June 1st – Shri Stelio Dev’s first Nakshatra Birthday

On the auspicious occasion of Shri Stelio Dev’s First Year Nakshatra Birthday, Vishvamitra Gurukulam was happy to host a Sadhu Bhandara on June 1st. This sacred gathering was generously sponsored by Shri Stefano Pipitone and his family, who extended their heartfelt support to make this event truly special.

The bhandara was a moment of community, devotion, and shared blessings, bringing everyone together in the spirit of seva and tradition. May such acts of kindness and divine celebrations continue to inspire and uplift us all

June 4th – Shamatmika’s Nakshatra Birthday

On June 4th, 2025, Sri Krisha Iyer Ganeshan and his family graciously sponsored a Sadhu Bhandara at Vishvamitra Gurukulam, Uttarkashi, on the occasion of their beloved granddaughter Sow. Shamatmika’s Nakshatra Birthday.

Their offering embodies the spirit of seva and devotion, nourishing the revered Sadhus with love and reverence.

The Importance of Sadhu Bhandara at Vishvamitra Gurukulam

The tradition of Sadhu Bhandara is more than an act of charity—it is a sacred offering, symbolizing respect and gratitude towards those who embody the essence of Vedic wisdom and spiritual austerity. Hosting such events at Vishvamitra Gurukulam holds profound significance due to:

• Upholding the Guru-Shishya Tradition – Strengthening the bond between seekers and enlightened sages.
• Spiritual Service (Seva) – Nourishing ascetics fosters humility and compassion.
• Divine Blessings – Serving sadhus is believed to bring prosperity and spiritual elevation.
• Preserving Ancient Wisdom – Supporting renunciants ensures the continuity of sacred teachings.
• Fostering Community Harmony – Encouraging selflessness and unity in spiritual practice.

The Sadhu Bhandaras held at Vishvamitra Gurukulam in June 2025 stand as testaments to devotion, embodying the principles of service, gratitude, and spiritual interconnectedness.

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May 20, 2025 – Jyothy and Ajit Kamath‘s anniversary

On the auspicious occasion of their wedding anniversary, Smt. Jyothy Kamath and Shri. Ajit Kamath expressed their gratitude through a Sadhu Bhandara at Vishvamitra Gurukulam.

The gathering was met with profound appreciation. The sadhus, embodying divine wisdom, received the offering with blessings, prayers, and heartfelt wishes for the couple’s continued prosperity. As the sacred chants echoed through the Himalayas, the Bhandara became a symbol of pure devotion, reinforcing the values of giving and gratitude. The Kamaths’ noble act stands as an inspiration, reminding us that selfless offerings lead to spiritual fulfillment and divine grace.

May 27, 2025 – Raghav Bharghav’s Nakshatra Birthday

With heartfelt devotion, another Sadhu Bhandara was held on May 27, 2025, generously sponsored by Shri Yaswant Bharghav and his esteemed family on Sri Raghav Bharghav’s Nakshatra Birthday. This sacred event celebrated tradition, communal harmony, and spiritual elevation, bringing together sages, devotees, and seekers in a profound exchange of blessings.

The gracious act of serving sadhu became a moment of spiritual enrichment, reinforcing the importance of sustaining those dedicated to meditation and scriptural study. The sadhus blessed the Bharghav family, sharing their prayers and wisdom, further strengthening the connection between householders and renunciants.

The Importance of Sadhu Bhandara at Vishvamitra Gurukulam

The tradition of Sadhu Bhandara is more than an act of charity—it is a sacred offering, symbolizing respect and gratitude towards those who embody the essence of Vedic wisdom and spiritual austerity. Hosting such events at Vishvamitra Gurukulam holds profound significance due to:

• Upholding the Guru-Shishya Tradition – Strengthening the bond between seekers and enlightened sages.
• Spiritual Service (Seva) – Nourishing ascetics fosters humility and compassion.
• Divine Blessings – Serving sadhus is believed to bring prosperity and spiritual elevation.
• Preserving Ancient Wisdom – Supporting renunciants ensures the continuity of sacred teachings.
• Fostering Community Harmony – Encouraging selflessness and unity in spiritual practice.

The Sadhu Bhandaras held at Vishvamitra Gurukulam in May 2025 stand as testaments to devotion, embodying the principles of service, gratitude, and spiritual interconnectedness. Through the Kamath and Bharghav families’ offerings, the tradition flourished, strengthening the spiritual fabric of Uttarkashi and beyond.

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What is Sadhu Bhandara?

