Mahan Of The Day:- Swami Sathyananda Saraswathi

Swami Sathyananda Saraswathi

  Jagadguru Swami Sathyananda Saraswathi (September 22, 1935 – November 23, 2006) also known as Chenkottukonam Swamiji, was a Hindu spiritual teacher, orator, historian and religious scholar. He was the founder of Hindu Aikya Vedi and remained its chairman until his death.
He established Sree Rama Dasa Mission. He was an exponent,of the 4 spiritual paths-Jnana Yoga, Bhakti Yoga, Raja Yoga and Karma Yoga, a veritable treasure of Divine wisdom,an ecstasic devotee of the Divine mother goddess,a yogi par excellence and the greatest karmayogi to uphold Sanatana Dharma since Swami Vivekananda.




He was a poet, an ispiring orator, historian & religious scholar of great philosophical depth whose emphasis has been on the scientific interpretation of religion to highlight the essence and the true scientific spirit behind it. He is known for his zealous efforts for the cause of Hindu unity in India and at international level,the temple rights restoration movements led by him and his fiery exhortations of immense scientific and philosophical depth.
He conducted the Sathakoti Archana(1 Billion Holy Names of the Divine Mother) in Thiruvananthapuram in the millennium year 2000 which was characterised by many miracles including the Holy Descent of the Divine Mother as luminous light on the concluding day which was recorded by scientists and scholars of international repute using instruments like Kirlian Camera,Tonograph, Aura camera etc.

Swamiji was born Shekharan Nair on the 22nd of September, 1935 in the Mangalath Tharavad,a Hindu noble family near Panimoola Devi temple, Andoorkonam, near Thiruvananthapuram (Trivandrum) the capital of the erstwhile Travancore.

Swamiji was a spiritual child and exceptionally gifted as noted by his contemporaries. He was an excellent student, a gifted poet, and a promoter of classical arts. Even at a very young age, he developed a strong spiritual earnest and had an inborn spiritual disposition that flowered as he grew up.
At the age of 8, Swamiji started reciting Sreemad Bhagavatham of Thunchaththu Ramanujan Ezhuthachan, the father of Malayalam literature. He memorized the Vishnu Sahasranama before he was 5 & realised Lord Krishna at the age of 9.

He was inspired by the writings of Swami Vivekananda and Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose. When in the fifth standard, an inexhaustible desire to take Sannyas entered His young mind.
Swamiji graduated in Economics and History from Mahatma Gandhi College and took a Bachelor of Education degree from the University College, Trivandrum and Studied Philosophy for Post-graduation but did not write the exams as per his guru’s wishes.

During college days, he actively participated in extracurricular activities. He was always a topper academically, as well as in elocutions and essay-competitions. As a university student, he organised a symposium on ‘Kumaran Asan and his Doctrine of Love’.He was involved in ‘Sarvodaya’ activities at the age of 18. He met Shri Kelappan, the Sarvodaya leader. Swamiji was an avid reader of Gandhian literature and participated in the Gramadan, Jeevadan programmes. He held responsible positions in ‘Shanti Sena’ at the national level. He also render valuable service to the weak and downtrodden sections of society.

While he was working as an English master at a High School,he was summoned to the Ashram on the eve of his proposed departure to the Himalayas by Sree Neelakanta Gurupadar,a 20th century mystic hermit ,a veritable treasure of Vedic wisdom who was known for his intense, incessant and penetrating penance yet spending an ordinary life clad in a short peace of dhoti for 45 years, never stepping out of the 14 cent area of the ashram.

He was initiated in to Sannyasa & trained by his guru who spoke very little and communicated through symbolism and eye-movements.The ever-attentive disciple fulfilled every duty in an impeccable manner. During the 3 years of close association with Gurupadar, Swamiji attained spiritual and intellectual bliss. The Guru-Shishya relationship they had was a living example of Guru Gita and re- enaction of the blissful love between Sree Rama and Lord Anjaneya.
After the samadhi of his guru, he took the reins of a humble organization and single-handely built it into an organization of International Significance.
His Holiness performed fourteen-year-long penance on Sree Lalita Tripurasundari, the divine mother goddess with a rigorous regime of conducting poojas five times a day. Such an intensity of Sree Lalita Upasana has only been recorded in the live of Adi Shankara. Since then, he has been engaged in the comprehensive uplift of the Indian society
Swamiji registered Sree Rama Dasa Mission’s Universal Society with its motto ‘Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam’,in 1981.
Ignorant of the ancient greatness and profundity of the Hindu faith,the Hindus were being exploited by vested interests.Distorted versions of the classical texts were being circulated and studied,votaries were divided by politicians and places of worship were being attacked. Regrettably, no politicians or intellectuals ever resented the concerted and continuous acts. It was against this background that Swamiji,stepped out of the Ashram to spearhead the movement against communal violence,intellectual subversion ,distortion of history and false propaganda against Indian heritage.

He played the key role in forging unity Hindu organizations in the state since the 1970s. He fought valiantly, leading marches and rallies against destruction of ancient temples, false propaganda and subversion about Indian Culture and mass religious conversions by giving false hopes to financially and socially backward people.

• In April 1983, in response to the desecration by communal miscreants of an ancient and sacred temple at Palukachimala Hill in Kannur, Swamiji organized a convention of Hindu Sannyasins from major organisations allover India and subsequently a procession of sannyasins was conducted for the first time in the history of free India, from North Kerala to Kanyakumari, (the land’s end of the Indian mainland.

Over 800 meetings were held on the way criticising the iconoclastic tendencies of vested interests. The event kindled the enthusiasm of all sections of the society.

• As the president of the Nilackal Action Committee and Swamiji restored the holy place for Ayyappa devotees near Sabarimala and amicably settled the dispute between Hindu and Christian religious groups.

• He played the key-role in Guruvayoor Temple Liberation Struggle and agitations against Devaswom Bill in 1996.

• Swamiji also ensured uninterrupted continuation of Gurupadar’s tradition of Parayanam (recitation) of entire Adhyatma Ramayana daily at the temple at Chenkottukonam for more than 8 decades and it still continues to this day.

• In 1989, He started the glorious, spiritual and beautiful Sree Rama Navami Rathyatra covering the southern States of India annually since then.

