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| If you have ever been
on the sacred yatra to the lands of Mansarovar and Mt. Kailash in
Tibet, then you need no description. For your eyes, themselves have
beheld the divine splendour of the land. If you have never been on
the yatra, then the words are insufficient. The experience defies
explanation. Mansarovar
and Mt. Kailash are two of the holiest pilgrimage areas to devotees
of Hinduism, Jainism, Buddhism, Bonism and many other faiths. Each
year thousands of devotees undertake the treacherous and rigorous
journey through the mountains and plains of Nepal and China to reach
this sacred land. |
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The
guide books all mention that the journey is severe and
arduous. They say it is not for those with weak health.
They say to be sure to carry with you everything you
might need - including gasoline, food, first aid supplies,
basic necessities.
However,
upon arrival the situation is even more bleak than one
could imagine. These lands are a week's drive away from
a medical clinic. All pilgrims must stay in make-shift
tents, even in below freezing temperatures. All cooking
facilities must be carried along, and all cooking is
done outside, or in a tent.
Each
year, pilgrims die - sometimes only a handful, sometimes
hundreds - due to altitude sickness, lack of oxygen,
physical injuries and other ailments which are easily
treatable, if only the right medical care exists.
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| Here on Yatra, looking
out over the incredible mountains, stretching out as far as you can
either see or imagine - reducing you, your van, your entire life into
nothing more than a grain of sand, blowing by the side of the road.
The mountains follow each other religiously…Our mind, eyes, ears,
senses, just dissolve into the thin air. |
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| A land
barren as far as the eye stretches, days without so much
as sight of a store, a telephone, a building other than
sheet metal and cow dung shacks. Thousands and thousands
of miles of sand mountains, of rivers running into nameless
lakes, of children standing by the side of the dirt that
passes for a road, yelling "Hi…Bye" to every
passing car. |
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| We suddenly
come upon a view that could only be the grace of God.
The sand and tumbleweed landscape suddenly gives way to
a lake of majestic proportion - crystal clear, sprinkled
with purple and blue hues as the evening sun casts its
last rays of light upon the waters. The lake seems to
be a mirage - a vast pool of lush beauty in this arid
land, a gift sent from Heaven as we get closer to the
abode of God. |
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| A true yatra, a true
pilgrimage, a true journey to God. We forsake sleep, food, warmth,
comfort in this quest to truly see, feel and experience God in His
holiest manifestation. There is a stillness in the mind, a peace in
the heart and a joy in the soul that are untouched by these external
things. |
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The rain
comes, pouring down on us, first in drips then in sheets.
Then, as quickly as it came, it disappears - leaving a
sky filled with dark clouds lined by the ever present
sun streaming through. The clouds become lighter, wispier,
mistier. As we sit, on the top of the world, peering through
the bright mist that envelops the mountains as well as
the sky, it seems we are truly sitting in Heaven.
We sit
in Shiva's abode, looking down to a ground that can
not be seen, looking up to His mountain. He offers us
momentary glances, then covers Himself again in the
curtain of clouds. However, although the peak of His
abode is only visible at times of special grace, His
presence is felt continuously. |
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From July 1 – July
23, nearly 200 yatris from 13 countries traveled on a sacred, historic
yatra to Kailash Mansarovar. With the blessings, guidance and inspiration
of His Holiness Swami Chidanand Saraswatiji, the yatra was a divine
success.
The Yatra was graced
by the presence of the following revered saints: |
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| H.H.
Shankaracharyaji Swami Divyanand Teerthji, Bhanpura
Peeth |
H.H.
Swami Chidanand Saraswatiji |
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| H.H.
Swami Gurusharananandji |
H.H.
Acharya Kishore Vyasji |
H.H.
Roopchandra Muniji |
H.H.
Acharya Shrikant Vyasji |
H.H.
Rasyani Babaji |
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| The yatra was blessed
by His Holiness Sri Shankaracharyaji Swami Jayendra Saraswatiji Maharaj
and Sri Shankaracharyaji Swami Vijayendra Saraswatiji Maharaj, Kanchi
Kaam Koti and the following revered saints: |
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| H.H.
Swami Satyamitranand Giriji |
H.H.
Sant Shri Rameshbhai Oza |
H.H.
Dr. Pranav Pandyaji |
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These saints were
all planning to join the yatra in its original date of June 2003;
however, due to various prior and unbreakable commitments (including
Guru Purnima) they were unable to be physically present when the
yatra shifted dates from June to July due to the closure of Tibet
in June due to SARS.
