BLOG NUMBER FIFTEEN - KAILAS REVISITED

 REFLECTIONS ON KAILAS MANAS SAROVAR YATRA 1982

Prologue

When I requested the blessings for a smooth Yatra, from my Master, the Late Shri Amabarisha Varmaji, he said “Why do you want to punish your body and go there? Instead, try and bring that atmosphere of Kailas and Manasa around you, wherever you are.” After a pause, he continued- "Anyway, since you have made all the arrangements go, be careful when under Chinese side, don’t talk about Rishis or Gods, do you understand? My protection to you will be there." My obeisance to him.

A group of twenty individuals from various States were assembled at the Foreign Office, North Block, New Delhi, in July 1982, for briefing by the Government Officials about Do’s and Dont’s during the Kailas Manas Sarovar Yatra. This was the second year after 1981, when Chinese Government had opened the passage to Indian Citizens to undertake the holy pilgrimage. I looked around, wanting to mix with my future fellow pilgrims of 6 females and 13 males, young and old, sturdy and not so sturdy. At 28, I was among the few youths, majority were either middle aged or seniors.

One Senior Gentleman caught my eye and beckoned me. He asked me “Are you going to Kailas?”. I said “Yes, and I am coming back” and at that moment he decided we two would make good companions for the entire Yatra. He was around 62 years, clad in silk dhoti and kurta with a walking stick, and was medium built. Seated with his back straight and alone, he looked sharp and very cool at the same time, with a magnetic smile. This Gentleman was none other than Late Shri M N Nambiar, the famous Tamil actor who has acted in hundreds of Tamil movies mostly in the role of a Villain! After the preliminary briefing by the Officials, this small group acquainted itself with each other with warmth.

The week before actual departure from New Delhi, was hectic for final formalities like Medical Check-up, purchases like Tin Food, Dry Fruit rations, warm clothing, windcheaters, Medicines etc, exchange of currency for about 400 dollars (specified by the Chinese, the exchange rate approximately was Rs 9.46 per USD then).

The Journey Begins

On the early morning of Thursday, the 15^th of July 1982, we took our seats in the Mini Bus, in front of UP Tourist Office, Chandralok Building at Janpath. anxious, praying to gods for a smooth Yatra. Shri M N Nambiar announced “Look at Giri, he looks like Adi Shankara!”. We reached Champawat which was about 450 kilometers from Delhi, covered on the same day. Reached Champawat and spent the night at Tourist Rest Home. The next day, Dharchula, being our destination at a distance of 171 KM, the bus wended its way through Lohaghat on the banks of the river Sarayu and we reached Pithoragarh for Lunch. Here we were fortunate in meeting Swami Pranavananda, FRGS, (1896-1989). His original name was Kanakadandi Venkata Somayajul, was a regular visitor to Kailas Manas Sarovar areas since 1928, before the Chinese took over Tibet. He is reported to have done 23 circumambulations of the Holy Mountain Kailas and 25 of Lake Manas Sarovar, 7 of which done in winter when the Lake gets frozen. He was aged 86, had established his ashram at Pithoragarh. He has authored a book “Exploration in Tibet”, published by the University of Kolkata in 1950. Swami blessed us all and give us useful hints for the trek.

We reached Dharchula in the evening, a scenic quaint village located by the side of the mighty river KALI, which naturally divides India and Nepal. We spent the second night at Dharchula till 3 AM to leave for the Tawaghat Road End. After about 20 KM, the bus came to a halt at Tawaghat. From here the 100 KM trek commenced, with shouts like “Jai Bholenath”, “Jai Shambho” lead by the Kumaon Mandal Vikas Nigam (KMVN) guide.

Here the pilgrims had to decide whether they needed the services of a Mule (Kacchar). I opted to walk and enjoy the scenery. After our luggage was loaded onto the mules, we began the trek at about 7 AM, crossing the bridge over the river Dhauliganga and the climb was steep, and we had to reach village Shirka at a distance of 8 KM in the mountains. Tired and exhausted we reached SHIKRA (7400 ft) in the evening, traversing a narrow path which at times was only 3 feet wide. The track was serpentine and slippery at places. We were warmly received by the Camp Manager who provided us frugal hot meals.

The following day involved a 16 KM trek to JIPTI, where the Botiyas speak their local language called Runglu. En route to Jipti we passed through Rungling Top thick forest feared for its Bears, and we get to see the river KALI again, flowing several hundred feet in a gorge with its foaming and dancing waters. We spent the third night at the local rest home for tourists.

On the 4^th day, after breakfast, our trek took us to MALPA, 11 KM away. The mule track was extremely risky, and we had difficulty in trekking. There were several waterfalls on the way. We were warned to be alert for stones that may fall from the mountain top, due to overnight rains. Spent the third night at Malpa’s Tourist Home.