• Sree Rama Navami Hindu Maha Sammelan (over 12 days) at Trivandrum is carried out every year since 1991, which is a congregation of eminent scholars, pundits, orators and saints.Notable persons include Dr.Murli Manohar Joshi,Rajmata Vijayaraje Scindia, Sri Ramanand Sagar, Sri Sikander Bakht, Sri Uthradom Thirunal Marthanda Varma, Swami Chinmayanandaji, Sri Ashok Singhal,Sri Sadananda Kakde, Sri P. Parameswaran, Sri Dattopantji Thengdi etc.

• Swamiji founded Manishi Herbal Research Foundation for excellence in Ayurveda Research and production. Swamiji Himself prescribed the formulations of many previously unknown and potent medicines, which are available through the Mission.

• S.R.D.M.U.S. MEDICAL MISSION was started by Swamiji so that doctors and researchers from all medical spheres (allopathic, ayurvedic, homeopathic, etc.) can provide relief to numerous suffering people in a charitable manner, organising free clinics, mobile dispensaries, and with plans for a super-speciality hospital. The mission carried out extensive work in Mumbai.

• RAMAGIRI ASHRAM AND THE 'VIRAAT-SWAROOPI Hanuman' PROJECT:

Swamiji envisaged the construction of a massive monument, i.e. A 521 foot Murti of Lord Hanuman covered by Panchaloha (5 metals), in Ramagiri, Maharashtra. This is predicted to become a world Hindu centre with a massive hall for mass prayers, a Ramayana theme park, and holistic health centre, so that all people visiting may be reminded of our glorious cultural heritage, feel peaceful and be prayerful.The Ashram in Ramagiri is the only place to keep a lamp burning uninterrupted 24 hours a day, the jyoti (flame) being taken from Swamiji’s Samadhi in Kerala.

• JYOTIKSHETRAM-Temple of Luminance

A massive scientifically built spiritual nucleus already exists in the Ashram premises at Trivandrum in the form of a 108 foot high temple in the area where the Shatakoti Archana was performed. This was named “Jyotikshetra” by Swamiji as thousands of people were witness to a Divine Light in the sky at the culmination of the Shatakoti Archana in the year 2000. The temple was entirely designed by Swamiji and is a unique architectural achievement. Poojya Swamiji attained Mahasamadhi on the 24th of November, 2006. The centre of this temple now houses Swamiji’s Samadhi.
His mission worked for the Spiritual resurrection by putting an end to inequalities, caste-based discrimination in the Indian society and by his intelligent analysis of situations.

• Having ill will to none and compassion for all,he gave solcae to the ailing and the unfortunate. More than 3000 alcoholics have been de-addicted at the ashram under His blessing.

• THE GREATEST ARCHANA IN WORLD HISTORY- 100 CRORE Chants - SATHAKOTI Archana:

In the year 2000, with the urgent need for World peace, Swamiji organized and carried out the unparalleled Shatakoti Archana (1 Billion Chants of Divine Mother’s Name - ‘Lalita Sahasranama Archana’), in which thousands of people devotedly chanted and prayed.The Last one had been conducted by Sage Vyasa at Naimisharanya in Dwapara yuga. 501 lamps (deepas) lighted from all of India’s well known temples were transported without being extinguished from all corners of the country, and people chanted whilst seated before these lamps. It was also the first time in India’s history that an entire train was chartered to ferry people to Trivandrum to chant the Lord’s name. It also commemorated the centenary of Guru’s birth (23 December 1900).
Swamiji along with Vishwachaitanya Narayan Maharaj also conducted a VISHWA SHANTHI YAJNA of 200 Crore Shiva-Dattatreya Namas at Narayanpur, Pune in November–December 2000.

Swamiji has established centres of Sree Rama Dasa Mission in New York, Boston, Philadelphia, Chicago, Richmond, Virginia, Dallas, Houston, Los Angeles and San Jose in the USA.
Swamiji has disciples and active centres in Malaysia, New Zealand, Switzerland, the Caribbean Islands and the United Kingdom.

Swamiji was awarded the Hindu of the Year 2000 citation by the Federation of Hindu Association (FHA), Los Angeles for the outstanding contributions for the protection and propagation of Sanatana Dharma. He is an Executive Member of the Kendriya Marg Darshak Mandal & Ram Janmabhoomi Nyas Manch.
Swamiji's paper on Elimination of Poverty at the Millennium World Peace Summit of Religious and Spiritual Leaders at the United Nations was widely appreciated.

With a unique Divine purpose and minimal fanfare, Swamiji conducted tours all over India and countries like USA, Canada, Singapore, Switzerland, Malaysia, Trinidad and Tobago, Guyana and Suriname to spread His Guru’s message of Universal Brotherhood.

Meetings

• He addressed the delegates on the Scientific Approach to religion at the World Hindu Conference at Madison Square Garden at New York in 1983.He pointed out the fact that the scientifically tempered and technology oriented modern youth could only be brought closer to religion and culture by scientific approach.This brought wide applause for him and resulted in his association with notable disciples like Rajmata Vijayaraje Scindia who approached him after the function for a detailed discussion.

He met various organisation heads and spoke to them on wide topics from religion to Vegetarianism, the most memorable encounter being with Neil Armstrong. He toured USA extensively for four months spreading the message of Sanatana Dharma and rejuvenating the faith in the minds of Americans as well as Indian diaspora.

• His Holiness delivered the keynote address at the World Hindu Conference 2000, Port of Spain, Trinidad and Tobago in August 2000.

• Swamiji led the Indian delegates at the sessions on Elimination of Poverty at the Millennium World Peace Summit of Religious and Spiritual Leaders at the United Nations, in August 2000.

• His Holiness inspired the formation of a Hindu forum for the transmission of the heritage and integration of the future generations to their culture. His Holiness inaugurated the first Kerala Hindu Convention of North America at Dallas, Texas in April 2001.

Swamiji also inaugurated the Second and Third National Conventions of the Kerala Hindus of North America in November 2003 and July 2005 respectively. Since his Samadhi, the Venue of KHNA conventions have been named Sathyananda Nagar in his honour.

• He also inaugurated the Bengali Hindus Conference (America), and encouraged the various region-based organizations to work united.

