Sri Gurupurnima Celebrations

Updated on 22 July 2012
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Dear Devotees,

Please live through the moments of the day through these photos.

With Regards
Web Team

Updated on 07 June 2012
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Dear Devotees,

The Gurupurnima will be celebrated on Sunday, 1st July, 2012

You with your family and friends are cordially invited to attend the function and be a recipient of Sri Ramakrishna’s blessings.

Yours in the Lord

Swami Virabhadrananda

Adhyaksha

Note: The function from 9.00 a.m. onwards will be held in the Ramakrishna Math premises at Pilapuzha. (near Primary Health Centre)

PROGRAMME

6.00 a.m. : Mangalarati

6.10 a.m. : Suprabhatam,Vedic Chanting & Meditation

9.00 a.m. : Chanting of Stotras and Mantras

9.30 a.m : Talk by Mrs. Ratnam J. Pillai (A devotee from Pathanamthitta)

10.15 a.m. : Bhajans by Kumari Keerthana S. Prabhu Kayankulam

11.15 a.m. : Talk by Sri Sashidharan. K (Teacher , Kuruvantheri UP School, Vatakara)

12.00 a.m. : Sri Ramakrishna Ashtottara Satanamavali

12.15 a.m. : Arati, Pushpanjali and Lunch Prasad

Donations for the celebration by cheques, drafts or money orders will be thankfully acknowledged.

Photos of previous miscellaneous Celebrations of festivals in Haripad Aashrama

Educational relief work: Free distribution of notebooks and uniform to needy students

An educational relief consisting of free distribution of notebooks and uniforms to 722 poor and needy students of 18 different schools in and around the Haripad centre amounting to Rs. 66,849/- was conducted in July by Ramakrishna Math Haripad on the opening of the schools.

Please see pictures of the event in below slide show.

Bhajans (in Tamil) by Swami Atmagahananandaji Maharaj (Vol 2)

Bhajans (in Tamil) by Swami Atmagahananandaji Maharaj : Volume 2

Please note: You can play the respective tracks by pressing “Play” symbol on any of the track.

However if you wish to download these Bhajans, a comprehensive list of links is provided in the end of page.

Track 1

Track 2

Track 3

Track 4

Track 5

Track 6

Track 7

Track 8

Track 9

Track 10

Track 11

Track 12

Track 13

You can download from here (By Right Click and Save As):
Track 1
Track 2
Track 3
Track 4
Track 5
Track 6
Track 7
Track 8
Track 9
Track 10
Track 11
Track 12
Track 13

Sri Gurupurnima Celebrations [updated on 22 July 2012]

Updated on 22 July 2012
——————————-
Dear Devotees,

Please live through the moments of the day through these photos.

With Regards
Web Team

Updated on 07 June 2012
——————————-

Dear Devotees,

The Gurupurnima will be celebrated on Sunday, 1st July, 2012

You with your family and friends are cordially invited to attend the function and be a recipient of Sri Ramakrishna’s blessings.

Yours in the Lord

Swami Virabhadrananda

Adhyaksha

Note: The function from 9.00 a.m. onwards will be held in the Ramakrishna Math premises at Pilapuzha. (near Primary Health Centre)

PROGRAMME

6.00 a.m. : Mangalarati

6.10 a.m. : Suprabhatam,Vedic Chanting & Meditation

9.00 a.m. : Chanting of Stotras and Mantras

9.30 a.m : Talk by Mrs. Ratnam J. Pillai (A devotee from Pathanamthitta)

10.15 a.m. : Bhajans by Kumari Keerthana S. Prabhu Kayankulam

11.15 a.m. : Talk by Sri Sashidharan. K (Teacher , Kuruvantheri UP School, Vatakara)

12.00 a.m. : Sri Ramakrishna Ashtottara Satanamavali

12.15 a.m. : Arati, Pushpanjali and Lunch Prasad

Donations for the celebration by cheques, drafts or money orders will be thankfully acknowledged.

Photos of previous miscellaneous Celebrations of festivals in Haripad Aashrama

Bhagvad Gita : Chapter 12 (in Hindi) – By Swami Atmanandaji

Bhagvad Gita : Chapter 12 – Part 1

Bhagvad Gita : Chapter 12 – Part 2

Bhagvad Gita : Chapter 12 – Part 3

Bhagvad Gita : Chapter 12 – Part 4

Bhagvad Gita : Chapter 12 – Part 5

Bhagvad Gita : Chapter 12 – Part 6

You can download from here (By Right Click and Save As):

Bhagvad Gita : Chapter 12 – Part 1
Bhagvad Gita : Chapter 12 – Part 2
Bhagvad Gita : Chapter 12 – Part 3
Bhagvad Gita : Chapter 12 – Part 4
Bhagvad Gita : Chapter 12 – Part 5
Bhagvad Gita : Chapter 12 – Part 6

Punarjanma and Karamwad (in Hindi) – By Swami Atmanandaji

Punarjanma & Karamwad : Part 1A

Punarjanma & Karamwad : Part 1B

Punarjanma & Karamwad : Part 2A

Punarjanma & Karamwad : Part 2B

Punarjanma & Karamwad : Part 3A

Punarjanma & Karamwad : Part 3B

Punarjanma & Karamwad : Part 4A

Punarjanma & Karamwad : Part 4B

Punarjanma & Karamwad : Part 5A

Punarjanma & Karamwad : Part 5B

Punarjanma & Karamwad : Part 6A

Punarjanma & Karamwad : Part 6B

Punarjanma & Karamwad : Part 7A

Punarjanma & Karamwad : Part 7B

Punarjanma & Karamwad : Part 8A

Punarjanma & Karamwad : Part 8B

To download please do Right click and Save as at following links.
Punarjanma & Karamwad : Part 1A
Punarjanma & Karamwad : Part 1B
Punarjanma & Karamwad : Part 2A
Punarjanma & Karamwad : Part 2B
Punarjanma & Karamwad : Part 3A
Punarjanma & Karamwad : Part 3B
Punarjanma & Karamwad : Part 4A
Punarjanma & Karamwad : Part 4B
Punarjanma & Karamwad : Part 5A
Punarjanma & Karamwad : Part 5B
Punarjanma & Karamwad : Part 6A
Punarjanma & Karamwad : Part 6B
Punarjanma & Karamwad : Part 7A
Punarjanma & Karamwad : Part 7B
Punarjanma & Karamwad : Part 8A
Punarjanma & Karamwad : Part 8B

Swami Atmananda

A brief Biography of Swami Atmananda(1929-89) : Pre-eminent disseminator of Ramakrishna-Vivekananda ideology in and around Madhya Pradesh. Born 5.10.1929 at Barbanda village and named Tulendra.
Eldest son of Dhaniram Varma of Kapasda village in Raipur district, a pious devotee of Sri Rama and reputed teacher, and Bhagyavati Devi, a devout worshipper of Shiva. Tulendra is said to have inherited his remarkable spirituality from his parents.
Matriculated in fi rst division (1945) from Raipur School. Student of Hislop College, Nagpur, spent a year at Ramakrishna Mission Ashrama Students’ Home, read Ramakrishna-Vivekananda literature, saturated with Ramakrishna-Vivekananda ideology. Initiated by Swami Virajananda (1947) and eager to join the Order, advised by Guru to complete studies. Ranked second in First Class in B.Sc. and fi rst in First Class in M.Sc.(Pure Maths.) examinations, gold medallist, selected for Wrangler Scholarship of Cambridge University. Joined the Order at the Nagpur centre and initiated into brahmacharya by Swami Shankarananda (1957), named Brahmachari Tejachaitanya.
Impelled by irresistible desire to establish a suitable memorial to Swamiji in his birth-centenary year at Raipur where the latter had spent two years (1877-79) with his parents; the resolution bolstered by dreams of the Master and Swami Trigunatitananda, both indicating their desire for the same. Ties with the Order severed (1959) to gain freedom from monastic duties. Plunged heart and soul into necessary activity with his band of associates most of whom forsook worldly life as students, and in response to Swamiji’s teachings Ramakrishna Seva Samiti was set up in rented rooms. Assumed self-sannyasa at Amarkantak as Swami Atmananda. Engaged in touring and lecturing, disseminating the teachings of Swamiji, enthusing the youth in particular, a large number of whom became his followers. About thirty of the cream of youth renounced worldly life and dedicated themselves to Swamiji’s work. Younger brothers Devendra Kumar and Rajendra Kumar (Swamis Nikhilatmananda and Tyagatmananda respectively), associates Girish and Santosh Kumar (Swamis Srikarananda and Satyarupananda respectively) were among those of his followers who joined the Order.
In appreciation of the work done by the Ashrama it was granted affiliation to Belur Math (7.4.1968) and on Holy Mother’s birth-anniversary that year Swami Atmananda was formally ordained into sannyasa by Swami Vireshwarananda who
also laid the foundation of the temple of Sri Ramakrishna on 14.11.1969 and consecrated it on 2.2.1976. Organized drought relief on war-footing (1974) in Chhatisgarh in about 36 villages with his band of dedicated workers. His greatest achievement was the successful implementation of the “Abujhmadh Gramin Vikas Prakalpa” that aimed at lifing the aborigines inhabiting the dense forests of Bastar from the abysmal depths of poverty and ignorance. The tribal welfare project undertaken upon his initiative by Ramakrishna Mission gained wholehearted support from the Government who entrusted the Mission with its implementation. The project began functioning in November 1985. The forests being inaccessible and the aborigines wary of strangers, for ages civilization had bypassed them. They lacked education, drinking water, roads, used primitive modes of cultivation and were victims of large scale exploitation. Undaunted by the magnitude of the task, Swami Atmananda drew up plans for the project following the principles recommended by Swamiji and strove to bring the tribals into the mainstream of national life.
A tireless worker with courage of conviction, unflagging industry and exceptional organizing ability. Unfailing optimism, a joyous nature and universal love characterized him.
An excellent orator, influenced innumerable men and women to progress spiritually as well as to work for others. Died in a car accident in August 1989. Memorial built in his honour at the site of cremation at Raipur

Swami Atmananda

Swami Atmanandaji Maharaj

Swami Atmanandaji Maharaj

Change the world by changing ‘Me’

The Sufi Bayazid says this about himself: “I was a revolutionary when I was young and all my prayer to God was: ‘Lord give me the energy to change the world.’”

