The ancient historical place where Saptrishi Ashram is situated finds its mention in Puranas and other Hindu Scriptures. The Ashram is situated at 8 kms from Haridwar Railway station on the side lane on Rishikesh Road.
This is the place which was the seat of meditation of seven sages or Saptrishis i.e Vashisth, Prashar, Attri, Agstya, Vishwamitra, Bhardwaj, Jamdagni. The sacared river Ganges when reached Anandwan ( a place two Kosh away from Haridwar towards Rishikesh side which finds a mention in Mahabahrta) divided itself in seven tributaries and continuous to flow after paying obeisance to the seven sages. This seat of meditation was recognised by Tyagmurti Goswami Ganesh Dutt ji, the only accreditated descipile of Bharat Ratna Mahamana Pandit Madan Mohan Malviya ji and he founded the Saptrishi asharam in 1947 at this place.
This place is associated where first of all Sanant Kumar narrated Shri Bhagwad Geeta to Shri Narad ji. It was at this place only that Bidur ji gave sermons to Dharitrastar, Gandhari and Kunti and they started their journey to Himalayas from this place.
Gangeshwar Mahadev is the main residing diety of the Ashram. Daily Rudri (Lingam Puja) is performed in the early hours in the morning. It is considered to be a Sidhpeeth.
There are nine temples within the Ashram namely
- Gangeshwar Mahadev Temple
- Ganesh Tample
- Durga Temple
- Hanuman Temple
- Radha Krishnan Temple
- Ram Temple
- Maa Saraswati Temple
- Bala ji Temple
- Malviya Temple
The campus of this Ashram is spread over in an area of 35 acres. The campus is having hundreds of mango trees and the place not only serene but is the appropriate place to stay in solitute and to meditate.
The Campus has
- Kutias:- There are about 44 Kutias (Independent residential sets) where pilgrims can stay during their visit to this holy place. The independent accommodation is complete in all aspects with minimum modern facilities.
- Yajna Shalla:- Dr Rajinder Prashad first President of Republic India lit the sacred fire in 1954 for 101 years in the presence of Brahmleen Tyagmurti Goswami Ganesh Dutt ji Maharaj. Daily Hawan is being performed by the Pandits, Bramhcharis and pilgrims daily.
- Swami Ram Tirath Hall:- Behind temple complex is Swami Ram Tirath Hall having seating capacity of 200. Spiritual lectures, Bhagwad sapthas and other religious activities are performed in this hall.
- Goswami Ganesh Dutt Ghat:- This bathing place is considered to be pious next to Har Ki Pauri. It has steps and protective chains for bathing purpose. The Shiva Temple and Panchmukhi Hanuman temples are situated at Ghat. Statues of Sapt Rishis are also displayed at ghat. There is protected changing rooms for ladies at ghat.
- Samadhi of Goswami Ganesh Dutt ji:- Samadhi is situated close to river Ganges. The area has well maintained park and sitting place at Samadhi Sathal. It is said that the ‘Pandvas’ took Veersanyas and proceeded towards the Himalayas from here. This journey is called ‘ Swargarohan’ (going towards Moksha infinity).
- Sanskrit Mahavidyalya:- Shri Jagdev Sanskrit Mahavidyalya is situated at the ashram complex. Classes from Prathma to post-graduate level are held at the Mahavidyalaya. Pandit Jawahar Lal Nehru, the first Prime Minister of India inaugurated this Mahavidyalya. There are approximately 250 students from distance places out of which approximately 100 students are staying on hostel, which provides them free boarding and lodging.
- Anpurna Bhandhar:- (Langar- free food distribution) Next to office block is Langar and there is proper dinning area infront of it. In addition to free meals to students of Sanskrit college and in-mates of ashram there is provision of Bhiksha for 300 sadhu-sanyashis everyday.
- Kirti Sathambh:- This monument is in memory of commendable work done by Goswami Ganesh Dutt ji Maharaj for spreading the cause of Sanatan Dharma, Country’s independence and the work done for Shri Sanatan Dharma Pratinidhi Sabha.
- Gaushala:- Keeping the old tradition of our Philosphy of Gau-sewa, we are maintaining a gaushala in the ashram. The Gaushala was inaugurated by Pandit Jawahar Lal Nehru, the first Prime Minister of India. Gaushala is housing about 120 cows out of which only 50 are mulching and the rest are being fed to save them from slaughter houses. There is proper provision of medical care of the cows and storage of fodder.
- Pandit Madan Mohan Malviya Complex:- This is three storeyed residential and shopping complex situated at Saptsarovar Marg.
- Dr. Shiv Kumar Memorial Nature Care Centre
