Dedication of Poornashram Dakshinkhanda

Blessed opportunity

It was towards the end of October 2024 when Nutan Swamiji called me to ask if I would like to take up the role of coordination of travel and accommodation of Poojya Swamiji’s devotees, arriving from across the globe for the dedication event of the rebuilt Poornashram. Realizing what a blessed opportunity this was, I agreed instantly.

The first visit

On 6 Dec 2024, Nutan Swamiji accompanied by Brahmacharini Namrata Swaroopa from Ashram, and Dev from Malaysia, made a trip to review the
construction progress of Poornashram. They also wanted to explore the options for accommodation and travel arrangements for devotees. I joined them, together with Rahul and Dorina Banerjee from Kolkata. Our stay had been arranged in Nibhriti, a Home-Stay in Shantiniketan. It was a one and half hour drive from Durgapur airport. Since Dakshinkhanda is a small village with not much facilities to stay, it was decided that devotees could stay in Shantiniketan (Bolpur), a one and half hour drive from Dakshinkhanda.

Next day we went to Bharat Sevashram Sangha (BSS) in Bolpur to meet Swami Sanghamitranandaji, the Head of the Sangha there. It is a sprawling campus with a beautiful temple, school, college, hostel for students, a huge ground, a separate Yatri Niwas, a Goshala and an extensive organic farm. The office-in-charge, Shri Ishwar Chandra Mondal, showed us around the rooms in the Yatri Niwas. We all liked the well-ventilated rooms and the spacious corridors of the Yatri Niwas.

We had explored online for reliable travel agents in Bolpur and one name had come up, Sarkar Travels. Nutan Swamiji wanted to try their services before we recommended to devotees. So, the next day we travelled to Dakshinkhanda in their car.

It was my first visit to Dakshinkhanda. On arrival, I met Somenath and Aparna Banerjee. Somenathji had taken up the role of supervising the re-construction of Poornashram. Though he is based in Jamshedpur, he would travel from there frequently, sometimes even staying for a few weeks continuously to oversee the construction work.

Poornashram was slowly taking shape as envisioned by Poojya Swamiji. As we went around, weaving our way through the pile of construction materials, we reached the 1st floor. I was struck by a powerful, deep silence in one room. I later learnt that that was the place, where Baba used to live, given exclusively to austerities, meditation and Shirshasan. Baba’s Shrine was to be built in this room.

Shupti Di’s home, just a couple of houses away from Poornashram, was our Annakshetra. She opened her doors to all of us, feeding every one delicious food, tea and snacks whenever required. Aparna, along with other villagers used to help her. I was overwhelmed by the loving simplicity and devotion of the village folk.

The next few days were spent going around in Salar (near Dakshinkhanda) and Shantiniketan in search of alternative accommodation and getting a feel of the place.

Going full throttle

We returned via Durgapur on the 12th Dec. Preparations began for disseminating the information of Poornashram Yatra and the registration procedure. The first registrations began to trickle in. The excitement of planning and organizing various logistics began to build up. Rooms were confirmed in BSS. Sarkar Travels was recommended to devotees. Travel itineraries started coming in from all over the world. All these had to be recorded meticulously.

Nutan Swamiji and Namrataji decided that one more visit in January was required to oversee the progress of Poornashram finishing work. Vijay also joined us this time. This trip involved finalizing the finer details in the construction,Baba’s shrine design, planning for the venue on 26th and 27th Feb, taking stock of large cooking vessels available in the village community hall, etc. A local volunteer group comprising many youngsters from amongst the villagers was formed to take things forward. Shupti Di’s daughter, Shoumi, who is married and stays in Kolkata, enthusiastically stepped in to take the lead.

Namrataji made an additional trip to Poornashram in the 2nd week of February ’25 to look after the finishing work and furnishing. Meetings were regularly held online with Nutan Swamiji and the volunteers to decide upon the pandal, stage, menu, purchase of Dāna Satra items, printing and distribution of coupons for Dāna Satra, etc.

