shri-rama-mandir

Without devotion, knowledge is tasteless. Without knowledge, devotion is merely idol worship.

Swami Chinmayananda

History

Gurudev builds a forest temple

The beautiful Shri Rama Temple at Sandeepany Himalayas is much-loved throughout the Kangra Valley. Swami Chinmayananda was intricately involved at each stage of the temple construction and presided over consecration of murtis of Vanavasi Lord Rama and Sita Devi in October 1983.

Crown Shaped Sikhara

A temple for everyone

Inspired by Gurudev, the architecture of the temple is a unique bridge between North and South Indian cultures, executed by skilled artistes from Karnataka and Tamil Nadu. The crown shaped shikhara (tower) of the temple is 40 feet high. Nearly 3 crores of Likhit Ram Naam Japa from devotees around the world are enshrined below the sanctum.

Vanavasi Rama

For the Sandeepany Himalayas ashram, Swamiji commissioned unique black soft stone idols of Shri Rama and Sita Devi in the Vanavasi form - as they appear in their period of exile in the forest.
They wear the simple garb of forest dwellers, with hair knotted up, in keeping with the field and forest environs of Sidhbari. In this temple Lord Rama and Sita Devi are tender and accessible.

Living Idols

Swamiji himself participated in the pratishta (enlivening) of the idols. Devotees who were present speak of the charged atmosphere and an enduring certainty that the Lord had indeed come to reside at Sidhbari.
Exquisitely formed pancha loha (five metals - gold, silver, copper, iron and lead) idols of Lord Ram, Sita Devi, Lakshmanji and Hanumanji receive daily puja.

Divine Family

A focus for devotion

The sanctum is positioned such that the gaze of Hanumanji, from the far side of the ashram, falls directly at the feet of Shri Rama. Stories from the Ramayan are captured in paintings around the temple walls. Evening arti at the Shri Rama Mandir as the sunlight turns to lamplight and the temple bells ring out, is not to be missed.

Temple Opening

Offering prayers and worship

Visitors and campers can attend and even sponsor daily puja. Contact us to offer puja to Lord Rama in the name of a loved one from wherever you are in the world.

Chinmaya Tapovan Trust
Sandeepany Himalayas
Tapovan Road, Sidhbari,
Dharamshala, Distt. Kangra,
Himachal Pradesh, Pin Code : 176057.
Tel. : +91-1892-234324 , +91-1892-236199
E-mail: ctt@chinmayamission.com