World Agnihotra Day was celebrated for the 7 th year in row with great joy and vigor. This year's celebrations were spontaneous (in the sense that we had not written any letters or intimated guidelines for the celebrations as during the previous years.)

We have been getting reports from all over India about the various Agnihotra propagation activities undertaken on the 12 th of March to commemorate the Poornabhishe k of Paramsadguru Shreeji. It was on this day in the year 1942 that Lord Parshurama intitated Shreeji with the most esoteric of Mantras-Tripuri Mantra and then went on to perform the Poornabhishek.

Shri R. Chandrashekhar from Sakleshpur, Shri Krishna Barad from Goa , Shri Shirshikar from Solapur and several others had organized talks and workshops on Agnihotra in their respective towns. It was also celebrated in Pune, Mumbai, Ahemadnagar, Aurangabad , Latur, Nashik, Sangali and Kolhapur .

The Agnihotri group in Dehu, Nigdi had organized a day long tour of a nearby town of Otur . A group of people from the town had contacted Mr. Prasad Dixit for information about Agnihotra. They had shown interest in organizing a meeting in their town. Shri Prasad Dixit, Kaustub Joshi and Ajay Abnave co-ordinated with these people from Otur and organized a tour on the occasion of World Agnihotra Day. Accordingly on the 12 th of March a team of 35 Agnihotra teachers reached Otur and spent the day their addressing several meetings and going door to door with the message of Agnihotra. More than 200 families were given the message of which 35 bought the Agnihotra kit. The evening session held in a school was attended by 15 of these families who performed their first Agnihotra in that meeting itself. Shri Tatya Dhopavkar from Nashik had also joined the group.

TWO DAY AGNIHOTRA WORKSHOP IN SHIVPURI

A group of 21 people was in Shivpuri on the 7 th and 8 th of April for a 2 day workshop on Agnihotra. Shri Abhishek Singh from Bangalore had organized this trip. The group was here for the first time and did not know about Agnihotra.

Shri Nana Giakwad from Nagar conducted the workshop in 4 sessions spared over two days. He introduced the group to Agnihotra, Fivefold path and Shreeji's mission. Almost all of the newcomers bought the Agnihotra kit and commenced Agnhotra here in Shivpuri.

Agnihotri brother Shri Ravindra Jaju from Ahemadnagar in collaboration with The National Tourist Bureau from Nagpur had organized a AGNIHOTRA KAILASH MANASSAROVAR YATRA from the 3 rd of August 2006 . The tour will commence from Kathmandu in Nepal on the 3 rd of August and conclude on the 19 th of August again in Katmandu . From then onwards the participants will travel to Shivpuri.

The itinerary of the tour is as follows-

The cost of the tour ( from Kathmandu and back up to Kathmandu ) is Rs. 78500/-

Note : It is necessary to have an Indian Passport. Individuals with passport of any other nationality can avail a different package.

For further details contact –

1. Ravindra Jaju , Agnihotra House, Bhingar, Ahemadnagar, Phone : 0241-2441133

E amil : ravindra_jaju@yahoo.co.in

2. Nationa Tourist Bureau , 109 Satyam Towers , Wardha Rd. , Dhantoli, Nagpur . Phone : 0712-5616177, 0716-3296737

email : ntbindia@sancharnet.in

For the form and other rules, regulations click on the links below:

A 'Chiropractic' healing camp was organized jointly by Dharmatma Tatyaji Maharaj Medical Trust (DTMMMRT) and Sati Chimamata Annapoorna Samiti at Shivpuri, Akkalkot from Monday 19th to Thursday 29th of December 2005.

A team of 23 American Chiropractors arrived in Shivpuri on the 18th of December for the camp. The team was lead by Dr. Matthew Lewis, Dr. Brett Caminez, Dr. Dennis Rattiner and Dr. David Slossberg who were part of the team that conducted the previous camps in Shivpuri. During their two-week stay in Shivpuri Ashram the group of doctors participated in daily activities of the ashram like morning Yoga and Agnihotra and had a purely vegetarian diet.

During the 11 day camp more than 8000 patients were treated. Patients from surrounding districts like Solapur, Dudhni, Gulbarga , Parbhani, Pune, Latur, Barshi as also from places as far as Ahemdabad, Mumbai, Raipur availed the Chiropractic help. The students of the nearby schools, particularly the schools for the physically handicapped were treated free of cost.

The system of Chiropractic involves detecting and correcting the structural imbalance in the vertebral column for relieving nerve interference and its effects. The technique has been found to be very effective on patients with musculo-skeletal diseases like dislocated shoulders, paralysis, knee and lower back pain. This is a non-invasive and drugless technique. The science of Chiropractic, which originated in the late 19th century, has now evolved into a an alternative medical system. Today it enjoys licensure in all the states in the USA as also in 70 other countries all around the world.

In the 3 Chiropractic camps held in Shivpuri since 2000 more than 23,000 patients have been treated.

Dr. Shreekantji Rajimwale, the president of DTMMMRT tells, "Recognizing the dire necessity of medical facility for people residing in this rural area, our trust began providing free of cost medical treatments. In this area, many a times, we come across people who suffer a lot due to both lack of financial aid and awareness about health and hygiene. Therefore our trust concentrates on providing the best available medical facilities to them." He further adds, "The present state of health care facilities in the rural area grossly insufficient. There is urgent need for consorted efforts on part of the government machinery and NGOs. More such organizations should come forward and help in providing medical relief to the people. Apart from the mainstream Allopathic medicine, other branches of medical sciences like Ayurveda can be used effectively."

Dharmatma Tatyaji Maharaj Memorial Trust has been actively involved in medical relief activity for more than 25 years, providing free diagnostic services and medication to the needy people of this draught prone and rural area. In addition to the regular Ayurvedic OPD various camps such as free eye checkup, free cataract surgery, blood donation and dental hygiene are frequently conducted.This trust has provided free treatment to approximately 1.5 lakh people. A full-fledged Panchakarma centre is operational which is not only attracting patients from India but also from USA and Europe . Shri Shreekantji Rajimwale was awarded the Seth Chimanlal Govindas award for 2005 for its contribution in medical relief activity in the rural sector.

