Dwaraka, Sri Krishna’s Place & Nageshwar, Shiva’s Place

Rajkot to Dwarka was going to be a long drive and we wanted to reach there before 7:00 p.m. to attend the evening arati.  We had gotten up early in the morning. So, after a sumptuous lunch, many started to catch up on their sleep. But, the rest of the bus was fully awake–sharing jokes and interesting stories, while others enjoyed observing various things coming on the road.

The rain had stopped and the day was bright.  We were happy to see many windmills, which were generating natural electricity.  When we approached Dwarka, we saw the gorgeous Dwarikadhish Temple from a distance.  We were excited to visit the temple.  We arrived just on time because of our skillful driver and our planning.  Again, thanks to the organizers, the check-in of 54 people in the hotel was smooth and fast.  Everyone got ready within a short time and with a guide, we all headed to the famous Dwarakadish Temple.  Because of the rain, the roads were filled with mud and water.  It was a bit of an adventure. Students, who had come to India for the first time during the monsoon season, learned how to walk on such muddy streets.  They also learned how to go around cows and dogs.

As we approached the temple we start hearing joyful cries like “Dwarikadhish ki jai!” Our main concern was to remain together in the crowd.  Our guide and adults helped with this.  The guide explained the history and mythology behind the main temple and other small temples inside.  When the time came for arati, the guide told us to stand in the line for “darshan” of Dwarikadhish Sri Krishna.  We saw that some ladies had even stood on the railings to catch a glimpse of the deity.  The arati began. People raised their two hands and started chanting Sri Krishna’s names.  The environment was filled with devotion.  The procedure was that men and women, in separate lines, were to walk one by one, go near the deity, salute and move onward.  If you wanted to do “darshan” again, then you had to stand in line again.  Some people went two-three times to satisfy their desire to see Dwarikadhishji.  When Swami Vivekananda came here in 1891, he wrote that Shri Krishna’s image was beautiful, but the crowd would not let you stand in front of deity for long.  One had to look at the deity, then keep it in one’s heart, and close the doors of the eyes.

After all had “darshan,” our guide took us to Sri Adi Shankaracharya Pitham, which was next to the temple inside the campus.  The current Shankaracharyaji was not there.  The guide then took us to several small temples and told us the stories associated with them.  Fully satisfied with our visit, we proceeded back to our hotel. Upon arriving back at the hotel, we learned that since we missed our dinner reservation time, we had to wait for an hour before the hotel could accommodate 54 people.  So we all sat in the lobby waiting for food.  Trupti Aunty and a few students sang Shri Krishna’s dhoons and bhajans in the lobby.  After dinner, all wanted to sleep. We were about to retire to our rooms, when some of us heard that the bus had run into a mechanical problem. Our bus driver was trying to find a mechanic. We left it in the driver’s hands.

A few devotees decided to attend the mangala arati at 6:00 a.m.  They got up early, got ready, and enjoyed the early morning arati.  Their extra reward was that they had a group picture taken by a professional in front of this famous temple for a very reasonable price.  As we were finishing breakfast, we waited for news about the bus. We were worried about whether the bus would run.  Fortunately, Kalpitbhai and the driver had found a mechanic at night and fixed the problem. We were lucky and ready to go!

One good thing happened in the morning.  Sudhirbhai told us that they could see the ocean from their room windows.  We all ran to his room and found a spectacular view of ocean.  Then, we found that from the terrace we could get an even better view of the ocean and the temple.  The day was bright.  We all headed to the terrace where we enjoyed a beautiful view of the rough ocean and a clear view of the temple.  This fulfilled the desire of many people who wanted to see the ocean.

When we started to get into the bus, a smart vendor brought varieties of things to sell.  Several people were excited to shop because we did not have any shopping plans in our program.  This delayed our bus a little, but seeing the joy of people shopping, others did not mind.

