The first time I heard of Bhagawan Nithyananda was on Jan 3rd, 2010 when Mohanji posted his “Growing With the Master” blog post. Until then, the only Nithyananda I heard of was the contemporary Paramahamsa Nithyananda.
I thus I asked Mohanji bluntly: “And who is now this Nithyananda?” He told me that Bhagawan Nithyananda was a great Master, a real Avadhoota from Siddha Yoga tradition, who lived in the first half/mid of 20th century. Mohanji said that, speaking of Nithyananda, he simply felt the pull to mention this Master as well due to his amazing stature.
Furthermore, on 25 Jan, Mohanji posted “FAQ – The Loud Silence” in which he again mentioned Bhagawan Nithyananda (also known as Bade Baba, or ‘big Baba’, due to his height). I knew what this meant – Bade Baba’s presence was not leaving Mohanji’s inner space.
Little did I know that, on the subtle level, this “pull” from the great Master was his way of inviting Mohanji to visit his holy abode in Ganeshpuri…
The opportunity to do so opened up very soon – in Feb 2010, since we were able to club this trip to the already planned Shirdi Trip on Mohanji’s birthday, Feb 23rd. I was happy to visit another Shaivic Master’s samadhi shrine, and was open for an adventure without harbouring any expectations.
One thing is for sure – I never expected that the experiences at the abode of a Master I never heard of before would reveal to me so much about the true nature of our spiritual path. Indeed, it was like going home.
This is the story of how this leela happened :-):
There were several people who were supposed to join us, but, interestingly enough, in the end they all dropped off, except for Dr. Samata. Our merry trio was thus to head off to Ganeshpuri on 18 Feb, very early (3.30am) in order to reach our destination by 5am, as advised by Mr. Palival from Ganeshpuri.
We were asked to reach there in time to participate in the morning invocations of Guru Gita at Swami Muktananda’s samadhi (Swami Muktananda was the direct disciple of Bade Baba who carried his legacy across the world).
However, the taxi driver that Dr. Samata arranged got lost on the way, i.e. was not able to find our small hotel, and in the end reached almost an hour late! We were definitely not happy about it and prayed that, somehow, we reach on time for the invocation.
And that is EXACTLY what had happened – it was a miracle how we managed to reach so fast – as if we flew on the road. Moreover, upon entering the Ganeshpuri campus, we realized there are so many junctions and no signs to guide us which turn to make. The driver did not know the way either. However, guided by intuition and Master’s grace, we arrived straight to Bade Baba’s samadhi and then had to come back to a nearby samadhi of Swami Muktananda where Mr. Palival was waiting for us. Everything flowed with ease, the atmosphere was purely satwic and, to my great joy, we also had sufficient time for a warm cup of chai at the canteen before the Guru Gita chants started at 5.30 am.
As soon as we stepped into the hall and settled down (where many people were already seated neatly, with Guru Gita in their hands), the chanting began. It was as if they were waiting for us. The timing was so perfect. We immeditaely immersed ourselves into the bliss of Guru Gita (later on we bought a CD with Guru Gita chant in the voice of Gurumayi, direct disciple of Swami Muktananda – I play this CD almost every day now…)
I must say that, for me, this was an unprecedented experience. The collective chanting and the atmosphere was overwhelming. There were two Indian men and one western lady who chanted Guru Gita jointly (since it is like a Q&A between Lord Shiva and Parvati) – their voices were blending so perfectly that it sounded like the music was coming straight from the angelic realms! The female voice was especially divine – I loved it and simply soaked in it. The overall vibration level of the place was just superb – a true abode!
Soon after the chanting was over, Mr. Palival took us to a charming and silent Swamiji, another direct disciple of Swami Muktanada. We soon met this frail, unassuming, and yet so radiant and profound man – Swami Sevananda (since he politely requested us to avoid taking his pictures, we obliged and hence can share with you only the one below, taken from the back.)
