Swami Arunachalananda

Yatras From 2016 - 2020

  March 2016

In March 2016 I went to Belur for Thakur Tithi Puja; in 2013 when I had come to Belur from Allahabad Kumbha Mela, I had suffered from dysentery and hence was not even able to properly participate in Sri Ramakrishna Tithi Puja festival and partaking of Prasad. Now after three years I could again properly participate in the festival. This time I also went to Chittaranjan town where my friend Partho Ghosh and his friends (with whom I had gone to 2013 Allahabad Kumbha Mela) reside; stayed in his house and was happy to meet his old mother. From Chittaranjan I returned to Belur and from Belur went to Satauli (Nainital Dist. Uttarakhand) via Delhi.
 Some Pics: Chittaranjan  and Belur Visit
 Video : From Belur to Dakshineshwar on Ganga with Rahul Mj(March 2016)

I had online reservation for a room in Sri Aurobindo Ashrama, Delhi. The ashrama was beautiful with garden, bookstore, dining hall, accommodation rooms, meditation hall etc. Though being right in the middle of busy part of the city, inside the ashrama campus it was peaceful. My childhood friend Chakrapani came here to meet me, he was working in nearby Gurugram.
 Some Pics: Sri Aurobindo Ashrama, Delhi
In Delhi I went to see the tourist attractions: Qutub Minar, Inda Gate, Raajpath, Parliament building, Gandhi Memorial, Jantar-Mantar, Indira Gandhi Memorial etc.
 Some Pics: Qutub Minar Delhi  and Jantar-Mantar Delhi  and Mahatma Gandhi Memorial Delhi
      Indira Gandhi Memorial  and India Gate Rajpath
From Delhi by train I went to Ranikhet, and from there took bus to Satauli. There was nice, little, well-furnished bungalow (kutia) here belonging to Sri Trilochana Shastri (of Bangaluru). My friend Swami Vedatattwananda Mj (Nishchal Mj) had introduced me to him and had asked him to allow me to spend some time there in seclusion. The kutia had one large room with bed, attached bathroom & attached kitchen; kitchen had all things required. There was another small room with attached bathroom. It was located at an ideal spot with no immediate nearby houses and had a very beautiful front view of surrounding hills, Almora city, and the snow capped mountains of Trishul, Nandadevi, Nandakot. In fact the view from kutia room was almost same as that from monk's quarters of Mayavati Ashrama. I thoroughly enjoyed the aloneness, quietude, and peace of the place. On climbing a distance above the kutia, there was a small secluded temple and one small room with small 'mandap' in front. This was called 'Gorakhnath Mandir Dhuni' and was empty. The place had distinct spiritual vibrations. The room and 'mandap' has 'dhuni-kund' and one could spend a night in mediation there if so planned. Sri Trilochan Shastri ji also stayed with me for couple of days and introduced me to his local friends. After spending about a week here, I came to Ramakrishna Kutir Almora.
 Some Pics: Satauli (Nainital Dist.)
 Video : At Satauli 1  and At Satauli 2
I stayed in the Almora ashrama for couple of days and had good company of Sameer Mj, Madhurya Mj, and Sumit Mj. We went in the town and visited temples & places associated with Swami Vivekananda. From Almora I came to Mayavati Ashrama with Sumit Mj and Madhurya Mj. On the way we visited the famous Jageshwar Shiva Temple considered by many as one among the 12 Jyotirlingas.
 Some Pics: Almora (March 2016)  and Kakrighat  and Karbala  and Jageshwar (29 March 2016)

  April 2016

After staying couple of days and observing the new buildings and developments of the Mayavati ashrama, I travelled by bus all the way to Rishikesh. There I spent a day with Arvind Kothe in his flat from where he used to run Vivekananda Sewa Samiti. He took me to Vasishtha Gufa in his car and also a Vitthal temple in Rishikesh.
 Some Pics: Rishikesh and Vasishtha Gufa
From Rishikesh I went to Guptakashi where Dr Tulsidas Mj (Mamashree) was looking after the Sri Ramakrishna Vivekananda Sewashrama; it was a three storied building which was partly given to the ashrama and partly was used as hotel for pilgrims to Kedarnath. From here I went to Kotma village where Vivekananda Orphanage was being run by Br Prashant Mj under Mamashree's guidance; spent a day here and went the Kali temple in the nearby valley.
 Some Pics: Guptakashi and Kotma
From Kotma I returned to Guptakashi and from there came down to Haridwar; it was the auspicious bath day of the half kumbha being held there. I went to Ganga and took the holy dip.
 Some Pics: Haridwar (7th April 2016 - Kumbha evening)
At night the private bus in which I had booked my ticket for Delhi came late and after some confusion & arguments with operators, I boarded the bus and came to Delhi. At Delhi boarded the flight to Mumbai and from Mumbai via Kasara reached Nashik.

Mr Omprakash Agrawal of Chinchpada (Nandurbar dist.) became well-known to me, father, and mother since 2013-14; we had met at Ganeshpuri. He had come with his relatives and stayed in our home at Nashik during Kumbha Mela of 2015. He took me and father in his vehicle to his home at Chinchpada; it was a huge bungalow with many rooms and a separate hall for Siddhayoga center being run by him. We stayed for couple of days and he showed us his schools, hotels, petrol pumps, temples etc. The Hanuman Jayanti was celebrated by performing a havan in the nearby Hanuman temple; we gladly participated in the puja and enjoyed the cheerful atmosphere. He also took us to the pilgrimage place called Prakasha which is sometimes referred as South Kashi; it had many Shiva temples.
 Some Pics: Chinchpada and Prakasha (22 April 2016)

  October 2016

In October 2016 I went to Ganeshpuri on the occasion of Durgashtami; after having darshan at Samadhi shrines there, I went on the same day to Ramakrishna Ashrama Khar Road Mumbai. Khar ashrama has a tradition of celebrating Durga Puja on grand scale; I was fortunate to have darshan on this holy day there and also have Prasad. Swami Gaurikantananda and Bhavesh (local volunteer) were known to me and they helped me. I was happy to meet them and talked with Swami for some time as we walked near the temple. I purchased some books and returned to Nashik.
 Some Pics: Ramakrishna Math Mumbai (Durgashtmi 9 Oct 2016)

