 November 18 to December 6 - 2004 |
Baroda
23 November 2004Sri Swamiji visited Baroda for one day on the 23rd November (Tuesday). Though earlier planned for two days, the trip was reduced to one day due to Bharat Bandh called by VHP in protest against the arrest of Shankaracharya of Kanchi.
This visit was the fourth by Sadguru Deva to this cultural and heritage city of Baroda. An Ashrama has been started by devotees led by Smt.Rama Devi in Narmad Pura Village just outside Baroda. The 6 acre Ashrama land has a small prayer hall. Datta Padukas were installed in 2003. Sri Swamiji could not visit then. So, the last time Sri Swamiji saw the Ashrama was when the devotees had just taken the land. It was barren and uninhibited. Since then, Prayer hall, Padukas, a small channel carrying Narmada river water have been added. Corn is grown in the Ashrama land.
Sri Swamiji was received in the airport at 10.20 AM by large contingent of devotees. Arriving in Ashrama, Sri Swamiji performed Sri Chakra Puja and then addressed the devotees and appreciated their patience in receiving Sri Swamiji after a long gap of time. Sri Swamiji urged them to be cohesive, maintain devotional atmosphere in the Ashrama and use the place to foster and further their spiritual practices.
Later Sri Swamiji visited four devotee houses.
In the evening, a wonderful program was held in the lawns of Kirti Mandir grounds. Lush green lawn between two exquisitely carved Shiva temples set the stage for the function. Hon'ble Mayor of Baroda, Sri Narayan Bhai Patel inaugurated by lighting the traditional lamp. Sri Swamiji then released a commemorative souvenir book. Sri Swamiji also sang a few Bhajans and lectured.
Sri Swamiji traveled to Surat by road from Baroda on 24th November 2004.
Mayor
of Baroda city, Sri Narayan Bhai Patel with Sri Swamiji
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Smt. Rama Devi and Sri Rao with Sri Swamiji
in Baroda Ashrama prayer hall. Mr. Rao has built the hall in the memory
of his mother.
North
India Tour -2004
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