“As I approached middle age and realized that half my life was gone without my changing a single soul, I changed my prayer to: ‘Lord, give me the grace to change all those who come in contact with me. Just my family and friends, and I shall be content.’”

“Now that I am an old man and my days are numbered, my one prayer is, ‘Lord, give me the grace to change myself.’

If I had prayed for this right from the start I should not have wasted my life.’”

‘BE AND MAKE’ , LET THIS BE OUR MOTTO” SAID SWAMI VIVEKANANDA

Bhajans (in Tamil) by Swami Atmagahananandaji Maharaj (Vol 1)

Bhajans (in Tamil) by Swami Atmagahananandaji Maharaj : Volume 1

Please note: You can play the respective tracks by pressing “Play” symbol on any of the track.

However if you wish to download these Bhajans, a comprehensive list of links is provided in the end of page.

Track 1 : Gurur Brahma Gurur Vishnu

Track 2 : Guru Charanam Bhaja Guru Charanam

Track 3 : Om Ennum Pranava Roopa Naayaka

Track 4 : Arunachala Siva,Arunachala Siva

Track 5 : Arularamude charanam

Track 6 : Kalaivani Nin Karunai Then Mazhaiye

Track 7 : Atmarama Anandaramana

Track 8 : Dheera Maaruthi, Gambheera Maaruthi

Track 9 : Chalangai katti Odi Odi Vaayo

Track 10 : Prabhu Ramakrishnar Tiruvadigalai Sharanadai Maname

Track 11 : Madhuram Ramakrishna Naamam

Track 12 : Sharada Roopam Thaangi Annai Kali Avadhariththaal

You can download from here (By Right Click and Save As):
Track 1 : Gurur Brahma Gurur Vishnu
Track 2 : Guru Charanam Bhaja Guru Charanam
Track 3 : Om Ennum Pranava Roopa Naayaka
Track 4 : Arunachala Siva,Arunachala Siva
Track 5 : Arularamude charanam
Track 6 : Kalaivani Nin Karunai Then Mazhaiye
Track 7 : Atmarama Anandaramana
Track 8 : Dheera Maaruthi, Gambheera Maaruthi
Track 9 : Chalangai katti Odi Odi Vaayo
Track 10 : Prabhu Ramakrishnar Tiruvadigalai Sharanadai Maname
Track 11 : Madhuram Ramakrishna Naamam
Track 12 : Sharada Roopam Thaangi Annai Kali Avadhariththaal

Lectures by Swami Virabhadrananda (Audio)

Audio Lectures by Swami Virabhadrananda

MP3 files. (You can Play or Right Click & Save).

1. Preaching of Holy Trio in The Current World View

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2. Sadhanamurti Sri Ramakrishna

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3. Holy Mother Sri Sarada Devi

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4. Swami Vivekananda on Himself

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5. God of Swami Vivekananda

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6. Holy Mother and Human Profile

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7. Karmayoga – Part 1 of 2

Odeo Player:

8. Karmayoga – Part 2 of 2

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9. Swamiji’s Mission and Vision – Part 1

Odeo Player:

10. Swamiji’s Mission and Vision – Part 2

Odeo Player:

11. Swamiji’s Mission and Vision – Part 3

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12. Swamiji’s Mission and Vision – Part 4

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The five commandments of Bhagavan Sri Ramakrishna for Householders

A discourse by Swami Gokulanandaji Maharaj, Secretary Sri Ramakrishna Mission, Delhi.

The topic of my talk today is the ‘Five commandments of Sri Ramakrishna Paramhansa’ for householders. While you have all heard of ‘The Ten Commandments’ of The Bible, it is really interesting to note that it is probably the first time that we are talking of these ‘Five Commandments’ of Sri Ramakrishna. I shall read out the relevant portions from the fifth Chapter of the first volume of ‘Gospel of Sri Ramakrishna’ (in English) or Vachanamrita (in Hindi) or ‘Sri Ramakrishna Kathamrita’ (in Bengali).

In this chapter, Master Mahashay (in short ‘M’) the author of Kathamrita raises four questions before Sri Ramakrishna.

It is in the reply to the first two questions, that we find these ‘Five Commandments’.

The first question is ‘How to keep the mind on God’. Our mind is so fickle that it is very difficult to keep it concentrated on God. It keeps wandering to worldly things, in extroversion rather than intro-spection. God resides in us, as Bhagavan Sri Krishna tells Arjuna in Gita – “Isvarah Sarvabhutanam, hrddeserjuna tisthati” – but we do not look inwards towards this God residing within; we are all the time engrossed in our family, friends, and worldly pleasures. God resides in us, but alas! We do not reside in Him. So the mind keeps wandering, and ‘M’ wants to know from Sri Ramakrishna how to keep the mind focused on God. In reply to this first question, Thakur gives the first four commandments.

The First commandment

‘Keep on chanting the name of God all the time and talk of his Glory.’ In the words of Sri Ramakrishna in Bengali – ‘Ishwarer naam guna gaan sarbada korte hoy.’ So we must all the time keep remembering God’s name, his greatness and glory, to help us concentrate on him.

The Second Commandment

‘Do Satsanga, Sadhusanga’. Go to Godly people, spend time with them, listen to their discourses, and spend time at places where people are engrossed in God?s name, in Kirtan etc.

The Third Commandment

‘Spend time in solitude, and think of him’. We are all the while caught up in worldly thoughts, being surrounded completely by this materialistic world. It is therefore necessary once in a while to get away from all this and spend some time in solitariness, thinking about God, thinking about the purpose of life, thinking about what one is doing, and what one should do. It is the time when one is totally with oneself, without any distractions so that the mind can focus on the God within. Thakur further elaborates this by saying that when the plant is tender, It needs to be protected from cattle etc. by putting a fence around it. Likewise, we have to protect our nascent inclination towards God, by getting away from the things that distract us. Thakur is not saying that all must renounce the world and go to mountains or forests. No! you are householders and you must discharge your duties towards your family, society etc. as a father, mother, husband, wife, son or daughter and so on. What Thakur says is that it is important to spend some time amidst your all activities solitariness, to think about God, to meditate, to chant his name, do Japam. Thakur says that mediate on Him in your heart, in a corner, in a forest.

The Fourth Commandment

Continuously discriminate between Right and Wrong, Nitya and Anitya’. God alone is true, God alone is permanent. Everything else is untrue, impermanent. Whatever we see around is all untrue; all this is going to perish sooner or later. Nothing of this is going to accompany us when the eternal call comes. All this will remain behind. It is only the God’s name and our good deeds, that will go with us. You never know when the eternal call comes. So start on your journey towards God today itself, right away. Do not put it off for tomorrow. Who knows whether you or me would be there in the next moment or not.

One of our devotees did a recording of my discourse on ‘Chhandogya- Upanishad’ on the 12th Dec. 2001 and promised to give me a transcript so that other devotees would benefit from it. She wrote it down too, but could not give it to me herself, as she died in a tragic car accident on the 24th Dec. 2001. This is an example of the uncertainties of life, as I was explaining earlier. So, do not wait for tomorrow, start rightaway on the path of God. While discriminating (Vichar), between the true and untrue, Nitya and Anitya, Sat and Asat, gradually detach yourself from the untrue, ‘Anitya’, ‘Asat’ and move towards ‘Nitya’, ‘Sat’, the truth, the God.

The Fifth Commandment

The Fifth Commandment of Thakur comes in response to the second question of ‘M’ – ‘How to spend our time in the household, in this world’. ‘M’ being a householder himself asks this question, that many house-holders keep asking. Do we have to leave everything, renounce the world and go to forests to realize God? Is it possible to realize God while remaining within our households? The apparent presumption is that only Monks have access to God. I am telling you that nothing could be farther from truth. And I am saying it with conviction because I have had the good fortune to come across at least two householders who realised God in this life, who were full of Brahmananda.

