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HANUMAN MANDIR AND NEEB KARORI
BABA ASHRAM
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Vrindavan
ashram was established by Maharajji in 1965. This has been the
central hub of all activities since then. During this time, Maharajji
used to tour the entire country and during his travels he often
went to Vrindavan. At Vrindavan, he used to visit the temple
of 'Gore Dauji' and spent a lot of time there. At that time the
place around this temple was absolutely deserted without any
inhabitation. During one of his visits to Vrindavan he selected
the site for the ashram (close to the Gore Dauji temple on Parikrama
Marg).
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<< Small
idol of Hanumanji
A very old photograph of the Hanuman Temple >> |
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At that time there was no metalled road and the kuchha track that existed was full of sand and dust making it difficult for pedestrians to walk. Many devotees conveyed their apprehension about constructing the ashram at such a deserted place where dacoits would create problems. To this Maharajji said that the site would be the heart of Vrindavan in times to come. He also said that there would be a metalled road connecting river Yamuna and Vrindavan. This is true today. Maharajji prowned the site and got it registered in the name of Shri Thakur Hanumanji Trust (Vrindavan) even before the construction started. The construction of the ashram was still in progress when on 11th September 1973 Maharajji came to Vrindavan from Kainchi and left his body by his choice (Detailed description of his last journey in the material world is available in the book 'Miracle of Love' written by Ram Das and other books).
Hanumanji's Temple The first construction in the Ashram premises was setting up of Hanumanji’s idol which still exists next to the big idol of Hanuman ji. At that point of time a devotee conveyed his apprehension that the site is in a deserted place and the dacoits may cause trouble. Maharajji replied that the place is going to become the heart of Vrindavan in times to come and the main road connecting Vrindavan to river Yamuna would come up in front of the Ashram in the near future. After setting up of Hanumanji’s idol work for the construction of the ashram started. First to come up were a few rooms (for people to stay) and then the main temple of Hanumanji. Maharajji inspired Jaipuria who contributed towards construction of the existing Hanuman mandir. It was then that the big idol of Hanumanji was placed amidst a big bhandra and puja. Howerver, Maharajji was conspicuous by his absence. He always kept himself away from the public at such time. |
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Mahasamadhi Temple and Maharajji's Kutia
The Mahasamadhi Temple was constructed on the site where Maharajji was cremated. Next to Mahasamadhi temple is the room in which Maharajji used to stay while at Vrindavan. This room refered to as 'kutia' (synonymous with hut) by the devotees is in the same condition as it was then, other than the photographs of Maharajji. The cot used by Maharajji is the same cot and is referred to as 'takhat' or 'tucket' (a wooden cot) by the devotees. The simplicity of Maharajji is evident from the simplicity of the kutia. A visit to the kutia and spending some time there provides a powerful experience to one and all. The kutia is a vibrant place devotees whether Indian or Western have conveyed their special experiences while meditating inside. It is for an individual to sit and experience the vibrations existing in the kutia. Akhand Hanuman Chalisa Paath is performed every Tuesday in the ashram. It starts on Tuesday morning with different people taking turns and sitting for the paath. This paath culminates on Wednesday morning at the time of morning aarti. Tuesday is a good day to visit the temple and enjoy the wonderful atmosphere around.
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Janki Mandir & Kirtan Bhavan
In the year 1967, Maharajji inspired Smt. Shushila Devi Gupta and she contributed towards the construction of the Kirtan Bhavan. The kirtan bhavan is located right next to the Hanumanji temple and the kirtan in praise of Lord continues 24hrs a day, 365 days a year without any break since it has been initiated by Maharajji. In 1996, Maharajji’s inspiration led to the extension of the Kirtan Bhavan and Mittal family from Jaipur contributed for the construction of the Ram Janki Mandir in the extended portion. This temple has the idols of Shri Ram, Jaanki (Sita), Lakshman, Hanumanji & Maharajji. |
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Shri Vrindavaneshwari devi |
Akhand Hanuman Chalisa Paath |
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Bhog Bhandar |
Gaushala |
Devi Temple, Shiv mandir and Yagyashala
The devi temple of Vrindavaneshwari which was constructed by contribution of Shri Honda Ram of Aligarh in 1973. The temple of Lord Shiva and the Yagyashala were constructed in 1993.
Gaushala
It has been by Maharajji’s grace that the ashram is taking shape the way he had planed. The ashram has a Gaushala in which Gau Seva is being continuously done. The ashram has a number of cows and they are being looked after in best possible way.
Bhog Bhandar
The ashram has its own 'bhog bhandar' (kitchen). The ashram is continuously following Maharajji’s preaching of “LOVE ALL SERVE ALL & FEED ALL”. The bhog bhandar is open for service to all devotees 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. The bhog bhandar provides tea & food at fixed timings during the day. However, as Maharajji preached the bhog bhandar provides service to all devotees 24 hours a day on demand.
Bhandaras
The ashram has residential facilities which are provided free of cost. However, due to security measures, it is advisable for a new comer to get an introduction from a devotee known to the management of the Ashram. Bhandaras are organized throughout the year by various devotees. There are four main Bhandaras which are organized by the temple management with whole hearted support and devotion of the devotees. They are held on Basant Panchmi, Hanuman Jayanti, Guru Purnima (Anant Chaturdashi) and Samadhi Divas of Baba Neeb Karori. Devotees pour in huge numbers on these occasions. Bhandaras were the way Maharajji used to feed people. Maharajji’s preaching is being followed to the last word and each devotee is provided with prasad to his hearts content.
A no. of services are provided by the ashram management committee for the devotees. To know more about availing these facilities, click here.