Pictures & things

Hari OM!
I uploaded the pictures in picasa, and provided you with slideshows of each date.  Since there are several pictures and slideshow needs loading, it might take a while to load them all.  Here is the link to each date - so you can see them one-at-a-time.

Click on the slideshow and it will open up the picasa page.  You can download/print them as you like.  Have fun!
October 19
October 20
October 21
October 22
October 23
October 24
October 25
October 26
October 27
October 28
October 29
October 30
October 31
November 1
November 2
November 3
November 4
November 5
November 6
November 7
November 8
November 9


Love
Subha

November 9th, Day 22nd of the Yatra

We took off after an early breakfast to Chinmaya Mission Kolhapur.  Bus trip was full of jokes and laughter.  The weather was perfect and we passed lush fields of sugarcane as we sped along the top class highway. As we approached Kolhapur, Chinmaya Ganadhish was visible from miles away, smiling at us and welcoming us to Chinmaya Sandeepany. 

Chnmaya Ganadhish is an 85 ft tall Ganesha idol made of  concrete which can be seen from the Pune-Bangalore highway, located about 13 km away from Kolhapur, in Chinmaya Sandeepany ashram.  We received a warm welcome by Swami Puruthottamananda, Swami Atmadevananda, and the Brahmacharis.  Mother nature also welcomed Pujya Guruji with her light drizzle.

The whole structure consists of a 61 ft Ganapati seated on a 24 ft tall Meditation hall. The circular structure has a diameter of about 60 ft and weighs about 800 tonnes. 24 pillars support the Ganesha idol. Fifty skilled workers, specially called up from Shimoga, Karnataka, toiled for about a year to complete the structure.
It was inaugurated in November 2001 by Pujya Guruji Swami Tejomayananda. Chinmaya Seva Trust, Maharashtra, accomplished this under the able guidance of Pujya Swami Purushottamananda, regional head for Maharashtra, Gujarat and Goa (West Zone).

Chinmaya Ganadhish has become a holy place of pilgrimage. Thousands of people visit this place especially on Sankashti Chaturthi. Every morning worship to the Lord is offered with Vedic chanting. In the evening Aarathi is performed.

In addition there is a temple dedicated to Lord Shiva. Pujya Swami Chinamayananda suggested the name ‘ Kailasnath’ for the temple, since Kolhapur is famous as Dakshin Kashi (Kashi of the South). The deity is in the form of a Shiva Linga made of black stone and adorned with Sphatika Linga given by Pujya Gurudev.  Swami Purushottamanandaji told us the story of that Spatika linga, how it was gifted to Swamiji by Gurudev.
In a letter of blessings, on the occasion of the consecration of the temple Pujya Gurudev had written to Swami Purushottamananda, “Go Ahead! You will find me just besides the Shiv Linga.”

Swami Atmadevananda talked about the history of the Ashram and current activities.  Brahmachari Atri Chaitanya gave us a tour of the facility and we had a sumptuous lunch and snacks from there before we took off from there.

There was the small model of Chinmaya Ganadhish idol made by Purushottam Kale sitting behind the Swamijis during satsang, it looked divinely beautiful.  Purushottam Kale is the artist whose company “New Ganesh Arts”, makes beautiful idols including the Ram Parivar which adorns in Guruji’s Kutia in Vibhooti.  I felt like I hit the jackpot when Guruji presented that idol to Kishore and me at the end of the satsang.

In the bus back, Guruji was in our bus and while I was showing him the video clip, my laptop decided to shutdown because the battery was totally drained.  Everyone around wanted to watch that video clip and we sat in that same formation and started talking, it turned out to be the best Satsang for all of us.  Guruji advised us all to follow “Conscious Living” and “Right Thinking”.  He wanted us all to work towards 2015-2016 as our goal when we will celebrate Gurudev’s birth centenary.
We arrived back in Kolwan, got busy packing for return home in the morning. This dream-like yatra is coming to an end.

I will update with some more pictures and information once I get back home and get to edit them.  It will take a while since I am still in transit for the next week.  So stay tuned.
I enjoyed blogging, and hope you enjoyed reading too…  There were many moments and experiences that words and pictures cannot do justice to. I wish all of you will get many chances to enjoy the grace that we Yatris were fortunate enough to revel in.
I will read all your comments once I have stable connectivity.  Thank you all…..
Love,
Subha

November 8th 2009 Day 21 of the Yatra

We had an early start at the Chinmaya Maruti Mandir where the Prabhavali installation (aura behind the idol of Lord Hanuman) was done.

The Prabhavali signifies the divine halo and is a beautiful ornament to the Rakshak Maruti, which is the Prathista at Chinmaya Marruti. The installation ceremony with Vedic Chants was graced by Vayu Bhagwan who caressed the entire event with a strong breeze throughout.

After breakfast we headed back to the Mandir. Guruji then lead us in chanting the Haniman Chalisa in different ragas interspersed with stories on Hanuman in between. Each story lead into the next of the seven recitations of the Hanuman Chalisa.  All through the Lord Pavan was howling around us, definitely pleased to see His son adorning the Prabhavali.

The Hanuman chalisa lead us directly into the Maha aarathi and Paduka pooja.  Guruji said the Sankalpa for the Padukapooja, was thanking Gurudev for the successful completion of the Chinmaya Dham Yatra. When we started the Yatra we had invoked His blessings for a safe and successful Yatra and now it was time to thank Him.

The lunch and rest passed quietly when people started making plans about day after tomorrow about return trips.

Evening Satsang with Guruji was about Sant Kabir Das and his compositions.  Guruji sang the composition and expounded them.  “Go back to your abode, where no distinction of any type exist” and “see God in everyone, beggar and the rich man”.

Paduka pooja was followed by a heavenly Harmonium recital by Smt. Seema Shirodhkar, where Sri Vishwanath Shirodhkar accompanied her on the Tabla.

After dinner, Guruji received us in his Kutia for informal Satsang and the Yatris offered their Gurudakshina.  We had fun taking turns on photo ops with Gurujii. This dream-like Chinmaya Dham Yatra is coming to an end.  Tomorrow we conclude by going to Kolhapur to visit Chinmaya Ganadhish.

November 7th 2009 Day 20 of the Yatra

Sunrise in Vibhooti is quite a sight, really. As the sun rises between two hills, the amber glow caresssses Maruti bathing him in an effulgent glow.  I can’t explain it any more, you will just have to come and see!!

After breakfast and a quick break, we came together for a conducted tour of Vibhooti.  Ther is an industry size kitchen with all latest top-notch facilities was very impressive.  Steam cooking using solar power not only makes is eco-friendly, but also health-friendly as well

Air conditioned auditorium “Sudhama” which seats 1008 people and many more smaller conference rooms in the conference center are equipped with top of the line a/v facilities.

The Pranava Ganesh Mandir at the top of the property is under construction, coming together in the next few years. The views from the there are quite wonderful. Swami Mitrananda lead his team of Yuva Veers last year on a hike up the tall hills behind, planting an Indian flag, watched by the curious villagers.
Chinmaya Vibhooti is Chinmaya Mission’s vision and resource centre. It spans 70 acres of serene, picturesque landscape surrounded by the Sahyadri mountains. It is situated in Kolwan Village, between Mumbai and Pune.

