Rishikesh Inside!: The Beatles Ashram- Part 2

Hello Everyone,

“All you need to do is say this little word
I know it sounds absurd but it's true
The magic in the mantra will give you the answer
And swallow this that's all you gotta do

Everything you need is here
And everything that's not here is not there
And if there's something missing in this God almighty plan
Could it be you need a woman?”

I walk down the road outside the Maharishi Mahesh Yogi’s Ashram (also known as the Chauraasi Kuttiya) on a cold winter evening, listening to Happy Rishikesh by The Beatles, regretting I was not born in Rishikesh in the 60s to witness the magic McCartney, Lennon, Starr and Harrison created, right where I stood today.

February, 1968, paparazzi, fans from all around the world had gathered here in Rishikesh, outside the Maharishi Mahesh Yogi’s Ashram to click a moment and have a glimpse of arguably the best acts of all times The Beatles.
Along with their wives and girlfriends, Paul McCartney, John Lennon, Ringo Starr and George Harrison flew down to Rishikesh.

It was rumoured that the band was dealing with several issues like drugs, which was one of the reasons for the band to fly down to Rishikesh.

Maharishi and the Beatles had their first encounter in 1967, in London, where he convinced them to spend time with him in Rishikesh. The band agreed and fulfilled the wish of the Maharishi. Under his guidance, the Band joined a group of 60 odd people (many famous musicians and celebrities) to learn the art of Transcendental Meditation (TM) Technique (details of TM techniques are mentioned in our previous blog “Beatles Ashram).

Beatles staying in Rishikesh and learning the art of TM was a boost to the Maharishi which gave him international recognition (Good Brand Ambassadors surely worked in favor of the Yogi). Though no member of The Beatles was allowed to speak to the press, the Maharishi himself made it to the front page of every newspaper and his techniques were then recognized by millions around the globe.

The Maharishi was not the only one who reaped the benefits of this trip. The Band admits that this trip did have a huge impact on their lives. It wasn’t really hard to guess that since the band wrote close to 30 songs in one week after their arrival, which in itself is unbelievable. The 6 weeks which they spent here was indeed fruitful for the band. The beauty of this place inspired them to write some of the biggest hits of all times. Blackbird and Cry Baby Cry were a few hits which the band composed here in Rishikesh.

However, all was not well between the Maharishi and The Beatles.
It is said that tensions were building up between them due to reasons which are still not clear to the outside world. Sexual impropriety was alleged by the Band on Maharishi and his involvement in media and money was another reason which the band claims, was the reason for the tension between them. Also, Band’s use of drugs inside the Ashram was considered another reason for the split.

The band left the Ashram in April, 1968 in a not so pleasant manner. It is also said that Lennon had a heated argument with the Maharishi before they left Rishikesh.

It might have not turned out the way they imagined, but this news surely made its mark in the history. The songs still echoes in the valley, the graffiti inside the ashram will take you back in time and will make you feel as if this was something that happened yesterday. Pictures of all the members of the band can be seen on the walls of the beautifully carved caves.

The Maharishi Mahesh Yogi Ashram or Beatles Ashram (as we like to call it that), is a must visit when you are in Rishikesh.

We at Rishikesh Inside would recommend you to come down to this place and enjoy the peaceful ambience.

Cheers!