Shri Prem Nagar Ashram

Shri Prem Nagar Ashram is the premier Ashram established by Shri Hans Ji Maharaj and further developed by Jagat Janani Shri Mata Ji and Shri Satpal Ji Maharaj.

Situated on the banks of the Ganges, Hardwar is one of the holiest pilgrimage places in India. For thousands of years, it has been the chosen retreat of saints, sages and pilgrims who, after retiring from worldly pursuits, sought a life of study, meditation and simplicity.

Shri Prem Nagar Ashram is situated on Jwalapur Road, 3 kilometres from the town of Hardwar, between the major pilgrimage places of Hardwar, Jwalapur and Kankhal. Located as it is between the swiftly-flowing yet serene Ganges and the foothills of the Himalayas, it is an ideal and tranquil setting for spiritual practice. The twin peaks of Chandi Devi and Mansa Devi, capped by temples, are visible from the Ashram. The sounds of nearby temple bells and devotional songs are carried on the morning and evening breezes, mingling with birdsong and augmenting the peaceful and contemplative atmosphere of the Ashram.

Shri Prem Nagar Ashram

Founded in 1944 by Yogiraj Paramsant Satgurudev Shri Hans Ji Maharaj, the building and shaping of Prem Nagar was his and his devotees’ labour of love. When the land was purchased it was rocky and overgrown with thorny scrub and its only inhabitants were snakes and scorpions. Yet Shri Hans Ji Maharaj had a vision:

"From here to the street, we’ll construct a long driveway bordered by beautiful gardens. We’ll build seven arches along it. Over there we’ll build a huge satsang hall which will be adorned with quotations from the saints and divine Masters of all religions. The driveway gardens will be decorated with fountains, benches and flowerbeds. The pathway itself will have raised borders carrying quotations from saints and scriptures about the spiritual experience, service, love, devotion etc. Devotees will read them as they walk down the path, and this will purify their minds and prepare them for satsang and meeting the spiritual Master."

This dream came true through the combined efforts of Master and devotees over the years. From 1950 onwards, work began in earnest. Devotees got together to level the land and construct a hut where Shri Hans Ji Maharaj and a few devotees lived. From this humble beginning it has grown into a huge and unique ashram of more than 1000 rooms.

As Shri Hans Ji Maharaj said, "I have been offered donations large enough to complete the construction of this Ashram, but that is not what I want. I prefer to give each and every devotee a chance to participate in this holy and meritorious work. Service is the expression of love, and this kind of spontaneous loving service will gradually build Prem Nagar, the ‘City of Love’."

He further said, "Anyone stepping into this Prem Nagar will be blessed with spiritual knowledge and service in this Ashram will give incredible merit of higher life and salvation."