A Call of Shivpuri -

Shivpuri, the holy Yajnya Nagar, was founded by Parama Sadguru Shree Gajanan Maharaj who has reiterated the Eternel Vedic message in the form of a Fivefold Path.
Shivpuri is termed as Yajnya Nagar where a Yajnya Pillar was erected as a symbol of Vedic Somayaga, announcing the ringing in of Satya Yuga i.e. New Era of Super-science, Knowledge and Universal Brotherhood.
The serene and peaceful Shivpuri-Ashram is situated at a distance of 1.5 km from Akkalkot town, District - Solapur, Maharashtra, India.
Akkalkot is sanctified by the presence of the great master Shri Swami Samartha Maharaj who is honoured as an incarnation of Lord Dattatreya by millions of devotees following the Bhagwan Dattatreya school of worship.
It is considered as a Gurupeetham 'a place of pilgrimage'.
Visitors feel enthralled by the peace and bliss that reigns at Shivapuri, the abode of Yajnya.
Thousands of visitors come to Shivpuri every year to take Darshan and Blessing of Shree and to learn Agnihotra.
Visit Shivpuri today!!! And Experience its beauty yourself!!!
The place was named Shivapuri after Swami Shivanand Yogendra Maharaj, the father of Parama Sadguru Shree Gajanan Maharaj.
Shivanand Maharaj was the highest among Yogis. He was a Nada Brahma Yogi who examplified the Shabda Brahma concept.Shabda Brahma means "the word that was in the beginning, which was with God, which was God and by which everything was made that was made" (John 1).
People held him in highest esteem as the incarnation of Jamadagni, the great sage of Bhrugu dynasty, who enunciated the Akshar Brahma concept ( concept of the indestructible word). Literally the word Jamadagni in Sanskrit means the blazing yajnya fire.The Vedic word Shiva also connotes yajna fire. Hence Shivanand means fire which grants Ananda or 'eternal bliss'.
Shivanand Yogendra Maharaj possessed astonishing Yogic powers. Even while he used to be in deep sleep one could hear the chant of Mantra in his breathing rhythm.This great Yogi once declared "Death shall not conquer us".
The devotees believe that he is still in the state of Samadhi in Shivapuri in the cellar where the holy body is preserved before the place was sealed with stone. It seems that there is some mission yet to be performed by the holy body in the cellar called Shiva Gumpha.
One can see in the Shivapumpha a radiating Linga, in the Shiva Gumpha, called Shivajyotirlinga. Jyotirlinga is a radiating point in the subtle energy circuit that manipulates the atmosphere beneficially. In the upper portion of shivgumpha there is another radiating point called Somnath-Linga which was established to commemorate the great Somayaga of 1969.
Before actually purchasing this small piece of land in the year 1953 as a proposed site for preparing Swami Shivanand's Samadhi many auspicious signs were shown to Shree. He had seen the 'Rising of the sun' on the horizon as he first cast his glance on the piece of land which later was to be known as Shivpuri.
To Shree that symbolised the ushering in of the New Era.
As if it was the rising sun of Satya Dharma. Shree many times had stated that a special sky is created over Shivpuri.The Seven Stars (the 'Sapta-Rishi' or the seven seers) radiate upon Shivapuri with a special blessing eye! Shree had further stated that if any seed of Sat Karma (Good Karma) is sown in the land of Shivapuri, it sprouts and blossoms in to a big tree within no time and effort.
This land is special. It is conducive to right action and right thought. Shree once said, "Shivapuri in future will be the most Holy place of pilgrimage for innumerable followers of Five fold Path spread all over the world.
They will come to pay their respects to this holy land from where their beloved Master reiterated the eternal and universal message of Vedas. Shivapuri will henceforth be associated with our name like Bodhi gaya is with Lord Buddha, Mathura with Lord Krishna, Jerusalem with Lord Jesus Christ and Mecca with Prophet Mohammed. Purity and sanctity of this place will remain charged for thousands of year to come.
The land on which an Avatara walks remains energised and holy for thousands of years".
The ashram of Shivpuri is the home of many Divine Shrines. The whole Ashram area has a great and celestial history behind it. Every corner, every stone has a story behind it. Shivpuri, truly is a blessed land. A land touched by God Himself.The beautiful temples of Shivpuri are must see for all. The architechture, the grandness fills ones heart with awe and admiration.
All these grand monuments today stand strong, as a witness to all the great events that have happened in this Holy land, bearing testimony to all the Divine figures who have and still continue to, dwell in the precints of the Yagnya Nagar.
The following Monument's and Temples can be seen in Shvipuri:
The Maha Dwara:
This is the Main Gate through which is used as a entry point in to Shivpuri. The Gate is majestic. The Dharma Dhavja (the Satya Dharma Flag) is unfurled on this gate on every Padva, the begining of the New Year, as per the Satya Dharma Calendar. This flag denotes the victory of Good over evil and of Light over Darkness. The gate has three entrance points. One central entrance is for vehicles, which are allowed in the Ashram through this gate only on special occasions. There are two small revolving gates on either side of this central gate. They are the one's which are used everyday foe people to walk in to the Ashram. A similar gate was also erected on the other side of Shvipuri also. This is the entrance going towards the living area.