In September 2024 itself, Namrataji had gone to Jamshedpur and stayed in CIRD, to buy all the floor tiles, sinks, wash basins, commodes, etc. for Poornashram with the help of Somenathji. Her tenacity, organizing skills, eye for details and attention to individual requirements have made me look up to her in total awe.

Divine Journey

Finally, the Holy Pilgrimage began. On 20th Feb, Suresh Babu with his wife Usha (also from Bangalore) and myself landed in Nibhriti (Shantiniketan). Rahul and Dorina had already arrived from Kolkata. The first group of travellers from Ashram, which included Ashram workers also, arrived by train late evening. Poojya Swamiji, Nutan Swamiji and Ma accompanied by Namrataji and the rest of the accompanying team were to arrive the following day.

Poojya Swamiji, Nutan Swamiji and Ma were to stay in another Home-Stay named Kali Shankar, just 2-minute walk from Nibhriti. So, we all pitched in to prepare Kali Shankar for the Sannyasins. What a joy it was to receive them! In spite of a long journey, Poojya Swamiji, Nutan Swamiji and Ma (despite her fractured foot) were so full of enthusiasm. The love for their Beloved Baba was simply invading us!

Rolling up our sleeves

Once they were settled in, Suresh and myself went to the market to look for arranging light small removable steps that will allow Poojya Swamiji to climb the staircase in Poornashram. We went to so many shops in Bolpur but could not find what we looked for. Finally, we found one single thick rubber mat, the last piece and damaged too. I sent a silent prayer asking the Divine to kindly arrange whatever we needed. Instantly, Suresh came up with an idea whereby the existing piece could be cut and used. Now we had to arrange to put them together to get the required height for Poojya Swamiji. That was another miracle, for the vendor agreed to deliver the steps next evening itself!

On 23rd Feb Poojya Swamiji accompanied by Nutan Swamiji, Ma and the entire platoon from Nibhriti and Kali Shankar proceeded to Poornashram to see the progress of preparations. Poojya Swamiji also held a meeting with the volunteers and explained why this Poornashram was being built and for whom.

As the event-day drew near, more devotees started arriving and I was fully occupied in coordinating their transport and stay.

Śaraṇāgati

I personally had a very enriching experience being a part of all this organizing and execution. Each time I would face a difficult challenge, surrender was my sole refuge.

13 vehicles with devotees had to leave BSS before 7 am for Poornashram both on 26th and 27th Feb. Packed breakfast was arranged both days, to be delivered by 6.30 am, which was to be handed to each devotee at BSS. Everything went so smoothly!

Baba’s Shrine had got a little damaged in-transit. With just 2 days in hand, it had to be touched up and put in place. The Divine executed the task so perfectly.

So many changes happened in the schedules of devotees’ travel. Everything could be attended to without much ado. Soma Chakraborty from Delhi took full charge of assisting devotees during check-in/check-out and procuring food coupons at BSS. So many such instances when I felt the presence of the Divine.

Lessons in Seva: Doing whatever is to be done

On 23rd Feb, Poojya Swamiji made an observation about the stage. He noticed that the bamboo poles used to support the stage might not be strong enough to bear the weight of the Dāna Satra items – around 2000 blankets and 2 tons of pulses – to be placed on the stage. Without hesitation, Swamiji pointed this out to the contractor Gautam. The next moment, Gautam took full responsibility for the situation and all the bamboo poles were replaced with steel pipes by evening. This change was made swiftly and seamlessly, without any resistance.

It was awe-inspiring to witness how smoothly everything unfolded. Swamiji’s keen observation and straightforward communication, and the contractor’s immediate action were perfect examples of “yogaḥ karmasu kauśalam” – there was no worry about the time or effort it would take to make the change. The contractor simply responded, trusting that the change was necessary and that it would result in a safer, stronger setup.