Sadhu Bhandara is a revered tradition in Hinduism, where sadhus are invited and honoured. This is an act of seeking the blessings from the Sadhus. The term “Bhandara” refers to an act of giving. This practice is particularly significant on auspicious days such as Purnima (full moon) or during special occasions like anniversaries, birthdays, or religious ceremonies.

At Vishvamitra Gurukulam in Uttarkashi, Sadhu Bhandara events are often accompanied by rituals such as Homam (fire rituals) and Ganga Puja (worship of the Mother Ganges). The April 19 event, sponsored by the DMS Foundation, continued this tradition, providing sustenance to sadhus who rely on alms to sustain their ascetic lives in the Himalayas.

The Event at Vishvamitra Gurukulam

Located in Ganeshpur, Uttarkashi, Vishvamitra Gurukulam is a spiritual institution founded by Pujya Sri Swami Ananda Saraswati, dedicated to imparting Vedic knowledge and yogic practices. Situated near the Bhagirathi River and surrounded by the majestic Himalayan range, the Gurukulam is an ideal place for spiritual practices and ceremonies like Sadhu Bhandara. The event on April 19, 2025, was a significant occasion, marked by the generous sponsorship of the DMS Foundation from Romania, with Mr. Daniel and his family personally attending to honor the sadhus.

Significance of Sadhu Bhandara in the Himalayas

The Himalayas, often described as the abode of the Gods, hold unparalleled spiritual importance in Indian culture. This sacred mountain range is home to countless sadhus who practice intense spiritual practices and austerity in caves, forests, and along the banks of rivers like the Ganges and Yamuna. Hosting Sadhu Bhandara in the Himalayas, particularly at a revered institution like Vishvamitra Gurukulam, amplifies its significance for several reasons:

1. Spirituality: The Himalayas are considered a divine landscape where spiritual practices yield greater results. Sadhus in this region are seen as embodiments of wisdom and devotion. The act of Sadhu Bhandara aligns devotees with the sadhus’ pursuit of Moksha.
2. Cultural Continuity: The Himalayas are a cradle of India’s spiritual heritage, hosting ancient practices like yoga, Vedanta, and Vedic rituals. Sadhu Bhandara reinforces the cultural reverence for sadhus, preserving the symbiotic relationship between Grihastas and Sanyasis. Events at Vishvamitra Gurukulam, a hub for Vedic learning, strengthen this legacy.

Benefits of Sadhu Bhandara

The act of organizing or participating in Sadhu Bhandara yields profound benefits, touching spiritual, societal, and personal dimensions:

1. Spiritual Merits: In Hindu tradition, offering food or essentials to sadhus is considered a sacred act that accrues good karma phala for the karta and their ancestors. This is especially potent on auspicious days or in sacred locations like the Himalayas, where the spiritual energy is believed to be amplified.
2. Sustenance for Sadhus: Sadhus lead lives of extreme simplicity, owning no possessions. By taking of Sadhus, Sadhu Bhandara, allows them to focus on meditation and rituals that are thought to generate positive spiritual energy for society.
3. Personal Growth: Sadhu Bhandara offers a sense of fulfillmen. The act of giving selflessly cultivates detachment and gratitude, aligning individuals with the sadhus’ values of Moksha.
4. Cultural Preservation: By supporting sadhus, who are custodians of ancient spiritual practices, Sadhu Bhandara helps preserve India’s rich heritage. In the Himalayas, where diverse sects like Shaiva, Vaishnava, and Aghori thrive, this tradition sustains their contributions to the knowledge.

Why the Himalayas and Vishvamitra Gurukulam?

The Himalayan setting elevates Sadhu Bhandara to a deeply transformative practice. The region’s sacred sites—such as Gangotri (90 km from Uttarkashi), Yamunotri (126 km), Kedarnath (310 km), and Badrinath (326.4 km)—attract sadhus and pilgrims, creating a vibrant spiritual ecosystem. The Bhagirathi River, revered as a form of Mother Ganga, adds a divine dimension to rituals performed during Bhandara, such as Ganga Puja.

Vishvamitra Gurukulam, with its focus on Vedic knowledge and yogic experience, is an ideal venue for such events. Founded by Pujya Sri Swami Ananda Saraswati, a direct disciple of Pujya Sri Swami Dayananda Saraswati, the Gurukulam offers courses in Yoga and Vedanta, attracting spiritual seekers globally. Its serene location in Ganeshpur, equipped with modern amenities like heated rooms and sattvic (pure) meals, provides a conducive environment for both sadhus and donors to engage in spiritual practices. The Gurukulam’s commitment to perpetuating Vedic traditions makes it a fitting host for Sadhu Bhandara, as seen in its history of organizing such events for occasions like Navaratri and samskaras.

