Swami Vivekananda was a shining star of Indian spirituality and philosophy. He strode the canvas of Indian religion and spirituality like a colossus. His stirring address at the Parliament of the World’s Religions in 1893 is an epoch-making event in India’s history. Swami Vivekananda loved the Indian Himalayas and always sought for an opportunity to lose himself in the serenity of the mountains. So it comes as no surprise that he has spent a lot of time in the Kumaon region of the Himalayas and set up Ashrams and spiritual centers there. The Vivekananda trail in Kumaon is a path that he trod as a young monk in 1890.

The Vivekananda Trail in Kumaon, Uttarakhand

We have always admired this great spiritual master who gave the ancient Indian texts like the Vedas and the Upanishads a contemporary meaning. When we were on a sojourn of discovery in Kumaon, Uttarakhand, we were blessed with the opportunity to explore some of the places that form the Vivekananda trail in Kumaon, Uttarakhand.

Vivekananda trail in Kumaon
Vivekananda trail
Vivekananda footsteps
Vivekananda circuit
Vivekananda in Kumaon, Uttarakhand
Swami Vivekananda meditated here
travel in Vivekanand’s footsteps in the Kumaon hills
Kasar Devi
Ramakrishna kutir Almora
Mayawati ashram
Kasar Devi Vivekananda
Almora Ramakrishna mission guest house
Almora to Kasar Devi distance
Kasar Devi magnetic field
Swami Vivekananda’s days of peace in Uttarakhand hills
Swami Vivekananda tourist circuit in Uttarakhand
Advaita Ashrama
Advaita Ashram, Mayawati
Himalayan Monastery by Vivekananda
Ramakrishna Math
Shyamlatal to Mayawati
Vivekananda ashram Shyamlatal
Advaita Ashram
Vivekananda in Kumaon circuit
Champawat
Almora district
#travel #spiritual #Vivekananda #SwamiVivekananda #Kumaon #Uttarakhand #India #VivekanandaTrail

Excerpt From Swami Vivekananda’s Famous Chicago Address

Sisters and Brothers of America, It fills my heart with joy unspeakable to rise in response to the warm and cordial welcome which you have given us. I thank you in the name of the most ancient order of monks in the world;

I thank you in the name of the mother of religions, and I thank you in the name of the millions and millions of Hindu people of all classes and sects. My thanks, also, to some of the speakers on this platform who, referring to the delegates from the Orient, have told you that these men has taught the world both tolerance and universal acceptance. We believe not only in universal toleration, but we accept all religions as true. I am proud to belong to a nation which has sheltered the persecuted and the refugees of all religions and all nations of the earth.

Vivekananda’s Footprints in Uttarakhand | The Vivekananda Trail In Kumaon

It was in 1890 that two young men set off into the pristine region of Uttarakhand. They were no ordinary mortals. They were monks in search of peace and inner enlightenment. One of them was the young Vivekananda and the other his brother monk Akhandananda.

Swami Vivekananda circuit in Kumaon region, Uttarakhand | The Vivekananda Trail In Kumaon

Vivekananda believed that the holy Vedas first took form in the holy land of Uttarakhand. He said that Uttarakhand was the hallowed land where Parvati, the mother of India was born. The Himalayan region of Uttarakhand for him was the essence of India. He wanted to build a monastery, a center of peace and meditation in the region.

It was in a place called Kakrighat where it is believed that Vivekananda first saw the eternal truth while meditating. The footprints of Vivekananda can be found across Uttarakhand and specifically so in the Kumaon region. It is as if the mountains of the region still echo to the sonorous notes of his hymns.

Tracing The Vivekananda Trail In Kumaon Uttarakhand

To embark on the Vivekananda trail in Kumaon, the best place to start of is Kathgodam. It is the nearest railhead to enter into the Kumaon region. From Kathgodam one needs to head to a place called Kakrighat which is about 60 kilometers away.

Kakrighat

Uttarakhand, the land of the Gods echoes with the sounds of thousands of years of penance of ancient saints. Its sacred temples, its pristine nature, and the footfalls of saints like Vivekananda make it into a land like none other on the earth. As we traveled across the beautiful region of Kumaon, we were swept away by the mystical ethos of the land and surrendered unconditionally to its mystical beauty.

