The Re-Opening of “Beatles Ashram”

Authorities in the northern Indian state Uttarakhand have revamped and reopened Chaurasi Kutia (or The Beatles Ashram), a spiritual hermitage inside Rajaji National Park in the popular yoga retreat city Rishikesh.

The ashram was made famous after the four-piece band practiced Transcendental Meditation there under the spiritual instructor Maharishi Mahesh Yogi (immortalized in the song “Sexy Sadie”) in the late ’60s.

It was also where the English band wrote about 40 songs, including some featured on “Abbey Road” and “The White Album.”

The ashram was then closed for more than three decades. but taken over in 2003 by the Uttarakhand Forest Department.

Even thought the ashram was officially closed to the public, the complex had become a shrine for the Beatles’ fans and graffiti artists who secretly sneaked into the property.

“We have cleared the floors and walls of all creepers and have removed cobwebs and garbage from the meditation cells and halls,” -said Rajendra Nautiyal, ranger of the Rajaji National Park’s Gauri Range.

They’re introducing new nature and bird walks and there are also plans for a cafeteria and a museum. But the biggest attraction is the colorful graffiti on the walls.
California-based street artist Pan Trinity Das visited Rishikesh in 2012 and left behind many yoga-inspired murals.

“No one will be allowed to draw on the walls anymore. But an artist can get permission and paint since it’s the artwork here that is its biggest draw,” said Nautiyal.

Photo Courtesy Getty Images