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ys[kd % Lokeh vksekuUn ljLorh Ph: 01396-228204, 228205, 228540 Website: www.swamikalyandev.com Website: vkbZ ,l ch ,u 978&81&87796&02&2 email: [email protected] or [email protected] email: [email protected] Hindi edition of Shukteerth a brief sketch is also available. Please contact us at following address address following at us contact Please available. is also sketch a brief Hindi edition of Shukteerth Shri Shukdev Ashram Swami Kalyandev Sewa Trust Shukratal (Shukteerth), Muzaffarnagar, U.P. (India) U.P. Muzaffarnagar, (Shukteerth), Shukratal Trust Sewa Kalyandev Swami Ashram Shri Shukdev The Ganges, flowing peacefully by Shuktar, reminds us of the eternal message of ‘tolerance’ for the past five thousand years. Shuktar, described in the Indian mythological scriptures as a place of abstinence, is located on the banks of the holy river, 72 kilometers away from Haridwar. Here, Ganges has, over centuries, cut a swathe through a rocky region to maintain her eternal flow. With the passage of time, Shuktar became famous as Shukratal. Samadhi Mandir of Brahmleen Swami Kalyandev ji Maharaj a brief sketch Shukteerth Shukteerth a brief sketch

Written by Swami Omanand Saraswati

Published by Shri Shukdev Ashram Swami Kalyandev Sewa Trust Shukratal (Shukteerth), Muzaffarnagar, U.P. - 251316 (India) Shukteerth a brief sketch

Edited by Ram Jiwan Taparia & Vijay Sharma Designed by Raj Kumar Nandvanshi Published by Vectra Image on behalf of Shri Shukdev Ashram Swami Kalyandev Sewa Trust Shukratal (Shukteerth), Muzaffarnagar, U.P. (India) Ph: 01396-228204, 228205, Fax: 01396-228540 Email: [email protected] Website: www.swamikalyandev.com

Second Edition September, 2014

ISBN 978-8-18-779602-2

Price: Rs. 120/-

ectra Image Design and print 13/1C, 2nd Floor, Shree Mahavir Plaza (Near Jaipuria Management Institute) Vasundhara, Ghaziabad-201012 (U.P.) Ph: 9312832932, 9810195373, 0120-2880466, 3967706 email: [email protected] a brief sketch Shukteerth Contents Complements from spiritual dignitaries...... 5

Shukteerth: an introduction...... 8

History of Shrimad Bhagvat...... 9

History of Shukteerth...... 10

Shukteerth and Maharaja Parikshit...... 17

Shukteerth and Mahamuni Shri Shukdev ji...... 18

A brief Introduction of Swami Kalyandev ji Maharaj...... 20

Swami Kalyandev ji and Shukteerth...... 23

Shukteerth a brief sketch (Pictorial Section)...... 24

Swami Kalyandev ji takes eternal samadhi...... 41

Swami Omanand Ji Saraswati, Successor of Brahmleen Respected Swami Kalyandev Ji Maharaj...... 41

Akshya Vat Vriksh, Shri Shukdev Ashram...... 55

List of honourable personalities who visited the Shri Shukdev Ashram...... 68

List of Kathavachaks performing Shrimad Bhagvat at the historical Bhagvatpeeth Shukteerth (The origin of Shrimad Bhagvat Katha)...... 76 Shukteerth a brief sketch Preface

hukteerth and Shrimad Bhagwat are two gems of India. Describing these two is beyond anyone capacity, considering Sdeep mystery involved in these. Shri Shukdev ji had narrated Shrimad Bhagwat first time to Raja Parikshit, grandson of Arjuna, the great Pandava warrior, precisely under this Banyan tree, here at Shukteerth on the banks of holy river Ganga. Shrimad Bhagwat and Shukteerth are synonymous with each other. Shukteerth is historical place with religious importance. For centuries however, the importance of this ancient site has remained obscure. Revered Swami Kalyandev ji Maharaj had made concerted efforts, dedicated and sacrificed his entire life spread over three centuries (late 19th, whole of 20th and early part of 21st century) in unfolding the mystery and importance of this holy place. This books seeks to recreate the history of Shukteerth and the holy story that was born here approximately 5100 years ago. It also answers all the queries related to the holy place and its story. Hindi editions of this book were acclaimed by the readers. This had inspired us to bring it in English too. Now its second edition is in your hands. We hope readers will find it useful.

Swami Omanand Saraswati a brief sketch Shukteerth Complements from spiritual dignitaries

Ramchandra Keshav Dongre Shastri ji Gujarat

Shukratal a great historical, religious and ancient place is origin of Srima Bhagwat Katha. It is a really commandable and appriciable effort to arrange publication of its history. Pilgrims and devotees were longing for this book since long, to answer their queries. Swami Omanand ji Saraswati has fulfilled this requirement and we hope now the name and fame of this seat of knowledge will spread across length and width of our nation. I had the privileged about 32 years ago to narrate Srimad Bhagwat here, with the blessing of Maharishi Shukdev ji and good wishes of Swami Kalyandev ji Maharaj. Again my good luck prevailed and I perform Bhagwat Katha from 10th to 18th September, 1990. Due to time lapse this ancient site had become ruins but with whole hearted and dedicated efforts of Swami Kalyandev ji, this place has been renovated and has attained its spiritual glory. I hope with this publication this important teerth Shukteerth will received due recognition and its fame will reach its glorious heights.

  

Prabhudutt Brahamchari Sankeertan Bhawan, Jhoosi Prayag, Allahabad (U.P.)

About 60 years ago, after attending a function at Muzaffarnagar, we had gone to Shukratal alongwith Shri Haribaba ji to narrate a week long Srimad Bhagwat Katha. We were told that Sri Shukdev ji had narrated Srimad Bhagwat first time to Raja Parikshit, under this historical Banyan tree, which was atop a big sand mound. Now this sand mound was reduced to a miserable state by incessant rains. Considering glory of this ancient site I thought of renovating this place. It was a coincidence that respected Swami Kalyandev ji Maharaj happened to at Allahabad during Kumbh Mela that year. I thought that only Swami Kalyandev ji Maharaj can renovate Shukratal teerth, because Swami ji had made a great significant contribution for the success of Gyitri Shatkundi Yagna at Delhi in year 1944, at the behest of Shri Karpatri ji Maharaj. He had good relation with government officials as well as commoners. He had also established hundreds of socially benevolent institutions. I took a solomon promise from him amidTriveni Sangam, for restoration of Shukratal (Shukteerth) in presence of saint and seers by giving Gangajal in his hands and he has fulfilled his pledge and promise in an excellent way. How this was restored to its pristine glorious past can be read in, his disciple Swami Omanand ji Saraswati’s bookShukteerth a brief sketch. This book gives us details of this teerth. I hope readers will find it extremely useful.

   Shukteerth a brief sketch

Swami Akhandanand Saraswati Anand Vrindavan Aashram Vrindavan (U.P.)

My heart is hilarious today. I also wish joy and happiness for devotees of Srimad Bhagwat. Shukteerth the holy and ancient site of Raja Parikshit and Maharishi Shukdev ji’s discourse is getting restored. Devoted efforts of respected Swami Kalyandev ji Maharaj for renovation of this ancient site are now quite visible. It is my ardent desire that this place, in the basic line of Hastinapur and Parikshitgarh, on the banks of holy river Ganga gets developed day by day and with its efforts all other spheres of life gets enlightened and this enriches humanities with good nature, deeds, knowledge and virtues.

This is heartiest desire finally it is all God Blessings.

   Sudarshan Singh Chakra Editor Sri Krishna Sandesh Mathura (U.P.)

I had gone to Shukratal in year 1958. I had also performed a week long Srimad Bhagwat Katha at Shukdev Temple, Shukratal. I was highly impressed and attracted towards this origin of Srimad Bhagwat Katha. Thereafter I used to there regularly. Also I came to know about highly appreciable and dedicated efforts of respected Swami Kalyandev ji Maharaj for restoring this ancient and historical site. His selfless dedication only, has made this teerth worth visiting for everyone. On many occasion I got sanctified just by having his darshan from a distance of this renunciated, penanced and austere saint.

By giving a beautiful description of this historical and religious site Swami Omanand ji Saraswati, a dedicated disciple of respected Swami Kalyandev ji Maharaj, has filled a great void of information pertaining to this origin of Srimad Bhagwat. Swami Omanand ji Saraswati is a young, energetic, highly educated saint with a literary brilliance. In coming days devotee and visitors of this teerth can expect a lot from him.

  

Dr. Awadh Bihari Lal Awasthi Ex. Professor Lucknow University Lucknow (U.P.)

Life of respected Swami Kalyandev ji Maharaj is worth following for the other saints of India. Sacrificing his whole life for social upliftment, national development with dedication and simplicity. This saint has also restored the glory of Shukteerth, the origin of Srimad Bhagwat. Today this teerth is marching to glorious heights and also highlighting this religious, spiritual and historical sight to the nation. This book Shukteerth a brief sketch is the right introduction of this place, whose writer Swami a brief sketch Shukteerth

Omanand ji Saraswati is a true devoted disciple of Swami Kalyandev ji Maharaj. He has studied science upto post graduation level but with religious and spiritual inclination of this young saint are worth mentioning. His efficient efforts will make this place a prominent religious place in India.

This is true Bhakti Yoga.    Pandit Jwala Prasad Gaur Retd. Principal, Varanasi (U.P.)

I have thoroughly read ‘Shukteerth a brief Sketch’ an introduction of Shukteerth by Swami Omanand ji Saraswati, from beginning to end and also studied his classified informations and spiritual vocabulary used for translations. This book is highly appreciable and commendable. Considering importance of this place the dedicated efforts for restoration and renovation of this ancient teerth by respected Swami Kalyandev ji Maharaj, leaves nothing to write more. This befitting glorious job has been rendered befitting his own glory. As has been said-

Mahatamekrupta Udaye Savita Rakta Raktashchasta Meva Cha

Saying anything more for revered Swami ji is like showing a tiny lamp to the sun. Lastly I am praying to Bhagwan Vishwanath ji to bless a blissful place at his lotus feet, to pious soul of Swami ji, so that we get his sacred blessings continuously.

  

Note: Above complementary messages have been translated and edited from original hindi text, pertaining to hindi editions.

Shukratal (shukteerth) History of this religious and ancient site dates back to approximately 5116 years, when Maharishi Shukdev Muni narrated Srimad Bhagwat first time to Raja Parikshit. Renovation of this place was done by our Swami ji, Padam Bhushan Kalyandev ji Maharaj. Thousands of pilgrims come here every month to pay obeisance at Shukdev Temple. This Teerth is a historical pilgrimage centre not only of Uttar Pradesh, but whole of India. This place is loacted in Jansath Tehsil of Muzaffarnagar District. Regular and convenient bus and train services available for Muzffarnagar. Shukratal is approximately 25 km from here, 72 km from Haridwar and 136 km from Delhi. Good lodging and boarding arrangements are available. Narration of Srimad Bhagwat can also be arranaged here. Please do come here. Shukteerth a brief sketch Shukteerth: an introduction

ttar Pradesh in North India is the place where all Abhigyanam Shakun-talam. Kalidasa wrote that when religions meet to make India a united religious princess Shakuntala left the hermitage of sage Knava to Udiversity. Uttar Pradesh-popular among Hindus as meet king Dushyanta, she passed through this place. While the birth place of Lord Rama and Lord Krishna-abounds on this journey, she lost a ring that slipped out of her finger with sacred places that are signposts of every religion and and fell at this sacred place. It is believed that the hermitage faith. Among these sacred places are Ayodhya, Mathura, of Knava was at the foothills of the Himalayas near Vrindavan, Prayag, Kashi (the abode of Lord Shankara), Kotdwara. According to the Kalidasa manuscripts, the Hastinapur (the Capital of the epochal Pandavas) and name is Shukavatar and not Shukravatar which has made Shuktar. Although Ayodhya, Mathura, Vrindavan and Kashi scholars conclude that Shukavatar is a corrupt form of draw thousands of devotees everyday, Shuktar is where Shukravatar. It is in this scholarly opinion that Shuktar's deliverance awaits those who seek cosmic salvation. authenticity as a pilgrimage lies. Much later, this The Ganges, flowing peacefully by Shuktar, reminds us Shukateerth or Shukakshetra (Shukasthal) became famous of the eternal message of 'tolerance' for the past five as Shuktar the world over. thousand years. Shuktar, described in the Indian mythological scriptures as a place of abstinence, is located Sixty eight places of pilgrimages and Shuktar on the bank of the holy river, 86 kilometers away from Haridwar. Here, Ganges has, over centuries, cut a swathe We have several hundred places of pilgrimage in India. Of through a rocky region to maintain her eternal flow. With these, 68 continue to be frequented by international the passage of time, Shuktar became famous as Shukratal. travelers (reference - Skand Puran: Kashi Khand and Studies in Skand Puran Part-II by Awasthi), and among them the The meaning of Shuktar pride of place goes to Shuktar. According to the revered Swami Charan Das ji Maharaj, Shuktar is unique to the holy The word 'Shuk' denotes peace of mind and according to, land mass of our country. scriptures, 'Shuk' is a root, which implies the meeting of two hearts, and reflects absolute compassion, gratitude Shuktheerth and Shrimad Bhagvatam and welfare, and elimination of sin. What 'Shuk' and 'Tar' together form, can be derived Shrimad Bhagvatam is considered the most precious from a mythological event. In order to rein-in the oceans of literary work of Bhagwan Ved Vyasa. One can do without the world, Gods Shuka and Shukashastra (Bhagvata) reading other, when one has read or heard this epic descended upon the universe. This very act of descent is composed by him. Mahamuni Ved Vyasa composed the known as Shuktar, which has been referred to as Shukavatar Shrimad Bhagvatam inspired by devarsi Narada, who was in the great poet Kalidasa's classic Abhigyanam Sakuntalam. not satisfied with Vyasaji's composition of the Vedas and Some scholars of Indian mythology continue to identify the Upanisadas. When the great sage saw that Shri Vyasa was Shukratal pilgrimage with Shukavatar as mentioned in worried because of his dissatisfaction, he encouraged the