There was a mother, an elderly lady, in Digboi (Assam), whom I used to visit often, because I loved to do so. Imagine an old lady, afflicted by paralysis, confined to her bed, reduced to a skeleton that she was. But every time I asked her “Mother, how are you?” Her face would get lit up with a divine glow and she would reply with a smiling face – “I am fine Maharaj, as Thakur has kept me. How are you Maharaj?” There was not an iota of self-pity or of any nagging or complaint towards God for her sorry physical state. She had surrendered completely to God and was therefore in that ever-blissful state, residing in Thakur.

The other person I came across was when I once want to Cossipore Bungalow, even before I joined the Ramakrishna Order. A person was singing some devotional song which enchanted me. As I like songs very much, I approached him later and struck a friendship with him. I came to know that he was Sri Pramathanath Ganguli, who had composed about two hundred devotional songs, on the inspiration of Sri Ramakrishna as he used to say. Thereafter, I invited him several times to my place and enjoyed his singing. Towards the end of his life, he was ‘inspired’ to compose a song which prays to God that “O the Divine, when the call from the other world will come, I do not know whether I would be able to take your name. Even if I forget, you please do not desert me. Please be with me and take me with you”. After he composed this song, he was so enamoured with it that Pramatha Babu would on his own sing this song at the end of each of his recitals. And every time he sang this, tears would stream down his eyes and one would get a feeling as though Pramatha Babu was actually seeing God in front of him and singing out for Him from his heart. When he died in a hospital, he asked the nurse to prop him up on the bed saying that Sri Ramakrishna had come to take him, and he didn?t want to receive Him lying down. So he sat up and breathed his last chanting – ‘Ramakrishna, Ramakrishna —–‘. I even wonder how many of us would die such a glorious death.

Therefore, I speak with full conviction that householders have as much claim over God realization as the monks who have renounced the world. In fact merely becoming a monk does not entitle one to a claim to Godliness, unless one practices spiritual disciplines. A householder can realise God if he or she is fully convinced of the utterly unreal character of the world. Thakur says – ‘Discharge all your duties but keep your mind on God. Consider all family members ? father, mother, spouse, children as your own, but remember in your heart of hearts that it is only God, who is your own, and none else’. I am reminded of a song that was a very favourite of Thakur- “O my mind, in this world no one is your own, so do not forget to remember Dakshina Kali by getting entangled into this Mayajal, this illusion of your world”. We are under the illusion that my beloved loves me so much but the moment one is dead, no one wants to spend time with the dead body, they want to dispose it off as soon as possible. So long as one is a big officer everyone salutes him. But the moment he dies, all that is reduced to ashes and everyone starts saluting the next person who occupies that chair. Today I am Secretary, Delhi Center – all of you come to my discourses, pay me your respects. As soon as I die, someone else will occupy this position, and all of you would start paying your obeisance to him. Gokulananda would become just a handful of ash and some distant memory.

Therefore, all of us must learn to detach ourselves from these worldly strings, affections, bondages. These become a block between us and self realization, realization of God. As Thakur says, discharge your duties like the housemaid. She moves around with the master?s son in her lap, saying ‘My son, my darling! etc.’ but she knows in her heart of hearts that they are none of hers. The moment she is off the job, all this is forgotten and there are no strings that bind her to this house. We have to discharge our duties, with full responsibility, but always keeping in mind that God alone is true, God alone is permanent, God alone is ours, and all the other things are untrue, unreal, impermanent and not belonging to us.

To recollect once again, the ‘Five Commandments’ of Sri Ramakrishna for householders are :

1. Keep chanting the God’s name, thinking of his glory.

2. Do Sadhusanga, Satsang, being with holy people; visit places where there are holy thoughts.

3. Go to a solitary place once in a while and meditate. Protect and nurture your godly feelings and thoughts.

4. Constantly deliberate and discriminate about right and wrong, true and untrue, real and unreal, right and wrong, ‘Nitya’ and ‘Anitya’, ‘Sat’ and ‘Asat’. God alone is true, ‘Nitya’, permanent, real, ‘Sat’, Right.

5. Discharge your duties as a householder with full responsibility but always keep in mind that none of this belongs to you.

If we can follow these ‘Five Commandments’ there is no doubt that we can realize God in this life itself. Time is running out every moment, so we must start immediately and continue practising these commandments all the time. May Lord Sri Ramakrishna help and bless us.

Ten Commandments for Sri Ramakrishna Devotees by Revered Swami Ranganathanandaji Maharaj

1. Be regular and steady in your spiritual practices. This is the best way of serving one’s Guru.

2. Keep in touch with the Ramakrishna Sarada Devi Vivekananda literature as much as you can.

3. Visit the Math regularly, at least once a week and take part in the prayers and discourses. Do not miss the important celebrations.

4. Try to keep in personal touch with the monks by seeking interviews with them, once in a while, and make the best use of it and not fritter away the time in worldly talks.

5. Kindly remember to keep a percentage of your income for the service activities of the Math and thereby help the Math in rendering its services effectively.

6. Try to visit Belur Math, Dakshineshwar, kamarpukur and Jayarambati at least once in your lifetime, if not more, by properly planning your pilgrimage.

7. Though you are free to visit other religious centres and persons, please remember that it should be without prejudice to your own way of life adopted as per the Ramakrishna Vivekananda traditions. It is better, therefore, you consult the local Head before doing so.

8. Avoid all occult practices and magic and miracles that will harm your spiritual life.

9. Co-operate with the activities of the Ramakrishna Math and Mission, as much as you can, whole heartedly.

10.Make it a point to present only Ramakrishna–Vivekananda literature as gifts on happy occasions to your relatives and friends. This is the best form of spiritual practices for this age.

Swami Brahmananda in Haripad by Swami Kaivalyananda

Story of Ramakrishna Math Haripad by a Devotee- Sri Attupuram Mohan

Swami Vivekananda returned to India on the 15th January 1897 after his glorious speech at Chicago Art Institute Columbus hall in the World Parliament of Religions. Swamiji was given an auspicious welcome at Madras (Chennai).In the procession he was moving in a cart driven by horses. The over enthusiastic youth and students removed the horses and they themselves drove the cart. At that time many of the students from Kerala were studying at Presidency College Madras. They included Mr Padmanabhan Thampi, Mr Raman Thampi, Mr M.R.Narayana Pillai and others. By this time Ramakrishna Maths were established at Madras and Bangalore. The visit of Swamiji, fame of Chickago conference and the functioning of the Matts at Madras and Bangalore aroused the strong desire for establishing Sri Ramakrishna movement in Kerala.

In 1904 Sri Kalipada Ghosh the house hold devotee of SriRamakrishna came to Trivandrum and resided there on his official duty in The John Dickinson Company. Sri Ghosh requested Swami Ramakrishnananda (Sasi Maharaj) who was heading the Madras centre to make a visit to Trivandrum.

He came and stayed for one month conducting satsangs and giving discourses. Spiritual and intellectual people from the important places of the erstwhile state of Travancore attended these functions.In the mean time the students studied at Madras who witnessed the triumphant welcome function of Swami Vivekananda returned home and obtained key Government Posts. The visit of Swami Ramakrishnananda paved way to the formation of SriRamakrishna Bhakta sangs at Trivandrum, Haripad and Thiruvalla.

In 1905 Swami Ramakrishnananda came to Alapuzha and laid the foundation stone of the Sanathana Dharma College at Alapuzha managed by the Gauda Saraswath Community which migrated to Kerala from the western costal areas of Karnataka ,Goa and other states when their temples and other establishments were attacked and destructed by the Portugeese in the 14th century.

The Ramakrishna Bhakta Sangh at Haripad was headed by Sri Padmanabhan Thampi who was by the time posted as First Class Magistrate of Haripad.The Secretary was Sri Subbaraya Iyer, a lawyer . Haripad was a place of spiritual, cultural and intellectual heritage. The Tamil Brahmin community which migrated from various parts of the erstwhile Madras state during the muslim invation in the 16th century was very much dominant in the town. Most of the intellectual personalities in and around the area got associated with the Bhakta Sangh. The functioning of the organization got high momentum.

Swami Ramakrishnananda was invited to attend the SriRamakrishna Jayanthi sammelan for 1911. Swamijis condition of health became worse. So he adviced the organizers of Haripad Bhakta Sangh to invite Swami Nirmalananda (Thulasi Maharaj) who was heading the Bangalore centre to attend the function. The Haripad devotees went to Bangalore and invited Swami Nirmalananda. He readily accepted the request.

Swami Nirmalananda reached Ernakulam south railway station on the 15th February 1911. From Ernakulam he went to Alapuzha in a steam boat. Swamiji was welcomed at Alapuzha by a huge gathering consisting of all section of people including students of Sanathana Dharma Vidyalaya. At SDV School Beasant hall he spoke about Bhakti . The next morning he started to Haripad in a boat. Swamiji was received at Haripad by a huge crowd. The welcome speech was in English and Sanskrit. The next day was Birthday celebration. There was Bhajan and Procession.About two thousand five hundred people were given feast. In the Sammelan Swamiji spoke about Power (Shakti) inherent in the Hindu religion.The English speech was translated Malayalam.The next day he interacted with the students of Shanmugha Vilasam School. He gave them many valuable advices, spoke about spiritual subjects and explained some portions of Bhagavad Gita. He spoke about the responsibility of children. He discussed with the members of the Bhakta Sangh about the action plan for the work to be done. After the function Sri Subbaraya Iyer donated Rs1000/-to Swamiji. He told Mr Iyer to keep the money with him for establishing an Asram at Haripad. From Haripad Swami Nirmalananda went to Kollam.

