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Gujarat Atmajyoti Ashram
The Atmajyoti Ashram is a modern Vedic Hindu monastery and temple, aimed at the spiritual development of its members with the help of orthodox Vedic doctrine of the Upanishads. Located in the bustling city of Baroda in the western Indian state of Gujarat, the Atmajyoti Ashram has branches of similar spiritual retreats in various sites in the United States. Here one can experience the purest form of Hindu life with Bramhacharya and rules that are guided by the Upanishads, Bahgvat Gita and Patanjali’s Yoga Sutras.
History
The Atmajyoti Ashram was founded on the base of the Orthodox Vedic principles of the Sanatan Dharma (literally meaning 'Orthodox Religion'). The followers of this doctrine believe in the strictest adherence to all the Vedic canons, most importantly Upanishads. The founder of the Sanatan Dharma, Shankara or Shankaracharya was an ancient Vedic scholar, philosopher and the Head Priest of all the Hindu Monasteries in India, at the time.
Weather and Best Time to Visit
The weather in and around Baroda is typical of Gujarat that is semi-arid. The summers are long and dry with more than tropical heat and harsh gusts of hot air. The rains in Baroda are heavy and do not last as long, but the temperature remains high. The time during January and December, the peak of winter is the most pleasant time in the year to visit Atmajyoti Ashram.
How to reach
By Air
Baroda has a domestic airport and there is a proposed international airport plan. As it is one of the commercial and educational centers of the state, Baroda enjoys good connectivity to all the major Indian cities like New Delhi, Mumbai, Bangalore, Chennai and Kolkata.
By Rail
Being the third largest city of Gujarat, Baroda is well integrated into the railways since the colonial times. Today, Baroda Railway Station is the most important junction in Gujarat and is easily accessible from almost anywhere in the country.
By Road
Baroda boasts some of the most well developed roads in the country, for any city. Located on the swift National Highway No.8, connecting Mumbai to Ahmadabad and Gandhinagar to New Delhi, Baroda is effortlessly reached by road, using state or private transportation services.
Where To Stay
The Atmajyoti Ashram in itself is a place for staying, where the guests can become a part of the Ashram’s routine and live the orthodox Bramhacharya life for some time. Meditation, Yoga and the recital of Vedic scriptures in a tranquil environment forms the essence of the daily routine of the Ashram. One can always only go in for a visit, while staying at a hotel nearby in the city.
General Information
- The Atmajyoti Ashram has no fee for a new member and the fee details for guest members are kept with the Ashram administration.
- There is no restrictions of caste or ethnicity for being a part of the Ashram culture as long as one follows the rules and traditions of the Atmajyoti Ashram.
- Meditation (Om meditaiton) is scheduled for four hours every day and is accompanied with the study of Vedic scriptures and canons.
- Every member, permanent and guest is allotted a chore in the Ashram and the use of alchohol and other stimulats is strictly prohibited in the ashram premises.
- The food is strictly vegetarian, while milk and milk products are included.
- Any aspect of modern technology is avoided as far as possible in the daily life of Atmajyoti Ashram.
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