As of today, there are only very limited Chiropractors in India . These are mainly located in metros and are quite beyond the reach of the rural class. This camp will once again provide an opportunity for the people of this area to avail the services of experts from the USA at an affordable price. During this period Sati Chimamata Annapoorna Samiti will make arrangements to serve 'Prasad' (Free meals) to the visiting patients.

AGNIHOTRA CONFERENCE – JANUARY 2006

We are happy to share with you that by the grace of Paramsadguru Shree Gajanan Maharaj the message of Agnihotra is spreading with an ever increasing pace all over the world.

The regular practice of Agnihotra is proving to be a panacea for the present day multiple and complex problems of mankind. It is indeed the ‘ Yugadharma '-, the Dharma of the present times.

The overwhelming response to Agnihotra from all quarters of the globe is the manifestation of the Divine will. This calls for more organized effort on our part for spreading the message of Agnihotra.

The Institute proposes to organize a 2 day workshop in the month on January 28 th and 29 th of January-06. The main objective is to develop ‘Centres for Agnihotra' at all possible towns. We also propose to have a certain common program for the centers, the details of which will be discussed and finalized at the workshop. Going by your active involvement in the past, we are sure, you will also take part in the new activities of Agnihotra propagation proposed for the future.

Please give prior intimation about your arrival.

Regards,

(Anna Wale)
Secretary
Institute for Studies in Vedic Sciences
Shivpuri, Akkalkot-413216
Solapur , MS , INDIA
Tel : 0091-2181-220708

Biodyanamic Association had arranged its annual general meeting in Dumfries Scotland.
This meeting was arranged from 7th October to 9th October.During this meeting as a representative for Institute for Studies in Vedic Sciences, we were given a chance to talk about Agnihotra and Homa farming. The lecture was arranged on 8th October at 8:30 pm and lasted for about 45 minutes. About 40 people attended the lecture. Morning and Evening Agnihotra was performed at the venue for 2 days,and people were given information about Agnihotra. The response was very positive and people attended the morning and evening Agnihotra, very enthusiastically. A small agnihotra stall was arranged which consisted of Agnihotra kits, audio cassettes and various books on Agnihotra.

Sandeep Mehendale

Three groups of Agnihotris each with about 70 members walked all the way from their hometowns (Kolhapur, Ahemadnagar and Solapur) to Akkalkot covering a distance of 300, 200 and 40 kms respectively on foot. They carried Agnihotra literature and banners with them thus propagating the message on their way through the towns and villages enroute.

On the day of Gurupoornima hundreds of devotees of Paramsadguru Shree offered their respects at His lotus feet (Padukas). In the evening a huge procession was taken through the town of Akkalkot.

Gurupoornima is the traditional VEDIC day of honoring and worshipping the eternal Guru tradition.

Guru is the master and mentor, who swiftly guides our journey towards peace, bliss and happiness. This peaceful state of mind is liberation. Guru dispels the darkness of attachment, illusion and ignorance with the glorious torch of pure knowledge.

Along with the creation PRAJAPATI i.e. Almighty revealed the knowledge of 'VEDAS' into the pure hearts of RISHIS who were in deep yogic samadhi. The day on which Vedas were revealed is celebrated as Gurupoornima.

Almighty father is the first and foremost guru of the entire creation. According to PATANGALI, He is the Guru of Gurus from whom the unbroken guru-disciple tradition commenced. It flows even today.

The full moon of the Vedic month ASHADHA is the day of Gurupoornima. In this year it coincides with the full month in the first half of the month of July

Paramsadguru Shree Gajanan Maharaj (Shivpuri), our beloved master, reiterated the eternal message of the Vedas in the form of Fivefold path. He is the Guru of Gurus.

He is Param-Sat-Guru meaning perfect Supreme master. In SHREE merged many divine Guru hierarchies. SHREE is blessed by Lord PARSHURAM with the esoteric knowledge of TRIPURI MANTRA. It is respected as the most secret and holy Mantra. It is the mother of all Mantras.

In Gurumandir (Akkalkot) SHREE ascended the seat of GURUS of LORD DATTATREYA tradition. It was adorned by Siddha Masters like SHREE SWAMI SAMARTHA.

Dharmatma Tatyaji Maharaj Memorial Medical Relief Trust was established in 1974. The trust bears the name of Shree’s grandfather Shri Tatyaji Maharaj alias Purushottamrao; a royal chieftain from Rajim - Raipur area. He was a great exponent of Ayurveda and had immense intuitive knowledge of this ancient science of healing. He spent his entire life treating the downtrodden and poor without accepting anything in return. He served them by giving them free medication. Keeping the same
commitment in mind the trust has been actively involved since last 30 years in treating the economically backward and poor from this draught stricken area of Akkalkot.

Diagnosis and 15 days medication is provided free of cost every Sunday and Thursday. So far the Hospital has treated more than 1.5 lakh patients in its outdoor facility with noteworthy success. Besides this, several free diagnostic and Panchakarma treatment camps and Chiropractic camps were organized during last years. The trusts pioneering efforts in introducing the new healing science of 'Chiropractic' by inviting groups of American 'Chiropractors' for treating diseases of the spinal cord have proved very useful for the local populace and have been widely acclaimed.

Several charitable activities are undertaken at Shivpuri through the following non-profit trusts established in accordance with Shree's guidelines.
1) Sati Chimamata Annapoorna Samiti :
2) Shivakshetram Nyasa :
3) Dharmatma Tatyaji Maharaj Memorial Medical Relief Trust :
4) Shardamata Shikshan Prasarak Mandal :
5) Institute for Studies in Vedic Sciences :

These trusts work in unison towards the goal of spreading the Vedic message of Shree.