The Bhakta Sangh carried out the work according to the action plan. Regular satsangs, bhajans and other activities were conducted. Schemes were initiated to establish an Asram. Meanwhile Sri Venkita Krishna Iyer an young devotee donated his land at Pilapuzha by the side of the beautiful paddy fields and canals to build the Asram. Swami Nirmalananda was invited to lay the foundation stone of the Asram building. Swamiji reached Haripad and laid the foundation stone on Krishnashtami day the 12th September 1912. Construction of the Asram went on very fast utilizing the first donation of Rs1000/- given by Sri Subbaraya Iyer and donation from all section of people. Meanwhile Sri Padmanabhan Thampi (later he became Swami Parananda) was transferred from Haripad. The members of the Bhakta Sangh those associated with the movement were upset.The situation was brought to the notice of swami Nirmalananda. That night Swamiji had a dream in which Swami Vivekananda telling him that the work of GURUMAHARAJ will go on smoothly without any obstacle. The next day Sri Thampi got an order cancelling his transfer. The happiness and enthusiasem of the devotees increased. The work went on fastly.

Swami Nirmalananda came to Haripad again on 27th April 1913. This time he was accompanied by Swami Vishudhananda. They discussed with the organizers and Swamiji himself supervised the remaining work for the inauguration.On 4th May 1913 (Malayalam Era 22nd Medam 1088) at six in the morning the function started with reading Sree Rudram, Chandi and Gita,then Vedic Pooja and Homa followed by Inauguration ,Bhajans and Procession . Thus The Sri Rama Krishna Asram Haripad the first one in the state of Kerala came in to existence.

During April 1914 Swami Nirmalananda again reached Haripad to attend the Sri Ramakrishna Jayanthi sammelan.The celebration was on 10th April. On this occasion one boy from the lower caste was made Brahmachari. After Pooja, Bhajan and discourse a common feast was served. At that perod of time people belonging to the lower caste were not allowed to dine with upper caste people. Food was served in plantain leaves. After the feast the organizers belonging to the upper caste were reluctant to remove the leaves. Swamiji understood the situation and started removing the leaves. Immediately members of the Bhakta Sangh rose to the occasion and did the job.

This was the beginning of a silent revolution in the State. It may be noted that Gandhiji came to Vaikkam in 1936 to attend the Sathyagraha demanding entry of lower caste people to temples .On this occasion a common feast was served. This function attained significance and attained place in the history of Modern India. It took twenty two more years for the political leaders of the nation to organize such a movement. The farsightedness of a single monk with no man power or publicity changed the whole history. The ruling Kingdom of Travancore was pious, generous and closely associated with the Sri Ramakrishna Movement. The Maharaja of Travancore in a declaration proclaimed permission to entry of lower caste people to temples.

Swami Brahmananda reached Olavakkod (Shornnur) railway station on the 26th November 1916 by Madras mail. From there he boarded a train to Ernakulam. Reached Ernakulam the same day and resided in a two storied building by the side of Periyar (Aluva puzha).Swamiji took a boat trip in the Periyar. Started to Kottayam on the 29th by boat.Spent two days in Kottayam.From Kottayam reached Haripad by car.Swamiji was received in front of Sree Subrahmonya Swamy temple with Poornakumbha, Pallak and Music. Went to the Asram at Pilapuzha one and a half kilometers away from the temple in front of a procession. Stayed in the Asram for three days. He gave initiation to Neelakanta Bhaktan(Swami Purushothamananda) from Thiruvalla and Venkita Subrahmonya Iyer (Swami Chitsukhananda) of Haripad who donated the land for constructing the Asram. From Haripad Raja Maharaj went to Kollam. Stayed there for two days.From Kollam he went to Thiruvananthapuram and laid the foundation stone of the Sri Ramakrishna Asram at Nettayam at 8 am on the 9th December 1916. Swamiji reached Kollam on the 30th December. From Kollam went to Ambalapuzha,then to Ernakulam and to Madras.From Madras went to Kolkota.

Swami Nirmalananda again reached Haripad on the 22nd December 1923. The next day conducted a Viraja Homa at the Asram and gave Ochre clothes to eleven Brahmachariees. They are

Swami Chitsukhananda, Swami Nirvikarananda, Swami Niranjanananda, Swami Sekharananda, Swami Chidambarananda, Swami Naishtikananda, Swami Chitbhasananda, Swami Shubhrananda, Swami Vageeswarananda and Swami Dheeswarananda. Attainig sanyasin Swami Chitsukhananda became head of the Haripad Asram. The centre developed very fast. Sri Ramakrishna Vidyalaya was established mainly for the study and upliftment of the children belonging to the lower castes. A spinning loom centre was started for vocational training and employment. Charitable and social programmes in addition to spiritual activities were regularly conducted. The Asram developed as a centre of spiritual excellence.Celeberations were conducted in a royal manner.

From 1942 Swami Sekharananda headed the centre. In 1964 a library was inaugurated by Sri V V Giri, the former President of India while he was The Governor of Kerala. In 1978 the Monk who headed the centre passed away.

By 1930 a difference of opinion arose between Swami Nirmalananda and some of the Board of Trustees of The Ramakrishna Mission,Belur on his accepting the chairmanship of Vivekananda Mission, Calcutta. This kept him away fro m the central leadership of the Mission. Swamiji came to Ottappalam and stayed there till his passing away on the 26th April 1938. By this time many centres started functioning in Kerala. Most of the centres including Haripad stood by him and dissociated with Belur Math. When the monk in charge of the Haripad centre passed away nobody in the Sri Ramakrishna order was available to be substituted.

A litigation between a section of local people and The Mission arose resulting the centre and its movable and immovable properties coming under the control of an Official Receiver appointed by the court.For some time Swami Golokananda who was heading the Thiruvananthapuram centre looked after the court proceedings. Thereafter Swami Sakrananda who was President of the Trichur centre took the responsibility of conducting the process with the help of the noted business man turned spiritual activist Sri K. Prabhakaran Nair.During this period Swami Kaivalyananda took charge of the Kayamkulam centre. Being young and dynamic he managed to handle the activities. The litigation went on from lower court to upper courts and vice versa.

In 1987 monthly retreat started in a rented building in the town under the leadership of Sri Prabhakaran Nair. One or two times this retreat was conducted in the Asram itself with the permission of the court which later became difficult to obtain. Swami Sakrananda and Swami Niswananda used to attend the monthly retreat. After one year Swami Sakrananda expressed their their inability to attend every month.He promised to arrange a monk belonging to this order.Later Sakranandaji informed that an young and enthusiastic monk has taken over charge of the Palai centre and he has agreed to attend the retreat. Thus Swami Swaprabhanandaji came to the scene. The retreat went on smoothly with lalitha sahasranama archana, study of bhagavad gita, bhajans and arathi in the moning session followed by lunch Prasad and reading from Sri Ramakrishna vachanamritha and Upanishad classes in the afternoon session. Prasad and food were prepared and brought from Sri Nairs house .Much man power was necessary for this.So the retreat was later shifted to Prabhakaran Nairs house at Pallipad. By this time many of the devotees from Haripad got initiated and used to attend the functions of the mission. After twelve years the retreat was arranged to be conducted in the devotees houses with a view to spread the message in and around the surrounding villeges. A large number of people including children used to attend the retreat regularly. The first All Kerala Sri Ramakrishna Bhakta Sammelan was held at Ernakulam on the 11th and 12th May 2002. Fifteen devotees from Haripad attended the function,the highest number from a non-affiliated centre. Activities of a centre with regular programmes and retreat continued.The devotees kept in touch with other centres,attended the celebrations there, and took part in the sammelans. This process went on smoothly under the guidance of Swami Swaprabhananda and advice of Swami Kaivalyananda.

By GURU MAHARAJs grace The Sub Court Mavelikara in its final judgement on the 6th October 2007 directed the Belur Matt Kolkota to appoint a sanyasin to head the Haripad centre and to advice a list of eight devotees from Karthikappally and Mavelikara Taluks to assist him in carriying on the activities of the centre. As such The Belur Matt appointed Swami Golokananda of Kozhikode centre to Haripad and adviced a list of eight devotees. Swamiji took possession of the remaining unfertile sand and existing old trees at 2pm on the 15th December 2007 from the Official Receiver. The assets and resources flowed away during the custody of the centre with the Receiver.The building, furniture, vessels, library, books, every thing even the photos of Guru Maharaj, Mathrudevi , Swamiji Maharaj and Swami Brahmananda kept in the SHRINE vanished.

