A Place of Grace on
the Ganga's Bank

Gita Bhawan stands in Swargashram, Rishikesh, one of the holiest spots in the Himalayan foothills of Uttarakhand, where saints and sages have meditated since time immemorial. The ashram sits directly on the banks of the Ganga, in an environment of surpassing natural and spiritual beauty.

The story begins around Vikram Samvat 1974 (approximately 1917 CE) when Sethji first came to Rishikesh to organise satsang. He was drawn to the great Vat Vriksha (banyan tree) that stood at what is now Gita Bhawan's site. According to tradition, the revered Swami Ramtirtha had performed tapasya at this very tree. Sethji often said: "This land, the Vat Vriksha and Gita Bhawan, came to us naturally, by God's grace."

From Samvat 1982 (1925 CE), Sethji began holding satsang at this site during the summer months, approximately three months each year. Over the following decades, the facilities expanded: accommodation was built and opened to all devotees free of charge, a dining hall established, free food distribution begun, and Ayurvedic medicine provided.

Today, Gita Bhawan can accommodate thousands of visitors simultaneously. Its more than 1,000 rooms are available free to any pilgrim, sadhu, devotee, or spiritual seeker who wishes to stay. No booking fee. No conditions. No expectation of payment. This is the promise that has never been broken since 1925.