H.H. is a poet and scholar of great philosophical depth. His poems are marked by their unusual rhythm and vivid imagination. His poetic expressions range from devotional hymns, couplets for children, to highly philosophical and mystical poems on Mother Goddess and Lord Krishna.
H.H has authored many books, articles, essays and pamphlets on various aspects of Hinduism. His emphasis has been on scientific interpretation of religion to highlight the essence and the true scientific spirit behind it.
H.H has completed a ten-volume commentary on The Adhyatma Ramayana bringing out the subtlest and most salient aspects of the epic hitherto uncovered by no scholar. He has magnificently brought to light the relevance of the Dharmic way of life, the noble concept of family, the brotherhood, the social order and the just polity inherent in the Rama Rajya (Utopia/the Kingdom of Rama) to the modern, strife-torn world.
Swamiji’s published works in English are An introduction to Ramayana and Reflections on Hinduism. His Holiness completed an English translation of Rāmacaritamānasa by Gōswāmi Tulsidās.

"No religion should impede the freedom and growth of the innate humanism in man"

"HUMANISM OF THE WORLD"
"Humanism is the oneness and the uniqueness of pure consciousness that underlies the world: both animate and inanimate. To recognize and realize this truth is to harmoniously co-exist with fellow men, other living beings, Mother Earth and the Universe. Religious and secular dogmas that impede the free unfolding of human nature into Humanism and Universalism must be and shall be discarded into the dustbin of history. The artificial barriers like East-West, North-South, etc., conceived and perpetrated by the petty ego of man will disintegrate when the mankind discovers its true nature."
True Religion:

• Religion is the science that discovers the importance and independence of LIFE in the universe.
• Wealth can be gained, but not LIFE.
• The motto of religion is neither to negate nor to neglect, but to conceive and comfort.
• The role of religion is over when the law of unity is interpreted.
• Universe is the abode of service.
• Religion is the essence of universal service.

 

His Holiness was known for his often outspoken attitude against the injustices done to the Hindu Society through his speeches along the length and breadth of Kerala .However,he always quoted references and provided evidence like books,photographs,scientific reports etc. whilst speaking on stage,which can be seen from the videos available online. He openly supported the ideals of Hindutva and the efforts of the Sangh Parivar and its constituent bodies like the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh, Vishwa Hindu Parishad of which he was a key decision maker and Bharatiya Janata Party with its ideology of Integral humanism based on Advaita Vedanta along with Economic Liberalism and Social Conservatism particularly during the Ayodhya Movement.

He was criticised for providing platforms for these allegedly communal organisations.However,it must be noted that Mata Amritanandamayi who is widely known for her universal love and humanitarian activities was also accused by the Leftists along with Chenkottukonam Swami.
His Holiness died on November 24, 2006 at Thiruvananthapuram . The former Union Minister O. Rajagopal in his condolence message termed the Guru as a brave `Acharya'(teacher) who fought all his life for Hindu renaissance and Hindu unity. The condolence message from Sri Ashok Singhal,President of Vishwa Hindu Parishad International remembered Swamiji as an ‘Intellectual Kshatriya Sannyasi in the lineage of Swami Vivekananda,Swami Dayananda Saraswati and Maharshi Aurobindo.’
His mortal remains are housed in the sanctum sanctorum at the Temple of Luminance in Chenkottukonam, Trivandrum

Mahan Of The Day :- Shivapuri Baba

Shivapuri Baba, also known as Swami Govindanath Bharati, was a Hindu saint who reportedly lived from 1826 to 1963, making him 137 years old at the time of his death.

According to the biography written by John G. Bennett, Long Pilgrimage - The Life and Teaching of the Shivapuri Baba, Shivapuri Baba was born in the Indian State of Kerala as Jayanthan Nambudiripad in 1826 and became a seeker after truth at the age of 18.

He was one of the first spiritual teachers to travel to the West, where he met various European heads of state, as well as U.S. president Theodore Roosevelt, before returning to India in 1915.

He spent the last decades of his life in Nepal, where Bennett visited him twice in the early 1960s.

Shivapuri Baba appears to have been the first modern yoga master to transplant the wisdom of India to the West. He had no fewer than 18 audiences with Queen Victoria, who considered this great sage a friend.He was blessed with a very long life, which, after his awakening at the age of 50, he dedicated entirely to the spiritual welfare of others.He was also known for good well being personality because of his spiritual power and divine.

Shivapuri Baba taught that as humans we have three principal duties: first, physical duty, consists mainly in maintaining body and mind through proper livelihood, including the obligation to help one’s dependents to accomplish the same. Second, moral duty, consisting in remaining sensitive to the obligation to seek the truth 24 hours a day. Third, spiritual duty, by which he meant the worship of the Divine. He felt certain that if we attend carefully to the first two duties for a decade, we will naturally become able to fulfill the third duty. Physical discipline, he noted, brings pleasure. Moral discipline gives us serenity. Spiritual discipline yields deep peace and ultimate happiness.

Shivapuri Baba was dismissive of conventional yogic paths, because he saw in them potential distractions that might keep a person from performing the three duties. On closer inspection, his own sensible prescriptions are in fact a form of yoga.

He is said to have not been harmed by dangerous animals such as tigers or snakes in the forest. Instead, they were his "good friends" and would visit him regularly to eat what he offered to them.

The SHIVAPURI BABA lived to be a hundred and thirty seven years old.
He was born as a twin, in 1826, and came into this world with a smile on his face.

His grandfather, Achyutam, was a famous astrologer, and along with the other signs of his birth, he announced that a great soul had been born and that the family line would come to an end, as it had fulfilled its purpose on earth.

In 1844, at the age of eighteen, the future saint was ready to leave civilization and attempt the vision of God. For the next quarter of a century, he lived alone in the remote forest beside the Narbada river, in the upper Deccan of southern India. What he was after, to be more precise, was ' Itambhara Prajna ', or complete union with Absolute Will beyond Being itself. To achieve that, the young renunciate had to live the minimum life possible so he could empty his mind of all its contents, thereby enabling him to make that supreme act of total surrender and to remain in anxious suspension until the Breakthrough arrived.

And what a Breakthrough he had, after twenty-five years of non-stop practice, capped off by the crowning Touch of Divine Grace, the veil of consciousness was finally lifted, in a flash!, and he landed up in Eternity.

