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26 Oct 2024

Uttarakhand: Renovation Plans Underway for Historic Chaurasi Kutiya Ashram in Rishikesh, Former Retreat of The Beatles; See Details

 


The historic Chaurasi Kutiya Ashram, widely known as the Beatles Ashram due to its association with the famous British band The Beatles, is set to undergo renovation led by a renowned architecture firm from Gujarat. Located within the Rajaji National Park near Rishikesh, also known as the "Yoga City," the ashram gained global fame when members of The Beatles—John Lennon, Paul McCartney, George Harrison, and Ringo Starr—spent three months there in 1968, practicing yoga and composing over 30 songs, marking one of their most creatively prolific periods.


Project Assigned to Gujarat-based Firm


The Uttarakhand government, led by Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami, has entrusted the renovation project to HCP Design, Planning and Management Private Limited. Headquartered in Ahmedabad, Gujarat, this company has undertaken several notable projects across India, including the Central Vista, the New Parliament Complex, and the Kashi Vishwanath Corridor. 


Currently, the company is also involved in the Gandhi Ashram restoration project in Ahmedabad. The HCP team, led by prominent architect Bimal Patel, brings extensive experience in managing high-profile, culturally significant projects.


Ashram Situated Within Rajaji National Park


Established in 1961 by Maharishi Mahesh Yogi, Chaurasi Kutiya Ashram was originally built as a meditation center. Spanning 7.5 hectares within Rajaji National Park, the ashram provides a serene and secluded environment for spiritual practice. 


Beatles visited in 1968


The Beatles’ visit in 1968 put the ashram on the global map as an iconic retreat for meditation, attracting artists and spiritual seekers worldwide. For many fans, the ashram remains a pilgrimage site, representing a time when the band embraced Indian spirituality and yoga, deeply influencing their music and cultural legacy.


Initiative from the Center to Preserve the Site's Heritage


Anand Patel, the project head at HCP, revealed that the estimated cost for the renovation is approximately Rs 90 crores, with work expected to begin by December. Patel said that the initiative for the ashram’s restoration was motivated by the interest of foreign delegates who attended the G-20 summit in Rishikesh last year. Many of these delegates expressed a desire to visit the iconic site, prompting the central government to approach the Uttarakhand administration about its development potential.


Patel emphasized, "This project aligns with the Uttarakhand government's vision, with guidance from the central government. The ashram's history and natural location make it a valuable cultural and ecological landmark."


Commitment to Environmental Preservation and Authenticity


Patel further explained that the renovation will maintain the ashram's original structure and ambiance. Given its location within a national park, the project will follow a "low-impact tourism" model, minimizing human disturbance to protect the area's delicate ecosystem. Noise and tourist activities will be kept to a minimum to avoid any adverse effects on the surrounding environment.


“The ashram is over 50 years old, and our approach is to preserve its authenticity, ensuring that visitors experience it as it was originally intended,” Patel added. The project aims to strike a balance between conservation and responsible tourism, allowing visitors to appreciate the ashram’s historical and spiritual significance without compromising its environmental integrity.


This careful approach reflects an ongoing commitment to maintaining the cultural heritage and natural beauty that have made Chaurasi Kutiya Ashram a cherished site in India’s spiritual landscape.


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