Bharadwaj Ashram, Prayagraj — Where Ram Rested on the Way to Chitrakoot
Bharadwaj Ashram at Colonelganj, Prayagraj is the ashram of Maharishi Bharadwaj, one of the Saptarishis and the great teacher of ancient Prayag. Tulsidas records in the Ramcharitmanas that this is where Lord Ram, Sita and Lakshman stayed on their way into exile, and it was Bharadwaj who directed them onward to Chitrakoot. The sage established the Bharadwajeshwar Mahadev shivling here, alongside hundreds of other idols. The complex now holds several temples, a huge statue of Rishi Bharadwaj and a renovated park with murals and fountains. Entry is free.
- Timings
- ~6 AM–8 PM daily
- Significance
- Ram's halt on the Van Gaman Path
- Main Shrine
- Bharadwajeshwar Mahadev
- Entry
- Free · no ticket
Bharadwaj Ashram
Colonelganj, Prayagraj · The Sage of Prayag
4.9 / 5 · Prayagraj Tours
Ram Van Gaman Path
- Timings
- ~6:00 AM – 8:00 PM, daily
- Main Shrine
- Bharadwajeshwar Mahadev shivling
- Significance
- Where Lord Ram stayed en route to Chitrakoot
- Recorded In
- Tulsidas's Ramcharitmanas
- Entry
- Free · no ticket required
- Location
- Colonelganj, Prayagraj 211002
What Are the Bharadwaj Ashram Timings?
Bharadwaj Ashram is an open complex with temples and a park rather than a single walled shrine, so it keeps generous daytime hours — generally around 6:00 AM to 8:00 PM. The temples within observe the usual morning and evening darshan pattern. Entry is free. Allow an hour if you want to see the shrines, the statue and the park properly.
Morning (Best)
Cool, quiet, best for the temples
Midday
Grounds open; temples may break
Evening (Best)
The park and fountains at their best
Bharadwajeshwar Mahadev
The shivling set by the sage
The Bharadwaj Statue
The huge image of the Maharishi
The Park & Murals
Fountains, murals, space for children
Total Visit
Comfortable half-morning or evening
Tip: the renovated park behind the statue — with its murals, synchronised fountains and swings — makes this one of the few genuinely child-friendly stops in Prayagraj. If you are travelling with a family, come in the evening rather than the morning. WhatsApp us and we will fit it in.
When Is the Best Month to Visit Bharadwaj Ashram? (2026)
The complex is largely open ground and park, so the weather matters. October to March is the comfortable window, and the ashram stays pleasantly uncrowded for most of the year.
Ram Navami is the most fitting day to visit a site on the Ram Van Gaman Path. The Magh Mela season fills the whole city, though the ashram itself stays calmer than the Sangam.
Why Did Lord Ram Stop at Bharadwaj Ashram?
What Is Bharadwaj Ashram?
Bharadwaj Ashram at Colonelganj is the site of the hermitage of Maharishi Bharadwaj, the great sage of ancient Prayag. It is not a single temple but a complex — several shrines, a large statue of the Rishi and a landscaped park — occupying the ground where tradition places one of the most celebrated ashrams in Indian memory.
Who Was Maharishi Bharadwaj?
Bharadwaj was one of the Saptarishis, the seven great sages, a composer of Vedic hymns and, above all, a teacher. His ashram at Prayag is remembered as an enormous centre of learning, with thousands of students — one of the earliest institutions in India that could reasonably be called a university. Prayag was, in a real sense, his city.
What Happened Here in the Ramayana?
Tulsidas records it in the Ramcharitmanas: on their way from Ayodhya into exile, Lord Ram, Sita and Lakshman came to Bharadwaj’s ashram at Prayag and were received by the sage. They rested here, and it was Bharadwaj who directed them onward to Chitrakoot — the place where they would spend a great part of the exile. The route of the exile turns at this spot.
What Is Bharadwajeshwar Mahadev?
The sage himself is said to have established a shivling here — Bharadwajeshwar Mahadev — along with hundreds of other idols across the ashram grounds. It remains the principal shrine of the complex, and it means the site is a working temple as well as a heritage place.
Where Does It Sit on the Ram Van Gaman Path?
Exactly in the middle. The Ram Van Gaman Path traces Lord Ram’s journey into exile — Ayodhya, then Shringverpur where he crossed the Ganga with Nishadraj, then Bharadwaj Ashram at Prayag, then Chitrakoot. Anyone following that route passes through here by definition, and yet most Prayagraj visitors have never heard of the place.
What Has the Renovation Added?
A great deal, and it has changed who the site suits. Behind the huge statue of Rishi Bharadwaj there is now a well-maintained park with murals depicting life at the ashram as the scriptures describe it, synchronised fountains, gardens and swings for children. It has turned a quiet heritage site into somewhere a family can comfortably spend an hour.
