SARVADHARMA NILAYAM
-AN ABODE OF ALL RELIGIONS
ESTABLISHMENT OF SARVA DHARMA NILAYAM (ASHRAM):
ARIAL VIEW OF SARVADHARMA NILAYAM
True to its name, it has been a Sarva Dharma Ashram. Devotees belonging to various religions, castes, creeds from the entire South India have been visiting the Ashram in large number with families. Nobody is ever bothered to know the religious faith of others. They all mingle and move about as members of one family. As preached and practiced by Sri Baba Anwarananda, they all believe that they are ‘Athmanbandhus’.
It was a large tract of picturesque land with an extent of more than 100 acres, surrounded on all the four sides by sacred Cauvery River and situated amidst beautiful and pleasant natural surroundings. It is about 3 Kms. from Belagola village and 15 Kms. from Mysore City on K.R.S.ROAD.
It may be recalled that in 1908, when Sri Chippagiri Swamy had visited Mysore, the Maharaja of Mysore Sri Krishnaraja Wodeyar, impressed by the spiritual powers and miracles of Sri Swamiji had offered to donate land for the occupation of Sri Swamiji, for permanent residence. Sri Swamiji had expressed his inability to fulfil the desire of the Maharaja, but had assured him that with his inspiration and guidance, his successor would have his headquarters at Mysore.And that his successor would carry on his task of “Dharmaprachara”, not only to the people of Mysore but to the people of the entire world. In fact the entire transaction right from the location of the land till it was finally occupied, would make it clear, that it was an act of God.
JYOTHI KATTA (Pial of Divine Light)
_edited.jpg)
As days progressed, Sri Baba spent more and more time in the Ashram engaging himself in spiritual exercises. On one night on Vyasa Pournami day on 07.07.1990 when Sri Baba was in his meditation, he had a vision of "JNANA JYOTHI" and his preceptor Sri Rayadurgam Swamiji appeared and assured Sri Baba that the Ashram would develop by leaps and bounds. At that place a "KATTA" (PIAL) has been constructed and Sri Baba often engaged himself in special prayers at that place.
On 6th August 1990 Sravana Pournami day several devotees were present in the Ashram, Sri Baba directed Sri Kotturappa and Sri Surya Narayanappa, who were attending on him, to make arrangements for special prayers at that "Katta". Baba sat there in mediation with instructions that he shall not be disturbed in any manner. At about 9.00 P.M. Kotturappa who was on watch duty there witnessed a miracle.
When Sri Baba was in a trance state, the Divine light emanated from the sky with such an intensity that it pierced through the "Katta" and immediately disjointed the "Katta" got reunited on its own. Kotturappa was amazed for about half an hour; the aura of divine light surrounded Sri Baba. On Thursday 09.08.1990 lighting a Jyothi" at that "Katta" started "Jyothi Mandir", One has to reach Jyothi katta in absolute silence.
After a period of mediation, one is required to circumbulate round the Jyothi katta and then return to the prayer hall, again in absolute silence. In keeping with Sri Baba's noble approach towards religions, the devotees advised to pray to their "Istadevatha" (Chosen Deity).
Sri Baba has Prescribed several Vrathms for fulfilment of one's coveted desires and for solving one's problems.
Such Vrathms are to be observed for seven successive pournamis, On every such pournami day, after pooja at the Jyothi katta and after return to the house, one should light the "]yothi" with the oil brought after placing it at the Jyothi katta. The Jyothi shall be lit in the house till the next visit to Ashram. A number of devotees are performing the "Vrathams' with at most devotion and faith by coming to Ashram unmindful from the long distance. Several devotees have found solace long before the completion of their Vrathams. With the successful completion of their Vrathams their desires are being full filled several devotes have been visiting the Ashram and offering worship at Jyothi katta every day whether Sri Baba is physically present or not in the Ashram.
DHYANA MANDIR:
Devotees and visitors to the ashram visit the Dhyanamandiram. Dhyanamandiram is a holy place where every day; devotees and disciples sing bhajans and offer Mahamangalarathi to Guru Maharaj in the morning and evening.
Before going to Sannidhanam, all devotees and disciples visit Dhyanamandiram first & offer prayer to Sri Guru Maharaj and go to Sannidanam for meditation. Devotees and disciples are expected to observe silence during their visit to Sannidanam.
SANNIDANAM:
Jyothi Katta is renamed as Sannidanam after Sri Swamiji's Samadhi at Jyothi Katta. Sannidanam is located ½ km away from the Dhyanamandiram.
Every day morning and evening, at regular timings devotees and disciples meditate Sri Swamiji for fulfilling their worldly wishes and for spiritual progress.
THAPONILAYAM:
Poojya Sri Bham Anwarananda Baba penanced 41 days in Thapo Nilaya for universal peace. After the penance, Sri Swamiji observed silence for eight months.