Vitthal Rao's early life
Born to Balakrishna Rao and Lalita Bai, in the year 1884 in Hosdrug, Kerala, Vitthal Rao was leading a
fairly ordinary life of a householder till one day, at the age of 36 years, he realized that the path to
peace which his mind was seeking lay in spiritual pursuit.
He read several books by spiritual masters like Swami Vivekananda and Swami Ramtirtha; tried to understand
the teachings of Ramakrishna Paramhamsa and finally realized that only God could give pure unadulterated
peace.
The power of 'Ram Mantra'
He turned to his father for hope and help and he advised him with the one thing he completely believed in.
He told his son to chant the 'Ram Mantra'
'Om Shri Ram, Jai Ram, Jai Jai Ram.'
Balakrishna Rao told his son that by doing so he would find the answers to his questions. This is when
Vitthal Rao decided to bid goodbye to the worldly life and become a sanyasi (mendicant).
Thus, one cold December morning in 1922, he boarded a train and physically began his spiritual journey.
He had no ticket and no idea as to where he wanted to go. All he had was the name of his beloved 'Ram' on
his lips and full faith that Ram would guide him.
He found himself in Srirangam, in Tiruchirappalli, Tamil Nadu, the site of one of the largest Vishnu
temples in India. He took a bath in the Cauvery river, took off his old robes and donned the ochre robes
of a sanyasi. With his new clothes, he also gave himself a new name. He decided that henceforth,
he should be called Ramdas, which when translated means "the servant of Ram."
Meeting Ramana Maharshi
It is said that when the right time comes, everything starts falling in place. After taking sanyas,
Ramdas continued wandering in the company of other sanyasis before he reached
Ramana Maharshi's ashram located at the sacred Arunachala
Hill in southern India. He sought the sage's blessings and the latter obliged him.
So overcome was Ramdas by this meeting that he retired to a cave in the Hill and remained in solitude for
21 days. When he finally emerged from the cave he felt as if enveloping him was a strange and brilliant
light. As if everything around him was only Ram and nothing but Ram.
Panch Pandav Cave, Kadri
Swami Ramdas continued traveling to the various corners of his homeland. He went to the most favored
destination of people of his ilk, the Himalayas. He visited Bombay (now Mumbai) and then went on to
Mangalore where he spent three months living in isolation in the Panch Pandav cave in Kadri.
It was at Kadri that some of the most significant changes occurred in Swami Ramdas's life. During the
course of his meditation, at times he would perceive a bright all-enveloping light, when his heart would
brim with an inexplicable love for all humanity. These trance-like states continued to behold him in
flashes, which later turned into longer and longer spells.
In such a state when his heart would fill up with compassion and love for all, he would freely mingle
with everyone. And when he felt that the materialistic aspect of life was overcoming him, like joy,
sorrow or grief, he would instinctively withdraw into solitude. Eventually, he would no more be
overpowered by materialism and he finally attained consciousness and became self-realized.
After attaining bliss, he continued traveling for a few more years, till finally he settled down in an
ashram in Kasaragod, in Kerala, built by one of his devotees.
Meeting Mata Krishnaba
It was at Kasaragod where a chance meeting between Swami Ramdas and Mother Krishnabai made the latter
decide to dedicate her entire life to his service and the institution set up by him.
Krishnabai's domestic life and emotional self were in shambles after the passing away of her husband.
It was in this distraught condition that she had met Swami Ramdas in 1928. Meeting him was one of the
most peaceful moments of her life. And, from that moment onwards she became his disciple.
Anandashram, Kanhangad
Swami Ramdas and Mother Krishnabai, also called "Beloved Papa" and "Pujya Mataji", moved
to Kanhangad, Kerala where they set up the current Anandashram in 1931. Soon the ashram became a beacon
of hope to several who found their way here in search of bliss.
