Vivekananda, Vedanta &
a Voyage through time

In 1890, after three days of deep meditation, Swamiji experienced the pinnacle of spiritual practice, where the individual soul merges with the infinite, losing all sense of identity with oneself or the samsara. Yet, something unexpected happened. Reflecting on this experience at Kasar Devi, he later said, " Nothing in my whole life ever so filled me with the sense of work to be done. It was as if I were thrown out from that life of solitude, to wander to and fro in the plains below."

From the heights of the Himalayas & the heights of his meditative state, driven by this unknown force, the young Naren journeyed across the country. He found shelter at the homes of pariahs and in kings' palaces alike, encountering the ignorant and the superstitious, as well as high intellectuals. It was as if he met face to face with the very soul of India, feeling its problems as his own. But where was the solution? None could offer an answer that satisfied his soul until he reached the very tip of the Indian peninsula, at what is now known as Vivekananda Rock in Kanyakumari.

There, seated on the rock, he again meditated for three days—not amidst the stillness of the Himalayas, but at the tumultuous shore of the ocean, mirroring the turbulence within. This time, he found the answer. The journey was complete. Vivekananda realized he must go to the West and act as a bridge between East and West, past and future. This time, he didn't take a leap but crossed the ocean by ship.

After four years of spreading the highest wisdom and conquering the West with Indian spirituality, only half the job was done. In 1897, he returned to India. His journey began from the shore of Colombo and culminated in the Himalayas at Almora. From Colombo to Almora, Swamiji, with his powerful speeches, awakened the sleeping masses of India and roused the giant within them. It was in Almora, upon hearing of the passing of his disciple Goodwin, that Swamiji declared his days of public speaking were over. How poetic that it ended where it all began!

Now, 125 years later, the hero's return to Almora is commemorated. The townspeople, who view him not as a guru or God but as one of their own, had in 1897 organized a 3 km long procession, bringing him to the main bazaar where Swamiji had shared his vision of establishing a center in Almora. This center, now known as Ramakrishna Kutir, stands as a testament to Swamiji's legacy. For 108 years, it has unwaveringly served the purpose he designated: a place of calmness, a retreat.

Vivekananda Inter-School Competition
25 April -25 May 2024

Swamiji always placed his highest hopes on the youth for the revival of this country. He believed that the new rishis would surpass the old ones in greatness. Therefore, any celebration linked with Swami Vivekananda in Almora would be incomplete without the active engagement of the youth.

To honor this, a Vivekananda Inter-school competition was organized from April 25 to May 25, encompassing students from class 1 to class 12. Various competitions were held, including an art competition on "Swamiji & My Dear Almora," a quiz and comprehension on Swamiji’s life and teachings, essay and speech contests on Swamiji’s ideas for the youth and present times, as well as Gita path recitations and cultural programs featuring folk songs and dances. It was a celebration of Swami Vivekananda and the India he so dearly loved.

The entire month, steeped in his thoughts, inspired everyone involved. A class 11 student aptly reflected, "For the last few weeks, I have only been reading and thinking about Swami Vivekananda. Sometimes, I would try to find a fault in him, but to my bewilderment, I couldn’t find anything. Everything about him was positive and energy-giving."

The celebration concluded with a grand program on May 25 at GIC, Almora, where Swamiji had delivered two speeches, including the first Hindi speech of his life. The place still reverberates with his presence. Swami Atmashraddhananda, Secretary of Ramakrishna Mission Kanpur, and Prof. Dr. Jagat Singh Bisht, Ex-Vice-Chancellor of SSJ University, were present to hand out prizes to the winners and motivate them with their speeches.

Spiritual Retreat

18-20 May 2024

When Swamiji ventured to the West, he was famously referred to as the "Cyclonic Hindoo Monk" for the significant disruption he caused in the usual way of thinking among Westerners. Both he and his message were embraced with open arms, but Swamiji sought to establish his work on a firmer foundation. His vision for a permanent center led to the establishment of the Vedanta Society of New York, the first ashrama in the West.

During the ceremony in Almora, we were honored to have Swami Sarvapriyananda, the minister in charge of that very same center, with us. It felt as though a circle was being completed. The same message that Swamiji had carried to the West was now flowing back to India, with people ready and eager to receive it—the grand message of Vedanta!

Every morning, the day began with Mangala Arati at 6:00 AM. Delegates from all over the world, including Japan, Bangladesh, the USA, Canada, and various parts of India, slowly gathered in the temple. After breakfast, they convened at the Shivananda Hall, which was imbued with a meditative atmosphere. As the deep, sonorous Vedic chants by Swami Shankarehsananda echoed through the hall and the lights dimmed, everyone steadied their minds to receive the highest wisdom.

