In 2007, I was at the Urs of HazratInayat Khan in his dargah in Delhi. Hundreds of people were there: dervishes from around India, MurshidShahabuddin {my Sufi teacher}, Pir Zia Inayat Khan {the Pir of our Sufi order}, Pirsof other Sufi orders, qawwali musicians and mureeds {students} from all over the world. I had invited my guru and spiritual father, Swami Sundaranandji and I had been watching or him through the morning, not wanting to miss spotting him. From across the crowd, I saw Swami ji in bright orange as he stepped through the door. The overwhelming wave of love and emotion that hit me came as a surprise o tears. The moment was a culmination o the two great spiritual streams o my lie and represented not only the coming together of these two streams within me, but also, since I had been working for years to help reunite yoga with Sufism, a completion in the outer world.
I met Swami ji in Gangotri in June of 2003 while on a pilgrimage to the source of the Ganges with Shahabuddin and a group of his mureeds. When we arrived, Shahabuddin and Kothraneda, his wife, said they had met a great swami there 20 years ago. They did not know if he was still living, but went off to his kuti {hut} to see if they could find him. Luckily for me, they did. Swami ji invited our group to visit and was very gracious - allowing us to sit in meditation with him and to ask questions, I had been practicing yoga for 18 years and although I had studied with many great yogis, I had never met a yoga master of his caliber. He spoke with me about the subtle aspects of my practice and from our first encounter, began to guide me both with histeachings and in the inner realms.
When I returned to the US, I continued to feel Swami ji guiding me in my meditations. One evening, while meditating with a friend, Swami ji graced me remotely with shaktipat. I cannot convey the intensity of the experience. For about 6 hours, I was in a state of extreme ecstasy. At some point in the evening I felt compelled to adjust my friend’s mudra. Later he told me that Swami ji transferred to him and stayed in him for several days watching me through his eyes. He had never met Swami ji or even been to India before, but he knew he must go meet this extraordinary being as soon as possible. So in September of 2003, I headed back to the Himalayas to see Swami ji andintroduce them formally.
I continued to make pilgrimages to see Swami ji as often as I could, sometimes alone and sometimes with groups both large and small. I usually visited him in Gangotri, but also met with him in other sacred places around India. For a very special gathering, our group once travelled to Bodhgaya {where Buddha attained enlightenment} and in 2007 Swami ji suggested a group go to the Srisailam Temple in Andhra Pradesh with him. Our group of around 60 people consisted of different kinds of spiritual teachers and seekersfrom around the world. We came together for Swami ji’sdarshan and to visit this ancient temple that had a policy for thousands of years of not allowing foreigners to enter. It was only because we were with Swami ji that we were allowed access. It was a life-changing event {or all of us. We meditated for at least 3 hours each morning and evening with Swami ji, we practiced yoga and we chanted sacred mantras together. Many had profound spiritual experiences and realizations.
I have had the privilege and great fortune to continue my spiritual practice under Swami Ji’s guidance. He told me he knew I was his daughter from the first day we met and has treated me with deep kindness. This divine being has showered me with his love and grace. Once Swami ji told me I am “super lucky”. And wow! - I truly am. Not only did he bless me with shaktipat, he helped strengthen my mind, showed me how to sanctify, imbue and charge the surrounding atmosphere and objects with spiritual power, taught me how to purify and make myself strong with advanced pranayamas, pushed and encouraged me to attempt asanas I thought might not be possible or me during this life, trusted me to bless prasad and taught me how to show respect and devotion. For all this and for so much more, I am forever grateful. And with all the gifts Swami ji has given me - the greatest gift o all is that he has allowed me to love him.
It was around nine in the evening when my brother in lawDrBrij Mohan Sharma dropped in at our Curzon Road Apartment near India Gate. Have you met a true Sanyasi a true Sadhu ever?”He asked me as he entered. As I looked at him a bit con used he answered himself, “I have met a true Sadhu, the only one so far. Would you like to meet him?” Out of sheer politeness, I said yes. As we entered Birla Mandir, it was devoid of any activity - time being 9:30 PM. DrBrij Mohan took me to a remote corner of the sprawling temple property to a neat hut quite detached from the temple. He knocked. After a very brief pause the door opened. I saw a person draped in saffron robe, fully alert, a child-like smile of innocence and happiness on his beaming face, no questions, no annoyance total equanimity.This was my first glimpse of Swami Sundaranandji. The famous Sadhu who clicks. We were ushered in. Since this was my first meeting with Swamiji, most time I was listening. The conversation was very very normal. No great sermons on spirituality, no recipes ‘or moksha and next birth, nothing of astrology or the like. Plain simple small talk. An eighty plus man who spent most of his time trekking the treacherous terrain of great Himalayas, meditating in complete solitude at 18000 feet , been away from the material world speaking like a small child on the infinite small happiness life gives, his proximity to himselfand Himself too
Sometimes later I got an invite to the Prime Minister’s house for a book launch by Swami Sundaranandji. HonourableAtalji was the Prime Minister at that time. This was the first and the last time that I got this honor of getting an invite from the top executive of largest democracy in the World. .
