Kashmir Ashram
In 1962, a new Ashram was constructed by Swamiji at a site between the famous Mughal Gardens (Nishat) and Guptaganga located in the foothills of the Zaberwan mountain, overseeing the majestic Dal Lake and hugging the famous Nishat Garden is this Ashram located.
The Ashram was named “Ishwar Ashram” since Swamiji was also called Ishwar Swaroop (a manifestation of God).
On Every Monday Swamiji used to remain in seclusion and would not see anyone. He observed maun (silence) on this day and often would be engrossed entirely in meditation. Very frequently, Swamiji would spend his day uphill in ‘God’s House’, the tiny cottage for meditation, built in a beautiful small garden near the Ishber Ashram at Guptganga. On this day, his meals used to be kept outside the door and nobody would see Swamiji.
Amriteshwara Temple
On 11th May 1983, Amriteshwar Bhairava Temple (Incarnation of Lord Shiva) was formally inaugurated by the Swamiji at Ishber in the ashram premises. Swamiji used to perform the daily pooja at the temple every morning around 6 a.m. irrespective of the weather or the season.
During his later life, the doors would be opened for devotees.
After Swamiji left his physical frame in 1991, Sunday Pooja is being conducted as per his instructions by devotees all over the world.
This regular Sunday pooja system started in Jammu in the 1970’s and later in Delhi and Mumbai and Bangalore and other kendras (conducted by the Ishwar Ashram Trust) as well as in the center of the Universal Shaiva Fellowship in the United States. Join us here...
Visit Ishwar Ashram
Please visit the Kashmir Shaiva Institute website to learn more about the Ishwar Ashram, Ishber, Kashmir, India, and how to visit the ashram. We take a group to the ashram for our annual study retreat in the fall. Learn more about it here...
Watch a virtual tour below where George Barselaar, a close devotee, shows us around the premises...
Nearby is a small Bhairava Temple (in the picture below on the left), which is built around a tree under which Swamiji used to sit in samadhi on his birthdays.
Behind that (not visible in the photo below) is a small glasshouse that housed the geraniums in winter and in which Swamiji's father used to stay when he visited as well as his tailor while he made his clothes once a year.
In the middle of the picture below (painted in blue) is a small teahouse where Swamiji would meet visitors.
Behind that you can see the roof of the large Havan Shalla, which is dedicated to celebrating Swamiji's Mahasamadhi with a fire ceremony every year.
Opposite Swamiji's house (not in the picture) is the lecture hall where pooja is held every Sunday followed by tea and Prashad (sacred offering of a chapati or other snack).
Join us in Kashmir, India... online or in-person!
Learn MoreThe small glass house (in the photo below, behind Swamiji, painted in green) housed the geraniums in winter, and Swamiji's father used to stay there when he visited as well as Swamiji's tailor while he made his clothes once a year.
