mathura uttarpradesh its also called sadhvi ritambara asram
      NH2 bhuteswar road dhorera khadar uttarpradesh

    2. want to live my rest of life till death as a sanyashi. Can you plz tell me how can i get all details to do this.

      9619759850

  5. I want to stay my rest life with buddhist ashram. So please tell me where I go to stay, I am 38yr male, I have no interest in social life,

  6. Can you suggest me the most beautiful ashram in india where I can spend rest of my life for free with yoga practice and volunteering. Keya kolkata

    1. Planning to leave family life in 3-4 years and live like a sanyasi for the rest of my life.
      Please suggest one good ashram where I can stay for free.

  7. Hi..I’m vidya..want to spend my remaining life in ashrama n want to serve kids n get involved in spiritual activities…I’m no longer inter in this fake world…please help me..

      1. Hi I m satendra tiwari 32 marrierd
        Want to spend my remaining life himalay near ashram and natural’ place please suggest
        Pls help me
        9770354977

  8. Dear sir, i am 47 yrs old widow .living with six dogs who were abondoned.iwould like to stay in an ashram with submitting my properties.pls guide me .

  9. I am 32 years old. And I too want to live my rest of life in a peaceful ashram, leaving all the selfish relations. i want to study there, lots of books, doing yogas, meditation. but i am not willing to be forced to do volunteer works. Though, I can do some works as per my wish.
    Please mention some good places in hindi region.
    Please contact me at goviin05@gmail.com

    1. The above mentioned places are a good choice for you. If you want more options. keep an eye for our next post.

      1. hi miss keerti..
        i appreciate ur contribution..urs is kind heart. plz tell me how to upload some good asrams details..i have good information

  10. Hello all, I am 32 years old. And I too want to live my rest of life in a peaceful ashram, leaving all the selfish relations. i want to study there, lots of books, doing yogas, meditation. but i am not willing to be forced to do volunteer works. Though, I can do some works as per my wish.
    Please mention some good places in hindi region.
    Anybody who wants the same out of his or her life, Please contact me at goviin05@gmail.com.
    “1 se bhale 2”.
    if anyone knows such places, please share with me.
    Thanks.

  11. Am from chennai my name is vikram
    Do disturbed with lot general issues in my life…I always wanted to one asharam atleast live there 10 to 20 days doing some volunteer work and what ever I don’t mind…al want is peace and sunshine with good vibe around…though am not earning currently please let me is there any ashram near chennai with completely free For accommodation and food

  12. Hi I am Kumar 26 year old and I am interested to spent my all life in ashram ..

    I am M.B.A holder experience in operations and management department… welling to manage and team lead .

  13. Hi everyone.. Can anyone allow me to stay in ashram. I want to leave my hole life in d prayer of God. Can any one help me.

    1. ankitha i suggest u can try in Annapurna Asram in varanasi and rama krishna mission varanasi..everything is free there.

  14. Please let me know if i can stay in any ashrams for life long. I want peace in my life with no relations and hurdles. I am ready to take up volunteer work. help me out.

  15. Hey my name is Geeta and I am 23 years old and I want to be part of it …I want to join it for life long…plz send me message

    1. I have a plan to have a commune made out of scatch in abandoned land in the lap of nature . If interested let’s connect n discuss , plan is to come together 5 people. And start living off-grid and slowly slowly get a company sponsorship from crs fund and built up an commune natural fund required 2 to 7 lakhs, or norhing.

  16. Hi, my name is Sai, I want to donate all my earnings (close to 20Lakh rupees) to a spiritual ashram and stay there for rest of my life serving people and doing meditation as a saint, can you suggest a good ashram isolated from social life and tourists and close to nature. Thanks.

  17. Can some one suggest an ashram in kerala close to nature. Needs some peace n sunshine. I am 42years old. Unhappy n alone in life. Ready to leave the corporate job n lead a peaceful life. Willing to do voluntry service n looking for free accommodations.

  18. I Jyothi Jagtap and My mother Vidya Bai.

    Wanted to join Aashram.

    I am feed up in this fake world. No one listen to us, blaming us, torturing us,…please help us.

      1. Myself (satyendra) and my mother’s want to leave rest of life in peacefully and i will server our religion I have done MCA having 10 year experience.

        Pls mail me at s1satyendra@gmail.com and provide your contact no.
        My contact no is 7318310046
        We are from north India prayagraj.

  19. I tried to end my life due to the situations….I want to live rest in peace of God, if I get a chance it’s my pleasure and I do my part ….

  20. I’m a man of 65 yrs willing to spend the remaining period of my life in an Aashram extending hands as a volunteer in the Aashram .

