LOOKING FOR THE ROOTS ALL ALONG THE SARASWATI RIVER ARE THESE DESCENDANTS OF DISPLACED SARASWAT KONKANIS PERSECUTED BY ISLAM AND PORTUGUESE CATHOLICS

Saturday, March 7, 2009

Ambi Tame Nadi Tame Devi Tame Saraswati

Param Pujya Sadyojat Shankarashram Swamiji in 'Dhyan' at Triveni Sangam, where River Saraswati meets Sindhu Sagar, Prabhas Patan, Somnath - 29th January 2009 -

Photo credit - Shri Dhiren Vyas PTSSY Yatri  

Ambi Tame Nadi Tame Devi Tame Saraswati

By Vivek Hattangadi

Ambi Tame Nadi Tame Devi Tame Saraswati sang the Vedic seers! This means that: “You are the mother, You are the river, You are the goddess, oh Maa Saraswati”.

Very aptly, the Tercentenary Commemoration of Shri Chitrapur Math began with the Kurukshetra Saraswati Yatra to Adi Badri, the Udgam Sthal of River Saraswati Yatra and one of the concluding events was the Prabhas Teerth Somnath Saraswati Yatra where River Saraswati meets Sindhu Sagar (Indian Ocean) at Prabhas Patan near Somnath.

Param Pujya Sadyojat Shankarashram Swamiji reached Ahmedabad on the evening of 23^rd January 2009 for an exclusive interface with the Ahmedabad Sabha. It was a spiritually scintillating experience not only for the bhanaps of Ahmedabad and Gujarat but also for the local Ahmedabadi devotees who turned up to take darshan of Param Pujya Swamiji – and more so to witness the poojas being performed by Param Pujya Swamiji.

Come 26^th January, and the Yatris started arriving. Dr. Jagdish Gandhi, the well known ‘Saraswatilogist’ spoke to the Yatris, and showed a film on River Saraswati.

The next day the Yatra began with a visit to Rani-ki-vav or the Queens Step Well. It lies on the left bank of River Saraswati near Anahilwad-Patan, the ancient capital ofGujarat. The architectural brilliance and elegance of this vav, is represented in its pristine glory in the ornamental work. The step well was buried for centuries and suffered damage in past due to neglect and floods of River Saraswati. Till 1970's nobody knew that there existed the most ornate and highly sculptured vav. At this time, the vav was completely filled up except the top most portion of the well. Rani-ki-vav is now into the custody of Archaeological Survey of India as a protected monument of national importance. This buried beauty is expected be enlisted as an UN heritage monument by 2010.  

At Rani-ki-vav there is a small gate below the last step of the step well which has a 25 kilometer tunnel built (Now it is blocked by stones and mud) which leads to Rudra Mahalaya in the town of Sidhpur which was the next destination for the Yatris.

Sidhpur is one of the holiest places in North Gujarat for the Hindus. Here at the banks of River Saraswati, Vishnu Avtar Bhagwan Parshuram (also known as the protector of Saraswats) first performed Matru Shraddha and every year thousands gather here to perform Matru Shraddha.  A very special visit was arranged for Param Pujya Swamiji to Rudra Mahalaya, another protected monument under ASI. As mentioned in Param Pujya Swamiji’s address later on, Rudra Mahalaya was eleven storeys high and stood on 1600 pillars. Rudra Mahalaya had 108 Shiva Temples of which only two exist now – one being of our Aradhya Daivat, Lord BhavaniShankar.  Param Pujya Swamiji spoke to the people of Sidhpur and also the Yatris in a mix of four languages – Gujarati, English, Hindi and Konkani!

The Yatris returned to Ahmedabad for a strenuous journey the next morning to Somnath via Nal Sarovar. Believe it or not – even senior Yatris started waking up enthusiastically at 2.30 am to get ready for the journey which was to commence at 4.00am! And by 4.10am all the buses departed for Nal Sarovar! The traditional discipline of Chitrapur Saraswats was loudly visible.

Nal Sarovar, a repository of River Saraswati was like a fairyland out of a story book - lit with stars. A clear sky enhanced the beauty of Nal Sarovar. Appreciation of one of nature’s grand spectacles, of the early morning scene at Nal Sarovar only comes to sensitive souls - like those of the Yatris. Yatris who were requested to maintain pin drop silence savored the lovely noises of the chirping birds which gather at Nal Sarovar to escape the extreme winters of the European countries. Maa Saraswati, like a loving mother, ecstatically gives them shelter during these harsh months!