Performing daily services at various holy shrines situated in Shivpuri Ashram, providing prasad and accommodation to the visitors and Sadhak s, publications, propagation of Vedic Fivefold Path, maintaining a Goshala, running of an Ayurvedic Charitable hospital and a English medium school in the rural town of Akkalkot are the main activities undertaken by these trusts.

The present hall of the Shivamandir is a tin roofed structure constructed in the early seventies. It has served its tenure well. However now owing to the growing need of space during annual gatherings, festivals etc. and with the intention of having a strong and lasting structure, the trust is undertaking a renovation of the hall. This will include having R.C.C. slab for instead of the present tin roof, Marble flooring, decorative traditional architecture befitting a temple and relocating the statue of Swami Shivananda. The memorial is dedicated to Swami Shivananda, his statue will now be kept in the centre of the hall with a decorative enclosure around. The actual cellar of Swami Shivananda's samadhi will also be clad with fine granite stone.        

The beautiful statue of Lord Parshuram which is presently in the Shivamandir was brought to Shivpuri during the unique Somayaga of 1969. This statue was kept to the east of the Yajnya altars during the Somayaga, for the Lord to oversee the entire Yajnya process. At present this place houses Lord Parshuram's paduka under a small canopy. Now the statue of the Lord will be relocated at this very place and a decorative temple admeasuring 360 sq feet will be constructed for it. Experts in traditional Vedic architecture called ‘Sthapatis' have designed this beautiful memorial.

ADMINISTRATIVE BLOCK :

A new administrative building for all the different activities going on in Shivpuri is also being planned. This will house the offices for the trust, a shop come display hall for Agnihotra material, a library, an auditorium, stores and waiting rooms for visitors. 

SHREE MEMORIAL : The most sacred place in Shivpuri which Paramsadguru Shree Himself had suggested be used for His last rites, the place where the Lord of the Universe-Shiva himself had appeared to Shree and asked a place for residence in Shivpuri, will be used to construct a befitting memorial for Shree. It will be a two-storied structure. The ground floor will house the actual Chaityabhoomi and a meditation hall. The first floor will have a life size statue of Shree made by the best sculptors. The hall on the first floor will be used to display a pictorial biography in one section and display of His personal things and photographs in the other. Another memorial for Sharda Mata will also be constructed adjoining to this building on the place where her fire rites were performed.

A garden is being developed in the entire ashram premises; all the various structures and buildings will also be joined by internal roads. This project is supposed to mark the completion of the development stage of Shivpuri.

The construction activity has already commenced. The photographs of the construction will be regularly updated in this section.

Shri Shreekantji Maharaj gave inaugural speech highlighting the goals of the conference. Later he spoke on the subject 'Agnihotra for Peace and Prosperity' The valedictory talk he gave after the evening Agnihotra was moving and everybody felt Divine grace engulfing the atmosphere. The seminar was a grand success. Col. Dr. Madan Deshpande covered the topic 'Agnihotra and Scientific perspective' effectively. While Y.B.Sohoni from Pune explained through his experimental data as to how Agnihotra has a positive effect on aerial micro flora. Shri S.K. Kulkarni gave a talk on 'Shree’s Life and Mission'. Shri Abhay Mutalik Desai from Belgaum who has applied homa farming in his farms with spectacular success shared his experience.

Shri Ramaranganathan from Coimbtore who runs a residential school spoke on 'Agnihotra and Pyramidology'. Dr. Mirchandani from Gurgaon, Dr. Kallurkar from Nanded and Shri R. Venkatesan from Trichy also shared their thoughts and experiences on Agnihotra.

Goal of the seminar was to invite Agnihotris and teachers from farther places and introduce them to the origin of Agnihotra. Also give them practical hints to perform and propagate Agnihotra, which was accomplished to a large extent.

Various groups of Agnihotris have been inviting Shri Shreekantji to deliver lectures on Agnihotra. During this 5 day tour in the last week of March –05 almost every day was packed with Agnihotra meetings which were organized by groups operating in different parts of Bangalore. The groups that organized the meetings were attached to various spiritual organizations like -

1. Shirdi Sai Baba devotees
   
2. Art of living
   
3. Reiki and Pranic healing
   
4. Alternative medicine
   
5. Vivekananda Kendra

1. Agnihotra is not a new fashion cult or discipline that is introduced by any personality (Evam Parmapara Praptam) It is a time tested message given through Vedas and revived by Shreeji.
   
2. (Acharti iti acharya) – The one who practices first and then asks others to practice is alone fit to be called Acharya.
   
3. Today the main killer is stress, to which we all are subjected without exception. Even children are under tremendous stress.
   
4. Rivers have become gutters.
   
5. Air pollution.
   
6. Soil pollution- Poisoned food due to Chemical fertilizers and pesticides is not assimilated in the body and these toxins are then lodged in the parts of body leading to colon and breast cancers.
   
7. Four of the five basic elements i.e. ‘Mahabhuta’ are polluted. Only Agni can purify others by its use in Agnihotra
   
8. Agni purifies prana and mana.
   
9. To be a good member of society, to be a good officer, businessman, engineer you have to be a good person first, which is possible by regular practice of Agnihotra. You can’t be a good doctor and a bad person at the same time.
   
10. Agnihotra is an ordained duty given by the Vedas. You cannot ask, ‘What will I get if I do Agnihotra’ (Akarne Pratyavahya). It is like asking what reward will I get if I don’t steal? (Yavat Jeem Agnihotra Juhuyat).
    
11. Among other benefits of Agnihotra one was that when people performed Agnihotra they get the satisfaction of having offered to their particular deity two oblations and there was a feeling that their oblations reached the particular deity.( Agnir Devanam Mukham)

Many new volunteers in Bangalore have come forward to run the Agnihotra centers. In fact some centres are already operational. The response was so encouraging that we are forced to give serious thought to the idea of planning Shree Charan Paduka visit to Bangalore next year.

