Recharging battery at Rishikesh Ganga Aarti

Photos

rishikesh aarti

see larger image

uploaded by azzayindia

• 

  uploaded by azzayindia | add comment

• 

  uploaded by azzayindia | add comment

• 

  uploaded by azzayindia | add comment

• 

  uploaded by azzayindia | add comment

• 

  uploaded by azzayindia | add comment

• 

  uploaded by azzayindia | add comment

• 

  uploaded by azzayindia | add comment

• 

  uploaded by azzayindia | add comment

• 

  uploaded by azzayindia | add comment

• 

  uploaded by azzayindia | add comment

An invitation was a blessing in disguise to embark on a Journey to Parmarth Niketan Ashram and was accepted gladly, not for any religious reasons, but out of sheer admiration and reverence for the mighty River Ganga, mother of hundreds of millions of people. The journey was to meet Swami Chidanand at Parmarth Ashram, Rishikesh, and to apprise him about the historic Shiva temple at Lakhamandal, which dates back to the Pandava era. On reaching Parmarth Niketan Ashram, it was discovered that Swami Chidanand was busy in preparations for the Ganga Aarti and would interact later. One had seen the Aarti on Discovery Channel. Being invited to attend the Aarti was thus very welcome. As the sun sank lower, preparations for the Aarti looked complete. Shiny brass ghee-lamps, microphones and musical instruments jostled at the ghat. People from all walks of life took their places on the steps. Despite the swelling crowd, it was pleasant and peaceful. Young, Gurukul shishyas clad in chrome yellow dhotis, kurtas and gamchas took their place in neat rows at the river bank. We also took our place in the middle, but the journalist in me had other ideas and I began capturing the event on my camera. Suddenly, all present stood in reverence for the person dressed in saffron attire walking towards the Ganga. The cool, calm and serene personality ambled towards the Hawan Kund. He was Swami Chidanand of Parmarth Ashram. He held the lamp, which had hundreds of ghee-dipped wicks dancing with flames on their heads. He then took the mike, chanting mantras, devotional songs and finally the Aarti for the holy Ganga. His clear melodious voice connected with something deep within. Any anger and pain, all vanished like froth in the Ganga. A few guests sang along, others clapped in divine pleasure as the Swami moved the lamp clockwise for Aarti. Reverence filled the air. Immersed in the happenings, one was plain contented and an immense feeling of bliss or attainment of Nirvana overcame one. I closed my eyes and the realisation that anger and false pride all vanished with the flowing past of burnt wood from the funeral pyres in the Ganga. Soon, the lamps were passed around to take the Aarti amidst the scramble for being the first. After the Aarti, as we headed towards Swamiji’s resting place, one felt invigorated, the whole it seemed was recharged not unlike a Mobile Phone. A surge of fresh energy passed though the entire body and made the mind much clearer. As if this was not enough, there was a more pleasant surprise at Swami Chidanand’s interaction with his devotees from around the country. As he was answering queries from the devotees, one could not resist seeking answers and began by asking, “Swamiji, where is the end of desire?” To which he answered, “Right here, right now.” Explaining further, he said that one ought to travel light as the desires and expectations are heavy baggage which slow one down and thwart one’s progress. “Let them Go.” And a moment of silence echoed across the small hall, that answered all my questions. So true, one expects so much and falls in the never-ending trap of desires, ending up losing our life. His secular credentials and compassion for other religions were also impressive. Addressing the devotees, he said, “Go to God, whatever the name used, whatever form one worships is no problem. Just go to Him. He accepts all names and all forms. If God can be worshipped, only one way, then he is not God.” After the devotees left, he turned towards my companion Gopal and inquired what he wanted. Gopal showed him the pictures of Lakhamandal, which he liked immensely and after thinking for a few minutes, said that he would love to help for the cause but he needed further study of the whole issue and also advised Gopal and his friend to bring a detailed project so that he could finally give his decision. Frankly, I cared little. For me the high point was the Ganga Aarti. Swami Chidanand left home for the Himalayan jungles and forests at the tender age of 8 years under the guidance of a spiritual master, in the bid to bring his mind, soul and body into union with the divine. Today, he is renowned as a spiritual leader and guide.He is also President of the Parmarth Niketan Ashram and founder Chairman of India Heritage Research Foundation (IHRF).