Spring 2of12, Army Institute of" Management Greater Noida { about 3ofKms South East of Delhi }
I superannuated from active service from the Army in 2006. In 2012 I was Director, Army Institute of Management and Technology in Greater Noida when I received a call from DrBrij Mohan Sharma. “Swamiji is in Delhi, would you like to meet him?” “Yes, of' course” After a brief pause I asked DrBrij Mohan “Can you bring Swamiji to the Institute so that myfaculty members and if possible, the students can also gain from his company?”
I requested a faculty meet. Informed the faculty members that I have invited Swami Sundaranandji to the Institute. Will it be Okay if I let him interact with the students. The faculty members opined that we may try though the reaction from the students may or may not be very encouraging. Ialso asked the students’ committee members, Out of curiosity they said yes. Next day Swamiji arrived at around 1of AM. We had scheduled the meeting with the students (240 students in the seminar hall). At 10:30 AM the seminar started. He was introduced by the student representative; He came on the stage started talking about the enormous beauty of Mother Nature. Mild but firm voice, completely immersed in the subject. Established instant connection with the students. Slowly switched on the slide show, one after the other the slides came alive on the view file with his vivid description of the flora and fauna, the Naga Sadhus doing their rituals, the snow covered peaks, the speeding Ganges at Gangotri. The description was in such great details and with such simple but powerful vocabulary that he was able to transport the audience to the region he was describing. When he finally finished it was 1:30 PM time for lunch. Pin drop silence. Complete attention, “Any question”? I asked the students, ‘Yes’. Came the reply, “When can we have the next session? We want to learn meditation from Swamiji”. I looked at my wife in the audience. My confidence that the Swami from the Himalayas will connect with the young students was vindicated. Incidentally it may be apt here to admit that we at AIMT were dealing with students with very short attention span. In regular classes the only aspect that kept them somewhat attentive was the fear of examinations and power the faculty had over them both from evaluation and moral grounds. But this was a non credit activity.
Such an indirect approach makes immense impact on the outcomes which we seek in a linear fashion by activities which betray direct correlation with the students’ development.
There are rare and precious beings and Swamiji is one of, them.
There are rare and precious encounters that make a turning point in our lives. Swamiji’s wisdom, authenticity, perfection and greatness inspire my life, Swamiji, you made me change deeply, grow, go beyond my limits and you have touched my soul. You are the most marvelous gift on my path; you aremy bright light, my guide to freedom. Swamiji, you will “sit in my heart” forever.
Thank you for everything.
Dear Swami ji, beloved Swami Sundaranandji, you are my inspiration, my Guru, my wisdom and my joy. It is an honor and uplifting to my soul to know you. Your blessings have helped us all.
With love and gratit
In 1997, during my 1stvisit to Gangotri during an expedition I heard about a “Photo-Baba” living in Gangotri. I also learnt that “Himalayan Ecology, Geology, Flora-Fauna and physiology” could best be understood through his photographs which he had taken during a lifetime of journeys in the Himalayas.
A 17 year old boy, with a spiritual bend of mind, after travelling to various places in the country comes to Gangotri and becomes a permanent part of this place and the Himalayas.
Swami Sundaranandji is an exceptional yogi with his own special style ofyog. He has travelled extensively in the Himalayas. He shares his Himalayan experience, the power o' the mighty and holy Ganges and spirituality through his camera and photographs. Glory o the Kedarnath temple and Gaumukh has been best depicted powerfully by his photographs. A saint who has already done tap (penance) during his life itself. In 1962, during Indo-China war, he showed and explained to the Indian Army the dynamics of these border Himalayan Mountains.
He also fought against several long-standing social evils in the society and inspired everyone who came in his contact or heard about him. He has several followers and admirers across the globe with whom he has closely shared his Spiritual experiences. Today at 90 years plus, he still possesses a very sharp memory.
He calls me “Colonel Saab” and I address him as “Sir”. The Youth Foundation is blessed to be associated with him. Gangotri’s name has been associated with the origin of the Holy Ganges and the Gangotri temple. Swami SundaranandJi’s name will also be always associated with Gangotri.
The “HiranyagarbhaTapovanam” Art gallery, besides being a landmark in Gangotri and Himalayas, will also be a great center for learning and research in the years to come.
Swami Sundaranand is god’s gift to humanity and has been sent down to teach each seeker according to his needs.
His journey from an obscure village in Andhra Pradesh to Gangotri and the way he is blessed with a Guru Swami Tapovanamji Maharaj who was born in Palghat in Kerala shows that spiritual quest in Bharat transcends barriers of language, culture, creed, caste and tradition and even religion.
