Dharampur is at a distance of around 30 Kms from Valsad. It is a town with historic significance. Though this town is in existence since 1262, the present-day Dharampur was founded in 1764 by King Dharamdevji.

A local cycling group in Valsad planned to visit on a trip to Shrimad Rajchandra Ashram at Dharampur on pedal on 31st July 2022 morning. I chose an easy way of visiting in car with Dharmesh Bhai. On the way via Kapariya, I was clicking videos and photos of my friends who were pedaling. Also sharing and discussing, or you can say gossiping about happenings of Valsad with Dharmesh Bhai. There were few others too who preferred car over bicycle.

In the twentieth century, Jain Saint Shrimad Rajchandra had consecrated the soil of Dharampur for about 35 days. He had spent much of this time in seclusion, at the crematorium, and in the surrounding jungles and connected with the Supreme God. Shrimad Rajchandra ji was a Jain saint, poet and philosopher. Today, Dharampur is the international headquarter of the Shrimad Rajchandra Mission founded by the respected Gurudevshri Rakesh Jhaveri.

The ashram is elegantly spread over 223 acres located on the hillock of Mohangadh that also serves as the headquarter. Sustainable initiatives such as tree plantations, water recharging and sewage treatment are a part of part of conscious commitment to green development. This spiritual place is dedicated to the pursuit of a higher existence. At the Amphitheatre you can witness the world’s tallest 34 feet statue of Shrimad Rajchandraji.

The Jain Temple, Jinmandir constructed with Makrana marble at the top is really an architectural beauty with fine carvings in nagara style. It has 108 pillars and stands at the highest point of the ashram. Within the temple is Guru Mandir. The Jinmandir has 20,000+ carved stones, over 1300 sculpted icons, 5 shikhars, 19 samrans and 2 ghumats, over 225 ceilings and 108 torans.

Kirtistambh of 35-feet is erected and placed at the entrance of the Jinmandir. The pillar is embellished with the icons of Jain Gods facing in 4 directions metaphorically signifying spreading God's light in all the directions.

There are vans for visitors to carry them from base to the hill top to temple and bring back. Though I was walking with my friends. Few chose to cycle over the top.

Photography and videography are prohibited at many spots in the premises. At the statue of Shrimad Rajchandraji and Amphitheatre you are eligible to click snaps and videos. The statue is built over a beautiful artificial water body. 108 trees were planted on the pathway leading to the Amphitheatre with 108 quotes from Shrimad Rajchandra Vachanamrutji. 108 is a sacred number for Jains and Hindus.

The ashram has meditation hall and satsang hall for a path to spirituality. You can book rooms to stay here.

It was really hot in the morning. I wonder what would have happened if I would have cycled for 70 Kms that day.

After the temple visit, we had breakfast at the canteen. We had khakhra, poha and tea. Canteen rules strongly advocate silence while eating. Canteen fee is 50 Rs. only.

You have to collect a visitor pass before entering the ashram premises and submit while returning.

If you are really looking for a spiritual retreat and an offbeat experience, you can consider this ashram.

About Devesh Purohit:

Devesh Purohit is a Mumbai-based PR Expert who likes travelling & exploring and sharing his navigation experiences.