Learning and devotion
A little outside Porbandar stands Sandipani Vidyaniketan, a large and serene ashram and centre of learning founded by the renowned spiritual teacher and Bhagavat storyteller Pujya Shri Rameshbhai Oza. Named after Sandipani, the legendary guru of Krishna and Sudama, the ashram blends education and devotion: it runs a school grounded in Indian values alongside beautiful temples, prayer halls, gardens and a tranquil spiritual atmosphere.
Set in green surroundings, the complex draws devotees and visitors for its peaceful environment, its temples and the discourses and cultural-religious events held here. For travellers interested in living spiritual culture, Sandipani Vidyaniketan offers a calm, welcoming and uplifting stop near Gandhi’s home town.
An active ashram and school: dress modestly and respect its daily routine. Visit during open hours, keep your voice low around the prayer halls, and check ahead if a discourse or event is on for a fuller experience.
Temples, prayer halls and gardens set the tone for study and bhakti.
A school named for Krishna's own guru
Named for Sandipani, the legendary guru of Krishna and Sudama.
Pujya Shri Rameshbhai Oza founds the ashram as a serene centre of learning and devotion near Porbandar.
The ashram takes its name from Sandipani, the legendary guru of Krishna and his friend Sudama.
A school grounded in Indian values is run here, blending modern education with Vedic study and bhakti.
The complex draws devotees for its temples, prayer halls, gardens and its discourses and cultural-religious events.
Reasons to make the time
Serene ashram
Peace and devotion in a calm, welcoming spiritual atmosphere.
Vedic learning
A school of values where education and devotion meet.
Beautiful temples
Prayer halls and shrines set among green gardens.
Rameshbhai Oza
The founder-teacher, a noted Bhagavat storyteller.
Gardens & calm
Green surroundings and a tranquil, restful setting.
Near Porbandar
An easy detour from Gandhi's coastal home town.
What to look for inside
THE TEMPLESShrines
Serene prayer halls and beautifully kept shrines.
THE TEMPLESPrayer halls
Quiet spaces for worship and reflection.
THE TEMPLESTemple spires
Sculpted shikharas rising over the campus.
THE ASHRAMGardens
A tranquil campus framed by green gardens.
THE ASHRAMThe campus
A large, serene complex of study and devotion.
THE ASHRAMCourtyards
Calm courtyards that anchor the ashram's routine.
How to spend an hour or two
Visit the temples
Step into the serene shrines and prayer halls at the heart of the ashram.
Feel the calm
Slow down in a peaceful campus set among green gardens away from the town.
Learn its mission
Understand the ashram's blend of values, Vedic study and devotion.
Walk the gardens
Wander the green surroundings that give the complex its restful air.
Attend a discourse
If one is held during your visit, sit in on a talk or cultural-religious event.
Respect the routine
This is an active ashram and school — keep quiet and follow its daily rhythm.
Temples, prayer halls and gardens make up a tranquil spiritual campus.
Temples, halls and gardens
Sandipani Vidyaniketan is a serene ashram and school near Porbandar, founded by Pujya Rameshbhai Oza and named for Krishna’s guru Sandipani. It blends Vedic education with devotion, set among temples, prayer halls and gardens — a tranquil, welcoming place of living spiritual culture.
An active ashram and school, it asks visitors to dress modestly and respect its routine. The campus is best enjoyed at an unhurried pace, with time for the shrines, the gardens and any discourse or event that may be under way.
More places to visit across the district are gathered in our Porbandar travel guide.
Ashram & values-based school
Founded by Rameshbhai Oza
Temples & prayer halls
Gardens & discourses
When to go
Cool and pleasant — the ideal season. Comfortable all day and perfect for an unhurried visit.
Green and atmospheric after rain. Mornings are fresh and the gardens come alive.
Hot and dry — start early. Visit at opening to avoid the midday heat.
⏰ Dress modestly and visit during open hours; check ahead if a discourse or event is on for a fuller experience.
Timings & entry
- Open daytime to visitors
- Dress modestly
- Check for discourses/events
- Allow 1–2 hours
- No entry fee
- An active ashram & school
- Be quiet and respectful
- Follow the ashram routine
Getting there
By Air
Porbandar airport is the nearest, with connections that make the coastal town an easy arrival point.
By Rail
Porbandar station puts you within a short ride of the ashram on the city's outskirts.
By Road
The ashram sits just outside Porbandar — an easy drive, taxi or auto ride from the town.
At the ashram
PEACE & PRAYER
A serene seat of learning
What to shoot
The temples and prayer halls, where photography is allowed.
Setting
Gardens and halls that frame the serene campus.
Respect
This is a place of worship — be discreet and unobtrusive.
Best light
Soft morning light is gentlest on the temples and gardens.
Know before you go
More to see close by
Madhavrai Temple
Popular city temples & ashrams
PALACEHuzoor Palace
A seafront royal palace of the Jethwa rulers
Harsiddhi Mata Temple
A clifftop goddess temple by the sea
TEMPLEBharat Mandir
A hall mapping India’s saints & geography
FAIRMadhavpur Mela
Krishna-Rukmini’s celebrated spring wedding fair
SPIRITUALSudama Mandir
Dedicated to Krishna’s beloved friend Sudama
Where to eat near Sandipani Ashram
THALIGujarati Thali
Sweet-savoury full meals served in the Kathiawari style.
FARSANKhaja & farsan
Crisp sweets and snacks to pick up around the town.
STREETSeaside chaat
Snacks by the shore along Porbandar's seafront.
Coastal veg
Expect Gujarati veg and fresh seaside snacks across Porbandar.
Sandipani Ashram FAQ
What is Sandipani Ashram?
Sandipani Vidyaniketan, a serene ashram and school near Porbandar founded by Rameshbhai Oza.
Who founded it?
Pujya Shri Rameshbhai Oza, a noted spiritual teacher and Bhagavat storyteller.
Why the name 'Sandipani'?
After Sandipani, the legendary guru of Krishna and Sudama.
What's there?
Temples, prayer halls, gardens and a values-based school.
Is there an entry fee?
No, it's free; respect the ashram routine.
Where is it?
Just outside Porbandar.
Can anyone visit?
Yes — dress modestly and be respectful.
When should I visit?
October to March.
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Published 24 June 2026 · Updated 24 August 2026