MAHA SIVARATRI
Maha Sivratri is a religiously and spiritually significant occasion at the Swami Dayananda Ashram (Arsha Vidya Pitham) in Rishikesh. It marks the time when deserving students of the Arsha Vidya tradition are initiated into the Sanyasa order, following the traditional method handed over the lineage of Adi Shankaracharya.
Celebrations and Rituals
​In preparation for the event, the ashram’s temple dedicated to Lord Gangadhareshwar is beautifully decorated. The ashram community observes Maha Sivaratri, celebrated each Year on the 14th lunar day (Chaturdashi) of the dark fortnight of Magha ( February / March) with a day-long chanting of ‘Om Namah Sivaya’.
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At the heart of the celebration is a grand abhishekam of the deity with eleven dravyas. This sacred rite is accompanied by the chanting of the Rudram and Chamakam, a powerful Vedic hymns eleven times led by the vedic pandit and joined by all sadhus, students, and devotees. The entire temple resonates with the collective chanting, invoking the divine presence and grace of Lord Siva.
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​The celebrations conclude with the distribution of Mahaprasadam, a blessed offering shared with all who participate in this auspicious event.
MEMORIAL CAMPS
Swami Dayananda Memorial Retreats at Swami dayananda Ashram, Rishikesh are the most awaited events. The memorial retreats are instituted in the remembrance of Pujya Sri Swamiji’s Annual Retreats, that used to take place in March / April every year during his lifetime. These 5 to 6 retreats are conducted by various Senior Acharyas of Arsha Vidya Sampradaaya, on different topics of Vedanta each for a period of 8 days.
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These annual retreats take place between late February and mid-April an ideal time to be in Rishikesh, given the pleasant weather and serene atmosphere. They draw a large number of students from around the world, offering a rare sight of global union of minds and hearts that dwell deep in the timeless wisdom of Vedanta in a traditional ashram setting.
Registration opens in early November and closes by the first week of January.
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​SWAMI SAKSHATKRUTANANDA ANNUAL CAMP
This annual camp by Chief Acharya is conducted between 10th September and 16th September every year. This is a special retreat meant for students who has done some Vedanta studies previously. Generally letters of invitation are sent in the month of June every year. If anyone who is interested in the camp and have not received an invitation letter, can send a request letter to our chief acharya at sakshat1949@gmail.com
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The current text is ‘Upadesha Sahasri’ and the year 2026 will be the 3rd retreat of the same text in continuation. The Summary of the first 17 Chapters and the first 75 verses out of the 233 verses of the 18th Chapter have been completed in the previous two retreats.
ARADHANA
The Aradhana of Pujya Sri Swamiji Dayananda Saraswati is observed annually at the sacred shrine of Pujya Sri Swamiji on 23rd September. This occasion is combined with a meet of Arsha Vidya Teachers all over the world for 2 days on 21st and 22nd September.
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​This solemn and devotional occasion marks the union of teachers and students from different parts of the world, collectively paying their reverence and gratitude to Pujya Sri Swamiji, for the profound contribution in the form of teaching of Vedanta by him.
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The celebration includes Bhashya Parayanam, Sahasra Shankabhishekam and special pujas to Swami Dayanandeshwara Lingam in the Adhishthanam.
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As a part of a special puja milk abhishekam is offered by everyone present in the occasion at the ashram.
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Aradhana serves as a heartfelt tribute to a master teacher whose legacy continues to guide seekers on the path of knowledge and self-discovery. The whole program is also live streamed for all the devotees worldwide.