Chinmaya Vibhooti is a tribute to Pujya Gurudev from his disciples and devotees. It aims at keeping his teachings and vision vibrant throughout the world by empowering and training Mission workers.
Facilities at Chinmaya Vibhooti include:
-Temples to Hanumanji and Pranava Ganesha

-Chinmaya Jeevan Darshan — An exhibit depicting Pujya Gurudev Swami Chinmayananda’s life, work, and teachings through various art mediums, including interactive technology
-Sudharma Hall – a vast 1008-seat auditorium

-Chinmaya Amphitheatre – open-air auditorium with a seating capacity of 2,000, overlooking Ananda Sarovara, or the Lake of Bliss
-Chinmaya Swagatam – administrative complex and reception area
-Chinmaya Naada Bindu School of Indian Music and Dance
-Residential complex finally for up to 2000 people
-Camp sites

After the tour, we had a satsang with Guruji where he answered our questions.  He outlined his plans for Chinmaya Viibhooti, and summarized it as “Vision, Inspiration and Performance”.
In the afternoon, we went to see Chinmaya Jeevan Darshan.  It is a must see – and it is really hard for anyone to do justice to CJD through pictures, video or writings, it is to be experienced.  It left me speechless!
We moved on to Paduka Pooja and Violin recital by Kala Ramnath followed right after.  Tabla was by Vishwanath Shirodhkar.  Air conditioning did not work in the Sudhama hall, and Guruji noted during his speech that we sat in the “conditioned air” hall instead of “air conditioned” hall for the recital.
Posting this again from the moving bus, so pardon the dust!!!

November 6th, 2009 - Day 19 of the yatra

 Sandeepany classes start at 5:30 with meditation.  A few of us made it to the meditation while others caught up with sleep.  All of us attended the 7:15AM class on Taitteriya Upanishad by Swami Advaitanandaji.  He left us with something to ponder – Satyam Vada can be summarized as follows –“THINK before you speak”.  T-H-I-N-K – which means speak : Truth, Helpful, Inspiring, Necessary and Kind.

After breakfast, we got a conducted tour by Mahesh Rao, brother of our own Chittaranjanji.  Starting with Vivekalaya and Vairagyalaya, the male student’s residence, where Gurudev first stayed and personally supervised the initial construction, we got to walk around and see the staff quarters, student quarters, offices, publications division and book stall before we were lead to Pujya Gurudev’s Kutia.  His Kutia is kept immaculately, and the attached satsang hall was beautifully decorated.  Sharadaji sang a bhajan which took us into a meditative mood.

All of us then poured into the bookstore.  It is bigger than it used to be, once this was reconstructed after the 50th anniversary celebrations, the book sales went from 65K to 6 lakhs annually.  It was hard to pull us away from the bookstore.

Pujya Guruji’s Satsang followed at 11 where he went over the history of Tara Cultural Trust, Central Chinmaya Mission Trust and Sandeepany.  He gave us a quick statistics on the number of students who apply, join, finish and practice under Chinmaya Mission on a given Vedanta Course.  It was quite an eye opener for us. He mentioned how the Brahmachari course is supported by donors like us and indeed one donor had sponsored two separate courses in their entirety.

Paduka Pooja followed lead by the resident Purohit at Sandeepany, who is a graduate of the first Purohit course held at Chockahalli. After this we had lunch where we enjoyed live bhajans by Brahmacharis!!!  What a wonderful treat and great atmosphere!

After lunch we quickly packed our belongings and got into two buses to head to Pune.  On our way, we stopped at the brand new Chinmaya Mission facility at Navi Mumbai, named as Chinmaya Prerana, just inaugurated this past Vijaya Dashami.  Since our bus driver missed the exit, we missed the show for Chinmaya Prerana, and ended up stopping there for a very quick snack break instead.

Back in the bus for Pune, and we stopped again at the Ganesha Temple, where Gurudev gave his first talk.  This is of prime historic importance to Chinmaya families.  This is located in an older part of Pune city and we were ably escorted there by the CHYKs from Chinmaya Mission, Pune who made sure that all our needs were taken care of during our visit. We got to enjoy beautiful bhajans by Kalyani there, did temple darshan and we were back in the bus heading to Kolwan.

We reached Kolwan by 8:45, where we were welcomed warmly by the Vibhooti sevaks and staff.  They efficiently showed us our rooms for a quick wash and after dinner, Guruji gave us the plans for tomorrow.

November 5th 2009

The day started off at CIF with the pandemonium of packing and getting ready to leave.  In Guruji’s Kutia, there were a few children who had come from Chinmaya Vidyalaya Kottayam, and one of the children was fortunate to sing a beautiful kirtan in front of Pujya Guruji.

We had a group photo op with the CIF staff and sevaks in front of Adi Shankaraacharya’s Illom. Soon after, we headed to the airport to catch our 12:55 flight to Mumbai.

We managed a detour to stop at my home in Tripunithura, which is 30 minutes away from CIF.  My nine year-old son, Kapil, who was staying with his grandmother (my mother) at my Tripunithara house at the time, was very happy to see Guruji, and showed him all around the house.  We departed from my home after breakfast, and continued our journey to the airport to join the rest of the yatris. After reaching the airport, we found out that the flight was delayed, so while we munched on our lunch in the airport, Pyareji was kind enough to entertain us with his humor, interspersed with Mithai from various sources.

We received a warm welcome at the Mumbai Ashram, from the student Brahmacharis and Acharyas. We were then lead to our rooms in Chinmaya Vihar.  I heard Guruji giving instructions while we were on the bus to turn on the geysers in each room so that we don’t have to wait to shower.  Perfect “Guruji touch”!

Established in 1963, Sandeepany Sadhanalaya in Powai, Mumbai was the first institute of Vedanta formed by Swami Chinmayananda. It commenced with Swami Chinmayananda himself as the Acharya (teacher).

The two-year residential Vedanta course in English now commences and concludes at Sandeepany Sadhanalaya on the auspicious day of Ganesha Chaturthi. A year after its conclusion, another course begins. The 13th batch of spiritual students completed their course in September 2007 & the 14th batch is in progress now.

Pujya Gurudev named Chinmaya Mission’s Vedanta institutes for spiritual studies as Sandeepany. He said, “Sandeepany symbolizes the perfect kindling and the kindling of perfection in the hearts of men.”

In ancient times, the great sage Maharshi Sandeepany headed a Gurukula where spiritual knowledge, scriptural teachings, martial arts and all aspects of learning were imparted to resident disciples. Gurukulas were much more than today’s boarding school and the students stayed under the tutelage, protection and nurturing of their guru for approximately ten years. Students and their guru resided together as a family. Maharshi Sandeepany’s most famed disciple was none other than Lord Krishna.

Swami Chinmayananda thus chose Sandeepany as Chinmaya Mission’s first Vedantic learning and spiritual training academy. This title later came to be used generically for all of the Mission’s Vedantic institutes, which came up in various parts of India, offering two-year residential training in regional languages.

We had our snacks and ready for the 6:30 Aarathi.  The Jagadeeshwara temple is in the top of the mound, and is beautiful.  The chants and aarathi invokes devotion in anyone who happen to stand nearby, quite a harmonious display of lights, chants and sounds!

The aarathi was followed by Guruji’s satsang.  He talked about Ramayana, Aaranya Kanda which was the topic of discussion for the Sandeepany students.  Guruji talked about Aranya Kanda as explained in different Ramayanas.  He also outlined our program for tomorrow.  He suggested that we sit in the Upanishad class of Swami Advaitanandaji in the morning, followed by a conducted tour of the facility.