Verse 3 in Vivekachudamani of Adi Shankaracharya says: “These three are difficult to obtain: To be born as a human being; to have the longing for release (from Bhavsagar) and the association with great souls. Getting these are the results of divine grace”. Swamiji has been blessed with all the three and has been sent specially to ferry us all across the ocean of illusion.
For our benefit in progress in the right direction, may God give good health and abundance of energy to Swami Ji.
As a symbol of cultural and spiritual unity of South and North India, a young boy named SundarRamaiyaa from Andhra Pradesh travels all along to Gangotri, the origin of the holy river Ganges situated in an abstruse part of the Great Himalayas. There he finds his Guru in Shri TapovanamjiMaharaj. He serves and follows his Guru with complete devotion and with his blessings and love, turns out to be Swami Sundaranand. Along with Yoga, Religion and Spirituality, he attains par excellence in Mountaineering and Photography. Swami SundaranandJi owns a unique personality.
Remembering the days of almost 5of years hence (back),l visualize a young and self -respecting Swami who, along with service to humanity in yoga and spirituality, is striving to do something unique which shall remain in the hearts of people for years to come.
My first journey to Gaumukh in the year 1971, along with my father Sh. Vishnu Prabhakar and my mother Smt. Sushila, was made possible by Swamiji only. He in his spiritual life and with his passion or photography has all along been doing experiments with technique and mechanics. Today, after a long journey, overcoming many troublesome ailments with his sheer willpower and morale, he is committed to complete and dedicate to the Nation, an unparalleled Art Gallery of his photographs, in the memory of his Guru Swami TapovanamJiMaharaj. Such devotion of this 92 years old Ascetic leaves an indelible mark in our hearts. May the blessings of such a diligentSaint and Ascetic remain with usforever.
Swamiji’s life is akin to the unrelenting and unceasing flow of the holy Ganga, the incarnation of goddess Ma Ganga on Earth, who surmounts all hindrances and obstacles tending to impede her flow and finally merges with the eternal ocean at Gangasagar.
Like the Ganga, Swami Ji, through the blessings of his Guru Swami TapovanamMaharaj earned by his selfless service and devotion in addition to his own indefatigable efforts, has overcome innumerable difficulties to finally fulfill the vow he’d taken of establishing the HiranyaGarbha Art Gallery and Meditation Center at Gangotri in memory of his Gurudev.
I first met Swamiji when I was introduced to him by Advocate Indrajitji. InduBhaiji, as we fondly address him, introduced me to Swamiji at Chandiwala Estate in Delhi one fine afternoon, telling him that I was of a philosophical bent of mind and that I had a keen interest in photography. Hearing this, Swamiji promptly handed me some 100 of his photographs from his vast collection, asking me to get them framed. I was happy to be entrusted thus by him, got the photos framed in a very short time and handed them over to Swamiji far earlier than he was expecting to get them. He was surprised and extremely happy at my promptness and diligence in completing the task he had entrusted me with. Swamiji said that it was his belief that I had been sent by his Gurudev to help him in completing the remaining tasks of his life that he had promised himself. Addressing me as ‘Abhinavtirth’, Swamiji thereafter included me within the folds of his spiritual journey amongst us. Such is my belief that all this special affection and trust he has vested in me is the result of the blessings of my parents and elders as also a consequence of the fine values instilled within me by them. Swamiji, by including me in his life has done the same for my family and especially my son Udbhav who, since his infancy, has been the recipient of his undiluted blessings and affection.
With all my heart, I also thank Swamiji for giving his consent and in blessing VishwaSamanvaySangh (Founded by Acharya Kaka Kalelkar in 1968) by becoming its Patron in Chief. It is a great honor for the organization and also for me as its representative.
With love and Regards
My first interaction with respected Swami Sundaranand Maharaj Ji happened in the year 1997 through Shri V.K. Sharma.
Since Then I along with my family have been blessed by Swamiji many times. I got the opportunity to serve Swamiji. He was kind enough to visit all the places wherever I was posted and gave his blessings. During Navratri festivals Swami ji stayed with me in Nainital and Dehradun and performed all the Puja after fasting.
He was kind enough to come from Gangotri and give blessings to all, on the marriage function of my elder daughter even though the road was blocked due to land slide.
He had very kindly invited me to New Delhi when his book “Himalaya – through the lens of a Sadhu” was launched by the Prime Minister Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee.
In Short, I was receiving the kindness and blessings of the super natural soul. I got the opportunity to see him in the Archana Hospital before he left for the heavenly abode. Even after being very sick he talked to me and conveyed his kind blessings for my son’s marriage.
Swami ji was very kind inough to make me trustee when he created the Swami Tapovan Maharaj Trust during the year 2005. I spent around 25 years in his kind shadow and kept on receiveing his blessings. I feel immensely indebted to him and Thankful to Almighty that I and my family were able to get company and blessings of such a pious Saint.