A view of the grounds from outside pod #9. The "Beatles Ashram": The ashram of Maharishi Mahesh Yogi, built in 1963 and abandoned in 1997. It's now under control of the Indian forest department, which is fitting as the forest is beginning to consume the ashrams grounds. The Beatles arrived here in 1968 to learn transcendental meditation. This is what put Rishikesh on the map, and what has largely been credited for opening the Western world up to Indian spirituality and culture. Many of the Beatles spent months here, outside of the spotlight. Some stayed longer than others. The Beatles wrote many songs during this period, many of which can be found on the White Album.
