Skanda Vale is an Ashram covering 120 acres of beautiful wood and farmland. The Ashram is home to a monastic community of monks and nuns who have taken the vows of poverty, chastity and obedience and express their devotion to God by living a life of Bhakti and Karma Yoga.

 

Visitors to Skanda Vale should come in a spirit of pilgrimage; this is not a sight-seeing centre! In order to make the most of your visit here and to receive the Grace of God that flows freely towards those who come as pilgrims there are a few simple guidelines:

 

In keeping with its basic principle of respect for all of life Skanda Vale is a strictly vegetarian Community. Please do not bring food which is not vegetarian into the Ashram. In order to maintain the purity within the Temples people who have not been vegetarian for three days prior to their visit will not be permitted to take an active part in the pujas. Prasadam, in the form of a cooked meal which has been blessed in the Temple, is offered three times a day to all who have attended the pujas. We want people to come to us on pilgrimage and not travel from one luxury to another. Pilgrims should refrain from consuming alcohol or drugs prior to their visit. Consumption of this kind and smoking is prohibited throughout the Ashram. Pilgrims are requested to put their rubbish in the litter bins. On your way to and from the Ashram please do not throw litter out of the window of your car. The ashram grounds are sacred. Please do not remove any rocks or plants. In accordance with normal monastic practice, segregation of sexes occurs during pujas.

 

Please show respect towards other pilgrims, many of whom have travelled great distances to worship in our three Temples. If personal behaviour runs contrary to that expected we may have to ask you to leave. Please do not leave any literature anywhere in Skanda Vale without the written permission of the Trustees. Private photography is permitted in the grounds of the Ashram,(although not inside the Temples), for people visiting the Monastery on pilgrimage. For media, publication or professional purposes a license from the Trustees is required. Please note that the Community of the Many Names of God and its Temples are not associated with any commercial venture, shops or trades outside the gates of the Ashram. Click here to read more about the spirit of Pilgrimage

 

Health & Safety

Skanda Vale is a farm with many animals.

 

Please:
- Drive slowly and carefully whilst entering and leaving Skanda Vale. Many children can be around the Temple precincts.
- Do not touch or feed any of the animals or go inside their housing or enclosures.
- Do not go near any machinery or building sites.
- It is very important to observe hygiene on a farm (e.g. always wash your hands before eating).
- Children under 16 must be accompanied by a responsible adult at all times.

Please be very careful not to let your children near the water of the ponds and lakes at Skanda Vale as these are deep and dangerous.

Smoking is prohibited through the ashram