Going with the flow

On 25th Feb, eve of the inauguration, Suresh and myself with some other devotees began to setup the Parampara shrine on the stage. Initially, we decided on a white and gerua colour combination for the shrine. Flowers and garlands were carefully selected to complement this combination, and the setup seemed to align perfectly. However, later, we were told that the colour scheme needed to be entirely gerua, with no white involved.

Initially, I felt frustrated. The work had already been done, and now we had to change it. My mind swirled with questions and doubts. But then, I remembered how smoothly everything else had unfolded throughout the day. The pandal arrangements had come together effortlessly, and I realized this change was simply another part of the divine plan, guiding us to perfection. With this renewed perspective, I surrendered my frustration and began to focus on the task at hand.

We set to work. Flower and pandal contractors took charge of the adjustments. The flower contractor offered a solution to replace the white with gerua cloth, carefully without disturbing the floral arrangements, while the pandal contractor suggested changing the cloth drapes to match the new colour scheme. By night, the Shrine was completely transformed, radiating vibrant gerua aura.

SMILE – the secret

A particularly humbling moment came when Swamiji asked me to keep a smile on my face, no matter the circumstances. This advice was tested when I was assigned to manage the exit queue during the Dāna Satra on 27 Feb. The atmosphere became chaotic as people rushed to exit after receiving the dāna items from Swamiji, and too many devotees queued up at the exit point to help pack the items into the bag. Frustration began to bubble within me as the queue got longer, people were impatient and tempers flared up.

However, I remembered Swamiji’s words: Don’t lose the smile. It was a challenging test of my ability to maintain calm under pressure. Despite the overwhelming circumstances, I made a conscious effort to keep a peaceful demeanour and a smile on my face. By focusing on the present moment and remembering that my role was to serve without any ego, I was able to maintain composure. Gradually, the situation settled down and the chaos gave way to calm.

Reflecting on the experience as a whole, I realized that whether it was changing the colour combination for the Shrine or replacing the bamboo poles with steel pipes, or maintaining a smiling attitude – I learnt that perfection comes not from worrying about the final result but from performing one’s duty with devotion and sincerity. When we just do whatever comes to be done, trusting that the divine guides us through every moment, we can serve with greater awareness and peace.

Both Lakshmy and myself feel blessed to have been a part of this joyous Pilgrimage. Our infinite gratitude to Poojya Swamiji, Nutan Swamiji and Ma for having given us this Seva opportunity.

Jai Gurudev!

The Final Pilgrimage

To go to Gurusannidhi is the last act of pilgrimage. That should be the terminus of your religious life. That is the destination from where you begin your ultimate journey to Immortality. You derive a new point of view, a new vision, a new personality.

– Swamiji

Poornashram Udbodhana

Report on Dedication of Poornashram

[In October 2017 the land on which stood Poornashram, the Holy abode of Baba Gangadhara Paramahamsa Dev in Dakshinkhanda, West Bengal, was transferred to Narayanashrama Tapovanam.

In February 2018, Poojya Swamiji visited Dakshinkhanda for the first time in 39 years after Baba left his body. It was an emotional pilgrimage drenched in Guru-bhakti. Baba’s wish was that the villagers of Dakshinkhanda be exposed to the Supreme Truth. On the train journey to Katwa, enroute to Dakshinkhanda, Poojya Swamiji shared with some long-associated young devotees his saṅkalpa that Poornashram be rebuilt as a Brahmavidya Centre for the villagers as well as seekers the world over.

7 years have passed, two other pilgrimages to Dakshinkhanda have taken place, in 2019 and 2023. Also, Ma had travelled to Dakshinkhanda for the foundation stone laying of Poornashram in January 2023. Nutan Swamiji had made quite a few visits to oversee the civil construction. And finally, the building was ready to be inaugurated. The dedication of Poornashram was planned for 26th Feb (Mahashivaratri day which is also Baba’s Jayanti), followed by Dāna Satram the next day.