Swami Sevananda escorted us to Nithyananda Samadhi. This was indeed amazing and totally unexpected. We felt honored. It became all the more evident to us, that our dear brother Dipak Haksar has conveyed the message of our arrival there in great detail, and the whole Ganeshpuri reciprocated to his love and deep affection.
Moreover, since the ‘coincidences’ and sincerity of people greeting us were so intense, it was clear to us that it was Bhagawan Nithyananda who was orchestrating it all. This trip indeed was His invitation without which nothing can actually take place (we were told that this happens to all those who are fortunate to somehow reach Ganeshpuri). We felt His divine presence in each little grass and stone of this divine abode – his energy, showered on us from the supraconscious realms, was so intense and unmistakable.
Swami Sevananda soon ‘handed us over’ to a lovely man called Rakesh, the Chief Administrator at the Nithyananda Samadhi. He again invited us for a cup of chai and radiated so much love that we felt deeply touched – oh that beautiful home-like feeling, inner sense of recognition…
His loving actions were way beyond common politeness. He felt especially connected with Mohanji – loving vibes were bursting out of both. He garlanded Mohanji, gifted him a scarf – he simply did not know in what other way to express his love.
I was just observing all this and my heart was expanding with joy. I also noticed that something was happening in my inner space. Several times I felt a distinct tickle on the top of my head and soon understood – it is Bade Baba, blessing us. Oh, what a giant. His presence was felt so clearly – the love that he showered us with made all of us so joyous that we didn’t know what to do with all that love :-).
We soon stepped outside, in front of Samadhi mandir…
… and Mr. rakesh took us for a tour to the most sacred places at Ganeshpuri:
As we entered Kailas Nivas, we again felt overwhelmed – I somehow felt that Bade Baba was above us like a cloud, merging with us, and guiding us to his most intimate places. It was amazing to see his personal items, touch his bed, favorite chair, see his photo images, feel his energy – we were indeed soaking in and breathing Bade Baba.
He opened all the rooms which are otherwise not opened, except for cleaning. It is usually not allowed to take photos at these sacred places, but Mr. Rakesh made an exception for us – after all, at one’s home, everything is allowed 🙂 It was indeed a “home coming” for all of us.
There was something so enchanting about the chair on which Bade Baba used to sit – it felt it was just yesterday that he sat there…
I was so thrilled and eager to learn more and more about the spiritual giant of Nithyananda – I did not know his stature was that great and was surprized that I never heard of him before.
It is a great honor to write a few words about this extraordinary Master, who, as Mohanji said, blessed the Earth by his presence.
Just like in case of Shirdi Sai Baba, nobody knows when and to whom he was born as a child – Bade Baba was found by a village lady called Unniamma, who had a dream of Lord Vishnu and Lord Shiva bathing on the banks of a river. That vivid dream woke her up around 3.30amin – she decided to go to her landlord’s house rather early. It was raining and, after the flash of lightning, she saw with her own eyes a child lying on a bund, with a big snake behind it, as if protecting the child. It was Unniamma who brought up this unusual child who was clearly different (e.g. he loved to play pranks, like diving into a lake and disappearing for some time; would expalin difficult philosophical concepts with great clarity and wisdom at a very young age, etc). When he was ten years old, he embarked on a pilgrimage to Kashi, many other holy places and then Himalayas. His wandering (Parivrajaka) lasted for about ten years. He then returned to Kerala for a while, and then went to Indonesia, Malaysia and Burma. Some time later, he returned to South India, where he soon became famous due to many miracles that he performed and various siddhis that he displayed (like materializing things, appearing at several places at the same time, living undergrouond for many days without oxygen, food and water, walking on water as if it is solid (like Jesus Christ), talking to animals and sharing his food plate with dogs and cats (who would, in front of him, blissfully eat together), etc.
He never stayed in one place for more than a few days, but, wherever he went, people flocked to see him. Just like Shirdi Baba, he distributed whatever was given to him before the day was over and never cared for fame.
