American author recalls Beatles’ visit to Rishikesh ashram

 Woman who inspired The Beatles' 'Dear Prudence' 



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American author recalls Beatles’ visit to Rishikesh ashram
It was no less than an emotional sojourn for American author Prudence Farrow as on Tuesday she visited the ashram at Chaurasi Kutia in Rishikesh where members of the English rock band ‘Beatles’ learned transcendental meditation from Mahirishi Mahesh Yogi
Anupam Trivedi & Abhinav Madhwal 
Hindustan Times
Jan 23, 2018 


Prudence Farrow at Beatles Ashram on Tuesday.(HT Photo)

It was no less than an emotional sojourn for American author Prudence Farrow as on Tuesday she visited the ashram at Chaurasi Kutia in Rishikesh where members of the English rock band ‘Beatles’ learned transcendental meditation from Mahirishi Mahesh Yogi.

Prudence, 70, is the younger sister of Mia Farrow, a Hollywood actor who featured in more than 50 films. The Farrow sisters visited Rishikesh to learn transcendental meditation from Mahirishi in 1968. Beatles also visited the ashram in 1968 to learn yoga.


Beatles, Rishikesh, India 1968 by Paul Saltzman

The Uttarakhand government is set to showcase the 50 years of Beatles visit to Rishikesh next month, as a major tourism event.

In several accounts it was mentioned that Prudence was so involved in yoga and meditation that she would lock the room and stay inside the room practising meditation.

The Beatles, who wrote over 40 songs during their Rishikesh stay, had dedicated a song to Prudence in one of the best seller albums - White Album. “Dear Prudence won’t you come out to play” is the opening line of the song.

Raju Nautiyal, a forest ranger, said Prudence visited the every corner of the ashram. “She shared the place where Beatles jammed, the place where they had food. It was whole new experience to us as well,” Nautiyal said.


Prudence Farrow in India in 1968

Tourism minister Satpal Maharaj said some businessmen in London have expressed interest in investing in Uttarakhand and also promoting Rishikesh as a key tourist destination.

“Some 229 investors, hotel professionals and tour operators showed interest in a meeting held in London,” Maharaj told reporters on Tuesday.

He said a museum of the memorabilia associated with the Beatles would be made at the ashram in Rishikesh.

It is learnt that igloo shaped huts where Beatles and Ferrow sisters stayed were abandoned since 80s. Now, the place is a part of Rajaji Tiger Reserve.

The tourism and forest departments have joined hands to promote the place ahead of the 50 years of Beatles visit.