“Distracted as we are by various thoughts, if we would continually contemplate the Self, which is Itself God, this single thought would in due course replace all distraction and would itself ultimately vanish;. The pure Consciousness that alone finally remains is God. This is Liberation. To be constantly centered on one’s own all-perfect pure Self is the acme of yoga, wisdom, and all other forms of spiritual practice. Even though the mind wanders restlessly, involved in external matters, and so is forgetful of its own Self, one should remain alert and remember:
‘The body is not I.’
‘Who am I?’ Enquire in this way, turning the mind backward to its primal state. The enquiry ‘Who am I?’ is the only method of putting an end to all misery and ushering in Supreme Beatitude. Whatever may be said and however phrased, this is the whole truth in a nutshell.”
Above is the commentary by Sri Ramana Maharshi, the advaita guru. He was a saint who inspired millions across India. There are many books available on the guru and a visit to his ashram situated in Thiruvannamalai is a perfect place to connect with him.
Sri Ramana Maharshi was born to a pious father and mother in a small village near Madurai on December 30th, 1879. The boy was named Venkateswaran but was called as Venkataraman.
At age sixteen, Venkataraman turned spiritual and was greatly attracted to Arunachala hill and desired to visit the sacred hill.
Sri Ramana Maharshi left home and reached Arunachala hills. For days he would be in deep thought regarding the inner self. He used to be in a trance with no attachments to worldly matters and the meditation would continue without food or water in various caves of Arunachala hill. Sometimes, the saint would accept only a mouthful of food from his devotees and later used to beg for food.
Sri Ramana ashram is located at the foothills of the Arunachala hill and people from all over the world come here to pay respects to the learned Guru.
Sri Ramana Maharshi’s Samadhi is a big hall, where people pray silently and circumambulate the Samadhi. The meditation room is quiet and peaceful and visitors can spend time meditating and exploring the inner self.
Place Statistics:
Type of Place: Ashram
Situated: Thiruvannamalai, Tamil Nadu
Distance: Chennai is 170 km and Bengaluru is 200 km
Transport: Well connected by road, nearest rail head is Villupuram (60Km)
Ashram Facilities: Rooms are available for devotees with prior reservation, food is served for all the inmates free of cost
Facilities: Book store, rest room available
Ph: 04175 – 237292, 237200
Fax : 91 – 4175 237491
Email : ashram@siramanamaharshi.org