The daily schedule started with morning Agnihotra, Simple Yogasanas, Mantra chanting. The whole seven days course was designed to instill a certain discipline and Vedic culture into the children. The camp was conducted in a disciplines manner yet children never felt the burden of the discipline. Rather they enjoyed the proceedings. Outdoor & indoor games along with personality development lectures were included. They were also taken to historical and holy places in Akkalkot for a change. Daily menu for breakfast, lunch and dinner was carefully selected to offer them variety of healthy and wholesome food. A few children from non-Agnihotra families left the camp with a resolve to start Agnihotra at their home and carried Agnihotra kits along with them.

Late Klaus Wunderlich who passed on the 28 th of October 1997 was instrumental in constructing the Annpoorna of Shivpuri, which serves ‘Prasad' to thousands of people. He was also instrumental in building a bungalow which is used by Wunderlich family while they are in Shivpuri and for other guests during the remaining days. He was a very popular organist of Europe and had a magical mastery on the ‘Wersi' organ. He has over a dozen Golden Records to his credit. He was an ardent devotee of Paramsadguru. He worked tirelessly to develop the computer program for making the sunrise and sunset time charts for Agnihotra. Although he had no background in computers he first learnt by himself, the necessary skills and went on to develop the computer program for time tables. During one of his visits to Shivpuri the operation of this program was shown to Shree. Who admired and approved it with the words, ‘Official Shivpuri program' for time charts!

Here is the narration of Traudle's experience of ‘Shree's grace.

“I was working as an assistant to a dentist in Singen in South Germany and lived in a small town nearby. India and Indian culture had always secretly pulled my heart. Once Horst Lozynski,a Yoga-teacher,had arranged a large meeting of Swami Hariharananda of Puri in Uhldingen. During this meeting Horst announced the idea of a group tour to India . Horst also mentioned that they would have the fortune of taking darshan of an ‘Avatar' who is now living in India . As soon as I heard these words I was drawn to the idea of making the tour. In fact my desire to visit and take Darshan was so strong that I told Horst, if he did not include me I will die!

On the 1 st of September 1976 we arrived in Gurumandir. In books on Hindu mythology I had read fantastic descriptions of avataras and demigods but when I went into Shree's room and saw Him, the peace and purity that emanated from that holy body shocked me. Shri Ratnakar Nargundkar who was a disciple of Shree acted as a translator between Shree and us. On September 2 nd Shree told us that when the time will come “We will tell you about Our special relation with you.” During the following days (4 th Sept.) Ratnakar asked me that Shree has asked you “What is your impression about the Math?” I immediately answered that I felt that this is not the first time that I have come here. Hearing this, smilingly and with blessings, Shree said “This is correct.You will receive all ‘Our' blessings”. On September 17 th Shree called us ( Horst, Rosevita and me) to His room upstairs. When we went there I was amazed by the pure and serene whiteness of Shree's clothes, his bed sheet and it made a deep impression on my heart. At this time Shree told me that, “We' observe silence but ‘We' speak to you soul.”

On the 18 th September my birthday was celebrated by Vahini (Ma Sharada) and other members of the math. When I took Shree's darshan on this day, He said “Now when you leave this room, your ‘New life' will begin”. Vahini was standing nearby holding a swan in her hand. Shree blessed it and gave it to me as a special symbol. Shree explained that according to the Vedic scriptures the Swan is said to possess the power to separate milk and water when they are mixed. A swan only sucks pure milk. A high master is called Paramhansa. Param meaning ‘high' and Hansa means Swan; The Swans reside in the holy lake Manas Sarovar located on Kailash, the abode of Lord Shiva in the holy peaks of Himalayas . He added “You should progress to the level of realizing, ‘I and my father are one'. While this was happening everything in the room looked pure white like the feathers of the swan. It was an experience of purity in essence. It was a suggestion that in my life I should only take the good things and stay away from the bad. This was my swadhyaya. Shree said, “If you want to adore us then practice Agnihotra and Fivefold Path. Be happy yourself, and make others happy.”

On the following day I went in the inner part of the Math where Vahini would normally sit. I sat close to her and we spoke only through smiles. At that time Ratnakar came with the message that Shree has called me to His room. On reaching there, Shree said, “ We are pleased with you and will always be with you. In future you will experience that our grace has always been with you in past lives. I have called all my disciples of the past even during this birth.”

Later once I had a dream in which I saw that I was lying on a hospital stretcher. I was covered with white sheets and Shree was pulling this cart. In my mind I was wondering what He was doing. While the cart was to pass through a narrow door I became worried thinking is there enough space or will I get hurt? He said “ Do not fear, I will carry you to the next room safely and unhurt.”

By Shree's blessings I was married to Klaus in His holy presence on 30 th December 1979 .

Werner Metzger has been practicing Agnihotra and spreading the message of Fivefold Path in Germany since more than 25 years. In his recent visit to India his interview was published in two major newspapers. Here is a brief account of his journey on the Fivefold Path…

It was in the year 1974 that Werner Metzger came to know about Agnihotra. Horst Lozynski who then used to hold Yoga classes had invited him for a meeting.The speaker was Vasatraoji Paranjape frm India . This particular meeting was attended by seven people.Berthold Jehle and Monica Koch who even now upto this day are ardent followers and teachers of Agnihotra were amongst the seven persons that attended the meeting.

Eventually another meeting was organised which was the first official meeting on Agnihotra in Germany . Vasantraoji Paranjape was carrying a paper, which had information about Agnihotra in German language translated by late Carola Waterman. At the outset he asked if anybody would please read it out. Werner volunteered and read the paper. Today he feels blessed that he got the opportunity to be an instrument of the Divine in announcing the message of Agnihotra. Werner who was then working in a school made a few hundred copies of the brochure and gave it to Vasantraoji who distributed them in the ‘mind training programmes' that he conducted in several towns in South Germany. Werner too travelled with him in the beginning.

The first Agnihotra pyramids arrived in Germany in September 1974, till that time those who had already commenced practice used to perform Agnihotra in a kitchen vessel! They also had to make special arrangements for collecting cow dung from the farms.