A day filled with travel is coming to an end.

Wednesday, November 4 – Day 17 of the Yatra

The day started with Satsang with Swami Advayanandaji, the resident Acharya at CIF.  He gave us an overview of the multitude of programs and activities CIF offers.

CIF’s academic programs and projects include:
 - Advanced pure research at the doctoral and post-doctoral level – One of the projects nearing completion is the critical edition of the Brahma Sutras with Sankara Bhashya with English translation and notes
- Development of Sukti-sudha, a compilation of proverbs from Sanskrit literature and Vada-kosha, a compendium of Indian philosophical tenets, are some of the other ongoing areas of research.
- Compilation and popularization Sansk-net, a national network data base of Sanskrit classics is another area of work.
- Applied research in the form of Sanskrit and Vedanta home study courses through mail and the Internet offers an opportunity for individuals to easily initiate studies in Sanskrit and Vedanta.
- Exploring and facilitating the collection, preservation, digitalization and publication of rare palm-leaf and other manuscripts
- Anusaraka or Natural Language Processing (NLP) is a next level English to Hindi translation software which allows for recognition of the right context of speech along with appropriate suggestions taking into account usage scenarios
- Mastering Matrimony – The Chinmaya Art of Home Life - a manual for guidance to householders and marriage counseling based on the Indian scriptures.

We got a conducted tour of the library and were lead to the manuscript room.  It was fascinating to see the manuscripts from centuries back lining up the shelves and learning about the process of preserving and archiving them made us feel socially conscious.

Next, we were captivated by Brahmachari Gagan Chaitanya, with his versatile skills, and using these many talents, he elucidated the past and future of the easy Sanskrit online course.

Manisha Makecha (Yuva Veer) and Shivani then explained the new CIF website and Anusaarika project.  (Please visit their revamped website www.chinfo.org for more information about CIF.)
The chuttuvilakku and Paduka pooja set against a drizzly evening rounded out the evening.

Guruji’s satsang followed, where he talked about the similarities in the lives of Adi Shankaracharya and Gurudev.

Tuesday, November 3 – Day 16 of the Yatra

Ved-Putras and Acharyas bade us a fond good-bye after breakfast and we took off to the Siruvani CORD facility.

We met Dr. Meera Krishnan, who is the CORD coordinator there and her staff.  We were impressed by their efficiency and what they have accomplished in a short time through medical facility, self-help-groups and empowerment programs.

They were quite adept in making handicraft items and pain balms.  One successful ongoing project consists of teaching the residents to make paper bags out of used newspaper (among other products) to sell in the local stores, which helps reduce the use of and associated pollution issues of plastic bags. Dr. Krishnan, a gynecologist by training, has trained a team of dedicated health care workers who have been conducting screening exams coupled with education in hygiene and sanitation. CORD has helped the people it serves to construct toilets with their own involvement leading to improved habits and a fundamental change in their lives.

Next stop: CIF.

Established in 1989, Chinmaya International Foundation (CIF), is a research centre for advanced study in Sanskrit and Indology. It is a cross-cultural forum for the exchange of knowledge. Swami Chinmayananda visualized CIF as a bridge between the East and the West, past and present, science and spirituality, and the pundit and the public.

CIF is located at the birthplace of Adi Sankaracharya at Veliyanad in Kerala, which is about 30 km from the city of Ernakulam. Originally known as the Melpazhur Mana, and named by Pujya Gurudev as Adi Sankara Nilayam, this is the home of Aryamba, the holy mother of Sri Sankara.

We were given a conducted tour by Mr. K.K. Rajan.  The emotions we experienced while standing in the birth room of Bhagawan Adi Shankaracharya with Pujya Guruji is very hard to explain.

In the evening, there was “Chuttuvilakku” and “Melam”.   The “Chuttuvilakku” is the special pooja where the small lamps around the temple are individually lit by devotees in the name of the sponsor of the pooja.  The first lamp was lit by Guruji.  The temple and its premises glowed beautifully with from all the lamps lit.  The “Melam”, with its intoxicating tune, soon overcame all the participants, and they all began dancing along to the beat.

After the special pooja was finished at the temple, we participated in the Gurudev Paduka Pooja and dinner.  Guruji introduced the patrons and Acharyas of CIF.

Pujya Guruji narrated the little-known story of Father Anthony Ilanjimittam (Isha Bodhananda). Once, when he met Pujya Gurudev, Gurudev had suggested that he do something for CIF. The Father then forgot all about it and was not aware that Gurudev had attained Mahasamadhi.  One day, well after Gurudev’s passing, he was reminded of this during his meditation and he came to meet Guruji. He described that he felt that a Mahatma had made a suggestion to him and he had not carried it out. He then made Rs. 10 lakhs donation and later gave even more.  One of the residential blocks at CIF is named in Fr. IIlajimittam’s honor. It was quite inspiring to hear about Isha Bodhananda’s story.

November 2nd 2009

We woke up to the chants of Ved-Putras and watched a beautiful pooja.  Walking around the calm Ashram, Goshala and temple itself put us into a meditative mood.

The Chinmaya International Residential School (CIRS) adjoins the Chinmaya Gardens Ashram. CIRS, a shining example of modern education, is right besides the ashram. It is a distinctive residential school with grades 5-12, providing students from India and abroad an academic and spiritual education program par excellence.

The Yartis were invited to a tour of the entire school, starting with an introduction by the resident Acharya, Swami Swaroopananda.

We were guided through the sylvan campus with its state of the art facilities for the 500 students who come from all over the world to study here. It was Gurudev’s vision that children growing up in different parts of the world be given an opportunity to live and learn in an environment, where both the inner and outer development occur in harmony helping the next generation imbibe the eternal values which make them caring, productive individuals.

Set against the backdrop of the Siruvani Forest reserve, some of the highlights of the facility are laser lab, modern computers, top class athletic facilities, solar powered systems, full medical facility, etc. The library has more than 14,000 volumes and has facilities for all of the research which the students are encouraged to pursue in their areas of interest.

He expressed his desire to have more Chinmaya Mission families send their children to the school for their education. In the afternoon, we enjoyed watching the students participating in the mandatory athletic activities. In the late afternoon, we were invited by Swami Swaroopananda to his Kutia.

He shared his love for nature by showing us the beautiful garden that he is nurturing. From the rooftop of his Kutia, we had an amazing view of the surrounding mountains.  Describing Gurudev’s grace and how the ashrams were located in places of great spiritual importance, he mentioned that as he was having Satsang with some of the local people when they described to him that nearby was Agasthya Gufa, where Agasthya Rishi meditated.

We chanted the Hanuman Chalisa at the beautiful Hanumaji’s pratima in the Kutia followed by a Satsang, about Guru Nanakji’s birth anniversary and his teachings.

We were also invited to attend the CIRS daily Arti, we sat there mesmerized listening to their beautiful bhajans.

It was drizzling lightly when we went to dinner hosted by CIRS, walk back to the Ashram was soothing and refreshing.  The next morning we would be off to Chinmaya International Foundation.

