By Apoorva Dabral
Stretching from the towering Himalayas in the north to the mighty oceans in the south lies a land steeped in ancient history and spiritual significance. Nestled within the Shivalik mountain range, an extension of the Himalayas, is Kanvashram, a world-renowned center of learning and spirituality. This sacred region, rich in natural beauty and cultural heritage, has been immortalized in the Puranas, Mahabharat, and the literary masterpieces of Kalidas, one of India’s greatest poets and dramatists.
According to the Skanda Purana, Kanvashram is described as a divine stretch “from Nandigiri to the Malini river.” It was here, amidst the tranquil forests and flowing rivers, that the revered Sage Kanva established his ashram, attracting thousands of students who came to acquire knowledge under his guidance. Bowing one’s head in reverence at this site is said to bring peace and spiritual calm.
A Tale of Love, Legacy, and Nationhood
Kanvashram is also the setting of one of ancient India’s most iconic love stories that of King Dushyant and Shakuntala, the foster daughter of Sage Kanva. Their union, beautifully captured in Kalidas’s famous play Abhigyan Shakuntalam, led to the birth of their son Emperor Bharat (Arsha). It was this great ruler who first united the vast Indian subcontinent into one kingdom, laying the foundation of the Bharatvarsha we know today. Generations before the great war of Mahabharat, Bharat’s rule symbolized strength, unity, and the dawn of a powerful empire.
Kanvashram: A Living Legacy
Located just 14 km from Kotdwar in Uttarakhand, Kanvashram sits on the serene banks of the Malini river, surrounded by dense forests and scenic hills. Believed to be over 5,500 years old, the region is still home to wildlife such as deer, elephants, and tigers. The Kanvashram Deer Park, part of the ashram complex, adds to the area’s charm and ecological richness.
The site spans both sides of the Malini river and is connected by a bridge. The main components of the complex include a temple, the ashram, and the deer park. While the path to the temple is narrow and lined with steps, it rewards visitors with inscriptions and sculptures that narrate the history of the ashram. The temple, although currently abandoned, still holds immense spiritual value.
Modern-Day Kanvashram: Education Rooted in Tradition
Unlike many ancient heritage sites, Kanvashram remains active and purposeful. The ashram functions as a residential gurukul for students above the sixth grade. Here, students receive both modern education and traditional instruction in the Vedas and Puranas. Under the disciplined routine of the ashram, students—dressed in yellow dhoti-kurtas—are molded into Acharyas (spiritual teachers).
According to Acharya Manmohan Nautiyal, one of the teachers at the ashram, education is provided completely free of cost. However, students must clear an entrance exam that evaluates their ability to manage the demanding dual curriculum of spiritual and academic learning.
Conclusion
Kanvashram is more than just a historical site—it is a living symbol of India’s cultural, spiritual, and intellectual legacy. From being the birthplace of Emperor Bharat to continuing the ancient gurukul tradition, it stands as a beacon of knowledge and harmony. Surrounded by natural beauty and enriched by thousands of years of history, Kanvashram remains an inspiring destination for pilgrims, scholars, and seekers alike.