A Siddh Peeth of Rishi Kanva, the holy place of Kanvashram is a historical place to visit near Kotdwara. Located at 14 km from the Gate of Garhwal - Kotdwara, Kanvashram is visited by tourists searching for divine peace and solitude. Kanvashram is also mentioned in many Veda's and Hindu Manuscripts.
Historical importance of Kanvashram
Kanvashram is a holy land where Rishi or Sages like Vishwamitra and Kanva medidates for a very long period. Surrounded by the serene beauty and forest, Kanvashram has its existence from 5500 years. As per the legend, Sage Vishwamitra intense meditation made King of Gods, Indra to feel unsecured. Indra then sent heavenly damsel Menka to distract the Rishi Vishwamitra.
Meditation for the Sage Vishwamitra was successfully intervened by Menka and gave birth to a daughter, Shakuntala. Both the parents left her in the ashram in the taken care of Sage Kanva. He also perform long meditation at the ashram and the ashram is named after him.
After marrying Dushyant, the ruler of Hastinapur, Shakuntala gave birth to a son, Bharat on the banks of river Malini. A small temple is still there where Bharat was born. Bharat also study in Kanva ashram and by its virtue, our country was named 'Bharat', 'Bharatvarsha'.
There is still a Gurukul teaching boys in traditiona style. It also provides services like massages, knowledge of ayurvedic medicines and Yoga Courses. Visitors also came here for long and short trek to nearby destination in the jungle like Malini barrage, Sahastradhara Falls, Bharat temple.
On the first day of spring, a festival called 'Vasantotsav' organized for five days is celebrated in Kanvashram.
Kanvashram is located at 14 km from Kotdwara and well connected by road. One can reach here by hiring taxi from Kotdwara. Nearest rail connectivity is at Kotdwara railway station (14 kms) and airport at Jolly Grant Airport, Dehradun (86 kms).
Kanvashram is located in Pauri Garhwal ( near Kotdwara).
Kanvashram is popular place for following activities/ interests - Ashrams.