8 a brief sketch Shukteerth latter to compose the Bhagvatam. Yogindraya tad atmanatha Magavad rataya The Bhagvatam contains a beautiful description of Shri Karunyatastae chuddham vimalam visokam amirtam Krishna's leela, his glory and his pious cosmic fame. The Satyarn param dhimahi thirst to hear his leelas reaches such a point that everyone - be it the one who is hearing it or the one who has heard 'Satayam param dhimahi' means "I meditate upon the it - are taken in by its fervor in equal manner. The holy book supreme truth". This truth is free from suffering and death. comprises 18,000 verses. Through its stories about the lives The Supreme Personality revealed this incomparable light of avatars, sages and kings, it communicates some of the of knowledge to Brahma. Brahma then passed it on to sage essential teachings of the Vedas. Studying the book is one Narada, who in turn narrated it to Krishna Dvaipayana of the best ways to learn more about life. Vyasa. Vyasa revealed the Bhagavatam to the greatest sage Shukdeva, who then narrated it to Maharaj Parikshit. Thus History of Shrimad Bhagvat anyone who submissively listens to the Shrimad Bhagvatam, transcends his conditioned state and becomes qualified to Nimnaganam yatha ganga meditate upon the absolute truth and serve the Almighty. Devanam achyuto yatha Bhagavatam is life itself for those who appreciate Vaisnavanam yatha sambhu excellence and are full of emotions. Hearing it from Puranamidam tatha Shukdevaji is like getting divine nectar. Ksetranam chav servesham Such a Ganga of divine nectar has flowed at this holy Yatha kasi hyanuttama place and countless persons have liberated themselves Tatha puranvartanam from worldly aspirations after listening to the Bhagavatam Shrimad-Bhagavatam dvijah katha here. Bhag 12/13/16-17 Devas came to this place with an urn of nectar. They told Shukdeva that they would give the urn to the king in 'Just as Ganga is the greatest of all rivers, Lord Achyuta, lieu of amrit katha. Shri Shukdeva laughed and asked the the supreme among deities and Lord Shiva, the greatest of king whether he wanted the nectar or amrit katha. The king Vaishnavas, Shrimad Bhagavatam is the greatest of all wanted to know the benefits of both. Shukdevji told the puranas. Just as the city of Kashi excels among holy places, king that the nectar would give him happiness together Shrimad Bhagavatam is supreme among all puranas. with sorrow. But, it would not destroy sins. However, the Shrimad Bhagavatam is a spotless purana. It is endowed amrit katha would certainly destroy sins and this made the with extraordinary spiritual beauty. The Bhagavatam two incomparable. reveals the means for becoming free from all material On hearing this, King Parikshit expressed his desire to work. hear the katha and Shukdeva did not have to give it away Anyone who seriously tries to understand Shrimad to the Devas in lieu of the nectar. Bhagavatam, who properly hears and chants it with The greatest characteristic of Shukasthal (Shukratal) is devotion, becomes completely liberated. the fact that it was spot where the debate between Shukdevaji and Parikshit took place. The place is marked by Kasmai Yena vibhasito yam atulo jnana pardipha pura the sacred union of Bhagirathi and Bhagavata. Till date, Tad rupena ca naradaya munaye Krisnaya tad rupina hundreds of commentaries on the Bhagavata have been

9 Shukteerth a brief sketch

published. However, these are all in English. Of all these, At the time of his birth, the Lord disappeared. Since a the Bhawarth Dipita written by Shridhar Swami has its own little impact of the Brahmastra had remained, the baby importance. But the masses find it difficult to understand. was born almost dead. As soon as he was born, Lord However, desirous people will be able to understand it Krishna arrived to take a glimpse. with the help of learned speakers of Bhagavata. Like his great grandfather Pandu, King Parikshit was As a rule, the 18,000 shlokas of Bhagavata are required fond of hunting. One day, while on a hunting expedition, he to be recited in seven days. One feels the same happiness aimed at a deer. The deer, although hit, managed to from hearing the Bhagavata as one gets from the meditation escape. King Parikshit followed it deep into the forest but done in the forest. was unable to locate it. He was 60 years old at that time Shrimad Bhagavata is an immortal story for providing and the deer chase made him tired, thirsty and hungry. As salvation. Those who hear it with dedication, become he was wandering in the forest looking for water, he immortal. entered the hermitage of sage Shameek. The sage had taken a vow of silence and was in deep meditation. The History of Shukteerth king begged him for some water but the sage did not respond. Since the King didn't know the reason for the Kaliyug transcended when King Parikshit, son of Abhimanyu silence, he lost his temper. Right at that moment, Kaliyug and the grandson of Arjuna, was ruling the world. The story began to create illusions in the mind of the king. King of the birth of King Parikshit is interesting. During the Parikshit was wearing a golden crown. The illusionary battle of Mahabharat, Abhimanyu's wife, Uttara was effect made the crown seem double its size and the king expecting a child. She was nurturing the only heir of the lost his reasoning power. Kuru dynasty. However, all was not going well for the child. It's said that when destruction besieges a man, his Dronacharya's son Ashwatthama had been cultivating a reasoning power is the first to abandon him. Unable to deadly hostility towards the Pandavas ever since the bear his hunger and thirst any longer, the King wanted to deceitful killing of his father. To avenge his father's death, return to his palace. On his way back, he saw a dead snake. he launched the Brahmastra to destroy Uttara's yet-to-be To insult the sage, he picked it up by the tip of his bow, born baby. went up to the silent sage and laid it as a garland around Horrified, Uttara prayed to Lord Krishna to save her his shoulders. After committing this sin, he returned to his baby. Asking her to be fearless, Lord Krishna entered her capital. body taking-on a small form to save the baby. The unborn Sage Shringi, son of Shameek, was playing on the banks Parikshit saw an ocean of flares, which was actually the of river Kaushiki with the children of other sages. When he Brahmastra, rising to incinerate him. At the same time, he heard about the incident, he felt insulted and angered by saw the Lord glowing with divine light. He was looking at the sinful act. His eyes red with rage, Shringi took some the baby with his lotus-like eyes, full of affection. A yellow holy water of the Kaushiki in his hands and cursed the King, cloth was adorning his beautiful dark body. He had four saying that within seven days the poisonous snake, Takshak, arms and was holding a conch, a wheel, a mace and a lotus. would bite the man who had insulted his father. Lord Krishna was beating the flares by moving the mace. Later, when sage Shringi returned to the hermitage and For ten long months, the baby continued to see the Lord saw the dead snake on his father's shoulders, he started guarding him and he kept thinking, 'who could he be'? weeping loudly. On hearing the sobs, sage Shameek's

10 a brief sketch Shukteerth meditation broke. He opened his eyes slowly and saw the for some punishment for this sin and hoped that once he dead snake around himself. He threw it away and asked his got punished he would be absolved of his sins and would son that why he is crying? not have the courage to commit such an act again. On hearing the entire story, Sage Shameek was not As King Parikshit pondered the incident, a disciple of pleased with what his son had done. A man of great sage Shameek came to him. He told him about the curse wisdom, he knew that Parikshit had done the shameful act that he would be bitten to death by the poisonous snake, in a moment of weakness. He said, "Oh! my son, you have Takshak. The King considered this curse a boon and heaved committed a great sin. It is very sad that you have given a sigh of relief. Handing over his kingdom to son Janmejaya, such grave punishment for such a small mistake. Son, you he came to the banks of river Ganga and went on a fast are immature. You considered the king to be an ordinary without water for seven days. The news of Parikshit's person. King Parikshit is very religious. He is considered the penance brought many sages and saints to his fasting spot. personification of goodness and nobody can match him in Tatropajagmur bhuvanam punana, velour. He is a great devotee of God. He has performed Mahanubhava munayah a-sisyah many 'Ashvamegh Yagnas'. He came to our hermitage to Prayena tirthabhigamapadesaih, have some water to quench his thirst. But I could not offer Svayam hi tirthani punanti santah him anything. It seems, he put the snake around me out of frustration. It was not good of you to curse him." It is said that great world-purifying sages like Atri Sage Shameek repented the mistake of his son despite Vasistha, Chyavana, Sharadwan, Aristanemi, Bhrigu, Angira, the fact that the king had insulted him. This is the nature of Parashar, Vishwamitra (the son of Gadhi), Parashuram, a great soul. Utathya, Indrapramada, Medhatithi and Narada went there Prayash sadhavo loke with their disciples. A large number of other devarsis, Parair dvandvesu yojitah brahmarsis and rajarsis also gathered at the spot. On the Navyathanti na hrsyanti pretext of making pilgrimage to a holy place, these holy Yata atmagunasrayah Bhag 1/18/50 men actually purify the places they visit by their presence. King Parikshit welcomed the assembled chiefs of the The shloka says that the transcendentalists, even various holy clans, worshipping them with bowed head. though engaged by others in the dualities of the material The sages were filled with joy at the Kings's salute. The world, are not distressed. Nor do they take pleasure in repentant King said, "0 wise ones, having confided in you f worldly things. idly, let me ask a pressing question concerning one's duty. What pure action should be performed with full devotion Parikshit's fast on the banks of Ganges by those who are about to die? Please consider my question jointly." As the King was asking this query, Shuka, and arrival of Shri Shukdeva ji Maharaj the son of Vyasa, appeared. He was wandering all over earth, free from all cares and completely content within On reaching his palace, King Parikshit put off his golden himself. He was in the garb of an avadhuta and was crown aside and realised his mistake. He repented his sinful surrounded by children. act and was saddened by the thought that he had treated The sages all rose from their seats to greet him. The the innocent sage as one treats a wicked person. He wished noble Bhagwan Shuka, surrounded by eminent brahmarsis,

11 Shukteerth a brief sketch

rajarsis and surasis, shown brilliantly like the moon "O trustworthy Brahmins, I now ask about my immediate surrounded by clusters of planets, constellations and stars. duty. Please tell me about one's duty in all circumstances Even though Vyasa, Shuka's guru, and Narada, his grand particularly when one is about to die." guru, were both present, the Bhagvata flowed from Shuka's The learned sages could not reply to the questions. lips so smoothly that it seemed to them that they had They deliberated with one another but could not arrive at never heard it before. Thus it is said that Shuka instructed a unanimous decision. All sages knew that the King would his guru and grand guru as well. The Bhagvata is also get salvation through a Supreme Personality which was considered superior as it was said to have flown like nectar superior to all of them. from the lips of Shuka. To get rid of worldly attractions, one should adopt the Tatrabhavad bhagavan vyasa-putro path of bhakti. Listening to the Bhagavata katha is the only Yadrcchaya gam ataman napekash way in which all miseries of a person are removed. Alaksya-lingo nija-labha-tusto According to Mahamuni Shukdev, the Bhagavata katha Vitas ca balair avaddhuta-vesah was narrated by God to Naradaji who told it to Ved Vyasaji, Bhag 1/19/25 who in turn, passed it on to Shukdev. All sages gathered around King Parikshit deliberating King Parikshit immersed himself in meditation. He laid on his question decided to remain there till the King the dry grass on the banks of Ganges in a way that made left the material world. King Parikshit was glad to listen to the tips of the grass face east. the affectionate and lively discussion of the sages and At that moment, there appeared the powerful son of started praying. Vedvyasa, who travelled all over the earth disinterested in everything and satisfied with himself. Samagatah sarvata eva sarve, He did not manifest any symptoms of belonging to any Veda Yatha murti dharas tri prsthe social order or status in life. He was surrounded by women Nehatha namutra ca kascanartha, and children and was dressed as though others had Rte paranugraham atma-silam neglected him. Bhag 1/19/23 Tam dvysta-varsam su kumara-pada, The king said, "O great sages, you have all kindly Karoru-bhav amsa kapola-gatram assembled here. You are all as good as supreme knowledge Carv ayataksonnasa-tulya kama, personified, which resides in the satyaloka. You all are Subhrv ananam kambu-sujata kantham inclined to do good to others without aspiring for any Bhag 1/19/26 return either in this life or the next." He was only sixteen years old. His legs, hands, thighs, Tatas ca vah prcchyam imam viprcche, arms, shoulders, forehead and all other body parts were Visrabhya vipra iti krtyatayam extremely delicate. His eyes were beautiful and wide. Sarvatmana mriyamanais ca krtyam, His nose and ears were sharp. He had a highly attractive Suddham ca tatramrsatabhiyuktah face and his neck was well formed and beautiful like Bhag 1/19/24 a conchshell.