Kakrighat was the first place that we visited where Vivekananda had set foot more than 100 years ago. Kakrighat is one of the most important places on the Vivekananda trail in Kumaon. This is the place where Vivekananda got the realization of the eternal truth.

By the side of the river Kosi, there stands a small and simple Shiva temple, called Karkateshwar Mahadev temple today. Within the precincts of the temple, there is a big Peepal tree with densely spread leaves.

We find a few local kids playing beneath the tree. Tired from the exertions of the game, they sit down on a wall in the shade of the Peepal tree. The innocent kids are probably unaware that this was the very spot where Vivekananda in deep meditation, after sanctifying himself with a bath in the Kosi river.

Why Kakrighat is So Important in The Vivekananda Trail in Kumaon

It was the month of August 1890. Vivekananda along with Akhandananda reached Kakrighat on the banks of the river Kosi. The meandering Kosi river against the backdrop of lush green hills presented an enchanting sight. Vivekananda was touched by the beauty of the spot. Turning to his companion Akhandananda, he said, “what a charming place this is and so wonderful for meditation”.

The wandering ascetics decided to halt for the night at this spot. Vivekananda bathed in the pristine waters of the river Kosi and sat down for meditation beneath a Peepal tree near the banks of the river.

He was soon immersed in deep meditation. When he returned to consciousness, he seemed a changed man. He told Akhandanada:

“Oh, Gangadhar! I have just passed through one of the greatest moments of my life”. “Here, under this Peepal tree, one of the greatest problems of my life has been solved”. “I have found the oneness of the macrocosm with the microcosm, in the microcosm of the body, everything that is there in the macrocosm exists”.

“I have seen the whole universe within an atom”.

It is believed that this spiritual experience beneath the Peepal tree at Kakrighat was the basis for Vivekananda’s later lectures Cosmos – Microcosm, and Macrocosm.

The original tree under which Swami Vivekananda meditated has long since dried up. The authorities have cloned and transplanted a similar tree at the same place where the original tree once stood and sheltered Vivekananda during his meditation.

As we live the hallowed precincts of Kakrighat. A few kids merrily ring some bells tied to a railing. the peal of the bells seems to echo the thoughts of Swami Vivekananda after his realization of the universal truth.

Mayawati Ashram

The next important place on the Vivekananda trail in Kumaon is an enchanting place known as Mayawati Ashram or Advaita Ashram. A neat tree-lined road leads to the Ashram. An old printing press grabs your attention as soon as you enter the premises. A board informs the history of the printing press. Apparently, this is the historic printing press that was used to print many books including the first two volumes of The Complete Works Of Swami Vivekananda.

A cryptic line that says, “Swami Vivekananda might have handled the press during his visit to Mayawati in 1901, rouses your interest.

Beautifully landscaped gardens full of flowers of myriad colors bring a smile to your lips. The beautiful locale of the Ashram seems to be permeated with serenity. The Mayawati Ashram or Advaita Ashrama as it is known dates back to the year 1899 when it was founded.

The dream of this Ashram was visualized by Swami Vivekananda during a trip to Switzerland where he was enchanted by the beauty of the Alps. His thoughts immediately turned to his beloved Himalayas. He had traveled extensively in the region of Kumaon in Uttarakhand including Almora. It had been his dream to found a monastery in its pristine environs, a place where the serenity of the place itself would instill peace and catalyze introspection and meditation.

Spurred by the thought ignited in Switzerland, Swami Vivekananda asked his disciple Swami Swarupananda and James and Charlotte Sevier to look for a suitable place. A beautiful place in the midst of hills with exquisite views of the Himalayan ranges was identified. On that spot in the year 1899, the Advaita Ashrama was inaugurated. It was recognized as one of its branches by the Belur Math. The aim of the Advaita Ashrama was to study, practice and also preach the Advaita philosophy.

One can even today feel the presence of Swami Vivekananda in the Advaita Ashram. He had visited here after the demise of James Sevier to console his widow and stayed for a couple of weeks. The room where he stayed and meditated is turned into a library today. In the beautiful environs of the Mayawati Ashram, the Vivekananda trail in Kumaon seems to literally come alive.

Almora District – A Gem in The Vivekananda Trail In Kumaon

The two mendicants Vivekananda and Akhandananda, freeing themselves from the worries and encumbrance of the world walked along the beautiful land of Uttarakhand. With just the clothes they wore and begging bowls in hand they forged ahead. They survived on food they begged, they spent the time meditating and preaching and exulting in the beauty of the land.