On 20th October I started from Nashik for Shegaon (Train No. 12859 Seat No S4 56); after having darshan of the Samadhi shrine at Shegaon, I went to Chikhali by bus and from there by another bus to Khamgaon. Br Sunil Mj and Debasis Das had come in car to receive me on the bus-stop. We reached Gangalgaon ashrama late in the evening. Next day we went to a nearby Devi temple and then to Deulgaon ashrama which was in construction phase with current small shirne situated in a tin-shed. From there we went to Chikhali and met Janamama and Amol Ghube (I had met him in Guptakashi, now he was back in his village and was admitted in hospital for viral fever). Also went to Janamama's house and shop; had visited this place in April 2012 with father and Rahul Mujumdar. Then we returned to Gangalgaon ashrama. Next day I started for Davha ashrama being looked after by Br Kishor Mj. The ashrama shrine and buildings had come up in a short time and I was invited for its opening function but at that time I was in Mayavati ashrama. The ashrama had field of its own and a four-wheeler; I enjoyed my stay for a day talking with Kishor Mj and later in the evening with Janamama and his guests.
 Some Pics: Gangalgaon-Deulgaon-Davha (21-23 Oct 2016)

Next morning I boarded bus to Amaravati and later went to Nagpur by another bus. At Nagpur I made a quick tour of Ramakrishna Math there as I had never seem it before; after spending couple of ours there I hired Ola and went to the airport; took the flight to Kolkata and reached Belur Shelter around 10pm. I was back in Belur because the apartment at Maayer Bari which I co-owned with Vikas was being sold to Parivaar Education society. Vikas arrived within a day; by the grace of Holy Trio and thanks to the lawyer and agents from Parivaar, the sale procedure went smoothly at the crowed and heavily files laden Howrah Court. Next day I went to Dakshineshwar and met Aai, Tai, Abhishek; I also took Tapasda (friend from Mayavati days) with me. On 26th October I went to Kamarpukur and from there to Jairambati; at Jairambati stayed in the rented flat of Tapasda, Br Avijit Mj, and Br Suman Mj). Returning back from Jairambati, on 27th I handed over the keys of Maayer Bari Apt. to Br Rahul Mj and thus ended the chapter of Maayer Bari Apartment near Belur which was started in May 2007! Then I went to Kashipur, Udbodhan and Narendrapur. At Narendrapur I met my friend Sw Ganeshatmananda (Ritesh Mj); this was the first time I saw Narendrapur ashrama campus, it was huge and beautiful though situated within crowded city.
 Some Pics: Bengal (24-28 Oct 2016)

From Kolkata I came to Bengaluru by flight; by the grace of Sri Ramakrishna, at the airport I met Mr & Mrs Sumonto of Kashipur - who were devotees of Thakur. They too were going to Ramakrishna Ashrama on Bull Temple road, so they took me there in car. At the ashrama, Br Nikhil Mj who knew me from Pune Math days, helped me in every way. I also met Satish Mj here whom I had met at Mayavati and later at Limbdi.
 Some Pics: Ramakrishna Math Bengaluru (29-31 October)

During my stay at the Bull Temple road ashrama I called Rohit Sikka - my friend from childhood and room-mate during COEP days - who was now a dedicated disciple of Sri Sri Ravi Shankar of Art of Living and was full time ashramite at their Bengaluru HQ. I went to AOL HQ and met him early morning on Diwali day (30 Oct 2016); he showed me the campus and we had lunch at their dining hall. The AOL campus was beautifully developed with unique buildings, gardens, Veda-Pathsala etc.
 Some Pics: AOL Bengaluru (30 October Diwali Day)

I left Bengaluru on 31st October night for Thiruannamalai by bus.

  November 2016

By the grace of Arunachala, from 1st November till 15th November I stayed in Sri Ramanashramam. On 15th night I started for Madurai on route to Theni. The bus reached around 2.30am at Madurai and from there I had to go to Arppalayam bus stand from where Theni buses start; being a night time and all boards being in Tamil, I was wondering how to proceed. By God's grace a Tamil family was going the same route and they helped me till Theni! Reached Theni ashrama early morning and could attend the early morning arati. It was nostalgic moment to witness the temple and arati after more than a year; had been part of it for six months in 2015. Now the temple was fully painted with beautiful gods and goddesses; office space was relocated near at the entrance of the temple. I stayed in the ashrama for couple of days; had darshan of Swami Omakaranandaji Mj and met Adhyatmanandaji Mj. My friend and colleague in the six month course (2015) Vinoth Kumar was resident of Theni; he invited me to his home. I went and met his father, mother, neighbors; he took me to local pilgrimage spot called Veerappa Ayyanaar.
 Some Pics: Theni Visit (16-17 Nov 2016)

I left Theni on 18th November to Madurai; after darshan at Madurai temple by train went to Chennai Egmore Station. My earlier plan was to visit my friend and colleague Murali at his home in Kanchipuram for which I had booked ticket till Chengalpattu; but he informed that his father was ill and admitted in the hospital and hence he was busy; so instead of getting down at Chengalpattu I went straight to Chennai. From station I went to Vivekananda Illam on Marina beach; it was late in the evening; met Santosh Mj of Pune acquaintance who helped and guided me during the stay there. The Vivekananda House being located facing sea, it was wonderful to see the sunrise with vast sea stretching till horizon; also in the morning and evening the beach was full of people enjoying the natural beauty. Vivekananda house was converted into beautiful museum with life and teachings of Swami Vivekananda illustrated on huge wall paintings and there was also an animated movie on Swamiji's Chicago address. I also visited the temple at Mylapore Ramakrishna Math once.
 Some Pics: Swami Vivekananda Illam Chennai (19 Nov 2016)

I had planned further visits to Chennai Student's home, Ramanathpuram, Rameshwaram, Kanyakumari, Trivendrum and from there by flight to Mumbai. But at Vivekananda House I felt like terminating the pilgrimage there itself due to fatigue and return back to Nashik. So boarded a flight from Chennai to Mumbai and from there came back to Nashik on 20th November.