An informal talk by Dr. Jagdish Gandhi in the mini-amphitheatre threw a lot of light on Nal Sarovar. A large array of birds perched on the trees also patiently listened to Dr. Gandhi!  Possibly they have a story to tell after their return to Europe and Siberia.    

After this grand display of nature, the Yatris proceeded to their final destination – Prabhas Patan and Somnath. According to legend, Somnath is as old as creation, built by none other than the Moon God himself. The remains of the temple of Somnath withstood the shocks of time and survived the attacks of destroyers.  

Early morning on 29^th January 2009, at 5.45 am, the Yatris started assembling at New Somnath Mandir, impatiently waiting for the doors to open. The entry into the temple was amazing. The Yatris squatted in the Sabha Mandap and started resonating melodious bhajans (initiated by Meera Balsavar and Dr. Chaitanya Gulwady) praising the Creator of Universe and awaiting the arrival of His Representative-on-Earth, Param Pujya Sadyojat Shankarashram Swamiji.

No sooner Param Pujya Swamiji entered the Templeprecincts, a hush silence of reverence fell and the 7.00 amMaha-Arti commenced. Param Pujya Swamiji later visited the Old Somnath temple to pay obeisance. This temple built by the Maratha Queen, Rani Ahilyadevi has the Shiva Linga underground as if to keep it in safe custody from future marauders.

Later Param Pujya Swamiji along with the Yatris visited Bhalka Teerth. Bhalka Teerth is a sacred spot situated between Somnath and the Veraval Port. It is believed that this is the place where Lord Krishna was mistaken for a deer and shot by an arrow in the foot by Jara the Bhil hunter, while Lord Krishna was sleeping. The temple depicts this scene accurately.  

The highpoint of the Yatra was the visit to Triveni Sangam at Prabhas Patan, where Rivers Hiranya and Kapila from the surface and River Saraswati from beneath the ground meet Sindhu Sagar (wrongly known as Arabian Sea). Soma, the moon, the first builder of the golden temple ofSomnath, is said to have bathed in this Triveni Sangam and then worshipped Shiva to get his release from the curse of Daksha. These waters are considered holy from Vedic times and continue to attract thousands of devotees every year. Param Pujya Swamiji sat in meditation praying to Maa Saraswati for the well-being of the human race in general and the Chitrapur Saraswats in particular. It was as if heaven had descended on earth while Param Pujya Swamiji was meditating at the Triveni Sangam.

The next destination was Gita Mandir. Located very near Triveni Sangam, Gita Mandir is about 1 km south of theSomnath Temple by the sea. It is said that Lord Krishna walked about 4 km from Bhalka Teerth to this place after he was shot by Jara, and left the earth at this point. The divine message of Shrimad Bhagvad Gita is carved on eighteen marble pillars at this Temple.

In the temple cluster here is also the 'Balaram Gufa' the place from where Shri Krishna's elder brother Balaram is said to have taken the journey to patal assuming his original form.  It is said that after Balaram witnessed the disappearance of Lord Krishna, he sat down in a meditative state and departed from this world as Shesh Nag.

Param Pujya Swamiji spoke to Yatris here while Dr. Gandhi continued his description of this place.

Shri Shiv Pujan and Dharma Sabha followed the visit to Gita Mandir. Personalities who contributed to the Prabhas Teerth Somnath Saraswati Yatra were felicitated and honored by Param Pujya Swamiji.

Later once again, the Yatris proceeded to Somnath Templefor the ‘Light and Sound’ show – ‘Jay Somnath’. The show is held every night from 8.00 to 9.00pm. It showcases the majesty of the Somnath temple and is a pleasant and unique experience. It begins with the Sagar (ocean) establishing its identity as the narrator of the show. With its obvious turbulence on the surface and its soundless depths (which can be likened to the mind and soul of a human being), which hold the very secret of life; the ocean tells the story of the birth of Somnath up to the time whenNew Somnath Temple was rebuilt.

On 30^th of January, the Yatris left for Ahmedabad via GirForest. Although the official Pratyushutsov begins on 11^thFebruary 2009, for the Sadhakas of Ahmedabad Local Sabha and the Prabhas Teerth Somnath Saraswati Yatris, the Pratyushutsov had already begun on 30^th January 2009itself.

