India
A yoga ashram in India where you can stay
Shankar Prasad Ashram is a Satyananda Yoga ashram and organic farm in Bankikodla village, 5 km from Gokarna, Karnataka. Following the Bihar School of Yoga tradition, the ashram welcomes guests and volunteers to join daily practice and the work of the house.
Ashram life
Living and practising together
For people exploring ashrams in India, daily life here means eating, chanting, meditating and working together. Every guest takes part in the life of the house. Karma yoga is service as mindful action, with work around the house and farm.
- The morning bell is at 5:30 am, with chanting and meditation at 5:45 am.
- Asana or personal sadhana is at 7:00 am, with asana classes Monday to Friday. Breakfast is at 8:30 am.
- Cleaning and karma yoga begin at 9:00 am. Classes and personal practice fit around shared work and meals.
- Chanting precedes lunch at 12:50 pm; lunch is at 1:00 pm and dinner at 7:00 pm.
- Evening chanting, meditation and satsang are at 8:00 pm. Silence is kept after evening chanting until after breakfast, and in sleeping rooms at all times.
- The havan, a sacred fire ceremony, is held on Saturday. It is free and open to all.
The Daily Schedule sets out the rhythm. Read the Happy House Rules: participate in the schedule, complete your karma yoga, help clean up and wear loose, modest clothing.
Ways to stay
Guest, volunteer or working stay
- Guest: one hour of karma yoga a day, with more time for your own sadhana.
- Part-time volunteer: four hours of karma yoga each day, leaving time for practice.
- Full volunteer: six hours of karma yoga a day, with a minimum stay of one month, preferably three. Work includes the farm, animal care, maintenance, online and office work, marketing and fundraising.
- Working stay: continue your online work while contributing as a guest or part-time volunteer. Internet is limited, so discuss your needs with the ashram before coming.
See Options for Staying for the different arrangements and karma yoga volunteering at the ashram for the work and commitment.
Who can come
Indian and international guests are welcome
No prior yoga or meditation experience is needed. Come with a genuine interest in spiritual life and a receptive attitude, ready to participate in the daily schedule. Please contact the office before you come so your stay can be arranged.
Guests from outside India should bring their passport and visa. The Visiting page explains what to expect and what to bring.
Suggested donations
What does an ashram stay cost?
Every stay has a suggested donation. It depends on the room and whether you come as a guest, part-time volunteer or full volunteer. Stays include three vegetarian meals a day, chanting, yoga and Yoga Nidra sessions, the weekly havan and use of the library.
See what an ashram stay costs in India and Accommodation for the room donations. Volunteering also has a suggested donation; it is not a free stay.
To get here, see How to Reach. For a stay built around a programme, explore our yoga retreats in India.
Questions about staying at a yoga ashram in India
Where is this yoga ashram in India?
In Bankikodla village, 5 km from Gokarna, on the Karnataka coast. Shankar Prasad follows the Satyananda Yoga tradition of the Bihar School of Yoga.
Do I need yoga experience to stay?
No prior yoga or meditation experience is needed. You need a genuine interest in spiritual life and a willingness to take part in the daily life of the ashram.
Can international guests stay?
Yes. Indian and international guests are welcome. If you are visiting from outside India, bring your passport and visa and contact the office before coming.
How much karma yoga do guests and volunteers do?
Guests give one hour a day, part-time volunteers four hours and full volunteers six hours. Full volunteers are asked to stay at least one month, preferably three.
Can I keep working online during my stay?
A working stay lets you continue online work as a guest or part-time volunteer. Internet is limited; discuss your work and connection needs with the ashram before booking.
What are the silence hours?
Please keep silence after evening chanting until after breakfast the next day, and in sleeping rooms at all times. Meals are taken in silence too.
Is a volunteer stay free?
No. Every stay has a suggested donation. See what an ashram stay costs and karma yoga volunteering for the arrangements.
How do I choose an ashram in India?
Look at the tradition it follows, the daily routine, how much karma yoga it asks, the rooms and the suggested donation, and whether it welcomes guests for the length of stay you want. This ashram follows Satyananda Yoga, rings the bell at 5:30 am, asks guests for one hour of karma yoga a day, and keeps silence after evening chanting.