12 a brief sketch Shukteerth

Nigudh jatrum prthu tunga vaksasam, "O Brahmin, you have sanctified us by your mercy. You Avarta nabhim vali valgudaram have turned us into places of pilgrimage by your presence ca Dig ambaram vaktra vikirna-kesam, here as my guest. By your mercy, we, who are but unworthy Pralamba bahum svamarottamabham royalty, became eligible to serve the devotee." Bhag : 1/19/27 By just remembering the sages, households become His collarbone was fleshy. His chest was broad and pious. What can be said about the time when sages thick. His navel was deep and his abdomen beautifully themselves visited households giving them the opportunity striped. His arms were long and curly hair was strewn over to offer them a seat and bow before them. his beautiful face. He was naked and the hue of his body reflected that of Lord Krishna. The King said: "O Mahamuni, all sins are destroyed when we come to your shelter. Just as demons vanished Syamam sadapivya vayo nga laksmya, when they approached Vishnu. Today, Shri Krishna is happy Strinam mano jnam rucira-smitena at King Parikshit. It is due to his kindness and compassion Pratyutthitas to munayah svasanebhyas, that you have visited us." Tal-laksana jna api gudha varcasam Bhag: 1/19/28 Atah prcchami samsiddhim, Yoginam paramam gurum He was dark and his youth made him very beautiful. He Purusasyeba yat karyam, was pleasing to women because of the glamour of his body Mriyamanasya sarvatha and his attractive smile. Though he tried to cover his Bhag : 1/19/37 natural glories, the great sages present there were all experts in the art of physiognomy. They honoured him by "You are the spiritual master of great saints and rising from their seats. devotees. I am, therefore, begging you to show me the way When King Parikshit saw Mahamuni Shukdeva, he to perfection, especially for one who is about to die." saluted him by bowing his head. Worshipping him, the King surrendered himself to the boy. Everybody present paid Yac chrotavyam atho japyam, respects to him. He was offered a seat at a high place. Yat kartavayam nrbhih prabho On seeing Shukdevji sitting with devarsis and rajarsis Samartavyam bhajaniyam va, looking like a moon among stars, King Parikshit saluted him Bruhi yad va viparyayam once again by bowing his head and said in his sweet voice: Bhag : 1/19/38

Ahoadya vayam Brahman, "You are supreme among saints, therefore, I would like Sat sevyah ksatra bandhavah , to ask you questions relating to param siddh. What should Krpa ya ti thi rupena, a man do who is about to die? 0, God, please let me know Bhavadbhis tirthakah krtah what should he hear, chant, remember and worship and Bhag 1/19/32 what he should not do?"

13 Shukteerth a brief sketch

Evam abhasitah prstah, "At the last stage of one's life, one should be bold Sa rajna slaksnaya gira enough not to be afraid of death. But one must cut off all Pratyabhasata dharma jno, attachment to the material body and everything pertaining Bhagavan badarayanih to it and all desires thereof." Bhag : 1/19/40 Grhat pravrapto dhirah, The king spoke to the sage in a sweet voice. On hearing Punya tirtha jalaplutah his questions, the son of Vedvyasa, the great and powerful Sucau vivikta asino, personality who knew the principles of religion, began his Vidhivat kalpitasane reply. The question-answer session between the two is the Bhag : 2/1/16 subject of the Shrimad Bhagavata Katha. The King heard it for seven days, together with the saints and sages. This "One should leave home and practice self control. One paved the way for his liberation from this material world. should take bath in a sacred place regularly and sit down in a lonely place duly sanctified. After sitting in the above Variyan esa to prasnah, manner, one should remember the three transcendental Krto loka hitam nrpa letters (A-U-M) and by regulating the breathing process, Atmavit sammatah pumsam, control the mind so as not to forget the transcendental Srotavydisu yah parah seed. Gradually, as the mind becomes progressively Bhag : 2/1/1 spiritualised, one should withdraw it from sense activities. The senses will then be controlled by intelligence. Shri Shukdev Muni said, "My dear King, your question is "The mind, too, absorbed in material activities, can be glorious because it is beneficial to everyone. The answer to engaged in the service of the 'Godhead' and become fixed this question is the prime subject matter for imbibement in full transcendental consciousness." and is approved by all transcendentalists." At the end of the Katha, Shukdev Muni said, a person who is suffering in the fire of countless miseries and who Tavapy etarhi kauravya, desires to cross the insurmountable ocean of material Saptaham jivitavadhih existence, there is no suitable boat except that of cultivating Upakalpaya tat sarvam, a transcendental taste for narrations of the Supreme Tavad yat samparayikam Bhag : 2/1/14 Personality's pastimes. The Godhead can guide human beings on how to leave "O King, now your duration of life is limited to seven all attachments of this material world. The best way for this days. During this time you can perform all rituals that are purpose is to hear Shrimad Bhagavat katha. needed for the best purpose of your next life." Purana samhitam etam, Anta kale to purusa, Rsin narayano vyayah Agate gata sadhvasah Naradaya pura praha, Chindyad asanga sastrena, Krisna dvaipayanaya sah Sprham dehe nu ye ca tam Sa vai mahyam maha raja,

14 a brief sketch Shukteerth

Bhagavan badarayanah permission to resign my speech and the functions of all my Imam bhagavatim pritah, senses to the Lord. Allow me to absorb my mind, purified Sanihitam veda sammitam of lusty desires, within him and to thus give up my life." A stream of tears flowed from the eyes of King Parikshit. Shukdev said that long ago this essential anthology of all the Puranas was narrated by the infallible Lord Ity uktas tam anujnapya, Narayana Rishi to Narada, who then narrated it to Krishna Bhagavan badarayanah Dvaipayana Vedvyasa. Vedvyasa taught Shukdev the same Jagama bhiksubhih sakam, scripture - Shrimad Bhagavatam, which is equal in stature Nara devera pujtah to the four Vedas. "O King, the same Katha I have narrated to you today." King Parikshit worshipped him with great respect and After hearing all that was narrated to him by the self- love. Then Shukdev, along with other sages, departed after realised and equipoised Shukdev, Maharaja Parikshit blessing the King. Parikshit immersed himself in meditation. humbly approached his feet. Bowing his head, the King He laid the darbha grass on the bank of the Ganges in a who had lived his entire life under the protection of Lord way that the tip of its stalks was facing east and he turned Vishnu, folded his hands in supplication and spoke: himself towards the north. He was free of material attachment and doubt. The saintly king settled his mind Siddho smy anugrhito smi, within his spiritual self. His life air ceased, and he became Bhavata karunaatmana as stationary as a tree. Sravito yac ca me saksad, As the seventh day was approaching, the curse of Anandi nidhan hari the son of sage Shameek, Shringi was to be completed. Ajnanam ca nirastam me, Snake Takshak started for Shuksthal in the guise of a Jnarna vijnana nisthaya Brahmin to bite the King. He met another Brahmin called Bhavata darsitam ksemam, Kashyap on his way. Takshak asked him where he was Pararn bhagavatah padam going in such a hurry. The Brahmin replied he was going to the court of Parikshit because he could save him from "Bhagwan, now I have achieved the purpose of my life Takshak's poison. because a great and merciful soul like you has shown such The disguised serpent was surprised at the confidence kindness to me. You have personally related to me the of this Brahmin and revealed that that he was Takshak and narration of the supreme personality of Godhead Hari, that there was none in the world who could save the man who is without beginning or end. You have revealed to me whom he had bitten. The Brahmin smiled and said that he what is most auspicious - the supreme personal feature of had an antidote for the poison. the Lord. I am now full of knowledge and self realisation, So Takshak tried to test him. He bit a green tree and and my ignorance has been eradicated. My Lord, I now within seconds the tree was turned into ashes. The Brahmin have no fear of Takshak or any other living being, or even chanted a few mantras and the tree was back to life, as lush of repeated deaths, because I have absorbed myself in the green as before. Takshak was amazed to see the power of purely spiritual, absolute truth, which you have revealed the Brahmin. He asked the Brahmin whether he was going and which destroys all fear. O Brahmin, please give me to Parikshit's court seeking rewards.

15 Shukteerth a brief sketch

Takshak in the guise of Brahmin Takshak piercing its venomous teeth Tree drying with the venom of Takshak discussing with Kashyap into the tree

Tree as its was before in lush green form. Vaid Kashyap chanting mantras and Tree coming back to life after Kashyap Vaid Kashyap with a happy expression sprinkling Ganga water chanted mantras. while Takshak is in deep thought 16 a brief sketch Shukteerth

The Brahmin replied in the affirmative. Takshak said Chakra to save him. He watched the Lord Krishna fight the that he would reward him more lavishly than Parikshit, flames coming out of the brahmastra. The Lord had provided he went back home. The Brahmin took a lot of reduced himself to the size of a thumb. He had a beautiful wealth from Takshak and returned. The place where dark body and wore a resplendent attire and a blazing Kashyap met Takshak is known as Bheraheri. It's seven km golden crown. Just like the sun which evaporates a drop of away from Shuktar. The place from where Takshak asked dew with its heat, the Lord was vanquishing the radiation Kashyap to return is called Modna which later became of the brahmastra even as the child watched on. famous as Morna. This is 5 (five) km from Shukratal. When baby Parikshit was born, learned sages and gurus Having got rid of the Brahmin, Takshak went to the performed a purification ceremony and named him kingdom of Parikshit and found that there was no way in Vishnurat (one who is protected by Lord Vishnu). which he could get in. He then converted himself into a According to Shrimad Bhagavata, this child became caterpillar and entered one of the fruit baskets being taken popular in the world as Maharaja Parikshit. When he was a to the King's chamber. On reaching the King, Takshak came child, Parikshit would often think about Lord Krishna whom out of the fruit, assumed his original form and bit Parikshit. he saw while he was in his mother's womb and would The King immediately died and his body turned into ashes. search for him in every person he came across, hoping to The King's death was lamented all over the earth and find him somewhere. That is why he was named Parikshit. the heavens. Demigods, demons, humans and other King Yudhishthra was very pleased at Parikshit's birth. creatures were stunned. Kettle-drums sounded where He gave away gold, land, villages, elephants, horses and demigods lived, and the celestial Gandharvas and Apsaras food grain to the Brahmins. The learned Brahmins, who sang. The demigods showered flowers and spoke words were satisfied with the King's charity, told him that his of praise. grandson was certainly a descendent of the Purus. They Parikshit felt no pain as he was already free of the added that his son had been restored by the all-powerful bondage of his body. Thus the King got salvation. The place and all-pervasive Lord Vishnu. . where this knowledge sacrifice was performed later King Yudhishthra asked the Brahmins whether Parikshit became famous as Shuktar (Shuksthal), now a days known would become a saintly king and achieve glory. They told as Shukratal. This is the same place where king Parikshit him he would be exactly like Bhagwan Ram and protect the heard the Bhagavatam from Shukdevji under the vat vriksh surrendered. He would add to the name and fame of his (Banyan Tree) with 88,000 sages about 5,100 years ago. family, they said, adding that the child would be as strong This Shuksthal has been a place for penance of saints as a lion, as protective and sheltering as the Himalayas and and sages. The sweetness of bhakti pervades in each and as fore bearing as the earth. very particle of this sacred place. On growing up, King Parikshit performed many 'Ashvamegha Yagnas' and maintained world peace. He was Shukteerth and Maharaja Parikshit married to Irawati, the daughter of Uttar, and had four sons, including Janmejaya. Parikshit sat on the throne the He was the son of Abhimanyu and Uttara and the grandson year Lord Krishna left for Vaikunth. It also marked the of Arjuna. When he was in his mother's womb, advent of the Kaliyuga. Dronacharya's son Asvatthama released a brahmastra to King Parikshit travelled widely throughout his kingdom kill him. It took the power of Lord Krishna's Sudarshan to find out how his subjects were doing. Once, when he

17 Shukteerth a brief sketch

was walking on the banks of river Saraswati, he came Shukdevaji also appeared to chant the Shrimad across Kali Purusha, in the guise of a king, hitting a bull and Bhagavat katha. On the seventh day, Takshak bit the King, a cow. The bull was standing on only one leg as its other who thus attained moksha and left the world. legs were cut off. The cow was shedding tears. The King was deeply hurt on seeing this. Since Lord Krishna had left Shukteerth and Maharishi the earth for Vaikunth, he felt very badly. The King realised that the bull was dharma whose four feet represented Shri Shukdev ji austerity, purity, charity and truthfulness. At the end of each yoga, it lost a foot and now had only one left. Even In Bhagavad Gita, Krishna said: that, Kali Purusha was about to cut off. The cow was Mother Earth that was shedding tears, unable to cope with Yada Yada hi dharmasya the sinful acts committed by people. glanirbhavati Bharata The King was furious at the treatment meted out to the Ahhyutthanamadharmasya bull and the cow, and took out his sword to kill the man. tadatmanam Shrijamyaham The man begged to be excused and told him that he was Gita 4-6 Kali Purusha who had descended on Earth soon after God's return to his abode. `Whenever, O descendant of Bharata, there is decline Kali Purusha requested the king to give him some place of dharma and rise of adharma, I embody myself, to to live in his vast country. Taking pity, the King bade him to protect the virtuous, destroy the wicked and establish live in five places. The five places included gambling, dharma, I descend on earth in every age'. drinking, prostitution, violence on women and gold. For the protection and welfare of the world, God, or his Gradually vices in the form of lie, alcohol, desire, cruelty representative, takes on earthly form, age after age. With and antagonism settled in these five places. That is why the blessings of God, Shukdevji descended into this great men, pious kings and leaders should stay away from universe. such places. One day, the king was hunting in the forest wearing his Brief Introduction of Mahamuni golden crown. Due to the evil effect of Kaliyuga, he insulted sage Shameek. The sage's son, Shringi, cursed that he Shri Shukdev ji would be bitten by the snake, Takshak, within seven days time and would die. In the Santi Parv Mokshadharma of the Mahabharata, Ved When the King returned to his capital and put aside his Vyasa has described the story of the birth of Shukdev ji. A crown, he realised that he had committed a sin and brief description of the event follows: repented his act. Upon hearing about the curse, he happily Once, Lord Shiva, along with his evil spirits, was accepted it and went to the Ganga for meditation. wandering atop the Meru mountain. Mata Parvati was also Every person wants to have Ganga water at the time of with him. At that time, Ved Vyasa prayed to Lord Shiva for his death. So the King handed over his kingdom to son a son who would be as luminous as fire, as tolerant as the Janmeyjaya and left for Shuktar on the banks of the Ganga. earth, as wide as the sky and as fast as air. Lord Shiva gave All his well wishers and sages assembled there. his blessings readily.