Now One Monk of Ramakrishna Math is looking after the Centre. The centre is slowly picking up. Regular retreat on second Sundays and spiritual classes on every Sundays at the town centre by the side of NH- 47 south of Sri Subrahmonya swamy temple Haripad and Jayanthi and other celebrations at Pilapuzha the old centre near Vathukulangara Devi temple are being conducted.

Author can be reached at :- mohan attupuram@gmail.com.

Swami Nirmalananda : His life and teachings

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Spiritual precepts of Swami Brahmananda

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Ramakrishna Vivekananda Movement In Kerala

RAMAKRISHNA VIVEKANANDA MOVEMENT IN KERALA

BY SWAMI SIDDHINATHANANDA

(An article from the souvenir Viveka Tarangam of the first all kerala Ramakrishna Vivekananda Bhakta Sammelan in 2001)

After the Mahasamadhi of Sri Ramakrishna, his disciples dispersed and went to different places. Narendra towards North India for some time and later reached Kerala. At Kanyakumari he noticed a rock projecting out of the sea. He swami towards it and sat on it facing the Goddess and was soon engrossed in deep meditation. The object of the young Sannyasin’s meditation was the fate of his Mother Country. He realized the mission of his life. Later he wrote, “Sitting on the rock in the southern periphery of India, I visualized a Plan.” The uplift of the common man and woman was the focal point of his ambitious plan. He hoped to achieve it by imparting education to them. To facilitate the execution of this plan, he set sail to America. A Parliament of religious was on the anvil there, as a part of the Celebration of the 400^th anniversary of the discovery of America by Columbus. Narendra transformed as Vivekananda and reached America. After overcoming many obstacles, thanks to his merit and personality, he obtained recognition as a delegate to the conference as the representative of the Hindu religion.

Swami Vivekananda addressed the great conference on the 11^th of September 1893. When he addressed the audience as “Sisters and brothers of America”, there was a tumultuous applause. They heard the voice of a new universal Philosophy. This world view of considering entire humanity as belonging to a single family was novel and appealing to the west and evoked enthusiastic response and thunderous applause. But, for Swamiji, the concept of “Vasudaiva Kudumbakam (universal family) which was the traditional belief of the Hindus, was quite natural.

Then the Swami explained to that mostly western audience, India’s message of “Advaita” (The philosophy of considering diversities of nature as the different manifestations of a unity of existence) and India’s spiritual view of life. The audience was very receptive to these ideas and the thinkers there, accepted Vivekananda as a great teacher.

The fact that an ascetic of India, which was at that a time a British Colony, won recognition from the American intelligentsia, thrilled the Indian nation. It echoed in Kerala also. Vivekananda became the cynosure of the entire world and India particular. When the Swamiji returned after 3-4 years of intense propagation of the Vedanta and whirlwind tour, there were spontaneous and enthusiastic receptions and magnificent replies by Swamiji from Colombo to Kolkatta. He stayed for some time in Tamilnadu and gave thunderous speeches that enthused his audiences. Many Keralites who were studying in Tamilnadu at that time, had the opportunity of listening to Swamiji’s speeches. Many of them later became promoters instrumental to the start of the Ramakrishna Movement in Kerala, directly or indirectly. Sarvasree Ampadi Sankara Menon and swami Ambananada was some of them. It is known that Sri Mancheri Rama Iyerhad an opportybity to meet the Swamiji at that time.

As a wandering mendicant, swami Vivekananda had the opportunity to stay with Dr.Palpoo for some time. Due to his low birth, Dr.Palpoo was denied a job in the erstwhile Travancore state. There was untouchability in other states also. But in Kerala in addition to the untouchability there was unapproachability also. Dr.Palpoo informed Swamiji about the antic practices in Kerala. Swamiji advised Dr. Dr.Palpoo

To identify a spiritual luminary from among their community and organize them on the lines of his teachings. Accordingly, Dr. Dr.Palpoo sought the advice of Sri Narayana Guru, and in response to his instructions gave shape to the Sree Narayana Dharma Paripalana Yogam (SNDP). It was from Dr.Palpoo that Swamiji heard about the outdated, archaic, malpractices of the Hindus society in Kerala, which prompted him to call Kerala a Lunatic asylum. This remonstrance and scathing criticism of Swamiji enabled Keralites to mend their ways and cure themselves of this malady.

Swamiji’s triumph in America echoed all over India. Kerala also took pride in it. In many parts of Kerala, people inspired and electrified by the message of Vivekananda organized groups of devotees. At that time Kalipada Ghosh, a householder devotee of Sri Ramakrishna had come to Trivandrum in connection with the promotion of his business enterprises. He invited Swami Ramakrishnananda, a close c0-disciple of Swami Vivekananda and the then president of the Sri Ramakrishna Math at Madras, to Trivandrum. Accepting this invitation Ramakrishnananda came to Trivandrum in 1904 and stayed there for a few months. Many people drew inspiration from his contact. Spiritual organization sprouted up in many places. Such a group came into existence in Haripad. In 1911 this group invited Sri Ramakrishananda to participate in a Sri Ramakrishna birthday celebration function. Mr.Padnamabhan Thampi who was the president of this unit had earlier an opportunity contact Swami Ramakrishnananda at Madras. Swami Ramakrishnananda deputed co-disciple Swami Nirmalananda to Haripad. Swami Nirmalananda was instrumental in establishing the Ramakrishna-Vivekannda movement in Kerala on a from footing. Contact with him proved a turning point in the lives of many. Some people even dedicated their lives for the propagation of the ideals of Sri Ramakrishna. A devoted person donated a piece of land in Haripad to build an Ashram. Many others donated funds. Thus an Ashram was established there in due course. Subsequently Ashrams were set up at Thiruvalla and Trivandrum. In Trivandrum the patrons of the Ashram were Sri Padmanabhan Thampi and his younger brother Dr.Raman Thampi.

In these Ashrams caste was not recognized. Irrespective of caste and creed, all were accepted and treated with equality without any discrimination. It was a time when orthodoxy and traditional customs reigned supreme in Kerala. The die hard orthodox sections were furious with the Swami and his companions for discarding discrimination against the low caste people.

Kerala’s first Ramakrishna Ashrama was inaugurated in Haripad in 1913 with pomp and fanfare. Everybody had permission to worship in the new temple. Orthodox sections raised many obstacles before the Ashram workers. In the next year’s birthday celebrations more and more people irrespective e of caste differences participated in a mass feast conducted in the Ashram. After it the plantain leaves on which the food was served and the remnants of food particles had to be removed. But the workers deputed for the task refused to discharge that duty because low caste people too had participated in the party. Swami Nirmalananda who was closely observing the program, smelled the trouble. He said, ‘They are all devotees of Bhagawan, their low birth notwithstanding. Iam their servant. I have no Caste.” Saying this, he began to remove the leaves. When he lifted one or two leaves, everybody rushed in and within minutes removed the waste. With this heavy blow he broke the backbone of the monster caste. It was the first fell blow against the entrenched fortress of Caste. By subsequent blows the fortress collapsed and we are free. The first blow was administered by NIrmalalanda, the follower of Sri Ramakrishna—Vivekananda.

Subsequently, Ashrams were founded in Thiruvlla, Trivandrum, quilandy, ottappalam, Kozhikode, Alappuzha etc.,. In those times kerala was divided into three entities, Travancore, Kochi and British Malabar. Though geographically and culturally these three units were a homogenous entity, all the three, maintained their identies. Each constituent viewed others with scorn. But Nirmalananda brought his followers from different parts together. He brought the natives of ottappalam to Trivandrum and Haripad and vice versa. Even much before, the politicians visualized a unified Kerala, Nirmalaanda gave shape to a spiritually unified Kerala. He brought Sri Brahmanandaji Maharaj, the spiritual son of Sree Ramakrishna, co-discple of Swami Vivekananda and the then president of the Ramakrishna Mission, for a pilgrimage to Kanyakumari. They stayed in different places on the way. Many people got the opportunity to pay obeisance to Swamiji and got initiation from him. All of them became friends and participants of the movement. Many people attracted by the message of Ramakrishna Vivekananda, by contact with Nirmalananda dedicated their lives for spirituality. Many house holder devotees contributed lavishly for the conduct of the different activities of the Ashram. Many Keralites who had the opportunity to meet and draw inspiration from Vivekananda, Ramakrishnananda and Brahmananda at Madras, came forward to propagate the ideals of the mission in Kerala. Among them a notable person was Swami Agamananda, the founding father of the Ashram at Kalady. A gifted orator, he toured the length and breadth of Kerala and propagated Vedanta and the ideals of Vivekananda. Swami Thyageesananda a disciple of Brahmanandaji Maharaj, founded an Ashram inThrissur. Swami Tapasyananda built a modern hospital in Trivandrum. Swami Niranjananada who was always engrossed in study and meditation was instrumental founding many Ashrams in Central Travancore. The loving personality of Swami Vageeswarananda committed many people to the Ramakrishna Movement. The scholarly swami Vimalananda kindled spiritual instinct in many people. Many other sannyasins too, by virtue of their enterprise and silent services, developed the mission into a mighty movement in Kerala.