The convener of Prabhas Teerth Somnath Saraswati Yatra (and the owner of this blog), Vivek Hattangadi is greatly indebted to the over 25 Yatris from outside Ahmedabad who made a significant contribution to this Yatra and without whom the Yatra could not have been even thought of. Their names have been acknowledged elsewhere in this blog.

Vivek Hattangadi is also deeply indebted to the following non-bhanap Sadhakas who complemented the activities of the core team:

o        Dhirenbhai Vyas – who was in charge of emergency medical facilities.

o        Shri Kishorebhai Kotak – Secretary, ShriSomnath Temple Trust

o        Shri Kamlesh Vyas – General Manager,Shri Somnath Temple Trust

o        Shri Vijaysingh Chawda – Dy. Gen. Manager, Shri Somnath Temple Trust

o        Shri Tharubhai Manjeria – Retd. PSI, Junagadh

o        Dr.(Mrs.) Hiraben and Dr. Nishith Ajani, Sidhpur  

And lastly to Shri Kishore Shashital, Pune Region Sangahachalak, Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh whose behind the screen activities helped us greatly in conducting the Yatra in the Somnath leg of the PTSSY.

Vivek Hattangadi

7^th March 2009

Wednesday, February 11, 2009

A Memorable Voyage along the River Saraswati in Gujarat

Yatris at Chotila- the place we halted for lunch on way to Somnath 

Param Pujya Swamiji at Sahastraling Talav - Rani-ki-vav, Anahilwad Patan 

P.P. Swamiji at the banks of River Hiranya, Prabhas Patan, Somnath 

Sapna Ullal (in blue) - the author of this article alongwith Yatris at Chotila 

A Memorable Voyage along the River Saraswati in Gujarat 

By PTSSY Yatri - Sapna Ullal (18 years) 

In October 2007, Param Pujya Swamiji visited Adi Badri, the Udgam Sthal of the River Saraswati along with a group of 250 Yatris. This was the initiating event of our Tercentenary Year. From 26^th – 31^st January 2009, we undertook the Prabhas Teerth Somnath Saraswati Yatra that traces the path of Saraswati in Gujarat right up to the Triveni Sangam, where she converges with the Sindhu Sagar. Thus during the Tercentenary Year, we have symbolically traversed the path of the Vedic Saraswati.    

From where does the word ‘Saraswat’ originate? Our forefathers resided on the banks of the River Saraswati and were nurtured by her. They came to be known as the sons of Saraswati or the ‘Saraswats’. 

On the banks of the Saraswati, inspiration met creation and there emerged poetry and literature, art and music, medicine, astronomy, architecture and engineering. Rishis taught the message of the Vedas to the common man. The religion and culture that we have today are the direct descendants of the Sindhu-Saraswati culture. 

From 4.00 am on 26^th January, 2009, over 400 Yatris from all over the world started arriving at Ahmedabad as the Prabhas Teerth Somnath Saraswati Yatra was to commence the next day. At 5.00 pm we assembled in the auditorium to get a briefing on the Yatra by Shri Vivekmam Hattangdi. This was followed by a presentation by Shri Mahesh Kalyanpur on Pratyushotsava scheduled to be held in Talmakiwadi, Mumbai from 11 to 20 February 2009.

Later we had the opportunity of watching a film and presentation by a research scholar, Dr. Jagdish Gandhi who has worked extensively on River Saraswati. His studies have revealed that it is possible to resurrect Saraswati along her Vedic path- he has accordingly prepared a blueprint and presented it to the Central Government and the governments of Haryana, Rajasthan and Gujarat. He said that Saraswati is not a dead river but a lost river because she still has a functional source in theHimalayas. Dr. Gandhi’s film on his expedition from Yamadhara, Himalayas to the Triveni Sangam along the banks of Vedic Saraswati was an eye-opener for all of us. We left the Hall, considerably enlightened on the River Saraswati! 

After Deep Namaskar, Param Pujya Swamiji blessed the Yatris.