There is a story behind this gate. On the day, when the Bhoomi Poojan (Foundation Laying) of this gate was to be done, Shreeji was having pain in His legs. People urged Him to not walk much and postpone the event to a later date. But Shreeji did not pay any heed to these requests. he said that He will not postpone or cancel the event. he said that through the gates millions and millions of people are going ot pass through to attend the Glorious Divine events that will be held in Shivpuri and to take Darshan in Shivpuri. He further said that for laying the foundation of such an important gate even if His leg gets broken, He would not mind. With such an energy Shreeji has layed the foundation stone of the majestic Maha Dwara.
The Maha Dwara has beautiful carvings on all the sides. They are all Shubh Chinna (Good Omen) from the Vedic culture.
The Shiv Mandir:
Shiv Mandir is the Samadhi place of Swami Shivanand Yogendra Maharaj. This was the first monument created in Shivpuri righr after the land was acquired. This was done in the year 1954. Shreeji Himself had layed the stone for the Samadhi. Initially when the Samadhi was made ready, the area around it had no other buildings. The Samadhi site was marked with a small monument. Then when the Maha Somyaga was announced in 1969, the construction of the entire structure began. The Shiv mandir and its Shikhar were built before the Maha Somayaga. The remaining structure were built simultaneously.
This is the first monuments that one see's on entering the premises of Shivpuri. This a huge structure, whose top is visible even from a far distance. The Shikhar (Top End of the Building) with its glowing Kalash can be seen from a great distance. This is undoubtedly the first sight that one is greeted with on entering Shivpuri. Its beautifull carved Gopura (Ancient Style of Architure), has the idols of many Divine God's and Goddesse's carved on it. Great detail can be seen in the carvings made on the Gopura. Every Idol has been very carefully carved and even minute details have been taken care of. They say if one looks carefully, the idols actually start looking life like.
The whole Temple is made from stone on the outer side. The Back half of the Temple has been completely made from stone. It has been made from grey stone. The front half has been recetly renovated. It has been lined with white marble from the inside and the outside.
The Shiv Gumpha is located in the Shvi Mandir. It is the actual Samadhi Site of Swamiji. This is located in the cave like structure built under the grey stoned lined monument. It is located under the Shikhar on which today the Kalash has been placed. The actual site has been covered with a Altar, which has white marble on it. On top of this a Shiv Lingam made from white marble has been placed. Shreeji had specifically asked Mr. Parkhe to be personally present at the site when the work of the Altar was being done. He also asked Him to be among the one people who will place the Shiv Linga on top of the Altar. He later said that this was so asked to be done to make sure that the sanctity of the Samadhi site is not tampered with. Shreeji said that Swamiji is in Sanjeevan Samadhi. Nobody should disturb the place.
On a floor above this, one can see another white Shiv Linga. This is the Yagneshwar Shiv Linga, depicting Bhagwan Yagnya Narayan.
Also behind this one can a small Shiv Linga made from grey marble. This is the Kashi Vishweshwar Shiv Linga, depicting the fact that Bhagwan Shiv is now residing in Shivpuri. During the Maha Somayaga, Bhagwan Shiv, disguised as a Saint, had appeared in Shivpuri. He had then expressed the desire to live in Shivpuri. Then when He was being accompainied by one of Shreeji's close disciples, who was taking Him for prasadam, Bhagwan Shiv vanished. Shreeji later explained that this means that Bhagwan Shiv had chosen this land to be His Kailas. That is why Shreeji named this Ashram Shivpuri, the Kailas on this planet.
In the Sabha Mandap (Main Hall), a beautifully carved monument has been erected as the seat of Swamiji's statue. It has been specially carved by experts from Rajasthan, which is famous worldwide for carving's and sculpture's. It is made from Pure White Marble and has been carved from the begining in Shivpuri. The carver's sayed in the Ashram for the period required for carving and carved the entire monument right in the Sabha Mandap. The Idol of Swamiji has been placed in the seat, which can be seen immediately on entering the Sabha Mandap.
Bhagwati Sonamata Temple:
After coming out of the Shiv Mandir, one can see another beautifully carved temple exactly in front. This is the Bhagwati Sonamata Temple. Shreeji had this monument built in the memory of the Holy Mother Bhagwati Sonamata. Bhagwati Sonamata is Shreeji's mother, who served the poor and needy all Her life. She took Samadhi at the young age of 24 years, after toiling all Her life for the betterment of the down trodden.
This also a very beautiful Temple. It also has a similar Gopura Shikhar like the Shiv Mandir. The Temple also has two part's Back half and Front half. The Back Half has been,recently covered by White marble from the outside. It has the majestic Shikhar, on top of which the Kalash has been placed. Under this Shikhar, a life like statue of Bhagwati Sonamata has been placed. Behind this statue, a Tulsi Vrindavan has been built.
Yagnya Vedi:
A memrial for the 1969 Maha Somayag, has been built in fornt of the Bhagwati Sonamata Temple. This is thr exact place where the Yagnya Kunda (Altar) of the Maha Somayaga was built. The Kunda has been permanently preserved by making them of stone. This place is called the Yagnya Vedi. It is at the base of the Yagnya Stambha (Pillar).
