Set amidst dense deodar, pine, and oak forests. Mayawati Ashram, also known as Advaita Ashrama is one of the famous tourist attractions situated in the Old Tea Estate area in the Lohaghat region of Champawat district. Advaita Ashrama, a pristine branch of the Ramakrishna Math, was founded on March 19, 1899, at the behest of Swami Vivekananda by his disciples James Henry Sevier and Charlotte Sevier. It was in the Alps that Vivekananda, while traveling with the couple, expressed his desire to have a similar hideaway for the monks in the Himalayas. Swamiji spent two weeks in the Ashrama in 1901.
Due to its sanctity, this ashram draws devotees from all over the world. The ashram is 22 kilometers from Champawat and sits at an elevation of 6400 feet above sea level. Three of its four sides are mountainous, and the fifth side provides a breathtaking panorama of the snow-covered Himalayan range.
The original writings of Vivekananda are published here. Being a place dedicated to the study and practice of Advaita Vedanta, this ashram does not worship idols or pictures. Not even the pictures of Ramakrishna were preserved on the premises in accordance with Vivekananda's goals for an ashram. Visitors to the ashram can also make use of its lodging options by making reservations in advance. There is also a library and a small museum at the ashram.
With the commitment and determination to serve mankind, Swami Vivekananda established the Ramakrishna Mission Association in 1897 and started the work of furthering the spirit of spiritual consciousness and harmony among all religions in the world. During this time, his supreme disciple, Swami Virjanand Ji Maharaj, took initiation from Swami Vivekananda. Between 1906 and 1914, Swami Virjanand was the President of Mayawati Ashram, and he published the entire literature of Swami Vivekananda while staying here. After accomplishing this significant work, he started searching for another suitable place for himself in the mountains with the desire for solitude.
His search was completed on the shores of Shyamlatal, a natural lake surrounded by beautiful forest hills. This place was where the wandering monk set up a retreat in his quest for solitude. The Ramakrishna Mission is in charge of this ashram, which opened its doors in 1915 and is a significant hub for spirituality and social service. The ashram is located approximately 22 km from Tanakpur and 56 km from Champawat.
