News and Activity Report
March - 2005 

Activities at Sivananda Ashram, Ahmedabad during the Month of March 2005 

 Yogasana, Pranayam and Meditation classes at Sivananda Ashram are becoming very popular and hence people in large numbers are enrolling in these classes. To facilitate the increase volume and to accommodate working people, now we are offering daily five Yoga sessions for established Yoga students and two (ten days) sessions for the beginners every month. It is possible because of the strong commitment of a few dedicated people. Dr. Snehal Amin, Smt.  Surekha Sonar, Ms. Sngeeta Thawani, Smt. Janki Shah, Smt. Yojana Tanden, Sri. Dhaval Patel and Smt. Bhavana Rao are the yoga instructors who provides this wonderful Seva.

 Maha Shivaratri Celebration, ( March 8, 2005 )

Chants of "Om Namah Sivaya" thrilled the air at Sivananda Ashram as they celebrated Sacred Maha Shivratri on March 8, 2005 . Over 30,000 devotees thronged the Lord Vishwanath Temple to pray and seek blessings of Shiva on Maha Shivratri day. Fasting devotees - were found immersed in prayers and thoughts of the Deity who conquers death. Ashram’s Holy Shri Vishwanath Temple was agog with worship of Lord Shiva. Continuous twenty five hours Siva Lingam worship services that included two Lagu Rrudras began at the early hours of dawn, 4.am on March 8, 2005 until the next day 5.00 am on March 9, 2005 . The Siva Lingam was worshipped throughout the day by washing it with milk, curd, honey and rose water as the chants of Vedic Hymns, Namakam, chamakam, rudram and "Om Namah Sivaya" in praise of Siva continued. Temple was full of Bel (Bilva) leaves, which were offered to the Lingam. Bel leaves are very sacred as, it is believed, Lakshmi (the Goddess of Wealth) resides in them. In the afternoon 4pm - 8 pm there were darshan of Special Shringar of Siva Lingam and revered Swami Adhyatmanandaji Maharaj performed Bhasma arati at 7.45 pm. and 12.00 midnight . Bhakti Sangeet in praise of the Lord by different musical groups and accomplished artists added a special fervor to already charged atmosphere with divine vibrations.

Rev. Sri. Swami Madhvanandaji Maharaj attained Mahasamadhi ( March 3, 2005 ) 

The news of Rev. Sri. Swami Madhavanandji Maharaj attained Mahasamadhi arrived at ashram on March 4, 2005 . A special prayer meeting was held for the peace of the departed soul. Rev. Sri. Swamiji Maharaj was the senior vice president of the Divine Life Society H.Q. His sad demise has lost one more stalwart from the galaxy of direct disciple of Sri. Sadguru Swami Sivanandaji Maharaj. 

Diamond Jubilee Celebration & Fourth Patostav (4th inaugural day) of Sri. Ashtalakshmi Bhavan. ( April 21, 2005 – May 3, 2005)

Gujarat Divya Jivan Sangh and Divya Jivan Sanskrutik Sangh feels honored and privileged to invite you all to the celebration of Beloved and Worshipful Sri Swami Adhyatmanandaji Maharaj’s Shashti-Poorti Satsang (60th birth anniversary) at Sivananda Ashram, Ahmedabad. It is a culmination of whole year activities planned during Swamiji’s Diamond Jubilee Year towards the Mission of Holy Master Sri.Swami Sivanandaji Maharaj. As always, Rev. Swamiji Maharaj has worked relentlessly during the entire year ( May 3, 2004 - May 3, 2005 ).

Reluctant at first, about the Diamond Jubilee Celebration, respecting the overwhelming feelings of devotees, Pujya Swamiji has gone along with it, not the usual way with bell, bouquet and candle, but in a very unique way. As you know, during the Diamond Jubilee year (May 3, 2004 - May 3, 2005) many Philanthropic activities such as food distributions to underprivileged children, helping handicapped people, yoga camps in public schools and school for blinds, Tree plantation (57,000 trees so far), Blood donation drives (220 drives with collection of 85, 542 pints of blood), youth activities and many more have been carried out. And Spiritual activities like Spiritual Retreats, Srimad Mahabharat  Katha, Shiv Puran Katha, Ram Katha, Likhit Japa Yajana, Satsangs with Mahatmas, Publication and distribution of spiritual literature of Gurudev Swami Sivanandaji Maharaj and Gurumaharaj Swami Chidanandaji Maharaj, Spiritual Tours in India , USA, UK, Europe & Canada have been accomplished.   

For the details of thirteen day spiritual satsang……..