Yagnya Stambha:
The Yagnya Stambha (Pillar) stand's in front of the Yagnya Vedi. This massive Pillar stand's at the place where the Yagnya Purna Ahuti of the Maha Somayaga was done.
Shreeji said about the Pillar, that this Pillar signifies the ushering in of the Satya Yuga. This Pillar is reminding everybody, that the Light of Satya Dharma and Agnihotra is spreading throughout the planet.
This Towering structure is 40 Ft tall and is made from stone blocks. It has a Hexagonal base. On each side are carved the message's and teaching's of Shreeji. They have also been carved into a plate of white marble and then etched in golden color. On top of the Pillar, a burning flame, also carved form the stone that was used to build the Pillar, has been placed.
Bhagwan Parshuram Mandir:
From the base of the Yagnya Pillar a magnificient Temple structure can be seen. This is the Bhagwan Parshuram Temple. This has been covered with a beautiful red marble. A Gopura Shikhar has also ben built over this Temple similar to the Shiv Mandir and Bhagwati Sonamta Mandir.
In this Temple, the Pure White Marble Idol of Bhagwan Shree Parshuram has been placed. The Bhagwan Parshuram Paduka also have been placed here.
The Temple has a half door, which is kept open during the day, through which the Idol is visible even from a far distance.
On the top of the Temple, The Dashavatar, have been depicted, through beautiful statues.
Go Samadhi:
After The Bhagwan Parshuram Temple, one can see a very beautiful statue of a Cow, under a magnificient monument.
This is the Go Samadhi. A stone image of a Cow, in a sitting down position has been placed under a Stupa like monument.
Shreeji had The Go Samadhi (Cow Memorial), built in Shivpuri in the memory of the Cow, whose milk and ghee were used in the 1969 Maha Somayaga in Shivpuri.
Shatagni:
On the way back, near the Yagnya Vedi, a Topha (Cannon), made from stone has been kept. Shreeji refered to this Cannon as the Shatgni.
The Cannon has been placed ther to signify the power of the Satya Dharma. It issues a word of caution to any dark power trying to undermine the power of the Light. It signifies that the Power of Satya Dharma has cleansed the world of all evil and Darkness. It warns any Darkness, that might try to ressurect, that the Power of Satya Dharma will destroy it again, as it has done now. So it is better not to spread again at all. It It signifies the victory of the Truth and Light over Falsehood and Darkness.
Shreeji's Samadhi:
Shreeji's Samadhi has been placed on the same place, where His cabin was built, during the Maha Somayaga, from where He watched over the entire event.
This is also th same place where Bhagwan Shiv, in the disguise of a Saint, had met with Him and had expressed the desire to reside in Shivpuri.
A cane cabin has been erected, at the site today to denote the exact area of His Samadhi.
Vahinisaheb Samadhi:
This has been built very close from the site of Shreeji's Samadhi.
A cane cabin has been erected, at the site today to denote the exact area of Her Samadhi.
Shreekantji Samadhi:
This has been built in between both Shreeji and Vahinisaheb's Samadhi place.
A cane cabin has been erected, at the site today to denote the exact area of His Samadhi.
Dharmatma Tatyaji Maharaj Smarak (Memorial):
This beautiful Temple ahs been built near the Ayurvedic Centre. A Bust image made from Bronze has been placed in the Temple. It is in between the Ayurvedic Centre and the Ayurvedic Manufacturing Unit. It is surrounded by a garden consisting of rare Ayurvedic Herb's and beautiful flowering plant's.
Shivdarshan:
'Shivdarshan', the house which Shreeji dwelled in during His stay in Shivpuri was built later after the Yagnya. It has a outer room where Shreeji sat to give Darshan to all the devotee's who cam to Him. It also has a Hall, where Vahinisaheb met and gave Darshan to all the devotee's who came to her.
Swami Shivanad Yagendra Maharaja, in whose name the Ashram is called Shivpuri, had indicated that there be a lot of beautiful Flower's and plant's around Him. On one ocassion Swami Shivanand Yogendra Maharaj remarked "Behold, the fragrancesof flowers pervades our garden".
In fulfillment of these words a garden is laid out at Shivapuri where you find the fragrance of flowers pervading among the existence of rare trees like Rudraksha (Eleocarpus-ganitrus-Roxb), Camphor (cimamomum- Camphora,L.) and Kadamba (Anthocphalus-cadamba,Mig) etc and several potent medical herbs.
Shreeji had also mentioned it a couple of times. When Shreeji was still dwelling in Guru Mandir, He would send a few of His devotee's everyday to form and maintain a garden near the Samadhi of Swamiji. He would specifically instruct people about the way the garden has to be developed. He would also always inquire about the progress of the work in the gardens of Shivpuri.
When He started dwelling in Shivpuri 1984, He would everyday go to all the Shrines for Pooja and Darshan. During this time He would also personally look at all the trees in the gardens and make sure people are taking due care of them. He would also not like if a certain tree went dry and would feel sad about the incident. He also used to be very happy and joyed if a new tree was planted. Whenever somone showed the inclination of working in the gardens of Shivpuri or planting some new trees or developing some new area into a garden, He would be very pleased. He always encouraged people to look after the gardens and spend time working in the area in Shivpuri.
