The Beatles ashram, an abandoned spiritual retreat visited by the Beatles in 1968, has been opened to the public after renovation, on the 35th anniversary of John Lennon's assassination on Dec. 8, 1980. The trip, which happened amidst rumours of the quartet's separation, has been a subject of much speculation, because it inspired many of the songs in the eclectic White Album.

Graffiti painted on the walls of a hall at the Beatles ashram, as seen during the re-opening of the former ashram of the self-styled guru Maharishi Mahesh Yogi, in Rishikesh.

While the spot, formerly Indian guru Maharishi Mahesh Yogi's ashram, has long been a pilgrimage spot for Beatles fans, it was techically off-limits and overrun by wilderness in the last few years. Spread across 18 acres, the ashram was situated on the outskirts of the Rajaji Tiger Reserve, near the north Indian city of Rishikesh.

Graffiti painted on the walls of a hall at the Beatles ashram, as seen during the re-opening of the former ashram of the self-styled guru Maharishi Mahesh Yogi, in Rishikesh.

In March 1968, the Beatles, accompanied by their partners, came to the ashram for a three-month course in transcendental meditation, but these plans soon fell apart. Ringo Starr went home after ten days because he couldn't tolerate spicy food, Paul McCartney stayed for a month, while John Lennon and George Harrison left after six weeks. Some accounts attributed this this abrupt departure to their growing differences with Mahesh Yogi. This 1968 newsreport captures the early part of their stay.

Yet, the four were also at their most prolific during this time, writing as many as 48 songs. Several of these were compiled into their ninth album, known as the White Album, while others found their way into Abbey Road.

George Harrison, Ringo Starr, John Lennon & Paul McCartney with actress Jane Asher, Maureen Starkey and Pattie Boyd at a party to celebrate Harrison's 25th birthday at Rishikesh, India, on 25th February, 1968. Image: Cummings Archives/Redferns

The ashram which had been leased to Mahesh Yogi by the government in 1961, but was abandoned during the 1990s. Persistent fans still continued to pay their homage to the retreat, by climbing over the walls or bribing the gatekeeper. They can now wander around the premises with ease, after paying an entry fee for Rs 150 ($2) for Indians and Rs 600 ($9) for foreigners.

A 2007 photo of the meditation cells in the ashram that the Beatles once stayed in.

A 2012 photo of a couple meditating in Yoga Hall at the Maharishi Mahesh Yogi Ashram (Beatles Ashram).

The ashram's premises include meditation chambers, the guesthouse where the Beatles stayed, and Mahesh Yogi's residence. Yet, its star attraction is a meditation hall covered with colourful graffiti inspired by their songs and made by fans from around the world. Known as the Beatles Cathedral Gallery, it is part of the legend that surrounds the four lads from Liverpool.