There are many interesting stories from Bade Baba’s life – I’ll share one with you, just to give you a glimpse :-).
One day he got caught in a train without a ticket and was asked to get off the train immediately. He obeyed without any complaint and was soon seen standing on one leg on the train station (as always, wearing nothing but his langoti around the intimate parts), his arms folded, with a big radiant smile on his face. For quite some time, the train just wouldn’t move – all were startled because nothing was wrong with the engine and there was no obvious reason why the train would not start. Then a few passengers approached the T.C. and Engine Driver, saying: “That man you ordered out, he is a divine being. Please take him back in the train.” And sure enough, as soon as Nithyananda boarded the train, it started. 🙂
In 1923 he reached Mangalore. Surrounded by many devotees, at one point, he went into a Samadhi state and remained in the same for a long time. He was motionless, like a statue. Here’s a vivid description of what happened next: 🙂
Bade Baba’s Mahasamadhi was meant to happen at one place only – in Ganeshpuri, the only place where the wandering saint finally settled in 1940s and remained there till August 8th, 1961 – when he uttered the last words before taking Mahasamadhi: “Sadhu became Swami, Swami became Deva, and now it is Sthira Samadhi.”
This was the first booklet (in a cute format of a comic) that I read from all the goodies we bought at the galleria in Ganeshpuri. Unlike Mohanji, it was only then that I understood just how amazing is the stature of Bade Baba – I was so deeply touched and felt so grateful that I got to pay the homage to this extraordinary Satpurusha.
His abode, Ganeshpuri, is especially sanctified because of his continuous presence there at the latter stage of his life. I highly recommend to all who visit India to definitely come to this indescribably tranquil and serene abode of a Master, a great Siddha. As soon as you enter the temple you will undoubtedly feel the world slipping away and calmness and serenity descending on you. The blessed p
eace of most refined silence is tangible here. No voices are raised and people speak only when necessary.
And yet, the place is brimming with joy – one feels expanded from within, deeply enriched. A Master who operated fully from the being level till date transfers that experience to all those who visit Ganeshpuri with a heart full of gratitude.
There were so many amazing moments in Ganeshpuri that sometimes I had to pinch myself to believe all of this is really happening. Swami Sevananda, in his silent way, at one point invited us into the Samadhi Stan, which usually only priests enter. He also ordered a big mala and asked Mohanji to garland Bhagawan Nithyananda’s moorthy – I understood that he must have recognized something in Mohanji which prompted him to do this. Moreover, we were allowed to prostrate at the samadhi itself, which was followed by another surprize – Swami Sevananda paid money from his own pocket to arrange a Paada pooja for us -we were speechless. Those were such special, auspicious, sacred moments…
After this visit, I understood Mohanji much more, and understood our spiritual path with further clarity. Can it be that simple – to JUST BE, radiate That, maintain purity, serve unconditionally, and everything just falls into place – there are no patterns, no rigidity, no big plans, no second agendas.. The path of the Siddhas, blessed by many Great Ones. And here’s a definition of a Siddha guru:
“A Siddha Guru is a spiritual teacher, a master, whose identification with the supreme Self is uninterrupted. The unique and rare quality of a Siddha Guru is his/her capacity to awaken the spiritual energy (Kundalini) in seekers through Shaktipat.”
Hm… sounds rather familiar 🙂
All this was going on in my mind and brewing in my heart as we bathed in the energy of Ganeshpuri.
We also attended the noon Aarati after which Mr. Rakesh, Dr. Samata, Mohanji and I shared many laughs, expressing sheer joy.
Mohanji was in his ‘full element’, radiating so much love – and I could tell that Mr. Rakesh just could not let him go 🙂
After enjoying a wonderful Satwic lunch, in the company of our dear Swami Sevananda (who again appeared before us to make sure we are fully taken care of), we bought many lovely CDs, books, insense and essential oil fragrances in the Galleria.
