Bharadwaj Muni Ashram

Bharadwaj Muni Ashram is located in the holy city of Prayagraj. When Lord Rama, Sita Devi and Lakshmana sojourned upon Their epic journey during the exile, They halted and stayed at various hermitages. When the trio headed towards the forests as part of Their exile, the first stop after crossing the Ganga was Bharadwaja Muni Ashram.

They spent a night here resting and proceeded to the Chitrakoot forest from this place. During that era, the river used to run along this Ashram, however, it has dwindled to the present Sangam area due to the ill-effects of Kaliyuga. A temple marks the spot on which once the hermitage of Bharadwaj Muni stood.

Bharadwaj Muni Ashram as per Valmiki’s Ramayana

Bharadwaj Muni’s ashram was surrounded by lush green trees, rare species of birds and beasts. Apart from the material surroundings, the hermitage’s vicinity was surcharged with devotional atmosphere thus making it a perfect place to practice spirituality in the arms of nature.

Maharshi Bharadwaj was a master of knowledge of Vedas, Puranas, Ayurveda, Dhanurveda and Vimana Shastra. His ‘gurukul’ was an epicenter of learning & education and it was an epitome of quality learning. Owing to highest standards of teachings in the Bharadwaj Ashrama, Prayagraj on Triveni Sangam came to be known as the land of education. In Valmiki Ramayana, Bharadwaja Muni is regarded as the ‘Chancellor’ of this Gurukul.

Lord Rama, Mother Sita and Lakshmana too benefitted from the scholarly environment of its premises during Their stay at Bharadwaj Muni Ashram.

The dialogue between Sri Rama and Bharadwaj Muni

As soon as Lord Rama approached the ashrama, Bharadwaj Muni learnt about His arrival through his divya jnana. With great respect Lord Rama, Lakshmana and Sita Devi were greeted at the hermitage, offered a seat with some thirst-quenching Madhuparka*.

Bharadwaj Muni, who had practiced severe austerities, gave them various kinds of delicacies prepared from wild roots & fruits and arranged accommodation for them.

Lord Rama had a significant conversation on spiritual topics with Bharadwaj Muni.  The sage advised Rama, this place is secluded and serene, hence this place can be Your residence during Your exile. Sri Rama also expressed to the sage, “There is no doubt that this place is serene and secluded. However, the residents of Ayodhya are close-by to this place, they can appear here in search of Me; hence please suggest Me a place to move forward”. Bharadwaj Muni then suggests Sri Rama to proceed to a mountain in the Chitrakoot forest which closely resembles Gandha maadana mountain.

Bharata visits Bharadwaj Muni Ashrama

In search of his elder brother Rama, Bharata along with Vasishtha Muni, his mothers and army reached Bharadwaj Muni Ashrama seeking help from the sage for the whereabouts of Rama. Bharadwaj Muni guides Bharata towards the abode of Lord Rama in Chitrakoot.

The Ashram spot is now converted into a temple for the saints. One can have darshan of principal deities like Shiva, Durga and Hanuman here.

How to Reach Bharadwaj Muni Ashram

Prayagraj is well connected with all the major cities in Uttar Pradesh and India.

By Road

Prayagraj is well connected with the rest of the country via National and State Highways. Local conveyance like cabs, auto rickshaws and local buses are also available that connects you to Bharadwaj Muni Ashram.

By Air

Prayagraj is connected with three airports. The Allahabad Domestic Airport, Lal Bahadur Shastri Airport in Varanasi (150 Km) and Amausi International Airport in Lucknow (200 Km) are the closest airports to reach the ashrama. The latter two airports are well connected to India’s major cities.

By Rail

Prayagraj is well connected with other cities across the country. The closest railway station to the Bharadwaj Ashram is Prayagraj (PRYJ).

*Madhuparka is a traditional offering which consists of a mixture of curds, butter, honey and the milk of the coconut as a welcome drink.