Ramana Maharshi · The ashram
Visiting Sri Ramanasramam
How to visit the ashram that grew around Ramana Maharshi ~ the samadhi shrine and Old Hall, the daily Vedic chanting, the shared meals, how to stay, and how simply to be there.
The short version
- Where
- At the eastern foot of Arunachala, in Ramana Nagar, a few km from the main temple.
- To visit
- Open through the day; free. Enter the shrines and halls; sit for the Veda Parayana (morning & late afternoon).
- Meals
- Simple sattvic food; a free lunch is traditionally offered to those present.
- To stay
- Limited rooms, apply 2–4 weeks ahead for genuine spiritual visits; donation-based.
Sri Ramanasramam ~ the ashram that grew around Ramana Maharshi at the foot of Arunachala ~ is, for a great many people, the still centre of a visit to Tiruvannamalai. It is not a monument or a museum; it is a living spiritual community that also, quietly and generously, opens its doors to visitors. Knowing a little of how it works, and what is asked of you, lets you settle into it rather than hover at its edge wondering what you're allowed to do.
What the ashram is
Ramana came to Arunachala in 1896 and lived here until 1950. In his later decades a community formed around him, and the ashram ~ Sri Ramanasramam ~ took shape at the eastern foot of the hill, a few kilometres from the great temple, in the area now called Ramana Nagar. His samadhi shrine (the shrine over his tomb) is the ashram's heart, alongside the shrine of his mother; the Old Hall where he sat with devotees for years still stands; and there is a fine library, a bookstore, and the daily round of chanting and worship that has continued since his time.
Visiting for the day
You are welcome simply to come. The ashram is open through the day, and you may enter the shrines, sit in the halls, walk the grounds, and be present at the daily Veda Parayana ~ the chanting of the Vedas, which takes place morning and late afternoon and is one of the most beautiful things to sit quietly through, whether or not you follow a word of it. There is no entry fee. What is asked is simple respect: dress modestly, keep silence or near-silence in the halls, switch off your phone, and move gently. Many visitors find that the most valuable thing to “do” here is nothing at all ~ to sit in the Old Hall or by the samadhi and let the atmosphere do its work.
Early morning, around and after the first chanting, is the calmest and often the most affecting time to be at the ashram ~ before the day's visitors arrive, with the hill catching the first light behind you.
Meals
The ashram serves simple sattvic food ~ plain, fresh, vegetarian, without onion or garlic ~ and traditionally offers a free lunch to those present, served South Indian style, seated on the floor, eaten with the hand from a banana leaf. It is a humbling and lovely thing to share at least once. Timings and arrangements change, so check locally when you arrive; if you're staying at the ashram, meals are part of the stay.
Staying at the ashram
The ashram offers limited, simple accommodation to genuine visitors who come for spiritual reasons ~ but rooms must be applied for in advance, usually two to four weeks ahead, through the ashram's official website, stating the purpose of your visit. Rooms are basic; a donation is welcomed rather than a fixed charge. If the ashram cannot house you, don't be discouraged ~ a great many people stay in a guesthouse a few minutes' walk away and spend their days here, losing very little. See our guide to where to stay for the alternatives.
The caves, and the wider circle
From the ashram, the hillside path leads up to the Virupaksha Cave and Skandashram, where Ramana lived his early years ~ a walk well worth making. Nearby stand other ashrams: Seshadri Swamigal Ashram, dedicated to a revered contemporary of Ramana, adjacent to Ramanasramam; and the large Yogi Ramsuratkumar Ashram on Chengam Road, with its bhajans morning and evening. Each has its own character; together they make Ramana Nagar the quiet devotional heart of the town.
Remember that Ramanasramam is not a tourist site but a working ashram that people call home and come to for practice. Approached as such ~ quietly, respectfully, without treating it as a photo opportunity ~ it offers something no monument can. Confirm current timings, meal arrangements and accommodation directly with the ashram before you rely on them.
Frequently asked questions
Can I visit Sri Ramanasramam?
Yes. The ashram is open to all through the day, with no entry fee. You may enter the shrines, sit in the halls, walk the grounds, and be present for the daily Vedic chanting. Dress modestly, keep quiet in the halls, and switch off your phone.
Can I stay at the ashram?
The ashram offers limited simple accommodation to genuine visitors coming for spiritual reasons, but rooms must be applied for in advance (usually two to four weeks ahead) through its official website, stating your purpose. Rooms are basic and a donation is welcomed. If it is full, guesthouses nearby are an easy alternative.
What are the timings?
The ashram is generally open through the day into the evening, with Veda Parayana (Vedic chanting) morning and late afternoon. Early morning is the calmest time. Confirm current timings locally, as they can change.
Are meals provided?
The ashram serves simple sattvic vegetarian meals and traditionally offers a free lunch to those present, eaten South Indian style from a banana leaf. Timings and arrangements vary, so check locally on arrival.
Last updated 13 September 2026. Details of timings and practices can change; please confirm current arrangements where relevant.