Rikhiapeeth

Rikhiapeeth is a spiritual ashram near Deoghar, established in 1989 by Swami Satyananda Saraswati, who was himself a disciple of Swami Sivananda Saraswati. He set it up as a place to practise yoga and meditation and to bring that tradition to bear on present-day life and social service, and it draws seekers from India and abroad.

The ashram runs courses in hatha yoga, kriya yoga and guided meditation, along with retreats, workshops and residential programmes that include Vedanta study. Seva, or selfless service, is central to its life: it organises free medical camps, schooling, vocational training and environmental work in nearby villages, and visitors can join these outreach programmes. Residents follow a simple, low-impact way of living in a green rural setting.