Polish Ashram

In a small town in Lesser Poland, there stands a Hindu temple—a rare sight in the Catholic landscape of Poland. Since 2004, the former holiday resort has been run by Radha and Paramanand, known locally as Renata and Franek. Their ashram, dedicated to Herakhan Baba, initially met resistance from the local community and the parish priest. Today, the relationship can be described as cordial, though the temple remains a strikingly unusual presence.

The day at the ashram begins at five in the morning. In a small room that serves as the Shiva temple, Franek recites mantras, surrounded by images of Jesus, Shiva, and Babaji. Meanwhile, Radha oversees the center, teaching yoga, cooking, and cleaning. Visitors seeking peace are welcome to join in and help with daily tasks.

I came here during a difficult time in my life, searching for a place to spend a week in silence and meditation. In exchange for assisting with cooking and cleaning, I was able to reduce the cost of my stay. I spent several days peeling carrots, washing floors, and preparing for the arrival of a group from Berlin.

When the visitors arrived, I participated in a fire ceremony. In a small gazebo, Franek lit a fire and poured water, milk, and honey over a sacred stone while chanting mantras. The gathered participants offered flowers, rice, and coconut into the flames. The ritual, meant to cleanse the mind and body, felt like a symbolic closure of a chapter in my life.

The ashram in Lesser Poland is a place of contrasts—bridging Eastern spirituality and Polish everyday life. It’s a testament to how even the most distant worlds can coexist.