18 a brief sketch Shukteerth

After getting blessing from Lord Shiva, one day Vyasa being, yet I was attracted by the delineation of the pastimes was churning arni (wood used for havan) to obtain fire. of the Lord, who is described by enlightened verses. I also Suddenly, a boy as brilliant as fire came out from the kund. studied Bhagavatam." He was named Shukdeva. He said that he had heard the delineation from his At that moment, the Ganga appeared and performed father. Later, the Bhagavata Purana spread throughout the his consecration. All material required for meditation fell world after he narrated it to King Parikshit . from the heavens and the Gods prayed for him. The air Shukdeva was present in the Dwarka Lila of Krishna. He showered flowers on him. Loud applause was heard all was also present when Bhishma Pitamah left for the around. Every one were pleased. Bhagwan Uma Shanker supreme holy place along with other sages. This is performed the sacred thread ceremony of Shukdevaji. God mentioned in the Bhagavatam as: Indra offered divine clothes, a rod and a pot to him. Soon after his birth, Shukdevaji left for the forest. Narada vamadevo trip In addition to this, there is another tale known as the Krisno ramo sito munih Amar Katha, which was narrated by Lord Shiva to Mata Aham brhaspatih knavo Parvati on Mount Kailash. The Amar Katha is in fact Maitreya chyavanadayah Bhagvata Katha itself and while it was being narrated by Bhag : 10/86/18 Lord Shiva, a parrot heard it. Fourteen years after this incident, the parrot took birth as the son of Vyasa, became 'Narada, Vamadeva, Atri, Vyasa, Parasurama, Asita, famous as Shukdevaji. Aruoni, myself, Brahspati, Knava, Maitreya, Chyavana were All devarisis respected Shukdevji since his childhood. with Lord Krishna.' Instead of following the three ashramas, he entered the fourth ashrama directly because of his ascetic powers. That In fact, Shukdeva is another form of Bhagavatam. His is why he could go to the forest just after his -birth. He form is similar to that of Lord Krishna. It's mentioned in the studied yoga and sankhya with his father's guidance. He history of sages that all sages were pioneers in the field of took moksha-dharma diksha from Maharaja Janaka. Later, blessings and curses. But Shri Shukdevaji always kept Narada taught the Bhagavatam to Shukdevaji. himself engaged in the Brahma. When Shukdeva was leaving for the forest, his father Sa samihitam Bhagavatim Vyasa followed him. He passed a group of women bathing Kritwanukramya catma -jam in the Ganga. The women, on seeing Shukdevaji; did not Shukam adhyapayamas cover themselves despite the fact that he was not wearing Nivritti-nivattam munih any clothes. However, when Vyasaji passed by fully clothed, Bhag : 2/7/8 the women hurriedly veiled themselves. Vyasaji asked the women the reason behind the difference in their reactions According to this shloka, the great sage Vedvyasa, after to him and his son. They replied that Vyasaji was able to compiling the Shrimad Bhagavatam and revising it, taught differentiate between men and women. But his son did not it to his son Shri Shukdeva, who was already engaged in know the difference between the two. He always kept self-realisation. himself engaged in Brahma. So, it was useless for the "Saintly king, I was dedicated to the transcendental women to keep themselves veiled before Shukdevaji.

19 Shukteerth a brief sketch

Incidentally, this Shukratal is the very place where Shrimad Bhagavata Katha was spoken by Shukdevaji. Swami Kalyandev ji Maharai a brief introduction Yaogindrya namas tasmai Shukaya brahma rapine India, abode of God, is a land of sages and seers. Mother Samsara-sarpa dastam yo India has been giving us great personalities from time to Visnu ratam amumcat time. These great personalities always strived for the Bhag : 12/13/21 welfare and goodness of the living beings through their actions, sacrifice. Swami Kalyan Dev Ji was a personality 'We pay our obeisance to Shukdevaji, the best of mystic who dedicated his entire life for the upliftment of poor, sages and a manifestation of the absolute truth. He saved down trodden and under privilege people. In fact he was a Maharaja Parikshit, who was bitten by a snake, from sage of many revolutions. He was born in the year 1876 in material existence.' village Kotana in the district Bagpat of Uttar Pradesh and brought up at his parental village Moondbhar in district Muzaffarnagar. Due to the religious sacrament family ««« background, he had inclination towards religious activities from his very childhood. He left his home at an early age in search of reality and truth, wandering throughout India, meeting saints and seers in the Himalayas. He took initiation from Swami Poornanand Ji in the year 1900. His spiritual guru gave him the name Kalyan Dev. Swami Kalyan Dev Ji had the bitter experiences as to the standard of social life during the British rule in India. So he thought to ameliorate the social life of the people and decided to set up many educational institutions, hospitals. He was of the firm opinion that in order to remove social evils, it is necessary that people should be healthy and literate. Making this as the goal of his life, he proceeded ahead step by step with the cooperation and financial support of many generous people. He met Swami Vivekanand in the year 1902 and Mahatma Gandhi at Sabarmati Ashram in the year 1916. The thoughts and philosophy of these two intellectual and spiritual giants proved a turning point in the life of the young saint. It brought in change in his activities. According to Swami ji, "Each man is essentially divine in nature. and service to humanity is service of the supreme (God)". He believed that mere philosophy and intellectual knowledge

20 a brief sketch Shukteerth

gained from various ancient scriptures can not transform mission of his life', which remains "the betterment of the soul. For a genuine and everlasting transformation, one human existence on this earth". He never forgot his humble must adopt a systematic approach for development of beginning, his simple living, his love for humanity, and yet both, self and society. Setting of a goal in life and planning amongst all this he remained the great, glorious and the for the same is a must for achievement and realisation of most majestic self. He knew that he was here to show to success. Swami ji chose 'Education' as his vehicle of mankind a simple and loving path to life by becoming the transformation and upliftment of rural society. He was living example of it. It would be presumptuous on anyone's popularly known as 'Shiksha Rishi'. part to think that he could ever put in words even a fraction Women play most important role in the development of the great work done on this earth by this simple and and transformation of any society, as "the hand that rocks majestic soul, Swami Kalyan Dev ji Maharaj. the cradle, rules the world." Swami ji laid special emphasis He was beyond all comparison, for he transcends all on education of women by establishing various women ordinary standards and ideals. Others may be more learned colleges and girls schools. He believed that material in the worldly sense, wield more power, have access to progress should stand on the broad base of finer aspects of greater resources, but none is so luminous, so imbued with human nature like art, culture and dharma for stability the spirit of welfare of the ordinary people, that he himself and harmony. He helped in the establishment of many became an icon for them. And the ordinary men and religious and cultural centres. He was a true 'karamyogi' women saw him a divine soul that descended to this earth living the philosophy of "karmanya va dhikaraste ma to rid them of their ignorance, poverty and sickness. phalesu kadachanam" of Bhagwat Geeta. All forces of Is it to be wondered at that nature itself rejoiced in such nature appear to be working at his beck and call for a birth in previous millennium, two centuries ago in 1876 fulfilment of work undertaken by him. He was so attached when the heavens open and angels sing paeans of praises to his mission that time itself had stood still in awe of this for such a soul descending on this earth. Blessed is the great saint. It seems that like the legendary "Bhishm country and the region of Ganga-Yamuna Doaba where he Pitamah of Mahabharat", he instructed lady death to stand was born, blessed are we all who lived on this earth and in apart till his life's mission of freeing his children from the this region at the same time, and thrice blessed are the chain of ignorance, poverty and pain is fulfilled. His 129 many who sat at his feet. They took part of his work in years of life is testimony to that. small or big way. It is said that now and then, at long intervals of time, a It is highly impossible to sketch out in words Swami ji's great pious soul finds his way to this planet who is life of 129 years. Important role played in this epic saga has unquestionably a wanderer from another world, who brings been by his Guru, Swami Poornanand ji Maharaj who with him to this sorrowful world some of the glory, the initiated him in 1900. Meetings with Swami Vivekananda in power, the radiance of the GOD above. He walked among 1902 and Mahatma Gandhiji at Sabarmati Ashram in 1915 men and became one of them, yet remaining so far above laid the foundation for his life's mission. The thoughts and all things material and earthly that he raised himself to the philosophy of these two intellectual and spiritual giants status of a saint, a Mahrishi in God's own manifestation. proved a turning point in the life of the young saint. His He shared the life of those about him, lived like them, life's mission for the upliftment of the rural poor villagers entered into their joys and sorrows, rejoiced with them, and spread of education to the illiterate masses commenced mourned with them, and yet remembered all the time 'the with his barefooted march from village to village.

21 Shukteerth a brief sketch

His greatest contribution to humanity had been in the the year 1993 he was awarded Nanda Naitik Puruskar field of education, where he had stressed upon women's founded in the name of Sh. Guljari Lal Nanda. He was and technical education. His untiring efforts had bestowed conferred the Degree of DLit. by Ch. Charan Singh University, upon the region of Western Uttar Pradesh, Uttrakhand, Meerut in 2002. People from various fields of life like Haryana, Himachal, Rajasthan and Punjab his bounty in industries, education and politics bow at the feet of Swami terms of schools, colleges, technical institutions, medical ji, but he remained as humble as dust. He was like a facilities of all kinds, agricultural colleges and Krishi Vigyan wandering cloud laden with water of compassion soaring Kendras, Sanskrit Vidayalyas, Polytechnics, engineering over the peak and valleys of his personal pain and instead of colleges, Hostels, libraries, Home for the disabled, and giving his possessions, gave himself in the shape of downpour many more. His quest for upliftment of the down trodden, to quench thirst of knowledge and education, and put off the 'have nots', the suffering ones had taken him to all fire of pain and agony of the rural masses of India. corners of India, and extensively through the Northern region. He was truly the saint in the true spirit of Guru    Nanak Dev ji Maharaj, undertaking long and arduous journeys on foot. He had always felt that India lives in the villages and you can know real India only if you reach out to them at their level. 'on foot'. Swami ji had been held in great esteem by all leaders of India Late Pt. Moti Lal Nehru, Pt. Madan Mohan Malviya, St. Vinoba Bhave, Pt. Govind Vallabh Pant and Ma Anandmai spared their time to be in the company of Swami Kalyandev ji. The then Presidents of India Dr. Rajendra Prasad, Gyani Zail Singh, Neelam Sanjeev Reddy, Dr. Shankar Dayal Sharma, K.R. Narayanan and The then Prime Ministers of India Pt. Jawahar Lal Nehru, Lal Bahadur Shastri, Ch. Charan Singh, Babu Jagjeevan Ram, Guljarilal Nanda and V.P. Singh held high esteem postition and visited him to seek his blessings and inspiration. He was the real messiah who had worked for the down trodden and the under-privileged. He remained the unsung Hero of real India, commonly called the "Shiksha Rishi" He loved 'Kisan, Mazdoor and Jawan'. as his real India lives in the peasants' cottages, in the huts of the fishermen, the cobbler and the 'have nots' and the 'soldier's hearts'. His contribution to the upliftment of our land in this span of two centuries was more than any other person could have ever made. Swami ji had been conferred the honour of Padam Shri in the year 1982 and Padam Bhushan in year 2000. In