Finally, Swami Sevananda took us to Muktananda Samadhi, which is not opened every day – we happened to visit Ganeshpuri during one of the two days in a week when it is open. Fortunately, not too many people were there, so we could sit there and meditate. Again, profound sensations in the inner space, expansion, joy… We then attended the noon Aarati, with our hearts overflowing…
It was so lovely to be in the company of Swami Sevananda, who shared with us many of his experience with Swami Muktananda and really showered us with love ( knowing that he has so many other responsibilities, we were truly honored by the amount of the time he gifted us). He was with us till the very last moment – in the end,he gave us the packets with prasad, sending us off lovingly.
Leaving the place that so felt like home, we made a vow that we will return when possible and stay at least for a few days, simply to be…
As we were leaving Ganeshpuri, I enjoyed sitting next to Mohanji in the car, observing how happy and deeply fulfilled he was – his entire being was smiling.
We could not agree more with the following sign that we read in Ganeshpuri:
“He [Bade Baba] is considered to fulfill anything and everything that a person wishes for in life, in a righteous way. It is an experience of all, that no one goes empty handed from His Great Pilgrimage.”
I must confess that I was not supposed to join Mohanji for this trip, since I started working only a few months ago and already took too many leaves. But it was Shirdi Baba and Bade Baba, I know, who made sure I don’t miss this experience. The very thought of their love and grace brings tears to my eyes instantly…….
With deep gratitude and surrender,
Biba
35 thoughts on “Ganeshpuri Trip – Bhagawan Nithyananda’s Unexpected Welcome, 20 Feb, 2010”
Dear Biba,
Thanks for sharing. This blog contains tremoundous amount of energy. Before coming to Dubai, i had joined one personality development class. There i came to know that sister of our teacher was living in Ganeshpuri ashram. When our teacher realized my interest in spirituality, he provided me lots of spiritual magzines published by Ganeshpuri Ashram.
Baba Nithyananda was great siddha master. As mentioned in the spiritual magzine of Ganeshpuri ashram, Shri Muktananda was wandering all over the India. At one place, one sadhu told him to go to Ganeshpuri, which is his destination. Muktananda became disciple of Nithyananda. Before living the physical body, nithyananda called Muktananda and asked to wear his khadau (wooden sleeper which Indian Guru / Master wear). With folded hand & humble voice Muktananda said ,”Its your khadau Master, how can i dare to put my legs in?”. Nithyananda smile & he touched Muktananda’s sahasrara with Khadau. This is the moment where Muktananda got complete transformation…..As one Marathi Abhanga says, “Master makes disciple like himself immediately, Master doesnt require any time, Master makes TOUCHSTONE, instead of making gold”.
I am a direct Disciple of Swami Muktananda.In 1979 I lived with him for 8 months in his Ashram in SOUTH Fallsburg, N.Y. Great GREAT STORY told about your Divine trip! Thank you ✨🙏❤️🌈✨
OM SAI RAM BIBA,
HOPE ALL WELL – READ THE ABOVE MAIL REGD BADE BABA.
AS I AM IN MUMBAI, I WOULD LIKE TO VISIT GANESHPURI.
COULD YOU PLEASE GUIDE ME HOW TO REACH THERE.
THANKS & REGARDS
KANCHAN
The nearest station is (Mumbai Local Trains on Western Railway Sector) Vasai Road,
Get down on the western side of Vasai Road station, the State Transport Bus depot is just outside the station. Regular Buses for Shri Ksetra GANESHPURI are available. There are direct buses for GANESHPURI, as well as buses for Vajreshwari and Ambadi do make a stop at GANESHPURI. even Vasai SHIRDI bus makes a stop at GANESHPURI.
There are also Ricksaws who can take you to GANESHPURI. DONT MISS THE 12.00 NOON AARTI.
Please could you give me address or direction for contacting or visiting this ashram?