Did you know? Bharadwaj’s influence runs through more than the Ramayana — tradition also places the Pandavas under his guidance when they established the Shivling at Padila Mahadev, north of Prayagraj. Both epics pass through this one sage.
What Do You Actually See at Bharadwaj Ashram?
Part temple, part heritage site, part park — and it rewards more time than most visitors give it.
- 1
Reach Colonelganj
The ashram is at Colonelganj in the George Town area of Prayagraj. Taxis and autos reach the gate directly — no lanes to negotiate.
- 2
Start at the Bharadwaj Statue
The huge image of the Maharishi is the natural first stop, and it sets the scale of what this place once was.
- 3
Have Darshan at Bharadwajeshwar Mahadev
The shivling that the sage himself is said to have established — the principal shrine of the complex.
- 4
Visit the Smaller Shrines
Hundreds of idols are set across the ashram grounds. Walk rather than heading straight for the exit.
- 5
Hear the Ramayana Episode
Ask your guide for the passage from the Ramcharitmanas where Ram, Sita and Lakshman are received here and sent onward to Chitrakoot.
- 6
Walk Through the Park
Behind the statue, the renovated park with its murals of ashram life, fountains, gardens and trees.
- 7
Let Children Run
There are swings and open lawns — a genuine rarity in a Prayagraj itinerary, and a good place to break up a heavy darshan day.
- 8
Stay for the Fountains
The synchronised fountains are at their best in the evening. If you are visiting with a family, come at that hour.
When Should You Visit Bharadwaj Ashram?
Two different visits are possible here — a temple visit in the morning or a family evening in the park. Choose which you want.
Best for Darshan — Morning
Come between 6 and 11 AM for the temples at their calmest and coolest, with time to walk the grounds before the day heats up.
Best for Families — Evening
The park, the murals and the synchronised fountains come into their own in the late afternoon and evening. With children, this is by far the better time.
Most Fitting — Ram Navami
Ram Navami, in March or April, is the most appropriate day to stand at a site on the Ram Van Gaman Path. The Magh Mela season also brings pilgrims here.
What Can You See at Bharadwaj Ashram?
A complex with several distinct parts, which is why it deserves an hour rather than fifteen minutes.
Bharadwajeshwar Mahadev
Top PickThe Main Shrine
The shivling that Maharishi Bharadwaj himself is said to have established, and the principal temple of the ashram complex.
The Statue of Rishi Bharadwaj
Top PickThe Great Sage
A huge image of the Maharishi, one of the Saptarishis and the teacher whose gurukul at Prayag drew thousands of students.
The Renovated Park
Top PickMurals & Fountains
Gardens behind the statue with murals depicting life at the ashram as the scriptures describe it, synchronised fountains and swings for children.
The Ram Van Gaman Connection
The Ramcharitmanas
The ground where Tulsidas records that Ram, Sita and Lakshman were received and sent onward to Chitrakoot.
The Smaller Shrines
Hundreds of Idols
Idols and shrines set across the ashram grounds, established alongside the main shivling.
Why Is Bharadwaj Ashram Worth an Hour?
It is not on most Prayagraj itineraries, which is exactly the argument for going.
The Turning Point of the Exile
Ram was received here and directed to Chitrakoot. The route of the whole exile pivots at this spot, and almost nobody visits it.
One of India's Earliest Universities
Bharadwaj's gurukul at Prayag drew thousands of students. This ground was a centre of learning millennia before the idea had a name.
Genuinely Good for Children
Murals, fountains, lawns and swings. In a city of ghats and queues, this is one of the very few stops a child will actually enjoy.
Quiet and Green
Away from the Sangam crowds, with space to walk and sit — a welcome break in the middle of a heavy darshan day.
Is There an Entry Fee at Bharadwaj Ashram? (2026)
Entry is completely free — there is no ticket for the temples, the statue or the park. The only cost is getting there, and the ashram is on a main road that any auto can reach.
The visit costs nothing. What we add is the context and the route — a guide who can tell you the Ramcharitmanas passage standing on the ground it describes, and an itinerary that links Bharadwaj Ashram with Shringverpur as part of the Ram Van Gaman Path between Ayodhya and Chitrakoot. Pricing confirmed in writing.
Auto fares are indicative and vary with traffic and time of day. Agree the fare before setting off.
What Do Visitors Say About Bharadwaj Ashram?
1,109 verified reviews
Standing where Bharadwaj received Ram and sent him on to Chitrakoot, with the Ramcharitmanas verses being recited by our guide, was genuinely moving. I have read that passage a hundred times.
Chandra Shekhar Pandey
Varanasi
We came in the evening with two young children and it was the best decision of the trip. Fountains, lawns, swings, murals — they had a wonderful time while we saw the temples. Almost nothing else in Prayagraj works for kids.
