Situated in Dhauladhar ranges of Himalayas, Chinmaya Tapovan is main retreat of Chinmaya Mission. It is 10 km from Dharamsala and was established by Swami Chinmayananda, who was exponent of Gita. This ashram is named after Swami TapovanMaharaj – guru of Swami Chinmayananda. The complex has 9 meter high image of Lord Hanuman, meditation hall, Rama Temple, school, recreation and health center. The ashram is located on the bank of BinduSaras River and offers ambience of calm.
Chinmaya Tapovanis famous as a center of Sandeepany Vedanta course, vedic teachings, meditation camps and Chinmaya Rural Health and training center. Apart from all this, the ashram is also special as it is Swami Chinmayanda’s last-resting place, who attained ‘Mahasamadhi’ in August 1993. It also provides short courses on Gita, training to health workers so that they can look after health needs of people living in Kangra valley.
The bookshop located inside the campus provides CDs, books, recorded music and more. It is also known as Sidhabari Ashram due to huge idol of God Hanuman. Apart from spiritual vibe in and around the ashram, there is a mini forest of pine trees which makes for a perfect picnic spot. Being here means you can expect total calm and can immerse in the sense of piety.