There was a time when I used to look forward to read posts such as these where co devotees shared their experience of their first Ashram visit. Now me writing about it makes me feel humbled and hope it brings joy to atleast someone who is raring to go there. 

The day I read the announcement about the Magic of New Beginnings, I could not believe my eyes. How come it came at a time when it was something I could atleast think and ask husband about it. From last few months we are coping with my MIL’s newly diagnosed cancer and the never ending chemos and a surgery. So when I read about the event when she was just starting to settle after surgery, i could not believe it. But Swamiji being Our everything, knows all about it. I could book my ashram stay after a day or two of cajoling my husband.

The event was from 6th to 8th January and i decided to land there a day before so could get settled from the long journey. I was suppose to travel from pune to delhi and delhi to Chandigarh.

But, on Jan 4th afternoon I get a call from the airlines saying that the delhi Chandigarh flight is cancelled. But somehow i did not lose hope, was very firm in my belief  that Sri Hari will make some way. So when i called the airlines they thankfully shifted me to other flight which had more or less the same timings. Bolo Sri Hari Bhagwan ki Jai!

On 4th January night I was off to my first ever solo trip and that to my Swamiji’s abode:)

Now the Magic of New beginnings was about to start and it did and how…

5th January

The day I reached Ashram with a lovely co devotee with whom i shared the taxi. The first thing that hit us was  the beauty of the place, well done lawns, the peaceful surroundings and of course the cold! Enter office and we were greeted by the ever smiling Basudev ji! Also Sushree Nitya ji ( who is so sweet to talk to) and Namita ji were there to let us know about few things related to the stay. We were given dormitory to stay as rooms were for family and senior citizens. Thought chalo iska experience bhi karke dekhte hain:) In the dorm got immediately connected with one more lovely devotee. After getting fresh we rushed to the temple as could not wait to have Sri Hari’s darshan. The curtain was pulled together when we entered. I was waiting to have His Darshan. When He revealed himself I really saw him smiling so much that it reached His eyes.  I could feel the love emitting for all His children who came to have His darshan from all places. Was filled with gratitude when i could do the Aarti. Prasad was given by Shraddha Maa, whom i could not take off my eyes, such is her radiant face. Also I was pleasantly surprised when later we had gone searching for her as my friend had to give her a message, she recognised me from my photo. I was sooo happpyyy to know that. Next was time for dinner and what a dinner it was….aloo ki sabji, roti and the tastiest khichdi I ever had ! I usually don’t like it much, but that was something else. I know most of us who came there will agree. And who was sitting next to the table we sat? Could not believe when one of us at the table asked who was her? None other than the most graceful person we can see in the Ashram…Matarani. Only in my thoughts had dreamed of doing her Charan Sparsh. We all could not wait till our dinner was over, we just went by and did a charan sparsh. Could not help notice the love she emanates to all present, she even asked why my hair was wet, and that i could catch a cold. This feeling was like floating on the clouds. That day we went to sleep early as all were exhausted from the journey. We decided to get up at 5 next morning so that all could get ready and reach temple by 6 am.

 

6th January

The first day of the event. We were at the temple before 6. Vishnu Sahasranama at 6 followed by Aarti at 7am was a blissful moment. I was really looking forward to the meditation session by Sadhvi  Vrinda ji. Her voice so soothing, she said that we should feel grateful we are here at the abode of Sri Hari and make the most of it to connect to Him while we are here. After a lovely meditation session we were off for our breakfast. During that time Rajeev ji announced if any one was willing to do seva should talk to Prabhu Swami ji. I jumped at the opportunity and was given the seva of serving which I happily took. Next our destination was river side….we found the way  to the river and sat there on the rocks. Sitting there i first came to terms as to where i was and could not believe i was here ( I think happens when at last You are on your own). All the emotions were overwhelming…i thought how come such good fortune I can have as to me sitting here (and also I have always dreamed of sitting along a riverside and meditating). After sometime I could not take it and cried as I took Maa’s name. I think i was too overwhelmed to meditate properly so just sat there, and felt the beauty around. I would not have gotten up, but there was a reading session by Sadhvi ji and wanted to attend it. 

Sadhvi ji read out two chapters from two books and then i took the opportunity to express my gratitude to her for writing the book OM Swami As We Know Him, for if not that book, i would not have known Him. She was smiling and said few beautiful things. Atleast I got the opportunity to thank her which i wanted to from such a long time.( See another wish fulfilled).

Yes I did seva of serving during the lunch time which brought so much happiness to me. Again had always wanted to do it whenever i went there.(How Sri Hari knows everything!)

After lunch, went to the temple for kirtan and saw the ever lovely, smiling, calm Sushree Diya ji and equally smiling Divya ji. Sushreeji and Diva ji thank you for the devotional songs you so lovingly sang with us. Had a blissful time! Can spend more time with you all.

We all waited for the evening to come so as to have the Divine Darshan, but there was more to the afternoon as Matarani sat in the lawns and we around her. She narrated so many tales from Swamiji’s life. It was as a mother telling stories to all her kids . It was a treat to hear from Matarani.

And now the most awaited time! Finally it was evening, after having a quick dinner we sat in the temple by 5:40pm. Everyone’s eyes were glued to the door as the clock was going to  strike 6:30. Swamiji that day entered the temple a minute earlier . It was a Pournima  night and just like a full moon’s beauty is indescribable, so is Swamiji’s. His presence as though filling up the whole room, larger than life, He graced us all with His presence. It was surreal as always had seen Him in videos, now it was a numbing experience to see Him in person. I will admit that whatever was said that day I could grasp only half of it, most of the time I was busy just looking at Him, so could not concentrate.( Please tell me it has happened with you too!) After the discourse Aarti in Swamiji’s deep voice had a penetrating effect on my whole being.  Its indescribable.

Then was the time for group meeting. My name was not in the list, but since 2 of my friends had their meeting, we all were on the lawns. There was a bonfire where we could sit around and book store open at that time, we could buy books. Did not miss to see the sky and the beautiful full moon.( Even did trataka for sometime!)

We all were in a peaceful state so as to have His darshan that day.

Will continue the next 2 days in another post. This is too long a post. But wanted to share everything I experienced. Thank you for reading till here.

Pic credit: Amrita’s photography. Amrita thank you for sharing.

Jai Sri Hari!