The following morning, we started for BUDDI (9100 ft) which involved a climb of over 3000 feet up from Malpa and here all of us felt for the first time, the real chill of the Himalayan cold. We now could see in the far distance the snow-clad mountains and glaciers on the Nepalese side. The PWD Rest House here was a two-room building with a beautiful garden and wonderful scenery all around. Went to bed early after a long climb, the whole day, with the entire body aching.

GUNJI is a beautiful small village at a distance of 17 KM from Buddi, with the first four KM was the usual steep one, rest pathways winding around mountain after mountain, at times at a level with the river or several hundred feet above it. As the tracks were slippery due to heavy rains the previous night, all of us huddled together, helped each other to reach the next camp. As before the people from each village gazed upon us, total strangers with different physiques, colours, and heights! One can leave his or her valuables, money, watch, ornaments, etc in broad daylight on the side of the track and no one dares even consider stealing them, for they believe that the gods are always watching their actions. Moreover, they have no use for money at those heights and terrain.

The females select the male for a husband. All domestic and field work is mainly done by the females here in villages, who go about singing their folk songs, with long conical baskets tied behind their backs, cracking jokes, with laughter among themselves. Of course, one another sound we heard all through was the pleasant sound of tiny bells tied to the Mules, Horses, Kacchar and Yaks in the plains. Casteism was practised and all disputes settled at the village level itself, no Police Stations, No Jails, No Courts here.

The ITBP would be in charge of the pilgrims up to Lipu Lekh Pass from Gunji, instead of the hitherto services of the   Uttar Pradesh Special Police Force. The ITBP were very helpful and conducted the prescribed daily medical check-up to all batchmates before leaving Gunji. On the morning of the 6^th day, we all set out walking towards KALAPANI along with the ITBP personnel, involving a steep climb of over 2500 feet and a few in the group experienced breathing problems, here. A small jungle of Pine Trees on the valley and huge rocks added to a splendid view all around. After an early buffet meal, all got into the tents provided to leave for NABHIDONG, closer to Lipu Lekh Pass, the point of entry into Tibet, occupied by China. From Kalapani to Lipu Lekh (over 17000 ft) it was about 14 KM.

In the early hours of 8^th day after the commencement of Trek, we started off at 4 AM to climb about 2500 feet in darkness and total silence to get to the Lipu Lekh Pass. Reached the Pass IST 9.30 AM and were relieved to discover that the third batch was ready to return to India.  This exit from Tibet and entry into Tibet is simultaneously managed by the ITBP at the Mountain Cliff that is Lipu Lekh Pass.

The weather at the Pass is extremely unpredictable with -4 or -5 degrees Celsius and extremely cold. One cannot stand still at this Pass due to severe cold. The weather gets worse and the best time to exit/enter is early morning at this Pass.

The ITBP standing at Cliff, wished us all success for the China stay and the ITBP was not permitted to accompany us all down the mountain to ground level, where the Chinese were waiting for us. Left to ourselves, all of us had difficulty in descending the mountain side, at times sinking into loose snow, waist-deep, struggling to descend safely.

Due to Lord Shiva’s grace, nothing untoward happened here. With the assistance of Chinese coolies, all landed down from the cliff top to Tibetan ground! And to be under Chinese control till we get back onto the top of the Pass after visit.

Mounting on lazy horses, all of us began our journey to Takklakot, a 20 KM ride on Tibetan plateau, and reached it in the evening. We were received by a young Chinese girl, fluent in English, deputed for assisting pilgrims. Custom regulations were read out, followed by thorough luggage check, forms filled to amount of forex carried, declaration about camera, binoculars, rings, chains, ornaments etc. All this completed, they took our Passports to be returned later. Only after all these, we were shown to our lodgings containing 3 or 5 beds in each room with clean quilts, bedsheets, containing TV sets probably CCTV showing Chinese acrobatics, dances, concerts. The following day we were asked to exchange 300 USD into Yuan.

We were made to spend two nights at Takklakot, once a vibrant Trade Route Town on the ancient Silk Route, with its mud buildings, a few shops selling a few mementos, pillowcases, sheets. We could not speak freely with the local Tibetan population as we felt we were under 24-hour surveillance.

Finally, on the 26^th of July 1982, having divided ourselves into 2 batches of 11 and 9 in each, loaded our luggage into the military truck which had no seating arrangement, the group members were tossed against one another as we had to sit on its floor, and started off to Manas Sarovar, which was about 80 KM away. The batch which had 11 (including self) opted to get dropped at Manasa Sarovar Base Camp and accordingly, the truck reached this Base Camp after a two-hour drive by the side of the equally stunning and immaculate Rakshas Tal lake, on its banks, Dashanana, the Ravana is believed to have done penance to propitiate Lord Shiva and the distant Gurla Mandhata Mountain Range enveloped in snow.

Quickly getting down from the Truck, all of us were overjoyed to witness the exceedingly serene and fantastic Lake in front of us. Tears of Joy rolled down in most cheeks of the group. On my part I went and sobbed like a small child, overcome with emotion to realise that we finally reached the Holy spot after back breaking, grueling trek, which was extremely hazardous, ran to and tightly hugged Shri M N Nambiar, and I took a long time to become normal. He patted my back and said, "Shut Up, what has happened now, to cry like this?"

