Sivananda Ashram: Divine Abode in Rishikesh

My association with Swami Sivananda started through reading his book “The Science of Pranayama.” The Divine Life Society is extremely generous in making their precious literature available for free on the net, and I fortunately chanced upon it one day while surfing. The book is simple yet so profound that it automatically makes you bow down to the author. He has explained cryptic techniques in such a simple manner that anyone can easily follow and gain benefits. In this book, Swamiji has also mentioned a technique for self-healing, and the best part of that technique is his unambiguous assurance that it will work for you. This technique is like an emergency Brahmastra (most powerful weapon created by Lord) that can be used anywhere, anytime and in any situation to immediately relieve one of pain. Since the first time I read this technique, I have used it successfully to cure many ailments. I have shared this with my family and friends who also reported extraordinary relief from pain. One can read this book here: http://www.dlshq.org/download/pranayama.htm

I was so fascinated by this book that I started reading more literature online and then arose a strong desire to visit this ashram. Finally in November 2017 I could manage to stay there for almost a week with my husband and the experience was nothing less than spectacular. I actually have no words that can capture the spiritual knowledge, simplicity, generousness, kindness, selfless service and organizational skills I experienced at Sivananda Ashram during my stay with them. However I would still make an effort to give a whiff of the same.

The Swamijis and Matajis there are very simple and humble and their faces glow with divine energy. Just looking at them one feels blessed. And if you get an opportunity to sit quietly near them for sometime, your mind loses outward focus and becomes internalized. I experienced it first during the Matri satsanga, which is a special session for women. ‘Matri’ means ‘Mother’ in Sanskrit. This session takes place everyday in the Audio-visual Library from 4pm to 5pm. Respected Matajis (women ascetics) there chant few mantras and read from the scriptures. While chanting of the powerful mantras and listening to the divine scriptures is itself devotional, what was overwhelming was the vibration inside my body and spine as I sat next to these Holy Mothers. Each Mataji seemed to me like a power generator with whom I got connected and their combined energy was raising me above my body and mind consciousness. And all this was happening absolutely effortlessly on my part. This happened every day I attended the satsang. Alas, I was there only for a week. When I told these divine Mothers what was happening to me, they just smiled.

I had similar sensations when I met some of the Swamijis there and sat quietly next to them in both the Samadhi shrine and Gurudeva Kutir. Even the place next to Gurudeva Kutir where major events of Swami Sivanandaji’s life are depicted through jhankis, was brimming with spiritual vibrations. It seemed that the ashram is not a physical structure but a living embodiment of divine. The dogs living inside the premises also seemed very saintly, and even calling them dogs because of the nomenclature seemed blasphemous.

Another highlight of the ashram is their stay and meal arrangements. The rooms are large, spacious and well lit and everything is kept very neat and clean. Time for meals is fixed and the food is perfect for spiritual aspirants; simple and nutritious and it tastes divine. While just initially we had a little difficulty sitting on the floor and eating without a spoon, later we started enjoying it. Chanting of the mantras just before the meal was also an amazing experience and we have tried to inculcate this practice even at home now. Not once in our entire stay at the ashram did we face any digestion issue or discomfort because of food. The body always felt light and easy. It also received much needed exercise as part of the daily routine since the ashram is situated on a hill and one needs to do regular up and down to visit various places within or outside the ashram.

At the Matri satsanga I also got introduced to some fascinating literature by an author named ‘Sri Sudarshan Singh Chakra.’ He has created some amazing work on the popular Hindu divinities like Rama, Krishna, Hanuman etc and yet his stories are different from the well-known folklore. While my focus during the satsanga was always on the vibrations inside, I just could not ignore the mesmerizing tales of Rama and Krishna that I had never heard before in my life. Back home I continue to read his books and they are simply marvelous. One can read his books here: https://chakrasahityaonline.wordpress.com/

Rishikesh: A Seeker’s Paradise

Ever since my childhood I have heard about spiritual seekers leaving their homes to take abode in Himalayas and I always wondered if that helped. It is actually your mind that is the mischief-maker and if you are carrying your mind to the Himalayas too, then where is the respite? There is only a change in the location for the body. How would Himalayas help your mind?

