Swami Arunachalananda
Sivananda Ashrama (Divine Life Society), Rishikesh
(28 January - 22 February 2020)
In 2019 Feb-March, i had visited Rishikesh with friends to attend Mooji satsang, Shivaratri, and Sri Ramakrishna Tithi Puja; i had
liked the place but could not explore it properly as our duration there was short. So i decided to go there again and stay a bit longer
with this in view i had requested permission for accomodation from Divine Life Society HQ i.e. Sivananda Ashrama during February 2020 period.
The ashrama had kindly allowed me a stay till Shivaratri (22 Feb) starting from 28th January. In 2019 when we were in Rishikesh
it was Feb-End and hence cold was not that strong, however this time, it being January-End, cold was strong. I had sweater, cap,
socks, and inner thermal but I had forgotten muffler; hence purchased the same. The room allotted to me was such that Ganga flowing
below and Ram-Jhula nearby could be clearly seen from front balcony.
Soon I adjusted myself to the ashrama routine which consisted arati, chantings, satsangs at Swami Shivananda Samadhi Shrine, Vishwanath
Temple, and Gurudev Kutir on Ganga banks. (Ganga Arati from Gurudev Kutir)
Daily evening two hours satsang from 7.30-9.30 at Samadhi Shrine was excellent.
Br Keshav Mj and Br Satjiva Mj of Kerala helped me whenever required. I visited the Ganga opposite bank various ghats, temples,
Bhootnath Temple, Paramarth Niketan, Laxman-Jhula etc. One day I went to 'Beatles Ashrama', this ashrama was started by Maharshi
Mahesh Yogi in 1970s and it had become famous due to visit of famous European band - Beatles. The ashrama is in abandoned state
since decades and now it is a tourist attraction place run by Rajaji National Park Authority. I spent couple of hours strolling
through its abandoned buildings and the experience was magical, almost surreal; I was amazed to see the ruins of once vibrant and
famous place, now enveloped in silence and woods. Majestic Ganga flow seen from this abandoned and wooded place is something one
must experience.
Video: Beatles Ashrama Rishikesh (31 Jan 2020)
In Kailas Ashrama, it's head Swami Vidhyananda Giri Mj was conducting eighteen day satsang on Upanishads - Upanishad JnanaYajna;
it was in the morning two hours and afternoon two hours. Sometimes I attended the same during afternoon session. My friend from
Theni course days, Murali informed me that his brother (Gopi Mj) was a monk at Kailas Ashrama, so I got his number and met him there.
Once went to see Ganga Arati at Triveni Ghat; Video 2
Once while returning after taking a dip in Ganga, near Ram-Jhula I saw Mooji and his team on scooters; they suddenly stoped nearby
and I asked them surprisingly, 'when did he arrive?' One of them replied, 'just today' and attracted Mooji's attention towards me.
I hugged Mooji and then took his palm in my hand and touched my forehead. He said, 'very good ... very good..babaji'! His satsangs
started at the usual place, Swami Swatantrananda ashrama, from February 12; I attended some of them. My accommodation booking in
Sivananda ashrama was till 20th Feb, but I requested an extension of one day so as to attend the Shivaratri celebrations in the
ashrama and later catch train on 22nd February night to Howrah. They agreed and I could witness the whole night vigil with puja and
chantings in Vishwanath temple (MahaShivaRatri at Vishwanath Temple (21 Feb 2020)).
Food - a sumptuous feast - was served to all after the vigil ended around 4.30 in morning; all were fasting from previous day and
awake the whole night. After the food I rested for couple of hours and then left the ashrama. From Haridwar I boarded train to
Howrah on 22nd Night.
Some Pics: Rishikesh (January-February 2020)
Videos: Ganga View from Sivananda Ashrama (29 Jan 2020); and
Ganga Flow near Ram-Jhula Rishikesh; and
Ram-Jhula and Rishikesh View from Sivananda Ashrama (29 Jan 2020)
Next : Other Ashramas
----------- Om Tat Sat -----------