I loved your writing about your visit! Thank you so much.
OM Shanti,
Shraddha
Dear Kanchan and Shraddha, Samadhi of Baba Nithyananda is open for all every day from 4.00a.m to 9.00pm and is a little away from the Ashram. However the ashram is open for visitors 10 a.m to 11.oo am & 3.oopm to 4.oop.m only on weekends. If travelling from Mumbai, you should start at 3.30am in order to reach the ashram at 5am – Guru Gita at 5.30am is a magical experience not to be missed.
If you hire a taxi from Mumbai, the driver will surely know how to reach Ganeshpuri. Otherwise, please contact Mr. Paliwal from the ashram who will guide you further. E-mail: DevendraP@gspa.org
May the Grace of Bade Baba lead you to his abode soon.
With love, M.
Dear Biba
Can you recommend a good place for me to stay in Ganeshpuri
Pakkam
bolo shri muktanand baba ki jai
Nice,
Sadgurunath Maharaj ki jay
So nice,
Bolo Om Namo Bhagawate Nityanandaya,
Jai Nityanand, Ganeshpuri
Nithyanand bhagawan is our family guru I always be a disciple of him and I wish to mobalize to may others to be a deciple of our guru. Because nithyanand bhgawan is a living god with miracals which you will feel when you be in his faith.
hi, my name is uday vaghela.
i want to go ganeshpuri from bhavnagar(gujrat).
will you give me information to reach there?
Dear Uday,
This is near Mumbai. Any cab can take you to Ganeshpuri. From Bhavanagar, you will have to go to Thane. From Thane, you either get bus or taxi to go to Ganeshpuri. It is around 50 km and will take roughly an hour to reach. It is certaiintly a high energy place.
You can read another powerful expereince of seeing Bade Baba physically and serving food to him at…
http://mohansuniverse.wordpress.com/2010/11/03/a-birthday-in-ganeshpuri/
Wish you have pleasant journey and beautiful darshan on Bade Baba.
With love and regards,
Deepali
Jai Satguru – I am Jayesh V. Vaghela — From Bhavnagar come to Mumbai by Mumbai-Bhavnagar Express- get down at Borivali station — From Borivali take a local train to Vasai Road Station. You will either get a ST bus of Rickshaws to go to Ganeshpuri — do reach before 12 — 12.00 noon Aarti is very powerfull also visit the Kailash mandir and Banglorewalal building etc.
Jai Nithyananda ki jai.. I like what you said, no big programs, no agendas, just be, radiate the love and everything will fall into place… Life could be so simple.. God/dess is there to help the planet and we can open to Her love to help as well, in a way where everything will fall into place. I will go to Ganeshpuri for Baba’s 50th mahasamadhi in July, 25 – 27. Aum.
Hello Biba ,
Thank you for sharing such a beautiful experience .
Bade baba, Muktananda baba and Gurumaiji’s teachings make me alive and myself.
I heard first about Swami Nityananda from my Guru who is a great devotee of the Bade Baba during my spiritual healing classes. There were many pictures of the Baba in his home and he always use to take the Baba’s name and chant a prayer to him before teaching. He told me that I should visit Ganeshpuri at least once as the knowledge he gave me is the Baba’s blessing. But one thing or the other always happened whenever I made plans to visit the place. But yesterday I finally made it there with a friend and I should say that it was such a divine experience. The whole place was vibrating with positive energy and I would feel it the moment we entered the Ganeshpuri area. I took 3 dips each at the 3 hot water springs and felt revived. I look forward to going there again as I missed the Guru Geetha and could not see all the divine places of the Baba.
Thanks so much for sharing this beautiful story!!! I wil go to Ganeshpuri in February and wonder if anyone knows when it is possible to visit Baba Muktananda’s Samadhi and if the morning Guru Gita is open to the public as I will not be an ashram resident. I really appreciate any information. Peace 🙂
please post baba muktananda samadhi shrine photos.
