The Beatles Ashram Rishikesh

The Beatles Ashram, also referred to as Chaurasi Kutia, is situated near the northern Indian city of Rishikesh in the state of Uttarakhand. Positioned on the eastern bank of the Ganges river, across from the Muni Ki Reti area of Rishikesh, in the foothills of the Himalayas, it served as the International Academy of Meditation during the 1960s and 1970s. This was the training hub for students of Maharishi Mahesh Yogi, the creator of the Transcendental Meditation technique. 

During their stay at the Maharishi’s ashram, the band composed approximately 48 songs, many of which can be found on the White Album (and a few on Abbey Road). Following his visit, John Lennon even recorded a song titled ‘The Happy Rishikesh Song’. Not only The Beatles, but also other international artists such as Mike Love of the Beach Boys, Paul Horn, Donovan, and Gyp Mills, visited this site for contemplation and meditation. 

Abandoned in the 1990s, the site was handed back to the local forestry department in 2003. Despite being in a state of disrepair and overgrown by vegetation, the site was officially opened to the public in December 2015. Now known as Beatles Ashram, it hosted an exhibition in February 2018 to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the Beatles’ arrival in Rishikesh.

Rishikesh is now filled with charming cafes that serve both local and international cuisines, attracting a large number of tourists. Interestingly, in recent years, Rishikesh has gained significant popularity for its lively Holi celebrations, primarily organized by private hotels and resorts.

End of Beatles Rishikesh Journey in India

Harrison and Lennon, the two most devoted members of the Beatles when it came to meditation, were the last ones to leave the ashram. Their departure on 12 April was accompanied by an atmosphere of blame towards the Maharishi, fueled by rumors of his alleged misconduct with some female students. Additionally, Harrison and Lennon had concerns that the Maharishi was exploiting the Beatles’ fame. Despite later disavowing the Maharishi, the Beatles’ time at the ashram sparked widespread interest in Transcendental Meditation, leading to an increased focus on Eastern spirituality in Western popular culture. When asked if he forgave the Beatles for tarnishing his reputation, the Maharishi responded, “I could never be upset with angels,” following Harrison’s personal apology in 1991.