  May 2017

In May 2017 I went to Pawas for the first time; I had this in mind for few years and now I wished to spend few days there. From Mumbai by train reached Ratnagiri and from there by bus went to Pawas. At bus stand, instead of asking for the Samadhi shrine of Swami Swaroopananda, I enquired about Swaroopashrama and was directed there. From there was directed to Bhakta Niwas where I was informed that accommodation for only one day is allowed. I stayed there for a day and had darshan of Samadhi Shrine and temple area; it is a beautiful temple with neat arrangement and routine. Next day luckily I met few devotees staying in Bhakta-Niwas who said that if I do the 'Parayana' then I can stay in Swaroopashrama or Bhakta-Niwas; as per their directions I went to Swaroopashrama and asked about it. I was told to fill up the form at Samadhi Shrine and get permission of the main trustee - Mr Desai (of famous Desai Bandhu Ambewale). I did the procedure and was allowed to stay at Swaroopashrama for 15 days of even 1 month if I so desired. The ashrama had basic arrangement of few rooms, a shrine hall, small kitchen and dining area, and few bathrooms. I stayed for a week and completed the 'Parayana' of Abhanga Jnaneshwari - the modern marathi version of Jnaneshwari written by Swami Swaroopananda. It was a joyous experience to read the excellent and religious text in the picturesque setting of Pawas which is a typical Konkan village. Once I visited on foot the Ganeshgule Ganapati temple which is very near Arabian Sea. During this stay I met Manoj Nagarkar - a sadhaka who was also staying at Swaroopashrama; we discussed many topics and shared our experiences.
 Some Pics: Pawas (2-11 May 2017)

  July-September 2017

The Kavnai plot which I had purchase in May 2017 was full of water due to heavy rains and hence I could not proceed with my plan of performing Bhoomi-Puja there. So I decided to spend the rainy months in Thiruvannamalai; I went there in Mid-July and stayed till mid-September. This time I had not contacted Ramanashrama and hence had to stay out side. First on arrival I stayed for couple of days at Sheshadri Swami Ashrama and then in a rented room (Shankar guesthouse) near Ramanashramam Post office. Met Gaurishankar - a sadhaka who had left US and was staying in the adjacent room at the guesthouse; we discussed spiritual topics. After a month I stayed with Swami Sivabrahmanandaji Saraswati (fondly called 'Tata Swami'). I was looking for Swami Nirvrittanandaji Mj (Sudhindra Mj) during my 2016 stay at Ramanashramam but couldn't find him. Now on my first day in Thiruvannamalai, when i was searching for room near Ramanashramam, i met him unexpectedly and we recalled our 2007 meeting at Belur! Also he introduced me to Br Amrit and Swami Sivabrahmanandaji Saraswati; he arranged for my stay with Tata Swami. Met again Swami Priyanathanandaji Mj (Kumar Mj) and had good exchange of spiritual ebooks, audios, videos, ideas etc. with him. Enjoyed spiritual satsangs along-with food at Swami Nirvrittanandaji's place and morning prasad at Yogi Ramsuratkumar ashrama. With Br. Amrit and Tata Swami did some evening Girivalams; during one such girivalam my feet developed boils due to hot weather and no footwear. Br Amrit helped me cut those boils and he also showed me various places associated with Bhagawan Ramana Maharshi around Thiruvannamalai. We also met Maa Devaki of Yogi Ramsuratkumar ashrama and had satsang with her. During my stay with Tata Swami, as per Sudhindra Mj's instructions, i used to read Swami Vivekananda's Jnana-Yoga and Tata Swami used to listen; later Br Amrit too joined us. It was a memorable stay and i enjoyed it thoroughly.
 Some Pics: Sheshadri Ashrama (12 July 2017)   and  Tiruvannamalai (July-Sept 2017)
 Video: On Top of Virupaksha Cave (17 July 2017)

During this stay I decided to pay a visit to Sri Aurobindo Ashrama at Puducherry; I had visited it in 1996 with friends but it was a very short visit. Through email I got the procedure to book accommodation at their guest house, accordingly sent them EMO and booked 2 days accommodation. I stayed at their New Guest house near Rock Beach. Puducherry (earlier Pondecherry) is beautiful as it is a mix of French, Indian, Islam, Christianity identities and added to its charm is the magnificent sea coast. I had darshan at the Samadhi of Sri Yogi Aurobindo at the ashrama, saw the famous Basilica of Sacred Heart of Jesus church which was nearby, Arulmigu Vinayagar temple and enjoyed the walks on sea beach. I also went to Auroville by the bus service recommended by the ashrama; it was about an hour drive and on route we went to Panchamugha Hanuman temple. Auroville was beautiful, quiet, wooded and full of energetic people from all over the world; we could see the reception centre fully but Matrimandir only from a distance. We were informed that in order to go inside the Matrimandir, advance booking need to be done at reception; I enquired about the booking and luckily got the booking for the next day. So next day morning again I went to Auroville by the bus and went inside Matrimandir; it was a unique experience, the place is designed uniquely to conserve spiritual energy and inside of the structure is spotless clean, clothed in white and filled with great peace and silence. Visitors are given white socks to wear while entering the meditation chamber and meditation comes easily in that charged place. Our guide was giving us all the information during the visit. I returned to guest house fully satisfied with my visit. I returned to Thiruvannamalai the next day.
 Some Pics: Puducherry (2-4 Aug 2017)   and  Video: Rock Beach Puducherry (2 Aug 2017)

  December 2017

Gajapantha Chamarleni, which is near Nashik city, is an ancient Jain religious site; it is a small hillock on which there are carved the holy Tirthankar figures of Jain religion. I visited the site and found the surrounding peaceful and secluded. Below the hillock, Jain society has temple, guesthouse etc. This reminded me of my visit few year back to another Jain religious site in Nashik district - Mangi-Tungi hills. These twin hills are magnificent and there too accommodation at guesthouse is available.
 Some Pics: Gajapanth Chamarleni

