Sri Ramanasramam

Sri Ramanasramam is the ashram of sage Ramana Maharshi located at the eastern foot of Arunachala Hill in Tiruvannamalai, Tamil Nadu. Established in 1922 around the samadhi of his mother Alagammal, it served as his residence until 1950. The tranquil complex includes shrines, meditation halls, library and archives, and continues as a major centre for Advaita Vedanta study, meditation and spiritual practice, attracting visitors from India and abroad.

Visitors can expect a quiet, contemplative ashram complex at the base of Arunachala Hill with whitewashed halls, shrine rooms, and open courtyards. Key areas include the Ramana Maharshi Samadhi Shrine, Matrubhuteswara Temple over Alagammal's samadhi, the Old Hall where the sage lived, a meditation hall, library and bookstall, and Veda chanting. The surroundings are wooded with peacocks and monkeys, and paths lead toward Arunachala caves. The atmosphere is silent and orderly, focused on meditation and study.

Sri Ramanasramam developed around 1922 after the samadhi of Ramana Maharshi's mother Alagammal at the foot of Arunachala Hill. Ramana Maharshi (1879-1950), who came to Tiruvannamalai in 1896 and lived in various caves on Arunachala, settled at this site from 1922 until his mahasamadhi in 1950. The ashram grew around his presence and preserves the Old Hall, his samadhi shrine and associated structures.

The ashram is a major centre for Advaita Vedanta and the teachings of Ramana Maharshi, particularly the practice of Self-enquiry (Atma Vichara). It hosts daily Veda chanting, meditation, and study, and is closely associated with the sacred hill Arunachala and the Girivalam circumambulation tradition. It attracts devotees and seekers from across India and internationally.