Sunday, November 1 – Day 14 of the Yatra

We set off from Chennai to Coimbatore via Jet Airways, It was short uneventful flight, almost completely filled with the Yatris.
We were welcomed at Coimbatore airport by Swami Swaroopananda, Swamini Vimalananda and Brahmachari Ajit Chaitanya. After about an hour’s bus ride the Ved-Putras (students of the Purohit course) and the other Brahmacharis welcomed Guruji, Swami Mitranandaji and the Yatris at the scenic Chiinmaya Gardens, the ashram at Siruvani.
Chinmaya Gardens is 26 km away from Coimbatore, nestled in the foothills of the Siruvani range of the Western Ghats. The ashram and CIR school are spread over 100 acres of lush, green land. Chinmaya Gardens is a temple of spiritual wisdom, giving solace to the body, mind and soul.
Regular camps, yajnas and classes are conducted at the ashram with the help and guidance of Swamini Vimalananda and other acharyas.
The Dhyana Nilayam (Satsang Hall) is an exquisitely designed meditation hall for over 100 people with audio and conference facilities. It also houses the library with an exclusive collection of books on Vedanta and Indian culture.
The ashram is also a Pitamaha Sadan (Senior Citizen Home). It gives senior citizens a peaceful environment for reflection and meditation.
The ashram has also set up the Chinmaya Vaidik Vidyapeetha to conduct the Purohita Course where priests are trained to perform rituals with understanding.
The ashram has its own goshala, paddy fields, coconut groves, orchards, vegetable gardens and crops, and thus is totally self sufficient.
At 5:00 pm we had Satsang with Swamini Vimalananda who is the head of the CCMT educational cell as well as the Chinmaya Vision Program, the apex body which oversees and guides the numerous Vidyalyas distributed throughout India and the West Indies presented the history of the educational movement. A wonderful presentation on the “Chinmaya Vision Program” followed. This is the bedrock which nurtures the growth of the student and the teacher in complete Holistic manner. Swaminiji reiterated that this is not a superficial cosmetic makeover but rather a core change developing strong values and understanding Indian Culture while obtaining a top class education.
At 6:15 pm, we had an Aarathi and Puja at the Ganesh Mandir, led by Brahmachari Samvit Chaitanya, Acharya of the Purohit course leading the Ved_putras. The evening air was filled with the divine mantras for the Lord. Following this we met at the Satsang Hall, where Guruji started off the Satsang by describing the difference between Aarti (Sanskrit) and Aarati. The former means distress and the latter removes distress.
Swamini Vimalalnada then described the history of the mission activities in Coimbatore and its environs. Gurudev first conducted a yagna 1954 and numerous times there after including during his 60th birthday. She narrated the story of how Swami Sahajananda did a Padayatra collecting only one rupee from each individual to help buy the beautiful Ashram at Chinmaya Gardens.
Pujya Guruji released Swami Brahmananda's Gita Chapter 10 chanting learning aid (booklet and audio aid) which will be the chapter for Gita chanting competition for 2010.

Saturday, October 31 – Day 13 of the Yatra

We went to the Chinmaya Vidyalaya, Taylors road where Pujya Guruji inaugurated the new air conditioned auditorium, Kalaalayam.
Guruji introduced the patrons and they gave us a brief history and activities of the Vidyalayas of Chennai. The first school in Chennai started with 20 students without a Pucca building and now there are four Vidyalayas in Chennai which are rated among the best Schools in the city. It is no wonder that it is a stronghold of Balavihar and Chinmaya Yuva Kendra groups.
Chennai has a very important place in the annals of the history of Chinmaya Mission as it is the birthplace of Chinmaya Mission. It is here that Chinmaya Mission had its inception as the Mission was formed by a few devotees on August 8, 1953. During our visit, it was an honor meeting Mrs Leela Nambiar, one of the pillars of Chinmaya Mission Chennai. Even at the age of 90 she continues to serve CM.
After a traditional lunch served on banana leaves, we headed back to the hotel for a short rest. At 4:30 in the afternoon we were off to Chinmaya Heritage center for a gathering, tour and stage show called “Death”.
The Chinmaya Heritage Center is situated in the heart of the city on Harrington Road has served Chennai in various aspects for many years.
Chinmaya Tapovan auditorium is built on the second floor without any pillars, an architectural marvel that is sought after as a venue for the premium programs in the city. There is a well-furnished library, conference room and a well-stocked book stall.
It also houses the editorial offices of Tapovan Prasad, Chinmaya Mission’s international monthly magazine, and Chinmaya Udghosh, the magazine of Chinmaya Yuva Kendra (CHYK).
The CHYKs here have staged plays like Kamba Ramayanam, LOC, 2047, Bharatiyar, Surya 108 and Death which have been performed all over the country and abroad.
After a brief presentation of all activities, we got a tour of their large facility, and it was very fascinating to see the “art of displaying the books” in the bookstore.
“Death” was an intense, marvelous show. I should mention that Swami Mitranandaji, the guiding hands of this show, was travelling with us for the whole yatra, but even without him, the performers didn’t miss a beat and show was absolutely stunning. We got chuckles when we saw our own faces on display in the list of Lord Death.
Death himself (the CHYK who played the Lord of Death) came and served me rice during the dinner!
Small group of our yatris had branched off from Tirupathy to go to Chinmaya Vijaya, an orphanage under CORD initiated by Drs. Sumathy and Apparao Mukkamala, Flint MI. That group described their trip as being very uplifting having observed 4 and 5 year olds who were previously street children, now smiling, reciting chapter 9 of Bhagavat Gita without flaw.
We all went back to our rooms; we are off to Coimbatore tomorrow.

October 30 Tirupathy to Chennai Via Tamaraipakkam

We were off for the darshan of the Lord of Tirupathi at 2AM. It was an auspicious day, after Vaikunta Ekadashi and we considered ourselves very fortunate to have the Lord’s darshan in the presence of our Guru.
Beautiful winding roads lead us to the abode of Venkatachalapathy and our Darshan was done in no time. After the Darshan, we were lead to a room where a special prayer was conducted for us and a shawl was presented to Pujya Guruji on behalf of the Pujaris there. While we were walking out, temple’s yearly procession was on its way, we got to see the Utsava moorthy at His resplendence.
Considered the richest and most sacred temple in the world, Tirupati temple is located 67 km away from Chittoor in southern Andhra Pradesh. Also known as Tirupati Balaji Temple, it is a major pilgrimage center of south India.
The temple is located on a hill at Tirumala. It is a conglomeration of seven hills known as Seshachalam or Venkatachalam. The temple boasts of a vibrant and colorful culture and a grand past. It is an important pilgrimage center, where devotees stand for long hours waiting to get a glance of the presiding deity.
The ancient Tirupati temple follows the Dravidian style of architecture. The gopuram of this temple is its highlight. The Vimana or Cupola, named the “the Ananda Nilayam” is placed over the sanctum sanctorum. It is completely gold plated.
A day at Tirupati Tirumala temple begins with Suprabhatam (awakening the Lord) at 3 am. The day ends with the Ekanta Seva (putting the Lord to sleep) at 1 am. Prayers are offered daily, weekly and periodically in the form of Sevas and Utsavams to the Lord. Devotees who want to pay homage to the Lord can donate a small amount and have the Sevas or Utsavams done in their name.
After breakfast at Bliss, we went to Chinmaya Srinivas, the new Tirupathy Chinmaya center. There is a beautiful Chinmaya Venugopal murthi at that temple. Phaneendra Sai Garu who is instrumental for the Ashram and its activities, talked briefly about the history and events.
Guruji commended about the wonderful Satsang hall, connected with the temple, which had come since his last visit. They also have plans to build an Ashram on the land nearby.
Guruji explained that Krishna means the one who attracts. In life, what attract are beauty, sweetness and happiness, this is represented by the word “Madhu” in Sanskrit. What gives beauty, sweetness, happiness is called Madhura. “Madhuradhipathi” is the lord of sweetness, beauty, happiness and that is who is presiding diety as Chinmaya Venugopal. We should all strive to gain these qualities in our lives.
After this short visit, we were back in Hotel Bliss for lunch. Thanking our hosts, we were off to Tamaraipakkam. The last hour, we were escorted by Yuva Kendra members on their motor bikes with orange flags who lead the way to ashram. We received a warm welcome at the center.
About 40 km from Chennai is Sarveshwara Nagar in Tamaraipakkam. This ashram was set up as a Pitamaha Sadan — a place where people over the age of 60 can stay permanently. The purpose is to provide a quiet, serene environment conducive to reflection and meditation. A Tamil Sandeepany was formed here and two batches of students were trained under the guidance of Swami Shreedharananda.
The Geeta satsang hall on the ground floor of Sarveshwara Dhyana Nilayam (the temple) is a well-ventilated circular prayer hall.
The ashram also has a Goshala (cowshed), paddy fields and beautifully forested areas.
We got tours of CORD activities by Mr. Kannan, a very dedicated Sevak, after which we visited Shiva temple which is shaped like a Shivalinga. History, activities and plans were presented to us by the center administrators. A Hari Har school which is in operation at the center for the disadvantaged is being expanded thanks to generous support from the family of one our fellow Yatris and will go up to Standard 8 from 2010. In the end, Guruji introduced us to Brahmachari Sadashiva Chaitanya who has been instrumental in interfacing with the local people in Tamaraipakkam.
We reached Hotel Breeze for the stay while Guruji and a few of the delegates went on to the Chennai Ashram. A long, eventful day was coming to an end.

