Healing and Conservation Through Sustainable Art & Design at Ananda

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The history of Tehri Garhwal is filled with dramatic events and poignant tales. In the past, it stood as a princely state governed by the Shah family, who had their summer capital in Narendra Nagar and the Palace as their official residence. Hidden beneath the magnificent exterior of the Maharaja's palace of Tehri Garhwal, one can find the opulent reception area of Ananda, a place of luxury and grandeur.Ananda serves as a remarkable illustration of how structures can be adaptively reused.

Once the opulent abode of the Maharaja of Tehri Garhwal, Ananda has skilfully preserved much of its century-old structure, including the furniture, lights, wall panelling, and precious artefacts. Today, the palatial building serves as the welcome lobby, reception area, library, and classrooms. Carefully restored, the Viceregal Palace stands as a testament to understated elegance, allowing you to step back in time and experience the grandeur of the royal era.

A perfect fusion of spirituality and wellness, deeply rooted in the ancient Indian tradition.

Ma Anandmayi, a renowned spiritual guide, was a frequent visitor to the Maharaja's family. Her room, which exudes a quaint and serene ambiance, still holds much of her spiritual energy. It is discreetly tucked away in a peaceful corner of the Viceregal terrace.

Scattered across the property, one can find exquisite pieces of art and sculptures, thoughtfully chosen with profound consideration. Traditional Gond and Yantrik art elements, along with vibrant tapestries inspired by the ancient Himalayan hill kingdoms, bring life and enrich the spiritual atmosphere. For those familiar with their cultural significance, these artworks hold special meaning, while for others, they contribute to the overall ambiance, subtly enhancing the surroundings and emphasizing Ananda's wellness philosophies.

Ananda's art and architecture come together to create a space of healing and rejuvenation.

At Ananda, every design element serves a specific purpose, occupying a designated place, and carrying symbolic significance. The carefully chosen colours of the robes of Buddhist and Indian monks employed throughout the building spaces are meant to evoke feelings of tranquillity and spiritual contemplation. Similarly, the artwork has been thoughtfully curated to inspire profound reflection and to symbolize the cosmic energy, like the sacred Yantra—a revered Hindu and Buddhist symbol believed to hold cosmic generative power. Each aspect of the design at Ananda contributes to the overall atmosphere of spiritual nourishment and holistic well-being.

At Ananda, the fundamental principles of Ayurveda and yoga, which focus on optimizing energies and body resources, are seamlessly integrated into every aspect of the architectural design.

The numerous outdoor pavilions of Ananda each have their own energy. The waterfall flowing down the steps from the Hawa Mahal contrasts with the quiet echoes of the barking deer heard in the Musical Pavilion.

Right by the bridge that leads to Ananda’s beautifully adorned guest rooms is Nandi, the meditative bull. Waiting to greet and bless each person as they walk out from their rooms, preparing to take on the activities of the day. Nandi is a symbolism of eternal waiting, because waiting (or patience) is considered the greatest virtue in Indian culture. One who knows how to simply sit, is naturally meditative. It is also a symbol of power, joy and delight.

The soul of Ananda rests in its 25,000 square foot spa, the most sacred space where transformation and healing take place. It features aesthetically designed therapy rooms with views of nature, open-air yoga & meditation pavilions, outdoor pool, physiotherapy centre, gymnasium, and the best of Ayurvedic and International therapies to cleanse the body, mind and soul.

An oil lamp is placed at the entrance of the spa. This incredible 200-year-old handcrafted copper oil lamp is from a temple in Kerala, and has been at Ananda for years. This lamp resembles the tree of life, which is a universal archetype found in many of the worlds religious and philosophical traditions. It symbolizes evolution, eternal life and immortality.

Ananda strives to achieve harmony and balance with nature.

This ideology is reflected in the design of the buildings at Ananda. The blocks are in harmony with vernacular architecture, featuring slate-tiled sloping roofs, timber floors, and earthy tones. The high ceilings with skylights and window walls are strategically designed to allow abundant sunlight to flood the spaces, particularly in the restaurant and spa buildings, including the kneip pool and treatment rooms. This thoughtful design leads to reduced electricity consumption. Additionally, modern techniques have been recently incorporated to ensure ecologically conscious use of resources.

Ananda stands as a sanctuary where spirituality, wellness, and nature intertwine seamlessly. The architectural design of the resort harmoniously coexists with nature, creating a tranquil and sustainable environment. From the thoughtfully curated artworks representing cosmic energy to the vernacular architecture's ecological consciousness, every aspect of Ananda's design fosters an atmosphere of healing and rejuvenation. Embracing the ethos of maintaining equilibrium with nature, Ananda offers a unique retreat that nourishes the mind, body, and soul.