আমার কন্যাকুমারী বিবেকানন্দ শিলা দর্শন
- নিবেদিতা লাহিড়ী
কোয়্যার সদস্য
Monday, May 16, 2025
মহারাজ সুমনাসানন্দজী VVCC তে এসেছিলেন গত বছর অগাস্ট(August 2024) মাসে। ওনার কার্যক্রম অনুযায়ী আমি আর দেবাশীষ গিয়েছিলাম USA-Canada Border এ Thousand Island Vivekananda Cottage (Ramakrishna-Vivekananda Center of NY) এ ওনাকে পৌছে দিতে। পথেই নানা গল্প, কথায় কথায় জানতে চাই যে কন্যাকুমারী তে কোন রামকৃষ্ণ মিশন আছে কিনা আর আমি সেখানে যেতে পারি কিনা। মহারাজজী তৎক্ষণাৎ জানালেন, "কোন অসুবিধা নেই, চেন্নাই রামকৃষ্ণ মিশনের Resident মহারাজ স্বামী পদ্মস্থানন্দজী কে আমি ভাল চিনি, উনি তোমাকে guide করবেন,আমি বলে রাখব তোমার কথা।"
আমার কন্যাকুমারী যাওয়ার প্রস্তুতি শুরু হল তখন থেকেই। যথাসময়ে গিয়ে পৌছালাম চেন্নাই রামকৃষ্ণ মিশনে। পূজনীয় মহারাজ স্বামী পদ্মস্থানন্দজী ও সব বুঝিয়ে দিলেন,পরের দিন চেন্নাই Egmore Station থেকে রওনা হলাম স্বামীজি র স্মৃতি ধন্য কন্যাকুমারীর দিকে।
"অজানা সমুদ্রতীর ,অজানা সে দেশ"
কন্যাকুমারী Railway Station থেকে 'বিবেকানন্দপুরম' এক কিলোমিটারের মধ্যেই, এখানে থাকার জায়গা ছাড়া ও আছে Sunrise point, Peacock Sanctuary, সারাদিনের জন্য vegetarian restaurant । আগে থেকে reservation করিয়ে রাখায় এখানেই এলাম আর Sunrise point থেকে বিবেকানন্দ শিলা দর্শন করলাম দূর থেকেই ।
এবার বিবেকানন্দ শিলা তে যেতে হবে। breakfast খেয়ে তৈরি হয়ে আসার পর বিবেকানন্দপুরমের reception এ এক "অটো দাদার" সাথে আলাপ হল। কলকাতা থেকে একা এসেছি শুনে উনি সানন্দে রাজি হয়ে গেলেন নিয়ে যেতে। সেইমতো যাত্রা করলাম শ্রীমাকে প্রনাম করে। পূজনীয় মহারাজ চেন্নাই থেকে বার বার কুশল প্রশ্ন করছেন,এত দূরে এসে ও মনে হচ্ছে আমি বুঝি ওনার সান্নিধ্যে ই আছি। অটো দাদা ফেরীর কাছে নামিয়ে দিলেন আর বললেন দুঘন্টা পর এসে আবার আমাকে বিবেকানন্দপুরমে নিয়ে যাবেন।
আমরা সবাই ফেরী তে ওঠার পর যাত্রা শুরু হল। মাত্র সাত মিনিটের যাত্রা, কিন্তু কী উত্তাল সমুদ্র!! বিবেকIনন্দ শিলা র সামনে আর একটি শিলায় তামিল দার্শনিক কবি 'থীরুভাল্লুভার'র বিশাল মূর্তি। দুই শিলার মধ্যে একটি কাঁচের সেতু লাগানোর চেষ্টা হচ্ছে দেখলাম।
বিবেকানন্দ শিলা তিন সমুদ্র দ্বারা বেষ্টিত,দেবী কুমারী র চরন ধন্য, স্বামীজীর ধ্যানমন্দির।এই শিলাই হল ভারতবর্ষের দক্ষিণতম বিন্দু। ১৯৭১ সালে একনাথ রানাডে জী এই memorial hall র কাজ শেষ করেন। এখানে আছে স্বামীজীর বিশাল মূর্তি, ধ্যান ঘর আর আছে তিন সমুদ্রের ঢেউয়ের অবিরাম স্বামীজী বন্দনা।
"মূর্ত মহেশ্বরমুজ্জল ভাস্করমিষ্টমমর-নরবন্দ্যম্"
কথিত আছে, দেবী পার্বতী এই শিলায় তপস্যা করেছিলেন বলে তাঁর পদ চিহ্ন আছে।এই শিলা র অপর এক নাম ,'Sripada পেরাই'। তামিল ভাষায় পেরাই মানে শিলা।
১৮৯২ সালে এই উত্তাল সমুদ্র সাঁতার দিয়ে এসে স্বামীজী এখানে ধ্যান করেছিলেন পরাধীন দেশে ভারতমাতার। দেখেছিলেন ভারতমাতার ষড়ৈশ্চর্যময়ী রূপ। তাঁর স্বপ্নের ভারত, ধ্যানের ভারতের সূচনা এখানেই।