The next day at 6.00 am, the Yatris boarded ten buses, each named for a river from Gujarat. Three hours later, we reached Rani-ki-Vav at Anahilwad-Patan, 135 km from Ahmedabad. As we stepped onto the lush green lawns surrounding this magnificent heritage, the view from the top revealed a breathtaking subterranean passageway with stone steps leading to the bottommost (seventh) storey. Tall pillars enhanced the charm of the sunlit brown monument. As we approached nearer, we could appreciate the intricacies on the brackets and columns. Each wall boasts of numerous niches with delicately sculptured figures of Hindu deities- especially of the Avatars of Lord Vishnu (Varaha, Vaman, Ram, and Krishna). A secret passageway of 25 km leads from Rani-ki-Vav to Sidhpur that served as an escape route for the royal family. The visit reinforced our pride for India, advanced in architecture and engineering right from the Harappan days. Breakfast was served here which was sponsored by Shri Narmada Shankar Sharma, Managing Director, GUJCOT.

Next we left for Sidhpur where a comfortable guest room awaited us. After freshening up, we reached the Bindu Sarovar encircled by temples. This is the location where Rishi Kapila preached the Sankhya philosophy to his mother Devruti; Bhagwan Parashuram performed Pind daan for his mother Devi Renuka. It is believed that Kardama Muni, (son of Manu) had made this spot his Karma Bhoomi. Param Pujya Swamiji meditated on the banks for some time before proceeding to the next location.

A special visit was arranged for Param Pujya Swamiji to the banks of River Saraswati and Rudra Mahalaya, an ancient Shiva Temple which now stands in ruins. The roads being very narrow buses could not be taken to this location. Rudra Mahalaya encompasses a temple of Lord Bhavanishankar. 

Some locals turned up to meet Swamiji. We had the delight of hearing Param Pujya Swamiji converse with them in fluent Gujarati effortlessly! While addressing His Pravachan, Param Poojya Swamiji spoke fluently in four languages- Konkani, Hindi, English and Gujarati. 

Sidhpur presented us with a taste of authentic Gujarati food - scrumptious Undiyo, Masala Papad, bhakris and chaas; complete with a mixed fruit ice-cream (sponsored by Shri Nalkur Sripad Rao)!

Before the crack of dawn, we left for Nal Sarovar. The discipline of the Yatris was incredible! They began waking up at 2.30 am to be on time for the scheduled departure of 4.00 am. Barely had we reached Nal Sarovar when the rising Suryadev cast his golden rays on this only repository of Saraswati. We walked the marshy ground along a vast expanse of water with bouts of seaweeds and moss spread like a mat; faraway one could glimpse fishermen rowing boats. More species of birds than you can possibly imagine perched on trees or flew in a beautiful V- formation. Every year, it is estimated over 2 lakh birds from chilly Siberiaand other cold European countries seek refuge at Nal Sarovar asking Maa Saraswati to protect them from harsh winters – Maa Saraswati welcomes them. We spotted various species of ducks, dartars, red wattled lapwings, the Purple Moore hens, sandpipers, herons, storks and cattle egrets. 

At 7.00 am we proceeded to an amphitheatre for Dr. Gandhi’s talk. He emphasized that the knowledge that we imbibe during the Yatra must be passed on to the future generations so that they may be proud of their origin and also help in the revival of River Saraswati.  

We started from Nal Sarovar and reached Somnath by nightfall. Enroute lunch was served at Chotila. 

Trustees of Shree Somnath Trust had reserved their VIP Guest House for Param Pujya Swamiji. The General Manager and Deputy General Manager of the Trust welcomed Swamiji and accorded Him with customary honors.

On 29^th, at 5.45 am, we waited breathlessly in a serpentine queue in the sprawling New Somnath Templepremises for the darshan of the oldest Jyotirlinga. Constructed from limestone, the temple stands tall with an intricately carved dome bearing a flag, Trishul and damru. A huge stature of Nandi stands in front of the Shiva Lingam. The main entrance of the Garbha Griha (sanctum sanctorum) faces the east. As soon as the temple gates opened, we rushed inside and occupied our places in the Sabha Mandap. The Sabha Mandap started reverberating with bhajans praising Lord Shiva. The regular visitors declared that never before have they heard such melodious bhajans!

We were over-awed in the divine presence of the Lord of the Universe and eagerly awaited the arrival of Param Pujya Swamiji. The pooja was performed in the presence of Param Pujya Swamiji from 6.30 a.m. Swamiji performed the abhishek of the Holy Lingam followed by Maha-Aarti. We were thrilled to receive a close-up darshan of the Lord as well as Prasadam at the end of the Maha-Aarti. 

The unique feature of the shrine is a pillar that points towards the South Pole. This is a continuous line of water till the South Pole without any land mass in between.

