Sonathali is a Village in Kashipur Block in Purulia District of West Bengal State, India. It belongs to Burdwan Division . It is located 46 KM towards East from District head quarters Purulia. 7 KM from Kashipur. 219 KM from State capital Kolkata.

The foundation of Sonathali Ashram is a tale of spiritual dedication and divine intervention, commencing when Sree Sree Budhababa instructed Sree Sree Thakur to establish an ashram in Sonathali. Responding to this directive, in 1934 Ishwar Mahato of Chitra village constructed a small room on the neglected cremation grounds of Bairagi Bandh. This gesture was inspired by his recovery from a severe illness, which he attributed to the miraculous intervention of Sree Sree Thakur. Mahato's recovery was not an isolated event; the same divine grace extended to Suchand Modak, who had been tormented by madness and ghostly disturbances. After being cured by Sree Sree Thakur, Modak contributed the thatch for the roof of the newly built room as a token of his gratitude.

 Simultaneously, Sri Vishnu was established in the makeshift settlement. Under the guidance of Sree Sree Budhababa, Sree Sree Khepi Mata Thakurani established a site for worship and meditation. Thus, the Sonathali Sadhu Ashram was inaugurated in this spiritually significant yet initially uninviting location. The ashram quickly became a central hub for local devotees. Sri Sri Mata Thakurani dedicated herself to daily worship and the hospitality of ascetics and guests, despite facing numerous challenges. Her unwavering commitment in the face of adversity became a defining feature of the ashram’s early years. Sree Sree Budhababa, who occasionally visited the ashram, used to reassure  by predicting a future of prosperity, despite forewarning of upcoming trials and opposition.

 Before the ashram's establishment, the site was in disarray—neglected, littered with garbage, and avoided by the locals. The area, adjacent to a large banyan tree and surrounded by rice fields and a road running adjacent to the canal of Bairagi Bandh pond, underwent significant cleaning under Sree Sree Thakur's supervision. Worshiping Sree Sree Budhababa, service, and occasional devotional singing commenced in the post-purified environment. The early days were fraught with trials; the presence of unexplained disturbances.

 As the ashram’s early phase progressed, Sree Sree Budhababa also emphasized the importance of serving Vaishnavas and ensuring no guest was turned away, despite the scarcity of resources. He reassured that divine providence would handle the needs of the service.

 At that time, Sonathali Ashram was just a makeshift hut with a thatched roof. About 14 years later, under the initiative and sincere efforts of Sri Sri Radharani Ma, reconstruction of the Sonathali Ashram began. The diligent work and dedication of Sri Ma resulted in the present Sonathali Sadhu Ashram. At that time, Sri Ma focused solely on how to provide proper service, supervise Radha Nath, manage the ashram's spiritual activities and overall welfare. It seemed as if Goddess Lakshmi had fully manifested and filled the surroundings with her blessings.

 Until then, the service was carried out with whatever alms the disciples and devotees provided. The only structure at Sonathali was a community hall(Samaj Bari), i.e., the ashram around Guru Ma's and others' memorial sites(samadhi shrine). Sree Sree Ma then expressed a desire to build a permanent house at Guru Ma's memorial site. Due to her relentless effort and request, Sri Sri Thakur laid the foundation for the building in the month of Falgun in 1348 (Bengali calendar). Even during the construction, Sree Ma's industriousness was notable. Despite performing services for Sri Sri Thakur and other ashram tasks, she showed equal enthusiasm in helping the builders. She poured water over the stack of bricks, carried cement and sand on her head, all to save a bit of money in times of financial strain. The bricks and mortar of the ashram bore the touch of her pious service. Due to her enthusiasm and effort, the construction of the single-story building was completed within six months. Sree Sree Thakur wrote in his diary, “It was as if Vishwakarma came and built the house in a few days.” In the month of Shravan in 1349 (Bengali calender), the Sonathali Sadhu Ashram was re-established.

Direction: The nearest airport to the ashram is Kazi Nazrul Islam Airport in Durgapur, West Bengal, at a distance of 77 km from ashram. The nearest railway stations are Purulia Jn (48 Km) and Indrabil (11 Km) railway stations. From Purulia hired cabs can be availed to reach Sonathali. For exact location and driving directions please type Monoharkhyapa Babar Ashram, in Google Map.

Key Spots:  Devotees travelling to the ashram should visit Ramdas Babaji Samadhi temple, Harimandir, Samadhi Shrine of Sree Sree 108 Swami Birajananda Bharati, Samadhi Shrine of Sree Sree Radharani Devi, Samadhi Shrine of Sree Sree Gouri Mata , Samadhi Shrines of other members of Guruparivar, Sree Sree Maa Somsan Kali temple , Sree Sree Gopal temple, Asana of Sree Sree Thakur , Sree Sree Hara Gouri, Panchamundi Asana, Sree Sree Siddeshwar Jiu temple.

Accommodation : Travellers planning to visit Sonatholi need to stay at Purulia as no hotels are available at Sonatholi. In Purulia lot of good hotels are available at different budget . Hotel Akash and Hotel Rupasi Bangla are available at moderate budget and PearlTree Hotels & Resorts is available at a relatively higher budget. Cabs to Sonatholi ashram will be arranged by these hotels on request.

Key Festivals Celebrated : Sree Sree Budhababa’s Tirodhan Mahotsav : Every year in the month of March the disappearance tithi of Sree Sree Sadananda (Dasi) Swami (Guru of Sree Sree 108 Swami Birajananda Bharati) is celebrated at Sonathali Sadhu Ashram.The celebration spans for 3 days  during Dol Utsav. The first day is obhibas followed by the main festival on 2nd day and the 3rd day it concludes with dhulot.  On the 2nd day homa and yajna are conducted at the ashram followed by distribution of prasadam.

Sree Sree 108 Swami Birajananda Bharati’s Tirodhan Mahotsav :  In the Bengali calender month of Asharh ( on the Ashtami tithi which falls after  Snanyatra) the disappearance tithi of Sree Sree 108 Swami Birajananda Bharati is celebrated with great enthusiasm at Sonathali ashram. Disciples and devotees from across the geography join the localities to pay respect to their revered SreeGuru on this auspicious day.

Sree Sree Kali Puja :  Sree Sree Kali Puja is one of the most sacred Hindu festivals dedicated to the Avatar (incarnation) of Goddess Durga in the form of Maa Kali. Worship of Sree Sree Kali Maa is conducted during Nishitha time (night) on the Amavasya (new moon) of Kartika month according to the Bengali calender. Sree Sree Kali Puja was initiated at Sonatholi by Sree Sree 108 Swami Birajananda Bharati ages back. The puja is conducted according to ancient customs and practices, following both Shakta and Vaishnavite traditions.

Point of Contact  :  Rupkumar Das Thakur (+91 95643 57380) ;