Neelam Saxena
Delhi
We were travelling the Ram Van Gaman Path from Ayodhya to Chitrakoot and this was the link we had been missing. Shringverpur then Bharadwaj Ashram then home to Chitrakoot — the whole route made sense.
Ramanand Tripathi
Chitrakoot
Beautifully renovated and very peaceful. The statue of the Maharishi is impressive and the murals are well done. Free entry, easy to reach by auto, hardly any crowd on a weekday.
Fatima Siddiqui
Lucknow
Worth an hour. Learning that Bharadwaj ran a gurukul with thousands of students here was new to me. Not much shade in parts, so morning or evening is better than midday.
Suresh Babu
Coimbatore
How Do You Fit Bharadwaj Ashram Into a Prayagraj Trip?
It sits centrally at Colonelganj and works either as a morning temple stop or an evening family break. Here is the day we plan.
Sunrise at the Triveni Sangam. Begin at the confluence for first light on the water.
Sangam boat ride & snan. The holy dip at the meeting of the Ganga, Yamuna and the invisible Saraswati.
Veni Madhav & Nag Vasuki, Daraganj. The chief of the twelve Madhavs, and the temple of the serpent king.
Akshayavat & Patalpuri Temple. Darshan of the immortal banyan inside Prayagraj Fort. Carry photo ID for every adult.
Bharadwaj Ashram, Colonelganj. The temples, the statue and the ground where Ram was sent onward to Chitrakoot.
Hanumat Niketan, Civil Lines. The Hanuman complex with its akhara, library and weaponry museum.
Evening Ganga Aarti at Saraswati Ghat. Close the day on the riverfront with lamps and bells.
Which Tour Package Covers Bharadwaj Ashram?
Bharadwaj Ashram sits within the wider Prayagraj circuit, and the Sangam, the temples and the sites out of town need a vehicle and a sensible order to do properly. These are the itineraries our guests book most — each with the Triveni Sangam snan and boat ride, a certified local guide, transport and pricing confirmed in writing.
- 1 Day1 Day Prayagraj Tour PackageTriveni Sangam snan and boat ride with the main temples of the confluence.
- 2 Days2 Days Prayagraj Tour PackageThe Sangam, Akshayavat and the Daraganj temples without rushing any of them.
- 2 Days2 Days Varanasi Prayagraj Tour PackageKashi Vishwanath and the Ganga Aarti with the Triveni Sangam.
- 2 Days2 Days Ayodhya Prayagraj Tour PackageRam Mandir and the Sangam, tightly planned for a short trip.
- 3 Days3 Days Varanasi Prayagraj Tour PackageKashi and the confluence, with time for the ghats and the Sangam boat ride.
- 4 Days4 Days Ayodhya Varanasi Prayagraj Tour PackageAll three cities — Ram Mandir, Kashi Vishwanath and the Triveni Sangam.
- 5 Days5 Days Ayodhya Varanasi Prayagraj Tour PackageThe complete sacred circuit at a comfortable, senior-friendly pace.
Want Bharadwaj Ashram built into a custom itinerary? We plan around your dates, your pace and what you actually want to see.
See all Prayagraj, Ayodhya & Varanasi packagesHow Do You Reach Bharadwaj Ashram in Prayagraj?
Bharadwaj Ashram is at Colonelganj, in the George Town area of Prayagraj, about 4 km from Prayagraj Junction. Vehicles reach the gate directly.
By Road / Taxi
The simplest option. Colonelganj is a main central area and taxis and autos reach the ashram gate without any walking through lanes.
By Train
Prayagraj Junction is about 4 km away, which makes this a practical stop on an arrival or departure day. Prayagraj Sangam station is roughly 6 km.
By Air
Prayagraj Airport (Bamrauli) is roughly 15 km away, with taxis at the terminal. Varanasi (~125 km) and Lucknow (~195 km) are the larger airports.
On the Ram Van Gaman Path
Coming from Ayodhya, Shringverpur lies about 35 km north of the city — Bharadwaj Ashram is the natural next station before Chitrakoot.
Where Is Bharadwaj Ashram Located in Prayagraj?
Bharadwaj Ashram stands at Colonelganj, in the George Town area of Prayagraj, about 4 km from Prayagraj Junction. Use the map below to navigate to the gate.
Prayagraj
- Area: Colonelganj, George Town, Prayagraj
- PIN: Prayagraj 211002
- From Prayagraj Junction: ~4 km
- From the Triveni Sangam: ~8 km
- On: The Ram Van Gaman Path
Where Should You Stay Near Bharadwaj Ashram?
Colonelganj is central, close to Civil Lines and the railway station, so most Prayagraj accommodation puts it within a short ride.