The morning session commenced with a guided meditation by Swami Raghavendrananda, Adhyaksha of Ramakrishna Math, Nagpur. A senior monk of the Ramakrishna Order and a prolific speaker, Maharaj has been blessing Almora for the past few years with his discourses filled with insights on practical spirituality based on the lives of Thakur, Ma & Swamiji. This year, he spoke on the topic of “What is Spirituality and How to Manifest It.” Over three days, he delved into the teachings and lives of Sri Ramakrishna, Sri Sarada Devi, and Swami Vivekananda, respectively. His talks set a profound tone for the rest of each day.

Swami Sarvapriyananda conducted two sessions each day- one in the morning and one in the afternoon. In one of his talks, he emphasized the importance of being fully present, stating, "Don’t think that once this lecture is over, you will retire to your rooms and temples and then begin your sadhana. This, what we are doing now, is verily sadhana itself." His words encouraged participants to view their engagement in the sessions as an integral part of their spiritual practice.

On another occasion, Swami Sarvapriyananda recounted an encounter with a sadhu from Uttarakhand, who told him, "Mahatma ji, jo aapko wahan samajh nahi aayega wo yahan aa jayega," meaning, "What you can’t understand in the plains, you will be able to grasp in the Himalayas," referring to the profound spiritual insights that often come in the land blessed by the sadhana of countless sages over centuries.

The delegates and monks alike felt blessed to have the rare fortune of listening to him expound timeless wisdom through the verses of Aparokshanubhuti. Swami Sarvapriyananda's teachings provided deep insights into the nature of self-realization and the direct experience of the ultimate truth. His ability to convey complex philosophical concepts in an accessible and engaging manner left a lasting impact on all attendees.

Videos of the sessions are available at Ramakrishna Kutir's YouTube channel

A documentary was shown each day during the mid-day break. On the 18th and 19th, Dr. Subhadra Desai and Dr. Ravi Joshi, with their devotional music, enthralled everyone during the Bhajan Sandhyas after the Sandhya Arati. On the evening of the 20th, a short talk was delivered by Dr. Radhakrishnan Pillai, an internationally renowned speaker and author, and an expert on Chanakya. He spoke on the concepts of ‘vriddha’ and the need to learn as an apprentice under the tutelage of an expert master, akin to the ancient gurukul system. He also emphasized the tradition of vaad-vivaad (debate) being reintroduced to our dining tables by parents with their children. It was an insightful half-hour packed with practical wisdom.

Earlier, during a feedback session, the participants opened their hearts about what the retreat meant to them. This was followed by a captivating vote of thanks, delivered in the form of a heartfelt poem written by Swami Vedanishthananda himself.

“Let this Concluding Ceremony, 

Begin a new chapter in our life,

Let the Truth manifest,

Within our joys and strife.”

The poem resonated deeply with everyone present.

Swami Vivekananda Spiritual Circuit Parikrama
21-23 May 2024

The retreat seamlessly transitioned into the Parikrama. The same Vedanta that was like snow at the summit of the mountain now flowed like many streams in the form of Swamiji's journey—his experiences and teachings. The morning of May 21st was aglow with the bright faces of Swami Vivekananda's admirers. The energy and devotion in the air were palpable, both in the young and the old.

The shobha yatra, flagged off by Swami Sarvapriyananda and other senior monks, began at the feet of Swamiji’s statue at the Vivekananda Corner and proceeded to the Government Inter College, Almora. The procession was led by a group of young girls from a local school playing in an uplifting band, followed by 100 high school students holding placards displaying Swamiji’s teachings. Numerous saffron flags bearing the Ramakrishna Mission’s logo were carried by an enthusiastic throng of devotees and monks, while a tuk-tuk played inspiring songs dedicated to Swamiji. Every now and then, shouts of "Swami Vivekananda ki jay" echoed through the streets.

At the Government Inter College (GIC), three young and dynamic guides awaited the procession. Rajesh, a residential student at Ramakrishna Kutir who also holds a guide license from the Uttarakhand Tourism Department; Harshit, who has created a documentary titled Swami Vivekananda ki Himalay Yatra; and Abhinav, who has been associated with Swamiji and his teachings since childhood, courtesy of his birth and upbringing at Kakrighat, the site of Swamiji’s profound realization of oneness. These guides would be instrumental in bringing Swamiji's journey and teachings to life for the participants.