News from Virnagar, Gujarat  

Rev. Sri. Swamini Maitrainanda Mataji (Pujya Baa) of Sivananda family Virnagar passed the way on March 15, 2005 . After hearing the news of her in semiconscious condition, Swami Adhyatmanandji visited her on March 10, 2005 . With utmost surprise of all she took Shivaratri prasad and slowly swallowed Gangajal given by Swamiji, as if she was waiting for Swamiji’s arrival. Rev.Swamiji visited Virnagar again on March 17, 2005 and attended a prayer meeting held by the devotees. Rev. Baa was very kind and generous life partner of Rev. Bapuji (late Dr. Adhwaryooji), Sri.Swami Yajnavalkyanandji Maharaj. Her passing away brings a sad mood amongst the devotees of Adhwaryoo Empire & Sivananda Hospital, Virnagar. Rev. Baa's cremation was done at Virnagar and her relics were dispersed at holy Gangaji at Sri. Gurudev Ghat at Sivananda Ashram, Rishikesh.   

Spiritual Literature- new release during the Diamond Jubilee year.

•  Gujarati translation of Granth (Book) “Sadhana” by Gurudev Sri Swami Sivanandaji Maharaj (pages 28 + 580) was released by Governor Sri Mishraji on May 3, 2004 . Even though the printing cost of the book is Rs. 250 per copy, it was made available for Rs. 60 per copy during Diamond Jubilee year of Rev. Swamiji. We are happy to inform our readers that it has gone to its third reprint with total of 7000 copies sold in this spell of 10 months. 

•   “Yoga and Swasthya” (Gujarati) by Swami Adhyatmanandaji printed by Gurjar Granth Ratna Karyalaya was also released( May 22, 2004) by Mahamandleshwar Sri Swami Vishwadevanandaji Maharaj.  

• "Sada Sarvada Anhij"- Gujarati translation of  "Forever Here" of GuruMaharaj Swami Chidanandaji

New release - "Sada Sarvada Anhij" Gujarati translation (by Swami Adhyatmanandji) of 
"Forever Here" of Gurumaharaj Sri. Swami Chidanandaji Maharaj

New release to be on May 3, 2005

•  "Yoga for better Living" English translation of "Yoga & Swasthya" by Swami Adhyatmanandaji

•  "Gita Navneetam" Hindi version of "Gita Navneetam" Gujarati by Swami Adhyatmanandji

• "Mind, its mystery and control" by Swami Sivananda - gujarati traslation 

  Other News

• Poor feeding is being done very regularly on every Friday. Smt. Padmaben Shah and Sri. Marutbhai Dave needs a special word of gratitude for their faithful service to underprivileged and needy.  Distribution of about 700 to 800 kg of grains is being done regularly on second Sunday of the month to about 35 to 40 needy families.

• On March 5, 2005 & March 6, 2005 , Nritya Bharat Institute of Indian Classical dance organized all India Classical dance festival at the Town hall auditorium, where artists gave dance performance of Bharat Natyam, Kuchipudi, and Kathak etc. Rev Sri. Swami  Adhyatmanandaji lit the lamp and graced the both days festival

• The news of passing away of Sri. Swami Satchitanandji Maharaj, a personal sevak of Sadguru Sri. Swami Sivanandaji Maharaj arrived at the ashram. Ashram held a special prayer meeting for the peace of departed soul.

Tours and Travels of Sri. Swami Adhyatmanandaji Maharaj (March 2005)  

During the month of March Gujarat Divya Jivan Sangh organized Rev. Sri Swami Adhyatmanandji’s tour & satsang at various centers. Pranayam and Meditation Camps at Rajkot, Bhavnagar, Baroda, Malsar, Surat and Delhi were held. During His visit to all these centers Rev. Swamiji was given warm welcome by devotees. All India Radio, local news paper and other media carried out Swamiji’s Message to Mankind. 

During the past month Rev. Swamiji visited prisons also and had elevated prison inmates with his satsang. He taught them Pranayama and Meditation techniques too. Swamiji’s discourses, satsangs and symposium were arranged at senior citizen homes, schools and number of technology institutes. Tree plantation was done in abundance. So far 57,000 trees have been planted in presence of Swamiji and by Swamiji as a tribute for his service to Mankind. 

At Surat , blood donation camp was organized where, in a one single day 16,000 units of blood donation by people was done. So far in this year May 2004 to April 2005 with Swamiji’s effort  and inspiration 220 blood donation camps were organized , which  made collection of  85, 542 units of blood for various blood banks, agencies and Red Cross society.

Ahmedabad Blood Bank organized a very special function at Ahmedabad Management Association to felicitate Rev. Swamiji Maharaj for his this work in presence of H.E Governor of Gujarat Mr. Naval Kishor Sharmaji.  Smt. Poonam Thawani (secretary of Sivananda Ashram, A’bad) and Mr. Tarak Vaidya, Trustee of Gujarat Divya Jivan Sangh received an award on behalf of Rev. Swamiji, as he was away for more essential commitment.

Upcoming Children’s Camp & YTTC

 Children's residential Camp May 9, 2005 - May 15, 2005
 (prior registration required)
Yoga Teachers Training Residential Camp (May 18, 2005 -June 7, 2005)
 (pre qualification and prior approval required) 

Regular Activities and Services at the Holy Sivananda Ashram

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