Param Pujya Swamiji and the Yatris then proceeded to theOld Somnath Temple built by Rani Ahalyabai and performed pooja at this ancient temple.  

After breakfast, we advanced to Bhalka Teerth where Lord Krishna was killed by a hunter who mistook him for a deer. Here we have a vigraha of Lord Krishna in the same position as he was shot. We enquired as to why Krishna’s vigraha is in white marble. The poojari replied that after bleeding Lord Krishna’s body had turned pallid– and therefore the Vigraha is in white marble.    

We moved on to Triveni Sangam, where the Rivers Kapila and Hiranya meet River Saraswati to eventually surge into the Sindhu Sagar (Indian Ocean). At 11 am, at the sanctified Triveni Sangam, Swamiji sat deeply absorbed in meditation and performed pooja on behalf of the entire community. The sight of Swamiji performing pooja and Sadhana against the backdrop of the deep blue water lifted our hearts to new levels of serenity.  

Our next destination was the Gita Mandir, where the 18^thAdhyaya of the Bhagwad Geeta has been inscribed on the pillars of the temple. 

At 4.30 pm, Dharma Sabha commenced with a round of Bhajans. We were immersed in the Lord as Swamiji performed Shiva Pooja. After the vote of thanks, Vaidik Sambhavana and Kshamayachana, we were blessed to hear Swamiji’s Ashirvachan. Trustees of Somnath Trust and other members who had helped Ahmedabad Sabha in organising the Yatra were felicitated by Param Poojya Swamiji.    

The grand finale was the Sound and Light show at theSomnath Temple revealing the history of Somnath right from its construction by Somaraja (Moon God). Its long history of destruction and reconstruction were depicted through the voice of the Sagar Dev. 

On the way back to Ahmedabad, we took the route throughGir Forest but couldn’t see the Asiatic Lions in their natural environment as there was a breakdown of buses of the forest department.  

Thus ended a long but unforgettable journey to our very roots! Volunteers from Ahmedabad Sabha require to be complimented for organizing this memorable Yatra. Few in number they astonished every Yatri with their meticulous planning. Over 30 volunteers from outside Ahmedabad Sabha and a score of doctor-Yatris rendered their services to make the Prabhas Teerth Somnath Saraswati Yatra a memorable experience!

 Sapna Ullal, PTSSY Yatri (18 years)

Santa Cruz Sabha, Mumbai.

Email id: sapnaullal@indiatimes.com 

A Virtual Voyage on the River Saraswati

P.P. Swamiji releasing the information booklet designed by Komal Patel, a non-Chitrapur  as seva towards Lord BhavaniShankar and Maa Saraswati - Photo: Kishan Kallianpur 

Veena and Vivek Hattangadi with Dhiren Vyas, another non - Chitrapur volunteer who was in charge of Medical Van for all 5 days of PTSSY

Bhalka Teerth, where Lord Krishna was shot on the feet by Jara, the Bhil hunter - Photo, Dhiren Vyas

Rani-ki-vav - Photograph: Dhiren Vyas

Param Pujya Swamiji interacting with Yatris at Nal Sarovar - Photograph: Dhiren Vyas

P.P. Swamiji watching the baodi at Rani-ki-vav- Photograph: Dhiren Vyas

The author of this blog, Vivek Hattangadi (Sr.) had the continuous blessings of his Ishta Devata, Lord Ganesh, our presiding deity of the Shri Chitrapur Math, Srivalli, Lord BhavaniShankar and his Kul Devata Shri LaxmiNarayan Mahamaya (Ankola) which made PTSSY a grand success. Whenever there were obstacles, the author prayed to them and believe it or not - the solutions came in minutes! 

A Virtual Voyage on the River Saraswati

By- Vivek Hattangadi (Sr.) – Ahmedabad

vivekhattangadi@yahoo.co.in

Shri Ganeshaya Namah

Om Shri Gurubhyo Namah

Shri Bhavanishankaraya Namah

Kurukshetra Saraswati Yatra organized by the Delhi Sabha in October – November 2007, marked the inaugural event of the Tercentenary Commemoration. Inspired by this, the Ahmedabad Sabha felt that it too must do something during the Tercentenary Year. During the Devi Anushtan Pooja in August 2007, Shri Shashimam Stalekar put forward the idea of similar Yatra to Sidhpur where River Saraswati is revered. Shri Sureshmam Bankeshwarsuggested we carry this Yatra forward to Somnath where River Saraswati meets the Sindhu Sagar (wrongly called as Arabian Sea) and thus a Yatra along the route of River Saraswati in Gujarat was conceived. The idea of the Concluding Saraswati Yatra was put forward to the Tercentenary Commemoration Committee and a presentation was made to P.P. Swamiji on 16^th March 2008 at Killa Pardi. Param Pujya Swamiji gave consent. This Yatra was later nomenclatured by P.P. Swamiji as the concluding ‘Prabhas Teerth Somnath Saraswati Yatra(PTSSY)’.