As if that wasn't enough, after achieving the Impossible, the Saint then left the jungle, beaming radiant with the Light of God Realization, (after all, had he not drunk from the Milk of Paradise?) to perform the next activity on his list which just happened to be taking a walk around the entire world!

The year he set out, trekking through the Khyber Pass, was 1875, and after covering 80% of the land mass on foot, and meeting many of the world leaders of that time, including Queen Victoria (this fact is curious, a lot of people dispute it), Queen Emma of the Netherlands, and President Theodore Roosevelt, to name a few, our amazing Saint returned to India forty years later in 1915, in one piece, without a single scratch, whereupon he helped found a university in Benares, with some diamonds his grandfather had set aside, but of course he refused the Chancellorship; revealed the route up Mount Everest that the Hunt expedition finally chose in 1952; taught B.G. Tilak [i.e. Arctic Home in the Vedas (doesn't that ring a bell?)] a ' little ' astronomy; settled down alone in a small hut outside of Katmandu, in the Shiva Puri Forest, where a wild leopard used to come sit beside him like a domestic house cat; received tons of visitors all asking questions about God; took up smoking at one hundred and seven; still looked like the picture of health and vitality at one-hundred and twenty-nine; and eventually died in 1963, shortly after he had approved the draft for his biography, titled " Long Pilgrimage ", by John G. Bennett.

When the hour came to meet death, the SHIVAPURI BABA rose up from his bed, took a drink of water, said "Live Right Life, Worship God. That is all. Nothing more." Then he laid down on his side with his right hand supporting his head, spoke his last words, "I'm gone", in Hindi, "Gaya", ditched the old body, then I guess, he went immediately to join God and his grandfather. What a life! What a life!!

ShivaPuri Baba

Ashram Picture taken from outside compoud	Ashram Picture Taken From Inside Compound
Hut where baba used to stay	A special chair where baba used to stay and swing
Inside Portion of Meditation Hall	A very old picture where baba seems to be sitting on 'jhulan'

Shivapuri Baba was an ancient saint. He landed this planet in 1826. (corresponding to Bikram Sambat 1883, Bhadra Mul Nakshtra). He was born in Nambudari Family, Malabar, Kerala, South India .

He smiled at his first breath in the earth.His grandfather was an astrologer and had once forecasted that the family will come to an end . He was born as a twin along with her sister.Baba was looked after by his grandfather and grandmother as his parents died during his early childhood. Grandmother most often used to tell him stories before going to bed.

Baba mastered all four vedas (Sama Veda, Yajur Veda, Atharba Veda, Dhanur Veda) at his early stage of 14.

Baba was accompanied by his grandfather Achyutam in Amar Kantaka Forest, near Narmada, Madhya Pradesh, India for the quest of the Truth.

He stayed nearly 20 years in the deep forest and realized God. He remarked his god realization expereince in his own words as “God came in a flash. All the problems were solved”.

Babas' Teachings to realize GOD is simple. His teaching is Right Life( SWADHARMA) which means Devotion And Discrimination.

Right Life comprises following Physical, Moral and Spiritual Disciplines.

Physical Discipline

Take care of the Body.

Decide how much to eat, how much to drink, how much to Sleep,how much sex and extra activity.

Have a professional duty.

Earn money to maintain Life and family. Look after your dependents.

Moral Discipline

• Follow the 26 divine virtues mentioned in the first three verses of 16th Chapter of Bhagavad Gita..
• Do not harm people.
• Use discrimination and help people at the time of need.
• Contribute at least 10 percent of your income to the needy people, educational institutions, students etc.
• Save 30 percent of your income to use that amount at the time of need.
• Begin charity from the home, neighbors.
• Make your mind strong.The strong mind is the link between two worlds which enables human being to face their duties with serenity and to enter upon his search for God.
• Read the Books like Bhagavad Gita, Bhagavata, Ramayana, Mahabharata, Books On Buddha, Christ, Mohammad and other spiritual personalities.

Spiritual Discipline

• Devote maximum time in God worship.
• Meditate on him, in the beginning with form and try to go beyond form.
• If you go on passing your time on meditating on God, God will come in a flash.
• If you see God or Truth, all your problems will be solved and no re-birth in the world.
• After God realization also the soul immediately will not leave this gross body.
• It stays in the body so long as one enjoys prarabdha.
• Prarabdha is the accumulation of your deeds in your past life. When balance is not left, no rebirth.

"Truth is harsh and justice uncompromising ."

-Shri Shivapuri Baba

After the demise of Grandfather, he came out of the forest and initiated Sanyas at Sringeri Math. Sringeri Math was established by First Shankaracharya (Adi Shankaracharya). After initiation, he was named Govindananda Bharati.

 

Mahan Of The Day :- Swami Shraddhanand

Swami Shraddhanand

Born February 2, 1856
Talwan Village, Jalandhar, India Died December 23, 1926 (aged 70)
Delhi, India

Swami Shraddhanand (1856–1926) was an Indian educationist and a Arya Samaj missionary who propagated the teachings of Swami Dayanand which included the establishment of educational institutions, like the Gurukul Kangri University, and played a key role on the Sangathan (consolidation) and the Shuddhi (re-conversion) a Hindu reform movement in 1920s.

His death at the hands of a Muslim fanatic caused religious strife in India.

He was born on 22 February 1856 in the village of Talwan in the Jalandhar District of the Punjab Province of India, and was the youngest in the family of Lala Nanak Chand, was a Police Inspector in the East India Company administered United Provinces (now Uttar Pradesh). His given name was Brihaspati, but later he was called Munshi Ram by his father, a name that stayed with him till he took Sanyas in 1917, variously as Lala Munshi Ram and Mahatma Munshi Ram. His school education began at Varanasi and ended at Lahore. His father, His early education was interrupted because of his father's frequent transfer to Mirzapur, Banda, Mathura and Bareilly. Due to this he finally ended up in the company of rich friends who were engaged in all type of evil activities. His mind was diverted towards atheism due to few incidents which he saw in his life like he was prevented while entering the temple as some noble lady was doing her prayer. compromising situation of a church's father with nun, attempt rape of young devotee by a pontiffs of Krishna cult, suspicious death of a girl child at the home of a Muslim lawyer. Due to all this incidents his atheism was grown stronger. After many efforts he passed mukhtari exams and started his studies to become a well known lawyer.

