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The surprise I felt at the vastness of the place was nothing compared to the surprise
I felt when I learnt what a widespread organisation the Gurudev Siddha Peeth really
was. The ashram is beautiful - so tranquil and serene. As soon as you enter the
portals you feel the world slipping away and calm and serenity descending on you.
The blessed peace of silence is tangible here. No voices are raised and people speak
only when necessary.
Inside the hall where the aartis are held complete silence is mandatory and only
the chanting can be heard. A golden statue of Baba Nityananda, which seems to confer
the blessings of a mind at peace with itself on everyone who enters, dominates the
hall. An island of tranquillity amidst a sea of turmoil.
As soon as you step outside to make your way to Baba Nityananda's samadhi the world
greets you in the shape of shops, cars, people hurrying by and the sound of voices
talking of everyday affairs. But some atmosphere of peace still clings to the place
and the world doesn't seem to encroach upon your space.
The way to the samadhi is through the village of Ganeshpuri, which is like any other
small village in India except for one thing - the presence of a large number of
eating places and small lodges. The temple dedicated to Bhagwan is situated close
to the place where he breathed his last. The interior of the temple is very simple
with hardly any ornamentation, which is unusual in a Hindu place of worship. Here
again there is only the statue of Baba Nityananda presiding over the vast prayer
hall filled to the brim with devotees.
Just outside the temple the ubiquitous vendors are present, but mercifully in small
numbers. I noticed that most of the devotees after attending the performance of
the aarti were making a beeline for the hot springs and I followed. I admit to a
great feeling of curiosity for I had never seen a hot spring before.
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