Kurukshetra Saraswati Yatra to Prabhas Teerth Somnath Saraswati Yatra thus symbolically represents that we Chitrapur Saraswats have undetaken a virtual voyage on the River Saraswati during the Tercentenary Year of our Shri Chitrapur Math.

A tiny Sabha like the Ahmedabad Sabha could not have undertaken this mammoth task on hand without help from the other Sabhas. I approached around 30 volunteers from outside Ahmedabad and all of them readily and happily agreed to render Seva during this Yatra. Only after this, the real planning began.

26^th to 31^st January 2009 were planned and confirmed byParam Pujya Swamiji as the most suitable dates for the Yatra.

Shri Swaminarayan Wadi at Maninagar, Ahmedabad and Shri Somnath Temple Trust Blocks at Somnath were identified as venues for the Yatra. The Yatra route was from Ahmedabad to Rani-ki-vav (Anahilwad-Patan), Bindu Sarovar and Rudra Mahalya (Sidhpur), back to Ahmedabad; the next day to Nal Sarovar – a repository of River Saraswati and then to Prabhas-Patan and Somnath. The return journey was planned via Sasan-Gir Forest.

Param Pujya Swamiji arrived at Ahmedabad three days prior to the PTSSY, i.e. on 23rd Jauary 2009 evening.

On the evening of 24th Janaury, Param Pujya Swamijireleased a booklet compiled by me titled "River Saraswati and its Relation with Gujarat" which was later given to all the Yatris in their welcome kit. The booklet was designed by a well known designer and visualizer from Ahmedabad, Ms. Komal Patel, as a seva towards Lord Bhavanishankar, Shri Chitrapur Math, Guru Parampara and Maa Saraswati.

The Yatris started arriving on 26^th January 2009. From 4.00am, over 370 Yatris from all over the world (includingUAE, US, UK and Canada) started arriving at Ahmedabad as the Prabhas Teerth Somnath Saraswati Yatra was to begin the next day. At the age of 88, the senior most Yatri was Shri Umanathmam Bailur from Mumbai. In fact, we had over 112 Yatris between the ages of 65 and 88 years!

At 6 pm Yatris assembled in the auditorium to get a briefing from me on the Yatra.

Later there was a presentation on ‘River Saraswati’ by a research scholar and renowned ‘Saraswatilogist’, Dr. Jagdish Gandhi. He has done a lot of work on River Saraswati. Dr. Gandhi also showed a video of his journey from Yamadhara, Himalayas to the Triveni Sangam along the banks of Vedic Saraswati. The Yatris left the auditorium considerably more enlightened on the River Saraswati.

On 27^th January 5.45 am, the Yatris boarded ten buses assigned to them. Every bus was named after a river fromGujarat and of course Bus No.1 was naturally ‘River Saraswati’.

At 9 am, the Yatris reached the 1100 year old Rani-ki-Vav at Anahilwad-Patan, 140 km from Ahmedabad. The Yatris stepped out onto the lush green lawns surrounding this magnificent heritage. Rani-ki-vav was earlier fed by River Saraswati and later was buried due to nature’s fury. It resurfaced once again only in the 1970’s.

Rani-ki-vav is 7 storeys deep. The view from the top revealed a breathtaking subterranean passageway with stone steps leading to the bottommost (seventh) storey. Tall pillars added charm to the sunlit brown monument. As Yatris approached, one could appreciate the intricacies on the brackets and columns. Each wall has numerous niches with delicately sculptured figures of Hindu deities- especially of the Avatars of Lord Vishnu (Varaha, Vaman, Ram, and Krishna). The visit reinforced our pride of Indiawhich was advanced in architecture and engineering right from the Harappan days.

A secret passageway of 25 km leads from Rani-ki-Vav to Sidhpur that served as an escape route for the royal family. Next we left for Sidhpur also known as Siddhakshetra or Siddhasthal.

