Ramanasramam Overview
Sri Ramanasramam is the world-renowned ashram of sage Sri Ramana Maharshi, situated at the base of Mount Arunachala on Chengam Road. Open daily from 5:30 AM–12:30 PM and 2:00 PM–8:00 PM, entry is free. The ashram offers peaceful meditation in the Old Hall, darshan at the Samadhi shrines, a heritage bookstore, and quiet forest pathways.
The Atmosphere of Silent Contemplation
Founded around Sri Ramana Maharshi (1879–1950), who made Arunachala his home from the age of sixteen until his Mahasamadhi, Ramanasramam is not an institution of rituals or sermons. Instead, it invites visitors into the practice of silent self-enquiry through the question: "Who am I?" (Nan Yar?).
Key Highlights Inside the Ashram
- The Old Hall (Pazhaya Mandapam): The original room where Bhagavan Ramana lived, sat on his couch, and received visitors from around the world for decades. Visitors sit quietly in meditation here throughout the day.
- The Samadhi Shrine: The marble shrine marking the resting place of Sri Ramana’s mortal remains, where daily Vedic chanting (Veda Parayana) takes place at 5:00 PM.
- Matrubhuteswara Temple: The consecrated shrine dedicated to Ramana’s mother, Alagammal, who attained liberation under her son’s guidance.
- The Ashram Book Depot: One of the finest collections of Advaita Vedanta philosophy books, archival photographs, and translations in numerous world languages.
Ashram Etiquette for Visitors
To preserve the meditative environment, guests are requested to observe silence, turn off mobile phones, dress modestly with shoulders and knees covered, and remove footwear at designated outdoor racks before entering the halls.
For connecting your ashram visit with mountain caves and Girivalam, refer to our master Tiruvannamalai travel guide.