Werner soon became a devoted Agnihotri and busied himself in the mission of spreading the message of Agnihotra. In December 1976 he established a non-profit trust by the name ‘Kriya Yoga Schule' for propagation of Agnihotra. He travelled with Vasatraoji acting as his translator through several towns like Memmingen, Sigma ringen, Böhringen, Donaueschingen. Later the task of publication of the German Satsang was entrusted to Werner who then bought a small printing machine. A house which originally belonged to the mayor ( Rauthaus) was bought in a small town of Bittelbrunn by Werner. This became the office of Kriya Yoga Schule. The printing machine was installed in the basement of the building and Werner himself used to print the issues of Satsang from here. During all these years in all the activities that he did his loving and supporting wife Erika stood shoulder to shoulder with him. It would not have been possible to carry on all these activities without her support, he says. She also conducted classes for childrren teaching them Yoga and Agnihotra.

Werner visited Gurumandir and Shivpuri and took Darshan of Paramsadguru Shree in the year 1978. Since then he has visited Shivpuri more than 15 times.

In the year 1982 after having studied the biographies of Shree and interviewed many of His disciples and devotees, Werner wrote Shree's biography named ‘ Schri Leben und Werk' in German language. This book was inagurated by Shree Himself on the day of Gurupoornima.

In July –August 1992during one of his visits to India he visited 17 places like Saranath, Varanasi, Madhavashram, Bhopal, Delhi, Hyderabad and Pune meeting important personalities. He distributed the literature about Shree and Fivefolfd path to many Buddhist monks and shared the message of Agnihotra with them.

Today Werner holds regular Satsang meetings on the ocassion of Shree's Birthday, Bodhiday in Christmas and other such important ocassions. He travels in Germany and counteirs like Italy , Greece to spread the message of Agnihotra.

At this time, I have not written the details regarding the components of Satya Dharma of the Vedas(Fivefold Path)which He has resuscitated. My main focus in this section, are the descriptions of my initial meetings with Him in 1972 and 1973. Please note that I refer to Him as either ‘Shree' or ‘Maharajshree'

Ingrid Howard,
Canada .

Before going to India , I was not a happy person. At age 29, I could find no true meaning to my life, and wondered why I had been put on this earth. True, I had a good job, a place to live, friends, kind parents, but surely there had to be more to life than this!

Orthodox Christian religion and churches meant little to me, and I felt they were only superficial means to make people pretend to be happy for a moment or two. I felt the need to find some kind of TRUE spiritual help, and did not know where to turn. I did (and still do) have faith in Jesus Christ, and would call on Him in times of trouble, but this did not seem to help me enough. My strong yearning for something much greater in my life was driving me “crazy” and making me very sad. How I longed to reach a higher state of being, where I was filled totally with love, compassion, truth, forgiveness etc.! I fervently prayed to the Almighty to come to my aid.

In 1971 my father, who was a retired research scientist in the pulp and paper field, received the prestigious request from CESO (Canadian Executive Service Overseas) to go to a small village in India where a factory was making paper from bamboo. He was to advise the managers how to improve the quality of paper, how to use more modern techniques to change their outdated ways of changing the bamboo into paper, etc. HE left for this place, met some of the managers in Bombay en route, then took the train to a small place called Fort Songad where he was to work.

My mother wished to join him there ( I believe it was a six month assignment), and I asked my boss in Ottawa if I could have one month's leave, which he gave me.

We reached Bombay in mid December 1971 and soon joined my father and the three of us took the train to Fort Songad , with stops on the way. We had been given a nice bungalow, but we were shocked at how the poor workers lived, etc. One night, with lizards on the walls, Mum and I asked each other what in the God's name were we doing there! Father was busy with his work, so he did not mind the place as much as we did. Finally, Mum settled into a routine of typing my Dad's reports and knitting sweaters for the poor children.

After Christmas, we became more acquainted with the manager, his wife and others. One gentleman was very talkative about spiritual things, and he showed me a couple of photos of his guru. I was not particularly interested in his endless talking. Then my father was sent on a business trip to New Delhi and we joined him there. I longed to go to Nepal , so my mum and I went there for a few days. There were amazing sights to see and to visit. One afternoon in Kathmandu , I was tired of all the sightseeing, so I went to sleep that afternoon of January 7, 1972 .

While sleeping, I had a most magnificent dream , as follows: I was walking alone o a street ina city and being bothered by phoney holy men, who spoke English, “leave your money here”. They were all dirty, had long tangled hair, etc. Then I came to a nice looking house, off the beaten road, and went inside. All rooms were painted white, and the place was spotlessly clean. No one seemed to be there, until I reached a room at the back. Sitting on a small wooden stool, in a corner, was a tiny man with an aura of light all around him. He was all alone and very quite, but as soon as he saw me, he lifted up his right arm, fingers outstretched, and seemed to be blessing me. He was so beautiful and had a kind smile on his face. He remained like this, until I said, with great enthusiasm and joy, “This is my Master, this is my Master!!! At last I have found my Master!!!” ( Actually, He had brought me to His Holy Self, through my father)

I bowed down to Him and then went outside. The millions of stars in the night sky were brilliant. Suddenly I saw a bright white horse, with a carriage attached to it, flying through the sky. Never in my entire life had I experienced such JOY. Then I awoke, in an ecstatic state, and overcome with happiness. I began to think that now I had to find out if this Master was real and alive . In the dream, he looked somewhat like the photos shown to me earlier at Songad, but I was not positive. A day later, we left Nepal and went back to Fort Songad .

I learned then that a Master had visited Songad while we were in Nepal , and that my very reserved father had taken darshan of this Master! (Years later, 1999, I learned from an Indian devotee that my father actually had bowed down very low and touched the feet of this Master, who was Maharajshree !) Shree, Himself had spoken to few people, some years later, and told them that my father was a highly spiritual soul and good in every way. Bt also that it was difficult for him to show his feelings and emotions, whereas his daughter (me) would very easily show her feelings, and had a unique transparent sincerity. When I heard this, I wept with joy for my father, who had bared his soul, bowing low before the One. He never said a word about this to me or my mum. He died at age 78 in 1981.

