Headquarters of the Global Gayatri Pariwar Movement – The Spiritual Heart of AWGP
Shantikunj Ashram, located amidst the peaceful and sacred surroundings of Haridwar, India, is the spiritual nerve center of the All World Gayatri Pariwar (AWGP). Established in 1971 by the revered Pandit Shriram Sharma Acharya, the ashram stands as a global hub for spiritual awakening, moral refinement, and social transformation. Guided by the eternal wisdom of the Gayatri Mantra and the principles of scientific spirituality, Shantikunj harmoniously blends ancient traditions with contemporary relevance.
The vision of Shantikunj Ashram is to rejuvenate timeless spiritual wisdom and integrate it with rational, scientific thought, thereby paving the way for holistic personal development and worldwide harmony. The ashram firmly believes that transformation at the individual level can collectively lead to the upliftment of society and humanity at large.
Rooted in the teachings of the Vedas, Upanishads, and the philosophical insights of Pandit Shriram Sharma Acharya, Shantikunj focuses on the following core principles:
Spiritual Empowerment: Encouraging the awakening of inner divinity through meditation, disciplined living, and the regular practice of the Gayatri Mantra.
Moral Development: Fostering essential human values such as compassion, integrity, simplicity, and non-violence in everyday life.
Social Responsibility: Inspiring active participation in social welfare, education, environmental preservation, and service-oriented initiatives.
Through these guiding values, Shantikunj Ashram continues to serve as a living center of spiritual education, value-based living, and global thought transformation.
Spiritual Training Programs
Shantikunj conducts a wide range of spiritual training camps focused on self-discipline, meditation, character refinement, and value-based living. Participants from across the globe gather here to learn how to harmonize material progress with spiritual growth in everyday life.
Mass Yagyas and Sacred Rituals
The ashram regularly organizes Yagyas and Vedic rituals aimed at fostering global peace, environmental purification, and collective well-being. Deeply rooted in ancient Vedic traditions, these sacred practices are believed to uplift individual consciousness and positively influence the surroundings.
Educational and Social Outreach
Guided by the wisdom of the Pragya Puranas, Shantikunj operates multiple educational initiatives, particularly for youth, emphasizing holistic development through moral and ethical education. Institutions such as Devguru Shankaracharya Ved Vidya Peeth nurture scholars in Vedic studies, while outreach programs actively support literacy, social awareness, and rural development.
Environmental Conservation Initiatives
Shantikunj is strongly committed to environmental sustainability, advocating tree plantation, water conservation, organic farming, and eco-friendly living. Through its Swavalamban Andolan (Self-Reliance Movement), communities are encouraged to adopt sustainable lifestyles that promote harmony with nature.
Global Gayatri Pariwar Movement
Gayatri Pariwar is a worldwide spiritual movement with millions of dedicated followers practicing the ideals imparted at Shantikunj. Through centers spread across the globe, the movement works toward building a harmonious, ethical, and spiritually awakened society grounded in justice and compassion.
Set within a serene and spiritually charged setting, Shantikunj is embraced by the sacred river Ganga and the majestic Himalayas, creating an ideal environment for inner awakening and spiritual growth. Visitors often experience a deep sense of peace and a subtle yet powerful divine presence that transforms the ashram into a true sanctuary for seekers of truth.
The daily recitation of the Gayatri Mantra, collective meditation practices, and acts of selfless service enrich this sacred space with devotion and harmony. Together, these practices nurture an atmosphere that uplifts the mind, purifies the heart, and inspires a deeper connection with the divine.
© 2025 – AWGP ORLANDO
