Inauguration of the Arch Gate (Kavaata) at Narayanashrama Tapovanam (28-July-2024)

On the concluding day of the Guru Poornima Retreat, we were blessed to witness the auspicious inauguration of the arch gate (Kavaata) at Narayanashrama Tapovanam by Poojya Swamiji.

During the event, Poojya Swamiji shared profound insights on the sacred grounds on which the Ashram stands and composed beautiful Sanskrit verses, emphasizing why it truly embodies the essence of a Tapovanam—a forest of austerities. His enlightening words resonated deeply with all gathered. Below are the slokas composed by Poojya Swamiji.

Gateway to Supreme Knowledge:

तपोवनं समागन्तुं सर्वेषां स्वागतं भवेत् ।
तपोधनैः सदा ह्यत्र क्रियते ब्रह्मबोधनम् ।।

Welcome all  to  Tapovanam, where ascetics, with their treasure of austerity, ceaselessly expose the Supreme Reality, Brahman.

अज्ञानकृतदोषाणां ज्ञानमेवौषधं परम् ।
चित्तशुद्धिप्रसादेन गुरुसङ्गवशादपि ।
उदेतु सम्यक् शिष्याणां स्वात्मज्ञानैकमङ्गलम् ।।

For the ills caused by ignorance,  knowledge of Self alone is the supreme medicine. By the grace of mind’s purity  and the association with Guru, may the auspicious  Self-knowledge dawn well in disciples.  

सर्वभूतहितार्थित्वं ज्ञानिनः परमं मतम् ।
ह्येतद्विज्ञापनार्थं वै कवाटोऽयं सुनिर्मितः।।

Aspiring for the welfare of all is most dear to the Knowers of Truth. This Gateway is  built  to announce this message.  

The ceremony commenced with Ma lighting the lamp from Baba’s shrine, symbolizing the divine light guiding us all. This was followed by a heartfelt Nama Sankeerthana, led by Poojya Swamiji, as Nutan Swamiji, Ma and the gathered devotees walked towards the newly constructed gate.

The inauguration of the arch gate was performed by Poojya Swamiji, marking a significant moment for the Ashram. The event concluded with an arathi performed by the Brahmacharinis, adding a touch of devotion and grace to the ceremony.

All the seekers and devotees gathered received prasada from Swamiji, followed by a soulful Bhakti Bhoj, sharing the joy and blessings of this sacred occasion.