Shivananda Ashram, Hriishikesh - Yoga Vedanta Residential Course 31072023 to 02102023

Day 1 and 2:

Exactly after four months of my VRS, an interesting journey to Hrishikesh was destined in my Life. Off to Shivananda Ashram for a two-month residential course and it was quite symbolic that I was sitting on the last seat of the aircraft and no one on the other side on both the flights from Mangalore and Bangalore to Dehradun. Just a way of thinking that it was my last leg of family life as a Householder and stepping into Vanaprastha, without leaving the family as such!!

On my flight to Dehradun, I felt like my mind has gone somewhere, where I don’t know. Chinmaya was quick to respond that it has gone to a higher plane. It was true both physically as the flight took a steep climb into the clouds reaching almost 35000 feet in a short time. Mind got equally elevated and missed my usual active analysis function. Or this may be just a play of mind which keeps searching for symbolism in every action.

Left Mangalore at around 5 am after a hectic schedule during the last few days and flight to Dehradun was at around 1 pm. Somehow persuaded Ashu to avoid visiting me at Airport as it would not only inconvenience her but also cut off my thought flow which was soaring high.

I could see a lot of devotees of Haridwar, Badarinath and also Hrishikesh in the flight and some with a Shikhe and Kache panche from Chennai. Many Madhwa faces were also prominent pursuing their mid-air home-made Lunch with all pickles, jam and what not !!

As I did not want to be disturbed in search of a commutation to Ashram, I booked a make my trip Cab and promptly landed at Ashram after a brief lively talk with Driver about the terrain and topography of Chardhams. I had almost forgotten the place as it was quite some time.

After introductory formalities at Reception, I had to literally drag myself along with heavy luggage to the steep hill where Forest Academy is situated. Again, symbolism was at its height equating my past karma baggage which is likely to be cleared in these nine weeks. A bright looking Swamy guided me into the Office where I got allotted room.

Room was neat and clean with basic facilities and I quickly unpacked and settled down for a walk down hill. Went straight to Samadhi Mandir and sat down for a short prayer meditation to Shivananda Maharaj. I was just in time; Aarathi was done and I could go inside the Shrine for paying respects to this Great Yogi.

It was an elevating experience in the first sight and paved way for all that would happen shortly here after. Took some photos for consumption of Pamily and rested for the day.

On Day 2, I had the opportunity of again vising Samadhi mandir at around 5 am and it was a nice prayer time followed by Bhajan and Puja at Vishwanathji mandir. Sumptuous and tasty Prasad again followed by a tasty Idly breakfast. Yesterday’s Food had not left, but Idly was tempting to join stomach. Decided then and there that I would skip one of the foods, bf/lunch/dinner from tomorrow since it would not be possible to carry them all !!.

Later went for a long walk for more than 2.5 hours to see Ganga mayyaji ki ghat via Ram Jhula and visiting Parmarth Nikethan along the way a number of food stalls/mandirs on both side of Ganges. One Goenka restaurant where Ghee made items was also seen for future reference!! One Andhra friend accompanied me and he was in search of a Sadhu baba from his place whom he had met long back. Even after a lot of enquiries we could not find him and only his last known palace was found out to be a Small Kutir next to Shivananda Kutir. 

Shivananda Kutir was so serene and the Sadhu baba explained that Swamiji stayed for ten years in this place and once he also locked himself up for three days without water food etc., when Kindalini took over. Later on a local King and queen visited him offering to allot 35 acre plot across the river where the present Ashram is standing tall as “Shivananda Ashram” and on top of that “DLS Forest Academy” where I am sitting and typing out these thoughts. Decided to visit this again at appropriate time for some more contemplation at this holy place.

After lunch, We again explored the lanes of Hrishikesh in search of a Taxi stand where we could go to Neelakanth Mahadev’s temple on top of the mountains. It was around 30 kms and I was not very hopeful as it was raining and no taxies are to be seen. Soon a taxi full of people arrived with barely two seats for us.  

My friend refuses to get in as it is full and he wants front seat due to spondy neck. Some how convinced the lady in front to give way and we boarded the crowded vehicle. This created problem while returning also, as the Lady refused to vacate the seat and this man refuses to get into the vehicle. Somehow, the driver gave up his seat and adjusted him in the front!!

Rain poured heavily and we reached top of the hill and very close to temple he left us for vising Mahadev in heavy rain. After quick Darshan, returned to vehicle and had some kachoris with Chai. The journey was tedious but temple is very serenely located. But for lack of time and due to rains, much could not be explored and we returned to Ashram. Though I had decided to skip dinner, took a little Payasam, Pongal and Greengram Dhal.  

Came to room with a hope that I wouldn’t venture anything else during the course and fully pay attention to what is in store for me. Hope to cover the rest of the topics on a real time basis every day or atleast alternative days.

See you soon with further updates.