His first meet with Swami Dayanand Saraswati was when Swami Dayanand visited Bareilly for giving lectures, as his father was there for the arrangements and security as some prominent personalities and British officers were present there so he asked Munshiram to attend the lectures. Munshiram went there with the intention of spoiling the arrangements but watching and listening him he was influenced by Dayanand's courage, skills and strong personality. After completing the studies Munshiram started his practice as lawyer

In 1892, when Arya Samaj split into two factions over making Vedic education the main stay of the curriculum at the DAV College Lahore, he left the organization and formed Punjab Arya Samaj, and in 1902 established a Gurukul in Kangri near Haridwar which is now a recognized University known as Gurukul Kangri University.In 1916 he also established gurukul Indraprashtha in Aravali near Faridabad, Haryana. Previously in 1897, after the assassination of Lala Lekh Ram, he became his successor, and headed the 'Punjab Arya Pratinidhi Sabha', and started its monthly journal, Arya Musafir.

In 1915, upon his return from South Africa, M. K. Gandhi stayed at the university campus and met Swami Shraddhanand, it was during this visit that Swami Shraddhanand gave Gandhi, the title of Mahatma (great soul), after that he was best known around the world as Mahatama Gandhi to this day.

In 1917, Swami Shraddhanand, till now known as Mahatma Munshiram took sanyas, left Gurukul to jump full- fledged into Hindu reform movements and the Indian Independence movement , working with Congress, which he invited to hold its session at Amritsar in 1919 when due to Jalianwala tragedy no one in the Congress Committee agreed to have a session at Amritsar. Swami shraddhanand presided that session at Amritsar. He joined the nationwide protest against the Rowlatt Act, in the same year, defiantly protested in front of a posse of Gurkha soldiers, at the Clock Tower in Chandni Chowk, after which he was allowed to proceed. In early 1920s he emerged as important force in the Hindu Sangathan (consolidation) movement which was a by product of the now revitalized Hindu Maha Sabha

swami shradhanand was the only Hindu Sanyasi who addressed a huge gathering from the minarates of the main Jama Masjid New Delhi, for national solidarity and vedic dharma starting his speech with the recitation of ved mantras.

He wrote on religious issues in both Hindi and Urdu. He published newspapers in the two languages as well. He promoted Hindi in the Devanagri script, helped the poor and promoted the education of women. By 1923, he left the social arena and plunged whole-heartedly into his earlier work of the shuddhi movement (re-conversion to Hinduism), which he turned into an important force within Hinduism^. In late 1923, he became the president of Bhartiya Hindu Shuddhi Sabha, created with an aim to reconvert Muslims specially 'Malkana Rajputs' in western United Province, this antagonized the Muslims against him irrevocably and brought him in direct confrontation with Muslim clerics and leaders of the time , and on 23 December 1926 he was assassinated by a Muslim fanatic named Abdul Rashid, who entered his home at Naya Bazar, Delhi, posing as a visitor. Upon his death, Gandhiji moved a condolence motion at the Guwahati session of the Congress on December 25, 1926^.

Today, the 'Swami Shraddhanand Kaksha' at the Archeological Museum, Gurukul Kangri University, Haridwar houses a photographic journey of his life

He married Shiwa Devi, but when he was only 35 years old she died and he was left with two sons and two daughters.

Swami Sraddhananda spearheaded a successful Shuddhi movement to bring back converted Indian Muslims back to Hinduism. Converting back tens of thousands of Muslims (whose ancestors were forcibly converted to Islam from Hinduism) to their original Hindu faith, Swami-ji and the Arya Samaj movement is a major inspiration for Hindu Samhati.

It is a unfortunate that with the passage of time, we are losing the memory of the noble sons of India and one of them is surely Swami Sraddhananda. How many of us are familiar with the name of Swami Sraddhananda? He should have been one of the most revered personalities in the history of Indian freedom struggle and termed as one of the true liberators of the Hindu society as well. We draw vital inspirations from the life history of this venerated sage.

Swami Sraddhananda was the founder of "Gurukul Kangri", positioned in the religious city of Haridwar, and played one of the most vital roles in the national freedom struggle. His life was full of a lot of ups and downs but it was his intrinsic virtues that helped him to overwhelm all forms of adversities. Here is a brief analysis of his successes as a leader. Swami Sraddhananda is regarded as the pioneer in women’s education and it is said had there been no such person, the cause of womens' education would not have reached the present level. The same is said regarding his pioneering work in widow remarriage and class reformation.

Nevertheless, the aforesaid acts were only a miniscule in his biography. He had the dream of setting up a new form of Gurukul and this can be found from his arduous performance in implementing the same in several parts of pre-partition India. In due course, especially the arrest and deportation of Lala Lajpat Rai, his association with the national freedom struggle got deeper.

While on one hand he was transformed into a savior of Arya Samaj, on the other hand he was transformed into a leader of national importance. He had good relations with Mahatma Gandhi in the initial days, strong differences of opinions started to rise between the two in the end. Indian National Congress was involved in wooing and appeasing the Muslim community in the whole of India earning strong criticism of Swami-ji.

The Shuddhi step pioneered by Swami Dayananda Saraswati and adopted by Arya Samaj under guidance of Swami Sraddhananda saved millions of Hindus not even from being lost and also opened doors closed from centuries for entry of countless brothers and sisters who were lost with the cruel passage of time. On 13 Feb 1923 in Agra Swami-ji established Bhartiya Hindu Shuddhi Sabha of which he was elected president and Lala Hansraj as vice president.

An example of the Shuddhi work done by Swami-ji involved over 30,000 Malkana Rajputs and their restoration in the Hindu society and saving of thousands of Hindus from conversion, a strong and hidden agenda of Muslims in the subcontinent.

All these notable and revolutionary successes were too much for the fanatic Muslims to withstand and on 23 rd December 1926 he was assassinated by Abdul Rashid, a Muslim fanatic. The assassin entered his home at Naya Bazar, Delhi, in the form of a visitor and fired two bullets point-black into his chest in due course. Thus ended a great life.