It was 8.30 AM IST (local time there was 11 AM) and the Holy Lake looked like a mini ocean. According to a Hindi couplet: “Who can approach Manasa Sarovar, where snow falls without clouds”, the visual scenery here was simply divine, out of this world! The blue shimmering waters looked crystal clear surrounded by ice-clad peaks in the distance. One wondered where the waters stopped, where land commenced and where snow stopped – all seemed merged! The clouds above were pure white in colour, a few mountains whose peaks only were filled with snow, looked blood red and the waters of the lake shining blue with the Sun in the deep blue sky! What a grand riot of Colours by mother Nature, they were!

One can behold the full grandeur of Nature in all its pristine purity, sanctity in this rarefied atmosphere, glorious and awesome. No words can describe the area and do justice. The Holy Lake was huge with dimensions of 9 by 12 miles at a height of about 16500 feet. With stupendous silence all around, one could see for several kilometers at any moving object. It is believed that at its center, it is 300 feet deep gets frozen in winter with thick ice and one can walk on it when frozen.  In the afternoons, the Lake’s surface seems to be strewn with millions of diamonds glittering over the water. And as the evening advances, the waters turn into emerald green and jet black at night with its gentle waves splashing all around, with a lateral view of 4 to 5 feet, filled with pebbles small stones of different shapes. The Waves would stop splashing at times and start again after a pause.

On the evening of the third day, we were treated with a great spectacle by Nature. On the left corner of the Lake, we noticed a bunch of big, dark rain-bearing clouds in the shape of a huge wall, slowly and majestically moving over the Holy Lake. Next to these clouds, there began to form a gigantic Rainbow with both of its ends over the surface of the Lake, splendid in all its colours and to the extreme right we observed the Gurla Mandhata range in yellow colour as if the Sun were still shining only to light up the peaks and to add to the beauty of the moment. What threatened to be a dreadful night with rain, passed off with only intense winds lashing out at our tent. One can experience all the seasons here at Manas Sarovar Kailas area within 24 hours. There could be scorching heat, replaced without warning by heavy rain, severe cold, followed by unruly wind and heat again!

At afternoons when there was a little sunshine, we took a dip in the Holy Lake, only to get out of it quickly to dry ourselves from the cold waters. There was tiny brown fish measuring 10 to 12 inches, jumping in and out of the Lake. On each morning of the four day stay at the Camp, all of us went out for long walks for several kilometers along its shore, return to bathe and lunch or simply sit in front of the Lake, watching its serenity and beauty, with surrounding silence, as though transported to another planet.

From our camp site, we could the conical shape of the peak of Holy Kailas which was at least 20 KM away. The Holy Mountain though far away is seen reflected in the waters of the Holy Lake. The Chinese Truck arrived to ferry us to Kailas Camp at Tarchen and bring the 9 other members of the group back after their parikrama of Mt Kailas to Manasa Sarovar Camp. Eagerly boarding the Truck, after an hour’s drive the group got reunited after a brief duration. We had to wait at Tarchen for horses until the following morning for circumambulation of the Holy Mountain for those who had opted for horses. A two-day time was available to do the parikrama, a 52 KM gruelling trek around the Holy Mountain.

The first day’s trek was a simple one, walking through the great Valleys surrounding the Holy Mountain, a little far away from it. We had to stick to the instructions of the Chinese accompanying soldiers, one could not keep a step outside the path, break away from the fellow pilgrims, attempt to go near the Mountain etc. This Parikrama is done to at least three other mountains as well surrounding the Holy Mountain! Most of the time the peak of Holy Kailas seems covered by the Clouds, as though hiding it from the visitors. Night halt was made in the cramped tent quarters at Darapok or Dorpok. An elderly Tibetan received us and pointed out the beddings for us inside the tent.  One can see the Holy peak clearly like a half-blown lotus, with black stone and fabulous white snow.

The following day our difficult climb to the “Dolma La Pass” began at 3 a.m. with extreme cold and howling wind. After about six hours of trek, we came across the Tibetan prayer boulder, onto which the Tibetans and Buddhists tie their colourful flags along with the currencies of China, Nepal and others, pasted onto the stone. One is closest to the Holy Mountain, at this point. While the Hindus believe the Holy Mountain to be the abode of Lord Shiva, the Buddhists believe that Lord Buddha is living in a golden palace in the mountain.

Many flourishing Monasteries on the banks of Manasa Sarovar where the Pilgrims were welcomed and given food and shelter by the Buddhist Monks were destroyed by the Chinese in the late 1950s and one could see ruins of the then Gompas and Monasteries.