Now in Kerala, many ashrams are engaged in activity in different humanitarian activities. They are Ashrams at Trivandrum, Thornville, Palai, Kalady, Trichur, Kozhikode and quilandy. In Trivandrum the ashram conduct a modern hospital with all amenities and more than 250 beds. In Thiruvalla there is a beautiful Sree Ramakrishna Temple. In Palai there is a Sanskrit college. In Thrissur there is a higher secondary school, a beautiful temple , a student’s hostel, a publishing house that brings out many useful books, the monthly, Prabuddha Keralam, a hospital are the main institutions conducted by the Ashram. During every X’ mass five day long ‘antar yogam’ is held which attracts a lot of devotees. In Kozhikode, a higher secondary School, student’s hostel and a dispensary are run under the auspices of the Ashram. The quilandy ashrama, apart from the daily services a homeopathic dispensary too is conducted by the ashramites. Apart from the above, many smaller Ashrams, spread all over kerala are engaged in many silent creative activities.

In 1952 in connection with the centenary of Sri Sarada Devi, an organisataion called Sree Ramakrishna Sarada Mission was started with the objective of spreading the message of Sri Ramakrishna Sarada Vivekananda among women. In Trichur, Trivandrum and Kozhikode, its units function and impart signal service to the society.

In Kerala about one hundred people have dedicated their lives for propagation of this ideal. The first generation of such people are now no more. The noble tasks kick started by the ancestors are actively being pursued by the next generation and they are developing on it.

The most notable of the house holder devotees are Sri Padmanabhan Thampi, Dr. Raman Thampi and Sri Seshadri Iyer. The poets and littérateurs of Kerala have got intimate awareness of the mission’s literature. Some of them have written books for the propagation of the mission’s ideals. Sri Kuttamathu kunniyooru kunjikrishna Kurup and ottoor Unni Nampoothiripad deserve special mention in this connection. Kumaran Asan has translated Vivekandna’s Raja Yogam in to Malayalam. The publication which Asan started for the SNDP was named “Vivekodayam”. Vallathol had composed a poem about a crisis situation in the life of Narendra. Dr.PK Narayana Pillai wrote a two Sanskrit poems one called “Dharmasagaram” about Sri Ramakrishna and another called “Vishwabhanu” about Swami Vivekananda. Sri Mannath Padmanabha Pillai the founder of the NSS was inspired by the ideals of the Swamiji. The NSS started its maiden High School on the birthday of Swami Vivekananda.

Kerala not only imbibed the Ramakrishna movement, but also contributed many outstanding personalities for the propagation its ideals abroad. Some of them are Swami Siddheshwarananda founder of the Vedanta Centre at Paris, swami Ghanananda who established a centre in London, Swami Ranganathananda the present president of the Ramakrishna Mission, Swami Nissreyasananda who established different Vedanta centres in Africa and Swami Nithyabodhananda who founded a centre in Geneva. These great personalities are the contributions of Kerala.

The temple entry proclamation permitting all castes to enter the temples was historic declaration sponsored by Sir C.P. Ramasami Iyer, the then Dewan of Travancore. When its Silver Jubilee was celebratetd, CP Ramasami Iyer declared that it was the call of Swami Vivekananda that prompted him to sponsor this feat.

The antaryogas, publications, educational institutions, student hostels, conventions, hospitals, services for the suffering, conducted on the auspices of the different centers in Kerala are aimed at the spiritual, educational and physical uplift of the people in general. They function silently and with the expertise needed. The Sri Ramakrishna Vivekananda ideal of Siva seva through Manava seva is the propelling force and inspiration for all these activities.

Loka Samastha Sukhino Bhavanahu

Ramakrishna Movement in Haripad :- from archives of the Vedanta Kesari

Ramakrishna Movement in Haripad (Kerala)

Entries from the Archives of The Vedanta Kesari

From 1922 to 2000

(references given at the end of each entry)

Reference: 1

A few months after his return to Madras Swami (Swami Ramakrishnananda) went to Bangalore. No centre was opened at Trivandrum as Swami probably thought the number of persons who took real interest in the movement was too few to justify a Sannyasin being spared for the work. As a result of the Gita classes a small Vedanta Society was started in Trivandrum soon after to keep up the spirits of the few who took interest in Vedantic culture, and matters went on like this until January 1912 when Swami Nirmalanandaji of the Bangalore Math came to Haripad, a village in middle Travancore, where I (Tampi) was stationed at the time, on the invitation of the local Vedanta Society.

1922, July, p.107

—Swami Ramakrishnananda, The Movement in Travancore, By K. Padmanabha Thampi, B.A., B.L

‘’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’

Reference: 2

Swami Nirmalanandaji Maharaj, the President, Sri Ramakrishna Ashrama, Banglore, has just returned to his headquarters after four months of tour and work in Kerala. He visited all the Maths in Travancore and opened a new Ashrama at Muttam, some four miles distant from the Ashrama at Haripad. Seven more Brahmacharins were, this time, initiated in Sannyas. A new Ashrama is under construction at Ottapalam. Two plots of land, one at Trichur and the other at Ollur, inCochin, were given by devotees for Ashramas.

1925, October, p.234

—News And Reports: Swami Nirmalanandaji in Kerala

‘’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’

Reference: 3

Swami Nirmalanandaji Maharaj, the President, Sri Ramakrishna Ashrama, Banglore, has just returned to his headquarters after four months of tour and work in Kerala. He visited all the Maths in Travancore and opened a new Ashrama at Muttam, some four miles distant from the Ashrama at Haripad. Seven more Brahmacharins were, this time, initiated in Sannyas. A new Ashrama is under construction at Ottapalam. Two plots of land, one at Trichur and the other at Ollur, inCochin, were given by devotees for Ashramas.

1925, October, p.234

—Swami Nirmalanandaji in Kerala

‘’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’

Reference: 4

This report, sent to us by a devotee of the Ramakrishna Movement in Kerala, gives a detailed history of the work of theMissionthere for the last two years. Thirteen years of silent, steady work by Swami Nirmalanandaji had already borne fruit in about seventeen young men girding up their loins to devote themselves to the cause of Renunciation and Service under the flag of Bhagawan Sri Ramakrishna and the growth of four centres of work at Haripad, Tiruvella, Quilandy and Trivandrum and the widespread distribution of the Mission literature in Malayalam by the publication department at Trivandrum. The period under review opens with the auspicious and solemn function of receiving into the Monastic Order of Ramakrishna eleven disciples in the Haripad Ashrama thus carrying out the first item in the programme of work proposed by Swami Vivekananda for Modern India, viz., Man-making which was the method suggested and adopted by the Swami himself. Then followed the grand opening ceremony of the Brahmananda Memorial Mutt atTrivandrumin March, 1924, with a splendid public demonstration which gave a new start to the march of events in future…

Mention is next made of the increasing local support and the growing appreciation of the work of the oldest centres at Haripad, Tiruvella, and Quilandy. Attached to the Ashrama at Haripad have been working a Primary School for the “depressed classes,” a Weaving Institute, and a Medical Dispensary for the poor. The Wearing institute in particular has trained up and sent out twelve boys, all of whom have started independent work of their own and are making a living out of that profession and many of whom, it is noticed, belong to the ” depressed ” classes….

Mention is next made of a donation by a devotee of Rs. 3,000 towards the expenses of the Pooja in the Brahmananda Ashrama at Trivandrum, of another Rs. 400 for the roofing of the newly put up shed there, of an acre of paddy land yielding an annual income of Rs. 50 for the Ashrama at Haripad and of another plot of land in Pattenamthitha Taluq. But with all this the income of the Ashramas ” is hardly adequate to keep them above want and penury ” and we trust that the appeal for more funds to enable the movement to extend its activities will meet with a generous response from the public….

1925, December, p.315

—Report of the Ramakrishna Mission Work in Kerala, 1924-1925.)

‘’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’

Reference: 5

The Birth-day was also celebrated at the Sri Ramakrishna Ashrama Bangalore; Sri Ramakrishna Ashrama Haripad, Malabar . . .

—1928, April, p.480

‘’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’

Reference: 6

Srimat Swami Madhavanandaji Maharaj, the Secretary of the Ramakrishna Math andMission, arrived atTrivandrum, on the 6th of June, on a visit to all the Centres of the Math in Kerala. …

After leaving Trivandrum, he visited Haripad, Tiruvalla, Kottayam, Vaikom, and Kaladi in theTravancoreState. He also visited the Math Centres at Trichur inCochinState and Ottapalam in Malabar District. In all these places he was given public addresses.

1940, August, p.P-157

—Swami Madhavanandaji’s tour in Kerala

’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’

‘Reference: 7

Glimpses of Maharaj (Swami Brahmananda) P. Seshadri

Once Sri Tampi went to Belur Math accompanied by a Brahmachari of the Ramakrishna Ashrama at Haripad to pay his respects to Maharaj. The Brahmachari was all eagerness to be initiated by Maharaj and made his humble request for that purpose. …The next day, the Brahmachariwas duly initiated. His devotion to Maharaj knows no bounds. He would often say how much he used to feel blessed in the presence of Maharaj during the morning Bhajan at Belur Math. He took Sannyasa after some years.