We started to go to Nageshwara.  There is a controversy about this temple that whether it is one of the Dwadash Jyotirlingas (12 famous Shivalingam).  We heard that Gulshan had taken interest and helped in the development of this temple.  So far, we had been thinking of Shri Krishna, now we started thinking of Shiva.  In the bus, Nilesh sang and led “Nagendra Haraya…”  Some students, who did not know Nilesh, were surprised to see that he could sing so well.  All enjoyed the hymn and the dhoon “Namah Shivay…”  Nageshwara was only 15 kilometers away from Dwarka.  When the bus stopped, all were amazed to see a huge statue of Shiva.  It created a divine mood in the minds of all.  The entrance to the temple, the clean ground inside, a huge banyan tree, and the temple structure created a very good impression in the minds of all.  We entered the temple and found that it was clean and there was an orderly way to go to the shrine.  We all saluted and felt like singing the salutation mantra, “Om Namah Shivay Shnatay…”  Then all were inspired to sing Shiva’s dhoons and bhajans, especially led by Trupti Aunty.  Her melodious voice captured the minds of all.  There were many singers in the group, so we had a special Shiva’s celebration for about 45 minutes.  We wish we had taped the singing.  It was in tune, filled with devotion and sweet in melody.

All ladies decided to do Shiva puja.  Men were required to wear dhoti for the puja, so they were not very enthusiastic.  The priest informed us that only family members could go together, but Trupti Aunty said that this was one family, our Vidyapith family.  Somehow they agreed to let most of the ladies & girls go for puja.  They all did joint puja of Shiva while singing “Om Namah Shivay..” and “Hara Hara Bhole, Namah Shivay…”  I have no doubt that Shiva must have been greatly pleased.  Actually, Shiva had arranged this whole thing.  After being pleased with the singing and puja, we all came outside and took a group picture under the huge banyan tree.  The whole environment was peaceful, serene, and joyful.

We were getting little late in our schedule and started walking towards the bus. But how could we miss a group picture under the huge statute of Shiva? Again we quickly assembled to take another photo and filed into the bus. Kalpitbhai had told us that nearby, there was a hill on which there were beautiful statues of Shiva and his family.  As we passed by them, we saluted from the bus and continued on our journey.  Our next stop was Porbandar.

“India’s gift to the world is the spiritual light…Slow and silent, as the gentle dew that falls in the morning, unseen and unheard yet producing a most tremendous result.”  – Swami Vivekananda

Shri Ramakrishna Ashram at Rajkot

From Limbdi we headed to Rajkot.  It was raining in Limbdi when we were getting into the bus.  Later the rain became even heavier.  But, inside the bus we were all remembering the experience of the presence of Swami Vivekananda in the Durbar Hall and love of Swami Adibhavanandaji.

We said our “five jai’s” and continued on our way.  Since it was evening, all did prayer together.  As we joined in prayer, we appreciated that having all Vidyapith people together on this journey made it a unique experience. It gave us all a special joy.

Heavy rain, roads filled with pot-holes, and driving in the dark on Indian highways created some concern.  We saw many trucks with no reflectors or red lights in the back. Some did not even have headlights. Drivers seemed to have their own driving logic—logic of a high-risk nature.  Our only solace was based on three people: (1) our escort Kalpitbhai, a family friend, who was always in the front with a small van keeping an eye on everything related to transportation. (2) A known, reliable, calm, and skillful bus driver Rafik, who had in his mind the complete dimension of the bus and was fully aware of the whole traffic situation.  He was also fixing the bus whenever we ran into mechanical problems.  (3) Ketan, a helper of the bus driver who was driving away cows, buffaloes, and sheep from the front of the bus, helpful in making U-turns or reversing the bus, and helpful in giving food to the driver and giving him company. Those who were in the front were a little worried during overtakes when there were about two inches of distance between fast driving vehicles and our bus.