A comfortable guest room awaited the Yatris. After freshening up, the Yatris reached Bindu Sarovar surrounded by temples. This is the place where Shri Kapila preached the Samkhya philosophy to his mother Devruti; Bhagwan Parashuram performed Pind daan for his mother Devi Renuka. It is believed that Kardama Muni, (son of Manu) had made this spot his Karma Bhoomi.

A special visit was arranged for P.P. Swamiji to the Rudra Mahalaya, an ancient Shiva Temple which is now in ruins. Rudra Mahalaya has a temple of Lord BhavaniShankar. Being a restricted place, Yatris could not visit Rudra Mahalaya.

Some locals came to meet P.P. Swamiji. We had the delight of hearing P.P. Swamiji converse with them effortlessly in fluent Gujarati. In his Pravachan, P.P. Swamiji made use of four languages- Konkani, Hindi, English and Gujarati.

Sidhpur gave us a taste of real Gujarati food - scrumptious Undiyo, Masala Papad, bhakris and chaas; complete with a mixed fruit ice-cream.

Early next morning, i.e. 29th January 2009, at 4.10 am we left for Nal Sarovar. The discipline of the Yatris was incredible. They started waking up at 2.30 am to be on time for the scheduled departure at 4. 00 am. Barely had we reached Nal Sarovar when the rising Suryadev cast his golden rays on the repository of Saraswati. Walking on the marshy ground, a vast expanse of water with bouts of seaweeds and moss spread like a mat; faraway one could see fisherman rowing boats. More species of birds than you can possibly imagine perched on trees or flew in a beautiful V- formation. Every year, it is estimated over 2 lakh birds migrate from chilly Siberia and other cold European countries refuge at Nal Sarovar asking Maa Saraswati to protect them from harsh winters – Maa Saraswati welcomes them.

The Yatris spotted various species of ducks, dartars, red wattled lapwings, the Purple Moore hens, sandpipers, herons, storks and cattle egrets.

At 7.00 am all proceeded to an amphitheatre for Dr. Gandhi’s talk. He emphasized that the knowledge that we imbibe during the Yatra should be passed on to the future generations so that they may be proud of their origin and also help in the revival of River Saraswati.

We started from Nal Sarovar and reached Somnath at 8.00 pm.

Early next morning, i.e. on 28^th, at 5.45 am, we waited breathlessly in a serpentine queue at the sprawling NewSomnath Temple premises for the darshan of the oldest Jyotirlinga. Constructed from limestone, the temple stands tall with an intricately carved dome with a flag, Trishul and a damru. A huge figure of Nandi faces the Shiva Lingam. The Jyotirlinga is installed in Garbha Griha (sanctum sanctorum) and it faces the east. As soon as the temple gates opened we went inside and occupied our places in the Sabha Mandap. While the Yatris were all eagerly awaiting the arrival of P.P. Swamiji, the Sabha Mandap reverberated with bhajans led by Meerupachi Balsavar and Chaitanyamam Gulwadi in synchronous manner as if they had practiced for months together. The reality however it was spontaneous! The regular visitors and the locals said that never before they have heard such melodious bhajans.

The Yatris were over-awed in the holy presence of the Lord of the Universe. The Maha-Aarti began at 7.00 am and we received a close-up darshan of the Lord as well as Prasadam at the end of the Maha-Aarti.

P.P. Swamiji and the Yatris next proceeded to the OldSomnath Temple built by the Maratha Queen of Indore - Rani Ahliyabai.

A unique feature of the temple is a pillar that points towards the South Pole. This is a continuous line of water till the South Pole without any land mass in between.

After breakfast, all proceeded to Bhalka Teerth where Lord Krishna was shot by a hunter mistaking him for a deer. Here we have a vigraha of Lord Krishna in the same position as he was shot. The Yatris enquired as to why 'Savlya' Krishna’s vigraha is in white marble. The poojari said that after bleeding Lord Krishna’s body had turned pale white – and therefore the Vigraha is in white marble.

The Yatris then proceeded to Triveni Sangam, where Rivers Kapila and Hiranya meet River Saraswati to flow into the Sindhu Sagar (Indian Ocean). At 11 am, at this holy Triveni Sangam, Swamiji sat deeply absorbed in meditation. The sight of Swamiji performing Sadhana against the backdrop of the deep blue waters lifted the hearts of the Yatris to new levels of tranquility.

