The profound truths hidden in scriptural declarations such as “Tat Tvam Asi” (Thou art That), “Ayam Atma Brahma” (This Self is Brahman), “Aham Brahmasmi” (I am Brahman), etc., have for ages inspired countless sages and seers to renounce worldly life and rush to the serene and solitary realms of the Himalayas in pursuit of austerity, Self-realization, and spiritual knowledge. Swami Vivekananda, Swami Saradananda, Swami Abhedananda, Swami Turiyananda, Swami Akhandananda, and other direct disciples of Sri Ramakrishna were no exception. Crossing Dehradun—the gateway to Uttarakhand—they repeatedly journeyed to the holy lap of the Himalayas, the land of Lord Shiva.

In this way, in 1897, when Swamiji (Swami Vivekananda) came to Dehradun for the second time, he planned—along with the help of Captain and Mrs. Sevier—to establish an orphanage there, in order to give a practical shape to the message of Vedanta. Although this plan was not materialized at that time, in 1916, Swami Karunananda, a disciple of Swami Brahmananda, acquired a beautiful piece of land at Kishanpur, situated about 6 km from Dehradun at the foothills of Mussoorie, and established a spiritual retreat. On 23 July 1919, this property was registered in the name of Swami Brahmananda, then the revered President of the Ramakrishna Order, and from that time it became affiliated with Belur Math under the name “Ramakrishna Ashrama.” The original ashrama building, after renovation, is now used as a guesthouse for visiting monks.

On 30 March 1925, in order to construct a cottage for aged and ailing monks, Swami Shivananda (then Vice-President of the Order) and Swami Saradananda (General Secretary of the Order) of the Ramakrishna Mission Sevashrama, Varanasi, purchased two adjoining cottages and another plot of land beside the ashrama. Swami Turiyananda named it “Ramakrishna Sadhana Kutir.” The earlier “Ramakrishna Ashrama” was merged with this “Ramakrishna Sadhana Kutir,” and both together came to function as a branch of the Varanasi Ramakrishna Mission Sevashrama. In 1934, “Ramakrishna Sadhana Kutir” was officially recognized as a branch centre of Belur Math and again renamed “Ramakrishna Ashrama.” The original cottage of Ramakrishna Kutir still serves as the office of the present Ashrama.

In 1973, after overcoming many legal hurdles, another plot of land along with an adjoining cottage belonging to Shamsher Singh was registered in favour of the Ashrama. In 1974, the Mission activities of the Ashrama were formally started there, under the name “Ramakrishna Mission Ashrama.” Gradually, the old buildings of the Ashrama were renovated and new structures were built. Kishanpur Ashrama, because of its peaceful environment, has always been an attractive place for learned monks, scholars, and seekers for study of scriptures, spiritual practices, and literary pursuits. Swami Virajananda stayed here multiple times, blessed many devotees with initiation, and bestowed his grace. Swami Jagadananda translated “Sri Ramakrishna Lilaprasanga” (The Great Master) into English here; Swami Tanmayananda translated “Sri Sri Ramakrishna Kathamrita” (The Gospel of Sri Ramakrishna) into Tamil.

This beloved Ashrama was also frequented by Swami Gambhirananda between 1980 and 1988. On 18 November 1988, he laid the foundation stone of the new Sri Ramakrishna Temple here, which was later inaugurated by Swami Ranganathananda on 11 May 1998, the holy Buddha Purnima day.

Along with Worship, the Ashrama today also strives for Work—service to humanity in the spirit of “Shiva Jnane Jiva Seva” (serving living beings as manifestations of Shiva)—as directed by Swamiji. Therefore, besides daily worship, scriptural classes, japa, and meditation, the Ashrama runs a charitable dispensary, a mobile medical unit, and various developmental projects.

What had once begun humbly and silently more than a century ago has, over the flow of time, become an ideal place of sadhana and devotion for monks and household devotees of the Ramakrishna Order, and has emerged as a great place of pilgrimage dedicated to Self-realization.

Cover photo courtesy: Kishanpur Ramakrishna Ashrama & Ramakrishna Mission Ashrama
Cover note: Kishanpur Ramakrishna Ashrama & Ramakrishna Mission Ashrama