About 150 devotees from across the world came to participate in what Poojya Swamiji described as “the most important event in my life”. The entire event was Livestreamed – quite a feat, considering the remote location and technical challenges that were faced Praveen Kamath travelled with Poojya Swamiji as his main attendant. This was his first visit to Dakshinkhanda. – editor]

From One Remote Village to Another

On February 21st, at the break of dawn, Poojya Swamiji,accompanied by Ma, Namrataji, and devotees, set off from the Ashram for Cochin Airport,enroute to Durgapur via Hyderabad. Nutan Swamiji, along with other Ashramites,had already departed almost 2 hours before to catch an earlier flight.

Upon landing in Durgapur, both the groups travelled by road to Shantiniketan, arriving there by evening. A Homestay was arranged for Swamijis and Ma, and a group of devotees worked tirelessly to make the stay as comfortable as possible, creating an atmosphere akin to the Ashram. Everyone felt blessed and grateful for the rare opportunity to serve the Mahatmas personally.

The winter chill still lingered in the air. On February 23rd and 25th, Poojya Swamiji, Nutan Swamiji and Ma travelled to Dakshinkhanda by car to review the preparations, departing after breakfast and returning in the evening. Poornashram was buzzing with activities – masons, painters, plumbers and fabricators working day and night under the supervision of Somenathji to complete the pending tasks.

Even on the eve of the programme, much work remained unfinished, and the entire area was dusty, requiring a thorough cleanup. One wondered whether the place will be ready at all, before the next morning!

However, the presence of Poojya Swamiji, Nutan Swamiji, and Ma revitalized everyone, filling them with renewed energy. Sevaks who had come from various parts of India and abroad, along with some villagers joined the arduous task of cleaning and decorating the premises and the Pandal, in a spirit of camaraderie and Guru-bhakti. Many youth from the village came forward to volunteer, working through the night. The enthusiasm of the youngsters, and even of the elderly villagers, was something to be seen. They all worked happily with a feeling of belongingness. By midnight of the 25th, pictures and videos of the beautifully decorated Poornashram and the Pandal started arriving on the phones. It was a heartwarming sight that filled every heart with joy.

Photo placements being discussed with Ma

Shivaratri Day – The Udbodhana Ceremony

On February 26th, at 7 AM, Poojya Swamiji, accompanied by Nutan Swamiji and Ma, left Shantiniketan for Dakshinkhanda. They were to stay at Poornashram after the Udbodhana ceremony. A convoy of four cars, carrying sevaks, followed them.

About 150 devotees who had arrived to participate in the event were hosted for two/three days in the spacious guest house of Bharat Sevashram Sangh, Bolpur. From there, they began their journey to Dakshinkhanda in their own convoy of vehicles, travelling in parallel with Swamiji’s group.

It was misty as we left Shantiniketan, and an air of enthusiasm and joy filled the hearts, as we looked forward to participate in the sacred event. The route to Dakshinkhanda was picturesque, with lush green paddy fields extending as far as the eye could see, and trees lining both sides of the road. We even glimpsed the legendary ‘Palasha’ tree in the distance.

Upon arrival at the Pandal adjacent to Poornashram, Swamijis were welcomed by a sea of eager devotees and villagers, their joyous ululations filling the air, accompanied by the divine sound of conches.

Prostrations at the Guru-parampara Shrine

The first part of the programme was to take place at the shrine room in Poornashram, that replicated Baba’s room on the first floor. It was announced that due to space constraints, only Poojya Swamiji, Nutan Swamiji, Ma, and the Ashramites would enter Baba’s shrine during the ceremony.

Poojya Swamiji’s retinue, with the devotees chanting nāma-saṅkīrtana, walked slowly from the pandal towards the main entrance of Poornashram. Poojya Swamiji, along with Nutan Swamiji and Ma, opened the Gate with the chanting of Paropakāra ślokas, and proceeded to the holy shrine room – the room where Baba had spent most of his days in deep sadhana and austerity. The beautiful Guru-parampara shrine, made in Bangalore, is a devotional offering from Poojya Swamiji’s devotee Aashita (eldest daughter of Indira and Jitendra Chopra of Jamshedpur). Beautifully framed photos of Baba in the centre, flanked by Poojya Swamiji on one side, Narayana Tirtha Dev and Kshitish Chandra Dev on the other. Cameras had been set up inside the shrine to livestream the event, allowing devotees around the world to witness the divine moment in real-time.