After prayers at Dolma La, we began our steep descent, crossing thick ice at some long stretches from about 18000 feet and as we made progress, our Tibetan guide pointed out to us another sacred spot- Gowri Kund. From the Mountain top we were descending, Gowri Kund looked splendid, emerald green in colour and surrounded by ice and mountain, all around. Devi Parvati, the divine consort of Lord Shiva is believed to have taken Her bath in its waters before the wedding with Lord Shiva. It was a splendid sight to spy perennial water at that altitude!

The Weather was bright and sunny. It suddenly turned cloudy and instantly it began to rain heavily, without any warning. Thoroughly drenched, we marched on, there was no shelter to stop except for mountains and great valleys before us. Late evening, we reached Tarchen and gave rest to our tired bodies.

The Chinese Truck came and took us to Manasa Sarovar Camp, where the rest of the 9 pilgrims also got into the Truck and we proceeded towards Takklakot. Here, we spent two nights, relaxing watching the Chinese dances for those interested in a separate hall.

After the two nights, we were awakened by the Chinese a little after midnight (12.30 am local, IST 2 am) to get ready to leave on horseback to reach Lipu Lekh Pass. Earlier our luggage check was done by the Chinese and the same was despatched by Yaks to the Pass, the previous day.

It was a beautiful blessing from Mother Nature that we had clear bright moonlight on 04.08.1982 at the commencement of the horse riding from Takklakot. After taking leave of the Chinese lady and other officials, a four-hour journey brought us to near two-kilometer, below the mountain cliff, below the Pass.  As there was little time available before climbing up to the Pass, we all 20 took good rest and waited for a signal to start the return to our own motherland!

When the signal came, we dismounted from the horses, the dreaded climb over loose snow began over to the top of Lipu Lekh, where the ITBP personnel were eagerly awaiting our reaching the Top. Here, it was a sheer individual’s will and strength to reach the Top. I mean, no one was able to assist another in attempting to climb safely and most risky place is this, fraught with fear, cold and left to oneself.

On the 21^st day  after entering Tibet, we were back and safe at Lipu Lekh at last! I knelt down and thanked all gods as I was back in India! We wished all good luck to the 5^th batch, waiting to go down the Pass, on to the waiting Chinese, below. Leaving the -5 degree cold of the Pass, we quickly began our sojourn back to Tawaghat, trekking around mountain after mountain, with ascending and descending altitudes ranging from 5000 feet to 10000 feet, an average of about 12 KM walk in the mountains each day, on the same terrain in return.

The Heavenly scenery, the play of Nature in giving one, all the seasons in 24 Hours, pristine atmosphere, the milk-white glaciers, long stretches of thick snow on which we tread, verdant forests, unbridled risky narrow pathways, the roaring rivers, the simple locals, the sound of  bells tied to the animals, the ethereal silence, the hoary legends, the dedicated service given by the KMVN/UP Police/BSF/ITBP/Tibetan Guides etc, the fellowship of the co-pilgrims – all these make the pilgrimage a lifetime experience!  The earth which was filled with only mountains, rock and snow was suddenly flat again! We seemed to have reluctantly returned to the so-called Civilisation and back to our old lives.

Epilogue

The Minibus wended its way from the Tawaghat Road Head back to New Delhi via Pithogarh and after exchanging addresses, we all said goodbye to each other, feeling extremely emotional that we had to part company again in front of Chandralok Building, Janpath.

In the mountains, water being scare, with no daily bathing, exposed to high temperatures, scarce boarding and lodging, physical hardship, I seemed to have had lost a few kilograms in weight and fortunately my family welcomed me back. I was personally carrying two, ten litres of water from the Holy Lake, storing it next to my bed on return journey as I was warned that the Kacchar Wallahs may steal it away at night.

Return journey by train to Bangalore from New Delhi began.  The fellow passengers were wondering why I had not opened either of the two 10 litre capacity, filled with water all through the journey. When the train was nearing Bangalore, their curiosity could not continue anymore and enquired from me what the two cans contained! When I replied it was sacred water from the Holy Lake, they could not believe me and requested a few drops and began pressing my legs, back as was their custom. So, we opened one and whoever wanted it, was given generous quantity and the rest was distributed to many relatives and friends and neighbours, after return to Bangalore on 22.08.1982.

Thus ended my life’s greatest Yatra to Kailas and Manas, where one’s Ego automatically becomes small in front of the Holy Mountain and the Lake Manas, the Swimming Pool of the Gods.

Lokah Samastha Sukhino Bhavantu

Bangalore

21.07.2021

 

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BLOG NUMBER FOURTEEN POSTED ON 24.07.2017 - SWAMI VENKATAPPA

      SHRI SWAMI VENKATAPPA 

                           

PROLOGUE

My late father, Shri Hosur Srinivasaiah Narasiah, Member of Rajya Sabha (1972-1977), took me along for the darshan of Shri Shivabalayogi Maharaj, at one of the flats at the North Avenue, New Delhi, in early 1972. During darshan, Shri Shivabalayogi asked me to visit his ashram at Bannerghatta Road, Bangalore.