  February-March 2018

I started staying in a rented room at Ghoti from January 2018, for the purpose of overseeing the construction activity of Kavnai Kuti. During this stay I explored the surrounding tourist spots like Tringalwadi fort, Bhavli Dam, Ghatandevi temple, Sarvatirth Taaked etc.
 Some Pics: Tringalwadi Fort   and  Video: Tringalwadi Fort (24 Feb 2018)
 Some Pics: Ghatandevi, Igatpuri   and  Sarvatirth Taked   and
  Video: Bhavli Dam (3 Feb 2018)

  May 2018

In May 2018 my friend and colleague of Theni Vedanta course (2015), Br Jnanananda came to Nashik. I took him to Panchavati Darshan, Trymbakeshwar, Saptashrungi Gadh Wani, Shirdi, and Kavnai.
 Some Pics: Saptashrungi Garh (8 May 2018)
 Video: Saptashrungi Gadh Wani 8 May 2018: (1)Village Customs)   and (2)Markandeya Hill View
 Some Pics: Shirdi (7 May 2018)   and  Trymbakeshwar (6 May 2018)   and  Panchavati Darshan (5 May 2018)
  Video: Ramkund Nashik (5 May 2018)

  June 2018

While Br Jnanananda was in Nashik I had said to him that I may visit his ashrama while returning from my stay at Thiruvannamalai in June. Accordingly I went from Thiruvannamalai to Tirupati and stayed there for a day; had darshan at the famous Tirumala temple, Sri Ramakrishna Ashrama, ISCKON temple next to Ramakrishna Math. From Tirupati I went to Kadapa where Br Jnanananda had come to receive me. He took me to Ramakrishna Ashrama in Kadapa. After spending some time there we came to his ashrama in Thotalapalli. I stayed there for couple of days and he showed me his ashrama - Swami Achalananda Ashramam, took me (on motorcycle!) to spots like Trimukha Durga temple at Bhairavkona in Cumbum Forest range of Eastern Ghats, Siddheshwar temple, Brahmamsagar Dam, Samadhi Shrine of Veerabrahmendra Swami at Brahmamgari Math etc. It was unique experience to see from close range the interior of Andhra Pradesh; I had never been to this side of the country though I had visited rural Tamil Nadu and Kerala.
 Some Pics: Tirupati Temple Campus (26 June 2018)   and  Video: Tirupati Temple
 Some Pics: Ramakrishna Math Kadapa (27 June 2018)   and  Swami Achalananda Ashramam, Thotalapaali (28-29 June 2018)
   Trimukha Durga, Bhairavkona (28 June 2018)   and  Siddheshwar (28 June 2018)   and  Brahmamsagar (29 June 2018)

  August 2018

My friend Br Jnaneshwar had constructed a small kuti in Newase and had called me to visit the same. I went to there as I wished to see his kuti and also wanted to visit the famous temple where Sri Jnaneshwar Mj had written his immortal Jnaneshwari. My friend's kuti was beautiful and I enjoyed my stay there for couple of days. He took me to the main temple in the Village and also to other small temples; we went to nearby famous Datta Mandir at Devgadh which was beautifully constructed and maintained. On route we went to the bridge on Godavari where recently a protesting Maratha youth had jumped and died. Also I could witness the Sunday morning children camp at his kuti.
 Some Pics: Newasa-Devgadh (10-11 Aug 2018)
On the Independence day, this year too as in 2015, i went with my school-mates to our Marathi Medium school at Ozar Township for another Alumni Gathering (15 Aug 2018)

  November 2018

In November 2018 my friend and colleague of Theni Vedanta course (2015), Vinoth Kumar (Theni residence where I had been in Nov 2016) came to Nashik. He was coming out of Tamil Nadu for the first time and hence language was an issue. I took him to Panchavati Darshan, Trymbakeshwar, Shirdi, Ramakrishna Ashrama Aurangabad Temple Opening and Kavnai. Later we went to Ganeshpuri and stayed with Raju Karemore and from there went to see Kanheri Caves in Sanjay Gandhi National Park. I went to Dadar station with him as he had never travelled by train before.
 Some Pics: With Vinoth Nov 2018  and Kanheri Caves (21 Nov 2018)

  March 2019

In Feb end I travelled to Rishikesh with Sudhir Akarte of Amaravati and Bhaskar Mj of Almora; Sudhir came to Nashik and we both went to Kavnai Kuti, where Bhaskar Mj was staying for two months (he had arrived in Jan first week and had also participated in 12th January National Youth Day program at Gonde village high school.  Some Pics: 12th January 2019.
On Sri Gajanan Maharaj Prakat Din we started our journey by first taking Prasad at Gajanan Mj ashrama, Kavnai. From Mumbai we went to Delhi (on route the news of Indian Airforce striking the Pakistani terrorist camps created lot of excitement and joy) and from there to Rishikesh.
Br Rahul Mj, who was at Sadhana Sadan (Haridwar), had booked our room at Badri-Kedar Guest House in Rishikesh; staying there at night, next day we attended Mooji Open Satsang at Swami Swatantrananda Ashrama which was nearby. Bhaskar Mj searched another room at Swargashrama Dharmashala on the opposite bank of Ganga and in the afternoon we moved there. This room was very near the river and Gita Bhavan, Paramarth Niketan etc were very close. We stayed there till 4th March; our daily routine was to attend the Mooji Satsang in the morning and visit different locations around Muni ki Reti in the evenings. We ate at different hotels, restaurants, or at Divine Life Society ashrama, Paramarth Niketan ashrama etc. and enjoyed the joyous, picturesque atmosphere of Muni Ki Reti area; Ram Jhula was very nearby and daily we crossed it. Mooji Open Satsang was unique experience as the Master confidently addressed the hall packed to the brim, mostly with foreigners and the overall management of the satsang by Mooji Sangha members was meticulous and dedicated. Bhajan evenings performed by the devotee group from Monte Sahaja in Western style, were filled with energy and devotion.
On 4th March evening, the Shiva-ratri eve, we moved to Sannyasashrama in Haridwar which is located at the back side of Sadhana Sadan; here to Br Rahul Mj had booked a room for us. We stayed here till 9th march (Sudhir stayed couple of day longer); in Haridwar we went to various tourist spots like Har Ki Paidi, Neeldhara, Lahiri Mahashaya Ashrama, Ramakrishna Mission Ashrama (attended the 8th March Sri Ramakrishna Tithi Puja here and were pleasantly surprised to meet Raghu Mj of Pune Math), Daksha Mandir, Shanti Ashrama (of Swami Nityananda II of Ganeshpuri), Patanjali Yoga Vidyapeeth etc. At the Sadhana Sadan guest house there had come a large Tamil group who were performing Ati-Rudra Yaga for 4-5 days and were giving excellent, authentic South Indian breakfast, lunch, dinner bhiksha to sadhu, brahmacharis! Our stay there coincided with this and thus we enjoyed great South Indian bhandara!! Here also met Rahul Mj and Sudhir Dada of Belur (who had taken Brahmacharya deeksha on Shivaratri and was now Br Akshaya Chaitanya).
 Some Pics: Rishikesh-Haridwar

