Vashishtha Gufa Ashram — Attraction in Uttarakhand

They hit the holy cows, that are tied to a 30cm cord having no range to move freely, with a metal showel, just so that the cows move 5cm - which you could do easily by leaning against her. If cows are holy, this Ashram seems to think that hitting the holy with a metal shovel is giving blessings. No.

Plus, they have a serious problem with women. Don't you dare to sit on the wrong place in the cave, they will chase you away, since only men are allowed to sit there.

Mind you, without a woman carrying them 9 months in their womb, those guys would not even be born! And all the pujas around Navratri for the Goddesses, but treating women like second class citizens. What a farce.

Also, at Navratri they have the young school girls come from the village sit down at the cave for a "ritual", which I can best describe as subconscious programming. Each girl is given a plate and a cup, a banana, plus 10 rupees from the Swami (aka be a good house-wife, depend financially on men, and always serve the "banana").

Even the Arundhati Cave, the cave of the wife of Vashita sage, has around 10 images of "holy men", but not a single image of a holy woman in there. While Arundhati was as highly revered and of the same standing as the Saptarishis, teaching the God's equally, having a star next to Vashishtha on the night sky, here that wisdom is kindly omitted. Also in our century, Anandamaiyma was supposedly the most powerful enlightened woman in India, who spiritual seekers where sent to, when other gurus, such as Aurobindo, had no means to help them advance. There were and are many more women, just as Amma, of high spiritual standing, that could be placed as images in the Arundhati cave. But somehow, since woman are unholy to these people, they are treated as inexistent. They have a picture of supposedly immortal Babaji in the Arundhati cave too, and even he had a sister, Annai Nagalakshmi, who belonged to the 18 Siddhas. But no image of her here.

In this heavily patriarchal and disbalanced place, female energy is utterly ignored if not openly chased away. There was a time they told me all female dogs would die there. After taking care of a new litter of puppies (of which "magically" half of them suddenly died over night), the female dogs remained. But even to this day, the current female dog is totally starved, while the 3 to 5 male dogs look properly fed. How this can happen in an Ashram? Where love towards all beings should be felt and seen in all corners? Loka samasta sukino bavantu? These wrong-doings are only possible, if the heart is shut down. And if the heart is shut down, there is no "Spirituality".

How this place is gonna sustain itself without Shakti power, because all of creation depends on Shakti power, is a mystery to me. They also reject any serious spiritual seekers, be it Indians or otherwise, who want to stay there. They have a few rooms.

The Ashram only belongs to a tribe of aged/jubilated men and sometimes their tired looking wives, who have an elitist thing going on about being part of it. Maybe it's to preserve the "holy" in ways, that the ordinary mind does not understand. Maybe it has simply gone severely wrong over time.

If this was in the interest of Swami Purshottamananda, who lived there with a tiger and had many female as well as male spiritual students, teaching all over India - I...

Nestled in the serene hills of Rishikesh, Vashishtha Gufa is an absolute gem that offers an unforgettable spiritual experience. This ancient cave, believed to be the meditation ground of Sage Vashishtha, truly captures the essence of tranquility and peace. As you hike up to the cave, the journey itself is mesmerizing. The path is surrounded by lush greenery and the soothing sounds of nature, providing a wonderful escape from the chaos of everyday life. The moment you arrive at Vashishtha Gufa, you are greeted by a sense of timelessness that envelops you. The cave is not only significant in Hindu mythology but also serves as a peaceful haven for meditation and reflection. Upon entering the cave, I was struck by the simplicity and purity of the environment. The cool stone walls and the flickering oil lamps create an atmosphere of calm that invites you to pause and breathe deeply. There are several alcoves where you can sit in silence, allowing yourself to connect with your inner self. The well-maintained surroundings add to the charm, and the staff are friendly and respectful, encouraging visitors to maintain the sanctity of this sacred space. Don’t forget to bring along some essentials like water and a mat or cushion for your meditation. If you're looking for a place to deepen your spirituality, experience stillness, and enjoy the natural beauty of Rishikesh, Vashishtha Gufa is a must-visit. I left feeling rejuvenated and inspired. Whether you're a seasoned yogi or a curious traveler, the magic of Vashishtha Gufa awaits you. I can't...

Vashishta Gufa, located in Rishikesh, India, is a renowned spiritual destination that attracts seekers and pilgrims from around the world. This sacred cave holds great significance in Hindu mythology and is associated with the sage Vashishta, one of the Saptarishis (Seven Great Sages).

The experience of visiting Vashishta Gufa is truly awe-inspiring. As you enter the cave, you can feel a sense of tranquility and spirituality enveloping you. The natural beauty surrounding the cave adds to its charm, with lush greenery and the gentle sound of the nearby Ganges River flowing serenely.

Inside the cave, you'll find a small shrine dedicated to Sage Vashishta, along with a sacred Shiva Lingam. Devotees and seekers often meditate here, seeking solace and spiritual enlightenment. The cave's energy is palpable, and many people claim to have profound spiritual experiences within its depths.

The ambiance of Vashishta Gufa is further enhanced by the presence of enlightened spiritual masters and sadhus who reside there. They provide guidance and support to those on a spiritual path, imparting wisdom and helping seekers connect with their inner selves.

Visiting Vashishta Gufa offers a unique opportunity for self-reflection and inner transformation. It is a place where you can detach from the chaos of the outside world and delve into the depths of your being. Whether you are a spiritual seeker or simply someone looking for a serene retreat, Vashishta Gufa offers an unforgettable experience that nourishes the soul and leaves a...