নির্দিষ্ট সময়ে আমরা ফেরী ধরে ফিরে এলাম। বিকেলের পর ফেরী বন্ধ হয়ে যায়। অটো দাদা তিন সমুদ্রের সঙ্গম স্থলে নিয়ে গেলেন বিকেলে। তখন দূর থেকে দেখছিলাম আলোকিত কিন্তু নির্জন বিবেকানন্দ শিলা।মনে হল সারাদিন এত জনসমাগমের পর কি স্বামীজী এখন একা? আরে না না, "তাঁহারে আরতি করে চন্দ্র তপন "।
অটো দাদা কাছাকাছি আরো অনেক মন্দিরে নিয়ে গেলেন। পরদিন সকালে দেবী "কুমারী" মায়ের পূজো দিলাম। কন্যাকুমারী একান্ন শক্তিপীঠের অন্যতম এক পীঠ।
সেইদিন ই সন্ধ্যা বেলায় ফিরতি ট্রেনে রওনা দিলাম চেন্নাই।মনের মধ্যে অমলিন থেকে যাবে অসীম জলরাশির মধ্যে স্বামীজীর ধ্যানমন্দির বিবেকানন্দ শিলা।
আমার অন্তরের প্রনাম জানাই মহারাজ সুমনাসানন্দজী আর মহারাজ পদ্মস্থানন্দজী কে। ওঁরা সাহায্য করেছেন বলেই আমি যেতে পেরেছি।
My Visit to Kanayakumari Vivekananda Rock
- Nivedita Lahiri
A member of the Choir
Monday, May 12, 2025
Maharaj Sumanasanandaji visited VVCC in August 2024. Following his activities, Debashish and I traveled to the USA-Canada border, to Thousand Island Vivekananda Cottage (Ramakrishna-Vivekananda Center of NY), to escort him there. During the journey, amidst various conversations, I asked whether there was a Ramakrishna Mission in Kanyakumari and if I could visit it. Maharajji immediately replied, "There is no issue at all! I know Swami Padmasthananda, the resident Maharaj of Chennai Ramakrishna Mission, very well. He will guide you—I will inform him about you."
From that moment, I began preparing for my trip to Kanyakumari. When the time came, I reached Chennai Ramakrishna Mission, where the revered Swami Padmasthananda Maharaj explained everything to me. The next day, I departed from Chennai Egmore Station, heading toward Kanyakumari, rich with memories of Swamiji.
"An Unknown Shore, An Unknown Land"
Upon arriving at Kanyakumari Railway Station, I found Vivekanandapuram, just one kilometer away. It offers accommodation, a Sunrise Point, a Peacock Sanctuary, and a vegetarian restaurant that serves meals all day. Since I had made reservations in advance, I settled there and viewed Vivekananda Rock from afar at Sunrise Point.
Now, I had to visit Vivekananda Rock. After breakfast, I got ready and met an "auto driver – Auto Dada" at the Vivekanandapuram reception. When he learned that I had come alone from Kolkata, he gladly agreed to take me there. I began my journey after offering prayers to Sri Ma, feeling like Swami Padmasthananda Maharaj was still watching over me, despite the distance. The auto driver dropped me off at the ferry and said he would return in two hours to take me back to Vivekanandapuram.