22 a brief sketch Shukteerth

Swami Kalyandev ji and Shukteerth the distant surroundings that the premises of the Shukdev temple offer. With the advent of the dark era of slavery, we lost sight of The flora and fauna add to the splendor of this sacred Shukteerth as a place of peace and salvation. During a place. Foliage, deer, peacocks and other species of wildlife period of five thousand and one hundred years, this sacred keep visitors spellbound. Our saints have been delivering place lost its significance considerably and became near- the following sermon over the ages: extinct. To enable Shukteerth regain its lost glory, it was felt that the people should be made aware of the importance Bheddrishti ravidheyam tam Sada parivariyet of this place, which is a memoir of ancient Hindu culture. In order to resurrect and develop this sacred place, late This implies that discrimination reflects illiteracy and Revered Swami Kalyandev Ji, came into being one hundred obscurantism. It should, therefore, be abandoned. The and thirty nine years ago. It was in 1944 that Shri Swami Ji appropriate place for abandoning discrimination is Maharaj launched his campaign to return to the sacred Shukteerth. Here is a Vat Vriksh – a tree of knowledge – place its halcyon days. that is a constant source of peace. Due to his untiring efforts, it became possible for him to resurrect this sacred place from the jaws of anonymity. Historical Importance Today, Shukteerth is a beautiful and charming sacred place, overlooked by the same ancient Akshay Vat Vriksh - which This sacred place is said to be the same place where King towers 150 feet - as it did five thousand and one hundred Parikshit, the son of Abhimanyu and the grandson of Arjun, years ago. It was Shri Swami ji's exemplary perseverance was delivered the Katha of Shrimad Bhagvat from Shukdevji that led to the construction of a sky-high temple of Shukdev Maharaj ji for seven continuous days as he sought to Ji Maharaj near Akshay Vat Vriksh. absolve himself of a curse. Along with him sat under the The elegance of this temple is mesmerising. In the vast Vat Vriksh eighty-eight thousand saints. ground around the Vat Vriksh and the Shukdev temple, a The Katha of Shrimad Bhagvat has been lifting the Hanuman Temple, a Shiva Temple, a Devi Temple, a Ram hearts of people since time immemorial. The message of Temple, the Annakshetra, the Yagyashala, the Sanskrit the Katha pervades every particle of this sacred place. Vidyalaya, the Chatravas, a reading room, the Shrimad When devotees arrive at the compound, a sense of Bhagvat Bhawan and two hospitals (Allopathy & Ayurveda) universal love, and peace of mind, overwhelms them. Their have been constructed. Had it not been for late Swami ji's self-confidence also receives a unique boost. All this finds vision, these landmarks would never have materialised. mention in the Bhagvat: This site is popular as Shri Shukdev Ashram, named after Shri Shukdevji. The management of the ashram is in 'Tam Satyamanandnidhim Bhajet the hands of Shri Shukdev Ashram Swami Kalyandev Sewa nanyayatr sajjet yadatmpath Trust constituted by Shri Swami ji. Far away from the polluted environment of the cities, the verdancy of the (Satya or truth, should be worshipped at this sacred place have combined gracefully to create a peaceful and place. No one should lose focus to suffer degradation and congenial atmosphere for the devotees. Adding to the deterioration of the soul). scenic beauty is the breathtaking view of the Ganges and

23 Shukteerth a brief sketch

Shukteertha brief sketch

Pictorial Section

24 a brief sketch Shukteerth

King Parikshit asking for water from sage shameek, meditating in the ashram in the forest

King Parikshit, in anger throwing a dead snake on the neck of sage shameek as he was not given due respect by the sage Shameek while he was asking for water Great Sage Vedvyas Ji 25 Shukteerth a brief sketch

Shri Shukdev Ji Maharaj More than five thousand year old Akshay Vat Vriksh Ancient Shri Shukdev Mandir and pujniya "Charan Padukas"

King Parikshit listening sermons of Bhagvat Katha from a great sage Shri Shyamcharan Das Diksha Mandir in Shukdev Ashram built by the Shukdev at Shukteerth devotees of Rajasthan 26 a brief sketch Shukteerth

Shri Shukdev ji narrating the Katha of Shrimad Bhagwat to King Parikshit under the auspicious Vat Vriksha

Mahamuni Shukdev Mandir: Bhagwan Krishna and sages 27 Shukteerth a brief sketch

Great sage Shukdev Ji Maharaj

A bird eye view of Bhagvat Peeth Shri Shukdev Ashram, Shukteerth

Scenes of temples built at historical Bhagvat Peeth Shri Ancient Yaganshala of Shukdev Ashram where 'Vishwa Scenes of temples built at historical Bhagvat Peeth Shri Shukdev Ashram Shukteerth Shanti yagna' is performed everyday Shukdev Ashram Shukteerth 28 a brief sketch Shukteerth

A view of Shukteerth Ashram

Idol of Mahavir Bajrangbali ji in Hanuman Revered Swami ji returning from Ma Bhagvati Mandir in Shukdev Ashram Shakambari Devi Mandir after having darshan Pracheen Ganga Mandir Ekadas Shivaling 29 Shukteerth a brief sketch

A 101 feet tall idol of Bhagwan Shanker at Shivadham Shri Durga Shakti Dham at the Hanumandham and Ganeshdham on the pious banks of Ganges pious bank of Ganges at Shukteerth

Gurukul Vaidik Aashram and Sanskrit Vidyalaya Gayatri Teerth at Shukteerth Statue of Swami Kalyandev ji at Shukratal

30 a brief sketch Shukteerth

Supreme Anant Shri Prabhu Dutt Brahmachari ji with Maharaj Veetrag Swami Kalyandev ji Maharaj in the courtyard of Vat Vriksh Sant Shri Dongre ji Maharaj receiving blessing from Swami ji

The great Sant Swami P.P. Krishnabodhashram ji Maharaj, Prominent Kathawachak's Swami Akhandanand ji Saraswati and Ma Anandmayee who had been very closed to respected Swami Kalyandev ji Maharaj

31 Shukteerth a brief sketch

Revered Swami ji with Pandit Jawahar Lal Nehru, the first Prime Minister of India in Shukratal. On the First President of India Dr. Rajendra Prasad ji, alongwith Swami Kalyandev ji Maharaj at a occasion farmers conference organised by Swami ji (26th Nov. 1958) function

Revered Swami ji in President House and blessing the then PM Indira Gandhi (1982) Swami ji with Babu Jagjiwan Ram then Defence Minister at Gurukul Ghasipura, Muzaffarnagar

Shri V.V. Giri ji, the then Governor of Uttar Pradesh, planting a sepling at Shri Shukdev Ashram Revered Swami ji with the then Chief Minister of UP Ch. Charan Singh 32 a brief sketch Shukteerth

Shri Narhari Vishnu Gadgil, the then Governor of Uttar Pradesh with Swami Kalyandev ji Maharaj (1958) Gen. Shahnawaz Khan with Swami Kalyandev ji at Ayurved college, Rampur

His highness Maharaja Alwar, Shri Sawai Tej Singh ji performing bhoomi pujan of Shukdev Temple at Swami Kalyandev ji Maharaj blessing Lala Jagat Narayan, founder Punjab Kesari News Shri Shukdev Ashram. (12th November, 1945) Paper at Shukratal in presence of Swami Geetanand ji

Gyani Zail Singh ji the then President of India at a function at Shukratal with Swami ji on 15 January, 1984 Central Minister Shri Uma Shanker Dikshit alongwith Swami ji at Ayurved college, Rampur 33 Shukteerth a brief sketch

President Shri Neelam Sanjiva Reddy honoured Swami ji with Padmashri (1982) Revered Swami ji honoured with Padama Bhushan by the then President Shri K.R. Narayanan (2000)

Swami ji receiving Nanda Naitik Puraskar from the then President Dr Shanker Shri Vishnukant Shahstri the then Governor UP conferring Swami Kalyandev ji Maharaj with honorary Dayal Sharma. Also Shri D.D. Upadhya ji, Chairman of Nanda Foundation (1993) degree of D.Lit at Convocation Ceremony of Chaudhary Charan Singh Univeristy, Meerut (2002)

34 a brief sketch Shukteerth

Revered Swami ji with the then President Gyani Zail Singh and the then Mayor of The then Vice President Shri Bhairon Singh Shekhawat speaking to Swami Kalyandev Ji Delhi Shri Mahendra Singh performing Yagna at Shukdev Ashram Shukratal on Maharaj at Shukteerth (2004) the occasion of laying foundation stone for Vridha Gaushala (1984)

Swami Kalyandev ji Maharaj blessing Shri Rajnath Singh the then Chief Minister Shri Ashok Gehlot ji the then Chief Minister of Rajasthan alongwith famous Kathawachak of Uttar Pradesh at Shri Shukdev Ashram, Shukratal (2001 Shri Ramprasad Ramsnehi worshipping Swami Kalyandev ji Maharaj at Jodhpur, Rajasthan (2001)

35 Shukteerth a brief sketch

The then Prime Minister Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee releasing Swami Kalyandev Abhinandan Granth at New Delhi (2002)

The then Home Minister Shri Lal Krishna Advani on the occassion of Abhinandan Swami Omanand Saraswati presenting first copy of Abhinandan Granth to the then Granth book release at New Delhi (2002) President Shri A.P.J. Abdul Kalam at Rashtrapati Bhawan, New Delhi (2002)

36 a brief sketch Shukteerth

Swami Kalyandev ji takes eternal samadhi Parampujya Shree Swami ji Maharaj expressed his desire to take samadhi at Shukdev Ashram, Shukteerth (Shukratal). Ultimately 'His Holiness' left for his heavenly abode on Wednesday, 14th July, 2004, after walking around (parikrama) the Akshay Vat Vriksh (Holy Banyan Tree) and Shri Shukdev Temple.

Swami Omanand Ji Saraswati, Successor of Brahmleen Respected Swami Kalyandev Ji Maharaj

rahamleen Swami ji handed over all the responsibilities and authority to his loved disciple Swami Omanand ji Saraswati, by pronouncing him as the successor, before Btaking Samadhi, so that he could accomplish his incomplete tasks and carry forward the sentiments of social service. At present the execution of public welfare institutions dedicated to the nation is being done by Swami Omanand ji. He has glorified the Sanyas Guru tradition by undertaking the construction of many educational institutions and other benevolent tasks, is giving us relentless inspiration for global welfare and peace. We wish to seek blessings and long life inspiration from him.

Respected Swami Kalyandev ji Maharaj clearly wrote in his last will, that Swami Omanand ji Saraswati has worked relentlessly for the development of Shri Shukdev Ashram, hence he is my only successor. All the trustees of Shri Shukdev Ashram Swami Kalyandev Sewa Trust were told to respect Swami Omanand ji Saraswati and his decisions.

After respected Swami Kalyandev ji Maharaj left for his heavenly abode Swami Omanand ji Saraswati has taken forward legacy of his Respected Guru and established numerous institutions for the upliftment of poor and downtrodden and educational field, specially for the girls. Some of the institutions are - Swami Kalyandev BBR inter college, Bajheri (Muzaffarnagar), Swami Kalyandev degree College, Meerapur (Muzaffarnagar), Swami Kalyandev Sr. Sec. School, Indira Colony (Muzaffarnagar), Swami Kalyandev Degree College, Sikanderpur, Jhinjhana (Shamli), Swami Kalyandev Girls Degree College,

37 Shukteerth a brief sketch

Babri (Muzaffarnagar), Swami Kalyandev School (Bihargarh), Swami Kalyandev Polytechnic (Behra Sadat), Swami Omanand Inter College (Behra Sadat), Swami Kalyandev Girls Inter College, Jansath (Muzaffarnagar), Swami Kalyandev Omanand Girls College (Behra Sadat), Swami Kalyandev Girls Degree College (Behra Sadat), Swami Kalyandev Ambedkar Girls College (Rampur), Swami Kalyandev Inter College (Mubarakpur), Swami Kalyandev Girls Inter College, Shukratal Road (Morna).

Apart from above Swami Omanand ji also established Swami Kalyandev Vishwakarma Girls College at Saharanpur, Swami Kalyandev S.S.B.D. Degree College, Dehradun Road, Kurdi Kheda, Swami Kalyandev Girls Inter College at Haldaur (Bijnaur), Swami Kalyandev Girls Degree College, Navada Chauhan, Nehtaur and Swami Kalyandev Degree College at Dhampur. Also established Swami Kalyandev Girls College at Kharkhauda (Meerut).

Further Swami Omanand ji constructed marbel statues in the sacred memory of respected Swami Kalyandev ji and got these unveiled by prominent dignitaries. Some of these places are Shri Shukdev Ashram, Shukratal, Kargil Martyrs Memorial, Shukratal, Shri Shukdev Sanskrit Vidyalaya, Shukratal, Gandhi Polytechnic, Muzaffarnagar, Swami Kalyandev Degree College, Baghra, Swami Kalyandev Govt. Ayurvedic College, Rampur, Guru Birjanand Inter College, Rampur, Swami Kalayandev Degree Colleges, Kharkhoda, Marwad Inter College, Pilkhua (Hapur), Swami Kalyandev Inter College, Sadharanpur, Distt. Saharanpur, Sarvodaya Inter Collge, Khai Khedi (Muzaffarnagar), Swami Kalayandev Degree College, Hastinapur, Laxmi Narayan Mandir and Swami Kalyandev ji Park, Secter-56, Noida and Shankar Inter College, Khanpur (Uttrakhand).