We reached Rajkot around 8:30 p.m., after dark, much later than expected.  Anant Maharaj, (Swami Sarvasthananda) head of Rajkot Ashram, had been informed by phone about our estimated time of arrival.  With little difficulty the huge 56-seater bus was pulled in the ashram.  Swamiji was waiting for us.  He asked us to go straight into the shrine before they closed it.  With the help of umbrellas and ponchos we protected ourselves and went to the shrine.  It was a beautiful shrine.  We all quietly saluted Thakur, Maa, and Swamiji, sat down and did some japa.  Then, we went to Anant Maharaj to meet him.  He received all of us and asked about our plans.  He told us to come tomorrow before 8:00 a.m. since buses were not allowed into the city after 8:00 a.m.

We had a dinner invitation by Mr. Virani.  He and his wife were also waiting for our arrival.  They took us to a very special Rajasthani Restaurant.  Even in the drizzle, a drummer, dressed up in Rajashtani outfit, started playing the drum.  A small girl in a beautiful dress welcomed each of us with a tilak of kumkum.  Inside there was a huge ground with pillars, statues, plants, and flowers.  We entered into a huge, palace-like building.  There was a huge room with sofas all around where two musicians were waiting for us. While playing the harmonium, one started singing a Rajasthani song in a melodious voice.  He was accompanied by a person on dholak.  We all enjoyed their songs. It was late and all were hungry.  We went to a nicely decorated dining room and had delicious dinner.  We were told that there were dancers waiting to entertain us upstairs.  But, we apologized to them and said that we had a long day and we were exhausted.  We wanted to check in our hotel and take some rest.  We checked in the hotel “The Fern.”  It was a very nice hotel and some were amazed to see cricket bats with signatures of famous players.  We were a large group of 54 people, but because of some pre-planning, the check-in was very smooth and we soon retired to our rooms.

The next day all got up early, had breakfast, and got into the bus.  We had to get into the city before 8:00 a.m.  We made it on time.  Again, we all went to the shrine, quietly sat down, and did japa.  After some time, when we started coming out, we found Anant Maharaj waiting to greet us near the entrance.  He said, “I have heard that you sing good dhoons and bhajans.  Would you like to sing by the shrine?  It will be a good memory for all of you.”  We were pleasantly surprised by this.  I asked him how he found out that we sing dhoon-bhajans.  He said that Prafulbhai, uncle of Shyam Gohel (Meera Gohel Aunty’s husband Rajen Gohel’s brother) had told him.  Prafulbhai was joyfully standing by Swamiji’s side.  We were thrilled by this idea of singing by the shrine.  Swamiji asked us to wait a few minutes while some preparations were made for our singing.  Meanwhile, I lovingly and joyfully gave a hug to Prafulbhai.

Prafulbhai told me that he regularly comes to the ashrama to do prayer. That day when he came, he saw stickers of “Vivekananda Vidyapith” on all of you.  He was so excited that he could not do prayer anymore. He went out and met Anant Maharaj and told him that these people are from Vivekananda Vidyapith.  They sing very good dhoons and bhajans and I have listened to their tapes for over the last several years.

Reflecting upon the all of this later, I told everyone that in a billiard-ball game, a player hits one ball, then that ball hits another one and so on and at the end the desired ball goes into the hole.  When Nisha’s uncle Nimishbhai made stickers for all of us, he had no idea of this divine opportunity.

In the Prayer Hall two huge carpets were spread. On one carpet there was a harmonium and a pair of tabla. We sat down and sang Pranam Mantras, Sri Ramakrishna Suprabhatam, Tumi Brahma Ramakrishna, Jaya Sri Sarade, and Jaya Vireshwar. The singing was perfectly tuned, melodious, and filled with devotion. Swamiji had taped our singing.  He was very much pleased with our singing.  We felt as though Thakur wanted to listen to our singing.  Indeed Swamiji was right – a life-long memory had been created.

