Overview:
On Saturday, April 26, 2025, the Vedanta Society of Northern California commemorated the 125th anniversary of Shanti Ashrama, the first Hindu ashrama and shrine in the West, with a special pilgrimage and celebration at its historic site in the San Antonio Valley, Santa Clara County.
Historical Background:
- Shanti Ashrama was established in 1900 after Miss Sarah Minnie Boock donated 160 acres of land to Swami Vivekananda, who entrusted Swami Turiyananda, a direct disciple of Sri Ramakrishna, to create a spiritual retreat in the secluded hills of Northern California.
- Swami Turiyananda arrived in San Francisco on July 26, 1900, and soon after led a group of Vedanta students to the site. For nearly two years, he guided daily classes and spiritual practice, using texts like the Bhagavad Gita, Vivekachudamani, and Swami Vivekananda’s Raja Yoga.
- After Swami Turiyananda’s return to India in 1902 due to health issues, Swami Trigunatitananda succeeded him, further enriching the ashrama’s spiritual and material legacy. Over the years, other notable swamis—including Swami Abhedananda, Swami Prakashananda, Swami Madhavananda, Swami Dayananda, Swami Vividishananda, Swami Ashokananda, and Swami Prabhuddananda—continued this tradition. Swami Tattwamayananda is the current spiritual head maintaining this legacy.
125th Anniversary Programme Highlights:
- The event began at 11 a.m. and included meditation, formal worship (puja), Vedic chanting, devotional music, flower offerings, talks on the spiritual significance and history of Shanti Ashrama, and a guided tour of the sacred Ashrama grounds for the devotees who had come from all over the United States.
- Swamis Aparananda, Yogatmananda (Providence), Prapannananda, Vedananda, Omkarananda, Vishnumayananda (Badrikashrama, San Leandro), Shantivratananda (Dublin, Ireland), Ishadhyanananda, and several nuns and devotees from various Vedanta centers participated.
- Over 230 devotees attended, reflecting the ashrama’s enduring role as a center of pilgrimage and spiritual inspiration.
- Lunch prasad and evening snacks were served to all attendees.
Significance of Shanti Ashrama:
- Shanti Ashrama remains a unique spiritual retreat, open to the public only for annual pilgrimages. Its serene, remote location has fostered deep spiritual practice for generations of seekers.
- The ashrama’s meditation cabin, built in 1900, is the oldest structure and has survived numerous natural calamities, symbolizing the resilience and sanctity of the site.
- The annual pilgrimage honors the contributions of early spiritual pioneers and celebrates the ongoing legacy of Vedanta in America.
The 125th anniversary celebration of Shanti Ashrama not only honored its founders and spiritual luminaries but also reaffirmed its place as a vital center for Vedanta and spiritual growth in the West, continuing the vision set forth by Swami Vivekananda and his direct disciples.