While I still cannot speak with certainty for others, going to Rishikesh was nothing less than a spectacular experience for my spirit, mind and body. Every inch of the Devbhoomi was raising my energy upwards; mind was at peace and body was soaking in pristine mountain air and most reverent nectar of Gangaji. Every moment spent in that divine land was like spending an eternity in the lap of God.

We stayed at the well-known Shivananda Ashram near Ram Jhoola and no amount of words can ever be enough to describe their divine spirit, organizational skills, simplicity and generosity.  The Swamijis and Matajis there are so simple and humble that you would never guess how advanced they are, until you sit quietly near them and realize to your utmost surprise that your body is in a state of thrill, there is some upward motion in your spine and your mind is being internalized. And all this is happening absolutely effortlessly on your part. It is like being able to smell roses in a rose garden without even making an effort to take your nose near to a rose.

The one-week stay at ashram was both restful and invigorating. It was restful for the body since the food was just right for the stomach, simple, nutritious and very tasteful. Not once in our entire stay at the ashram did we face any digestion issue or discomfort because of food. The body always felt light and easy. It also received much needed exercise as part of the daily routine since the ashram is situated on a hill and one needs to do regular up and down to visit various places within or outside the ashram. The stay was invigorating for the spirit since we learnt many new things that supplemented our spiritual practice and gave it another boost.

As if our stay at the ashram was not enough to keep us exuberant, we also got an opportunity to visit some other places in Rishikesh and each place only extended our bliss:

Gangaji: Just sitting on the banks of Gangaji and watching her flow, one could spend an entire lifetime and yet not get tired of it. As much as possible, we would sit at a quiet place and watch her. The fickle mind just could not stand her overwhelming presence and retire to its hideouts. The profound insight that dawned once again on watching the Gangaji was the message of ‘Keep Moving.’ She moves continuously without ever getting bothered by what is happening around her. Whether people are joyously celebrating or grievously mourning, singing her praises or throwing filth into her, she wouldn’t pause to either revel in the glory or chastise for the violation. It seems she has a much greater purpose and nothing is worth stopping by. Only if our resolve towards our purpose would gain same sincerity and momentum!

Vasishtha Guha: About 20 kms away from Rishikesh, it is quite a popular spot for seekers now and many websites and travel articles talk about visiting this ancient cave. Here Maharishi Vasishtha (one of the seven immortal sages) along with his consort Arundhati did penance for several years. Sri Purushottamananda Ji of the Ramakrishna Matha Kerala came to this cave in 1928 and did intense penance before achieving the goal of this life in 1961 on a Shivratri. The Guha is filled with divine vibrations and it is believed that many sages and adepts are still residing there in their astral bodies. One feels profound peace when meditating in this cave. Right next to the guha flows the Gangaji, and it is another absolutely stunning site to forget the world and go inside.

Now the guha is being looked after an old Swamiji who resides there in a humble dwelling along with some other caretakers. His benign face and mannerisms tugged at our heart and there arose a desire to just sit quietly at his feet. While that did not happen, we were lucky enough to participate in the morning puja of Shivalinga placed inside the guha and get his blessings.

Naam Mandir: Through a friend we came to know of Raj Supe aka Kinkar Vishwashreyananda, a poet, novelist, seeker and devotee. Through the blessings of his Guru he left the corporate world and started a Naam Mandir on the banks of Mother Ganga. There is a continuous chanting of the Mahamantra in that beautiful and serene temple. It was so wonderful to meet Raj Supe Ji and he shared several amazing things with us including not so well known places to visit and saints to meet. Through him we also got introduced to his Guru ‘Sri Sitaramdas Omkarnath’ who although has left his body, his message and teachings are as fresh as ever.