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Swamiji’s message

The Divine Nine Nights of Shakti”या देवी सर्वभूतेषु मातृरूपेण संस्थिता।नमस्तस्यै नमस्तस्यै नमस्तस्यै नमो नमः॥” (“Salutations again and again to the Divine Mother, who resides in all beings as the universal Mother.”)

Introduction

Navaratri, the nine nights of divine worship, is one of the most sacred festivals in the Hindu tradition. It is a celebration of Shakti, the divine feminine energy, and is observed with deep devotion, fasting, prayers, and spiritual discipline. Rooted in the Vedas, Puranas, and Tantra Shastras, Navaratri marks the victory of Dharma over Adharma, light over darkness, and wisdom over ignorance.This festival is observed four times a year, each aligning with a crucial transition in nature. However, Chaitra Navaratri and Sharadiya Navaratri hold the most significance, especially for devotees seeking divine blessings, spiritual elevation, and self-transformation

The Origin of Navaratri

Navaratri has its origins in ancient scriptures and is deeply connected to the worship of Devi Durga, Lakshmi, and Saraswati. The Markandeya Purana, especially the Devi Mahatmyam (Durga Saptashati), narrates the battle of Goddess Durga against Mahishasura, symbolizing the triumph of divine energy over demonic forces. We also see references from Devi Bhagavata Purana, Ramayana,and Mahabharat too.”सर्वमङ्गलमाङ्गल्ये शिवे सर्वार्थसाधिके।शरण्ये त्र्यम्बके गौरी नारायणि नमोऽस्तु ते॥”(“O Goddess, You are the source of all auspiciousness, the consort of Shiva, the giver of boons. We surrender to You, O Narayani!”)

The Four Navaratris & Their Significance

Navaratri is celebrated four times a year, aligning with seasonal transitions that affect both nature and human consciousness.

1. Sharadiya Navaratri (Autumn – Sept/Oct)

• The most popular Navaratri, celebrated in Ashwin month.

• Marks Durga Puja and Vijayadashami.

• Worship of Devi as Durga, Lakshmi, and Saraswati.

2. Chaitra Navaratri (Spring – March/April)

•Observed in Chaitra month, starting on the first day of the Hindu New Year.

• Ends with Ram Navami, celebrating the birth of Lord Rama.

• A time of new beginnings, rejuvenation, and deep spiritual practice.

3 & 4 Gupta Navaratri (Magha – Jan/Feb & Ashadha – June/July)

• More esoteric, followed by Tantrics, Yogis, and Sadhaks Used for mantra siddhi, spiritual purification, and deeper sadhana.

Each of these Navaratris serves as a spiritual milestone, allowing devotees to elevate their consciousness and surrender to Shakti

The Importance of Chaitra Navaratri

“चैत्रे मासि जगन्माता प्रकटेन्दु समप्रभा।दर्शनं यच्छति भक्तानां दुर्गतिं नाशयाम्यहम्॥”(“In the month of Chaitra, the Divine Mother appears like the full moon. She blesses Her devotees and removes all suffering.”)

1. A Time for New Beginnings Chaitra Navaratri marks the Hindu New Year (Vikram Samvat 5027). It is a time for self-renewal, setting intentions, and embracing new possibilities.

2. Worship of Divine Shakti Each day of Navaratri is dedicated to one form of Navadurga, from Shailaputri to Siddhidatri, guiding the devotee from material consciousness to spiritual liberation.

3. Celebration of Ram Navami The ninth day (Navami) of Chaitra Navaratri coincides with Lord Rama’s birth, making it highly auspicious. Devotees read the Ramayana, seeking Rama’s blessings for courage, righteousness, and devotion.

4. A Time for Fasting & Purification Fasting (Upavasa) during Chaitra Navaratri helps: Navaratri is not just a festival; it is a journey from ignorance to wisdom, from darkness to light, from fear to strength. It reminds us that within each of us lies Shakti, the power to overcome obstacles, destroy negativity, and manifest divine grace.Let us embrace Chaitra Navaratri with devotion, surrender to the Divine Mother, and embark on the path of vedantic study.”शरणागत दीनार्त परित्राण परायणे।सर्वस्यार्तिहरे देवि नारायणि नमोऽस्तु ते॥”(“O Mother, the refuge of the distressed and protector of all beings, we bow to You!”)