While in Fort Songad, the mill Manager, Mr. Raja Sadawarte, casually asked me if I would like to go to Poona, and I said yes, since there was nothing much to do where I was. I would be staying at his uncle's house, Mr M.S. Parkhe, who was the top manager. After, the long drive to Poona , I was glad to reach the Parkhes. By this time, I had seen some more photos of the guru shown to me before going to Nepal . I saw now that it truly was the Master that had blessed me in my dream in Nepal .

“My” Master resided in a town called Akkalkot. A trip was being arranged to go there (this same Master was the Parkhes' Guru!), and I was asked to come along. I was very excited that I would actually meet this Master “in the flesh”!

We drove to Solapur where we halted for a night. I was unable to sleep, feeling nervous about meeting my Master, and feeling fearful that I was not deserving of the physical sight of Him, nor deserving of His Grace.

After taking baths and breakfast, we took off for Akkalkot and arrived at Balappa Math at 8.30 a.m. on Jan 18/72. In this holy compound, all seemed peaceful, calm with a beautiful simplicity. I met the Master's wife, Vahini, who was so kind and smiling. I also met Mr. Shabade, whom I later nicknamed ‘the shadow of the Master”, as he always seemed to be with Maharajshree, just behind Him. Mr. Shabade was highly devoted man during his entire life.

As the time approached to meet HIM, I became increasingly apprehensive and nervous. What would His physical presence mean to me? Perhaps all my earnest yearning for His Blessing and Guidance was merely a mirage, a figment of my imagination ? Perhaps He would not know me, and how could I, Ingrid deserve to receive His Grace? And what should I do in His physical presence?

First meeting :
The four of us entered His room. The very instant I laid eyes on my master, all my doubts were gone, all was clear and real. I immediately fell before Him, my head on the ground, my hands in prayer form, before me. The Absolute, the Spirit of All was there, and I was overwhelmed with such bliss that my tears began and would not stop. I felt under His protection, guidance and care. He gave His Grace on me again and again. I finally stood up and saw that He is Perfection, and that to be blessed by Perfection is to be brought fully into the Light, even if only for a moment.

We silently left His room. I backed out and up the steps of His room, for I could not take my eyes from His gentle eyes.

The four of us went to an upstairs room. Mr Parkhe and Mr Sadawarte left the room. I put my head on my knees, my eyes flooding with tears, and Mrs. Parkhe, in her kind way, out some books beside me (“All giver'”, “The last step”, etc.) Raja (Sadawarte) soon returned, very happy that Maharajshree had chosen Raja to write down His (Maharajshree's ) message and instructions for me.

Second Meeting : PUJA:
I had no idea what “Puja” meant, but soon saw that it must mean the “ rites ” part: reciting by a priest, the offering of flower garlands to HIM (years later, Shree told me, when the two of us were alone, that he didn't care for the smell of the garlands, nor for the smell of incense, but that He had to put up with it because the people liked it!). Also there were coconut offerings. My eyes were glued to His Holy feet, and felt utterly overwhelmed. When “my turn” came, I could not co-ordinate my body properly and felt that I was sliding and tripping. I was supposed to hold the hot “arthi” fire and move it around in front of Him. It was so hot that my arm could not move, and I had to let go. Everything was a mass of fast-moving pictures behind a hazy white atmosphere and only Maharajshree was as clear as day to me. Then a sliver ghee lamp was lit with cotton and camphor. It was given to Him to hold and then HE gave it to me, as a symbol of the LIGHT which HE had bestowed upon me. I took it, but it was so very hot that I dropped it on the floor!!!! I felt so silly and incapable of doing anything properly re: this rite part (Now I think that Maharajshree must have been laughing heartily to Himself)

Then I went back to the upstairs room, not knowing how I reached it. I was unconscious of space and had lost all sense of direction, except the awareness of Maharajshree presence and the lamp which He had given me. Raja returned to the room and began to write, so that all would be completely understood. I soon felt that my Master's all- pervading power and love would take care of everything and that I had nothing to fear or worry about. I walked out onto the terrace, feeling a complete calmness and lightness in all the things, including myself and a smile was non my face and a deep happiness was in my heart.

Soon after, the Parkhes, Mr. Shabade, and I drove to a temple place, about two miles away. We sat outside and ate fresh greens. I did not know then that this place would come to be called SHIVPURI, that Maharajshree would someday live here, and that thousands of people would be flocking here someday soon.

Then we were off to Mr. Shabade's simple home in Akkalkot. Tea, children, family, animals .. a pervading love all around.

Third Meeting :
Raja was reading his writing in Marathi to Maharajshree, while we stood behind him. While this was going on, I spoke to my Master from my mind: ‘What can I do for you? Guide me and give me strength. I bow down to You, I bow down to You'. Later, the writings were translated in English for me.

Then we had lunch in the dinning area with me sitting on a chair and everyone else sitting on the ground. Tears started to pour into my soup! So I was excused to the upstairs room. I washed my face, combed my hair, and felt ready to begin something new in my life. Smiling children stood on the stairs, and smiling me sat on the floor.

Fourth Meeting :
Our “last respects” to Maharajshree took place in another room,. There was some speech between the Master and Mr. Parkhe and Raja, but I spoke not. Shree blessed me again, again, and again. I backed out of the chamber, not wanting to leave His gentle eyes, and His Hand of Grace upon me. And so we took our leave, and my life had begun, with my Master always with me.

Now I wish to record Shree's words to me in English, which Raja S. had written down in Marathi, while Shree told him exactly what to write, on that great day of January 18, 1972 . I shall have to choose the more important parts, because HIS message to me was very long.

