A Vision Unfolds
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The story behind the Dhyanapeetam ashram in Bangalore is strange, but true.
While still in Tamil Nadu, Swamiji and his disciples were on the lookout for the right place to build an ashram which wuold be the future nerve-centre of Dhyanapeetam. To his disciples' confusion, Swamiji repeatedly refused various offerings of land in Tamil Nadu, even those as vast as 100 acres.
For his divyadrishti\* had already spotted, far away in Karnataka, the perfect place. A sprawling 20 acre site, in Bidadi on the outskirts on Bangalore, blessed with all the sacred signs that a centre of spirituality must possess - most important among these being a 600-year-old banyan tree, the abode of the Muneeshwara ('lord of sages') residing on the land.
On Swamiji's advice, his disciples hastened to Bidadi and found the holy site at that very spot, exactly like the one predicted by him more than a year earlier. All were overjoyed.
The owner of the land, however, was reluctant to sell.
"It will happen", smiled Swamiji.
And it did. One night, it is said, the Muneeshwara appeared to the owner in a dream and opened his eyes to the supreme honour that he was turning down in his ignorance.
The very next day, in Swamiji's divine presence, the owner (now turned devotee) donated the land free of cost. The day after, the foundation stone was laid, marking the beginning of the ashram construction.
prophetic
vision
The ashram was formally inaugurated on 1st January 2003, to coincide with Swamiji's 26th birthday and 3rd Enlightenment Anniversary.
The occasion was graced by important spiritual and public figures of our time. The glittering ceremony also drew thousands of people eager to catch a glimpse of Swamiji - both devotees and visitors, the faithful and the curious.
The occasion was flagged off with inaugural addresses by the respected Swamis as well as by the honourable Prime Minister. This was followed by the formal ascension of Swamiji to the Peetam - a momentous occasion for all present. The occasion also included a sattvic meal and other festivities.
The Rs.15 crore ashram project is expected to be complete by the end of 2004. Upon completion, it will include a divine healing centre, a vast meditation hall with a giant energised lingam, a gurukul, inmates' and inpatients' living quarters and an extensive library and research centre, among others.
As on date, the ashram already houses a meditation hall, a healing center, inmates' and inpatients' quarters, a library, kitchen and dining hall with basic amenities.
Programmes conducted by Dhyanapeetam include the Ananda Spurana Programme (ASP - a workshop on chakra cleansing, Ananda healing and meditation conducted personally by Swamiji), Ananda Proksha (a one-year residential program for students and spiritual aspirants) and Ananda Yoga (a one-day introductory programme on healing and meditation). Other activities include annadaanam (feeding of the needy), healing camps and satsangs.
BHOOMI POOJA (Worshipping Mother Earth): At a traditional ceremony to flag off the ashram construction, Swamiji 'breaks the earth' and lays the first brick (above and below)
Sri Deve Gowda pays his respects to Swamiji (above and below)
IN THE LAP OF NATURE : Sunrise lights up the sweep of land leading from the main gate into the ashram. Also seen are the Laughing Temple (extreme right) and the Food Temple and Food Pagodas (ahead)
GOODWILL IN THE AIR : The idyllic and friendly environment of the ashram encourages our timid four-legged friends to approach fearlessly, right up to the Food pagoda!
MIRACLE OF NATURE: The rustic Laughing Temple, where inmates and devotees gather for intimate chats with Swamiji, often stretching deep into the night. Flanking the Laughing Temple is a naturally 'hybrid' tree - a neem tree from whose trunk has sprung the bilva tree, sacred to Lord Shiva. This extremely rare and auspicious sign is only one among the many that make this location ideal for a centre of spirituality. (above)
HOME OF THE DIVINE: Ananda Sabha, the meditation hall and healing centre, is also used for larger gatherings and poojas. Seen in the distance is the giant canopy of the sacred banyan tree. (below)
Swamiji worships the idol of Lord Dakshinamurthy under the banyan tree. Every morning before sunrise, inmates gather here for worship (Guru Pooja). It is also well-known that no decision pertaining to the ashram is taken by Swamiji without first 'consulting' Lord Dakshinamurthy!
Mrs. Prema Krishna (wife of Karnataka Chief Minister S. M. Krishna) attends a pooja (above)
A homa being performed for Lord Dakshinamurthy (below)
