I have researched about the Siddha Ashram in Vadakara (Kerala), and it is a place I would like to visit. I am just going through some bad time in my life, and I think the ashram would help me a lot. I need to find out the duration one has to stay there so that I can go according to that. Any other vital information would be appreciated.
Hello and welcome to the forum! Siddha Ashram is also called Swamy Sivananda Paramahamsa. It was a former military personnel by the same name, Swamy Sivananda Paramahamsa, that created this ayurvedic treatment centre. However, it has some differences with a normal ayruvedic centre. For instance, personal relationships are not accepted here. Once a woman gives birth, the baby is taken away and cared for by different people. The baby will grow up in the same place as the mother but they will never know their connection with each other. The same goes for the father. That's not to say that people here don't interact or get close together. The fact that the baby was born means that women and men here socialise. But it's nothing more than a physical relationship, emotions are cut off here. Why? Because they believe that partner relationships are equal to slavery. Anyway, there's no set time that is required for you to stay here. If you're a visitor, you can wander through the place for a few minutes or hours. But you cannot partake in ceremonies or prayers. If you'd like to join the ashram, then you must prove that you're up for the challenge. You must give away all your wealth or give it to the institute. You must cut off all interactions with your family and friends as well. You must not have any police records. You must obtain a health certificate stating you're off good mental health. You cannot cut off body hair and you cannot cultivate relationships with other inmates. The council will decide if you have passed after the probation period, which only they know is how long. And lastly, foreigners aren't allowed to join the ashram anymore. It was allowed before but they changed the rules. Only locals can join the ashram, provided that they can withstand these tests. I hope this helps!