25th Dec, 1926 witnessed a wave of emotions in the streets of Delhi as millions of people assembled to have the last glimpse of Swami ji who dedicated himself for the Vedic Hindu Dharma. Shraddhananda Park in Kolkata was named after the saint. Hindu Samhati, a major Hindu force in the eastern part of the Indian subcontinent, has held major meetings here. Numerous other memorials were also erected across India to commemorate the great saint and his deeds.

We offer a million salutes to this Great Warrior-Saint of our community, and do prarthana that we will be guided by leaders like him for our future work.

Mahan Of The Day :- Jay Jalaram Bapa

Jay Jalaram Bapa

Shree Jalaram Bapa was born in Samvant 1856 (A.D. 1800). His mother's name was Rajbai and father's name was Pradhan Thakkar. Pradhan Thakkar and Valji Thakkar were two brothers actively and honestly engaged in business earning their livelihood.

It is said that Rajbai, wife of Pradhan Thakkar was religous lady who was very inclined to serve sadhus' and sants'. A mother of three sons and three daughter's, she was content in her family life and used to find free time to do her religous duties to sadhus' and sants'. She was once a host to Sant Raghuveerdasji who was very impressed with her selfless services and had blessed her - his blessings were that her second son would be instrumental in enhancing the services that she was doing - he would be famous all over in advocating pious life, duty full of devotion and act of good deeds. This second son was none other than our Shree Jalaram Bapa.

There was a remarkable incident in early life of this saint person : when he was a child, a saint came to the house and requested to see Jalram; when they came face to face with each other - Jalaram at once greeted the saint with respectful "Namaskar" and it appeared that Jalaram had recollected his previous life, he realised who he was, he was reminded of his goal in life - it is argued that this visiting saint was probably a heavenly messenger - from that day onwards the young Jalaram never stopped chanting "Sita Ram" and he began to live life in a different way.

At a young age of 14 Jalaram's marraige was arranged with Virbai, a daughter of Thakkar Pragji Somaija. Jalaram was not in favour of marraige, but his duties towards his parents forced him to accept this arranged marraige. He got married when he was 16 years of age.

Jalaram's love towards sadhus' and sants' grew day by day and he would go to any extent to entertain sadhus and sants. This was not acceptable to his father. Jalaram's deep involvement with sadhus' and sants' led to his seperation from his father's business. He had decided to go his way. He worked for his uncle for some time. Uncle Valjibhai was very fond of Jalaram, but even that love and fondness would not deter Jalaram's desire to serve sadhus' and sants'. If at all anything it made more determined to devote himself fully to the service of sadhus' and sants' and the needy. He was fully aware that such devotion would mean complete withdrawal from marital life, a life free from family ties and circles. His inclination was to go on that path faster and with approval of his parents and uncle Valjibhai, he set out on a holy pilgrimage of holy places. He was fortunate that Virbaima was keen to follow her husband Jalaram. To her, Jalaram's work was her work, Jalaram's wishes were her wishes and all that Jalaram decided to do she was but prepared to do that. She was following Jalaram in every respect.

At the age of 18 he accepted Bhojalram as his Guru and with Gurus' blessings, he started "Sadavrat" a feeding centre, a place where all sadhus' and sants' and the needy can go and expect to be fed 24 hours a day. Both Jalaram Bapa and Virbaima started working for this holy place. Jalaram's strong belief was that "This was the Lord's order - This was Lord's work - I am not doing anything for anybody - Lord has asked me to do this work - since it is Lord's work HE looks after it and ensures that it functions". Actually that did happen - indeed the place functioned well. Nobody ever returned from that place without being fed. One can question whether this can possibly be done by a single person - Yes. We argue and debate and yet probably would not come to a sensible answer - but then to do what Jalaram did one has to be a person of Jalaram's determination, his patience, his love towards others.

He was 20 years when his saintliness acquired a great fame. There are stories of how he was put to tests for his qualities of patience, endurence, love towards others, his steadfastness of thinking - he did not change under any pressure - he came out of all those tests successfully. His fame spread and he was regarded and accepted as a saint. People started worshipping him. They came to him for guidance in difficulties, for blessings in real distress and discomfort. It is said that once he was called out to see an ailing child struct with serious disease. Parents of this child believed that the cure was solely due to Jalaram Bapa's blessings - Jala was since called Allah. In another instance a person who was threatened to be imprisoned went to Jalaram for his blessings. This man was not only saved from such imprisonment but he decided to lead a normal honest life then onwards. Jalaram was then onwards addressed as Bapa - Father of all. There are numerous such instances that can be quoted from his books but fact is that his feeding place was open and is still open today in Virpur where people go and are fed. People go to Jalaram Bapa's places for prayers to him and seek his blessings for their personal griefs, shortcomings and failures and many acquire relief and satisfaction.

Human beings during their span of life always aspire to be rich and acquire wealth - they pray for complete family life - it is such saint as Jalaram Bapa who remain away from such desire and wants. In their lives they always give - even when they are gone they still give to those who ask from them with purity of heart and sincerity of purpose.

In 1934 during terrible famine Jalaram Bapa worked very hard to feed those who were suffering. In 1935 Virbaima died and 1937 Jalaram Bapa died while in prayers.

Such is the story of the life of this Great Saint of Virpur.

In human life, a saint meets one in two ways :-
1. Through his good deeds.
2. Through the will of Almighty God.

If a person meets a true and genuine saint, he transforms himself to a loving person and tears of joy will roll down his face for such a saint.
When Bapa was in his tender years, a saint visited him and blessed him that when he grows up, He (Bapa) will become a great saint and the holy man's words cannot go wrong and exactly the same happened as destined in Bapa's life.
All this has been explained in the holy script of our ancient Ved Purana.




Jala's father had fear that Jala Bapa would become a saint, hence he called upon his younger brother to look for a suitable bride and found one in Aathkot town. She was the daughter of Shri Pragjibhai Thakher by name Virbai who was only sixteen years old.
By blessings of the God, even Virbai was humble and polite by nature, a right choice for Jala Bapa.
Virbai performed her duties whole heartedly in serving her husband viz, Jala Bapa. Because of her, Jala Bapa's work was accomplished.
The way Jala Bapa performed and discharged his duties, sets an example for everyone to follow with utmost holiness in mind.
Out of the actual four duties, there is no religious duty like that of discharging day to day work in the most sincere way. If these are done with entire soul, even the God himself can come to our home.



