Ashram where ‘The Beatles’ meditated opens for the public

With the Ganga flowing quietly behind it, this abandoned ashram in Rishikesh has received many pilgrims over the years. They have picked their way through the thick undergrowth to reach the dilapidated Maharishi Mahesh Yogi ashram that once briefly housed the Beatles. (Express Photo by: Ravi Kanojia)

Uttarakhand’s Forest Department, under whom these premises fall, has converted the ashram into an eco-friendly tourist destination, offering bird walks and nature trails. Abandoned since 1997, it was thrown open to public on Tuesday (December 8). (Express Photo by: Ravi Kanojia)

It was in February 1968 that the Beatles turned up in Rishikesh to learn transcendental meditation from Maharishi Mahesh Yogi. (Express Photo by: Ravi Kanojia)

The now-derelict, igloo-shaped Chaurasi Kutiya cottages was where they were holed up, lost in meditation and music. (Express Photo by: Ravi Kanojia)

They are said to have written 48 songs here in just seven weeks, many of which made it to their famous White Album. Ringo Starr is said to have left within 10 days after his stomach couldn’t cope with the spicy food, followed by Paul McCartney three weeks later. John Lennon and George Harrison stayed on for eight weeks. (Express Photo by: Ravi Kanojia)

Legends about the band continue to echo in the premises. It is said that Lennon wrote ‘I am so tired’, during his stay with the Maharishi, after being deprived of booze, drugs and tobacco, and getting little sleep. (Express Photo by: Ravi Kanojia)