However, their blessings
and love were with us every step of the way, and H.H. Swami Gurusharananandji
Maharaj flew to Kathmandu for one day to officially "see-off"
the Yatra and give his blessings in person. H.H. Acharya Shrikant
Vyasji also joined us for the official "See-Off" in Kathmandu,
although his original plans had been to join us for the entire yatra. |
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| Government
officials came from Taklakote to offer respect
and thanks to Pujya Swamiji for bringing the Ashram
and Clinic into existence. They drove for 6 hours
(several hundred kilometers) from Taklakote just
to pay their respects to Pujya Swamiji. |
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| So many people undertake
the yatra, have darshan and return. However, this was probably the
first yatra to be undertaken not for personal punya or personal moksha,
but rather to build bridges of love and friendship between people
of 13 countries and the local people in the Tibet Autonomous Region
of China. |
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| Pujya
Swamiji feeds prasad to the child who has been
chosen as the next main Lama of the Mansarovar
region. |
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While
in Lhasa, on July 6, the birthday of His Holiness the
Dalai Lama, the yatris had a special meditation in the
main hall of the Potala Palace, where the Dalai Lama
had lived. They also sponsored tea, snacks and dakshina
for over 800 lamas at the Drepung Monastery.
The yatra
was a sangam of Kailash, Sanskriti and Dharma – Art,
Culture and Religion.
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| Two
of India’s most famous classical dancers, Nalini and
Kamalini and their Respected Guru Jitendra Maharaj,
performed sacred dances to Lord Shiva at the base of
Mt. Kailash and on the banks of Lake Mansarovar, to
the drumming of world famous drummer, Shivmani.
It was
probably the first time in history that Indian classical
dance was performed by such accomplished artists, as
a devotional offering to Lord Shiva, in this holy land.
Additionally,
at the base of Kailash, at the holy place of Ashtapath,
one of the holiest places in the Jain tradition, the
place where Adinath Sri Rishabhdevji attained enlightenment,
Pujya Roopchandra Muniji (a revered Jain saint from
Delhi) and Pujya Swamiji performed a special puja and
chanted the sacred Namokar mantra. This was probably
the first time that a Jain saint performed puja at this
holy place. |
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| On the final day in
Mansarovar, a special Mansarovar aarti was performed by the revered
saints, yatris from 13 countries and also the local people! Pujya
Swamiji has agreed to build a special ghat on the banks of Lake Mansarovar
so that regular Mansarovar aarti can be performed, and so that yatris
have a place to sit and meditate comfortably. |
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| The
local people perform Mansarovar Aarti with the
revered saints and yatris. |
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Upon return
to Katmandu on the 20th July, a special aarti
was organized on the banks of the Bagmati river at Pashupathinath
Temple. Prior to leaving Katmandu on the 3 July, Pujya
Swamiji had organized the first large-scaled aarti to
ever be held at this holy location. Then, upon the yatra’s
return, more than 10,000 people flocked to the ceremony
to take part in the festivities. |
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| July 3-4: Katmandu,
Nepal: A
large, special puja at the holy Pashupathinath Temple was arranged,
and Pujya Swamiji initiated the first Aarti on the banks of the Bagmati
river, outside of Pashupathinath Temple. Thousands of people came
for the first aarti during which He announced that on July 20, upon
the return from Mansarovar, another large Aarti would take place.
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| Aarti
on the banks of Bagmati river at Pashupathinath
Temple, Katmandu. |
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These days were
filled with visiting of local temples and other holy sites, as well
as with satsang by the revered saints and yoga/meditation classes.
July 3 marked the
official "Welcome Ceremony" for which we were graced by
the presence of H.H. Swami Gurusharananandji Maharaj who flew in
from Bombay just for the occasion. Several other of the local spiritual
leaders in Nepal also graced the event with their presence. |
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| Official
See Off program in Katmandu. |
The
Yatra dances its way through Lhasa. |
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5-7: Lhasa, Tibet:
Although the weather forecast had said "Rain for
two days", the grace of God and the blessings of
our revered saints granted us two beautifully clear
days in which to visit the Potala Palace (prior home
of H.H. the Dalai Lama) and several of the main monasteries
in Lhasa. We held a special group meditation in the
main hall of Potala Palace (where the Dalai Lama used
to conduct his pujas and talks), an unprecedented event.
In the
morning and evenings we gathered for satsang, pravachan,
question-answer sessions and also universal prayers. |
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| At
the Potala Palace (Dalai Lama's home), special
group meditation. |
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| A
group photo. |
Shivmani drums with the Lama in charge of the Palace
Gong. |
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| The
Potala Palace. |
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| Pujya
Swamiji & Pujya Acharya Kishore Vyasji. |
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| July 11: Prayang:
In the morning before
departing for Mansarovar from Prayang, we had a special bhoomi puja
for a new ashram in this divine land which Pujya Swamiji has re-named
Prayag! "It is not the confluence of rivers here, like in our
Prayag in India, but rather here we have the confluence of cultures,
the confluence of peoples and the confluence of hearts which have
united together in this beautiful land," He said. |
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| Just as
He has built an ashram and clinic in Mansarovar, so Pujya
Swamiji pledged that we will do something for the local
people in Prayang and also for all the pilgrims who travel
through there on the way to Mansarovar. Beautiful
speeches were given on the occasion by the revered saints
and also by Shri Tarun Vijay. The speakers effusively
praised Pujya Swamiji for His service of the dharma
and His service of the poor and needy. "What the
government of India could not do, one divine Saint has
done," the speakers lauded. |
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| Bhoomi
Puja Ceremony in Prayang. |
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| July 13: Guru Purnima
Day on Mansarovar:
There had been continuous rain for more than 5 days by the time we
reached Mansarovar. Several groups had come and left without having
darshan of Kailash or a bath in Mansarovar due to the inclement weather.