Soon after, I started visiting regularly Shri Shivabalayogi’s Ashram, participate in group Dhyana, Bhajans, and Satsang, and seek blessings of the renowned Tapaswi, Shri Shivabalayogi.

It was in his ashram that I first came to learn from a few foreigners there about Swami Venkatappa and my Master Ambarisha Varma.  The American and German devotees of Shri Shivabalayogi had merely mentioned that Swami Venkatappa is residing somewhere in the Malleshwaram area of Bangalore.

It was December 1973 when I set out for the usual task of delivering invitations of our family Guru- Bhagavan Ananda Giri’s annual Aradhana function. I reached Margosa Road, Malleshwaram, Bangalore, where the house of Sri T S Ananthamurthy, Retired Judge, was located, to hand over the invitation. He was also a disciple of His Holiness Bhagavan Ananda Giri Swami.

I politely enquired from Shri Ananthamurthy whether he was aware of whereabouts of Swami Venkatappa.   He replied, “Oh yes! You can find him close by, on the opposite footpath, stringing flowers and selling them”.  

                                                                                                                                                                                                      

I located Swami Venkatappa, sat down on the footpath near him and introduced myself.  I told him that I had enquired about him from Shri Ananthamurthy.

Swami Venkatappa stood up leaving his round cane basket on the ground and said “Be silent! Just follow me” and led me to a small roadside cafe and fed me Idly and Vada. Later, he took me to his shanty dwelling nearby, which I found was adorned with posters of Hindu deities along with Muslim and Christian images.

He then said that he had approached his Guru (Shri Chikkanna Swamy, who had lived up to 105 years and a native of Shaktibeedu, near Kunigal) for Deeksha into Tapas and that he was ready to give up even food and water during sadhana.   Surprisingly, the Guru commanded the young lad,  to get married, have children, experience the life of a “Grihasta”, (a householder), and then come for Deeksha (initiation). Swami Venkatappa  obeyed his Guru’s command and got married before entering into serious sadhana for “Atma Sakshatkara”, self-realisation.

We know very little about the Guru of Swami Venkatappa. However, Swami Venkatappa quickly reached a state when a part of his brain would constantly repeat the Panchakshari Mantra, through all the three States of Jagrat, Svapna and Sushupti- Waking, Dreaming and Deep Sleep, ever conscious of the Divinity within himself. This happened only because of his rigorous practice of tapas.

Thus began my first contact with Swami Venkatappa and frequent visits to him. He would also visit Shri Ambarisha Varma, with both of them seated quietly without any exchange of verbal dialogue, for long periods. It was a sight to see both of them bowing down humbly paying respects to each other several times, with each one repeating the action of the other, at the time of their taking leave.

We were very fortunate that Swami Venkatappa also visited our house, at least twice a year at No 23 Car Street, Halasur, Bangalore. He would call out my name loudly – “Ananda Giri!”, when I would first welcome him with folded hands, rush in for a bucket of water and a mug for him to wash his feet. He would take up his seated posture on the deer skin at the puja room, shut his eyes, and go into deep meditation for long hours. There was not much conversation during his visits to our house. However, he would speak a little with all family members and enquire about their well-being.

Having just grown out of adolescence and full of curiosity, I once dared to ask him whether I can also produce items out of thin air just as Shri Satya Sai Baba would do.  He replied that there were a few conditions to be fulfilled. First of all, you have to take permission from your parents to stay with me day and night in a graveyard for six months. Secondly, during the six months, no cooked food was to be consumed-only khanda, moola and phala were to be eaten. Can you do this? If so, I shall see that whatever Sai Baba produces, you too can do. Swami Venkatappa continued- it is not our intention to waste time on such trivial powers, instead we should strive for sadhana to obtain Sakshatkara, Self-realisation. “Forget such cheap tricks!” he warned.

The second dwelling of Swami Venkatappa was a rear annexe comprising   of two small rooms inside the compound house of a wealthy man at Malleshwaram.  As was his wont,  he would draw out  water from the well, pour water on himself and after his bath, change to washed dhoti, apply  Vibhuti on his body, put on the Rudrakasha and Spatikamala, cleanly wipe   with cloth -about 10 large sized posters representing various  Religions and Deities, light oil lamps, remain in dhyana posture for considerable time.

                                                                                       

Once, before noon, as I reached this rear annexe, he had just then finished bathing, and was getting ready for his daily routine. He bade me to sit down, asked his wife for some oil for the lamps. And there was no oil at the home!

My mind immediately began racing- Here’s a Swami who has attained all the Siddhis. Will he now pour water into the lamps in the place of oil as in the case of Shirdi Sai?

Swami Venkatappa immediately looked at me sharply and said - “I know what you are thinking! Get up! Go and buy a few candles”. I rushed to the nearest shop bought a few pencil thin candles that were available, and ran back to him. He lit them saying –“These are the oil lamps to the gods today!”   He demonstrated that he could read my thoughts thus, but he never exhibited any miracles nor admitted that he had the power to perform them.