Neem Karoli Baba Temple: Raj Supe Ji guided us to visit the famous Hanuman Temple in Rishikesh that was frequented by Neem Karoli Baba. The temple has a very different aura and as we stepped inside, we could immediately sense peace descending in our hearts. The idols of Hanuman Ji and Neem Karoli Baba are beautifully carved and gentle to look at.

Kriya Yoga Ashram: We are Kriya Yoga practitioners and it made perfect sense to visit the Kriya Yoga Ashram. Very conveniently located, just a few steps away from the Lakshaman Jhoola, the meditation hall of the ashram was brimming with divine energy. We visited during the day, but it was kept completely dark and through a flashlight we could see just one person meditating there. Having practiced Kriya for more than 15 years and in so many different places, this place felt perfect. It is thoughtfully constructed so the Kriya practitioners can practice Kriya to their heart’s desire without getting disturbed. Hope to spend sometime soon in this ashram in the coming future.

Swami Rama Ashram: I have been a fan of Swami Rama ever since I read his ‘Living with the Himalayan Masters.’ When my mother informed me of his beautiful ashram situated on the banks of Gangaji in Rishikesh, it naturally became a place of must visit.  She was so right. The ‘Sadhak Seva Gram’ situated enroute to Haridwar is a place of immense beauty and peace. It is aesthetically built and one would feel being inside a stunning resort, except that here your mind will become peaceful instead of seeking more pleasures. We will be soon staying at this ashram on our next trip to Rishikesh.

Bharat Milap Ashram: Raj Supeji introduced us to Ram Kripaluji Maharaj of the Bharat Milap Ashram. I called Ram Kripaluji to take an appointment and he picked up the phone on second ring. His voice was very sweet and loving. He immediately gave me time for next day that I was asking for, and also told me that we could visit him anytime. I had taken an appointment for 10am but since our driver came in very early we decided to leave and reached his ashram one hour early. It was a cosy set up that immediately made us feel comfortable. Ram Kripalu ji wasn’t there so we just sat down in front of the altar, which had various pictures of different Gods and Goddesses. Soon Maharaj arrived and gave us a very warm smile. He then asked us to go to the first floor and wait there. It was a spacious hall and we could comfortably sit there. After a few minutes Maharaj came up and spent some time talking to us. He was very loving and kind and shared words of wisdom. He also invited us to stay at his ashram that we are likely to do on one of our next trips.

Shatrughna Ghat and Temple: Just few steps below the Shivananda Ashram is the Shatrughana Temple and ghat. This is one of the two temples that are dedicated to Shatrughna, the younger brother of Lord Rama. The other temple is at Paymmal in Thrissur district of Kerala. The temple is located between some shops near Ram Jhoola in an unassuming form, and one is likely to miss it if not looking for it specifically. But when you enter the temple it gives a sense of immense peace and serenity. When we went it was empty and we could spend some meditative moments in that quiet.

Few yards from the temple is the Shatrughna ghat where Ganga Aarti is conducted in full splendor. It attracts various visitors and passers by and is a divine spectacle that depicts the true spirit of India and glory of Gangaji. Nowhere else in the world would such reverence be given to a river who is considered as the Holy Mother. And nowhere else in the world would such a spectacular show be put up free of cost for anyone who would like to watch.

Another very interesting part of this city was its divine atmosphere in all the places. You don’t have to worry about being cheated at a shop since all of the shopkeepers tell you the same price for an article and they don’t pester you to buy. Wherever you are, you will always hear some devotional music and chants in the background. This stops your mind from thinking of unnecessary things. It is like every inch of this divine place is taking you nearer to yourself.

Eight days of Rishikesh seemed to have wiped out baggage of eighty lifetimes, that was the impact of the power of this holy city on my mind. Needless to say, the city beckons me to visit it again and I am all set and ready to plunge, hoping my mind would be completely purged and discarded, leaving just pure I behind.