Virpur town is situated between Junagadh and Dwarka. Since there used to be lot of followers travelling between these two towns, they used to halt at Virpur, this also being Jala Bapa's home town.
Jala Bapa's father was a middle class man owning a ration shop, which was run by Jala Bapa. Any saint who would be invited to visit Bapa would be given any items free of charge. Bapa gained peace by doing this.
Once a neighbouring shopkeeper reported this incidence to Jala Bapa's uncle Valjibhai, who scolded Bapa and went to the saints to get back those items given out by Bapa.
Jala Bapa in turn prayed to Shree Ram, who replaced those items with something more likable. Similarly the stock of shop also remained as earlier.
This shows that one taking God's name is always helped and his work is made simpler. However, this should be all done without malice.
After this rare incident Jala Bapa was worshipped and elevated to the status of Almighty. 

Without a Guru (teacher) and his blessings, a person cannot gain necessary knowledge, or improve his life-style. Furthermore the Guru shows a true path, which leads to the ultimate - the salvation.
Similarly, Jala Bapa even accepted a Guru by the name Shree Bhojalram from Fatehpur and was given a "Guru Malaa And Mantra" in the name of Shree Ram, which was duly accepted.
By the grace of Guru, Jala Bapa's work proved to be fruitful and was accepted as a true spiritual leader who was merciful and taken by the people as incarnation of the God.
This is the real sense of having a Guru.



There is a saying in Gujrati that "to achieve heaven, one has to die". Any work done cannot be successful without faith and honesty and one can be successful if this principal is adopted in one's own life.
All that Shree Jalaram Bapa had done in his entire life, was to feed the needy and gain the blessings of the Almighty. Bapa fed the hungry people and explained the meaning of the donation.
Without any malice, boastfulness or any help from anyone, he himself worked hard on his farm and gained the required wealth and food which he donated to all and attained total bliss.
Virbai supported Bapa's work and showed the charm of it and further proved that behind every successful man there is a woman.



At the age of 21 Jala Bapa had become famous and had lots of responsibilities. With these responsibilities, there is always a lot of worries and tension, but Bapa had left all this at God's disposal for guidance.
Once upon a time, in the village, there lived a tailor by the name of Harji. Harji had some stomach aches for which he had various ailments which were futile. Upon other villager's suggestions, they requested Harji to vow in the name of Jala Bapa, that should his health improve, he would donate food. To his surprise his sickness disappeared within eight days. He fulfilled his wish and Jala Bapa's fame had grown further, but Bapa had never taken that to be his wonderful work. But in turn, he said, it was just ordinary work and that he was just trying to help the needy.
This reflects a true picture of a Saint. 

 

 

Without knowing inner voice of the soul, our birth is incomplete and this can be felt. If we chant the name of the God and turn our vision, we will have certain targets, which will make us become pure and free from sins. By doing this only, a person attains the highest God's salvation. This happened in Jala Bapa's life.
God, himself appeared in the form of a saint and begged for Virbai from Jala Bapa in form of alms. He asked for the most unusual thing and Virbai was given to the saint by Jala Bapa, to carry out the daily chores. By offering this, the saint in return gave Virbai "Jholi" and "Dand", which is even present as of today.
This once again concludes that any prayer or deeds done with whole-heartedness is always beneficial. So let us join Bapa and achieve this also, at earliest opportunity.



The most praised relationship is that of a Teacher and a student. The student has to serve the Teacher with lots of devotion which is a very important task. In turn the teacher has to help the student to free himself from this materialistic world and further protect him also from all evil.
Near Amreli, there is a town called Fatehpur, a place where Bapa's Guru viz. Bhojalram resided. Bapa used to frequently visit him. He used to walk his way to and fro to Fatehpur in order to have his desired blessings.
When two saints meet, they discuss a lot in common and would not realise how time has lapsed, without feeling tired and sleepy. This is a true love for each other.



In Rajkot, there were two sisters by the name Ranbai and Rulbai, who used to carry out the noble work of serving the saints. This noble work by the sisters had come to the knowledge of Bapa, who decided to pay a visit to these two sisters.
At the same time, "Lala Bhagat", from Saila town had also come. Both were welcomed by the sisters and all of them chanted religious songs (Bhajans).
In the morning both sisters took the cows to the fields to graze and had intended to come back early, in order to grind the cereals. Bapa realised this and in turn decided that he would assist the two sisters in grinding the cereals, since both would be tired after the day's hard work.
Jala Bapa-chanting God's name completed the grinding work and when the sisters returned and noticed this, they fell at Bapa's feet, saying that only a highly respected saint can do this work, without any pride. This shows that for a saint, any work can be done without any financial gains in the mind. 

 

In having true devotion and faith, there is a powerful vision that anything is possible. Such a case is that of Govind, son of Karo Reeyani, who became his disciple and in turn Jala Bapa prayed to Shree Ram to protect his only disciple.
Years passed by and one day as everyone has to leave this earth, it happened that Govind was taken of ill health and gave up his life. Entire village had gathered to pay their last respects, even Jala Bapa had come and requested to be shown the face of the deceased. He sprinkled some sacred water on his face and to everyone's surprise Govind became alive.
This is a case that proves that Shree Jala Bapa who in humanly form had been bestowed special powers from none other than Shree Ram.



During the course of Respected Shree Jala Bapa's life, it had occurred that in the year 1901, in Jamnagar, a person by the name of Jamshree Ramanji, in his house had invited all saints, including Jala Bapa, to chant and praise the name of the Gods.
The host, Jamshree, had desired to give cloth to all those who attended the ceremony. It happened that the qunatity of cloth fell short for distribution. Jamshree was perplexed and thought of Jala Bapa. He requested the work of distribution of the cloth to be carried out by Jala Bapa.
Jala Bapa continued giving cloth and to everyone's surprise, each and everyone got their cloth. It was just like a coincidence of a beautiful occurrence during Draupadi times, when Shree Krishna had helped her. So was the case in Jala Bapa's life.
In our lifetime, should we hand over ourselves to the Almighty, he in turn, never let's us down. 