Shreekantji also carried the same feeling about Shivpuri and its Gardens.
He would constantly work towards the maintenance and upkeep of the premises especially the trees and the gardens.He developed many new gardens and also planted many new trees. He instructed people personally how to plan a new garden and how to procure the necessary trees.
Many new ideas were also initiated by Him. He instructed the people to have the entire garden area to be covered by Drip Irrigation Method. As stated earlier, Shivpuri lies in an area of low rainfall. Due to this the avarage corp of this area is also effected. There were times when even drinking water became scarce. In this scenario, there was very little or no water left for the trees in the gardens of Shivpuri. Shreekantji immediately instructed the people to even buy the water via tankers if necessary, but give water to the garden trees. He also built watering holes in the gardensfor the birds and other animals like Hare, Deer, Peacocks, Jackals, etc who came looking for water.
The Ashram of Shivpuri has many beautiful Garden. All of them have been designed keeping a theme in mind. Most of the trees growing in the Ashram premises have been planted around the 1950's.
The whole Ashram looks like one huge beautiful place with many green areas distributed throughout the campus. A lot of themed gardens gives the visitor a chance to see all of them one by and also learn a lot about the trees and herbs planted in those gardens. The Gardens are all well spread out and one can walk from one to the other.
Many visitors throughout the year visit Shivpuri. They are mesmerised by the sheer beauty of the place. People come from all over the world and they are deeply impressed by the beautiful gardens and preserves of Shivpuri.
Water Supply:
Shivpuri has three wells and three borewells in the Ashram Premises. They supply the entire ashram with all the water that is needed. The water for all the purposes like Cleaning, Cooking, for the guest rooms, gardens, farm crops is taken from these water sources. Big tanks have been built at variuos places in the Ashram, where the water is pumped from these resources. From here the water is then distributed to various places for local use. The Drip Irrigation System, which provides water supply to the gardens is connected to similar tanks near the garden areas. From here the water is given to all the plants through the Drip Parallel's.
Themed Gardens:
Shivpuri has the following Themed Gardens:
Mango Plantation:
This plantation is near the Go Samadhi area. It has a total of about 300 Mango trees. Some of the trees are of the Alphonso variety of Mango and some are of the Kesar (Indian Breed) variety of Mango. They have been planted in 2004. They are being cultivated as per the Agnihotra Farming Method.
Yagnya Garden:
Many big trees can be seen in the area behind the Banyan tree in Shivpuri. This is the Yagnya trees garden. All the tree used in Yagnya's are planted here. They are Vad, Bilva, Khair, Palash, Audumbar, Pimpal, Shami, etc. They ahev been planted here for the purpose of using in Yagnya's.
Ayurveda Garden:
This has been developed in the area around the Dharmatma Tatyaji maharaja Memorial. It has more than 80 rare Ayurvedic herbs. They have been preserved here. Many students and patients, who come to the Ayurveda center spend time in the garden, getting knowledge about them from the information plates near each tree.
Landscaped Garden:
This has been planned near the Housing quarters. This is a beautifully landscaped garden with water fountains and lotus ponds. A lot of green lawn is growing in this area making it looks like a beautiful postcard picture. The water fountain is used only at evening and nights with multicolored lights. The lotus ponds have beautiful lotuses of 3-4 different colors. Most of the days there are atleast a few lotuses that can be seen. The artificial mounts and the rock garden also add to the scenic beauty of that area.
Tulsi Garden:
A huge plot of Tulsi (Ocimum Sanctum) has been planted near the Bhagwan Shree Krishna Statue. It has the Krishna Tulas variety of Tulsi (Holy Basil) growing in neatly arranged plots. This Tulsi is used daily for the Pooja of the Dieties.
Bilva Trees:
A lot of Bilva (Aegle Marmelos) trees have also been planted at various places in the Ashram. Shivpuri is the Samadhi Place of Swami Shivanand Yogendra Maharaja, who is a incarnation of Bhagwan Shiva. During the 1969 Somayaga, Bhagwan Shiva had Himself appeared in the form of a Saint and had expressed the desire of residing in Shivpuri. This incident reiterated the fact that Shvipuri is indeed BHU KAILASA, the Holy Abode of Bhagwan Shiva. Bhagwan Shiva, has twice, Once in the form of Swamiji taking Samadhi here and then in 1969 as Saint expressing the desire of living here, has shown the fact that He is now residing in Shvipuri and that from now on this is Kailas. Bilva leaves are needed for the Pooja of Bhagwan Shiva. All the leaves from the Bilva trees in Shivpuri are used for the Pooja of Swamiji and The Kashi Vishweshwar Shiva Linga and other Holy Shiva Linga's in Shivpuri.
Fruit Trees:
A lot of fruit trees like Guava, Chickoo, etc have been planted on the pathway towards the Sonamata Temple.
Flowers:
Many trees bearing beautiful and aromatic flowers ahev been planted on the pathway from in front of the Shiva Mandir till the Go Samadhi. They contain trees like Rose, Jasmine, Champaka etc. All the flowers collected from these trees are used for the Pooja of the dieties in Shivpuri.
Rudraksha Trees:
There are many Rudraksha Trees in Shivpuri. Usually Rudraksha trees grow only in high altitude zones and in cooler climates. But they are still growing in Shivpuri, despite it being in the plains.