However, although it was still lightly drizzling when we arrived on
the 11th evening, by the 12th the skies cleared and we were granted
divine darshan of Kailash. Not another drop of rain fell during our
4 full days in the holy land. |
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| The
yatris gather together for the first darshan of
Kailash as glimpsed from the Ashram. |
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| July
13th began with a special Guru Purnima Shiv Abhishek and
havan on the banks of Lake Mansarovar. This was followed
by uplifting and divine Guru Purnima messages by the saints,
and also a special dance performed by Nalini and Kamalini
Ashtana, famous classical dancers of India. They performed
a beautiful dance tribute to the Guru. The Puja concluded
with a special puja for the plaques of all those who had
sponsored a room in the Mansarovar ashram. |
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Guru Purnima Message is given by Pujya Swamiji. |
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Pujya Swamiji felt
that before installing the stone plaques, a special puja should
be conducted for the donors and their families. We also said special
prayers and performed special puja for so many people across the
world who had written and requested that puja be conducted on their
behalf or on behalf of their loved ones.
Everyone had a wonderful
lunch/prasad sitting outside in the clear sunshine right beside
the waters of Lake Mansarovar. |
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| Purnahuti
of the yagna. |
Special
prayers for Late Shri Narendra Mohanji. |
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| We also had a special
prayer and puja in honor of Late Shri Narendra Mohanji. Shri
Narendra Mohanji was a close member of the Parmarth Family and greatly
loved and respected by all. He was the editor-in-chief of Dainik Jagran,
the most widely read newspaper in India, and also a dedicated member
of Rajya Sabha in Parliament. His prolific and articulate writings
brought both the culture of India and also the problems being faced
by the Hindu community to light. His dedication to the community,
to the country, to the culture and to all of humanity was peerless.
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| His Dainik
Jagran Newspaper is a daily “awakening” of piety, culture,
tradition and spirit of India for millions of people every
day. We were joined on the yatra by his beloved son and
daughter-in-law Sandeep and Manjari Gupta. In
the afternoon was the official 'INAUGURATION - OPENING
CEREMONY" of the ashram. All the local villagers,
authorities, officials, lamas, and children came for
this special occasion which not only opened the ashram,
but also opened everyone's hearts to the undeniable
connection we all share, regardless of boundaries of
language or culture. |
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The local men, the local women and the children
perform for the opening ceremony. |
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| July 14:
Puja at Ashtaputh/Tarboche:
We travelled to the closest point to Mt. Kailash called Tarboche (or
Ashtaputh). Kailash was clouded over as we set up for the special
puja. However, just as the first mantras were chanted, the clouds
parted and we were all blessed with the darshan of Lord Shiva.
Eyes filled with tears as the puja ceased for several minutes so everyone
could absorb the darshan in silence. Then, so as to protect us from
the bright, blazing sun during our 2 hour puja, the clouds returned
and we performed the sacred Rudra Abhishek ceremony under the protection
of clouds. As Pujya Swamiji poured the final abhishek over the Shiv
Ling, again the clouds parted and Kailash was clear, from bottom to
top. For nearly 1 hour, we received complete darshan as we sat, mesmerized
by the sublime beauty. |
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| Rudra
Abhishek puja at the base of Kailash. |
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| July
15: Parikrama
of Lake Mansarovar: In the glorious sunshine, we
drove the full parikrama of Lake Mansarovar, having
the clear darshan of Mt. Kailash the entire time. Finally,
at the most perfect point, with Mt. Kailash towering
above directly behind the Lake, we stopped and everyone
had a group snan (bath) as the rishikumars chanted sacred
mantras. We also performed a special abhishek ceremony
after everyone had a snan. For hours, Kailash remained
perfectly clear and its reflection shone in the crystal
clear waters of Lake Mansarovar.
On the
return to our ashram, we took the route via Rakshastal
and had darshan of Rakshastal as well. |
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| Pujya
Swamiji performs abhishek on the banks of Lake
Mansarovar. |
Pujya
Swamiji in front of Kailash. |
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July
16: Mansarovar Aarti: On
the morning of our departure from Mansarovar, as we had the first
Mansarovar aarti ever, we also had a special puja and prayer in
honor of the late Shri Rajjubhaiya who left his body for the Heavenly
Abode in July. The puja was performed by Pujya Swamiji with Shri
Tarun Vijay and Shri Rajesh Kalra.
July 18: Saga:
On the return from
Mansarovar and Kailash, we had a beautiful ceremony at a site on
the banks of the Brahmaputra river where Pujya Swamiji will build
the Saga ashram, just like in Mansarovar and Prayang. Originally
He was thinking to build inside Saga, but as we stood on the banks
of the holy river, He decided that that would be the best place.
July 20: Katmandu:
Aarti on Bagmati
River. Over 10,000 people came to this divine aarti and welcome
back reception for the yatris. There was a special performance by
Nalini-Kamalini and all of the local, revered saints of Katmandu
also attended. |
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