Swami Omanand ji is also renamed Civil Hospital, Muzaffarnagar as Swami Kalyandev Govt. Hospital, One way road between Sec. 55-56 of Noida and a big park at the same place as Swami Kalyandev Marg and Swami Kalyandev Park respectively from Noida Development Authority. Parks at Vasundhara, Ghaziabad and Puranmal Ramlal P.G. College at Gangoh, Saharanpur have also been renamed as Swami Kalyandev Park. Road connecting from Bhop Road flyover to Vishwakarna Chowk at Muzaffarnagar has also been renamed as Swami Kalyandev Marg by Muzaffarnagar Municipal Corporation.

Under the able guidance of Swami Omanand ji Saraswati, multistory Swami Kalyandev Shukdev Bhagwat Bhawan at Saptrishi Road, Ashram-Link Road, near Shantikunj, Haridwar have also been constructed. Swami Omanand ji Saraswati gives credit for all above educational and development work to blessings of his respected Guru Brahmleen Swami Kalyandev ji Maharaj.

Shri Shukdev Ashram Swami Kalyandev Sewa Trust Shukratal (Shukteerth), Muzaffarnagar (U.P.)

38 a brief sketch Shukteerth

Respected Swami Kalyandev ji Maharaj blessing Param Shisya Omanand ji Saraswati on the occasion Brahmleen Swami Kalyandev Ji Maharaj who left for his heavenly of Gurupurnima (2004) abode on 14 July, 2004 at the age of 129 years

State Health Minister of Haryana Dr. M.L. Ranga, the then MLA Shri Somansh Prakash and Shri Jagatguru Shankracharya Rajrajeshwarashram ji paying tribute to Omanand Saraswati paying tribute to Swami ji respected Swami Kalyandev ji Maharaj

39 Shukteerth a brief sketch

Parikarma yatra started at around Holy Banyan Tree and Shukratal after revered Swami Kalyandev ji Maharaj takes eternal samadhi

Large number of devotees thronged for the last darshan of Swami Kalyandev ji Maharaj, Visuliser of three centuries 40 a brief sketch Shukteerth

The then Vice Army Chief N.S. Malik paying tribute to Swami Kalyandev ji Maharaj on behalf Sri N.D. Tiwari the then CM Uttrakhand being emotional while being of army staff paying tribute to respected Swami Kalyandev ji Maharaj

Shri N.D. Tiwari CM Uttrakhand, Sayeedujama ex MP, Mahendra Singh Scholars from Haridwar reciting mantras while Swami Shri Omanand Saraswati performing Tikait President BKU and Virendra Singh Cabinet Minister, U.P. Paying samadhi pujan Tribute at Swami Ji's Samadhi 41 Shukteerth a brief sketch

Successor Swami Omanand Saraswati being welcomed by Jagat Guru Shankracharya Sant Samaj welcomes Swami Omanand Saraswati ji on the occasion of Succession Swami Satyamitranand Giri ji ceremony Swami Kalyandev ji Maharaj

Sant Murari Bapu ji paying tribute to Swami Kalyandev ji Maharaj Shri Om Prakash ji Chautala the then Chief Minister Haryana on the occasion of Succession ceremony Swami Kalyandev ji Maharaj

42 a brief sketch Shukteerth

Shri Hansraj ji Bhardwaj the then Law Minister Government of India paying tribute to Swami Shri Ramesh Bhai Ojha world famous Kathawachak narrated first Bhagwat Katha in pious Kalyandev ji Maharaj. Also seen are Swami Omanand ji Saraswati and Shri Somansh memory of Swami Kalyandev ji Maharaj at Shri Shukdev Ashram. Performing Bhoomi Pujan Prakash ji, President of Shri Shukdev Ashram Swami Kalyandev Sewa Trust (2004) alongwith Swami Omanand ji Saraswati (2005)

Shri Bhairon Singh Shekhawat the then Vice President of India anveiling Samadhi of respected Swami Kalyandev ji Maharaj on his first punyatithi and paying tribute by lifting Swami ji's Charan Paduka in his hands. Also seen are Swami Omanand ji Saraswati and Khathod Family of Delhi/Jamnagar

43 Shukteerth a brief sketch

Front view of Brahamleen Swami Kalyandev ji Maharaj's Samadhi Mandir at Bhagwat Peeth Shri Shukdev Ashram, Shukratal

Inside view of Brahamleen Swami Kalyandev ji Maharaj's Samadhi Mandir

44 a brief sketch Shukteerth

Shri Mulayam Singh the then Chief Minister of U.P. unveiling statue of respected Shri T. Rajeshwar Rao the then Governor, U.P. paying floral tribute at Samadhi Swami Kalyandev ji Maharaj (2006) Mandir of Swami ji at Shri Shukdev Ashram, Shukratal alongwith Swami Omanand ji Saraswati (2007)

Yet to come from Shri Om Dutt

Shri Bhupendra Singh ji Hooda the then Chief Minister of Haryana performing Shri B.L. Joshi the then governor U.P. at the unveiling function of Shukteerh pooja and unveiling statue of Swami Kalyandev ji at Kargil Shaheed Smarak at Sandesh-Ashram's magzine alongwith Swami Omanand ji Saraswati at the Ganga Ghat, Shukratal (2009) time of 6th Punyatithi of Swami Kalyandev ji Maharaj (2010)

45 Shukteerth a brief sketch

Kargil Shaheed Smarak Shri Sukdev Ganga Ghat Suktal in honour of soldiers who sacrificed their lives for the country in Kargil

Kargil Memorial established by Swami Kalyandev ji Maharaj in sacred memory A Vijayanta Battle Tank has been placed at Kargil Shaheed Smarak, Shukratal at the of Martyrs of Kargil War behest of Indian Army

46 a brief sketch Shukteerth

Swami Omanand ji Saraswati at initiation session of Sanskrit Madhyamik Vidhyalaya Shukdev Ashram, Shukratal

Devotees taking holy dip at Shri Shukdev Ganga Ghat, Shukteerth (Shukratal) on the auspicious occasion of Ganga Dussehra Snan festival

47 Shukteerth a brief sketch

Shri Shukdev Swami Kalyandev Bhagwat Bhawan Near Shantikunj at Saptrishi A Birds Eyeview of Shri Shukdev Ashram, Shukratal and its surroundings Ashram-Link Road at Haridwar

robes, Wooden Stick, Bhiksha Patra and Charan Paduka of Swami Kalyandev ji

48 a brief sketch Shukteerth

Akshya Vat Vriksh completing this religious Yagna, Swami ji left for Shukteerth, which looked like a barren forestland those days, and was Towering at a height of 150 feet, this five-thousand-one inhabitable. Ferocious beasts like tigers and leopards used hundred-year-old Akshay Vat Vriksh is verdant even today, to stalk the area at that time. casting soothing shadows and a sense of 'quiet' upon The Vat Vriksh was still there, but stood precariously on the temple premises. Its branches appear like hands a mound of sand, and was on the verge of ruin. . The showering blessings on devotees. The Vat Vriksh is devotees used to come here in groups to avoid being perceived as a living symbol of Shukdev ji by his followers. mauled by the beasts. After a quick offering of Gangajal Like other Vat Vrikshas, fibrous parasitical roots do not and a darshan of the wooden sandals of God Shukdev ji emerge from this ancient tree. The mythology that kept under the Vat Vriksh, they used to leave for home surrounds the Vat Vriksh has turned it into an eternal before dusk. Apart from a motley bunch of devotees and a symbol of forgiveness and peace. handful of spiritual leaders, few at that time knew about Sources of inspiration for the revival of Shukteerth were Shukteerth's existence. the founders of the University of Banaras. They were: Given this perilous situation at the holy site, the task of Pandit Madan Mohan Malviya ji, a famous scholar of India, restoring glory to the place was onerous. But not onerous the revered Shri Gokulnath ji Vallabhacharya of the Mota enough to dissuade Swami ji. To achieve this goal, he Mandir, Mumbai and the revered Shri Nimbarkacharya ji, meditated under the Vat Vriksh. It is said that one day, Ramanujacharya ji and Shri Swami Krishanbodhashram. when the Swami ji was meditating at night, Shukdev ji These great personalities had urged Swami Kalyandevji to presented himself and showered his blessings on him. help revive and revitalise Shukteerth. Having imbibed divine power, Swami ji performed the Once, on the occasion of the Kumbh Mela in Allahabad, Shrimad Bhagwat pooja continuously for one year under the renowned scholar of Shrimad Bhagvat, the revered the Vat Vriksh. To witness a watershed in India's religious Shri Prabhu Dutt Brahamachari, accompanied Swami ji to history, many great scholars from Varanasi and Vrindavan the banks of the Ganges. When they arrived at the banks, were invited. The expenses for this one-year-long pooja he urged Swami ji to help restore Shukteerth's past glory. It were borne by his devotee, Shri Shambhu Nath Goenka, a was on the banks of the Ganges that Swami] i vowed to resident of Delhi. It was not long before this pooja began transform the otherwise abandoned Shukteerth into a producing miracles. coveted destination for the devout. The process of reviving Shukteerth began in 1944 with Shri Shukdev Ashram Sewa Samiti the revered Shri Kalyandev ji performing a great religious Yagna and oblation on the banks of the Yamuna in Delhi in It was in the same year, 1944, that Swami ji constituted the order to attain world peace. This was the period when Shri Shukdev Ashram Sewa Samiti. He chose all wellknown India was under the British. The British officers had great personalities of the region as members of the samiti. These respect for the revered Swami ji. Many great sages, scholars personalities helped and co-operated with Shri Swami ji as and devotees from all parts of the country were present on he began carving out a beautiful place from the deadly this great occasion. It is said that a religious Yagna as great forest. The elections of the samiti had been held in keeping as the one the revered Swami ji carried out has not been with its Constitution. Lala Brahmaswaroop ji, bar-at-law, performed in India since the days of Mahabharata. After had been the samiti's president for many years.

49 Shukteerth a brief sketch

Historical resurrection of a sacred mound Shukteerth on 18th November, 1945. The occasion was solemnised with the chanting of the Gayatri Mantra one As one of the main aims of Swami ji was to keep the Vat crore times. He himself performed the bhumi pooja for the Vriksh from falling, he turned the sand mound into a Shukdev Temple. concrete plinth with the cooperation of generous devotees. On 3rd October, 1948, Shri N V Gadgil, the then Minister In this endeavour, Swami ji was assisted by Lala Rajender for Works, Mines and Power, Government of India, arrived Lal ji and Lala Narender Lal ji, the sons of the then Chief at Shukratal on the invitation of Swami ji and foundation Justice of Punjab. They spent lakhs of rupees on this stone of the temple was laid by him. project. In fact, they were inspired by Prof. Shri Rama Nand ji and Shri Shiv Kumar ji to take up this noble cause. At that Idol consecrating ceremony time Lala Sohan Lal ji and Lala Manohar Lal ji, who were landlords at Shukratal, had saplings planted around the The then Union Home Minister, Shri Gulzari Lal Nanda, mound. Today, this mound called the Shukteela is the inaugurated the idol installation ceremony on 27th April, pride of Shukteerth. 1956, in the courtyard of Shri Shukdev temple in the presence of Supreme Shri 1008 Swami Akhandanand ji Shri Shukdev Temple Maharaj Saraswati of Vrindavan, a great scholar of the Vedanta system of philosophy. Devout Seth Kundanlal ji Right under the Vat Vriksh is one ancient Chatree. This Malik of Bijnour presented the beautiful idols made of Chatree (a Shukdev temple) was reconstructed using white marbles. marbles and the entire work was funded by Gujarati devotees. In this temple are the statues of Shukdev ji Hanuman Temple Maharaj and king Parikshit, and their footprints. These statues symbolise Bhagvat Darshan. Next to this ancient A beautiful Hanuman temple is located under the Vat temple is the newly-constructed Shukdev temple, beautiful Vriksh and to the right of the huge temple of Maharishi in its solitary splendor. Shukdev ji. Burma, today's Myanmar, saw an uprising at But setting up this temple was not an easy process in one point in time in modern history. During this period, spite of the adequate funding it had received. Before it was Indians left their businesses in Burma to return home. One constructed, Pandit Madan Mohan Malviya ji told Swami ji cloth merchant, Seth Lala Sant Ram Leela Niranjan, and his that the foundation stone of the Shukdev temple should be family, had been living in Burma. Due to some reason, this laid by a religious personality who has never drunk water merchant could not return to India and had to face from any place of rest or a hotel. After a prolonged search, problems as the revolution gathered momentum. His wife, the king of Alwar, Raja Tej Singh, was chosen for this Smt Saraswati Devi, was a devotee of Hanuman ji. She purpose. It was he who laid the foundation stone, marking prayed to Hanuman ji that if she and her family could the beginning of a glorious era of religious activity. return home safely, she would construct a Hanuman temple at some holy place in India. Arrival of the king of Alwar As things turned out, the very next day, a servant informed her that a plane was ready to fly to India, and On the invitation of Swami ji, Raja Tej Singh arrived at that she could take this flight immediately. It was not long