Thursday, October 29 – Day 11 of the Yatra

We reached Chokahalli Ashram, about 40 miles from Bangalore in the morning before breakfast. We had a short satsang with Brahmachari Shaunak Chaitanya where he discussed the history and activities of the Ashram.
The children from Chinmaya Vidyalaya were there, and it was fun watching their participation with loud “Jai” and “Hari OMs”. The school is English medium after 5th grade. There were also the students of the priest training school who captivated us with their Vedic chants.
As the name of the place itself suggests, one experiences the exquisite beauty of Mother Nature here. The literal meaning of ‘Chokka’ is that which is beautiful, neat and tidy. The quiet and serene surroundings of Chokkahalli, 7 km from Kolar, appealed to Swami Brahmananda, who chose this location for Sandeepany Karnataka in 1984. In 1993, during Pujya Gurudev’s visit to Bangalore for a Geeta Jnana Yajna, Sri Shadakshari undertook the responsibility of building a big temple for Sri Omkareshwara.
The Kumbhabhishekam took place in November 1994. A Rudra Homa was performed according to tradition, followed by a Sahasra Kumbhabhishekam with nearly 3500 people participating.
The temple has an engraving of Lord Shiva in Kailash. An idol of Lord Ganapati occupies the position below Sri Omkareshwara. Two bulls stand guard at the entrance of the temple. The crown of the temple is adorned with the carvings of Sri Dakshinamurthy, Lord Ganesha and Lord Kartikeya. On top of the temple is a huge Shiva Linga.
Pujya Swami Tejomayananda consecrated Chinmaya Ganapati in February 1998. A Sahasra Kalashabhisheka was organized on a specially erected ramp, and Chinmaya Ganapati took a grand, holy bath, enough to drench his gigantic form.
Chinmaya Ganapati has its own charm, since the colossal form of the Lord, measuring nearly 45 feet from the ground, captivates every heart that visits the place.
After a splendid breakfast, we took off for Thirupathi. We received a warm welcome at Hotel Bliss, owned by Mr. Rajashekhar, who has been long associated with Chinmaya Mission and was a CHYK along with Swami Mitrananda. As soon as we had quick lunch and freshen up, we were off to Chinmayaranyam.
The Chinmayaranyam ashram at Ellayapalle in Andhra Pradesh, upon its inception, was proclaimed by Swami Chinmayananda as a new kind of ashram, where the poor and needy would be served with love and affection. True to its motto, “Receive the light of knowledge. Bring out the heat of action,” Chinmayaranyam has done tremendous work for the upliftment of the rural poor in that region.
The project was spearheaded by Swamini Saradapriyananda (who attained mahasamadhi on April 17 2000), one of Swami Chinmayananda’s foremost direct disciples. As the driving force behind Chinmayaranyam and its activities, she conquered one and all with her selfless, tireless service and unconditional love.
Amma, as she was lovingly called, had received a piece of barren land in a burial ground donated by the villagers for establishing an ashram in a remote village in the drought prone Cuddapah district of Andhra Pradesh. Gurudev’s first visit to this place on 8th February 1982 was to conduct the Bhoomi puja.
The village had two wells, of which one was dry and the second was down to its last few drops of water. Against this background Swamiji was visualizing a forest around the ashram, which to many appeared to be a dream. Pointing out with his walking stick to two banyan trees, standing on either side of the land, Swamiji said, “Dig along the line that connects the two trees. Water is sure to come.” Water gushed forth from the well when it was dug.
Chinmayaranyam has now been transformed into a beautiful, green ashram. In recognition of this work the government granted the ashram a hillock adjoining it for development and reforestation which is being carried out successfully.
We visited the Hari Har school, which serves the economically disadvantaged children from the nearby villages where there were over 500 children. During our visit there, Guruji performed a Bhoomi Poooja for expansion of the school. There is also an associated orphanage which houses 45 children.
Our Yatris, inspired by the wonderful work and beautiful children, immediately donated Rs 30,000 collectively for the ashram and orphanage.
We were enthralled in the evening we were treated to a play by Brahmacharis and children about Swami Tapovanji’s life. It was amazing to see the children’s performance. They depicted Chippukutti’s birth to His Samadhi with beautiful background multimedia presentations. Mitranandaji was so moved by this and he invited them to Chennai for a encore performance.
We had dinner at the Ashram and returned to Hotel Bliss for a quick nap, as the next day, we had to take off at 2:00 am for Venkitachelapathy Darshan.

October 28 Bangalore

We set out after breakfast for the SriPaadaKshetra center situated at JP Nagar.  We got a warm welcome, at the beautiful new facility inaugurated in 2005 by Pujya Guruji.
Mr. Ravi, Secretary of Bangalore CM described that Bangalore was the place Pujya Gurudev gave the third Yagna in 1956, and is of prime importance.  Under Guruji’s grace and Swami Brahmananda’s (affectingly known as Brahmaji) leadership, the activities in Karnataka has grown tremendously.
The current SriPaadaKshetra auditorium can seat 700+ people.  Raviji described the moving story of Mr. Soni, a Chinmaya Mission devotee, who served and lived like a saint and upon his passing, gave all his belongings to Chinmaya Mission. Brahmaji named the Acharya’s kutia at this center in Mr. Soni’s name.
We then proceeded to the Chinmaya Vidyalaya, Koramangala where the children received us with a marching band.  Mr. Bhatt, head of regional schools, gave a presentation on Chinmaya Vidyalaya and Chinmaya Vision program.  It warmed our hearts seeing the bright faces of the tiny tots greeting Pujya Guruji with “Hari Om Swamiji” in a chorus when Guruji passed by their class.
Next we stopped at Deenabandu Devastanam, Indira Nagar where Vedputras (the students of Purohit course) received Guruji with chants.  The temple here was inaugurated in 1979 and the presiding deity is “savior of the Sadhus”.  Brahmaji gave a short lecture and he emphasized that we are the lamps that Gurudev lit, no matter where we are in the world and that we are one family.