From Haridwar, myself and Bhaskar Mj went to Delhi and from there by flight went to Bengaluru; reaching Bengaluru at night, we took bus to Tiruvannamalai and reached Sri Ramanashramam on 10th March early morning. After spending joyful two weeks at Sri Ramanashramam we left to our respective destinations: i came to Nashik via Mumbai on board Chalukya Express while Bhaskar Mj returned to Almora via Bengaluru-Delhi.

  July-Aug 2019

After it started raining heavily in Kavnai and the roof of Kuti leaking, i came to Nashik and within couple of days made a quick one-day trip to Shirdi accompanied by mother, Prakash & his father-mother; the trip was arranged by Prakash and Aakash Kisve (Prakash's friend and Govt official in-charge of Shirdi Temple Trust Security Dept.). Due to Aakash's position in the Trust body, we were given VIP treatment throughout the day with special darshan of Sai Baba without standing in line, honor of with Sai-Shawl and Prasad, lunch in VVIP enclosure etc.
 Some Pics: Shirdi with Prakash (10 July 2019)

After Shirdi visit, I left for Tiruvannamalai on 12th July via Nashik-Dadar on board Chalukya Exp. In Tiruvannamalai Kumar Mj had secured a room near Ramanashramam for one month stay at monthly rent of Rs 3500. The room was on upper floor of a family's house; it has two sections, a small kitchen and attached bathroom. Being close to Sri Ramanashrama and Yogi Ramsuratkumar Ashrama, it was convenient for me. On 16th July was Gurupurnima which I could celebrate in Sri Ramanashramam and by performing Grivalam with Sudhindra Mj; on way we had satsang with Swami Ramananandaji. During the stay I periodically went to Girivalam with Sudhindra Mj; eat at Yogi Ramsuratkumar or Ramanashrama. My induction heater and few utensils that were kept with Kumar Mj came in handy for tea, Maggi preparations. Once I saw Brahmanandaji of GSP in Ramanashramam Samadhi hall; we met in Auro Usha hotel and had dinner together that evening, as he left for Coorg that same night.
Sudhindra Mj once took me to Arunachala Adhyatma Ashrama for Sadhu Bhandara (with cloth and dakshina for sadhus) in memory of the founder of the Ashrama - Swami Sahajananda; the current head of the ashrama, a sannyasi mataji, and few other devotees spoke on the occasion about Swami Sahajananda. At another time Sudhindra Mj and myself walked some 8-10 km on Bangalore Road to go to Sri Yogesh ji's picturesque abode which had a beautiful kutia and a small Ram Mandir; Sri Yogesh ji cooked and served us excellent food. One day I went to Swami Sivabrahmanandaji's place as Br Amrit had come there; Sudhindra Mj and couple of other people were also there; a small girl named 'Kumari' was ther on whom a short Kumari Puja was performed there on the occasion of Andal Jayanti. My frined from Aurangabad, Devdatta Kulkarni, visited Tiruvannamalai for couple of days; he stayed in the Laxmi Guest House and met Kumar Mj & Sudhindra Mj. He went to Puducherry for a day and once in the evening we went to Samudram Lake of Tiruvannamalai with Sudhindra Mj. After Devdatta left, my friend from Theni - Vinoth Kumar arrived and stayed with me for a night; with him I did a Girivalam.
Couple of days prior to leaving Tiruvannamalai, Sudhindra Mj arranged for Tirukoilur trip with Swami Narahari Giri of Maheshwar (MP); Saurav Parashar (Sudhindra Mj acquaintance) and his mother too accompanied us; Narahari Swamiji showed us Swami Gnanananda Tapovanam which had the Samadhi of Swami Gnanananda and shrines established by him, then we had darshan of Sri Arakandanallur (Arayaninallur) Shiva Temple where Bhagawan Ramana Maharshi had visited on his way from Madurai to Tiruvannamalai; we also had darshan of famous Trivikrama temple of Tirukoilur.
 Some Pics: Tiruvannamalai (14 July - 14 Aug 2019)

I had train reservation for return ticket from Tiruvannamalai but it was on waiting list and hence I cancelled the same and came via Bangalore-Pune luxury bus. At Pune I could visit COEP with Umesh and met Pallavi there; I was happy to see my college after long time and we roamed around the campus watching old & new buildings, boat club etc. Then went to Umesh's home and met Anagha; after lunch started for Nashik (16th August).
 Some Pics: COEP Visit (16 August 2019)

  October 2019

On 4th October I went to Ganeshpuri, via Igatpuri-Kalyan-Bhiwandi-Ambadi route, on occasion of Durgashtami; there stayed at Sadhak Bhavan. On 5th i.e. Navami day went to Vajreshwari temple; the temple was bit crowded but within half an hour, I had the Devi Darshan and could read few pages of 'Matrucharani' (Gospel of Holy Mother Sri Sarada Devi in Marathi) there. On 6th i.e. Ashtami day early morning I had bath at hot water ponds near Bhagawan Nityananda Samadhi Shrine and then could read few pages of 'Matrucharani' there too. On Navami and Ashtami, attended the morning chanting at GSP (earlier it used to be only GuruGita, now Saturday - VishniSahasraNaam and Sunday - GuruGita). Returned to Nashik on 7th via Ghoti (at Ghoti my bike was parked, and laptop was kept, with Rajaram Shelar).