Swami Shivanad Yagendra Maharaja, in whose name the Ashram is called Shivpuri, had indicated that there be a lot of beautiful Flower's and plant's around Him. On one ocassion Swami Shivanand Yogendra Maharaj remarked "Behold, the fragrancesof flowers pervades our garden".
In fulfillment of these words a garden is laid out at Shivapuri where you find the fragrance of flowers pervading among the existence of rare trees like Rudraksha (Eleocarpus-ganitrus-Roxb), Camphor (cimamomum- Camphora,L.) and Kadamba (Anthocphalus-cadamba,Mig) etc and several potent medical herbs.
Shreeji had also mentioned it a couple of times. When Shreeji was still dwelling in Guru Mandir, He would send a few of His devotee's everyday to form and maintain a garden near the Samadhi of Swamiji. He would specifically instruct people about the way the garden has to be developed. He would also always inquire about the progress of the work in the gardens of Shivpuri.
When He started dwelling in Shivpuri 1984, He would everyday go to all the Shrines for Pooja and Darshan. During this time He would also personally look at all the trees in the gardens and make sure people are taking due care of them. He would also not like if a certain tree went dry and would feel sad about the incident. He also used to be very happy and joyed if a new tree was planted. Whenever somone showed the inclination of working in the gardens of Shivpuri or planting some new trees or developing some new area into a garden, He would be very pleased. He always encouraged people to look after the gardens and spend time working in the area in Shivpuri.
Shreekantji also carried the same feeling about Shivpuri and its Gardens.
He would constantly work towards the maintenance and upkeep of the premises especially the trees and the gardens.He developed many new gardens and also planted many new trees. He instructed people personally how to plan a new garden and how to procure the necessary trees.
Many new ideas were also initiated by Him. He instructed the people to have the entire garden area to be covered by Drip Irrigation Method. As stated earlier, Shivpuri lies in an area of low rainfall. Due to this the avarage corp of this area is also effected. There were times when even drinking water became scarce. In this scenario, there was very little or no water left for the trees in the gardens of Shivpuri. Shreekantji immediately instructed the people to even buy the water via tankers if necessary, but give water to the garden trees. He also built watering holes in the gardensfor the birds and other animals like Hare, Deer, Peacocks, Jackals, etc who came looking for water.
The Ashram of Shivpuri has many beautiful Garden. All of them have been designed keeping a theme in mind. Most of the trees growing in the Ashram premises have been planted around the 1950's.
The whole Ashram looks like one huge beautiful place with many green areas distributed throughout the campus. A lot of themed gardens gives the visitor a chance to see all of them one by and also learn a lot about the trees and herbs planted in those gardens. The Gardens are all well spread out and one can walk from one to the other.
Many visitors throughout the year visit Shivpuri. They are mesmerised by the sheer beauty of the place. People come from all over the world and they are deeply impressed by the beautiful gardens and preserves of Shivpuri.
Water Supply:
Shivpuri has three wells and three borewells in the Ashram Premises. They supply the entire ashram with all the water that is needed. The water for all the purposes like Cleaning, Cooking, for the guest rooms, gardens, farm crops is taken from these water sources. Big tanks have been built at variuos places in the Ashram, where the water is pumped from these resources. From here the water is then distributed to various places for local use. The Drip Irrigation System, which provides water supply to the gardens is connected to similar tanks near the garden areas. From here the water is given to all the plants through the Drip Parallel's.
Themed Gardens:
Shivpuri has the following Themed Gardens:
Mango Plantation:
This plantation is near the Go Samadhi area. It has a total of about 300 Mango trees. Some of the trees are of the Alphonso variety of Mango and some are of the Kesar (Indian Breed) variety of Mango. They have been planted in 2004. They are being cultivated as per the Agnihotra Farming Method.
Yagnya Garden:
Many big trees can be seen in the area behind the Banyan tree in Shivpuri. This is the Yagnya trees garden. All the tree used in Yagnya's are planted here. They are Vad, Bilva, Khair, Palash, Audumbar, Pimpal, Shami, etc. They ahev been planted here for the purpose of using in Yagnya's.
Ayurveda Garden:
This has been developed in the area around the Dharmatma Tatyaji maharaja Memorial. It has more than 80 rare Ayurvedic herbs. They have been preserved here. Many students and patients, who come to the Ayurveda center spend time in the garden, getting knowledge about them from the information plates near each tree.
Landscaped Garden:
This has been planned near the Housing quarters. This is a beautifully landscaped garden with water fountains and lotus ponds. A lot of green lawn is growing in this area making it looks like a beautiful postcard picture. The water fountain is used only at evening and nights with multicolored lights. The lotus ponds have beautiful lotuses of 3-4 different colors. Most of the days there are atleast a few lotuses that can be seen. The artificial mounts and the rock garden also add to the scenic beauty of that area.
Tulsi Garden:
A huge plot of Tulsi (Ocimum Sanctum) has been planted near the Bhagwan Shree Krishna Statue. It has the Krishna Tulas variety of Tulsi (Holy Basil) growing in neatly arranged plots. This Tulsi is used daily for the Pooja of the Dieties.