Vidya Vahini Trust and Vishvamitra Gurukulam wishes everyone a happy Yugadi and Chaitra Navaratri.

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Vishvamitra YTTC is inspired by the great sage Vishvamitra, known for his wisdom, perseverance, and boundless compassion. This Yoga Teacher Training Course (YTTC) is designed not only to train aspiring yoga teachers but to transform their lives holistically.

Teacher

Swami Ananda Saraswati – A direct disciple of Swami Dayananda Saraswati, Swamiji has dedicated his life to spreading Vedanta, Yoga, and Meditation. Founder of Vishvamitra International Group and Vidya Vahini Trust, Swamiji has written over 40 books and appears on international television, sharing the timeless wisdom of the Vedas. His teachings focus on the integration of yoga and Vedanta to cultivate a balanced and enlightened life.

Location

Nestled in the Himalayan village of Ganeshpur (Uttarkashi District), on the banks of the sacred Ganga, our Gurukulam offers a peaceful and spiritual environment. With breathtaking views and serene surroundings, it is the perfect place to immerse in yoga, Vedanta, and self-discovery.

Course Highlights

A 4-week residential program where discipline and lifestyle form the foundation of training.

Daily Schedule

• Morning Puja & Fire Ritual
• Yoga & Pranayama Practice
• Vedanta & Meditation
• Bhajans & Spiritual Discussions
• Workshops on Ayurveda, Classical Music, and Astrology
• Anatomy & Respiration Studies
• Weekend Excursions to Spiritual Destinations (e.g., Gangotri)

The program provides the essential tools for becoming a confident and authentic yoga teacher, empowering students to teach and manage their own yoga practice.

Why Join Vishvamitra YTTC?

• Traditional teachings with a modern approach.
• Authentic Himalayan experience in a Gurukulam setting
• Guidance from an experienced master & dedicated teachers
• A supportive and like-minded spiritual community

Contact Us

Location: Vishvamitra Gurukulam, Ganeshpur, Uttarkashi, India

Website: www.VishvamitraInternational.org

Email: visvamitra.international@gmail.com

Join us on this transformative journey to deepen your understanding of yoga and Vedanta.

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The nine day festival of Navratri is dedicated to the worship of Mother Durga and her nine avatars – Navadurga. Each day is marked by a unique colour dedicated to mother, embodying distinct virtues and qualities

Day 1 – Shailaputri

The worship of Goddess Shailaputri is undertaken to reach a high state of consciousness. Orange color is dedicated to mother Shailaputri. Orange signifies energy and happiness.

Day 2 – Brahmacharini

This day signifies piousness. Goddess Brahmacharni blesses everyone with success, wisdom and knowledge. White color is dedicated to mother Brahmacharini. White denotes peace and purity.

Day 3 – Chandraghanta

The Goddess, stands for showering supreme bliss through knowledge, and emotional balance. Red color is dedicated to mother Chandraghanta. Red signifies beauty and fearlessness.

Day 4 – Kushmanda

She showers worshippers with energy to grow. The Goddess is believed to have created the world with her divine smile. Royal blue is dedicated to mother Kushmanda. Royal blue signifies health and wealth.

Day 5 – Skandamata

She represents motherly affection. Worshipping the goddess is said to bring wisdom, wealth, power and prosperity. Yellow is dedicated to mother Skandamata. Yellow denotes happiness and brightness.

Day 6 – Katyayani

She is invoked with prayers to put an end to all our inner turmoil. Green color is dedicated to mother Katyayani. Green denotes new beginnings and growth.

Day 7 – Kalaratri

With her worship, devotees get the solace and comfort at night to rest as the goddess destroys the fear of darkness. Seventh night of navratri puja has special significance as it awakens the powers and helps attain siddhis. Grey color is dedicated to mother Kalaratri. Grey signifies the strength of transformation.

Day 8 – Mahargauri

Worshipping her means inviting that energy within the person to propel them forward and be liberated. Purple is dedicated to mother Mahagauri. Purple denotes the power of intellect and peace.

Day 9 – Sidhidhatri

She is worshipped for going beyond the logical mind to explore more. It is said she makes the impossible, possible. Peacock green is dedicated to mother Sidhidhatri. Peacock green signifies the fulfillment of wishes.

Special puja happens at Yoga Vidya Gurukulam in Uttarkashi on all nine nights of Navaratri. Kanya Puja along with Sadhu Bhandara is planned on the day of Vijayadasami. Yoga Vidya Gurukulam wishes everyone a happy Navaratri.