Our ferry ride lasted only seven minutes, yet the sea was fierce! In front of Vivekananda Rock, there was another rock featuring the statue of the great Tamil philosopher-poet Thiruvalluvar. I noticed they were working on building a glass bridge between the two rocks.
The Sacred Vivekananda Rock
Vivekananda Rock is surrounded by three seas and blessed by the footsteps of Goddess Kumari. It is Swamiji’s meditation site and marks the southernmost tip of India. In 1971, Eknath Ranade completed the memorial hall. Here, one can find Swamiji’s grand statue, a meditation chamber, and the endless waves worshiping Swamiji through their rhythmic crashing.
It is said that Goddess Parvati once meditated on this rock, leaving her sacred footprint behind. This rock is also known as 'Sripada Perai', where "Perai" means "rock" in Tamil.
In 1892, Swamiji swam across the turbulent sea to meditate here, contemplating India’s destiny under colonial rule. It was on this rock that Swamiji envisioned India’s future, laying the foundation for his dream of a prosperous nation.
At the scheduled time, we returned via ferry, which stops operating in the evening. The auto driver then took me to the Triveni Sangam, where the three seas meet. From a distance, I saw Vivekananda Rock illuminated yet silent, wondering if Swamiji stood alone after the crowds had left. But no, "The moon and the sun offer him their divine evening worship."
Final Pilgrimage and Return
The auto driver took me to several nearby temples. The next morning, I offered prayers to Goddess Kumari, one of the fifty-one Shakti Peethas.
That evening, I boarded my return train to Chennai, carrying with me the immortal memory of Vivekananda Rock, standing amidst the endless waves of the vast ocean.
I offer my deepest respect and gratitude to Maharaj Sumanasanandaji and Maharaj Padmasthanandaji, for without their guidance, I would never have made this journey.
Dakshineswar Temple
- Sreelekha Banerjee
A member of the Choir
Monday, May 12, 2025
Dakshineswar has always been at the center of my life since childhood. Growing up in a Brahmo school environment and a religiously liberal household, I guess the lack of overwhelming and imposing rituals at Ramkrishna Mission and Dakshineswar always attracted me.
I could connect myself with Dakshineswar so dearly as it patronizes praying from one's own heart. No mantras, no priests are needed to reach the Dear Goddess. No incense sticks, candles or flowers are needed to pray to Kali Ma. As Thakur preached, Goddess is one's very own; he considered Her as Ma, sometimes as daughter, all that is needed is a spirituality and devotion. Not to be overshadowed by strict religious practices, he believed if one can call ‘Ma Kali’ from the bottom his heart She is bound to respond. Ma Kali cannot turn away the children, just as a mother cannot stay away when a child needs her.
This time we went to the temple in the evening around 7pm with my family. On our way to the temple we deposited our shoes and personal effects to the locker, and bought a prasad box. The temple had only a handful of devotees as it was late in the evening. First we went around the 12 shiva temples by the Ganges. From the Shiva temples as we looked around, on one side the Ganges was beautifully lighted and on the other side the temple premises looked ethereal. The entire ambience was very serene and peaceful. Then we went up the stairs to the temple, the priest touched the prasad box and gave back to me. After this short formal worship we stood in front of Ma Bhabatarini for our own prayers. There was no rush, we stood there with a strange feeling of devotion. The idol of Bhabatarini, the household look of Kali captivated me. The calm, benevolent deity seemed to be a loving mother of all, who can be seated in the heart without fear and prejudice.
My heart filled with emotion as I imagined this is where Thakur prayed everyday calling Kali as Ma and keenly seeking for her Darshan. Thakur earned the holy Darshan of Kali many times in this place sometimes as a strong light, sometimes as Ma and sometimes as a little girl or daughter. This is also the place where Sarada Moni, Thakur’s wife also spent her life praying. Sarada Moni also was very devoted to Ma Kali and followed her husband's path, sacrificing above all material desires. Thoughts of Thakur being an incarnation of Narayan and Saradamoni that of Lakshmi crossed my mind as I stood with folded hands.
Then we went to visit the Naat Mandir in front of the temple to get a view of the Temple and the Deity together. Naat Mandir is a space in front of the main temple, where performances were offered to God. Strangely enough we saw a group of singers were singing Bhaisnavi songs in the Naat Mandir, dedicating to Kali and Thakur and depicting Thakur's true belief on unity of God.
