Nestled in the peaceful countryside of Berks County, Kula Kamala Ashram is quietly reshaping what it means to live a spiritual life in today’s world. More than just a yoga center, the ashram serves as a nonprofit sanctuary for community, wellness and inclusive spiritual exploration.

Swamini Shraddhananda Saraswati

Founded in 2015 by Swamini Shraddhananda Saraswati, affectionately known as SwaminiJi, and her husband (now deceased) Ed RamaChandra Allitt, the ashram is a registered 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to providing contemplative practices and spiritual education accessible to all. “We are an interfaith, inclusive space rooted in the principles of Sanatana Dharma—a universal perspective of truth, goodness, service and nonviolence. We accept everyone, and everything we do comes from a calling to make our circle of the world more welcoming and less intimidating,” explains SwaminiJi.

SwaminiJi and her late husband, originally from New Jersey, were spiritually called to build the ashram, a journey that took them unexpectedly to Berks County. “We were searching for land when he was diagnosed with cancer,” SwaminiJi shares. “Though it slowed us down, he wanted to see our dream realized.”

A pivotal moment came when the couple adopted a dog named Laddo from the Humane Society of Berks County. “We were taken by the land out here,” she notes. “Then one day, amidst a snowstorm, we found an old elementary school on eBay. We drove out to see it, and the property turned out to be just around the corner from where we had adopted Laddo. It was clear—this is where we were meant to be.” RamaChandra passed away in 2018, but not before witnessing the early years of the ashram take root.

Since then, Kula Kamala Ashram has flourished into a multifaceted center offering yoga, spiritual education and wellness programs with a dedication to the local, regional and global communities. Outreach efforts have included services for the Berks County breast cancer community and mental health organizations like Dayspring LLC, as well as Albright College and Wernersville State Hospital. The ashram has also collaborated with local schools and shelters, and now offers retreats in Ireland and India.

One of the most beloved offerings at Kula Kamala is kirtan—a call-and-response chanting practice rooted in yogic tradition. “The music and mantras are filled with messages of love and peace,” SwaminiJi observes. “As we chant, we witness people relax—their faces and nervous systems soften. It’s transformative.”

The pond at the ashram.

For those seeking quiet contemplation, the ashram offers more than just indoor programs. Serene outdoor spaces—including a koi pond, labyrinth and several meditation nooks—are open to the public free of charge. “The silence is so important,” SwaminiJi emphasizes. “We offer silent retreats where people go deeper into the experience of quiet and stillness.”

In its effort to stay aligned with sustainable living, the ashram is increasingly off-grid. Two geodesic greenhouses support food production, and new solar panels being installed this month will generate up to 130 percent of its energy needs. The grounds are smoke-free, meat-free and pet-free to maintain harmony with nature and guests. Food plays a central role in the community. The Food for All Café, open on Sundays, serves a gluten-free, vegan meal inspired by Ayurvedic principles—offered by donation.

Soon the ashram will offer a Wellness Room, which will include access to a massage chair, cryotherapy lounge, biomat and infrared sauna. A salt room is scheduled to open next year. These services will be available to the public by reservation.

Wall yoga class. 

 Kula Kamala Ashram operates with a team of soon-to-be nine staff members, all working to foster an atmosphere of compassion and restoration, supported by volunteers. Community members are welcome to help in the garden, assist with housekeeping or provide administrative support. “Everything we offer is by donation, with very few exceptions,” says SwaminiJi.

“In the depth of our hearts, every one of us is looking for ways to connect—with ourselves, with Source and with each other,” SwaminiJi reflects. “We offer not only insights into ourselves and all beings, but also moments of peace, recovery and healing. This is a place for restoration.”

For those in Berks County and beyond, Kula Kamala Ashram stands as a reminder that spiritual growth and community support can be embraced through universal values, shared intention and acts rooted in compassion.