  February-March 2020

On 27th January 2020 boarded train (no. 12171) for Haridwar from Nashik Road station; reached Haridwar next day afternoon and from there reached Divine Life Society (Sivananda Ashrama) Rishikesh. I enjoyed my stay at the ashrama till Shivaratri (22nd Feb 2020). On 22nd morning I went to Haridwar and kept the luggage in railway station cloak room; the train was in night so I had few spare hours. So I went to Vivekananda Ghat of Ramakrishna Mission Kankhal and from there to Ma Anandamayee Ashrama; here Dr Sharma, a devotee of Ma enquired about me and asked me to come and stay in the ashrama someday! Then I came back to Kankhal ashrama and took darshan in the templeand returned to railway station. At night boarded the train (no. 13010) to Howrah.

Reached Belur Math by Belur Math local from Howrah on 24th February morning and from station straight went for haircut. There was slight drizzle and the barber shop in Belur Bazar was a known one to me; the barber recognized me! He was seeing me in the shop after many years! Then went to Maayer Bari Apartment ('Belur Shelter' of Aai), where Sudhir stays. That day evening after Arati at Thakur Temple in Belur Math, Paresh Mj and Sumit Mj spotted me and we chatted on the verandah of Math Office; Paresh Mj made video call to Anirban Mj in Japan, he too joined us! Sri Ramakrishna Tithi Puja (25th March) was celebrated with usual program and festivity; there was drizzle that day and crowd was bit less; met Balkrishna Mj on the Belur grounds. In the afternoon went to Veda Vidyalaya and met Nishchal Mj; we talked many hours on different topics. Later I also met Bododa, Debasisda, Kedarda, Radhadidi and Sabitadidi. On 26th morning I went to Arambagh by local train from Belur station; at Arambagh railway station there was a taxi arranged for me by Tapasda. Within hour or so I reached Tapasda's Ashrama - Vivek Vikas Mission at Khiri village near Kotulpur. There I met Tapasada, Dr Vidita didi and Dr Ashokda; we had useful discussion on the topic of education and tools for training in remote areas. The discussion that I had with Nishchal Mj on Thakur Tithi Puja helped me put some points in this discussion which were useful to the trustees of Vivek Vikas Mission. The ashrama had nicely come up in couple of years; it trains village kids in the morning with positive message and school curriculum. Later another trustee of the ashrama Dr Arupda from Kolkata came and next day we went to Kotulpur, Kamarpukur, Jairambati, and Koalpara. We used the TVS Super XL moped of the ashrama. On 28th I returned to Belur and rested. On 29th I visited Dakshineshwar temple and Aai, Tai, Abhi at Holy Mother Shelter; Tai had prepared delicious Pav-Bhaji which we enjoyed after arati and discussed many things. 1st March was Public Celebrations day at Belur Math; Aai, Tai, Abhi came from Dakshineshwar and myself and Sudhirda joined them. We had darshan at Belur temples and enjoyed eating paani-puri (puchka), sugarcane-juice, fried eggplant, potato etc. The whole day festivities continued, in the afternoon witnessed fine Baul music in main pandal. Later in the evening met Mr Kushal Roy, a devotee who was a FB friend. Since On 2nd March I went to Kashipur Garden house and by Thakur's Grace could enter and make pranams (thanks to some foreigners who were seen meditating in the room) in the room where He left His mortal coil. From there I went to Maayer Bari Udbodhan and had lunch Prasad there after darshan. In the evening I met Sapnadidi, Dilipda and Babu as I had not met them since arriving at Belur. On 3rd March I boarded Duranto express from Howrah (local train from Belur Math station to Howrah arrived late and I was able to enter Duranto just in time!) to Bengaluru (train no 12245 at 10.50 am).
 Some Pics: Belur-Kamarpukur-Jairambati (February-March 2020)
  Videos: Sri Ramakrishna Tithi Puja Belur (25 February 2020)
Sri Ramakrishna Tithi Puja Celebrations Kamarpukur (27 February 2020)
Belur to Dakshineshwar on Ganga (29 Feb 2020)
(1)Sri Ramakrishna Tithi Puja Public Celebrations (1 March 2020)
(2)Sri Ramakrishna Tithi Puja Public Celebrations (1 March 2020)
(3)Sri Ramakrishna Tithi Puja Public Celebrations (1 March 2020)

Duranto arrived Bengaluru around noon time, I went to Majestic bus stand by taking Metro. At Majestic I put my luggage in cloak-room and spent time in the nearby area as my bus to Tiruvannamalai was at night. At night again using Metro I reached Deepanjali Nagar stop and from there walked to Mysore Road Satellite Bus Stand; there boarded TNSRTC bus to Tiruvannamalai at around mid-night. Reached Sri Ramanashrama early morning and stayed till 23rd March 2020.

  October-November 2020

A brief pilgrimage to some ashramas & tourist spots on Narmada was decided by Ritesh Mj and Nishchal Mj; they invited me and i agreed. I left from Nashik Road Railway station on 27 October night by 20.45 train to Harda station in Madhya Pradesh. Reaching Harda station on 28th early morning 3 o'clock i spent some time on the station trying to sleep and then went by bus to Nemawar. From there, Pappu - a volunteer of Pariwaar organisation - picked me up on motorcycle and took to nearby Nawada village on banks of Narmada where Nishchal Mj and Saurabh Mj were staying in a Pariwaar Sewa Kutir. Ritesh Mj came on 29th and couple of days we enjoyed discussing various topics, swimming in Narmada, visiting nearby fields etc.
On 30th we visited Sandalpur MP headoffice of Pariwaar where construction of school building and hostel block was underway; this was on our way to Jayanti Mata Temple situated in deep jungle at Bhet Kheda village. Near the temple there is a small waterfall surrounded by picturesque forest; we enjoyed the atmosphere and clicked many photos. On 31st evening i visited the ancient Siddheshwar Mahadev temple of Nemawar.