50 a brief sketch Shukteerth before the entire family was back in India, away from their 'Food begets beings; rain begets food; Yagna begets rains; plight in Burma. This was a miracle of Hanuman ji. and karma begets Yagna.' Originally, this cloth merchant belonged to Bhivani in In other words, Yagna caters to the welfare of all, as it Haryana where Swami ji used to address congregations is the basis of evolution. In keeping with this philosophy, from time to time. During one such religious gathering, as Swami ji Maharaj had been performing Yagnas at almost all providence would have it, the Swami ji and Smt Saraswati the sacred places of India. When he arrived at the ashram Devi met. She then narrated the story of her return to India here, he preferred to sit inside the Yagnashala. to Swami ji. Thereafter, Swami ji inspired her to construct a Hanuman Temple. Gita Bhawan The foundation stone of the temple was laid by Shri J.P. Shrivastava, Member-Council of the Viceroy. The temple Situated on the way towards the stairs leading to the main was inaugurated by the then Speaker of the Lok Sabha and temple, this Bhawan nestles pretty within the beautiful the then Governor of Bihar, Shri Anant Shayanam Ayanger, compound. The Bhawan was constructed by Shri Baij Nath on 21st April, 1962. Baijal, Executive Engineer, Department of Irrigation, Muzaffarnagar, in the memory of his wife Devi Baijal. Enclosure for Yagnashala The foundation stone was laid by the then Governor of Punjab, Shri N.V. Gadgil, on 23rd April, 1960. Marble seat At the main gate of Shri Shukdev Ashram and to the right for Vyasa is unique feature of this Gita Bhawan. The huge of the Shukdev temple, a huge enclosure for religious hall in the Bhawan can accommodate at least five hundred Yagnas is located. Inspired by Swami ji, the enclosure was people. A discourse on the messages of the Gita, and a constructed by Rai Bahadur Seth Goojarmal Modi, a Shrimad Bhagvat Katha week, are some of the bhawan's resident of Modi Nagar, in Uttar Pradesh. The foundation main events. stone of this place of Yagna was laid by the then Minister for Education and Home of UP, Pandit Kamlapati Tripathi, Bhagwan Shankar Mandir on 14th May, 1959. The enclosure was inaugurated by Dr Sampurna Nand, the then Chief Minister of UP, on The huge Bhagwan Shankar temple is located in the front 15th November, 1959. of the Gita Bhawan and to the north-west of the Shukdev At this enclosure, a daily Yagna is performed with the Mandir. Once again, it was the Swami ji whose inspiration chanting of mantras and Shlokas from the Veda, the Geeta led to the construction of this temple. Driven by his and the Shrimad Bhagvatam. Swami ji inspires everybody inspiration, his follower Rai Bahadur Seth Girdhari Lal Bajaj, to perform the daily Yagna, for he believes that Yagna a mill owner in Ghaziabad, funded the construction of purifies the surroundings. His belief that performing of the temple. Yagnas can bring rains in drought conditions, is echoed in The ceremony of consecrating the idol at this temple the following Shloka of the Bhagwad Gita: was performed by Param Hans Poojyapad Shri Swami Krishnabodhashram ji Maharaj and the then Jagadguru Annad Bhawanti bhutani parjanyat annsambhavah Shankaracharya of Badrika Ashram on Samwat 2024. Yajnat bhavati parjanyo yajnah karma samudbhava A devotee can have a panchayatan view of Bhagwan

51 Shukteerth a brief sketch

Shankar in this temple where devotees carrying Gangajal Sanskrit Vidayalaya as an offering arrive from Haridwar. This is a popular Shiv mandir of this region. Swami ji founded a number of educational institutions in different parts of the country. In order to keep The temple of Maryada alive the ancient Indian language of Sanskrit, which has formed the basis of many other international languages, Purushottam Bhagwan Ram Swami ji set up a Sanskrit Vidayalaya within the ashram premises. The construction of the temple of Bhagwan Ram was completed on 2nd April, 1988, by devotees hailing from Sanskritye Vaynat nityam Muzaffarnagar. Needless to say, they were inspired by Swami ji. Sanskritasya niradarat This means that a deterioration in culture and diminishing 'Shivdrohi mam das kahawa! respect for the language had weakened the basic tenets So nar sapnehun mohi nahin bhava!' on which the country were to flourish. To revive the language, Swami ji founded the Sanskrit Pathshala. This The Bhagvati Shakambari Mandir institution is affiliated to and recognised by the Sanskrit Vishwavidyalaya, Varanasi. This towering temple of Ma Bhagvati is located on a mound This has been functioning smoothly for the past forty which is to the west of the Bhagwan Shankar Mandir, about years. The institute's huge building behind the yajnashala 100 metres from the Shukdev Mandir. has six study rooms, one prayer room and one huge hall for In this sacred place once was performed a restraint- meetings. The foundation stone was laid by the then week by the great personality and a supreme ascetic, Education and Home Minister of Uttar Pradesh, Kamlapati Ma Anandmayee. This event was witnessed among others Tripathi, on 14th- May, 1959. It was inaugurated by the by the famous industrialist, Rai Bahadur Sahib Seth then Nepal’s Ambassador to India, Shri Yadu Nath ji. Goojarmal, of Modi Nagar, and his wife Sethani Shrimati Education at this institute is imparted free of cost to Dayawati Modi. students. The institute also offers free accommodation, On this occasion, Ma Anandmayee motivated Sethani clothes and books. This has been facilitated by the Shri Shrimati Dayawati Modi to construct a Shakambari Mandir Shukdev Ashram Samiti. Here, students recite vedic in this sacred place. Shrimati Dayawati Modi, inspired by mantras and shlokas from the Gita, the Ramayana and the Ma Anandmayee, went ahead and constructed this temple. Shrimad Bhagwat. Besides, they also perform the daily She was assisted in her endeavour by Swami ji. yagna. Both in the morning and evening, prayers, devotional The foundation stone-laying and idol consecrating songs and recitations from the Gita, the Ramayana, the ceremonies were performed by Ma Anandmayee herself, Shrimad Bhagvat, the Rudri, the Hanuman Chalisa and the on Samvat 2023. The temple was inaugurated by the then Shiv Mahimastotra are performed in the temple in the Governor of Uttar Pradesh on the 23rd March, 1965. This presence of experienced scholars and well qualified temple houses the idol of Devi Durga. teachers who impart quality education to learners.

52 a brief sketch Shukteerth

Library The Sudhadwait Jap Yagna Samiti, a social service organisation, Lucknow Rajdarbar, lent a helping hand in the The school has its own library. The library has textbooks construction of its marble floor, pillars and the grating it is apart from many scripts and books of self-study. The surrounded with. In fact, the samiti was inspired in its foundation stone of the library was laid by the then Minister endeavour by Shri Jiwan Lal Rastogi. The extension and for Forest, U.P., Shri Algu Rai on the 15th May, 1961. beautification of this hall was done by Shri Dongre ji, Bhagvat Gyan Yoga Samiti, Ahemdabad, with the Hostel cooperation of Shri Girish Bhai and Shri Bhupender Bhai Bainker, who are devotees from Gujarat. It has now been The Sanskrit Mahavidyalaya has an old hostel which is named as Shri Dongre Ji Bhagvat Bhawan. located just behind the Vidyalaya. A new hostel was Besides, the another Bhagvat Bhawan was constructed constructed in 1996-97. It has eight rooms and a big by Shri N K Bajaj, the owner of Amrit Vanaspati, Ghaziabad, meeting hall. in 1980. Also, a cave was turned into a huge underground hall by Seth Shri Shubhkaran Kedia, a resident of Mumbai. Shrimad Bhagvat Bhawan Thousands of devotees can gather here. There is one Katha Bhawan, named the Gita Bhawan, and one Katha Bhawan, Shukratal is the place from where Shrimad Bhagvat Katha named as the Narayan Bhawan. Most devotees perform originates. Therefore, it would be apt to say that this place Shrimad Bhagvat Katha under the Vat Vriksh, at exactly the would naturally be the world centre for propagating the spot where Shukdev ji was said to have narrated the story message of the Bhagvat Katha. Devotees from every nook of Bhagvat to Raja Parikshit. and corner of India come here in large numbers to partake in the week-long Bhagvat Katha. At times, various Bhagvat Shri Shukdev Bhawan Katha Saptah Parayans are performed here simultaneously. Hence, keeping in view the increasing demand for Katha Located at the main gate of the ashram (Shri Shukdev Bhawans, many big halls have been constructed here. Roopdwar), the Shukdev Bhawan has 5 rooms. It was The main Bhagvat Katha Bhawan is huge and beautiful. constructed by devotees hailing from the Muzaffarnagar It has been constructed under the Vat Vriksh near the district in 1995. It was inaugurated by a young saint, Shukdev temple. Two similar big halls have also come up Shri Kireet Bhai, a resident of London. There is one long nearby. This three-storey Bhagvat Bhawan has been verandah in front of this Bhawan and an open courtyard constructed by a famous personality, who is also a just ahead of it. renowned story-teller, Shri Swami Sadanandji Maharaj. He founded the Shri Krishna Pranami Paramdham, Vrindavan Kalyan Bhojnalaya in the memory of his teacher Shri Swami Mangal Das Ji in 1997. In the construction of this Bhawan, the great scholar Many generous people of the district had come forward to of Bhagvat Katha, Pt Puroshotam Lal Sharma, a resident of set up the Kalyan Bhojnalaya. Among the leading lights Jaipur (Rajasthan), rendered praiseworthy cooperation. He who helped this bhojnalya come about included the then has performed 42 Bhagvat Saptah in 41 years at this cashier, the Late Lala Amar Nath ji of Muzaffarnagar, and sacred place. Shrimati Kaushalya Devi, Shrimati Ram Kali, and Shrimati

53 Shukteerth a brief sketch

Prem Lata, in 1999. It was inaugurated by the District for irrigating the garden as well as for drinking water. It was Magistrate of Muzaffarnagar, Shri Amit Mohan Prasad, on installed by the then Irrigation Minister, U.P. Government, 25th March, 1999, at a grand function, which was presided Kamlapati Tripathi. The tubewell has been supplying over by Senior Police Superintendent Ashutosh Pandey. drinking water to Shukratal for years now. The tubewell has been installed at a short distance from the main gate of the Swami Kalyandev Anuradha ashram. Charitable Hospital Arrangement for drinking water and reservoir The Swami Kalyandev Anuradha Charitable Hospital is For uninterrupted supply of drinking water to the entire situated near the Kalyandwar of Shri Shukdev Ashram. At ashram, a new reservoir with a storage capacity of 50,000 present, the hospital is functioning from a building whose litre of water was constructed by Shri Inder Sen (the son of construction was sponsored by Shri Shri Jee baba. The the late Lala Kedar Nath Singal) and his wife Shrimati Paten modernisation of the hospital was done by the then Law Devi (Jeend Kalwa Wale), now residing in Inderpuri, New Minister, Government of India, Shri Hansraj Bhardwaj, in Delhi. This reservoir was dedicated to the memory of their the memory of his daughter, Late Anuradha, in 1998. The ancestors in the year 1994. This reservoir, which is now hospital is also being run with the financial assistance from catering to various needs of the ashram, is located just the Shri Shukdev Ashram Sewa Samiti. It was inaugurated behind the Shri Shukdev temple. by the then Hon'ble Justice Shri Jagdish Bhalla, High Court, (Lucknow Bench), Allahabad and Administrative Justice, Shastri Dharmarth - Dispensary Muzaffarnagar. The hospital was inaugurated with the blessings of Swami ji and in the presence of Shri Bhardwaj A charitable ayurvedic dispensary and a hospital in the ji at a grand function presided over by the then Hon'ble ashram provides free medical services. Here, treatment is Justice, Shri Ishwarprakash Vashisth, High Court (Lucknow supervised by qualified and experienced doctors. Patients Bench), Allahabad, on 21st November, 1998. The hospital from both urban and remote areas, irrespective of caste, has all the modern facilities for pilgrims and for the people creed and religion, come here for treatment. The then of the region. Here, medical facilities are provided free of Prime Minister Lal Bahadur Shastri had a great affection for cost by competent doctors. this sacred place. During the English rule, Shri Algu Rai of the All-India Public Service Commission was deputed to Gaushala, Krishi Vatika and Tubewell this place. Besides, Shri Lal Bahadur Shastri ji, before he became the Prime Minister, was also deputed here after The Swami ji's signature could be seen all over this sacred being nominated as chairman of the Muzaffarnagar District. place. With his support, a cowshed has been constructed Their mission was to improve the quality of life of the here, adding more significance to this place as it is said so-called untouchables as well as to popularise the use of 'Gobrahmanhitaya ch' in Sanskrit. An all-purpose garden Khadi and the Hindi language. Shri Shastri ji lived in this exists here. At this garden is grown fodder for cows, district during 1922-1926. Shri Swami ji had made his flowers for performing pooja and vegetables for students, acquaintance long ago. During this period, Shri Shastriji saints, and devotees. There is one tubewell, which is used spent considerable time with Swami ji to help develop the

