Maharishi Vedic City – A Spiritual Oasis in Iowa

Maharishi Vedic City Observatory

Nestled in the heart of Iowa, lies a unique and tranquil city that was founded on the principles of ancient Vedic knowledge. This city is known as Maharishi Vedic City. Founded in 2001, it was the first city in the world to have been designed and built according to the principles of Maharishi Vedic architecture and planning. This city is home to a community that practices and advocates for a healthy and sustainable way of living that is based on ancient Vedic knowledge.

Demographics and Geography of Maharishi Vedic City

NameMaharishi Vedic City (MVC)
LocationJefferson County, Iowa, United States
Incorporated in2001
FoodOnly from Organic farm
Population 277 (78.6% down from 2010)
Area3.36 square miles
CurrencyRaam
Language Sanskrit, English and other local languages

Maharishi Mahesh and Vedic City

Maharishi Vedic City is a city unlike any other in the United States. It was founded by followers of Maharishi Mahesh Yogi, the founder of the Transcendental Meditation technique. Maharishi Mahesh Yogi was a spiritual leader and a pioneer in the field of meditation, who brought ancient Vedic knowledge to the West in the 1950s. His teachings were aimed at improving the quality of life for individuals by promoting inner peace, wellness, and sustainable living. He encouraged people to live a healthy and balanced life by following the principles of Vedic knowledge.

Maharishi founded the idea of a “Vedic City” and a group of developers made it happen in 1991. The city follows the “Constitution of the Universe – Total Natural Law – RK Veda.” With over a dozen developers purchasing 50 farms, they began constructing a city arranged in 10 circles with paved roads, utilities, sewage, and internet. The town includes two hotels, various houses, and office buildings. After petitioning the Iowa City Board, it was incorporated as Iowa’s newest city in 2001 and has since grown to over 200 buildings. A TV show titled “America’s Most Unusual Town” featured the city in 2012.

Features of Maharishi Vedic City

The city of Maharishi Vedic City is built according to the principles of Maharishi Vedic architecture and planning. This form of architecture is based on the principles of Sthapatya Veda, which is the science of building structures in harmony with natural laws. The city is designed to harmonize with the natural elements by incorporating features such as domes, golden roofs, and fountains that radiate positive energy and create a peaceful and serene atmosphere.

The city had a population of about 1,000 people in 2010 and covers an area of 175 acres. The city is divided into four quadrants, each representing one of the four Vedas – Rig, Yajur, Sama, and Atharva. The streets are named after various aspects of Vedic knowledge, such as Ayurveda Street, Jyotish Street, and Sthapatya Veda Street. There are also dedicated areas for meditation, yoga, and Ayurveda treatment.

Maharishi Vedic City is home to several educational institutions that teach Vedic knowledge. The Maharishi University of Management is one such institution. It is a non-profit university that offers programs in various disciplines such as business, computer science, and sustainability. The university provides a unique learning experience that combines modern education with the principles of Vedic knowledge. The goal of the university is to provide students with a holistic education that will prepare them for successful and fulfilling careers.

The city also has its own organic farm, which provides fresh produce for the community. The farm is based on the principles of organic and sustainable agriculture. The produce is grown without using any chemical pesticides or fertilizers, which makes it healthier and more nutritious than conventional produce.

One of the most unique features of Maharishi Vedic City is the Maharishi Vedic Observatory. The observatory is built according to the principles of Vedic architecture and has been designed to provide a perfect environment for observing the stars. The observatory has an advanced telescope that allows for detailed observations of the stars and planets. The observatory is open for visitors and offers a unique opportunity to observe the stars in a serene and peaceful environment.

In addition to its educational institutions and observatories, Maharishi Vedic City also offers various programs and services that promote health and wellness. The city has a dedicated Ayurveda clinic that offers holistic treatments for various health conditions. The city also offers yoga and meditation classes that are taught by experienced instructors.


Maharishi Vedic City is a city that is based on the principles of Vedic knowledge. It offers a unique and tranquil environment for individuals who are seeking to live a healthy and sustainable lifestyle. The city is a testament to the transformative power of Vedic knowledge and its ability to create a better world. Maharishi Vedic City is a spiritual oasis that is worth exploring for anyone who is seeking inner peace and a healthier way of living.