We had a sumptuous lunch followed by a visit to the Chinmaya Mission Hospital (CMH).  Lt. Col.(retd.) Dr. Chandra Shekhar, the chief medical director of Chinmaya Mission Hospital, gave a detailed presentation on the vision and approach of CMH.  In 1969, Drs.  Purushottaman, a physician couple, were inspired by Gurudev and started the CMH as an outpatient dispensary with two beds.  It has now grown into 250 beds multi specialty hospital with state of the art care.
Key feature of this hospital is that 45% of care if given almost free of charge. The costs associated with care of the patients are often 40 to 50 % cheaper than other similar facilities. We were then split into groups for a tour of the facility.   They showed us different departments where we met with wonderful group of committed medical staff for whom, even though they had more lucrative options, they chose the path of this noble service.
We returned to the hotel and had a evening Satsang with Guruji where he beautifully explained the peripheral and deeper meaning bhajan “Gayiye jagavandana” – first song of Vinaya Patrika by Sant Tulasidas.
The night’s dinner was hosted by Mr. Shadaskari managing director of Ramanashree group.  Mr. Narasimhulu Chetty, long time Chinmaya Mission trustee said that the focal point is that we are all one family as he gave us all gifts. A busy day that allowed us to touch Gurudev’s vision and how far it has reached was coming to an end.

October 27 Sidhbari to Bangalore

We had a late start for the day, some of us went for a walk and cherished the waning moments of our stay at Sidhbari while others tried to cram all the things they bought at Guru Kripa and Guru Dhara (outlets for the products made by the villagers and differently-abled beneficiaries of CORD) into their overstuffed bags.
We participated in the Guru Paduka Pooja in Gurudev’s Kutia after breakfast and went back to stuffing the bags and for taking another look at the bookstore.
After an early lunch, we went to the airport to board the chartered flight for Delhi. The majestic Himalayas waved us goodbye. We got a warm welcome in the Delhi airport by our Delhi CM devotees and the 24 yatris who came early.
The airlines helped us transfer from the charter to jet airways and we took off to Bangalore.
Right from 1956, when Gurudev held his first yajna in Bangalore, the city has been one of the most active centers on the Chinmaya world map.
We landed in Bangalore with much anticipation and enthusiasm at the end of the day, welcomed by many local members. We stayed at Hotel Ramanashree, owned by a Chinmaya mission trust member, where we received a warm and loving welcome by Swamijis, Brahmacharis and devotees and the owner.

October 26th Sidhbari

The inspiration and excitement of the CORD visit from the previous day was still very much with us. Dr. Kshama Mhetre and Guruji hosted a Q&A session for all the Yatris on CORD.
Guruji described the attitude with which service should be performed (a hidden satsang!), and then went on to describe how various training programs were being added to the Mission, including a Samaj Sewa training course to train volunteers to go and serve the local population under CORD. Many of the Yatris had several questions about the activities of CORD – their amazement and curiosity could not be contained. We met Nicole, a trainee form Canada, who has come under a CIDA program and Usha Rao, a junior in college, from New Jersey who is volunteering and learning at CORD.
Under Dr. Dwarakanath’s encouragement and enthusiasm, the momentum built, and by the end of the 90 minute session, the Yatris from the different centers from different parts of the world committed to supporting the cause personally and through their centers.  In the span of a few minutes at the end, we secured commitments of $ 500,000 for CORD!!
This is the true Chinmaya spirit of sacrifice and service, giving more than what we take and producing more than what we consume. May Gurudev’s grace and blessings always shine down on us!
After lunch, 24 yatris departed from Sidhbari for New Delhi. Swami Mitranandji was with this group. Guruji stayed behind with the other yatris.
Some of us made a hike to the Kapila Guha and paid respects to Devhuti rivulet.  It is a mystical place with small stone images lining up against the woods.
As the day passed the mountains were ornamented with the first dusting of snow glittering atop the Dhauladhar Mountains leaving a white sheen.  Sharadaji pointed out to me the Shiva and Parvati ranges behind Gurudev’s Samadhi stal.  Shiva looked white and majestic in the background and Parvati followed the same silhouette in the front in dark color.
Following the evening Aarti and Paduka Puja, we had a brief Kirtan and Satsang session with Guruji. Many brahmacharis/brahmacharinis attended too, and they sang bhajans in various languages. In taking a census of the brahmachari students, we realized that many had come from different states (including non-Hindi speaking) to study here.
Guruji asked the entire audience a question for us to reflect upon– “How many of us truly enjoy our work and how many consider it a burden?”. He went on to explain how the secret of enjoying work was to do the work for someone we love, and that should be God. If we dedicate all our work to Him, then all our work becomes a joy.

October 25th Sidhbari

We started our day with a morning satsang at  7:30 am, with Pujya Guruji at Gurudev’s Kutia.  Guruji started off by introducing Shivaramji, fondly called as “Babaji”.  He started serving Gurudev at the age of 22 and continuing on for more than 5 decades.  Babaji tells us that Gurudev has never left us, he is always here, and I felt that when he spoke those words they were indeed true.
Guruji then described the history of the Dhauladhar Mountains and its spiritual relevance. He further elaborated the details of Kapila Muni Gufa(cave) as wells  history of Sidhbari(valley of the Siddhas), wherein our ashram is located.  Kapila Muni is one of the 24 Vishnu Avtars and was a Siddha who said to have given the absolute knowledge to his mother Devhuti near the Kapila Gufa.  Devhuti then merged back into the absolute and a rivulet was formed which is there even today.
Guruji also talked about the history of the Sidhbari Ashram.
At 9:30 am, we went to the CORD office which is a short distance away, where we were given a detailed presentation of all the programs and activities of CORD by Padmashree, Dr. Kshama Metre and her team, followed by a tour.  We were split into 3 groups for the tour of the center’s activities.  Not one person left untouched by the impact the CORD has made to thousands of people around the villages and its contribution to the sustainable local economy that has developed in the villages leading to even reverse migration from the cities.
Reviewing the details, CORD Sidhbari has touched the lives of over 55,000 beneficiaries directly, and over 2,75,000 indirectly, in over 561 villages of 12 Blocks in District of Kangra and a few villages in District Hamirpur.  CORD has recently begun replicating its work at two sites in Orissa (Deuladhia & Lathikatta) and two sites in Tamil Nadu (Tamaraipakkam & Siruvani).  (Please see websites www.cordusa.org and www.cord.org.in for more information about CORD).
We returned for the Paduka pooja conducted by Sharadaji.  It was wonderful to see how the students of the Vedanta course welcomed Guruji into the Paduka pooja venue with elaborate chanting.
Many of our Yatris made a short trip McLeod Ganj  where HH Dalai Lama’s monastery is located.
In the evening, Guruji introduced Dr. Dwarakanath, Chinmaya Mission, Boston and Dr. Pillai, Chinmaya Mission, Los Angeles and requested them to talk about their experiences with Gurudev and the Mission. The heartfelt stories and life changing moments they shared with us touched everyone.
After dinner, there was a total change of scene when Dr. Dwarakanath showed his theatrical skills as a comedian by doing a “Manisha roast”, leaving us in stitches.