They started walking from Nainital to Almora and on the way, they passed through Kakrighat. A place that proved to be a turning point in the spiritual journey of Vivekananda.

These are the places in and around Almora that resonates with the presence of Swami Vivekananda even today.

Sri Ramakrishna Kutir or Ashrama, Almora

Sri Ramakrishna Kutir Almora is another manifestation of Swami Vivekananda’s dream of having a monastery in the serene environs of Almora. The Ashrama came up in 1916, fourteen years after the Swami’s demise. The Ashrama is the fruit of the efforts of Swami Turiyananandji who was a direct disciple of Sri Ramakrishna Paramhansa. The Ashrama is a retreat for monks, and devotees to stay in a serene and spiritual environment and practice meditation.

Sri Raghunath Temple, Almora

Swami Vivekananda on his second visit to Almora in the year 1897, was received by a huge crowd at a nearby village called Lodea. From there, bowing to the wishes of his devotees, the Swami arrived on horseback in a grand procession. It is said that he was accorded a rousing welcome in front of the Sri Raghunath Temple by over 5,000 people.

Sri Lala Badri Shah’s House

During his Kumaon sojourn in 1890. Vivekananda along with Akhandananda stayed in this house. He was hosted by Sri Lala Badri Shah. Again when he returned to Almora in 1897, he again stayed at the same house for some time. This house is located about 2 km. from Sri Ramakrishna Kutir. Those interested can see the house after 3.00 PM.

Vivekananda Rest House

It was the year 1890 when Swami Vivekananda and Swami Akhandananda walked all the way from Nainital to Almora. They braved hunger, illness, and the vagaries of the weather on their epic journey. Hunger and exertion took their toll and Swami Vivekananda fainted on a rock. A passing Muslim mendicant named Zulfikar Ali revived him with a cucumber. A small rest house stands in memory of that incident about 1 kilometer from Sri Ramakrishna Kutir. The rest house was built by Boshi Sen who was also the founder of the Swami Vivekananda Institute of Hill Agriculture.

Sri Kasar Devi Temple

A picturesque village called Kasar Devi near Almora with a 2nd-century temple of the same name attracted Swami Vivekananda when he was in Almora in 1890. The village dotted with Pine and Deodhar trees provides a spectacular view of the Himalayan ranges. Its beauty is conducive to peace and meditation.

This prompted Swami Vivekananda to spend time meditating in a cave near the temple. The Almora to Kasar Devi distance is about 11 km. Myth has it that the Kasar Devi magnetic field because of being in the  Van Allen belt catalyzes meditation and cosmic rejuvenation in the vicinity of the temple. It could be because of this that so many noted personalities have flocked to the place. These include George Harrison, Bob Dylan, D.H.Lawrence, Robert Thurman, and Alfred Sorensen among others.

Sri Syahi Devi Temple

A beautiful trek amidst pine and deodar trees takes you to the Sri Syahi Devi Temple in Sitalakhet. The views of the Himalayan peaks Nanda Devi, Trisul, Chaukhamba, and Panchchuli on the way and from the top are mesmerizing. It is an amazing feeling when you realize that Swami Vivekananda had trekked the same path in 1897 on his second visit to Almora. He meditated in a cave that is situated some 2 Km. from the Sri Syahi Devi temple.

Dewaldhar House

Dewaldhar is a village located some 70 odd kilometers from Almora in the Bageshwar district. Swami Vivekananda visited the village on horseback and stayed there doing meditation for 47 days. The house he stayed in when he was there is today in ruins.

Sri Patal Devi Temple

Sri Patal Devi temple is located at a distance of about 7 km from Almora. It is one of the 9 temples dedicated to different forms of the Goddess Durga in the region of Almora. It is believed that Swami Vivekananda may have stayed in the rooms near the temple which were meant for the use of mendicants.

Government Inter College Almora

This college resonated with the sonorous sound of Swami Vivekananda in the year 1897. The Swami gave a lecture on the subject, “Vedic Teachings In Theory & Practice”. He was delivering his lecture for the first time in Hindi and stunned everyone with his oratorical skills and mastery over the language.

