Shantikunj is the global headquarters of the All World Gayatri Pariwar. Founded in 1971 by Pandit Shriram Sharma Acharya, this ashram campus on the Rishikesh Road in the Motichur area of Haridwar draws pilgrims, spiritual seekers, and first-time visitors from across India and abroad. Entry is free, the campus is open daily, and overnight stays are available at no cost under specific guidelines.
If you are planning a visit, here is everything you need to know before you go.
Shantikunj Timings and Daily Schedule
The ashram is open daily from 4:00 AM to 9:00 PM. There is no entry fee.
Regular schedule (non-winter months):
| Time | Activity |
|---|---|
| 4:00 AM | Morning aarti |
| 4:30 AM | Meditation |
| 5:15 AM | Akhand Deep Darshan / Charan Puja |
| 5:15 AM to 6:00 AM | Japa |
| 12:00 PM to 1:30 PM | Akhand Deep Darshan / Charan Puja |
| 1:30 PM to 2:30 PM | Jyoti Avdharan Sadhana |
| 2:00 PM to 4:30 PM | Akhand Deep Darshan |
| 5:00 PM to 5:30 PM | Evening aarti |
| 6:15 PM to 7:00 PM | Japa |
| 7:00 PM to 8:30 PM | Discourse / Satsang |
Winter schedule adjustments: Morning aarti shifts to 4:30 AM and meditation to 5:00 AM. Akhand Deep Darshan and Japa begin around 5:45 AM. Afternoon and evening sessions remain unchanged.
Confirm current timings with the ashram before your visit, especially during festival periods or special program weeks when the daily schedule may vary.
What Is Shantikunj and Who Runs It
Shantikunj translates as “The Abode of Peace.” It is the headquarters of the All World Gayatri Pariwar (AWGP), a spiritual and social movement founded on the teachings of the Gayatri Mantra and Vedic values. The movement was initiated in 1940 by Pandit Shriram Sharma Acharya and the ashram in Haridwar was established in 1971.
The campus houses:
- The Gayatri Mata temple at its spiritual centre
- Idols of the Sapt Rishis (Seven Sages)
- Brahmavarchas Shodh Sansthan -- a research institute for Vedic sciences
- Dev Sanskriti Vishwavidyalaya -- a residential university offering degrees in spiritual, cultural and social disciplines
- A medicinal plant garden preserving over 250 rare Ayurvedic species
The ashram runs continuous Gayatri Yagya (Vedic fire rituals), meditation programs, satsangs, and value-education retreats throughout the year. For visitors who want to connect this spiritual stop to a broader Haridwar pilgrimage, the Ganga Snan in Haridwar guide covers auspicious bathing dates and ghat details that pair well with a Shantikunj visit.
Can You Stay at Shantikunj for Free
Yes. Shantikunj offers free accommodation for visitors who wish to stay on campus. The standard provision is two days of free stay, with meals provided as part of the ashram routine.
The condition: guests staying on campus are expected to participate in all daily activities -- the morning aarti, meditation sessions, satsangs, and yagya. This is not a passive guesthouse arrangement. It is a residential spiritual experience.
Online registration is available at awgp.org. For groups, special programs, or longer stays, direct contact with the ashram is advisable.
Ashram contact: +91-1334-260602
For visitors who prefer to stay independently and visit Shantikunj as a day visit or day trip, accommodation options near Haridwar range from guesthouses inside the city to affordable rooms at properties in Bahadrabad, roughly 13 km and 40 minutes from Har Ki Pauri. The Where to Stay in Haridwar guide covers the main areas and what each offers.
What to Do at Shantikunj
Gayatri Yagya: The fire rituals at Shantikunj run continuously and visitors can participate or observe. The yagya chanting is one of the most distinctive experiences of the campus.
Morning aarti: Attending the 4:00 AM aarti in the main temple is the most spiritually significant activity for pilgrims. The pre-dawn atmosphere is unique.
Meditation and Japa: Group meditation sessions are open to all visitors. No prior experience is required.
Discourses: Evening discourses run from 7:00 PM to 8:30 PM and are typically in Hindi. They draw on Vedic literature, ethical living, and practical spirituality.
Brahmavarchas Research Institute: The institute explores the scientific basis of mantras, yagya, and Vedic practices. A visit to this section is useful for visitors interested in the intersection of spiritual and scientific approaches to Ayurveda and meditation.
Medicinal plant garden: Over 250 rare plants maintained for Ayurvedic research. A guided walk through this section is available.
Shantikunj is one stop on a well-established spiritual circuit in and around Haridwar. Read our guide to places to visit in Haridwar with family for a full list of temples, ghats, and ashrams that can be combined in a single trip.
How to Reach Shantikunj Haridwar
Shantikunj is located on Shantikunj Road, Motichur, Haridwar -- on the main Haridwar-Rishikesh highway (NH 58), approximately 6.5 km from Haridwar Junction Railway Station.
By auto or cab: The most practical option from Haridwar city or the railway station. Autos are widely available outside Haridwar Junction and from the main ghats. The ride to Shantikunj takes 20-30 minutes depending on traffic.
By road: If you are arriving by car from Delhi, Shantikunj falls on the route toward Rishikesh -- you will pass it before entering central Haridwar. Look for the Motichur area signage on NH 58.
From Rishikesh: Shantikunj is on the Rishikesh side of Haridwar. Shared autos and cabs from Rishikesh Bus Stand reach Shantikunj in 30-40 minutes.
For train routes and booking, check IRCTC for services to Haridwar Junction. The nearest airport is Jolly Grant in Dehradun, approximately 35 km away.
Shantikunj pairs naturally with a visit to the nearby Sapt Rishi Ashram, also in the Sapt Sarovar area. Both can be covered in a half-day from central Haridwar.
Shantikunj Visitor Tips
- Photography: Photography policies at ashrams vary. Ask at the entry or the reception before taking photos inside the main temple or during rituals.
- Dress code: Conservative clothing is expected. Cover shoulders and legs. Avoid shorts or sleeveless tops on the main campus and in the temple area.
- Footwear: Remove footwear before entering the temple and during yagya sessions.
- Language: Discourses and satsangs are primarily in Hindi. The ashram staff can assist non-Hindi visitors with orientation.
- Best visiting months: Shantikunj is open year-round. November through February offers pleasant cool weather for extended stays. Summers are manageable for day visits.
For planning your broader Haridwar trip timing, the Best Time to Visit Haridwar guide gives a month-by-month breakdown of weather, crowds and festivals.