by Shiva Nair
The 15th Chinmaya Inspirational Yatra from Niagara travelled to Bharat with 35 yatris for 15 days. For a few, it was the first visit to our motherland. The journey was immaculately organised by Vijayji and Vivekji. As the idea of this yatra was conceived in the Ramcharitramanas class, there was special focus on Ayodha and Prayagraj.
We also paid homage in Shri Krishna’s Holy cities of Vrindhavan, Mathura and Gokul. The last of Shri Krishna’s leela site was Govardhan parikrama done by e-Rickshaw. The yatris were then hosted by Chinmaya Mission Prayagraj Ashram. Pujya Swami Gangeshanandaji gave us the everlasting knowledge of purushartha as a true bhakta from Bhagwatam. Brni Shashwati Chaitanya also gave discourses on Bharat’s devotion to Lord Rama in Ayodhakanda (Ramcharitramanas).
Immersed in Bhakti marg, the Yatris then experienced miracles of Guru Kripa. The yatris were able to get onto the construction site of the Ramjanmabhoomi temple. A highly emotionally visit, where we were guided by a true bhakta (like Shri Hanuman) working tirelessly without monetary reward in the development of this holy site.
Whilst in Prayagraj, the yatris visited several holy sites and enjoyed the waters of triveni sangam. The major highlight was performing abhishekam for Mahashivaratri in the Shiva temple of Prayagraj ashram. Usually, a selected few are given an opportunity to do so in the Shiva temple. However, as miracles go, 9 Shivalinga sets from mud were set up with a pundit and each of the yatris had opportunity to do the pooja within the temple. The yatra concluded with a visit to Kasi Vishwanath temple and Ganga arati. Those who were blessed to be in this trip pass their humble gratitude to the Guru-shishya-parampara.