October 24th Haridwar to Sidhbari

We were split into two groups for our charter flight from Dehra Doon to Dharmasala airport.  Guruji accompanied the first group and Swami Mitrananadaji accompanied the second group.
The second group had the welcome opportunity to visit the Manasa Devi temple before leaving Haridwar.  We went by Hari-Ki-Pairi on our way to Manasa Devi Temple.  Herculean preparations of cleaning up and site preparations are going on in Haridwar were Maha Kumbh Mela will occur next year in anticipation of more than 1.2 crores of pilgrims.
Manasa Devi is situated at the top of the hill accessible both by feet and by cable car.  We opted for the cable car, it was a wonderful journey and were happy to see how well organized the temple darshan process is.  We did a marathon temple darshan in an hour and returned to get ready for our flight.
After a hearty lunch from our wonderful hosts, we bade goodbye and boarded our charter flight at the Dehra Doon airport. The flight itself was very comfortable while we got to enjoy the regal views of Himalayas as we flew into Dharmasala.
We arrived in Sidhabari, the resting place of our Pujya Gurudev, in the foothills of the Dhauladhar mountains where we were warmly greeted by Swami Subodhananda and the earlier group of yatris.
The valley of the Siddhas, Sidhbari, nestling in the lap of the Himalayas is an awe-inspiring showcase of nature and soul. Swami Chinmayananda chose Sidhbari as a suitable location for a Sandeepany in the Himalayas. Pujya Gurudev must have felt the divine vibrations of the place where Kapila Muni once lived.
Construction began in 1979 but was beset by howling winds which disturbed the construction process. Then, as per Gurudev’s sankalpa, a Veera Hanumanji idol was installed. The imminent arrival of “Vayu-putra” resolved the issues with the wind. The well-known sculptor Sri Kashinath of Shimoga sculpted the cement concrete idol of Hanumanji in Veerasana posture. It is 25 ft tall and rests on a 7 ft granite pedestal. The idol was consecrated on 10th October 1982 by Pujya Gurudev.
Veera Hanumanji is seated at Sidhbari under the milky sky, open to the embrace of his father, Vayu, the Wind God. Hanumanji successfully keeps the damaging winds at bay. By worshipping the deity, one gains strength, courage, fame, alertness, eloquence and wisdom. Once in five years a consecration ceremony (Mahamastakabhishekam) of the idol is performed for which devotees from all parts of the world gather.
This is also the Samadhi Sthala of Gurudev. Devotees from all corners of the globe come to meditate, worship, and bask in the presence of the Master, whose mortal remains are buried under his sculpted image. The Bhu Samadhi of Pujya Gurudev was done on 9th August 1993.
Built in traditional Kerala style, the Samadhi Sthala houses Swamiji’s Ashtadhatu Pratima, or sculpture made of eight metals. Worship and aarti is offered twice daily.
The Samadhi is the most revered and an intense abode of silence and the focal point for ashram residents and visitors.
We celebrated Swami Mitranandaji's birthday today.
The evening Aarti was at 6 pm at Gurudev’s Samadhi Sthal, followed by Aarti at the Ram Mandir and at the glorious open-air Hanuman. After the evening Aarti , Guruji gave a short satsang. He described the history of our ashram at Sidhbari – although it opened in 1981, the idea had started out a few years earlier envisioning this as a place of retreat. In addition, however, Gurudev also wanted to give back to the surrounding village communities that had served various saints across the Himalayas for countless generations.  What was once a baron windy hillock, with Gurudev's blessings has now become a verdant and serene ashram visited by many tourists as well as devotees.
It soon evolved to become a perfect Triveni Sangam of Gyan, Bhakti and Karma yogas, with Vedanta courses in Hindi for knowledge, the Hanuman and Ram Mandir for devotion, and various community service projects across over 500 villages, including vocational projects for women. These projects eventually grew in to the Chinmaya Organization for Rural Development (CORD), about which we will hear about in detail.

October 23 Uttarkashi to Haridwar via Rishikesh

We boarded the buses at 8:30AM, today saying bye to Swami Dhyanannadaji and his efficient staff members.  As we followed curvy road, we got to enjoy the majesty of the Himalayan mountains with mother Ganges flowing by our side.  Intermittently, we got glimpses of snowcapped peaks of Gomukhi Mountains where Gangotri and Gomukh reside.
Guruji and Mitrananadaji shifted between the buses, interacting with all of us, as we took a few tea stops and ate our lunch packets packed fondly by Dhyanandaji’ team on our way.
Rishikesh is considered the Yoga capital of the world and is a famous centre of pilgrimage.
It is also known as the gateway to the Himalayas and is located 25 km from another holy city, Haridwar. Rishikesh is the starting point for travelling to the sites that form the Char Dham pilgrimage – Badrinath, Kedarnath, Gangotri, and Yamunotri.
It was here that Pujya Gurudev Swami Chinmayananda began his spiritual journey, when he met the great Swami Sivananda, who initiated him into sanyasa. Sivananda Ashram on the banks of the Ganga is one of Rishikesh’s many famous ashrams.
The nearby Haridwar is famous for its temples. In Haridwar, the Ganga first emerges from the mountains to bless the plains.
The point at which the river is considered to enter the plains is known as Hari-ki-Pairi, or the feet of Sri Hari. Thousands of pilgrims come to the spot every day to take a holy dip in it.
We reached Swami Sivananda’s Ashram in Rishikesh by about 4PM to a warm welcome.
We offered our prostrations to Swami Sivananda’s Samadhi shrine.  Swami Sivananda was Swami Chinmayanda’s Dhikhsa Guru, initiating him into Sanyas, before he moved to Uttarkashi to pursue further instruction under the tutelage of Swami Tapovan. We then visited Swami Sivananda’s kutir where he spent his time while at Rishikesh.  This is maintained immaculately by his devotees.
Every day the Divine Life Society has bhajans at Sivananda Kutir, followed by Ganga Aarti.  This evening Guruji was their honored guest leading bhajans and aarti.  As we performed the Ganga aarti in the sunset, our diyas merging with other diyas from the temples was a remarkable and uplifting sight to see.
Then we proceeded to Siyaram Janaki Vallab Seva Sadan, a wonderful dharmshala run by the family of one of the fellow Yatris, Kamal and Shashi Gupta and is fully equipped with all amenities including internet, a/c etc.
Their heartfelt welcome to Guruji and his Yatris with special garlands from all the way from Vrindavan and rose petals followed by a sumptuous meal personally attended by the owners who looked after each and every needs of us was indeed touching and showed us Indian hospitality in all its grace. “Athiti Devo Bhava”
During Guruji's satsang there, he gave each of us a pot of Ganga Jal provided by our kind hosts.

