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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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