Sandeepany Himachal

The sight of the wonderful landscapes and objects of nature purifies the soul, as beating improves the quality of gold.

Swami Tapovan Maharaj

Sandeepany Himachal

Gateway to the Himalayas

In 1979, Swami Chinmayananda established Sandeepany Himalachal at Sidhbari, nestled in the foothills of the Dhauladhar Ranges, as a tribute to his guru, Swami Tapovan, and to the sacred Himalayas, home of gods, saints and sages.

He asserted that the ashram, with its Hindi Vedanta course for training Vedanta students to work locally, Shri Ram temple ,and giant Hanuman murti, is also an expression of gratitude to the hard working, pious mountain folk who have served countless sadhus across the ages.

Home of the Siddhas

A sanctified place

Sandeepany Himalachal, fondly called ‘Sidhbari’ is famous for its exquisite mountain setting, and frequently hosts national and international spiritual camps for adults and youth from across India and abroad. Sandeepany Himachal holds a special place in the hearts of devotees.

The area is called Sidhbari as it has been a crossroads to the path north for siddhas since time immemorial. The famous Kapil Muni Ashram is nearby with its ancient grove of murtis and kund.

To many, it is simply Swami Chinmayananda’s ‘home’. In 1993, following Mahasamadhi, Sidhbari ashram became the location of the sacred samadhi shrine of Swami Chinmayananda. It is a place of pilgrimage for all Chinmaya Mission devotees

Retreat and refresh

A mountain sanctuary

At Sandeepany Himachal, resident students taking Chinmaya Mission’s two-year Vedanta course in Hindi are able to dive deep into study and meditation in the rarefied mountain atmosphere far from the hustle and bustle of the plains.

For visiting campers it is a rare chance to refresh themselves spiritually through talks, meditation, cultural programs and serene walks in the nearby fields and forests.
A visit to the Mission’s C.O.R.D. rural development headquarters nearby is a must. Here the spirit of dedicated service inspired by Swami Chinmayananda is palpable as workers head out to the villages to support empowerment and healthcare programmes.

Sacred Sites of Sidhbari

Shri Ram Mandir

Presiding deities of the region

The beautiful Sri Ram Temple at Sandeepany Himalayas is much-loved throughout Sidhbari and the Kangra valley. Swami Chinmayananda presided over consecration of graceful murtis of Vanavasi (forest dwelling) Lord Rama and Sita Devi in October 1983.

The architecture of the temple is a unique bridge between North and South Indian cultures, executed by skilled artistes from Karnataka and Tamil Nadu. The crown shaped shikhara (tower) of the temple is 40 feet high.

Veer Hanuman

A benign and watchful guardian

When construction of Sandeepany Himachal commenced in 1979, howling winds battered the barren hilltop. Swami Chinmayananda, after meditating for a long time in that weather-beaten spot, offered an amazing solution.
A magnificent 25 feet tall Hanuman kneeling on a seven-feet high black granite pedestal under the open sky was installed, the fierce winds calmed, and construction was able to proceed.

Sidhbari Hanuman is Veer Hanuman, Hanuman the hero. Sculpted by Sri Kashinath of Shimoga, the idol was consecrated on 10th October 1982 by Swami Chinmayananda. His benevolent gaze protects the ashram and his Lord Ram.

Samadhi Sthala

The locus of peace

After Mahasamadhi, on 3 August 1993 in San Diego, USA, Swami Chinmayananda’s mortal body was transported in a vast cavalcade to the ashram in Sidhbari for his final resting place. Devotees from around the world attended the rituals.
The place chosen for Swami Chinmayananda’s bhu-samadhi (interment in the earth) was the rose garden behind his kutir. The elegant Kerala-style Samadhi Sthala sits serenely against the backdrop of the majestic Dhauladhar Mountains.

Swami Chinmayananda’s exquisite ashtadhatu murti is seated in profound and bevevolent stillness. Visitors are drawn to the shrine and inevitably fall silent in reverence.

Camps at Sidhbari

Leave the world behind
Spiritual camps are wonderful family retreats where campers get to meet the worldwide Chinmaya family and dive into the profound and life-changing wisdom of Vedanta with like-minded seekers.

They might be held in English, Hindi or other regional languages and include meditation, lectures on Vedanta, Ramayana or Shrimad Bhagavatam. and discussions in the delightful natural setting. Sidhbari is a thrilling and adventurous destination for youth camps where young people can experience fresh mountain air, stride out into the countryside, and gain a taste of the beauty of nature in a spiritual atmosphere.

Visiting Sandeepany Himachal

All are welcome to visit Sandeepany Himachal to pay respects at the temple and shrine, or to book for a camp or a personal retreat for a few days.
You can also offer puja at the Shri Ram temple, Hanuman murti or Samadhi Stahl, in person or from afar.
Travel is via Gaggal airport and taxi, train to Pathankot and taxi, or bus.

More Info at

https://sidhbari.chinmayamission.com/

Contact Us

Address : Chinmaya Tapovan Trust
Sandeepany (HIM) Sidhbari 176 057
Himachal Pradesh, India
Ph: +91-1892-234 324
Fax: +91-1892-236 199
Email: ctt@chinmayamission.com

The spirit of Advaita is not to keep away from anything, but to keep in tune with everything.

Swami Chinmayananda

Central Chinmaya Mission Trust

Saki Vihar Road, Powai, Mumbai - 400 072.

Tel : +91-22-2803 4900

E-mail : ccmt@chinmayamission.com