October 22 Uttarkashi

Guruji gave us a discourse on the four verses of Tapovan Stuti composed spontaneously while he was posted in San Jose in 1989.
Tapovan Stuti is a personification of the virtue of renunciation found in Swami Tapovan Maharaj. Sanyas Dharma reached its pinnacle in him.
At 10am we went for a dip in the Ganges at the confluence of two rivers Aasi and Bhageerathi and refreshed our spirits. Guruji was the first one to make a dip followed by everybody else.
Lunch was at the ashram of Mata Brahmajyoti or Babaji as she is fondly called. She has been witness to Chinmaya Mission's entire Guru Shishya Parampara. She knew Swami Taponvanji Maharaj well; Gurudev considered her his younger sister; and Guruji always pays his respects to her when he visits Uttarkashi. She has deep closeness and a very high regard for Guruji. During her satsang, she likened Gurudev to Veda Vyasa.
Swami Mitranandaji shared his experiences on yatras as a powerful means of self purification in the evening satsang.
Many of the yatris were invited to sing bhajans with Guruji.
The bhajan session ended with prayer song addressed to God and Guru, Prarthana Geetham composed by Guruji.

October 21 Uttarkashi

Most of the yatris would agree that waking up in the Tapovan ashram was similar to entering a state of meditative contemplation. The presence of Swami Tapovanji Maharaj was easy to feel and difficult to deny.
After everyone had eaten breakfast, Guruji invited everyone to see Gurudev’s kutia.  There, the yatris observed the humble dwelling of a master in the making.  Later that morning, Guruji shared that it was the 26th anniversary of his sanyasa diksha. He described how spending that day in Tapovan Kutir made him feel very blessed.  Guruji then proceeded to describe, very movingly, how he met Gurudev and how Guruji came to Uttarkashi.
We made a pilgrimage to the nearby Soumya Kashi temple, which is over 6000 years old. Individual abhishek (oblations) was done by everyone.  Then we had lunch, rested, drank tea and then had satsang with Guruji.  He described the five most important places for the different stages of spiritual seeking.  Varanashi is ideal for shravana, Haridwar and Rishikesh are considered the best for mananam, and Uttarkashi and Gangotri are optimum for Nididyasanam.  After coming to Uttarkashi, Guruji’s advice was for all the yatris to just abide in their own selves.  Following that, we performed a samashti padukapooja for Guruji’s sanyasa diksha day. The ceremony was most certainly a culmination of that day’s descriptions by Guruji of his initiation into the wonderful world of Chinmaya Mission.
Chinmaya Mission’s foundation is based on two different dynamics given to Gurudev by his two gurus: the intense unwavering tapas of Swami Tapovan Maharaj, and Swami Sivananda’s love and compassion for all. Gurudev’s style of teaching and imparting knowledge can be seen as a combination of both.  Guruji explained that the early members of Chinmaya Mission were the bedrock that provided the foundation upon which the organization is built today.
At 6:30 in the evening, we performed both Tapovan and Ganga aarti.
During satsang with Swami Dhyananandaji, he explained that Chinmaya Mission’s origins are in Uttarkashi. He wonderfully described how the importance of Uttarkashi is described in Skanda Puranam Kedar Kand.

October 20 Delhi to Uttarkashi via Dehra Doon

As we packed into the ATR Turbo-Prop, overflowing with enthusiasm to get going, we found out that the yatris’ luggage didn’t fit in the aircraft (everybody had packed light, apparently).  Swami Mitranandaji stayed back to get the rest of the luggage over successfully and arrived later that night at Uttarkashi.
All of us were reminded of Guruji’s words “Lord is a teacher and teaser.”
After a warm welcome from CM Dehra Doon, who also provided us with lunch and snacks for the trip, we boarded our next modes of transport, three buses named Ganga, Yamuna and Saraswati.  Guruji moved between the buses and spent time with all the yatris.
We arrived later that evening at Tapovan Chinmayam, a well kept, aesthetic, serene ashram at 9:20PM.  Swami Dhyananandaji was at the entrance with a garland to welcome Guruji. Nearby, we could hear the mother Ganga roaring. We experienced more teasing from the Lord as we were made to wait till the next morning to see the majestic Himalayas and beautiful Ganges.
A little about Uttarkashi: Situated 165 km from Rishikesh, the town is so high that even the lowest regions are 5,800 ft above sea level. It is bordered on all sides by a mountain range called Varanavata. The tributaries of the river Bhageerathi flow around the mountain tract like two hands hugging the plains. At the central point in the plains, almost like the lap of the mountain tract, is Ujeli. It is here where the Tapovan Kutir, the home of Swami Tapovan Maharaj, is.
Built in 1936 by some of his devotees, its location is truly unique. Built into the side of a hill, with the river Bhageerathi flowing beneath, it is a picture of serene solitude. The kutia was a small, spartan one-room hut where Tapovanji lived; it remains the same, untouched, even today. The mud-walled, dung-floor hut contains his cot and kamandalu (water pot) and little else. But the little verandah outside the hut, where the Mahatma would sit and marvel at nature’s beauty or give Vedantic discourses, has been converted into a shrine. Devotees speak in hushed tones of profound experiences while meditating there. It is here that Pujya Gurudev Swami Chinmayananda spent several years studying at the feet of his guru.
Recently the capacity of Tapovan ashram was increased. A 3-storey building, Tapovan Chinmayam, built on land donated by a devotee, was inaugurated on 15 March 2005 by Pujya Guruji Swami Tejomayananda. It has 24 well-equipped rooms with balconies, all with a breathtaking view of the Bhageerathi and surrounding mountain range.
Today the ashram can house around 130 people. The satsang hall on the ground floor of Tapovan Chinmayam can comfortably seat about 300 people. A large, white marble murti of Lord Jagadeeshwara sits in the middle of the stage, with Goddess Saraswati and Lord Ganesha gracing either side. Portraits of Swami Tapovanji Maharaj and Pujya Gurudev look on. The foyer is dedicated to a pictorial life sketch of Swami Tapovanji Maharaj.

Delhi Oct 19th

Chinmaya Dham Yatra with 62 delegates from UK, Australia, Canada, Kuwait, USA, India, Philippines, Hong Kong, St. Martin and Singapore started from Delhi on October 19th 2009.
During the inaugural speech, Guruji explained the purpose of this yatra. The main goal was stated as being to travel together while learning about Gurudev, bonding as a Chinmaya Family in the process.
During this yatra, one of the main priorities was to retrace the steps of Pujya Gurudev, thus deepening our understanding of Gurudev’s vision of Chinmaya Mission.  Know different members, we stand as one family – it will be a bonding experience for centers we visit and among the yatris.
As Guruji put it in the address, “Bharat did a Ram Dham when he visited Lord Rama in the forest; we are doing a Chinmaya Dham.”
Pujya Guruji did an introduction of the Delhi center, and its several branches, including DCST, CMD and CORD.
In 1953, Delhi became the third city, after Pune and Chennai, to host a jnana yagna by Pujya Gurudev.  He spoke on the Mandukya Karika for 91 days.  Since then, Delhi has been a hotbed of Chinmaya Mission Activity.
In 1992, Gurudev performed the Bhoomi Puja (Ground-breaking ceremony) for the Chinmaya Center for World Understanding (CCWU).  When Gurudev attained Mahasamadhi in 1993, his body was kept there overnight as devotees poured in to pay their respects to the Master.  The spot where his body sat during that night is now the site of a beautiful Samadhi Shrine surrounded by a lotus pond.
CCWU also houses Chinmaya Chetna, an interactive multimedia exhibit showing Gurudev’s life and teachings.  Photographs and videos capture Tapovan Kutir, Gurudev’s childhood and other precious moments with the Master.  It also gives us a broad view of what Chinmaya Mission is today.  Chinmaya Chetna shows how one noble ideal transformed an individual life and through it, the society at large.

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