Civil Lines
Prayagraj's main hotel district, about 2 km away, with branded and mid-range properties, restaurants and easy taxi access.
Near Prayagraj Junction
About 4 km away, convenient if you are continuing to Varanasi, Ayodhya or Chitrakoot by train.
Near the Sangam & Daraganj
Dharamshalas and guesthouses close to the confluence, about 25 to 35 minutes from the ashram.
What Else Can You Visit Near Bharadwaj Ashram?
Colonelganj is central, and the ashram belongs on the wider Ram Van Gaman route as well as the Prayagraj circuit.
Shringverpur Dham
The kingdom of Nishadraj Guha where Lord Ram crossed the Ganga in exile — the previous station on the Ram Van Gaman Path, ~35 km north.
Triveni Sangam
The sacred confluence of the Ganga, Yamuna and the invisible Saraswati — boat ride and snan, ~8 km away.
Akshayavat
The immortal banyan inside the underground Patalpuri Temple at Prayagraj Fort. Photo ID required.
Hanumat Niketan
The great Hanuman complex in Civil Lines, with its akhara, library and weaponry museum. ~3 km.
Lalita Devi Temple
The Shakti Peeth at Meerapur where tradition says Maharishi Bharadwaj himself worshipped the goddess. ~4 km.
Kalyani Devi Temple
One of the three Shakti Peeths of Prayagraj, where three fingers of Goddess Sati are believed to have fallen.
Ram Mandir, Ayodhya
Where the exile began, ~165 km away. We assist with Sugam (VIP) Darshan on the Ayodhya leg.
Ram Navami & the Magh Mela at Bharadwaj Ashram
Ram Navami, in March or April, is the most fitting day of the year to stand at a site on the Ram Van Gaman Path. The ashram sees devotees, recitation from the Ramcharitmanas and a far livelier atmosphere than on an ordinary day.
Through Magh Mela and the Kumbh, pilgrims arriving in Prayagraj add Bharadwaj Ashram to their circuit, and the whole city fills. The ashram itself remains calmer than the Sangam through those weeks — which makes it a good place to escape to when the confluence becomes overwhelming.
What Should You Know Before Visiting Bharadwaj Ashram?
Straightforward to visit, and worth planning around what you want from it.
Allow an hour, not fifteen minutes
Most visitors see the main shrine and leave. The statue, the smaller shrines and the park are what make the visit worthwhile.
Come in the evening if you have children
The murals, fountains, lawns and swings are at their best late in the day. This is one of the very few child-friendly stops in Prayagraj.
Come in the morning for the temples
If darshan rather than the park is your priority, 6 to 11 AM is cooler, quieter and better suited.
Ask for the Ramcharitmanas passage
The episode where Bharadwaj receives Ram and sends him to Chitrakoot is the reason the site matters. Hearing it on the spot transforms the visit.
Link it with Shringverpur
If you are travelling the Ram Van Gaman Path, Shringverpur comes before this and Chitrakoot after. The route only makes sense as a sequence.
Vehicles reach the gate
Colonelganj is a main central area, so there are no lanes to walk — useful with elderly family members or small children.
Little shade in parts
The grounds are open. Between April and June, restrict your visit to early morning or after 5 PM and carry water.
It is a heritage site as well as a temple
Come expecting a complex — shrines, a statue, a park and murals — rather than a single sanctum.
Good for a station day
At about 4 km from Prayagraj Junction, it is a practical way to fill a few hours before a train.
Dress modestly
Standard temple etiquette applies at the shrines, with footwear removed before entering.
Bharadwaj Ashram Prayagraj — Frequently Asked Questions
The questions visitors ask us most about Bharadwaj Ashram — the Ramayana connection, the Ram Van Gaman Path, timings, entry and what is in the complex.
Bharadwaj Ashram at Colonelganj is the site of the hermitage of Maharishi Bharadwaj, one of the Saptarishis. It is now a complex containing several temples, a huge statue of the sage and a renovated park, on the ground where Lord Ram is said to have stayed on his way into exile.
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Written & verified by the local Prayagraj guide team at Ayodhya Varanasi Guides
Our government-certified guides run Ram Van Gaman Path journeys linking Ayodhya, Shringverpur, Bharadwaj Ashram and Chitrakoot through the year, and bring families to the ashram park in the evenings. Last updated: July 2026. Complex timings and ongoing development work can change — message us for the position on your travel date.
Follow Lord Ram's Path Through Bharadwaj Ashram
Let Ayodhya Varanasi Guides plan your Ram Van Gaman journey — Ayodhya, Shringverpur where Ram crossed the Ganga, Bharadwaj Ashram at Prayag and onward towards Chitrakoot — with the Triveni Sangam snan, a certified local guide and comfortable transport. Confirmed in writing.