He recounted that once near his native village Madikehalli, Kunigal Taluk, the villagers were drawn to a person who claimed that a particular god would possess him and was cheating the gullible and innocent. Swami Venkatappa accosted the sadhu and gave one slap on his cheek, thereby freeing the Sadhu from his “possession” and the villagers too, from his grip.

Swami Venkatappa would often remark about the Lingayats. Due to intense devotion, the Lingayats are expected to realise that their Body, Mind and Soul has become a Linga itself!  In other words – “Linga Aayathu”                  (Lingayat) realisation should come, whereas the present day Lingayats wear a metal Linga along with the thread at their waist and profess to be Lingayats!

                                                                                                                                                                                       

On one occasion, Swami Venkatappa declared- it is utterly foolish for one to refer to himself as a “Brahmin”, just because one’s parents are Brahmins. He said contemplate on this! There is no rule that only Brahmins should be born to Brahmins! Any caste can be born into any caste! He was scathing at times and seemingly spared no one.

Being a father of four daughters and a son, he had totally surrendered to Lord Shiva. He never seemed unduly worried about the marriage of his daughters, family comforts.  Once, when there was a heavy downpour, he took shelter in a bus stop. One among the crowd, who had also similarly taken shelter and waiting for the rain to stop, approached Swami Venkatappa and offered his son in marriage to one of his daughters. Swami Venkatappa replied “Let the Lord Shiva’s wishes be fulfilled!”

The year was 1976. A group consisting of Sriyuths- Anand, Sathish, Ramesh, Babu, Balasubramanyam, Mohan, and I, decided to visit Swami Venkatappa at Madikehalli. We got off the bus, commenced walking towards the village. Enroute, we observed there were sugarcane fields, harvesting of sugar cane was under progress. A few of us wanted to taste sugarcane. We picked a field for this. After we all had nibbled at the sugar cane, the owner of the plot who supplied us water asked us where we were heading? “To visit Swami Venkatappa”, we told him. He announced that Swami Venkatappa was present there itself and said that there was no necessity to go all the way to his house at the village.

Soon, from the same plot’s open area, where a huge well was being dug, climbed up Swami Venkatappa, who happily received all of us and said- “See this is a miracle! (pa-vaada). All of you are meeting me at this field! A miracle is not a miracle where it is announced beforehand that at such and such a time and date, something will happen”.

                                                                                         

One of the visiting members had a peculiar problem. Shri Balasubramanyam from Jayanagar, cherished that Bhagavan Adi Shankara Himself should initiate him into meditation and none else. Swami Venkatappa declared – “I am Adi Shankara, will you take initiation from me?” However, Shri Balasubramanyam was not able to decide on the offer made by Swami Venkatappa.

Another incident worth recounting. Swami Venkatappa had instructed Shri Anand not to sleep during daytime. However one day, Shri Anand, unable to control himself, dozed off into deep sleep. Soon, he heard Swami Venkatappa’s thundering voice calling him to wake up from his slumber. Shri Anand, woke up with a start and it took him a few seconds to realise that it was only the voice of Swami Venkatappa, and that the Swami has not come in person!

Swami Venkatappa exhorted us to contemplate on the Gunas of the five elements, the Pancha Bhutas. He said the Akasha Tatwa has only one Guna,   that is- Shabda (Sound), Vayu –Shabda and Sparsha, (Sound and Touch),  Agni- Shabda, Sparsha, Rupa, (Sound,Touch and Form) Appu-(Jala), Shabda Sparsha, Rupa, and Rasa, (Sound,Touch, Form and Taste) whereas the  Prithvi tatwa- contains all of  the five- Shabda, Sparsha, Rupa, Rasa and Gandha!- (Sound,Touch, Form, Taste and Smell) Is it not wonderful how God has created the Pancha Bhutas and  their inherent features, he announced.

Years later, in 1981, Swami Venkatappa, was attacked by throat cancer, and used to frequent Bangalore from Madikehalli for his chemotherapy treatment. He usually stayed at the house of Shri P G Srinivas at Jayanagar for treatment and visit to the Doctors.

                                                                                               

With prior permission from Shri P G Srinivas (who was of the opinion that the devotees should not visit and disturb the Swami, who could then barely speak), my wife and I, met Swami Venkatappa at Shri P G Srinivas’s House. After a long silent pause, I politely enquired as to whetherhe had come alone from the village. He  immediately replied with his eyes wide open- “I can see Lord Ganesha dancing in front of me. There are hundreds of Shivaganas also on the scene with Nandi. When I am seeing all of them, how can I say I am alone? We have punished this physical body during tapas hence all this is natural. I am not concerned about what happens to it”.

I had the privilege of performing the Kailas & Manas Sarovar Yatra during the months of June & July 1982 and was returning back to Bangalore when Swami Venkatappa attained Mahasamadhi.

Swami Venkatappa attained Mahasamadhi on 16.07.1982.