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Early Days of Pujya Swamiji

Swami Dayananda Saraswati was born on Aug.15, 1930, as Natarajan in Manjakudi (Tiruvarur district of Tamil Nadu) to Gopala Iyer and Valambal and was the eldest of four sons. He had his early schooling in the District Board School at Kodavasal. In Chennai he worked as a journalist for the weekly magazine Dharmika Hindu (run by T. K. Jagannathacharya) and also for erstwhile Volkart Brothers (now Voltas Limited) for sometime. He decided to be a fighter pilot at one point and joined the IAF, but left after six months as he felt suffocated by the regimentation there. Inspired by the enlightening talks of Swami Chinmayananda during 1952–53, Natarajan became actively involved with the then newly formed Chinmaya Mission in various roles. He was made its secretary within the first year of its inception. He attended Sanskrit classes of P.S. Subramania Iyer, a retired Professor of English, who introduced the mode of chanting the Gita verses that is still being followed by Chinmaya Mission and Arsha Vidya Centres.

Swami Chinmayananda instructed Natarajan to set up Chinmaya Mission’s Madurai branch and in 1955 Natarajan accompanied Swami Chinmayananda to Uttarakashi and helped him in the preparation of a Gita manuscript for publication. In Uttarakasi, he met Swami Chinmayananda’s Guru, Swami Tapovanam Maharaj, who advised him, to do japa, meditate and study. Natarajan returned to Madras and took up the editorship of ‘Tyagi,’ a fortnightly magazine of Chinmaya Mission. On the advice of Swami Chinmayananda, Natarajan shifted to Bangalore in 1956 and continued to edit Tyagi which was also moved to that city. During his stay there, Natarajan joined the Sanskrit College in Chamrajpet and had the privilege of studying one on one with Prof. Veeraraghavachariar.

Taking Sanyasa

Pujya Swamiji was given sanyasa by Swami Chinmayananda in 1962 and was given the name Swami Dayananda Saraswati. A year later, he went to Mumbai to the newly inaugurated Sandeepany Sadhanalaya of Chinmaya Mission, where he undertook the responsibility of editing the magazine of the mission Tapovan Prasad. In addition, Swami Dayananda taught chanting of Bhagavad Gita and the Upanishads to students of Sandeepany. In November 1963, Swami Dayananda Saraswati undertook a study pilgrimage to Rishikesh and spent three years there, studying Brahma Sutras under Swami Tarananda Giri at the Kailash Ashram.

Proficiency in Sanskrit and other languages

Pujya Samiji was a great exponent of Advaita Vedanta. He kept alive the continuum of a post-Independent tradition, initiated by his ‘Guru’, Swami Chinamayananda, of playing the Hermes for ‘Advaita Vedanta’, largely to an English speaking middle class audience within India and abroad, without diluting the richness of the ‘Sanskritic’ lore that anchors this worldview. The conservative streak, though, in Dayananda Saraswati seemed even more pronounced, given his patient and erudite scholarship in Sanskrit and various basic philosophical texts. His talks and speeches were very simple to understand by people from all walks of life.

A torchbearer of Sanatana Dharma

As Convenor of the ‘Hindu Dharma Acharya Sabha’, an effort that he made to bring together the various Hindu pontiffs under one umbrella, he took the lead to articulate a position that any religious conversion per se “is violence”, and “opposed to freedom or religion and the spirit of mutual respect”. The ‘Hindu Dharma Rakshana Samiti’ was seen as being revivalist when he convened a conference in Delhi to prove how river Saraswati was no mythical river and that it had cradled a civilisation.

Swamiji learning Vedanta from Pujya Swamiji

Swami Ananda Saraswati was a disciple of Pujya Swamiji and directly learnt Advaita Vedanta from Pujya Swamiji. Swamiji often recalls fondly the time he spent with Pujya Swamiji as a student, shares his anecdotes and is carrying forward the teaching tradition.

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Elaborate Special Abhishekam and Pooja at the Adhistanam of Pujya Sri Swami Dayananda Saraswati was performed. Book release event of Puja Swamiji’s Bhaja Govindam and Nirvana Shatakam happened at seminar hall followed by the Satsang. Sanyasi Students of Pujya Swamiji were honoured. Finally, hundreds of sadhus participated in the Sadhu Bhandara.

Swami Ananda Saraswati, along with members of Yoga Vidya Gurukulam participated in the occasion and received the blessings of Pujya Swamiji.

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