I am very glad to have read Biba’s blog and i will make future plans to visit the Ganeshpuri ashram.However i need to get info on how far it is from Shirdi coz i visit Shirdi once in 3 years
Kindly read http://mohansuniverse.wordpress.com/2012/07/09/pilgrimage-to-bhagwan-nityanandas-shrine-at-ganeshpuri-and-shirdi-sai-babas-shrine/
jai maai kindly tell me that i want sum guide line for one lady she is 25 year old,and all saptachakras is open she have very pain in all chakras…this is the efct of kundalini jagran–from ur self can we recive any guide line…….plz tell us
iam shaku i,m so happy to hear about gurumayi, bada baba ,and babaji i can not explan how much i,m happy
Muktanand maha….an Jai Sadguru Bhagwan.
Baba hamare saath hamesha rahte hain. Mujhe jab bhi taklif me baba ne dekha hai indirectly unohone hame prasad diya hai. Jai ho baba ki.
HI
can anyone tell me are we allowed to visit ashram which is most of the time closed
i heard that indians are not allowed even polices officials are also not allowed
only some charity person are allowed
Baba hamare saath hamesha rahte hain. Mujhe jab bhi taklif me dekha hai indirectly unohone hame prasad diya hai. Bolo Om Namo Bhagawate Nityanandaya.
Bhagawate Nityanandaya Mauli Parivar, Chandrapur (Vidarbha M.S.)
गुरूमाई स्वामी चिद्वविलासानंद जी की जय हों।
गुरूमाई स्वामी चिद्वविलासानंद जी की जय ।
As written above:-
“Moreover, we were allowed to prostrate at the samadhi itself, which was followed by another surprize – Swami Sevananda paid money from his own pocket to arrange a Paada pooja for us -we were speechless. Those were such special, auspicious, sacred moments… ”
Why is money required to do a Paada pooja by any desciple? If one has so many powers to do anything that he likes, why is there a requirement of money to do the pooja.
Materials cost money.
spiritual place is bhagwan nityananda bba ashram
Sir, I am 61 years of age a bachelor from Tami nadu.I spent my last 13 years in meditation and healing. Now after many years of planning I am coming to ganeshpuri and I was told by the recipient that rooms are not given to single occupants. If ashrams do not give rooms to bachelors like me where can we go. The rent in the nearby hotels are very high for me. Ashrams are the place for bachelors and I am neglected. My phone no is 09443967864
Om Guru Jai Guru
Jai Guru Deva
Om namah bagwate Guru NityaNanda
%Sakshat as if I was in Ganeshpuri, they way you have written your experience namah Shivay
I have a really strange memory from Ganesh puri, my first mystical experience.
When I was 6 or 7 years old I went to Ganesh puri with my folks.
I went to Nityananda’s ashram with my dad.
We were being shown around the place and taken to Baba’s bed.
The guy showing us around said we should touch the bed.
My dad touched it, then I put my ear to the bed.
This is when it started the weird mystical experience.
I heard this INTENSE sound of ooooooooooohmmm. It was like an earthquake, all I saw was white light with sprinkles of black spots, kinda like TV static.
Keep in mind that I have aphantasia which means I cannot visualize anything.
I look at the guy, shocked. He gave me a mysterious smile which seemed to say
“yup, I know what you feel!”
This happened years later in college when I was severely depressed and suicidal, I was listening to stairway to heaven by Led Zeppelin.
When the song ended I saw the same light and whisper of a woman who said
“stay positive”.
The very next day I happened to meet a friend of my brother who was a psychotherapist.
I just had 2-3 sessions with her but after that I started working on my self esteem.
I still feel weird in this world, and I’ve been through absolute hell, but my strong sense of self carries me forward.
I have more crazy stories.
I think Baba helped me connect with “the force” and the force has my back.
Just wish life would be smoother, but I guess the path of the philosopher is destined to be riddled challenges.