The sum and substance of Swami Venkatappa’s life and teachings can be summarised as - “Samsaradolagiddu, Satsanga Bidadhe, Saadhisu Sugnana Margavannu”.  Roughly translated it means- While staying in the world, without giving up the fellowship of good souls, practice sadhana to attain Godhood. One another most notable character of Swami Venkatappa, despite abject poverty, he was extremely generous and warmly hospitable, showering love to all those who visited him.

EPILOGUE

Smt Sarojamma,  daughter of Swami Venkatappa calls me on phone to attend the Puja and Consecration of marble idol of  Swami Venkatappa, on Sunday,16.07.2017, at the Gunnagere Village, 11 KM from the Kunigal town, about 93 km from Bengaluru. This author was fortunate to

                                                                                         

accompany Shri J N Gurudutt and Shri Ramaprakash, both ardent and life devotees of Swami Venkatappa, and witness the event. This author is indebted to both of these gentlemen for their kindness and enriching spiritual company.

A Shiva Temple with Shiva Linga named as Suguneshwara, installed in June 1993. By the side of this temple is the Samadhi area of Swami Venkatappa, in basement from ground level. Construction of a separate temple for Devi Mahakali is under progress. In between, the Shiva Temple and the upcoming Kali Temple, has been placed the life size marble idol of Swami Venkatappa, right atop his Samadhi, radiating peace and serenity all round. The area is silent and tranquil with divine vibrations. It is believed that this area is going to become a famous Shakti and a “Sthree Kshetra” in future, with Lord Shiva and Mother Kali, both blessing the visitors.

_________

This memoir is most humbly dedicated to

Shri J N Gurudutt and Shri Ramprakash

In token of my admiration and

 Their sustained faith and unwavering devotion to Swami Venkatappa.

Lokaha Samastha Sukhino Bhavanthu

___________________________________________________________

H N Ananda Giri

Bengaluru

Email- girihosur2@gmail.com

22^nd July 2017

BLOG NUMBER THIRTEEN - VISIT TO ANDROMEDA- AS NARRATED BY SHRI AMBARISHA VARMA

VISIT TO ANDROMEDA

Near the Star Uttarabhadra, there is a huge galaxy. In this galaxy, there is a Solar System and this Solar System contains an Earth like ours, where human life is existing. This Earth is occupied by the Sanaka Sanandana Rishis and their workers. Here, they manufacture the Manomaya Koshas and send them to Brahma.

In the year 1974, Satya Yuga commenced, on April 14^th. The Manomaya Koshas given to the descending souls were found to be out of date and a new batch of Manomaya Koshas from that date onwards, were required at Brahma Loka. Markendeya Maharishi, happened to pass through Brahma Loka, when Lord Brahma and his Manager of Manovati Nagara, informed Markendeya Maharishi to send information to Sanaka Sanandana Maharishis, so that they could despatch Manomaya Koshas without delay, immediately.

As usual when the Worker met Markendeya Maharishi, the Rishi gives the worker the special work of going over to the place where the Manomaya Koshas for the Satya Yuga are manufactured. The worker instantly leaves in the direction of the Galaxy Andromeda. He finds it infinitely vast and very confusing. With some difficulty, a particular Solar System was spotted out. After that, he was able to see the Earth inside the Solar System and the Worker quickly rushes towards the Earth. As he passes through the atmosphere of that Earth, the worker feels that he has become a little heavy and soon he notices that he has now acquired a physical body and the gravitation of that Earth pulls him down and with a little impact, he lands on that Earth, in a particular place and looks about himself- his body looks different- a replica of his astral form, he is amazed at this.

As he proceeded further, he finds a huge arch, fully carved out with figures. On either side of this arch, he notices green pastures with plenty of vegetation, etc. He finds three roads emerging out from the arch and does not know which one to take. As he was thinking which road he had to take, he hears a voice calling out to him. Looking for the direction of the voice, he observes that a carved image of the watchman from the arch was addressing him. The image said –“This world is different from yours. There is a lot of discipline, no insect, fly or animal can misbehave. Birds and flies do not peck at corn etc. They have a place to eat their food. Similarly everything is well arranged, here no pain is caused to anyone. You take the road on your right, proceed on it, do not pluck any fruit, if you do so, the plants and trees will strike you back, be careful”.

As the worker proceeded on the path, he finds on both sides of the path, wonderful trees with fruits which were very tempting, he plucked out one fruit from a tree and all other trees quickly started throwing fruits at him. The worker, having acquired a physical body, felt hungry. Soon, he noticed a small hut like dwelling place wherein an old woman was staying. The worker asks the old lady for some food to eat. She looked closely at the worker and said- You must be a stranger here, today no one eats here, we eat once a week, so you are an outsider. She gives some food to the Worker and once the Worker consumes it, he feels satisfied, hunger gone.

