For over 150 years, Somashram in Uttarkashi has served as a center for the transmission of Brahma Vidya—the knowledge of the Self—through the traditional guru-shishya parampara. This institution has nurtured generations of seekers and scholars, including revered teachers such as Swami Tapovan Maharaj, and students like Swami Chidananda, Swami Chinmayananda, and Swami Dayananda.

Today, the legacy faces an unprecedented challenge due to infrastructure expansion.

The current Somashram building, which includes two classrooms, a library, Acharya study room, dining hall, and living quarters for teachers and students, is being acquired by the National Highways Authority of India for the expansion of the Uttarkashi-Gangotri highway. Of particular significance is the classroom overlooking the Ganga, which has been central to the learning environment of the ashram.

To continue the work uninterrupted, a new facility is under construction.

A new campus, Shankara Aranyam, is being constructed approximately 200 meters from the existing premises. This new facility will provide the necessary infrastructure to accommodate the community of students, acharyas, vanaprasthis, and sannyasis dedicated to the study of Vedanta.

Key features of the new campus (total area: 3,000 sq. meters, three floors):

• Three classrooms
• A library and Acharya study room
• An office and welcome lobby
• Twenty-eight individual rooms
• A dormitory to accommodate thirty students
• Kitchen and dining hall with basic modern amenities

The estimated budget for Shankara Aranyam is ₹8 crores. Of this, ₹5 crores have already been received through the generous support of patrons. As of now, 60% of the construction has been completed. The ground floor became operational in October 2024 and is currently housing students.

To maintain continuity in construction, a portion of the institution’s corpus fund—used to manage daily operations such as food, books, and maintenance—has been temporarily withdrawn.