The Parikrama, as it would be seen, symbolized not just a physical journey but a spiritual one, as participants connected with Swamiji’s life and message on a deeper level. As the procession moved through the streets, it was clear that Swami Vivekananda’s spirit was very much alive, guiding and inspiring everyone involved.

Offering flowers at Swamiji’s statue at the Government Inter College (GIC), everyone gathered under the same roof where Swamiji’s inspiring words had once echoed almost 125 years ago. The guides took the participants through a passage of history, transporting them to the times of Swamiji. The gathering then joined in a chorus singing of "Vivekananda tum nara roopi Narayan," inundating the entire place with feelings of awe and devotion.

The group then proceeded to the auditorium of SSJ University, where a two-day international seminar was hosted on the topic of "Students, Teachers, and Educational Institutes through the Lens of Swami Vivekananda’s Ideas." The new vice-chancellor- Prof. Dr. Satpal Singh Bisht, immediately after assuming his office, announced the formation of the Swami Vivekananda Spiritual Circuit and Study Centre. This initiative aimed to disseminate Swami Vivekananda's ideas among the youth of the region and to promote awareness among the locals about Swamiji's deep connection with Uttarakhand, especially Kumaon and particularly Almora.

The seminar, as well as the Parikrama, were organized by Ramakrishna Kutir in association with the newly formed centre at Almora University. At the inaugural ceremony of the seminar, Dr. Radhakrishna Pillai spoke on the importance of learning Sanskrit, emphasizing its integral role in preserving our Sanskriti. He illustrated the impact of Indian thought leaders like Chanakya and Swami Vivekananda, describing them as Yuga Purushas, whose influence transcended national boundaries to shape global thought. Dr. Pillai’s recounting of how Vivekananda inspired the industrialist Rockefeller to embrace philanthropy brought the narrative to life.

Swami Sarvapriyananda delivered a compelling talk on holistic education. His serene yet authoritative voice conveyed the necessity of training the head, heart, and hands. "Indians excel globally," he acknowledged, "but we must also master the art of working with our hands and collaborating effectively." He further emphasized Swami Vivekananda’s belief that education’s greatest goal is to cultivate empathy and compassion. "The heart must be trained to feel for others," he stated, a message that resonated deeply with the audience. Swami Raghavendrananda, Prof. Dr. Satpal Singh Bisht and other eminent speakers also delivered inspiring talks.

In the afternoon, two buses adorned with banners displaying Swamiji's inspiring quotations set off for Kakrighat. Upon arrival, participants were greeted by the serene, picturesque setting of a true Indian village. Under the shade of a large tree, the villagers as well as the delagates had gathered, where the children from neighbouring villages performed a beautiful cultural program, their voices and movements weaving a tapestry of local tradition and youthful exuberance.

Swami Sarvapriyananda then addressed the gathering, his words drawing everyone into a profound reflection. He spoke of Swami Vivekananda's lecture on the cosmos given in New York in 1896, reading excerpts that resonated deeply with the natural surroundings of Kakrighat. As he drew parallels between the microcosm and macrocosm, the rivers, trees, and mountains around them seemed to echo Swamiji’s words, as if these landscapes had left an indelible mark on his mind.

Swami Atmashraddhananda followed with a discourse on the inner and outer journeys of devotees to Kakrighat, highlighting the sense of fulfilment that such pilgrimages bring. Earlier, Dr. Diva Bhatt captivated the audience with tales of the region's powerful Devis—Kasar Devi, Syahi Devi, and Vanari Devi. She spoke of their divine energies and how they intersected with the three rivers, Kosi, Suyal, and the immiscible Gupta Ganga. Her stories of the ancient rishis who practiced austerities in this sacred land added a layer of historical depth, painting a vivid picture of Kakrighat’s spiritual legacy.

As the sun began to set on the banks of the Kosi River, the time for Sandhya Arati arrived. The devotees gathered at Swami Vivekananda Dhyan Kaksha, the temple precincts filled with the collective singing of "Khandana Bhava Bandhana." The melodious chants and the shimmering reflection of the moon in the waters created a magical, spiritual ambiance that enveloped everyone present.

As people made their way back, their hearts were full and their voices quiet, each person lost in contemplation of the holy memories created during this beautiful afternoon.