“ One should realize that the birthplace of either happiness or unhappiness is one's desire. An ultimate desire is nothing but the existence of the mind working. One can even say that this is the proof that the person has left His mind uncontrolled. Or one can say that this is the stage where the mind is present, or a plus mind stage. The person progresses when he achieves the minus-mind stage, when the mind is not present at all. Naturally, now he will not get the impacts of either happiness or unhappiness. This minus mind state is also called Amanska Sthiti .

“But how to achieve this Amanska Sthiti ? Mind travels from one thought to another, but the time between this travel, when not thinking anything, is known as Amaska Sthiti . Once you achieve this state of mind, achieving Samadhi Sthiti will not be difficult, and the whole purpose of life should be only to achieve this state of mind. Bringing back the mind from the directions after which it is running, and controlling it, and then forgetting it, is what is known as Nir Vikalpa Sthiti . If one achieves this, either happiness or unhappiness will have no effect on the person. There won't be any desire left, and there won't be any cycles of birth and rebirth. Then alone will one get the Atma Darshan ( Self Realization). The sole object of life should be to realize this again, again, and again. This is the real objective of life, and once you achieve it, heaven is with you.

“ You should remember St. John in the Bible, ‘In the beginning was Word , and the Word was with God, and the Word was God'. Samadhi Stithi is the objective while the Word is an instrument to achieve this objective. I have decided to give Ingrid some Sadhana today. Ingrid, you should close your ears and when the outside noise stops, you will realize a new sound within you. This Word does not belong to any language, any religion, is produced without any impact, and is always with you.

“ After some time, you will not have to close your ears in order to hear this Word . You should repeat this Word and also concentrate on and meditate towards this Word , also called the Inner Divine Sound , or Inner Voice . While doing this you should think Shudhoham (I am pure ), Buddhoham (I have knowledge or wisdom ), and Muktoham , which means I am free . Freedom from what?

“It is freedom from Kama ( passion or lust ), Krodha ( anger ), Lobha ( greed ), Moha ( temptation ), Madha ( pride ) and Matsar ( jealousy ). You can do this while sitting (Siddhasan is best), or standing, with eyes closed, or with open eyes concentrated on the nose, with eyebrows raised.”

After a visit in Poona and then Fort Songad , my Boss in Ottawa called me back to work. My parents and I went to Bombay , and I tearfully got on the plane to Canada . But I had gained a new strength within myself, and could feel the Grace of Maharajshree on me all the times.

I began to practice what Shree had told me to do, as related above. It was difficult at first, but after some time I didn't need to close my ears to hear the sound. I was unable to sit in the “Siddhasan” position. My legs and knees simply would not co-operate. I told this to Shree in 1973, but He said it didn't matter, and that I should just sit in a comfortable position.

In spring of 1972, I sent one poetic letter and another one to Maharajshree. I received a reply from

Him in early May. He dictated His words to Mr. Khairatkar, who was the holder of General Power of Attorney, as follows:

“ Received your two letters including poetic letter and was glad to read the kind feelings. It is the nearer which is by soul and not by the body. We can see the pains in your mind, that you are far away- far away from our residence, we know it very well and remember it.

“ At beginning only you have experienced that we do not have any limitation of space and time. Throughout you life you will get the experience that we are so nearer to you that even you will feel that your body is not so nearer to you. As far as possible you should follow our Sacred Golden Path which we have chalked out you. It will be our remembrance and it will be the connecting link between us.

“Under any circumstances in life, you should not be puzzled nor afraid. Mind well, greatest power is behind you, and you will experience it at every step in future life. We have given you LIGHT, and your life will be full of light. Do remember us and all types of difficulties will vanish and you will get success.

“Hardly you will get direct written reply from us, for as far as possible we avoid correspondence. You should not even expect any written reply from us (He did, however write three other letters to me later on). “We can communicate our thoughts directly to your soul, and you will experience it from time to time.

“You should think more in detail on the less we have told.” {End of letter #1}

One of the other letters was typed by Mr Khairatkar, referring to Maharajshree being pleased with me (dated 20/12/72 ), as follows: “His Holiness Maharajshree was in receipt of your letter of Oct/72, forwarding the flowers of your country. The flowers sent by you conveyed to His Holiness your deep faith, devotion and confidence in Him, whereby Maharajshree was very much pleased.

“You will realize that Maharajshree is always conversant with His devotees in such an abnormal media, as mentioned by Him in the previous letter. Maharajshree is very near to you, even though you may be in your country, far away from India . You can, therefore, go on pursuing the path told to you personally by His Holiness Maharajshree when you had been at Akkalkot. This alone will lead you to prosperity, enlightenment, and perfection in life.”

{End of letter #2}

Early in 1973 I returned to India , and went to Fort Songad where Maharajshree was at that time. I had His darshan, and then told Him that I could not sit in the “Siddhasan” pose as He had asked me to do the previous year, because my knees would not co-operate at all, sitting this way. He simply said that it did not matter, and that I could sit in any comfortable position, or stand.

Then He called someone in to write down a few sentences that would help me. This was done, and then He asked Mr. Parkhe to translate this into English. As soon as this was done, the paper was returned to Maharajshree to be verified by HIM. HE dipped His finger into water mixed with turmeric, and went over the translation lightly with His finger, and then signed it with Sanskrit OM.

The following is the translation: “ My association is without break and will remain without break. You will experience M Touch continuously. That you are being goaded by holding your hand will be your experience every moment. You will reach the Ultimate Goal during this life alone. You will have that experience shortly .” I still have this original paper, which still clearly sows His marking on it, including His OM marking, all in an orange colour.

I next saw Him at Balappa Math, Akkalkot. During His feet darshan, He dropped a heavy blanket on me, while my forehead was still on His feet. As I raised my eyes to His, He handed e a silver Lion . I was not sure of the meaning, but He said that the Lion was the king of the jungle and always faced His prey directly , whereas the tiger always chased his prey in a stealthy way, from behind . I still don't know exactly what HE meant, but felt that it had to do with fear. The lion is never afraid, and confronts his prey face to face. So too, I must never be afraid.