After some distance, he crosses a valley and enters a city which was between two hills. He observes there, all kinds of human beings, he quickly enters a main building and is received with great hospitality by the people inside. He was taken into the presence of Sanaka Sanandana Maharishis and is introduced to them. The worker informs the Sanaka Sanandana Maharishis about the purpose of his visit.

The worker asked as to why he had acquired a physical body at that Earth? Sanaka Sanandana Maharishis replied- There are many secrets here and so, any astral body passing through the Earth’s atmosphere gets a physical body and they get exposed. Here people are born at age 16 and they die at age 60, in a special and different way unlike death at Bhuloka.

Sanaka Sanandana Maharishis take the worker to a main hall, where two Homa Kundas are observed and a special liquid was poured into the Kundas when red hot two globes of light emerge, explode and the Manomaya Koshas are manufactured which looks something like polythene bags.

In order to return to Markendeya Maharishi, the worker is then directed to pass through a cave upon a huge hill, find an opening on the right side of the cave, find a huge lake with a bridge in the center of the lake, and wait there. The worker proceeds, reaches this cave after coming across slippery boulders, slips down many times and finally enters the right said of the cave to discover a lake and a bridge at its center, with lotuses, and waits as instructed.

As the worker waits, it was soon sunrise time there and all people on that Earth got ready to worship Lord Suryanarayana. The worker addresses Lord Suryanarayana and requests Him to enable the worker to leave Andromeda. Lord Suryanarayana told the worker- Get Ready, I shall burn your physical body soon and you must leave the atmosphere of this Earth quickly, before I leave!

This, the worker did, he meets Markendeya Maharishi and reports his work.           

The End.

BLOG NUMBER TWELVE - A FEW SAYINGS OF LORD JESUS AND BEATITUDES- AS SELECTED BY SHRI AMBARISHA VARMA

A few  sayings of Lord Jesus Christ- 
as selected by Shri Ambarisha Varma 

-      from The New Testament

-       

I am the Light of the World.

I am the Good Shepherd.

I am the Way, the Truth and the Life. No man cometh unto the Father; but by me.

You are the Light of the World.

You are the salt of the Earth.

I am the door, by me if any man enter in, he shall be saved.

If any man will come after me, let him deny himself and take up his Cross and follow me.

For whosoever will save his life, shall lose it and whosoever will lose his life for my sake, shall find it.

Verily, I say unto you, except you be converted and become as little children, you shall not enter the Kingdom of Heaven.

All things whatsoever you shall ask in prayer, believing, you shall receive.

Thou shall love the Lord, thy God, with all thy heart and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind.

Thou shall love thy neighbour as thyself.

If any man desire to be first, the same shall be the last of all and a servant of all.

For with God, all things are possible.

The Son of Man came not to be ministered unto, but to minister and to give his life a ransom for many.

Forgive, if you have aught against any, that your Father also who is in Heaven may forgive you for your trespasses.

Verily, verily, I say unto thee – except a man be born again, he cannot see the Kingdom of God.

For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son-that whosoever believeth in him should have everlasting life.

God is a Spirit and they that worship Him, must worship Him in Spirit and in Truth.

Beatitudes

Blessed are the poor in the spirit,

For theirs is the Kingdom of God.

Blessed are they that mourn for they shall be comforted.

Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth.

Blessed are they, which do hunger and thirst after righteousness sake, for they shall be filled.

Blessed are the merciful, for they shall obtain mercy.

Blessed are the pure in Heart,

For they shall be called the children of God.

Blessed are they which are persecuted for righteousness sake, for theirs is the Kingdom of Heaven.

Blessed are you, when Men shall revile you, and persecute you and shall say all manner of evil against you,

falsely for my sake.

Let your life so shine before Men that they may see your good works and glorify your Father, who is in Heaven.

Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you and persecute you.

As you would that Men should do to you,

do you also to them likewise.

Judge not, and you shall not be judged.

Give and it shall be given unto you. Knock, and it shall be opened unto you, search and it shall be found.

Whosoever cometh to me and hears my sayings and doeth them is like a man who built a house and digged deep and laid the foundation on a rock. And the Flood arose, the stream beat vehemently upon that house and could not shake it, for it was founded upon a rock.

Why beholdest thou, the mote that is in thy brother’s eye, but perceives not the beam that is in thine own eye?

The Ten Commandments from The Bible

I am the Lord, thy God. Thou shalt have no other Gods before me.

Thou shall not make unto thee any graven image or any likeness of anything that is in Heaven above or that is in the water under the earth.  Thou shalt not bow down thyself to them, nor serve them.

Thou shalt not take the name of the Lord, thy God, in vain.

Remember the Sabbath Day to keep it holy.

Honour thy Father and thy Mother.

Thou shalt not kill.

Thou shalt not commit adultery.

Thou shall not steal.

Thou shalt not bear false witness against thy neighbour.

Thou shalt not covet thy neighbour’s house, thy neighbour’s wife nor his man servant, nor his maid servant, nor his ox, nor his ass, nor anything that is thy neighbour’s.

The End.