Questions and answers

Choose a pooja on the portal, sign in with your mobile number and send a request. The office contacts you to agree the details and the offering, and shares the UPI QR code or bank details to pay. Once the payment is received your pooja is confirmed, and the priests at Manali Ashram take your name and gotra in the sankalp. You receive reminders before the pooja, and proof of the pooja afterwards.

The sankalp is the sacred intention stated at the start of a pooja. The priest says the devotee's name, gotra and wish so the pooja is offered for them. When you book, you enter your name, your gotra if you know it, and a short note of your intention.

No. The pooja is performed in your name whether or not you are present. You can take part live through the portal, watch a replay later, or visit the ashram if you are able to travel.

After the pooja, proof such as photos or a short video is shared in your account on the portal, and you are notified on WhatsApp or by SMS.

Live poojas are invite-only and limited to 100 devotees. You are invited automatically when you book a pooja that has a live session, or the Akhara can invite you. At the time of the pooja, sign in and press Join on the pooja's live page. You do not need a Zoom account.

Yes. Most live poojas are recorded and can be watched again in the portal. Depending on the pooja, a replay is open to everyone, to members, or to devotees who were invited.

You can make a one-time donation without an account, or set up a monthly donation after signing in. Choose a purpose, such as daily worship, festivals or the upkeep of the ashram, and pay securely online. Your receipt is sent instantly.

Yes. When you donate, tick "I want an 80G receipt" and enter your PAN and address. An 80G receipt is issued in addition to the normal receipt. Receipts are issued in English.

The Akhara offers 1-year, 3-year, 5-year and 15-year (lifetime) memberships. You can see each plan, its contribution and its benefits on the membership page.

Aghor means "not terrible" or "free from fear". The Aghor path is a Shaiva and Shakta tradition that teaches freedom from fear, from disgust and from the divisions people draw between one another. The Sarveshwari Shakti International Women Aghori Akhara follows this path as a women's Akhara devoted to Maa Pratyangira Devi.

Yes, devotees are welcome. Please contact the Akhara before you travel so the ashram can expect you. Spring to autumn is the easiest time to visit, as winter brings snow and road closures.