  21. Hello my name is ashima tiwari..my mother is interested to live in ashram forever, can u please suggest a good place.. With free of cost.. I am also interested to live in ashram till my death.. Plz suggest me..
    Here is my mail id – aashimtiwari21@gmail.com

  22. Hi,
    I have had a horrible life experience in the past 10 years with no peace and satisfaction. So now looking to spend remaining years in an ashram and lead a peaceful life. Please suggest.

  23. Hello Mam I am pooja and 29 year old.
    I tried to end my life due to the situations….I want to live rest in peace of God

  24. I M 61Yrs. Want to leave in any neatly & Jogic( where Meditation & Dhayan Activities ) Asram near Rishikesh or anyother places.
    plz. Contacts me & send details administrative processes.
    Also interested in Jogic Courses ( Short / Long duration ) in that Asram.

  25. Please helps me to get good and safe asharm for women. I am 27 yrs old woman and I am not interested in social life, i want to live in peace and give my rest of life to god. Please suggest me good asharm.

    1. a safe free asram for women is vatsalya gram near vrindavan in uttar pradesh..it is caĺled sadhvi ritambara asram also . Address is
      VATSALYA GRAM NH2 bhuteswar road dorera khader uttarpradesh . they have branches in sijai and omkareswar in madhya pradesh and Barmer in rajasthan

  26. I am 60 yrs of age. I want to live in the ashram forever. I am from odisha, cuttack. Pls. Suggest me where can i live, i can do volunteer work. I am just fed up with my family, don’t want to live anymore.
    Pls reply soon.

  27. Hello, I am Anita Singh. I tried many times to end my life due to some bad situations…….please i want to spend my whole life in piece of God.

  28. I want to spend my remaining life with god only and I am ready to do volunteer work or anything.. how can I join in ashram nd how can I contact u.. plz hlp me.

  29. Iam 46yrs old single women fed up with life. I want to spend my rest of the life in a safe and good ashram and can do volunteer work. Please suggest an ashram where I can stay rest of my life.

  30. I want to come and stay is the ashram ..I just want to be away from this stupid people around me..I feel now a days that I am loosing my values in my family so better I serve outside to needy people and serve God..

    1. this is life changing apportunity
      I m not interested in social life
      ready to do any volunteer work in ashram
      pl help

      Suresh K
      mob:91 9833486664

  31. Hi,
    Can you suggest good ashram for women to stay for life long doing volunteer or other ashram duties?
    Thanks,
    Vishu

  32. one best asram for women of all ages its called vatsalya gram or sadhvi ritambara asram in vrindavan uttarpradesh the address is
    VATSALYA GRAM NH2 bhuteswar road dorera khader uttarpradesh 281121
    they have branches in SIJAI AND OMKARESWAR IN MADYAPRADESH
    BARMER IN RAJASTHAN

  33. I am a Lawyer & 59 years old. I know that our so called Society/Family is nothing but an illusion of GOD,at the age of 59 I am very much fit and ready to join in volunteering works,seeking for a good ASRAM to stay for the rest of my life,where I can practice meditation .I am a devotee of Goddess KALI MATA.

  34. my age is 66 I want to stay in ashram for my remaining life,can I stay with your ashram, I sm Retired mech.engg.and ready to work as voluntary

  35. I am Navin, aged 57 lost so many things, unemployed from several years. Now I have no money and any relative who can support me for my lively hood and for my medicines.
    Please suggest me where I can stay free.
    I can do their volunteer work.
    Your support is needed

  36. Hii I’m sagar age 23 year I an done with my life I just want to live away from home can anyone tell me where I can stay in Himalayas ashram as free of cost
    My whatsapp number 9513783425

  37. I want to stay in a Ashram for few months or more to get rid of this society. To keep myself relieved from depression and mental stress. I am financially not wealthy. (I will never mind to volunteer in the Ashram.)Kindly suggest some Ashrams where I could go and stay to empty my mind.
    Thanks in Advance.

  38. Dear sir, we run an Ashram (Sri Sachidanand Nishkam Seva Trust) that provides long term and short term stay facility on free & paid basis, in the spiritual environment inside deep forest area, we offer Yoga, spiritual care, medical tourism & hospice care, We are located in the Reserve Kukrail Forest of Lucknow in State of Uttar Pradesh, India. We wish to be enlisted on your website.

    Regards
    Ragini Singh
    Sri Sachidanand Nishkam Seva Trust
    4.5 km on Gudamba Marg, Rasoolpur Sadat,
    Churamanpurva, Pin-226028, UP, India
    E-mail : sachidanandseva@gmail.com
    Mob – 9389484980 / 9336285050

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