Bilva Trees:
A lot of Bilva (Aegle Marmelos) trees have also been planted at various places in the Ashram. Shivpuri is the Samadhi Place of Swami Shivanand Yogendra Maharaja, who is a incarnation of Bhagwan Shiva. During the 1969 Somayaga, Bhagwan Shiva had Himself appeared in the form of a Saint and had expressed the desire of residing in Shivpuri. This incident reiterated the fact that Shvipuri is indeed BHU KAILASA, the Holy Abode of Bhagwan Shiva. Bhagwan Shiva, has twice, Once in the form of Swamiji taking Samadhi here and then in 1969 as Saint expressing the desire of living here, has shown the fact that He is now residing in Shvipuri and that from now on this is Kailas. Bilva leaves are needed for the Pooja of Bhagwan Shiva. All the leaves from the Bilva trees in Shivpuri are used for the Pooja of Swamiji and The Kashi Vishweshwar Shiva Linga and other Holy Shiva Linga's in Shivpuri.
Fruit Trees:
A lot of fruit trees like Guava, Chickoo, etc have been planted on the pathway towards the Sonamata Temple.
Flowers:
Many trees bearing beautiful and aromatic flowers ahev been planted on the pathway from in front of the Shiva Mandir till the Go Samadhi. They contain trees like Rose, Jasmine, Champaka etc. All the flowers collected from these trees are used for the Pooja of the dieties in Shivpuri.
Rudraksha Trees:
There are many Rudraksha Trees in Shivpuri. Usually Rudraksha trees grow only in high altitude zones and in cooler climates. But they are still growing in Shivpuri, despite it being in the plains.
VEDA AGNIHOTRA CENTER:
Veda Agnihotra Centre (VAC) was started to make Agnihotra Material and Literature available through out the world.
Building:
Today VAC is housed in the plush new Admin block. It has a very elegant looking display area, where all the Agnihotra Material and Literature are arranged for people to see and buy. It has a space of around 1500 Sq. Ft on the ground floor and around 1500 Sq Ft on the first floor. It has a very sleek counter made from grey Granite stone.
Products:
VAC mainly displays Agnihotra requirements. With it VAC, also sells the Ayurvedic and Aromatic Products like Incense, etc made in Shivpuri Ashram. It gives the visitors an oppartunity of buying authentic and pure products at a discounted price. The visitors enjoy a major discount on the MRP. Also available through VAC are CD's and Cassette's on Shreeji, Agnihotra, etc. There are various CD's with devotional songs and chants about Shreeji. Also available in a CD format is the audio recorded version of the Divya Sandesh. One can also purchase from here Photos and rare pictures of Shreeji.
Also being made available through VAC are 100% Pure cotton T- Shirts with the prints of the Yagnya Stambha in Shivpuri and the Shivpuri Insignia, in two different designs and four different colors. There is also a choice of with or without collar T- Shirts. Cap's with the Shivpuri official Insignia are also available in two different colors.
Book Store:
The first floor houses a large book store, where all the publications made by Shivpuri or by Shivpuri allied publishers are available for sale. It has a very spacious and airy area where guests can walk and browse through the books with leisure.
The entire store is managed electronically through computers and bar codes.
One day, Swami Samarth Maharaj, called His closest disciple, Shree Ballappa Maharaj and gave Him things form His (Swami Samarth Maharaj) personal use. Swami Samarth Maharaj then asked Ballappa Maharaj to form a Guru Peetha (Seat of the Guru and Dharma) in the name of Shree Swami Samarth Maharaj. He also asked Ballappa Maharaj to provide some Food and a Place of residence to all the Devotees who would come to take Swami Samarth Maharajji's Darshan. He asked Ballappa Maharaj to make sure that the work of spreading the message of Swami Samarth Maharaj will go on till the Sun and Moon remain in the sky.
So, on recieving this message from His Guru and Master, Ballappa Maharaj found and Guru Peetha and a Math (Monastery) to do the work. This Math is called Guru Mandir or Ballappa math. He started the tradition of providing all the devotees with Food and Accomodation in the Math.
When Shreeji became the Peethadeesha (The Person In Charge of the Guru Peetha), He continued all the initiatives started by Ballappa Maharaj. He would make sure that no devotee left the Math without getting something to eat. In the early times VahiniSaheb, would herself cook food for all the devotees, who came to take Darshan in the Math.
Shreeji continued this tradition even when He started residing in Shivpuri.
He founded the Sati Chimamata Annapurna Samiti, to make provide Food and Accomodation, to all the devotees coming to Shivpuri. He named it 'Sati Chimamata', after the Holy Mother Chimamata from Rajimwale family. She was a very Pious and Charitable Lady, who devoted all Her life for serving the Lord. She would also give Food everyday, to the people in Her town, as Prasad of the Diety Bhagwan Rajiv Lochan.
Shreeji started the Annapurna, in Her Holy Memory.
Following the tradition of Guru Mandir, Shivpuri, has been engaged in the noble work of providing food and accommodation to visiting pilgrims since almost Four decades.
Building:
Annapurna is housed in a grand building in Shivpuri. It is 5000 Sq Ft large. It has a huge kitchen, where the food for Prasad to be given to the people is cooked. The Food for the Naivedyam of the Dieties is also cooked in Annapurna.