On 1st November morning we started for Salkanpur Vijayasan Maa temple, a Shaktipeetha, by SUV arranged by Pariwaar. The temple is on a hill with beautiful surrounding view; it has well constructed premises, main shrine and even a ropeway. Luckily we were in time for the afternoon Devi Arati. From there we visited Awali Ghat on Narmada and nearby Shivalaya math (Dhadadhadi ashrama); the in-charge swami of the math asked us to have lunch in the ashrama and we agreed. From there we went to see the famous and beautifully decorated Budni Ghat. Further seeing the Tawa Sangam at Bandrabhan, by late evening we reached Shri Sarada Shanti Ashrama at Panari village near Dungariya in Shahganj area. The SUV from Pariwaar returned to Nemawar from here. The Shanti ashrama has huge area covered by compound and big gate; inside different buildings like main temple, kitchen, guest rooms etc. are located at different sections of the plot. The ashrama is in remote wooded area and hence it has quiet, peaceful atmpsphere. Biswajit Mj is the sole swami here and he manages the ashrama well.
Next day, on 2nd Nov, we hired another local SUV to visit Sethani Ghat and Paleolithic Meusem at Hoshangabad; while returning in the evening we searched for Datta Temple around Kharra Ghat but couldn't locate it; we had our dinner at a Dhaba and returned to ashrama around 8.45 pm.
Next day (3 Nov) we again had SUV from Pariwaar which took us to Maa Shakti Ashrama at Kathotiya village near Narsinghpur. This small ashram was inside a house with beautiful statue of Mother Kali in reclining pose; the house-lady is a local saintly figure known as Mata Geetanjali. Swami Manadananda (Ajay Mj) had come in contact with the Mataji and family during his Narmada Parikrama and is staying with them since. After a brief satsang with Mataji and sumptuous dinner, we proceeded to Ratikarar village (about 15-20 km) on the banks of Narmada; here, near Saguna Ghat, another small ashrama is being constructed by Ajay Mj and Mataji - it is called Maa Shakti Pripurneshwari Ashrama. Unfortunately that day morning itself Ajay Mj had lost the keys to this ashrama! And hence we broke the fence near gate to enter the premises and Ajay Mj went inside the prayer room through a small ventilator opening and opened the door! Next morning we all went to Saguna Ghat (actually the Saguna Ghat is on the other side) on Narmada for bathing and saw a small nearby Shiva temple; the ashrama was under construction but Kitchen was functional with basic accomodation arrangements, toilet, small shrine setup etc. Soon Mataji and her family arrived and prepared special 'Daal-Baati-Bharit' lunch for all of us.
After lunch, we had darshan of a devi temple in the village and proceeded towards Gararu village. At Gararu we met Salil Mj whose kutia was on a small hillock facing Narmada; it had a beautifully serene atmosphere.We chatted with him for some time and then started for Mandla. We reached Babiha village near Mandla late in the evening and it was dark all around with forest covering all sides. Inside the forest there was a small hut which was occupied by Swami Samyananda (Hiraman Mj); he was cooking dinner for us on an earthen oven with smoke filling the hut! It was an experince of geniunie 'tapasya kuti in jungle with river flowing by'! After dinner we went to our lodging place which was about a kilometer from Hiraman Mj hut; it had two rooms, kithen, and bathroom, all of which not fully functional; also there was no electricity and we had to move about with the help of torch, lantern. Since toilet was not functional yet, calls of nature had to be answered in the nearby woods.

On 5th November morning we went to nearby natural hot-water pond for bath. This is a locally famous tourist spot and the pond is well contructed with approach road, cloth-changing facilities, a small temple, gate etc.; the surrounding area is very beautiful with Narmada back waters & woods all around. In the afternoon, we cooked lunch together at Sw. Samyanandaji Mj hut and enjoyed it in the natural surrounding of woods. In the evening i went with Nishchal Mj and Sw Samyananda to the other side of Narmada by boat; the bed of river is huge due to Bargi dam back waters. The entire area has great natural beauty. On the other side of the river we strolled in local village, chatted with a sadhu near a temple, and then returned back.
On 6th November an SUV was arragned by a devotee for visiting local tourist attractions like Sahasradhara, Moti Mahal (old palace on the banks of Narmada), Rai Bhagat ki Kothi (a palacial house near the palace), Lingapaudi Ghat, Bhagawati temple at Madhiya village etc. From Lingapaudi ghat we crossed the river by sitting in very small wooden boat that was ferrying passangers across; apart from the boatman only 3-4 persons can seat in this ultra-small wooden boat. Just on the other side of the river there was a Pariwaar Sewa Kutir at Basaniya village; kids were attending classes and their food was being prepared by village women in nearby kitchen. This was my first visit to any functioning sewa kutir of Pariwaar. We participated in the class for sometime talking with children and then while returning back had brief satsang with a wandering sadhu sitting near river. He told us that he is leading wandering lifestyle, depending on God, for last 20 years and has visited many pilgrimage places in India including 12 famous Jyotirlingas; he was looking serene and innocently joyous. On 7th November we cooked lunch in Hiraman Mj hut and spent time talking or meditating under trees. In the evening, we went across the river by rowing the boat ourselves! Nishchal Mj, being rowing champion durind college days, rowed the boat while going and while returning, rest of us managed to bring it back safely! On 8th November we had a SUV take us to various Pariwaar Sewa Kutirs in the remote villages of Mohagaon area; first we saw the guest house building in Mandla city and an NGO school for rural kids being run by a noble couple. The sewa kutir villages we visited were: Harra Tikur, Nighani, Machala, Patadeyi, Kumrha etc. At all places we were greeted by all kids and staff with discipline and respect; we were offered water, tea, lunch, dinner etc. during the day at various kutirs. We interacted with them and asked them some questions or asked to recite poems etc.

