Bhajans in Hindi by Swami Atamanandaji – Part 2

Aaye Hain Ek naye Manav by Swami Atmanandaji

Premanand se Kaho by Swami Atmanandaji

Jai Yatishwar by Swami Atmanandaji

Veer Senapati by Swami Atmanandaji

Mero Man Ram He by Swami Atmanandaji

Sita Pati Ram Chandra by Swami Atmanandaji

Jai Raghunandan by Swami Atmanandaji

Jai Jai Ram SiaRam by Swami Atmanandaji

Ram Nam Japan Kyon Chode by Swami Atmanandaji

Shri Ramchandra Kripalu by Swami Atmanandaji

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

1. Aaye Hai Ek naye Manav by Swami Atmanandaji
2. Premanand se Kaho by Swami Atmanandaji

3. Jai Yatishwar by Swami Atmanandaji
4. Veer Senapati by Swami Atmanandaji

5. Mero Man Ram He by Swami Atmanandaji
6. Sita Pati Ram Chandra by Swami Atmanandaji

7. Jai Raghunandan by Swami Atmanandaji
8. Jai Jai Ram SiaRam by Swami Atmanandaji

9. Ram Naam Kyon Chode by Swami Atmanandaji
10. Shri Ramchandra Kripalu by Swami Atmanandaji

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.’

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

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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

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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

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

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

Spiritual precepts of Swami Brahmananda

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