How The Beatles Got An Ashram In India

The Beatles’ Ashram, officially known as the Chaurasi Kutia Ashram, is a historical site located in Rishikesh, India. This ashram gained international fame in 1968 when it served as the retreat for the legendary British rock band, The Beatles, during their visit to India to study Transcendental Meditation (TM).

Here’s a brief history of The Beatles’ Ashram:

1. The Beatles’ Visit:
   In February 1968, The Beatles, along with their associates and wives, traveled to Rishikesh to attend a TM training program led by Maharishi Mahesh Yogi, a renowned spiritual guru and advocate of TM. The band was looking for solace and spiritual exploration amidst their immense fame and the pressures of the music industry.
2. Chaurasi Kutia Ashram:
   The group settled at the Chaurasi Kutia Ashram, which was situated on the banks of the river Ganges and surrounded by lush forests in the foothills of the Himalayas. The ashram, which belonged to the Maharishi, became their residence during their stay in India.
3. Creative Retreat:
   During their stay at the ashram, The Beatles focused on their spiritual and creative endeavors. They composed numerous songs that would later appear on their famous “White Album,” including classics like “Blackbird,” “Dear Prudence,” “Back in the U.S.S.R.,” and “Ob-La-Di, Ob-La-Da.”
4. Controversy and Departure:
   The Beatles’ visit to the ashram was not without controversy. Rumors of tension between the band members and the Maharishi surfaced, and they eventually left the ashram in April 1968, cutting short their intended three-month stay. The reasons for their departure included allegations of impropriety involving the Maharishi and concerns about the harsh living conditions.
5. Abandonment and Restoration:
   After The Beatles’ departure, the ashram was largely abandoned. Over the years, it fell into a state of disrepair and became overgrown with vegetation. However, the site remained a place of pilgrimage for Beatles fans and spiritual seekers.
6. Revival and Tourism:
   In recent years, efforts have been made to restore the ashram, and it has become a popular tourist destination. The Uttarakhand Forest Department opened the ashram to the public in 2015, and it now attracts visitors from around the world who come to explore the historical site and the colorful graffiti-covered buildings.
7. Legacy:
   The Beatles’ stay at the ashram had a lasting impact on their music and spirituality. It also drew attention to Indian spirituality and the practice of Transcendental Meditation. The songs they composed during their time in Rishikesh continue to be celebrated as some of their most iconic and reflective work.

Today, The Beatles’ Ashram stands as a testament to the intersection of music, spirituality, and cultural history. It serves as a reminder of the time when four of the world’s most famous musicians sought solace and creative inspiration in the serene surroundings of the Indian Himalayas.