Sri Ramadas Ashram on the main road near Dodda Gubbi is a result of kind and generous support of the like-minded and devoted people. "If this Ashram has been in the service of the mankind for nearly three decades, that is only because of the liberal donation and support from people", says Satyanarayana Swamy, Head of the Ashram which is named after his brother, Sri Ramadas, who was not only a great devotee but also an intense social service activist.

Satyanarayana Swamiji, who is a retired employee of ISRO organisation, donates his monthly pension for the Ashram expenses.  Being a bachelor, his wants are limited and he likes to lead a simple life which is devoted entirely to the society. He also donates notebooks for poor and economically backward students in government schools annually.

Sri Satyanarayana had built a beautiful temple for Lord Sri Dattatreya, along with his brother Late Sri Ramadas on the Ashram campus. The temple  which is supported by 20 stone pillars, has become one of the centres of attraction in the Ashram.

In most of the places one can see Lord Sri Dattatreya in standing position but here the Lord is sitting in Padmasana. The statue is carved by well known sculptor Vadiraj and is made of Krishne Shile (Block stone). It is around 3 feet height and is seated in a shrine which is constructed with white polished stones in an octagon shape. Another uniqueness of this temple is its gopuram which is constructed 15 years ago and comes at par with that of Sri Shankaracharya's temple in Kaladi, Karala, the birthplace of Sri Shankaracharya. 

Features

Annadana (feeding of food) for devotees every day in the afternoon  just after Maha Mangalahaarati at 1 pm is the main feature of this Ashram. Apart from this, coaching classes are being conducted free of cost for SSLC candidates in the Ashram premises on every Saturday and Sunday during March and April .

During summer, Ashram conducts Shibira for 10 days for children between the age group of 7 and 14 years in which slokas, yoga, meditation and Sanskrit conversation will be taught. During this period, food will be served to all the students.

Every year in the month of December, a 9-day Annual Saptaha Mahotsava is celebrated in the Ashram premises along with programmes of different kinds.

At the entrance of Ashram one can see a shrine meant for Navagrahas on the left side and a Panchavati in which five types of important trees have planted together on a constructed flat-form. Next to this is a room where Satyanarayana Swamiji used to have discussions and dialogues with the devotees and visitors and performs his pooja. 

Structural wonder

A meditation hall, which is constructed like a cone shaped building remains a wonder for visiters. The effect of natural lighting and cooling always remain inside the hall. The Ashram also has a kitchen and dining hall. Behind the kitchen, the scene of a greenery and "Dattatreya Paada" in the midst of  it is marvellous.  Opposite to this is a shrine meant for Goddess Lakshmi. 

Everyday the Ashram witnesses a special Abhisheka for Lord Sri Dattatreya Swamy both in the morning and evening. It is believed that this God has been granting the wishes of the devotees and people come here from far off places to have blessing of the Lord.   "After their wishes got realised, people come forward to donate liberally for the development of the Ashram", says Satyanarayana swamiji.

Sri Ramadasa Ashrama, Sri Yogiraja Vallabha Dattatreya Peeta, No 14, Dodda Gubbi, Baagaluru Post, Bangalore 562 149, Ph: 2846 5256. Transport: BMTC Bus No. 295 (from City Market), 295B (from Bangalore Bus Station), 295C (from Shivajinagar).