The second day began with a serene visit to the Patal Devi Mandir. After the darshan, the group embarked on their journey to Kasar Devi Temple.  At Kasar Devi, a function was held where Pravarjika Prasannaprana ji delivered an insightful lecture, highlighting the importance of Kasar Devi as a pivotal place of pilgrimage in Swami Vivekananda's life.  It was subsequent to his experiences here that he firmly resolved to do something for the Education of Indian women. Sri Sarada Math, established just next to the Kasar Devi Temple has been tirelessly working for the uplift of women for 25 years. Earlier Dr. Dharavallabh Pandey provided an informative lecture on the history of Kasar Devi. He traced its roots from ancient Puranic times to its role in the 1960s counter-culture movement, showcasing the temple's long-standing cultural and spiritual relevance. The program concluded with a powerful and resonant chorus recital of the Mahisasuramardini Stotram by about 100 monks and devotees. The recital echoed through the geo-magnetically and spiritually charged surroundings of Kasar Devi, invoking the divine presence of the Mother.

As the time for the afternoon session approached, a torrential downpour began. Uncertainty loomed over the plans, but everyone waited patiently. The rain, after washing away the dirt and cooling the atmosphere, subsided in about an hour. The next stop was Karbala, the place where Swami Vivekananda's life was saved by a Muslim fakir. The descendants of Zulfikar Ali continue to stay at the very same place, now also looking after the stone and the Vivekananda Rest Shelter created in the 1970s by Boshi Sen and Gertrude Sen. Niyaz Ali, the great-grandson of Zulfikar Ali, performed a bhajan. Everyone huddled up in the small rest shelter, now keenly waiting to listen to Akhtar Ali, Zulfikar Ali's grandson. Akhtar Ali shared his close acquaintance with the Sen couple and recounted his visions of Swamiji. He also spoke about the help rendered to his family by the Ramakrishna Kutir. His candid and evocative interview captivated the audience.

The group then visited and paid homage to the stone where Swamiji had collapsed. After a short tea break, they quickly boarded the buses and headed straight to the Raghunath Temple. In the middle of Almora's main bazaar, the group gathered to hear descriptions of Swamiji's heroic welcome in 1897 after his return from the West. Harshit vividly narrated these moments, bringing history to life. Sumitra Nandan Pant, a famous poet from the region, had written a poem about this event where a child asks his mother if it's Diwali because so many lamps have been lit. Rajesh recited the poem powerfully. Excerpts from the addresses presented to Swamiji by the people of Almora were read out, followed by his powerful reply, read out by Abhinav, in which Swamiji referred to Almora as Devbhoomi, the land of renunciation, and expressed his wish to set up an Ashrama here.

After a darshan at the Raghunath Temple, everyone waited their turn to visit the room in Lala Badri Shah’s house where Swamiji had stayed in 1890 and 1897. The room, still housing many objects used by him, had a deep meditative atmosphere. Immersed in Swamiji’s presence, the group returned to the buses through the old bazaars of Almora as the sun set behind the distant Himalayan peaks.

The final day of the Parikrama began at Turiyananda Taposthali, the birthplace of Ramakrishna Kutir. Swami Shivananda and Turiyananda had spent months here, immersed in Tapasya, hidden from everyone inside a kutiya amidst the pine forests. The hut, now restored with the help of eminent conservation architect Dr. Neeta Das, was open for darshan for the first time. The inspiring natural surroundings and the spiritual vibrations of the place transported everyone to a contemplative realm.

Rajesh lucidly narrated the life of harsh austerities and high spiritual attainments of the two gurubhais during their stay here, as well as the extreme hardships encountered by Hari Maharaj in establishing the Ramakrishna Kutir. Inspired, moved, and awestruck, the group prepared for a long journey to Syahi Devi.

As the bus moved through the Himalayan zigzag roads, the guides engaged the pilgrims with a quiz on Swamiji’s life and his visits to Almora. Time passed quickly, and soon the group began their walk to the Syahi Devi temple. Through wooded, unpaved roads and cool winds, everyone reached the Syahi Devi temple, where the temple committee had set up a pandal to welcome the devotees.

After the puja of the Mother, everyone sat on beautiful carpets laid in the mandir precincts, some meditating, some simply absorbing the palpable energy. A short program commenced, with Dr. Hem Bahuguna, a social worker, narrating interesting incidents from Almora’s history, especially about the Devis and their magical aura protecting the people of this place. Debjani Mukherjee and Indrani Roy lent their beautiful voices to sing a Ramprasadi song. They performed at three other locations as well.

Harshit and Abhinav recited "Kali the Mother," a poem of mystic feelings written by Swamiji. Swami Raghavendranandaji and Swami Atmashraddhanandaji spoke about the background and circumstances that inspired Swamiji to come to Syahi Devi Cave and practice austerities from July 25th to July 29th in 1898. They recounted how Swamiji, harsh on Nivedita in trying to wean her away from her pride in the Union Jack, found peace at Syahi Devi after Ms. Macleod intervened.