 

First Recognition

There was one significant and miraculous event, which took place, when Jalaram was still a child. An old saint came from Ayodhya. He was on his way to the holy Girnar. He called at Pradhan Thakkar's house and asked Rajabai to bring to him and show him Jalaram, their second child. Even as he was telling this, the child Jalaram came there, leaving his toys with his friends and fell prostrate at the feet of old sanyasi. The latter asked Jalaram, "Do you not recognize me, my son?" As the saint said this, in Jalaram's mental vision, the memory of the whole life of his previous birth flashed itself. His eyes beamed with an expression of recognition of the old saint. He fell at the saint's feet. After the prostration, by the time he raised himself the old saint was gone. But the link had been forged with his previous life, and the chant of 'Ram Nam', which he used to do without any intermission in his previous life, caught up and started on again as unceasingly as his breath.

 

 

 The First Miracle

Virpur is on the way to Girnar, the holy pilgrimage centre, and all pilgrims and sadhus used to make a halt at Virpur for their food and rest. They used to ask for foodgrains at the shops in the village and used to cook their food. One day it is so happened, all the other shops were closed. Valaji' shop alone was open. Hence all the sadhus and mendicants called at Valaji's shop for alms. Jalaram was so delighted to see so many sadhus come to him. He doled out to them dal, rice, flour, ghee, sugar oil and many other items, which ever they asked for, as charity. Further when he saw some of the sadhus in torn clothes, he gave away new cloth also from the shop.

Some of the people of the village who were jealous and envious of Jalaram because of his uncle's fondness for him, went and complained to Valaji who become very furious on Jalaram. He came threateningly to the shop. He said he wanted a complete check to be made in the shop of all the things and materials. Jalaram felt frightened and started praying to God to save him from his uncle's wrath. As the uncle went on checking, every bag was full with the contents, there was no shortage of the cloth even. The uncle was amazed, and instead of taking Jalaram to task, complimented him profusely.

How did the above miracle happen? Only because whatever Jalaram did, he used to say within himself "Iswararpanam". And is it not the duty of the God to protect on who has surrendered himself unto him, and 

who saw in all but God alone !

' JALLA SO ALLAH ", " JALARAM IS GOD "

There lived a rich muslim named Jamal in Virpur. Once his ten years old son was ill. Inspite of all treatment his temperature did not come down. The doctors gave up hope his recovery. The tailor Harji told Jamal about his own experience , " Jamal, a pellet bow can send a pellet upto three hundred yards, a gun can send a bullet upto a thousand, a tank can send a ball upto ten thousand but the Jalaram Bapa's morsel of food given to the sadhus has its reach upto the door of the heaven . Therefore, take a vow in jalaram Bapa's name and that will surely save your son from death.

" Jamal caught the suggestion and said, " O bapa, relieve my son of the disease. I'll give forty meaasures of grains to your charity house ."

It so happened that his son's temperature got down that very night , he opened his eyes, and was saved.

Jamal took a cart load of grains to Jala Bapa, paid obeisance to him and said " Jalla so Allah !"( Jalaram is God ). One who fails to receive something from god can receive it from Jalaram!"

Henceforth Jala Bapa became popularly known as " Jalla so Allah" ( Jalaram is God ). He was twenty two at that time ( Vikram era 1878 ) 

 

DEAD BIRDS COME ALIVE !!!

There were three Arabs in the service of the Thakore of Rajkot. They demanded an increase in wages by four rupees a month. The Thakore refused. So they resigned and started for Junagadh. On their way they hunted a few birds, and put them in the bag they carried on their shoulders.

They were passing through Virpur in the evening when Jalaram Bapa saw them. He said, "Please have your meals here and then go."

The Arabs said, "We are Muslims!"

Bapa said, "there is no distinction of caste or creed in the court of god. You are welcome here!"

Led by Bapa, the Arabs came to his place. Now they rememberd that they had the dead birds with them and here was a hindu temple.What to Do ?

As soon as the meals were finished they tried to go away silently , but Bapa said , " You must have been tired ! Have a night halt here!"

The Arabs felt most embarrassed. Bapa then touched their bag with his staff and said , Ah ! The poor birds feel suffocated make them free."

The Arabs saw that the bag hanging on a peg had live birds in it . They opened the bag and the birds flew away to the tree nearby . The Arabs were amazed . They fell at the feet of Bapa and asked , "Bapa,shall we get a job in Junagadh ?"

Bapa said , why , the Arabs serve only one master ." The Arabs said, " But the Thakore of Rajkot is not willing to pay us adequately."

Bapa said , he will . You asked for four rupees more , but he will give you seven ."

It really happened so. Just at that time, a camel-man ,sent by the Thakore of Rajkot arrived there and took the Arabs back with honour. The Thakore had sanctioned an increase of seven seven rupeesin their salary. 

 

A LOST NOSE RING FOUND FROM A COCONUT

The daughter -in-law of a farmer in Virpur went to a village named Roopavathi in a marriage party . She wore a nose ring with a precious red pearl set in it . While enjoying the wedding festivities she lost it somewhere, and did not find it . she took a vow of offering a coconut in Bapa's temple before going home .

The marriage party returned to Virpur. The daughter-in-law went straight to Bapa's ashram with a coconut .Seeing her weeping Bapa said , " Come on , my child, Let me break the coconut before God ."

Saying this he took the coconut and broke it before the idol of Rama . A miracle happened . The nose -ring came out of the broken coconut !

Bapa said , " Oh, how mischievous my Rama is !"

The daughter-in-law was simply mad with joy. She went home with nose ring . 

 

THE BABUL TREE

There lived a peasant family in kevadara village near Keshod . The head of the family was Nanji Ladani.

One day all the members of the family were relaxing under the babul tree at noon after hard work in the field. Suddenly there was a whrilwind and the tree was uprooted . In a split second it would fall on them and there was no time for escape . All were frightened. Suddenly Nanji cried out, " O save me , Jaliya Bapa ."

No sooner did he speak these words then the tree stopped falling down as if some one had lifted it above them and gradually every one safely slipped from beneaath it.

After a few days Nanji came to Virpur and told Bapa of this incident . Bapa smiled and said, " Look here! See what has happened to my back and remove if there's any babul thorn still inside the body !"

Nanji saw that there were marks of the thorns on Bapa's back.