Visitors' guide

First Visit

You do not need any prior knowledge to visit the ashram.

You do not need to bring anything with you either — in the temple, we sit on meditation cushions or chairs, both of which are available in sufficient numbers.

We ask all visitors to register online. This helps the Ashram with planning and preparation, especially for celebrations and Bhakti Weekends.

Please also read the further information about visiting the temples below.

Schedule Overview

Ashram locations

Both ashram are located in Ulm and Neu-Ulm in southern Germany, only a few kilometers apart.

Most events take place at Sri Neem Karoli Baba Mandir in Neu-Ulm. When no event is scheduled there, we celebrate daily Aarti at Ashram Brindavon, where guest rooms for overnight stays are also available.

The location is specified for each event.

View Locations

Opening Hours

You are always welcome to visit the Ashram during opening hours.

The Ashram has two locations:

Sri Neem Karoli Baba Mandir in Neu-Ulm
Ashram Brindavon in Ulm

Regular events include:

daily: Aarti, a ceremony of light
Tuesdays: Hanuman Chalisa & Aarti
Fridays: Kirtan & Aarti
monthly: Bhakti weekends, during which Ma gives Darshan
throughout the year: festivals celebrated in Ma’s presence

On Seva days and weekends, visitors can help with the work of the Ashram.

Opening Hours View Locations

Contributions

A visit to the ashram is connected with a contribution.

These contributions — and especially the regular contributions made by Ma’s devotees — help sustain the Ashram. They also made Sri Neem Karoli Baba Mandir possible in the first place. This has been the custom in this Ashram for almost 40 years.
By proceeding to Registration you will find the exact contribution for each event.
A short visit to offer Pranam in the temples is possible at any time during opening hours. In this case, the Ashram asks for a donation.
Attending the daily Aarti is also possible on a donation basis, without contribution.
Participation in Seva weekends and Seva days is on a donation basis.

All contributions and donations help sustain the two ashram, Ashram Brindavon and Sri Neem Karoli Baba Mandir.

Staying Overnight at the Ashram

Overnight stays are possible during:

Bhakti weekends,
celebrations,
Seva days,
Hanuman Chalisa and Kirtan evenings

You can register online for these events up to two days in advance.

Please also note:

there are fixed arrival and departure times
taking part in joint Seva before departure is a required part of the stay
accommodation is in shared dormitories; women and men stay in separate rooms
there are fixed contributions for accommodation and meals; on Seva days, the stay is on a donation basis
life in the Ashram follows a shared daily routine with set times that are binding for everyone

In both ashram, we leave mobile phones and electronic devices in lockers in the cloakroom. This allows all of us to simply be present at the Ashram and experience Baba’s and Ma’s love and presence without distraction.

Event Calendar

Staying Outside the Ashram

Registration Terms

The following applies to all registrations:

In rare cases, Durgamayi Ma may be present for only part of a Bhakti weekend or festival, or may not be present at all. Registration does not guarantee Ma’s presence or an encounter with Ma.

For registrations with an overnight stay, the following also applies:

If you cancel 1 to 4 days before the start of the event or your agreed arrival date, half of the contribution remains with the Ashram.
If you cancel on or after the day the event begins or on the agreed day of arrival, the full contribution remains with the Ashram.
The joint Seva ¹ before departure is part of the spiritual practice and is required for everyone staying overnight at the Ashram.

Parents with Children

Children may accompany their parents at any time during Bhakti weekends and festivals.
Schoolchildren up to the age of 14 pay half the contribution. Preschool children can attend on a donation basis.

Seva means selfless service. ↩

Visiting the Temples

In India, it is considered a natural expression of respect not to point one’s feet or turn one’s back towards the altar of a deity or the seat of the master. We ask visitors to enter the temple freshly showered and wearing appropriate, clean clothing, with shoulders and legs covered. Clean clothing and personal hygiene are expected throughout your stay at the Ashram.

Mobile Phones and Cameras

We also ask all visitors to switch off their mobile phones and leave them in the cloakroom. Lockers are available there for valuables.

Photography, video recording, and audio recording are not permitted in either ashram.
If you would like a photograph from the temple, please speak to one of the caretakers.