Swamiji then took us to his office and told us about the Rajkot ashram, its “Value Education Program,” and its future building. He also gave us books. He talked about all the recently released DVDs about Swami Vivekananda and an upcoming movie on Swami Vivekananda. After that he showed us the original temple and the bookstore.  It was an attractive bookstore.  All were crazy to buy books, tapes, bags, and other things.  Meanwhile a few people visited the “Sister Nivedita School” and other services run by Mr. Gulabbhai Jani and his wife.

Swami Sarvasthanandaji had offered us lunch.  Plates were set on the dining tables for all 54 people.  Swamiji himself was waiting to make sure we ate well.  All were fed sumptuously.  After lunch it was time for us to go.  All saluted Swamiji and got into the bus.  At the end Prafulbhai and his wife Chitraben handed me a bag filled with tasty “Khakhara” and famous sweet “Rajkot Pendas.”

It was a challenging task to get the huge bus out of the gate and make a U-turn in the busy street.  Swamiji himself stood out to make sure we were okay.  With the bus driver’s amazing skill and his assistant’s help, the bus was maneuvered successfully.  As we pulled out, we waved our hands to say “bye” to Swamiji.

Out next destination was Dwaraka.

We can be statues too!

Ramakrishna Mission Vivekananda Memorial at Limbdi

From Sabarmati Ashram we went for lunch at the “Silver Cloud” restaurant. Trupti Aunty and Nayana Aunty had worked hard to find good restaurants in all the cities we were to visit on the trip. They had called the managers and fixed the menus and times for all of our meals – breakfasts, lunches and dinners. So in a nice air-conditioned room we all enjoyed a delicious lunch.

We then headed to Ramakrishna Mission at Limbdi. Rain started. The roads had lots of potholes due to heavy rain over the few weeks before we arrived. The bus was sometimes traveling at 5-km/hour and going over bumps. At each bump, all the boys seated in the last row would jump up and down, and the laughter with each jump only grew louder and louder.

As we were traveling, Swami Adibhavananda of the Limbdi Ashram was eagerly waiting for us and even inquired through phone calls about when we would be reaching there. Finally, we arrived at Limbdi. Swami Adibhavanandaji, whom people lovingly call “Bapa”, sent a young boy on motorcycle to escort us. The boy asked me to get on his motorcycle and I had a chance to ride it. Swami Adibhavanandaji asked us to go to the palace first. On the way, you could see Swami Vivekananda’s statue prominently in the city center with “Arise! Awake!…” written in Gujarati. We then saw the palace. In this small Limbdi town, the palace stands out as a gorgeous structure. It was in this palace that Swami Vivekananda stayed for several days. Swamiji had held spiritual discussions in the “Durbar Hall,” an assembly hall of the palace.

We all climbed several steps to go to the Durbar Hall. While going up we saw an excellent exhibition of Swami Vivekananda’s pictures. One painting of Swami Vivekananda with the Maharaja seemed like it had just been painted. It was amazing to see that the colors had still remained intact over all these years.

It was Maharaja Thakur Saheb of Limbdi Shri Yashwantsinhji who had hosted Swami Vivekananda. He was a very learned and cultured king. He had visited England and America and he advised Swami Vivekananda to go to the west to teach Sanatan Dharma.

Upstairs, there was a beautiful shrine in the Durbar hall. The experience was sitting in the hall was thrilling. Imagine! Swami Vivekananda held spiritual discussions in this very room. The atmosphere was serene and pleasant. We all sat down in awe and offered our salutations to Thakur, Maa and Swamiji. We sang the bhajan “Jaya Vireshwar” and quietly did japa. The melodious singing of Pranam Mantras in perfect tune and filled with devotion, created a very inspiring atmosphere. All forgot their tiredness.

A Brahmachari led us to the Limbdi Ashram where Swami Adibhavanandaji was waiting for us. He had asked devotees to prepare 54 plates filled with a banana, a sweet, and fresh dates. We all enjoyed this loving hospitality. Swami Adibhavanandaji made sure that we enjoyed the snack. A few devotees were serving all of us with love.

