Shantikunj

Pilgrimage

Photo Credit: Flickr

Distance (From Haridwar Jn Railway Station): 6.5 Kms

Trip Duration (Including Travel): 2 Hours

Place Location: On Rishikesh Road

Transportation Options: Cab / Auto

Travel Tips: None

At a distance of 6.5 km from Haridwar Junction Railway Station, Shantikunj is a pilgrim center of Gayatri Pariwar members. It is situated amidst serene location on Rishikesh Road in Sapt Sarovar Area of Haridwar.

Shantikunj is also known as Gayatri Shakti Peeth. It was established by late Pandit Shriram Sharma in 1971 and is the head-quarter of All World Gayatri Pariwar, which has more than 70 million followers all over the world. Shantikunj has initiated a global movement known as Yug Nirman Yojana (Movement for the Reconstruction of the Era) for moral as well as spiritual regeneration.

A magnificent temple of Gayatri Mata and idols of Sapt Rishis are located here. The place is charged with spiritual energy generated by penance of the most celebrated seven rishis of ancient times. Shantikunj is working towards national integration and awakening of cultural, ethical, moral and spiritual values of people.

This complex offers spiritual teachings, trainings and education about spiritual and moral enlightenment. It has Brahmavarchas Shodh Sansthan, a research institute and Dev Sanskriti Vishwavidyalaya, a residential university in its campus. It also provides free Ayurvedic treatment. As part of research, there are around 250 rare medicinal plants preserved here.

Visitors can stay for two days in the Ashram for free and are required to participate in all its daily activities.