Annapurna has a huge storage room for storing the raw ingredients required for cooking like flour, rice, pulses, etc.
Annapurna has a big hall for people to sit and have their food. There is also a small hall where the daily inmates eat their food.
Annapurna building also has four rooms to act as residences of the inmates working in Annapurna.
Food Materials:
Most of the ingredients that are used for cooking in Annapurna are grown using Agnihotra Farming Methods. Some of them like Wheat, Jowar, Bajra, Pulse's, Groundnut's, etc are grown in the farms of Shivpuri. Some of it is grown by Agnihotra followers in various parts of th Nation. The milk that is required for Tea, Curd's, Buttermilk, etc is used from Shivpuri's own Goshala.
Timing's:
Prasadam is provided to the devotees irrespective of the time of the day. Prasadam continues 24 hours. No devotee must leave without food. To do this the Prasadam is offered round the clock. Sometimes if the devotees come late at night, then fresh food is cooked for them by the Ashram inmates. Nobody is sent back without Prasadam.
Devotees:
Prasadam, is provided to all the people who visit the Shivpuri Ashram everyday. It is a tradition which has been followed for many decades now. Many devotees visit the Ashram and spend longer duration of period with an aim of studying the Vedas and other Indian Sciences like Ayurveda, Yoga, etc or meditating or offering physical Seva. The Ashram operates the Annapurna to provide food for all the visitors who come here everyday from all over the world.
Shivpuri has its own Goshala (Cow Farm). Currently we have about 40 cows and around 15 young calves. Most of the current lot of cows have been born right here in Shvipuri.
Guru Mandir has a tradition of Cow rearing for more than a hundred years. There was a Cow shed in the court yard of Guru Mandir, till around 1950's. Then the existing building was built and the Cow's were shifted to another location.
Shreeji was very fond of Cow's. He had a Cow farm built in Konahalli, in a farm owned by Mr. parkhe, on the Solapur - Akkalkot road. He would visit the farm often on important festival days, etc to give sweets and other food items to the Cow's. He always enquired about their well being and asked the people there totake great care of the Cow's in the farm. The Cow farm still stands there and even today has a number of Cow's, which are being reared and cared for by the family of Mr. Parkhe.
Shreeji would always promote people to start their own GoShala (Cow Farm). He said that the cows are a very integral and essential part of the Yagnya Sanstha (System).
So for the rejuvenation of the Vedic knowledge and for doing Yagnyas, Cow's are needed. That is why the rearing of Cow's has been in the human systems for a long time. The milk and other milk products that are made form the milk are part of the daily food products acroos most of the planet and is used in almost all cultures. Also Cow's are essential for Agriculture as the Bulls are used to tilling the land and the Dung and Urine from the Cow's acts a very potent Organic Manure and pesticide. That is maybe one of the chief reasons that Cow's have been reared by human's since ancient times.
Go Samadhi:
Shreeji even had a Go Samadhi (Cow Memorial), built in Shivpuri in the memory of the Cow, whose milk and ghee were used in the 1969 MahaSomayaga in Shivpuri. He strongly abolished the concept of flesh offerings in the Yagnyga fire and urged people to practice Ahimsak (Without flesh sacrifice) systems of Yagnya.
Shivpuri, thus has a very long association and history of Cow rearing.
Cow Rearing Methods:
All the cows in Shivpuri are reared using organic and vedic methods. They are even given Ayurvedic medicines form time to time to keep them healthy. Also some herbs which Ayurveda has said as Lactation increasing are given to the Cow's. An doctor has been specially appointed for the maintenance of health of the Cow's. A detailed report of every Cow has been kept to make sure that the medication and other important things can be given on time. Also a milking record and a Service record of all the Cow's is kept to assure timely Weaning off and then timely conception to happen.
Building:
A new Cow Shed was erected in Shivpuri, in the year 2007. Today it has been built to accomodate upto 60 cows. It is a strong structure with ample space for the Cow's to walk around and rest. It is made from concrete for sheilding the Cow's from the elements. They are safe iside during the scorching heat and the occasional thunder storms that are very usual in the area around Shivpuri. During the summer as the heat touches scorching heights with temperatures touching upto 45 degree celcius, the Cow's are safe inside the new shed. Special provisions like putting up of Vetiver (Khus) curtains, etc is done to avoid too much heat from entering the shed and bothering the Cow's health.
Calf Shed:
A special shed has been built near the main building for the young calves. They are kept separate because there are sometimes chances of them hurting themselves due to the excess jumping around they do. A separate shed enables them to have their own space, where they can play around by themselves. Also if the running around of calves has known to cause disturbance to the Cow's. They are kept in a different shed and allowed to drink the milk from the Cow's during the milking time. They are also let loose with the Cow's during grazing time in the fields. Special care is also taken of the calves to maintain a steady growth rate. They are also given Special Ayurvedic medicines to ensure optimum growth and development. Also the On Duty Vet does a complete routine check up of the calves to guarantee a disease free growing period. A detailed record of the calves is kept individually to mark the growth rate, Service period, etc.
Fodder:
We also accept donations for other services like Sponsoring the Cow Fodder, Medicines, etc. One can also contribute towards this cause.