Naren also met Thakur in this temple and asked for guidance on his struggling financial situation. Thakur asked him to go to Kali and ask for whatever he needed. Naren went in thrice and every time he could ask for devotion, renunciation, and knowledge. He could not ask for money. Over time he became thakur’s most acclaimed devotee and the monk Swami Vivekananda, who was one of the greatest preachers of Hinduism in India and abroad. Story goes that someone complained to Thakur about Naren eating meat. Thakur's response to the person was that; even if he had simple boiled rice for rest of his life he will not be an inch closer to Naren's spirituality. Such was the connection between Thakur and Vivekananda. Later he built the Ram Krishna Mission keeping the philosophy of liberal thoughts and that spirituality as the primary focus. God lies in every human and serving humanity is service to God, was one of Vivekananda's ideology.
It would be incomplete if I do not mention the great Lady Rani Rashmoni in this context. The Dakshineswar temple was established by Rani Rashmoni, who saw Kali in her dreams asking for prayer. Thakur's brother and then Thakur were appointed priests for this temple in sequence.
This time I bought a saree for the Goddess and the salesman in the store asked me who was this for? When I told him, he asked me to pray for everyone and so did I. How can you or I be fine in an isolated way, when people around us are suffering? She is the mother of this big infinite world and need a collective blessing!
The doors of the temple closed around 7:45pm with conch blowing and we left with a heart full of peace and serenity. As we drove off a sense of fulfillment engulfed, as the mind was overwhelmed with respect for Thakur, Ma, Swamiji and deep love for Ma Kali.
Maa Sarada Birthday Utsav, Dec 2024
Sunday, December 15, 2024
On this special celebration, Puja was performed by Swami Ishatmanandaji and Divine Songs were sung during the puja. Swami Ishatmanandaji presented a talk on spiritualism, religion, happiness and peace. This event was followed by prasad and lunch. Thereafter VVCC Choir presented devotional songs on Maa Sarada and the Youth Choir presented a narrative on her life and teachings.
VVCC Choir Presentation
By Sohini Sengupta
Spiritual Growth is a Journey of Love and Service - Maa Sarada seated on a lotus, symbolizing purity and spiritual awakening. The serene expression and the intricate mandala backdrop evoke a sense of divine tranquility.
By Pritha Bose
Love and Serve All without Distinction - Maa Sarada was full of compassion, love and care for all her bhakta’s irrespective of their religion, cast or creed.
By Ruhi Patra
Embrace Simplicity and Humility – She believed that living a simple and humble life was the path to spiritual growth and inner peace.
By Paoli Mitra
Unconditional Love Transcends All Boundaries - Maa Sarada's teachings on unconditional love emphasize that love has no limits and extends beyond all boundaries.
By Rishov Mitra
Find Peace in the Service of Others - Maa Sarada taught that selfless service is a manifestation of love and compassion. By serving others with a pure heart, we express our love for the divine present in every being.
Foundation Day and Jagaddhatri Puja Celebration, Nov 2024
Sunday, November 10, 2024
Vivekananda Vedanta Center, Connecticut (VVCC) celebrated the third anniversary of Foundation Day. Puja was performed in the morning.
The Foundation Day celebration was unique this year due to the Food Festival that engaged the devotees and friends to participate in food cooking, serving and fund raising for the center. There was an overwhelming participation and the event was successful.
VVCC Choir performed songs and narration on a theme dedicated to Sister Nivedita. The Youth Choir presented a short story about Sister Nivedita, her life, her contributions, teachings and interactions with Maa Sarada, Swami Vivekananda and the direct disciples of Thakur. Several choir team members drew pictures on Sister Nivedita expressing their devotion and appreciation.
VVCC Choir Presentation
By Ruhi Patra
Margaret Elizabeth Nobel meets Swami Vivekananda in UK and decides to come to India and provide service for Ramakrishna Mission. Responding to Swami Vivekananda's call, Margaret traveled to India, leaving her friends and family behind. She arrived in Calcutta on January 28, 1898, and visited Dakshineshwar temple on February 22. Swami Vivekananda taught her about India's history, culture, and people, broadening her character and developing her love for the country.