After Swami Ramdas's Mahasamadhiin the year 1963, ashram's responsibility fell on the able
shoulders of Mata Krishnabai who continued to serve and look after the affairs of Anandashram until her
Mahasamadhi in 1989.
Anandashram and social welfare
The ideal of the Anandashram is "Universal Love and Service based upon a vision of divinity in all
beings and creatures of the world." The institution does not distinguish between individuals on man-made
differences like caste, creed, religion or region.
Anandashram is involved in several social welfare activities, which are conducted either directly through
Anandashram Trust or by associated institutions viz. Swami Ramdas Charitable Medical Mission (SRCMM),
Mother Krishnabai Rural Development Trust (MKRDT) and Vishwa Seva Educational Trust (VSET), which
conducts value-based education programs across schools (over 70 across the country) and colleges.
Inside Anandashram
If one was to describe the physical attributes of Anandashram, picturesque would be the word which would
fit the description to a T. Built keeping in mind the natural beauty of the place, Anandashram is an
institution in harmony with its surroundings.M
Set in sylvan surroundings, the main ashram building majestically rests on a hilly incline with green
hedges fencing the walkway on either sides. Inside the complex lies a small circular garden which has a
post on which flutters a yellow flag inscribed with the holy name of "Ram."
Some of the main structures in the complex include the Bhajan Hall, the Homa Mandir, built after the
Maha Samadhi of Papa Ramdas and the Samadhi Mandir, built after the Samadhi of Mata Krishnabai. Both of
these samadhis, set in white marble, are similar in structure, both having carved doors and windows.
Wooden panels above the windows are engraved with the 'Ram Mantra' and huge portraits of the two
adorn the southern door of both the samadhis.
Another interesting feature of the complex is the Go-shala or the cattle shed, which houses over
40 bovine members. The milk produced by these cows is used in food preparations for the ashram staff and
visitors.
Also, located in the ashram are cottages for visitors to the ashram and a small cottage that works as the
Information hub at the ashram.
The ashram's library boasts of a collection of over five thousand spiritual and religious books, available
in different languages.
A day at Anandashram
A typical day at Anandashram begins in the wee hours of the morning. Around 5 am, the Bhajan Hall comes
alive with 'Vishnu Sahasranamam'. This is followed by 'Guru Stuti', prayers offered to the
guru along with flower offerings. 'Ram Naam', 'Shiv Naam' and Bhajans follow and the
morning session closes with Arati at 12:30 pm.
The afternoon session begins with 'Ram Naam' at 2 pm, followed by other Bhajans and readings
from holy texts. This session concludes with the evening Arati.
A constant chanting of 'Ram Naam' called 'Akhand Ram Naam' continues for 12 hours in the
day, from 6 am to 6 pm. The belief behind the constant chanting being that it creates an environment of
peace, love and harmony.
Satsangs are held regularly between 9-10 am and 3:30-4:30 pm at the Satsang Hall.
How to reach Anandashram
Anandashram is located in Kanhangad, in northern Kerala.
The nearest airport is the one at Mangalore, in Karnataka, located at a distance of nearly 100 kms. From
Mangalore a traveler will need to take a train or come by road to reach Kanhangad.
From Kanhangad Station Anandashram is about 5 kms away and one can reach it by either taking a taxi or
bus.
For more information you can correspond with Anandashram's office at the following address:
Anandashram,
Anandashram Post Office,
Kanhangad, 671 531,
Kasaragod Dist.,
Kerala, India.
Tel: +91-0467-220 3036/ 9477
Fax:+91-467-220 7403.
Website: http://www.anandashram.com
Where to stay
All devotees can stay in the guest cottages inside the ashram. However, if you are planning a trip to
the ashram, it would be prudent if you contact the ashram authorities beforehand to check and intimate
them about your impending visit.
All those who are planning a trip to Kerala to be one with nature and soak in the visual delights of
"God's Own Country," must try visiting this ashram and checking out firsthand the power of 'Ram Naam',
the passport to bliss at Anandashram.
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