Great care is taken in making sure that the Cow's are fed the right fodder. The Cow's are fed Green Grass, Dry Grass, Go Khadya (Cow Feed) which is a powder like material which made from a combination of various Pulses, Whole Rice Flakes, Sesame Seeds, Whole Wheat Flakes, Groundnut Paste, etc., Special Ayurvedic Formula and also they are given time to graze around in the open fields and meadows around the Cow Farm. Some farms around Shivpuri have been specially developed to become grazing grounds for the Cow's. The Dr and Green Grass, that is fed to the Cow's, is also grown in Shivpuri Farms on Agnihotra Farming Methods. Various Medicines as per Vet Specifications are also given to the Cow's to ensure optimum health. Only recently in the year 2008, a new fodder cutting machine was bought, which cuts the fodder into pieces short enough for the Cow's to eat easily. The specific watering times are also noted and the Cow's are given ample and clean ground water from the wells or Borewells of Shivpuri. This guarantees a contamination free drinking water and restrict the transfer of water borne diseases.
Milking:
The Cows's are milked two times a day. Once at 5 am and then again at around 4 pm. Experienced staff members only are allowed to do this activity, as an inexperienced person can end up hurting the Cow. The milk from these cows is used in Annapurna-kitchen. This milk is also used for the Naivedyam (offering to God). the milk is used to make Naivedyam both in Shivpuri and Guru Mandir. Fresh milk is sent ot Guru Mandir every day for the Naivedyam purpose.
Milk Distribution:
Some milk is also distributed in the nearby localities. People from the areas around Shivpuri come to Shivpuri every morning and evening to collect the milk. They have said that though milk is also available around the places where they live but they prefer the Milk form Shivpuri as it is more Tasty and Pure. They also say that the milk form Shivpuri is 100% Pure and they guarantee that it is adulteration free, which is not always as story with the milk available outside. So even if it means travelling 1-2 kms by walking or by a bike, they prefer the milk from Shivpuri than any other.
Shree Shreekantji Maharaja insisted that the milk form Shivpuri be given to the people living in the areas around Shivpuri. He said that the milk will help the small children in the area to grow becoming strong and healthy. He would always make sure that the people were given their daily requirement of milk. Sometimes when the milk was not enough, due to some reason, He would ask the Shivpuri inmates to buy milk from elsewhere for Shivpuri needs like Annapurna etc but give the everyday people their necessary amount. He would not like the children to be deprived of their daily milk and thus hamper their health, even for that one day.
Today more than 100 families collect milk form Shivpuri Goshala everyday. Shvipuri is trying to ncrease this number by buying more Cow's and increasing the milk production.
Cow Dung:
The Goshala also serves as a source for the Cow dung for making the Dry Cow Dung Cakes which are necessary for Agnihotra purposes. All the Dung is collected throughout the day and kept in an area specially demarcated for the drying purposes. Shivpuri inmates, Agnihotris visiting Shvipuri and some employees do the work of making the Dung Cakes. It is a process which involves cleaning the dung, mixixngit with water, blending it cohesively to form a homogenous mixture and then making it into a round form and laying it on the ground for drying. Today all this activity is being done on the terrace of the new Cow Shed. This has enabled the esay transfer of Cow Dung ad there is no loss during transport. also it is concrete slab, which ensures a flat cleanable surface for the Cakes, making them really flat, round and clean on drying. After drying, the cakes are then placed in a jute bag, around 300 Cakes in each bag. These bags are then stored in a dry place, away from directsunlight in a special storage facillity. Here later, some of the Cakes are then transfered into smaller packing size of 30 each, for selling purposes. They are sold through the Veda Agnihotra Center (VAC). nd the Pure ghee required for Agnihotra.
Cow Ghee:
Cow Ghee is a necessay element of Agnihotra. Pure Cow's Ghee is made everyday in Shivpuri from the cream that is collected in Shivpuri. The Ghee is made using the Ayurvedic method of making Ghee. All the Ghee made in Shivpuri is then used in Shivpuri. Some is also sold in 500 gms and 0ne kg containers through the VAC.
Milk Products:
Some milk products are also made from the leftover milk. Products like Curds,Shrikhand (Indian Yoghurt Sweet) and is also made available to the people living around Shivpuri.
Manure:
Broken pieces, leftover dung and Urine are collected into a soak pit. This is situated behind the Cow Shed. All of these are emptied, every seven days into a manure pit which is dug near the Northern end of the Shed. All the farm and Cow Farm waste like leftover fodder, dry leaves, twigs and the material from the soak pit are mixed together in this pit. it is a closed pit method of making manure. Agnihotra Ash is also added to this mixture. This method is as per the Agnihotra Farming Methods. All the manure that is made here is used in the Gardens of Shivpuri and also in the Farms.
Proposed:
A new shed for Cow rearing, which can house up to 100 cows is under planning. Shivpuri plans to build a dairy project also where Pure Ghee, etc can be made on a large scale.
Go Daan:
We run the GoShala on a no-profit basis. We urge people to come forward and donate towards this noble cause.
We also accept Go Daan (Donation in form of Cow). People who want to donate a cow can contact us via Letter, Phone or Email.
We also accept donations for other services like Sponsoring the Cow Fodder, Medicines, etc. One can also contribute towards this cause.