On 9th November we started from Mandla to Jabalpur, again by Pariwaar SUV. At Jabalpur we went to Rev Dhanesh Mj kutia which was near Narmada (Lalpur Water Pumping Station area). Rev Dhanesh Mj had built this kutia (as also one more adjacent to this) and had practiced spiritual disciplines here; he had left his mortal coil here in 2017. Later another kutia was built and thus three sadhus (Milind Mj, Ramakrishna Mj, and Ajay Mj) were now occupying these three kutias. In the evening we went to Gwari Ghat in Jabalpur and also saw the nearby 'goshala' and land of an devotee advocate. On 10th morning i went with Nishchal Mj and Ritesh Mj to the famous tourist spot near Jabalpur - Bheda Ghat and Dhuandhar Falls; both of these places are naturaaly very scenic and many people come to see this. At Bheda Ghat the boat ride through naturally chiselled colorful mountains was wonderful. In the late evening arouns 8 pm, i started for railway station with Ritesh Mj and Saurabh Mj; Nishchal Mj was going to stay at the kutia couple of days more. At railway station we boarded the train to Khandwa around 10.30 pm.

On 11th November early morning 5 am we reached Khandwa railway station; from there Saurabh Mj decided to visit Nashik for Diwali by bus and i started towards Omkareshwar alongwith Ritesh Mj. The bus dropped me at Omkareshwar bypass (around 15 km away from Omkareshwar) and Ritesh Mj continued with the bus towards Maheshwar. I couldn't get any vehicle going towards the holy town so i started walking towards it, on the way i asked for lift from two-wheelers and four-wheelers; i got couple of two-wheeler riders who covered some of the distance and then a small motor-van carrying vegetables dropped me till the town. As instructed by Ritesh Mj and with the help of Google Maps i located the Sadhana Kutir of Ramakrishna Mission (locally known as Safed Kutia). Ravindra Mj and Deepak Mj of the kutir welcomed me and another inmate Ajay Mj served lunch. After some rest i went for the Om Parvat Parikrama (around 6.5 km) which goes around the main hillock of the pigrimage town. It has beautiful ruins of ancinet kingdom which built it. On the path the newly constructed Omkareshwar dam can also be seen; Also the main Jyotirlinga of Omkareshwar is on the path. I had darshan there and then crossed Narmada to other side for Mamleshwar Jyotirlinga darshan - this is the second Jyotirlinga in the town; it is a small but ancient and beautiful temple.
On 12th November i went to Markandeya Sannyasashrama on the other side of Narmada; Ravindra Mj had phoned Swami Purushottamanandaji Mj of Markandeya Sannyasashrama and requested to give me a small guided tour of the ashrama. Sw Purushottamanandaji was a old Marathi monk and he kindly showed me around. I wanted mainly to see the room and articles of Revered Swami Ramananda Saraswati Mj who was incharge of this ashrama and had passed away few year back; i had listened to his Vedanta talks audio for more than twelve years. After this i searched Sri Gajanan Maharaj Sansthan of Omkareshwar with help of Google Maps and visited the place; it was similar to their other ashramas at Trymbakeshwar, Alandi etc. with clean and beautiful campus. In the evening Ajay Mj took me to Narmada-Kaveri sangam; on the way we met Alok Mj who has built a small ashrama adjacent to Safed Kutia.
On 13th November i went to Ladvi - a small village between Maheshwar and Mandaleshwar - where Ritesh Mj was staying in Varada Ashrama. The ashrama is built by a lady devotee named Mrs Phadake of Pune; it is equipped with posh accomodation facilities (for monks as well as devotees), kitchen, dinning hall, prayer hall etc. In the evening Ritesh Mj showed me the ashrama and also an adjacent Vaishnava ashrama; the location was near Narmada. On 14th morning Ritesh Mj hired an autorikshaw to go to Maheshwar; at Maheshwar first we visited the large DattaMandir (Shivadatta Dham Jalakoti) which was near Sahasradhara. Next we went to SaptaMatrika ashrama of Late Narahara Giri Maharaj (the swami who had taken me to Tirukoilur near Tiruvannamalai last year; he had unexpectedly expired recetly at the age of around 40); his successor to the place, Sw Ashutosh Bharti talked with us and gave us refreshments. Then we went to see the famous Devi Ahilyadevi Ghat and Maheshwar Fort; it is a grand fort and ghat on Narmada and inside the fort, palace of the great queen Ahilyadevi Holkar. We also went by boat to a Shiva temple which was right in the middle of Narmada river. We then went to Madaleshwar by auto and saw the Gupteshwar Mahadev temple where Adi Shankaracharya had debated with Mandan Mishra.
I had booked ticket for night bus from Indore to Nashik but in the afternoon the bus operator called and informed that the bus had been cancelled, hence i booked ticket for the train from Khandwa to Nashik starting at mid-night. I started from Ladvi to Mandaleshwar around 5.45 pm; Ritesh Mj accompnaied me till Mandaleshwar. Unfortuantely the day being of Diwali festival, private buses going towards Khandwa were gone for Diwali-Puja and were late (State buses were off road due to COVID). We waited for two hours and tried calling taxi service but it did not work. Finally i got a bus going towards Badwaha and reached there around 9.45 pm. From Badwaha, to reach Khandwa before mid-night was a challenge since, due to Diwali night, i could't see any bus going towards Khandwa. Enquiring in the nearby tea-stall, i came to know about a taxi service which can take me urgently to Khandwa train station but it was costly. I agreed and the cab took me quickly, through bad road conditions, to Khandwa, reaching at Rail station just 10 minutes brfore mid-night! The train was on the platform, i quickly boarded the train and reached Nashik early morning on 15th November.
 Some Pics: Narmade Har (28 October - 14 November 2020)
  Videos: Sahasradhara, Mandla       Dhuandhar Falls Jabalpur
Maheshwar Fort       Narmada at Babiha Village

Next : Yatras 2021-2025

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