Thomson House

Not very far from the Sri Ramakrishna Kutir is the Industrial Training Institute. This was earlier known as Thompsons House. Swami Vivekananda, Swami Swarupananda, and other western disciples have stayed in the house. The magazine Prabuddha Bharata was printed from here before the press was shifted to the Advaita Ashrama in Mayawati.

Lohaghat, Champawat

Swami Vivekananda spent a few days at Lohaghat, a beautiful and historic place in the Champawt district. Today a stone inscription put up by the authorities near the Dak Bungalow where he stayed during his later visit to the region is all that remains.

Nainital

The beautiful lake town of Uttarakhand was the place from where Swami Vivekananda embarked on his historic voyage of self-discovery. It was from here that he along with Akhandananda started the eventful walk to Almora in the year 1890.

Bhimtal

Another of the beautiful lakes of the Kumaon region not far from Nainital. Swami Vivekananda is said to have passed through the picturesque town of Bhimtal on his way to Mayawati from Kathgodam,

Vivekananda Ashram Shyamlatal

Though there is no evidence that Swami Vivekananda had visited Shyamlatal. The place is important in the Vivekananda trail in Kumaon because of the presence of the Vivekananda Ashram near a serene lake. The Ashram was set up through the efforts of Swami Virajanandaji Maharaj and an aged Charlotte Sevier.

The Ashram which was inaugurated in the year 1915, is a retreat for monks and other devotees. It provides a peaceful haven in the midst of nature for those seeking spiritual pursuits. There is also a medical center that is providing basic health facilities to more than 50 surrounding villages of the area. The distance from Shyamlatal to Mayawati is about 76 km.

Swami Vivekananda Quick Facts

• Swami Vivekananda was born Narendranath Datta on 12th January 1863 in Kolkata
• Chief disciple of Sri Ramakrishna Paramahansa
• Founded the Ramakrishna Mission in 1897 as well as the Ramakrishna Math
• Rose to international fame with his famous address at the Parliament of World religions at Chicago in 1893
• Vivekananda’s parents were Vishwanath Datta and Bhubaneshwari Devi
• Swami Vivekananda died on the 4th of July, 1902 at Belur

Swami Vivekananda who in his short life achieved so much which mere mortals cannot in multiple lives blazed a trail of his own. He spent a lot of time in his favorite region of India and particularly in the districts of Almora and Champawat. He visited multiple temples in the area, He meditated at some of the most serene and picturesque places. The echo of Vivekananda’s footsteps still resonates as you try to follow the Vivekananda trail in Kumaon, Uttarakhand. The presence of Vivekananda in Kumaon, Uttarakhand can still be experienced in its rivers, mountains, and streams that were so beloved to him. We are indeed blessed to have walked on the same path on which he trod, at least a small portion of the trail that he took. We hope to return to Kumaon and explore more of the numerous places that he visited during one of the most amazing physical and spiritual journeys in the history of mankind.

The Kumaon Mandal Vikas Nigam Ltd. (KMVN) is making efforts to revive and popularise the Vivekananda trail in Kumaon. In an effort to promote the Swami Vivekananda tourist circuit in Uttarakhand it offers a package tour in memory of Swami Vivekananda, a Vivekananda circuit of sorts. This covers some of the places he sanctified with his presence. If you want to travel in Vivekanand’s footsteps in the Kumaon hills, you may want to look at this option. The package tour starts from Kathgodam and covers about 500 kilometers over 5 nights and 4 days.
If you want to plan a trip then book flights and hotels here. Hotel booking can be done through TripAdvisor or Cleartrip to save huge and get best deals on booking your stay.
Have you been to Kumaon and any of the places that Swami Vivekananda visited? If not, we urge you to visit some of them, they still seem to be enveloped in the spiritual aura of the saint. Do let us know if you have any questions or inputs about the Vivekananda trail in Kumaon. We leave you with this powerful quote of Swami Vivekananda:

“Arise, awake, and stop not until the goal is achieved.” 

Do You Love Traveling?

Do you want to know how to travel the world? We have put together a very useful travel resources page with best travel tips. Go check it out now.

Thanks for visiting our site Voyager – imvoyager.com and taking the time to read this post!

If you wish to collaborate/work with us then reach us at [email protected]

We’d love if you’d comment by sharing your thoughts on this post and share this post on social media and with your friends.

[shareaholic app=”share_buttons” id=”27413782″]

Follow our journey on our social media channels:
Facebook   Twitter   Instagram  Pinterest G+ YouTube