1957, May, p.7

‘’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’

Reference: 8

The Ramakrishna-Vivekananda ideas had a great impact on Kerala….

Sri Ramakrishna Ashrama, Haripad : The Ramakrishna Ashramas in Kerala were started with the inspiration of Swami Ramakrishnanandaji and the fondling care of Swami Nirmalanandaji, the former visiting Trivandrum as early as 1904 and the latter from 1911 onwards. Sri Padmanabhan Tampi (Swami Parananda) was the main organiser of Haripad Ashrama. Sri Venkatasubrahmanya Iyer (Swami Chitsukhananda) gave the land and Sri Subbaraya Iyer donated a handsome amount. The Ashrama was consecrated on 4th May, 1913. This is the first Ramakrishna Ashrama in Kerala. Swami Brahmanandaji Maharaj visited this Ashrama in 1916. Along with the normal activities of the Ashrama, it renders services to children and Harijans. This along with the following five Ashramas is managed by a committee….

—1957, September, pp.230-231

‘’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’

Reference: 9

Some time later, Swami Nirmalananda asked me whether I had paid my respects to Maharaj. On my answering in the negative the Swami took two devotees and me to Maharaj and introduced us. When it was told that I was a native of Haripad, a village in Travancore, Maharaj benignantly remarked: ‘One from Haripad (the feet of Hari, the Lord), He should be a Bhakta.’ I. felt blessed.. . . Maharaj stayed at Quilon that time for ten days. My mind grew restless day by day. Some aspirants had been initiated by Maharaj at Haripad and Kanya Kumari. I was very eager to get initiation. A week had passed and there was no talk, not even a hint about it. I spent sleepless nights in silent tears because of the thought that I might be deprived of that Grace even after seeing Maharaj. It would seem that Maharaj had little sleep. After all had retired, I could see Maharaj coming out of his room and pacing up and down with measured steps. That sight would aggravate my feelings and I would pray from the depth of my heart for his grace.

One night, Swami Nirmalananda called me aside and asked me whether I wished to be initiated by Maharaj. I answered that if he thought me fit, I would very much like to have that rare blessing. Then the Swami said: ‘ Initiation and the like cannot be given without asking. Why have you not asked Maharaj to bless you?’ I remained silent. The Swami again asked, ‘Do you really want it?’ I merely replied, ‘If you think me fit.’ Then, he took me to Maharaj and requested him for my sake. Maharaj said that he would give me initiation the next morning if he felt well. We took leave of Maharaj. The Swami told me, ‘Bring some fruits and flowers tomorrow morning after your bath. Do not take coffee or anything else. Maharaj will give initiation if he feels well. You should not be disappointed even if he does not give.’

My joy knew no bounds. But I had one regret however. A friend at Haripad who was initiated by Maharaj, had informed me that he as well as others had given clothes etc. as offerings (Dakshina). I had only a rupee. So, I requested a friend to try to get for me a sum of not less than five rupees the next morning. He returned early in the morning and said that he could not get for me anything. I was sorely disappointed. Another friend who was overjoyed at my being promised initiation had undertaken to supply me with fruits and flowers and hence I had no difficulty on that score.

The 27th December was the date fixed for initiation. When I returned after bath that morning I found Swami Nirmalananda sitting alone in the veranda. I ventured to ask him this question, ‘Should I buy…’ On the evening of the initiation day, Swami Nirmalananda suddenly turned to me and said: ‘We have engaged a special steam launch to take us to Ernakulam. You need not spend money unnecessarily. You can come along with us and we will drop you at Trikkunnapuzha (a village about 5 miles from Haripad, my native place).’… When the boat reached Trikkunnapuzha, I went to Maharaj to take leave. He said, ‘ You promised to come along with us. Why do you drop midway? This is bad.’ I told him that my native place was Haripad and that I would like to go to my house. He asked me as to how far Haripad was from there. I informed him. Then he sweetly remarked: ‘When I see you, I also like to go to Haripad.’

—1957, October, pp.259-261

‘’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’

Reference: 10

While the activities of the Ramakrishna Math were developing inMadras, the beginnings of the work in Malabar were made by Swami Nirmalananda, who in January 1909, took charge of the Bangalore Ashrama. For nearly a quarter of a century he worked, withBangaloreas his base of operations.

In February 1911 he was invited to Haripad in Travancore, eighty miles north of Trivandrum, to preside over Sri Ramakrishna’s Birthday celebrations organised by the Vivekananda Association, of which Sri Padmanabhan Tampi was the president. In September of the same year he visited Trivandrum on invitation from the Vedanta Society, of which Dr. Raman Tampi was the president. Dr. Tampi became a staunch supporter of the Math’s work in Trivandrum. Swami Nirmalananda stayed there for some time and gave classes and public lectures. In 1912 he visited Badagara and Quilandy in British Malabar and made contacts which later on blossomed forth into centres of activity. On 4th May 1913 the first Ashrama in Kerala was opened at Haripad, and the second in June 1914 at Quilandy. When Swami Brahmananda visited Kerala in 1916, Swami Nirmalananda requested him to lay the foundation stone of the Trivandrum Ashrama on 9th December 1916. The consecration of this Ashrama came off in March 1924. Between 1925 and 1935, nearly half a dozen centres were opened in different parts of Kerala. . . Swami Saswatananda went on lecturing tours to Kerala and developed close associations with the centres at Trivandrum, Tiruvella, Haripad etc. He leftMadras in February, 1944 to join the Headquarters, and was succeeded by Swami Kailasananda in September 1944.

—1972, August, pp.177-182

‘’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’

Reference: 11

A new centre of the Ramakrishna Math has been started at Haripad in Kerala with the land, buildings, etc., received from Sri Ramakrishna Ashrama, Haripad. Its address is, Ramakrishna Math, P.O. Haripad, Dist.Alleppey, Kerala- 690 514.

—2008. August, p.319

‘’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’

Reference: 12

Foundation stone for the proposed temple at Ramakrishna math, Haripsd, the first new building at the Ashrama complex was laid on 28 January, 2009. In this connection a public meeting was also held by a large procession of devotees, school children and general public.

—2009, April, p.159

‘’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’

The story of the boy dancing with Sri Krishna on a Lotus

THE STORY OF THE BOY DANCING WITH SRI KRISHNA ON A LOTUS

( The above image depicts the vision of Sri Ramakrishna. This image is found in the village called “Sikra-Kulingram”, the birthplace of Swami Brahmananda.)

Sri Ramakrishna was married to Sarada Devi but they never had marital relations. The Divine Mother told Sri Ramakrishna in a vision that he was to have a spiritual son, an eternal companion, who was Rakhal.

“Just a few days before Rakhal’s ( Rakhal Ghosh, later Swami Brahmananda) coming I saw Mother putting a child into my lap and saying, ‘This is your son: I shuddered at the thought and asked her in surprise, ‘What do you mean? I too have a son?’ Then She explained with a smile that it would be a spiritual child, and I was comforted. Shortly after this vision Rakhal came, and I at once recognized him as the boy presented by the Divine Mother.”

Prior to Rakhal’s arrival, Sri Ramakrishna had a second confirming experience.

“A few moments before Rakhal actually arrived [Sri Ramakrishna had a] vision. Suddenly he saw a hundred-petaled lotus blooming on the bosom of the Ganges, each of its petals shining with exquisite loveliness. On the lotus two boys were dancing with anklets on their feet. One of them was Sri Krishna himself; the other was the same boy he had seen in his earlier vision. Their dance was indescribably beautiful; every movement they made seemed to splash foam, as it were, from an ocean of sweetness. Sri Ramakrishna was lost in ecstacy.

“Just then a boat arrived carrying Manomohan and Rakhal. Sri Ramakrishna looked at Rakhal in bewilderment. ‘What is this?’ he thought to himself; ‘Here is the boy I saw standing under the banyan tree; here is the boy Mother placed on my lap; here is the boy I saw just now dancing on the lotus with Sri. Krishna. This is the pure-hearted companion I prayed for to Mother.’” (23)

As with Naren, so with Rakhal: Sri Ramakrishna explained that if he was to remember his former identity as Krishna’s boyhood companion, he too would leave his body.

“Since Mother revealed to me that Rakhal is the playmate of Sri Krishna and one of the shepherd boys of Brindavan [sic], I was afraid lest he should be reminded of his past incarnation. If he remembered his association with Sri Krishna while at Brindaban, he might give up his body there.” (24)

Swami Brahmananda’s disciple, Swami Prabhananda, explained how all of the latter’s disciples knew not to divulge the secret.