By Nivedita Sarkar
On March 25, 1898, Margaret Noble's life changed forever when she was initiated into a life of spirituality and service, receiving the name Nivedita, meaning "dedicated" or "devoted" in Sanskrit. Swami Vivekananda encouraged her to follow the path of selfless service and enlightenment.
Margaret Elizabeth Noble is initiated by Swami Vivekananda and named as Sister Nivedita.
By Upali Nag
Sister Nivedita joined Ramakrishna Mission to provide services to poor and under privileged people of India.
The transformed Sister Nivedita
By Samarth Sarkar
During his travels in British India, Swamy Vivekananda realized that education was key to solving societal issues, especially for women. He chose Margaret (Sister Nivedita) to educate Indian women, calling her a "real lioness" for the task. She believed in the importance of educating women for the nation's progress.
On November 18, 1898, she founded the Ramakrishna Sarada Mission Sister Nivedita Girls' School, that was inaugurated by Sarada Devi blessing the girls.
Sister Nivedita taught young girls and adult women sewing, elementary rules of hygiene, nursing etc.
By Upali Nag
Sister Nivedita and Maa Sarada Devi shared a deep and respectful bond. Their relationship was one of mutual respect and spiritual kinship. Sister Nivedita greatly admired Maa Sarada and often sought her blessings and guidance.
Maa Sarada, in turn, showed immense affection and support for Sister Nivedita's work, especially her efforts in education and women's empowerment. Sister Nivedita approached Maa Sarada Devi, seeking solace and guidance.
Sister Nivedita – The Dedicated, who gave her all to India
Annual Day Celebration, Sep 2022
Saturday, September 17th and Sunday, September 18th 2022
The first annual day of Vivekananda Vedanta Center, Connecticut (VVCC) was celebrated in a grand scale over a two days event. Swami Atmajnanananda ji initiated the program with opening remarks, followed by Puja, Veda Chanting and discourses. Several lectures and discussions were held by Swami Sarvadevananda ji, Swami Sarvapriyananda ji, Swami Yogatmananda ji. A panel was setup for question answer and clarifications. We remembered Swami Swahananda ji on this special day and played his videos. Several messages of Swami jis’ from other centers were played in the video.
Mahishasura Mardini and the nine forms of Ma Durga
Nine forms of Durga represent different aspects of the feminine divine power, signifying a journey of spiritual growth through various stages like innocence, devotion, knowledge, motherhood, and ultimate power, allowing devotees to connect with their inner strength and overcome obstacles by worshipping each form during Navratri festival.
Nine Forms of Durga
During Navaratri (nine days of celebration) in each of the day one from of Ma Durga is worshipped
Shailputri (First day): Represents the daughter of the mountain, symbolizing innocence and new beginnings.
Brahmacharini (Second day): Represents the devoted student, signifying the pursuit of knowledge and spiritual discipline.
Chandraghanta (Third day): Represents the fierce warrior, signifying the power to destroy evil.
Kushmanda (Fourth day): Represents the cosmic egg, symbolizing the creation of the universe.
Skandamata (Fifth day): Represents the motherly aspect, signifying nurturing and care
Katyayani (Sixth day): Represents the powerful warrior goddess, signifying courage and strength
Kalaratri (Seventh day): Represents the darkest form of Durga, signifying the power to overcome darkness and negativity
Mahagauri (Eighth day): Represents purity and peace, signifying the radiant light within
Siddhidatri (Ninth day): Represents the giver of knowledge and spiritual power, signifying the ultimate goal of enlightenment
VVCC Choir Presentation
VVCC Adult and Youth Choir presented a special program on Mahishasura Mardini. The nine forms of Durga, also called Navadurga was presented by the Youth Choir.
VVCC Choir presentation on Mahishasura Mardini and Navadurga
The Youth Choir narrated Mahishasura Mardini and explained the 9 forms for Goddess Durga. The Adult Choir sang Mahishasura Mardini songs in between the narratives. The Youth and Adult Choir participants drew pictures of different forms and Maa Durga and Durga Puja Celebration. This event made the youth think about Devi Durga and express their imaginations through their artwork.