Poojya Swamiji lit the lamp, then offered flowers and did sāṣṭāṅga-praṇām three times before the shrine. Emotions overflowed as eyes welled up and voices choked with reverence. Nutan Swamiji, Ma, and the others followed, offering their prostrations in turn. One can only imagine the joy, fulfilment and gratitude outpouring in their hearts as they got bathed in the supreme blessedness and serenity of the occasion.

Honouring the Source

Rest of the programme was to be conducted from the pandal, where a ceremonial lamp at the Parampara photos was lit by Poojya Swamiji. Swamiji had lovingly composed 10 Sanskrit ślokas on Baba and Poornashram. Nutan Swamiji and Ma’s soulful chanting of the 10 ślokas filled the air. Ma read out the meaning of some of the ślokas.

Poojya Swamiji spoke about his loving association with Baba that shaped who he is. Everything that followed over the past seventy years — the establishment of Narayanashrama Tapovanam, the CIRD Centres, the mission of spiritual dissemination, societal reformation movements, welfare activities, and the countless seekers and devotees worldwide who benefited from what he has been saying and writing — are all manifestations of the spiritual seed Baba planted in Swamiji.

The Brahmavidya Deeksha from Baba, along with the austerities that followed, shifted Swamiji’s focus from God to the Guru. As his bond with Baba deepened, so did his spiritual growth and wisdom. Baba became the very essence of Swamiji’s life, and Swamiji humbly declares that his personality, as it stands today – with all its imperfections and virtues – belongs to Baba and Baba alone. Highlighting the above point, Poojya Swamiji explained from Śata-ślokī

(1): दृष्टान्तो नैव दृष्ट: त्रिभुवनजठरे सद्गुरोर्ज्ञानदातु: स्पर्शश्चेत् तत्र कल्प्य: स नयति यदहो स्वर्णतामश्मसारम् । न स्पर्शत्वं तथापि श्रितचरणयुगे सद्गुरु: स्वीयशिष्ये स्वीयं साम्यं विधत्ते भवति निरुपमस्तेन वाऽलौकिकोऽपि ॥

“In all the three worlds, there is nothing that can be compared to the Sadguru who imparts knowledge of the Self. The legendary Philosopher’s stone that converts a piece of metal into gold, may perhaps be suggested as a comparison. Even this illustration stands insufficient, because a Philosopher’s stone does not have the capacity to convert a piece of metal into another Philosopher’s stone whereas the Sadguru transforms his disciple to one like himself. Therefore the Sadguru’s glory is incomparable in the world.”

Recipients waiting from early morning

Dāna Satram

Sarva-bhūta-hite ratāḥ – to be concerned about the welfare of all beings – is the inherent nature of the Saints. Dāna Satram was organized on 27th February in the same pandal adjacent to Poornashram. In the preceding days local young volunteers led by Bithun (Sudin Chatterjee) and Soumi (Priyanka Banerjee) had worked tirelessly and systematically to identify and distribute tokens to about 2,000 indigent recipients from Dakshinkhanda and 16 nearby villages. Each recipient received a warm winter blanket, 1kg dal and carefully selected sweet prasada, all to be carried in a beautifully designed ‘Poornashram’ bag.

Recipients were welcomed with ārati to honour them with gratitude for giving us the opportunity to participate in this dāna. Paropakāra ślokas were chanted to remind everyone that our purpose is to serve others. Poojya Swamiji and Nutan Swamiji handed out bags containing winter blanket and dal to the recipients, while Ma distributed sweet prasada to all, and additionally, biscuit packets to children. Volunteers worked at rapid pace to get the materials handed over without any interruption. After a little bit of an initial chaos, everything fell into a smooth rhythm, and the flow of the recipients in and out of the pandal proceeded seamlessly.

