The Shiva Ashram is the home of Shiva Yoga, which was founded in 1991 by the director, Mahamandaleshwar Swami Shankarananda (Swamiji), and co-director Ma Devi Saraswati. Shiva Yoga traces its lineage to the Indian saints, Bhagavan Nityananda and Baba Muktananda.
The Shiva Ashram is a residential meditation and spiritual centre in Mount Eliza, on the Mornington Peninsula, Victoria, about one hour outside of Melbourne. The ashram was established in its present location in 1996.
Swami Shankarananda is the teacher in residence. There are 40 permanent residents, and also many people come for short and long term visits from Melbourne, interstate and overseas to attend courses, retreats and teacher training programs.
In March 2015, Yoga Australia suspended accreditation to the Shiva Ashram following allegations of sexual abuse. Since then, the Ashram has gone into liquidation.
Shiva Ashram Grounds
The grounds of the Shiva Ashram have several feature gardens, principal among them an interfaith garden in which each of the world’s major religions is honoured. The ashram has participated in the Australian Open Gardens scheme for the past 2 years