Mata Brahmacharini
The name Brahmacharini comes from Sanskrit words that mean "one who practices or pursues". "Brahma" means asceticism or self-discipline, and "charini" means conductor. She represents purity, calmness, and spiritual wisdom. Her color is red, which symbolizes love and passion. The flower used to worship her is jasmine.
Illustration : Upali Nag
Mata Katayani
She is the sixth of the Navadurgas, the nine forms of Durga. She is also known as Mahishasurmardini, which means "the goddess who killed Mahishasura". According to the Vamana Purana, the gods combined their energies to create Maa Katyayani to defeat the demon king Mahishasura. She is often shown riding a lion, with four, ten, or eighteen hands. In her left hand she holds a sword and a lotus, and in her right hand she holds the Abhaya and Varada mudras.
Illustration : Upali Nag
Mahishasura Mardini
In bengal, the Mahishasura Mardini form of Ma Durga is more commonly celebrated. The Choir performed quintessential Mahalya songs – Ya Chandi and Jago Tumi Jago.
Goddess Chandi - By Aishani Nag
Awakning of Durga - By Soham Sarkar
The song Ya Chandi worships the annihilator from of durga, slayer of deamons. Whereas the song Jago Tumi Jago celebates the savior form of Durga.
The youth members illustrated the different forms in their interpretation.
Swami Vivekananda started Durga Puja celebration at Belur Math. He performed Kumari Puja on this event. Durga Puja was first celebrated at Belur Math in 1901. Swamiji wanted to institutionalize respect for divinity of motherhood and sanctity of womanhood.
The members of the youth choir represented Ma Durga as they see
Maa Durga - By Aditya Guha
Durga esheche (Maa Durga has arrived)
- By Riddhima Roy
Mahishasura Mardini – By Mandrita Guha
Maa Durga – By Yuvaraj Das
Durga Puja Celebration – Dhaki playing Dhak
- By Samarth Sarkar
Durga Puja is incomplete without the rythmic sound of Dhak during the puja and arati.
The dhak is a large, one-sided drum that is a central part of Durga Puja. the dhak is played by traditional drummers called dhakis, who perform different beats and tunes for each ceremony. The dhak's rhythmic beats are a key part of the festival, and people of all ages dance to the sound of the dhak.
The presentation by VVCC Choir was highly appreciated by Maharaj and all Swamis and Bhaktas. Bengali Association of Greater Hartford invited VVCC Choir to perform Mahishasura Mardini at BAGH Durga puja on October 2024.
VVCC Choir performance, Apr 2022
Sunday, April 17, 2022
In their first ever presentation with the youth members, the VVCC Choir team took special interest in the early childhood of Swami Vivekananda. They were intrigued by the kindness and bravery of Biley - Narendranath Dutta. The youth choir went through their narration about Swami Vivekandanda’s life and teachings and took special interest in drawing some of Swamiji’s stories, events and teachings. This resulted in a colage of pictures tied to their narrative that was presented at VVCC connecticut.
VVCC Choir team in April 2022
The youth choir team on their first presentation.
The youth choir shared their narrative with the illustrations in their performance.
VVCC Choir Presentation
Life of Swami Vivekananda
Youth Choir Presentation: April, 2022
The youth team took special interest in the early childhood of Swami Vivekananda. They were intrigued by the kindness and bravery of Biley - Narendranath Dutta. The youth choir went through their narration about Swami Vivekandanda’s life and teachings and took special interest in drawing some of Swamiji’s stories, events and teachings. This resulted in a collage of pictures tied to their narrative that was presented at VVCC Connecticut.
Life of Swamiji - narrated by youth members
By Aishani Nag
His kind heart since early childhood - As a young boy, Naren, affectionately called Biley by his family, once came across a poor sadhu and his da. He was starving and begged for food and clothes. Without hesitating, Naren gave away his own meal, despite his own hunger. Once he saw a man suffering from a severe illness, who was neglected by others due to the fear of contagion. Naren, showing immense courage and empathy, cared for the man without regard for his own safety, providing him with food and comfort.
The act not only showcased his empathy but also his willingness to sacrifice his own comfort to help others.