It had started to rain again, and the huge bus could not come to the door. Swami was concerned about us getting wet so he asked couple of people to give us rides in the ashram’s cars. The rest of us walked through the muddy road with umbrellas and ponchos. We finally got into our bus and started on our journey to Rajkot. Despite the inconveniences, all were very happy and felt that they were lucky to be in the room in which Swami Vivekananda had stayed.

One student had a stomach problem, but luckily we had four physicians with us. They were ready with all needed medicines, and they immediately took care of him.

One thing I forgot to mention was that every morning on the bus, we started our journey with saying “Jai,” and then singing “Sri Ramakrishna Suprabhatam” with students and myself leading over the bus’s megaphone. Afterwards, whenever we had the chance, we recited Shanti Mantras, sang dhoons, bhajans and Gita Chapters 12 and 15. With all of the singing, we did not feel the tiredness of the long bus rides. Also, we had delicious snacks, which were brought to us by Jaymeen Uncle, Trupti Aunty, Nayana Aunty, and Apexa Aunty. Thus we filled our stomachs and minds with satisfaction and joy.

Vadodara to Sabarmati Ashram, Ahmedabad

Sorry to keep you waiting for more Bulletins of our trip.  I could not load them immediately for several reasons including having exciting activities from early morning to late night and not having enough sleep or access to Wi-Fi.

Several students, teachers, and parents checked in to the Royal Orchid Central Hotel, Vadodara, on Thursday, August 1^st and had dinner at the hotel. It was exciting to see a little Vidyapith in the lobby of the hotel.  They were eagerly waiting for the next day to begin. It would be a unique trip and our first Vidyapith trip in India. Also, we were happy that we were going to visit the places that Swami Vivekananda had visited.

Let me take you on a pictorial journey of the places we visited.  We had lots of fun and uplifting moments.  I wish I could make you feel our fun, joy, and inspiration through some magic.  But alas, I do not know magic.  You will have to imagine!

Early morning on Friday, August 2^nd, all of the Vidyapith people who were at the Royal Orchid Hotel gathered in the restaurant to enjoy a delicious breakfast.  The youngsters were amazed to see the variety of items including cereals, idlies, toasts, etc.  Those who were staying in Vadodara came and joined in as well. It was also a divine coincidence that Pravrajika Shuddhatmaprana, who we visited at Ridgely Manor, could also join in our trip.  Just couple of days before, Swami Nikhileshwaranandaji asked me if Pr. Shuddhatmaprana could join us.  We were all happy about this divine company especially given that we had enjoyed her loving hospitality at Ridgely Manor.

The beginning of our trip was not very exciting as we had very heavy rain in the morning in Vadodara.  There was even a power-outage in the early morning, but it paid-off to stay in a good hotel that had a generator which immediately gave us full electric power.  I was worried that our trip would be a disaster; many had warned us of keeping this program in the monsoon season.  I left everything to Thakur’s wish.  People loaded our luggage in the heavy rain while we ran and took our seats.  In spite of the rains, Vidaypith people were excited to go on the trip and were ready to go through whatever the future brought.

We arrived at Mahatma Gandhiji’s Ashram in Ahmedabad where many Vidyapith people were going to join us.  You can only imagine our joy when we met each other.  Together, we visited this international historic place and learned many things about the great soul, Mahatma Gandhi.  Einstein had once said that after some time people would not even believe that such a great person lived on this earth.  People would think that Gandhiji was just a myth.  It is remarkable that in 1893 when Swami Vivekananda gave a famous speech at the World Parliament of Religions in Chicago, Mahatma Gandhi had also arrived in South Africa – both events were significant in making these great souls known to the world. Mahatma Gandhi has even said that after reading Vivekananda’s lectures, his love for India multiplied by thousand-fold. In Gandhiji’s works, several teachings of Vivekananda became tangible.