Many recipients emotionally expressed their gratitude for this dāna. Devotees too felt immense contentment for having had the opportunity to participate in such a function where everybody was treated with care and dignity. It was a day that united everyone in a bond of love and reverence.

All through the event sublime bhajans and nāma-saṅkīrtana filled the atmosphere with devotional fervour. The program concluded with Poojya Swamiji’s signature finale – picking up his sticks and encouraging everyone to dance with him, to the ecstatic singing led by Sri Sreenivasan (from Chennai). The high-octave conclusion culminated with everyone bowing their heads – many moved to tears – in blessedness and gratitude.

Vishnu-sahasranāma recitation early in the morning.

Ashram routines

The two divine days, filled with a whirlwind of activities, passed in the blink of an eye. After the main event was over, the natural question in everyone’s mind was how to maintain and sustain the same spirit of Guru-bhakti and sublimity in the days to come. It was essential to establish a system of processes and routines that would ensure all activities at Poornashram remained auspicious, infused with Guru-bhakti and austerity.

Poojya Swamiji, Nutan Swamiji and Ma spared no effort in engaging with the villagers, impressing upon them about what this Ashram stands for and what should be the bhāva when one steps inside it.

Soon the Annakshetra became operational. Morning and evening prayers, Pushpa-samarpaṇam and evening Satsangs followed immediately after, giving the villagers a taste of exquisiteness of these sublime daily routines, while also providing them the opportunity to be in the presence of the Mahatmas, listen to their words, and immerse themselves in the refreshing shower of loving blessings and wisdom.

Daily Satsangs

Poojya Swamiji’s evening satsangs were very powerful and inspiring. Speaking fluently in Bengali, Swamiji quoted ślokas from the Bhagavad Gita and Śrīmad Bhāgavatam, especially from: ‘Krishna-Uddhava dialogue’ and ‘Prahlada’s advice to his classmates’. Swamiji unveiled the treasure house of spiritual wisdom to the villagers, giving them a measure of its glory, its inherent power to bring about inner transformation and supreme inner peace and contentment.

Such is the glory of Brahmavidya that even if pursued in a small measure, it takes away all fear and enables one to live peacefully and joyfully in midst of all ups and down of life.

Poornashram – A unique abode

What should a śishya’s attitude towards the Guru be? Perhaps it is to get soaked in gratitude, listen to his words, and embody his teachings. What can a blessed disciple offer in return for the boundless grace and wisdom given by the Sadguru? Perhaps, it is to dedicate one’s entire life to serving the Guru’s cause and advancing the mission for which the Guru lived.

This is exactly what we see manifested in the lives of Poojya Swamiji, Nutan Swamiji, and Ma. Without them, the world may never have known of the great Mahatma who lived in complete seclusion, immersed in the ecstasy of spiritual austerity and wisdom in a remote village of India.

In their long, austere lives, there was perhaps one final mission – to connect the current generation of spiritual seekers to the very source, the place where the spiritual current began –enabling them to tap into the profound legacy that originates there.

Poornashram, the place where Baba lived, is not just a building. It is a holy place of austerity, spiritual wisdom, and inner transformation. To all seekers who visit this abode with reverence and dedication, it imparts the message of ‘Pūrṇatva’ – discovery and realization of one’s inner fullness and abundance.

bhavatvidaṃ dhāma tapaḥ-pradhānam tava smṛtir-hy-atra vased-bhṛśaṃ vai . tvad-vākya-nirdeśa-mahā-prabhāvāt sarvāṇi kāryāṇi śubhāni santu ..

(Poojya Swamiji’s Sadguru Daśakam – 5)

May austerity have the supreme place in this abode, where your memory will reign most. May all activities conducted here be auspicious, inspired by the greatness of your words of wisdom.