By Suhani Ghosh
When meditating, he is detached from fear and distraction - One day, young Naren was sitting in deep meditation under a tree. During his meditation, a large cobra approached him. The other children playing nearby saw the cobra and ran away in fear. They called out to Naren, urging him to escape from the snake. However, Naren was so deeply absorbed in his meditation that he remained completely undisturbed and unaware of the danger. The snake slithered close to him, circled around him, and then eventually went away without harming him.
This story highlights Naren's extraordinary focus, fearlessness, and spiritual depth even as a young boy. It also illustrates his ability to remain calm and composed in the face of danger, a quality that would later define him as Swami Vivekananda.
By Sammarth Sarkar
Parivrajaka Swamiji - As a Parivrajaka (wandering monk), Swami Vivekananda traveled extensively across India, visiting numerous sacred and significant places. Here are some of the key places he visited:
North India: Varanasi, Ayodhya, Lucknow, Agra, Rishikesh, Haridwar
Central India: Vaidyanath, Allahabad, Ghazipur
Himalayan Region: Nainital, Almora, Dehradun, Srinagar
North-West India: Delhi, Rajputana
South India: Tamilnadu - Kanya Kumari
By Ruhi Patra
Swamiji’s message to youth - He said: "Arise, awake, and stop not until the goal is reached." Vivekananda urged the youth to be confident in their abilities and to pursue their goals with determination and perseverance.
By Soham Sarkar
Little “Biley” young “Naren“ emarges as the universal monk - Swami Vivekananda's message to the youth is timeless and remains relevant to this day. His teachings emphasized the importance of self-confidence, strength, service, and spiritual growth.
Swami Vivekananda's life and teachings, seen through a youth’s perspective, highlights significant impact on spirituality and personal growth. Swamiji’s focus on self-knowledge, universal brotherhood, and character strength resonates with young minds. His life journey and narratives reveal his timeless messages of courage, compassion, and truth, inspiring individuals of all ages. By embracing his principles, the members of the youth choir embody hope and motivation, demonstrating that Vivekananda’s teachings empower future generations to lead lives of service and understanding. His legacy thrives in the pursuit of knowledge and the commitment to uplift others.
My Meeting with Swami Divyananda Maharaj Ji, Jul 2024
- Akshaj Shil
A member of the Youth Choir
Monday, July 22, 2024
This summer, my father and I went to India. My Mamai (maternal uncle) took me to Kashipur (Kolkata) at 10:30 AM on July 22, 2024. When we entered the room Swami Ji was in and a crowd was listening to his lecture. I greeted him by touching his feet and he gave some candies as Prasadam. He also talked with me a lot. He asked me what grade I’m in, where I live, how old I was, which school I went to, and a few more questions. He’s a very wise and intelligent person with a lot of knowledge. I was very impressed meeting him.
He taught me how to multiply two numbers ending with five. You multiply the first digits of both numbers, and you round the first digit of the second number to the next number. That product goes first in order. The product that comes next is the one that is multiplied by both the second digits. Example: 45 x 45
45 rounded to 50; First digit: 5
4 x 5 = 20 5 x 5 = 25
45 x 45 = 2025
He also taught me what meditation is. Meditation is when you constantly think about something.
Then he told me a story: Once upon a time there was a king, who didn’t have a child. He decided to adopt an honest young man who would be wise enough to serve the kingdom. The king gave every young man in town a seed, and told those young men whoever could grow the best plant would be adopted by him. The following year, everyone in town came with beautiful plants, except one man. The king crowned the honest man without a plant. Everyone went into a state of deep confusion, because he didn't have a plant, and the king said whoever could nurture a plant the best would be crowned prince. The king said that he had boiled the seeds, so the seeds were useless. The other dishonest men got seeds of the same type and planted those seeds. This is a story of honesty.
Swami ji was focused on me the whole time I was there. Before my maternal uncle and I left, Maharaj Ji gave me some Batasha Sweets to eat later.
I met him again at Agartala Ramkrishna Mission in Agartala, on the evening of July 24, 2024. It was impressive when he recalled my name and where I was from. When I said “hi” to him, he told me, “Akshaj, you are from Connecticut, right?”. My maternal grandfather, my father and I went to see him. He gave me some candy as Prasadam. We couldn’t talk for long, but his wisdom impressed us.