Visit of 20 Devotees from Maharashtra
to Omkarananda Ashram Himalayas, on 3rd and 4th May 2013

The honourable guests from Mumbai and Pune are received by Swami Vishveshwarananda and Kumari Somashekhari.

In the afternoon of 3rd May 2013 20 Devotees, mainly from Mumbai and Pune, Maharashtra, who were on a religious journey to the Himalayas, came to seek the Blessings of Divine Mother Omkarananda-Kamakshi-Devi.

They knew, that the Omkarananda-Kamakshi-Devi Mandir, built in the typical South Indian Tradition, is a landmark in the entire State of Uttarakhand.

Kumari Somashekhari, General Secretary of Omkarananda Ashram Himalayas, guided the entire group inside and around the beautiful Temple-Complex and explained to the Devotees the meaning and importance of each Divinity, residing in the different Shrines.

After having taken the Darshan of Omkarananda-Kamakshi-Devi and other Deities, the Devotees were blessed with Arati, Kumkum, Vibhuti and Prasadam.

They were eager to know more about the Temples, about the Activities of Omkarananda Ashram, about different aspects of spiritual life, etc.

The Devotees were eager to know the meaning of the sacred Meru Yantra.

Exchange of spiritual thoughts with Swami Vishveshwarananda and Kumari Somashekhari.

Sitting relaxed all together on the stairs, adjoining Omkarananda Vidya Bhawan, they were served tea and biscuits and could calmly enjoy the beautiful environment of the Headquarters of Omkarananda Ashram Himalayas, with its lovely Temples and natural surroundings.

Kumari Somashekhari spoke to them about the wonderful works done by Gurudev Paramahamsa Omkarananda Saraswati in the field of spiritual life, social activities and education, specially in the remote area of Garhwal Himalayas, where by His Grace so many important educational Centres and Places of Worship have been established.

Many questions were raised by the Devotees in relation to spiritual progress, which were answered by Swami Vishveshwarananda and Kumari Somashekhari to their satisfaction.

In the end, the Guru of the Devotees, expressed his deepest thanks on behalf of all and he said, that the words of Wisdom of Swami Vishveshwaranandaji and Somaji are so precious, that they will never forget them anymore throughout their whole lives.

A few of the guests from Maharashtra, who knew, that Somashekhari is an excellent Bharatanatyam Dance Performer, expressed their wish to see her dance.

Kumari Somashekhari agreed, as a special case, to dance in the Temple on the next day, after evening Arati.

High class Bharatanatyam Dance Performances by Kumari Somashekhari.

On Saturday afternoon of the 4th May 2013 all arrangements were made for the evening dance-program in Omkarananda-Kamakshi-Devi Temple.

During the evening Arati for Omkarananda-Kamakshi-Devi all Devotees assembled in the Temple Hall.

After the wonderful Arati Shri Swami Vishveshwarananda Saraswati welcomed all and spoke in brief about Kumari Somashekhari and the dances, which she was going to present.

Somashekhari started with the most difficult Bharatanatyam item "Melaprapti", then continued with "Ganesha-Kauthuvam", which was followed by "Shiva-Panchaakshara Stotram with Alarippu" in Khanda Chapu Taala.

All these three dances are pure Temple-Dance-Items, very rare and very precious and had been taught to Somashekhari with utmost dedication, diligence and affection by the great Bharatanatyam Guru, Shri Deepak Mazumdar, from Mumbai, who is also the Bharatanatyam Dance Guru and Choreographer of the world-famous Film-Actress and Classical Dancer Hema Malini.

 Kumari Somashekhari completed her dance-performances with a dance, dedicated to Lord Krishna, which she presented in the North Indian Classical Dance, Kathak.

The clapping response spoke for itself.

A delighted Devotee takes the Blessings of Somashekhari.

Krishna Dance by a Devotee from Mumbai.

Swami Vishveshwarananda thanked Somashekhari for the wonderful moments everyone could enjoy during her dance-performance.

He spoke about the great spiritual life, Somashekhari is living, about her dedication to the Indian Classical Art in form of Bharatanatyam Dance and her deep devotion to Swami Omkarananda.

Swami Vishveshwarananda further pointed out the great sacrifices of Somaji in completely renouncing all the worldly affairs in order to be fully in the service to the holy Feet of Paramahamsa Omkarananda Saraswati.

Then Swamiji offered his special thanks to all the Priests for their assistance.

He explained to the audience the importance of a spiritual life, a life guided by the Guru and the importance of prayers and meditation. He emphasized, that only a life of utmost purity can bring man closer to the Truth. Karma Yoga, Swamiji said, is a good exercise to control the jumping mind and to be more focussed on the Divine.

Spiritual advices to the noble Seekers by Swami Vishveshwarananda.

The audience gave an overwhelming response for the opportunity they had, to be part of this wonderful function.

They surrounded Swami Vishveshwarananda and Kumari Somashekhari and overflowed them with endless thanks.