The next destination was Gita Mandir. At the Gita Mandir, we had the darshan of Muralidhar with his bansuri. The 18^th Adhyaya of the Bhagwad Geeta has been inscribed on pillars of the temple.

At 4.30 pm, we began the Dharma Sabha preceded by a round of Bhajans. The Yatris were deeply immersed in the Lord as Swamiji performed Shiva Pooja. After the vote of thanks, Vaidik Sambhavana and Kshamayachana, we were blessed to hear Swamiji’s Ashirvachan.

The grand finale was the Sound and Light show at theSomnath Temple brought to light the history of Somnath right from its construction by the Somaraja (Moon God). Its long history of destruction and reconstruction were depicted through the voice of the Sagar Dev who has been a witness to all since time immemorial.

On 30^th January the Yatris took the route through GirForest for Ahmedabad. A physically tired but the spiritually charged Yatris reached Ahmedabad at 9.00pm

The high spot of the Yatra was the time discipline maintained by all the 400 Yatris, whether getting up at 2.30 am in the morning to start by 4. 00 am or adhering to time schedules during journey breaks.

The following Yatris from outside Ahmedabad Sabha joined as volunteers:

1. Shri Vivekmam Katre – Bangalore
2. Smt. Shyamalpachi and Nageshmam Heble -Bangalore
3. Smt. Vrindapachi and Vivekmam Kallianpur -Bangalore
4. Smt. Priti Panemanglor – Pune
5. Smt. Sheelu and Vivek Bijur – Pune
6. Smt. Vaishali and Smt. Rupali Heblekar – Pune
7. Smt. Bharati and Bhalchandra Karpe – Pune
8. Smt. Sabita Harite – Goa
9. Smt. Radhika and Dr. Praful Ray – Mumbai
10. Smt. Subbhalaxmi and Satish Hattangadi – Mumbai
11. Shri Ravi Katre – Mumbai
12. Shri Chidanand Kallianpur – Mumbai
13. Ms. Vidya Aldangadi – Mumbai
14. Ms. Nirmala Rao – Mumbai
15. Smt. Meena Baljekar - Mumbai
16. Smt. Smita and Shri Anirudh Baljekar – Bangalore
17. Smt Vinati and Kedar Udiaver – Hyderabad
18. Ms. Alka Lajmi - New Mumbai
19. Smt. Asha Awasthi – Bangalore
20. Ms. Shivani Haldipur-Kallianpur - Bangalore
21. Ms. Urmillapachi Kutty- Mumbai
22. Ms. Ankita Bantwal - Hyderabad

The services of the following doctor-Yatris also rendered a lot of help to the Yatris:

1. Dr. Rajendra Kaikini – Ahmedabad
2. Dr. Vandita Kallianpur – Mumbai
3. Dr. (Mrs.) Minal and Dr. Anand Wagle – Roha
4. Dr. Chaitanya Gulwadi - Mumbai
5. Dr. Kishore Nadkarni - Killa Pardi
6. Dr. Ravindra Bijur - Mumbai
7. Dr. Vrinda Trikannad - Mumbai
8. Dr. Mohan Mankekar - Mumbai

The host Yatri-volunteers included Satish Kabad, Kalpana and Sanjay Kabad, Hemant Kaikini, Veena Hattangadi, Mohanmam Kabad, Arun Rao, Vivek Hattangadi (Jr.), and Shashimam Stalekar. The work particularly of Arun Raoand Hemant Kaikini, who went into the smallest of the details to make the Yatris comfortable, was appreciated by all Yatris.

Archana Rao - who was in charge of MIS - ensured that there was smooth check-in of Yatris.

Timely help from Siddhanand Padukone and Dinesh Panje is also valued.

We are also grateful to Shri Kishoremam Sashital who along with Shri Kishorebhai Kotak (Secretary - Somnath Trust)was responsible for helping us out for the wonderful arrangements at Somnath. Shri Tharubhai Manjeriahelped us at Sasan-Gir.

And of course, the continuous help and guidance we received from Gen. Prakash Gokarn and Shri Maheshmam Kalyanpur of the Tercentenary Committee cannot be forgotten.

The scores of e-mails, letters and telephone calls being received is testimony enough of the successful execution of the meticulous plan made for the Yatra.

Namah Parvate Pate Har, Har Mahadev

Vivek Hattangadi

Ahmedabad

vivekhattangadi@yahoo.co.in