“I have already described how Sri Ramakrishna saw Rakhal dancing with Sri Krishna on a mystic lotus shortly before the boy’s first visit to Dakshineswar. Only a few intimate disciples knew of this vision, and Sri Ramakrishna had warned them never to reveal it to Maharaj, explaining that if he realized his true nature as the Eternal Companion of Krishna, he would leave his mortal body. The secret had been very carefully guarded.” (25)

Under the master’s watchful eye, Rakhal was initiated into spiritual life with a vision of his Chosen Ideal, Sri Krishna:

“‘Look,’ said the Master [Ramakrishna], ‘there is your Chosen Ideal!’ Rakhal in ecstatic vision saw his chosen aspect of the Godhead standing before him — living and luminous, with a smile playing on his lips. When Rakhal regained his external consciousness and saw Sri Ramakrishna, he prostrated at his feet with loving devotion. He had known and experienced the divine power and grace of his guru.” (26)

As Swami Brahmananda, Rakhal was graced with high visions of God:

Finally at Omkarnath Templel, Swami Brahmananda attained the coveted experience of nirvikalpa samadhi. (He later attained higher states.)

“Here, amidst charming natural surroundings, [Swami Brahmananda] lived continuously in nirvikalpa samadhi for six days and six nights, completely unconscious of the outside world. When at last he came back to normal consciousness, his face shone with a heavenly joy. He had experienced God in the impersonal, absolute aspect, and had realized the identity of Atman with Brahman.” (28)

In March 1922, Maharaj went to Calcutta to stay for a while at the home of Balaram. Balaram had already passed away, but his whole family were sincere devotees of Sri Ramakrishna, and his beautiful house was always at the disposal of the swamis of the Order. It is now regarded as a place of pilgrimage, sanctified as it was by the presence of so many holy men.

. One day Maharaj asked Ramlal Dada to sing for him the songs he used to sing to Sri Ramakrishna. It was arranged that many disciples and devotees should be present to hear the singing.

Ramlal Dada began to sing songs about Krishna and the shepherds and shepherdesses of Brindavan. At first, everyone was merry as Ramlal mimicked the gestures of the shepherdesses, making his audience laugh. Suddenly, Maharaj, who had also been enjoying the fun, became serious. Ramlal Dada was singing: ‘Come back, O Krishna, come back to Brindavan. Come and reign in the hearts of your beloved shepherds and shepherdesses. Do not forget that you are shepherdesses. Do not forget that you are a shepherd yourself.’ “Ramlal Dada was singing: ‘Come back, O Krishna, come back to Brindaban….’ At that moment Maharaj seemed transported to a realm beyond this earth. The joking and laughter stopped. The atmosphere became calm and serene. It may be at this moment Maharaj got a partial glimpse of his true nature and knew himself to God’s Eternal Companion. The events that followed seem to point to some such revelation.” (29)

A few days later, at midnight, Nirvanananda, a disciple and personal attendant of Maharaj, saw him sitting on his bed in a very grave mood. The disciple stood silently before him, waiting for him to speak. Maharaj looked at him, and said: ‘I woke suddenly and saw Sri Ramakrishna standing just there.’ He pointed to a spot in front of a couch, adding: ‘He didn’t speak to me. He stood there silently for a while and then disappeared. I don’t understand it.’ After a few moments Maharaj continued in a low, earnest voice: ‘I can’t give my mind to the things of this world any longer. The mind wants to take complete refuge in Him and Him alone.’

A devotee asked: ‘Maharaj, are you suffering very much?’

‘Please try to realize,’ Maharaj answered, ‘that in my condition I have to bear all physical suffering, patiently and without complaint.’

But as he said this, his face lighted up with a divine radiance. The pain seemed to have melted away. He lost external consciousness and became absorbed in meditation.

About nine o’clock that same evening, he placed his hand on Nirvanananda and said: ‘Do not grieve. You have served me well. You shall be merged in God and attain the knowledge of Brahman. I give you my blessing that you may attain this.’

Then he called all the disciples and devotees who were present to his side. For each he had a blessing and an affectionate word.

‘Ah, my children,’ he said tenderly, ‘never forget God and you will realize the highest good. Do not grieve. I shall be with you always.’

Once more he became absorbed in his transcendental vision. After some time had passed, he continued in a sweet, tender voice: ‘I am floating; I am floating on the leaf of faith and knowledge in the ocean of Brahman.’ Then suddenly he exclaimed; ‘Ah! The feet of Sri Ramakrishna – I know them! Viveka, my brother Vivekananda! Premananda…Yogananda…’

Thus, with his divine sight, he recognized the brother-disciples who had already passed away. He was living in that transcendental realm where he had lived throughout his life; but now he no longer concealed the fact. He began to describe his visions.

‘Ah,’ he murmured softly, ‘the blissful ocean of Brahman! Om!

Salutations to the Supreme Brahman! Om! Salutations to the Supreme Atman!’

While speaking of his divine experiences, his throat became dry. A disciple offered him a drink, saying: ‘Maharaj, please drink this water. It has lemon in it.’

‘The mind doesn’t want to come down from Brahman, Pour Brahman into Brahman,’ said Maharaj slowly and like a child he opened his mouth for the water to be poured into it.

Then he turned to Swami Saradananda and said: ‘Brother, Sri Ramakrishna is real His divine incarnation is real.’

After this Maharaj was silent for a while. He was deeply absorbed in meditation, and his face wore an expression of great sweetness. The minds of those who were present were so uplifted that they felt no grief, only joy and silent calm. All sense of the world and of death was lost.

Suddenly, out of the silence, the voice of Maharaj was heard: ‘Ah, that inexpressible light! Ramakrishna, the Krishna of my Ramakrishna…I am the shepherd boy. Put anklets on my feet, I want to dance with my Krishna. I want to hold his hand – the little boy Krishna…Ah, Krishna, my Krishna, you have come! Krishna….Krishna… Can’t you see him? Haven’t you eyes to see? Oh, how beautiful! My Krishna… on the lotus…eternal…the Sweet One! My play is over now. Look! The child Krishna is caressing me. He is calling me to come away with Him! I am coming….’ The tenderness and heavenly compassion that filled his heart were expressed in every word he uttered.

The whole atmosphere of the large hall where he was lying seemed to vibrate with this emotion. No one can describe the extraordinary sense of holiness which was created by his presence. Everyone knew that the fateful hour was approaching, and that Maharaj was taking his final leave.

During the early hours of the morning, he remained silent for some time and fell into a slumber. At seven o’clock he awoke, and was again possessed by this high spiritual mood. He called the few disciples who had just arrived and who had not been present the previous night. To each he gave his blessing, bestowing comfort and fearlessness.

But so great was the power of his mind, so completely was it freed from the meshes of physical matter, that it remained completely unaffected by the condition of his suffering body. He maintained perfect consciousness right up to the last moment of his life.

As that last evening faded into night, his chest suddenly heaved. It was as if a great wave of breath passed up the body to the throat. His half-closed eyes opened, and he gazed into the distance, his eyes shining with brilliance and unspeakable beauty.

Thus it was that, on April 10, 1922, the life left his body.

‘Do, not grieve. I shall be with you always.’ Those were his last words to his disciples. After his passing away, we all had the feeling that Maharaj was intensely present within us. He was closer to us than ever before. For as long as Maharaj was in the physical body there was a barrier which was now no more.

More than forty years have passed since that day, and every disciple can bear witness to the fact that Maharaj still lives, protects and guides him onward toward the goal.

When I was about to leave India and take up my duties in the United States, Swami Shivananda said to me: ‘Never forget that you have seen the Son of God. You have seen God.’

Haripad Story by Swami Raghunathanandaji Maharaj

Haripad Story by Swami Raghunathanandaji Maharaj

SRI RAMAKRISHNA VACHANAMRITA MAHIMA

From a letter

From : Swami Raghunathananda, Camp — Kalady dated 24.11.09

To Swami Virabhadrananda

Sub.:– Swami Japananda

Dear Virabhadrananda,

As I told you, I give below a short account of late Rev.Japanandaji Maharaj’s visit to Haripad Ashrama when he was a young monk many years ago. Sri P.Seshadri, Director of an institution in Thiruvananthapuram, who was an initiated disciple of most Rev. Brahmanandaji Maharaj was at Haripad at that time. Rev. Japanandaji recalled that, since Sri Seshadri was serving harijan boys, this orthodox father did not allow him to stay in the house. Seshadri was staying in the out house and his food was served by is mother in the verandah. They were such orthodox Brahmins. Seshadri, with a few friends was regularly studying Sri Ramakrishna Vachanamritam. His father wanted to know what they were reading had heard the Gospel read to him on a few days.

When Rev. Japanandaji visited Haripad, Seshadri, with his father and devotees one day visited the Ashrama at evening Arati time. After the Arati, one of the harijan boys of the Ashrama was giving Charanamrita, the holy water as prasadam to all present. When the boy gave the water to Seshadri’s Father, the old man kept it in his hand and suddenly fainted to the anxiety of others present. When he was revived and came to consciousness, Seshadri and others begged his pardon for causing this inconvenience of not informing that the boy was a harijan. But to the surprise of Rev. Japanandaji Maharaj and others, the old man told them that he was not offended by the caste of the boy, but was over whelmed with feeling and wondered whether he was fit enough to be blessed by the touch of Sri Ramakrishna’s puja water. He was so transformed by hearing the Gospel for a few days read to him.

The above incident was narrated to us with feelings by Rev. Japanandaji Mahara, when we were in the Training Centre in 1959 or so.

S/d Ram Maharaj

Swami Raghunathananda