The Bhagavan Sri Ramana Maharshi Ashram in Tadpatri

Overview

The Ashram was founded in 1982 on the outskirts of the town of Tadpatri in the Indian state of Andhra Pradesh.

It serves as a quiet haven to people touched by the grace of Bhagavan Sri Ramana Maharshi, the great sage who lived during the first half of the 20th century.

Visitors can borrow books from the library or meditate in the peaceful meditation hall. There are regular spiritual programs including discourses and recitations.

Besides serving the purpose of a daily sanctuary for the community, the Ashram takes part in a number of charitable projects. During festivities celebrating Sri Ramana Maharshi's birth and death anniversaries thousands of visitors are welcomed.

Staying at the Ashram

The Ashram provides short-term accommodation facilities for visitors coming from afar. Interested persons should be earnest spiritual seekers drawn by the teachings of Sri Ramana Maharshi and should enquire about availability in advance.

Housing is provided in several small comfortable cottages with attached bathrooms.

There isn't any strict program for guests. They may wish to join in the regular program of the Spiritual Home for the Elderly at the Ashram. The Ashram founder and president Sri V.V. Brahmam is usually available daily at certain hours for satsang, meditation and consultations regarding spiritual questions.

Ongoing Projects

The Ashram manages several ongoing charitable projects. Among them the most significant are:

ORPHAN RESIDENTIAL PRIMARY SCHOOL

- Started in June 2008, the Orphan Residential Primary School project is based on individual sponsorship of each child.
- In the middle of 2011 there were 50 children.
- Every child receives good individual care and education.

SPIRITUAL HOME FOR THE ELDERLY

- Started in April 2005, this project is dedicated to providing full support for elderly citizens who are no longer able to sustain their own livelihood.
- At present there are 22 members in the Home, including fourteen men and eight women. They are given shelter, food and all basic necessities. They attend a daily spiritual program.
- Dormitory-style accommodation is provided with separate sections for women and men on the Ashram grounds.

FREE HOMEOPATHIC CLINIC

- A small clinic was started in mid-2007. Doctor Sri Madhavilatha, B.H.M.S, has office hours every Sunday from 1 PM to 5 PM.

MEDICAL CAMPS

- The Ashram regularly organizes free medical camps for the public. Typically, a small team of doctors is invited to the Ashram and free eye care, dental care or general treatment is delivered to a large crowd of local poor people.

EDUCATIONAL SPONSORSHIP

- The Ashram is covering all tuition fees for poor students including:
• boy, physically disabled, 6th grade
• girl, 5th grade
• boy, 4th grade
• girl, college, elementary school teacher training course

DAILY FOOD FOR HOMELESS PEOPLE

- Every day at noon homeless people are invited for a free lunch. This tradition has been maintained since the year 2002.

SUPPORT FOR STUDENTS WITH DISABILITIES

- Students with physical disabilities receive regular support, typically in the form of hand-powered wheelchairs.

VARIOUS HELP FOR STUDENTS AND SCHOOLCHIDREN

- The Ashram regularly donates clothes, school uniforms, meal plates, books, etc. to poor students.

MULTIPLE MARRIAGES

- Marriages are regularly organized for a large number of couples from poor families at one time. All necessary materials, clothes and dresses etc. are provided free of cost. Recently, in 2007, two large-scale marriages have been organized at the Ashram in cooperation with the Tirumala - Tirupathi temple society.

OTHER SUPPORT FOR THE POOR

- The Ashram regularly donates clothes, blankets, footwear etc. to beggars and poor people including specifically blind persons.

TEMPLE RESTORATION

- A temple in the village of Vanganuru has been restored and is being maintained by the Ashram.

CULTURAL PROGRAMS

- Regular inspiring events are held, such as Bharatanatyam (classical dance), Harikathalu (devotional stories) and Ashtavadhanam (special poetry performance).

Future Projects

The Ashram is always looking for ways to expand its charitable activities. Presently there are concrete plans for starting two projects:

FREE BOARDING SCHOOL FOR BLIND CHILDREN

- This project consists of building a small boarding school within the Ashram complex specifically for blind children from poor families. A specially trained teacher will be employed to tutor an initial group of ten students. Accommodation and food will be provided for them.
- The State government educational board has offered to send a trained teacher if the project is called into existence.
- The teacher will be paid a regular salary by the Ashram.

FREE MEDICAL LABORATORY

- A cottage will be built to house a laboratory for carrying out various medical tests.
- Laboratory medical equipment will be purchased and regularly replenished. One trained technician will be employed.