A Renowned Vedanta Pilgrimage Site Established by Disciples of Swami Vivekananda Near Lohaghat
Mayawati Ashram, officially known as Advaita Ashram, is one of the most significant Vedanta pilgrimage sites in India, located near Lohaghat in Champawat district of Uttarakhand at an altitude of about 1940 metres. It was founded in 1899 by Captain James Henry Sevier and Charlotte Sevier, Western disciples of Swami Vivekananda, with Vivekananda's blessings. The ashram publishes the renowned spiritual journal Prabuddha Bharata (Awakened India), which has been in continuous publication since 1895 and is one of India's oldest English-language journals.
The ashram is a centre for the study and practice of Advaita Vedanta — the non-dualistic school of Hindu philosophy. It houses a beautiful library, a meditation hall, the samadhis (shrines) of its founders, and a bookshop stocking Vedanta literature. The surrounding forest and mountain setting lend it a profoundly peaceful atmosphere. Visitors come here for spiritual study, meditation and to pay respects at the samadhis. Note: The ashram maintains strict discipline; photography may be restricted and visitors are expected to maintain silence and decorum.
March to June and September to November are ideal. The ashram is open year-round. Visiting hours are typically morning and afternoon; check in advance as schedules may vary.
Nearest railway: Tanakpur (89 km). Taxi to Lohaghat then 9 km to Mayawati.
Bus to Lohaghat; shared taxi or private cab 9 km to Mayawati Ashram.
9 km from Lohaghat; 26 km from Abbott Mount; 89 km from Tanakpur.