ABOUT THE ASHRAM

ĀRSHA VIDYĀ ĀSHRAM

Ārsha Vidyā Āshram, commonly known as Ashram du Port, is a center for the traditional teaching of Hinduism, Vedānta, Sanskrit, Tamil, meditation, and related spiritual practices.

Ārsha means “that which belongs to the Ṛṣis,” the sages of India, while Vidyā means “knowledge.” The term Āshram refers to a place of learning under the guidance of a teacher. Ārsha Vidyā Āshram of Le Port is therefore a space dedicated to the knowledge revealed by the sages.

This spiritual center is open to all. While firmly rooted in the Hindu tradition, it welcomes people from all backgrounds. It offers everyone the opportunity to discover or deepen their understanding of living Indian culture, including painting, calligraphy, music, religion, mythology, philosophy, hatha yoga, gardening, cooking, and more.

Veda Vyāsa

HISTORY

In 1985, a small ashram was established in the "Ravine à Marquet" informal settlement by Brahmachārī Advaya Chaitanya, who would become Swāmī Advayānanda Sarasvatī a few years later. As this initial location became threatened, an opportunity arose to relocate to land owned by the Chokalingom Minakshi Amman Association, located in Square Jean XXIII in Le Port. The association Shruti Seva Réunion was then formally established in 1991.

With the help of its members, volunteers, and generous donors, the first two classrooms of the Ārsha Vidyā Āshram were built in 1994 and 1995.

In 2002, a temple was built, comprising a maṇḍapa (hall) and two shrines—one dedicated to Shrī Vara Siddhi Jñāna Gaṇapati and the other to Shrī Medhā Dakṣiṇāmūrti. The temple was inaugurated during a Mahā Kumbhābhiṣekam in 2002, in the presence of Pūjya Swāmī Dayānanda Sarasvatī.

A final building, including a kitchen, dining hall, guest rooms, and sanitary facilities, completed the ashram complex in 2012.

SHRUTI SEVA RÉUNION

Shruti Seva Réunion (SSR) is a non-profit cultural association established under the French 1901 law. Since its founding in 1991, it has been dedicated to promoting a deeper understanding of Hinduism and Indian culture.

To fulfill this mission, SSR offers a variety of activities, organizes religious ceremonies throughout the year, and holds satsangs—gatherings that include rituals, prayers, devotional singing, and teachings—at least once a month, usually on a Saturday, with the participation of devotees.

Sacred texts, their translations, and the teachings are made accessible and shared with participants. This enables devotees to take an active part in the rituals and to better understand the values, philosophy, and essential vision of Sanātana Dharma.

The Ashram Garden

Located in the town of Le Port, within Square Jean XXIII (locally known as ti zardin), the ashram is easily recognizable.

A beautiful garden surrounds the temple and the ashram buildings. A wide variety of plants and trees create a unique environment—a true forest garden.

This urban green haven, home to many rare species, contributes to the peaceful and sacred character of the place. Some of the plants are used in Hindu rituals, further strengthening our connection with nature.

ॐ
असतो मा सद्गमय ।
तमसो मा ज्योतिर्गमय ।
मृत्योर्माऽमृतं गमय ॥

asato mā sadgamaya|
tamaso mā jyotirgamaya|
mṛtyormā'mṛtaṃ gamaya||

From the unreal, lead me to the Real.
From darkness, lead me to Light.
From death, lead me to Immortality.