Mr. V.G. Apte, from Aurangabad , happened to be there that day. He was a jolly soul and I liked him so much. He was to return to Aurangabad that evening, but while he was at the bus station, one of Shree's messengers went to get him to tell him that Maharajshree wanted him to return to the Math and stay overnight. So he did. He and I spent almost the entire night in my room, while I listened to many of his amazing experiences he had had with Shree. He said that at the following sunrise he would be doing a sunrise meditation using fire, and would I please join him. It was done in the temple part of the Math, and while I thought that this was a strange ritual, I liked it and felt very peaceful while it took place. This was my first introduction to AGNIHOTRA.

Then Mr. Apte and I went into SHREE'S room, where He was sitting on aHIs stool, and we both had His darshan. Shree was smiling, and said to Mr. Apte, “CANADA IS COMING TO AURANGABAD'. He repeated this sentence three times . I felt very happy to hear thi, because I knew that then I would be meeting Mr. Apte again, when the time came that I was to go to Aurangabad . I had no idea when this would be, but I knew that whatever Shree utters about the future will come to pass. Mr. Apte then took his farewell .

While staying for a few days at Parkhe house in Poona , I received a message from SHREE that after I had returned to Canada , I should visit Sally Hobart in Washington DC , who was starting a newsletter called “Satsang”, under the guidance of Vasant Paranjpe. Also, she had started Agnihotra ritual and it would be good for me to visit her. So in summer of 1973, I went to Washington to meet her, where she lived in a big house with Vasant and several other Americans who were attracted to Vasant's message of Agnihotra and Fivefold Path given by Maharajshree. SHREE had told Vasant to go to USA (& all over the world) to spread the message of Satya Dharma , or Fivefold Path. Sally was a marvellous soul and we became close friends, and this unique friendship remains until today. Vasant (and Sally) taught me Agnihotra, and I learned more and more about the Fivefold path, which I began to practice with great enthusiasm, and then explain to others, as more and more interested people started coming.

Maharajshree had chosen an area in the country, near Madison , Virginia , as a Holy Ground, and a house on that property was inaugurated in late 1973 as Parama Dham

(House of the Almighty Father ). One large room was and is used only for Agnihotra. Silence is kept also in the area around the House. Now, more and more people flock to Parama Dham, where absolute peace and serenity can be found.

I returned to my parents' house in the fall of 1973. I performed Agnihotra in the basement, since my Mum did not like the smoke. Often my father would join me, and I could see that he became calmer during these times. I kept on with the Sadhana (spiritual practice) which Maharajshree had given me. I also had many clear dreams of Him, when I would receive His guidance, His loving smile, and the showering of His tremendous Grace.

In November 1973, while I was asleep in my bed in Canada , came Maharajshree, in part dream and part vision state. While I was still asleep, I kept uttering a Sanskrit sentence over and over again. Suddenly I awoke and sat up. There, close to the wall, opposite my bed, stood SHREE. HE uttered the same sentence many times and he gave a tune to the words. He was giving me more Sadhana in the form of another type of Mantra, which contained many syllables. After I had mastered the words & tune by repeating them, He disappeared. I was very happy and in awe.

his ends the initial meetings which I had with Maharajshree in 1972 and 1973. But it is only the beginning of my life with Him, a life full with grace , guidance, and love. A sequel will have to be written expressing my joy, hard work, my growing strength and my unflinching faith in my Master. “I am always with you”, HE said to me in 1973, and this is my experience every moment of my life.

N. Selvaraj, B. Ramraj, N. Seenivasan and K. Shoba

Horticultural Research Station, Vijayanagaram, Ooty-643001

With the blessings of Paramsadguru Shree Gajanan Maharaj, a milestone was attained by His numerous devotees with the performance of another Somayaga called “ Eikahik Mahavrata Somayaga' from the 14 th to 20 th May.

Devotees from all over the country and a few from abroad attended this great spiritual event. For all 7 days the atmosphere in the Yajnya premises was full of holy vibrations with the chanting of Vedic mantras. The special features of this Yaga were traditional singing and dancing as part of the ritual of the Yaga. Well known artists from Mumbai performed these. The Yajamana for the Yajnya ws Aptoryamyaji Shri Deepak Apte and his wife, from Goa . The main officiating priest was Sri Srinivas Satriji from Nellore , AP.

Shri Shreekantji Maharaj personally guided the efforts of all devotees. The 7 day long event witnessed liberal Annadaana , felicitation of Vedic scholars and release of the biography of Paramsadguru Shree – “Vaishwanar Avatar”. The book written by Dr. Shreekantji was released on the 16 th of May by Dr. V. D. Karad. Dr. Karad is the president of M.I.T, Pune and is a chair holder in UNESCO. The Chief guest for the function was H.E. Shrimant Shivaji Raje Bhonsale of Satara.

In his speech, Dr. Karad said that this publication reminds one of the parallel incidence during the Ashwamedha Yajnya in Ramayana whence Luv and Kush narrate the biography of their father Lord Ramachandra. Dr. Shreekantji, in his speech said that Paramsadguru Shree's biography cannot really be described in words, it is far beyond words. The thought that this is the biography of the Lord Almighty Himself in human form and that in the years to come it would be used as a reference book, was always at the back of my mind while writing the book. “At times, this great sense of responsibility put me under a lot of pressure. Shree's life and personality is unparalleled and I have made every effort to state just the facts and keep the language down to earth. I feel great satisfaction on its successful completion”, he said.

he Yajnya concluded on the 20 th of May with the holy bath ( Avabhrut Snana ) in Khopli. The committee members who organized the Yajnya included M/s Arvindbhai Goradia, Manmohan Khanvilkar, Bhupatbhai Vora, , Nana Giakwad, Bhupatbhai Parekh, Nimesh Gandhi, Prasad Rangnekar, Shahaji Kadam, Madhu Giakwad, S. V. Kulkarni and many other dedicated disciples of Shree.