This YouTube documentary discusses the Beatles’ 1968 trip to Rishikesh, India, detailing their time at the Maharishi Mahesh Yogi’s ashram. The documentary explores the ashram’s restoration, the Beatles’ experiences there, including musical celebrations and interactions with locals, and features interviews with people involved in the project and those who knew the Beatles. The documentary also uses previously unseen photographs to reveal specific locations important to the band’s stay.
Entering the Beatles Ashram
Entering the Beatles Ashram, we noticed that the main gate and entrance have now been extensively rebuilt to cope with a constant flow of visitors. However, the steep climb to proceed inside remains as it was in its early days. Indian nationals pay a modest 150 rupees (around one and a half pounds sterling) to enter the ashram, while foreign nationals pay four times that amount. Most Beatles fans from across the world are more than ready to pay extra to enter this hallowed pilgrimage site.
The Ashram’s Abandonment and Restoration
None of this was here six years ago. After Maharishi Mahesh Yogi abandoned the ashram in 1981 when the land lease expired, the surrounding jungle quickly took over. Within a few years, everything turned to ruins. Yet daring Beatles fanatics, many from abroad, would sneak inside undaunted by the dense undergrowth and wild animals roaming around.
It was only in 2015, thanks to the efforts of a dynamic forest ranger, Rajendra Nautiyal, that work began to restore the abandoned ashram. Today, various buildings have been cleaned up, pathways created, and a new exhibition hall constructed, along with facilities like a café. The restoration has been careful to retain the ambiance of half a century ago.
Memories of John Lennon at the Ashram
Soon after entering the ashram, you come across a dilapidated red post box. This is where John Lennon used to post his long letters to his beloved Yoko Ono, the woman he had left behind in London. She would reply with brief, cryptic messages written on postcards. One of them simply said, “I’m a cloud, watch for me in the sky.”
The Famous Group Photo Mystery
One of the most famous photographs of the Maharishi, surrounded by the Beatles and other disciples, was taken here. After extensive research by Beatles historian Piet Schreuders, the exact location was identified by comparing old photographs. Today, the spot where the group stood is located in front of the newly built ashram café, surrounded by meditation pods.
The Maharishi’s Bungalow
At the heart of the ashram stands the Maharishi’s bungalow, his personal residence. This long, modern-style building on an elevated plot offers a spectacular bird’s-eye view of the flowing Ganges River below and Rishikesh on the opposite bank. Below the bungalow is a basement where newly initiated disciples were sent to meditate. This structure has withstood the test of time remarkably well.
The Lecture Hall and Birthday Celebrations
At the back of the ashram lie the remains of the lecture hall where the Maharishi addressed his disciples and meditation students every evening. The hall also hosted birthday celebrations for his celebrity disciples. Shortly after the Beatles arrived, George Harrison celebrated his birthday here, with the Maharishi arranging a special concert in his honor.
A month later, Patty Boyd’s birthday celebration was an even grander affair, complete with a magic show, fireworks, and music. The festivities included Happy Birthday and God Save the Queen played on the sitar.
The Beatles’ Living Quarters
A cluster of rooms at the far end of the ashram housed the Beatles and other celebrity disciples. These simple yet comfortable living quarters were equipped with Western-style bathrooms and proper beds. Inspired by the lush foliage all around, the Beatles wrote many of their iconic songs here.
The Beach by the Ganges
Just below the ashram is a beach next to the Ganges River. The Maharishi, the Beatles, and other meditators often walked there in processions, accompanied by music and singing. Today, the beach is desolate, visited only by the occasional cow or Hindu mendicant. Yet the icy, refreshing waters of the holy river remain as inviting as ever.
Personal Reflections on the Beatles
For many, the Beatles were a transformative force. Growing up in Calcutta, I discovered them as a teenage rebel. At home, being a Beatles fan wasn’t easy—my father, a senior bureaucrat, disliked them for their loud music and long hair. Despite this, the Beatles’ music felt like a breath of fresh air, growing with us as we grew older.
The Beatles’ India Connection
The Beatles’ time in India was a pivotal moment in their career, and the Maharishi’s teachings deeply influenced them. Researching this connection for my book and film revealed fascinating stories, such as George Harrison’s introduction to Indian music through Ravi Shankar.
The Significance of the Ashram Today
The Beatles Ashram is not just a relic of the past. With careful development, it could become a major tourist attraction, drawing visitors from around the world. Building concert halls, a museum, or even a space for young musicians to perform Beatles music would preserve the spirit of the ashram while creating a vibrant cultural hub.
The Beatles’ Timeless Appeal
Even decades after their breakup, the Beatles continue to resonate with audiences across generations. Their journey in India remains a lesser-known yet significant chapter in their story—one that offers a glimpse into their artistic and spiritual evolution.