54 a brief sketch Shukteerth place. Later, he kept returning to Shukteerth from time to telephone exchange has now been set up in Shukteerth time. The dispensary is named after the late Prime Minister, along with a police station manned round-the clock. and is called the Shastri Dharmarth dispensary. On 5th February, 1966 Shri Harikishan Shastri, the Arrangement for electric supply eldest son of Shri Shastri ji, and his family, reached Shukteerth with the ashes of his father. At that point in There was a time when no electricity was available in the time, patriot and litterateur Shri Viyogi Hari ji inaugurated entire region. But the situation began changing when Dr this dispensary. Thereafter, the Government Ayurvedic Sampoornanand ji, who at that point in time was the Chief Dispensary with 15 beds had been set up in 1991 with Minister of Uttar Pradesh, used to come here often for a under Swami ji's guidance. Apart from this, one more holy dip in the Ganges and offer pooja. On one such Government Ayurvedic Dispensary with four beds has been occasion, a request was made to him to make arrangement set up by Swami ji in the Brahaman Ashram. Its main for supply of electricity to the area. He acted swiftly and objective is to serve the rural people and the pilgrims. provided electricity to an area that stretched from Muzaffarnagar to Shukratal. It was his unflinching efforts Main gate (Shri Shukdev Roopdwar) that saw Shukratal being lighted up. At that time, electric poles imported from Italy, used to be ferried to Dehradun At the entrance of the Shukdev Ashram is a huge gate on rails. Following a request by Swami ji, one consignment known as Shri Shukdev Roopdwar. It is around 150 feet of electric poles was sent to Shukratal. On a war footing, the below the Vat Vriksh and the Shukdev Temple. This dwar poles were erected and connected by electric wires. Soon, was constructed by Shrimati Hansa Devi in the memory of entire Shukratal began to sparkle, nestled as it were in the her husband, the Late Lala Roop Chandi ji, the son of Shri hilly northern Indian region. A 33 kvA electric station had Raishahab Lala Madhoram, resident of Dehradun, in also been set up at this sacred place to ensure supply of Samvat 2034. Towards this good cause, they were inspired power electricity to the sprawling ashram premises. by Lala Manohar Lal ji and his younger brother Lala Ram Swaroop ji. Their family members include among others Kartik Purnima Ganga Snan-Mela Advocate Shri Tejender Kumarji, Advocate Shri Santosh Kumarji and Shri Mithanji. They, too, were instrumental in To leave no stone unturned, a Ganga Snan Mela was reviving Shukteerth. started here coinciding with the festival of Kartik Purnima. In the beginning, the convenors of this event were Lala Postal, telephone and police services Inder Prakash ji, Lala Tula Ramji, Lala Jaya Prakash ji and Lal Jagat Prakash ji, who volunteered to make all snan Leading personalities, industrialists, businessmen and arrangements available. Later, as the event grew in size, devotees from top metropolitan cities like New Delhi, Kolkata the responsibility for organising this week-long festival was and Mumbai come here to participate in the week long entrusted to the district council. Besides, events such as Shrimad Bhagvat Kathas. Therefore, the need was felt for Ganga Dushehra, Baisakhi, Sharad Chaturdashi and Pitri putting in place a communication infrastructure that would Visharjani Amawashya, each of a two-day duration, are have a post office and basic telephony, besides a police organised here, attracting thousands of pilgrim's from station. All these facilities have been made available here. A far-flung areas every year.

55 Shukteerth a brief sketch

Shrimad Bhagvat Saptah Food is necessary for all living beings. Food maintains the body. Nobody can live without food. Though exceptions The Shrimad Bhagvat Katha is delivered in the Bhagvatpeeth are there. That is why it is said: Shri Shukdev Ashram on Kartik-Purnima every year. The Bhukha Bhajan na hoye Gopala, famous scholar, Bhagvatacharya Pt Purushottam Lal ji, a Ye lo apni kanthi mala resident of Jaipur, has been performing Katha for the past It is the supreme duty of the human beings to give food 42 years. Besides, both Indian and foreign saints, such as to the hungry and to give water to the thirsty. Keeping this the Revered Dongre ji Maharaj, the Revered Murari Bapu ji in view, Annakshetra is functioning in Shukdev Ashram. and the Revered Kireet Bhai ji, keep returning to this place Shri Shukdev Ashram Swami Kalyandev Sewa Trust runs it to perform the Bhagvat Katha. according to the instructions from Revered Swami ji Maharaj. In this Annakshetra, there is good arrangement Educational Institutions for free breakfast and two meals- morning and evening for the students of the ashram, saints, sages and guests who The Shukdev Ashram Sewa Samiti has set up the Swami come here. The arrangement is made by the Samiti through Kalyandev High School here in 1985, to impart quality the funds donated by the generous people. education to the poor in the area. The school is located just near the entrance of Shukteerth. Well-qualified teachers Arrangements for dwelling places are now imparting meaningful instructions to about 700 students in this school. The school is rendering a great help Dwellings have its own importance among the basic to the poor children of the area by providing good education necessities of human beings. There is proper arrangement to them. The school has 30 classrooms having all sorts of for dwelling for all devotees, sages, saints of the ashram facilities. Besides, there is a primary Pathshala and a and also for the guests who come here. Sanskrit Vidyalaya. Parikshit Bhawan Religious and spiritual center There is beautiful and attractive double storey building at This sacred place is a religious and spiritual center for all. the main gate. It has twelve rooms. This building was got Thousands come here on the occasions of fairs and also for constructed by the devotees of Muzaffarnagar for which performing pooja and taking bath in the Ganges. People of they got inspiration from Revered Swami Kalyandev ji. The all walk of life not only from India but also from other building has been dedicated to the Shri Shukdev Ashram countries get peace and content here and now they accept Sewa Samiti and is known as Parikshit Bhawan. In the the glory of this sacred place. There are temples, muths, construction of this building, General Secretary Shri Leelu ashrams of all castes, creeds, and religions here. It is believed Ram Gupta ji of the Samiti and the then cashier Late Shri people get rid from their sins by taking bath in the Ganges. Amar Nath ji rendered their full cooperation.

Annakshetra Dandi Ashram Anand Bhawand Bhutani parjanydt annasambhavam Dandi Ashram Yajnat bhavad parjanyo yajnah kanna samudbhavah There is one in this divine place. This to the

56 a brief sketch Shukteerth

abode of scholar ascetics Dandi saints mahatma. There is outset of all auspicious occasions. Overwhelmed with proper arrangement for dwelling, food etc for the saints. zealous spirit, a religious personality Lala Shukhbir Singh ji The chairman is the famous scholar of Bhagvat Anant Shri and a generous and social worker Lala Lakshmi Chand Vibhushit Pujayapad Shri Swami Vishnu Ashram ji Maharaj. Singhal ji, both resident of Muzaffarnagar, consecrated the He was invited by Revered Swami Kalyandev ji Maharaj. celestial idol of Ganesha which is 35 feet high. The manager of Dandi Ashram is an ascetic celibate This idol of Ganesha is unique by itself. On its left side Gurudutt ji Maharaj. Under his efficient leadership and the holy river Tripatha is flowing and on its right side is Vat guidance, the ashram is on the path of progress. Vriksh, located in Shukdev Teela and on its back side is a huge idol of Pawanputra Hanumanji. These all add one Shri Ram Ashram more feather to the beauty of the idol of Ganesha. At a short distance from the South-West of Shri Shukdev Hanumandham : A brief Introduction Temple, the ascetic saint of this sacred place Shri Swami Ramdhari ji Maharaj set up a beautiful Rama Ashram. His The world's largest idol of Hanuman ji was built in the meditation cave and samadhi is also located here. Its historical city of Shukteerth in the year 1988. Its height is management is in the hands of ascetic saint Shri Som Dutt 72 feet together with its stoop. Seven hundred crores of Brahmchari. names written on papers had been kept inside of it. In order to make this huge idol, famous writer of India and Vedic Gurukul Sanskrit Vidyalaya editor of 'Shri Krishna message', Mathura Revered Shri Sudarshan Singh Chakra ji took the cooperation of his In this sacred place, one beautiful vedic Gurukul Sanskrit devotees. He thus rendered his praiseworthy cooperation Vidyalaya is located on the main road. This Vidyalaya is a for the development of this holy place. When Revered Shri symbol of ancient Indian culture. The founder/chairman of Sudarshan Singh Chakra ji met Supreme Revered Shri the vidyalaya is an aryan saint Shri Swami Anandvesh ji Swami Kalyandev ji Maharaj with the proposal of making a Maharaj. Its Director and Principal is Prof Shri Inder Pal huge and beautiful idol for Shukteerth and wanted the Brahmchari ji who is a famous saint and a great social blessings for it from him. Shri Swami ji agreed and gave his worker. Here sanskrit, yoga and moral education is imparted full cooperation. At that time Shri Chakra ji said that Shri by well qualified teachers like Shri Prem Shanker Mishra ji. Swami ji has removed my all worries regarding idol making. Revered Swami ji vowed that he would not take food till the Ganesha Dham work of idol making of Hanuman ji does not start. Swami ji fulfilled his vow. The idol is located at a short distance from Gajananam Bhoot Ganadidevi tam, Shukdev Temple on the bank of Ganges. Kapithya jambufal charu vakshanam, The idol was made by efficient workman Shri Keshav Uma sutam shok vinashkarakam, Ram of Sahdol. Shri Inder Kumar ji rendered his praise Namami bighneshwar pad pankajam. worthy cooperation and got it completed in one years time. Now a days he is Manager/Director of it. Ganesha is Ganeshadhipati and counters all obstacles In the courtyard, around the huge idol of Hanuman ji, and bestows all successes. Ganesha is remembered at the rooms have been constructed for residential purpose for

57 Shukteerth a brief sketch

devotees, saints etc. On the right side of the idol of Dharmshala, Pracheen Ganga Mandir, Upadhya Ashram, Hanuman ji, the temple of Lord Rama (Ramdarbar) and the Akhand Kuteer, Jat Dharmshala, Vaishya Aggarwal temple of Shri Radha Krishna are located, but of Revered Dharamshala, Lali ki Dharamshala, Vishwakarma Ashram, Shri Sudarshan Chakra ji is located behind these temples. Saini Mandir Dharmshala, Sunar Dharmshala, Rava Rajput There is a beautiful temple of Bhagwan Shankar ji to Dharmshala. Kshtriya Merh Dharamshala, Gola Nai Dharam the right side of the idol of Hanuman ji and located nearby Shala, Ramanujkot Ashram whose founder/Director is a beautiful temple of Ma Bhagvati Durga ji. There is a learned saint Shri Swami Jagnath ji Maharaj, Nijanand beautiful Yajnashala in front of this huge idol. There is also Ashram, Pranami Mandir Ashram, Harijan Ashram, Valmiki a open courtyard in front of it. On the one side of it is Ashram, Gaushala, Kabir Panthi Ashram, Satsaheb Ashram, kathamanch. Devotees meditate here and worship Pal Dharamshala, Bhatt Brahman Dharmshalal, Asharfilal Hanuman ji. This place is known as Hanumandham. The Dharamshala etc; later some more ashrams and idol of Hanuman ji has added one more feather to the Dharamshalas are also built. which are as under; beauty of this holy place. Shri Om Dham (whose founder and Director is Swami Kalyanswaroop ji Maharaj) Shri Ramdarbar, Kamaldev Shivdham Katiya, Viklang Ashram, Punjabi Dharmshala, Yadav Karpur gauram Karunawataram sansar saram bhujgendraharam Dharmshala, Sacha Ashram, Malpura walon ka Ashram Sada vasantam hirdayarvinde bhavam Bhawani sahitam namami (whose founder/director is a social worker saint and a homeopathy doctor Swami Yogi Raj ji Maharaj, Govind This sacred place has a number of huge idols. There is Ashram, Khichir Walon Ka Ashram, Nangli Teerth Ashram, an huge idol of Bhagwan Shankar at a distance of one Nath Ashram, Param Dham, Mahashakti Sidhpeeth (whose kilometer from and on the North-west of Shukdev Temple. Founder/Director Ma Raj Nandeshwariji), Ma Lakhewari Its height is 101 feet. Dham Trust (whose Founder/Diretor is Dev Kanya Hem Lata Mudgil ji), Murari Bapu ki Kutiya etc. Besides, Revered Durgadham Swami Rajrajeswaranandji Maharaj Mahamandeleshwar Sarvamangal Mangley Shiva Sarvarthsadhike and Swami Mahesh Chaitanya ji Maharaj (Maheshwar Shametrayamhke gauri narayani namostute Ashram) and Revered Dr Pranav Pandya ji (Shanti Kunj) etc have built their ashrams that enhanced the grace of this There is Shri Ma Durga's idol at Durgadham near the sacred place. Also there is a locality of farmers where idol of Bhagwan Shankar. Its height is 51 feet. There is one around one hundred families reside. There are some cave and a huge Shivling. This has been built by the government buildings also e.g. Jila Panchayat ka Nirikshan devotees of Muzaffarnagar a few years ago. Bhawan, Irrigation department's drainage inspection building, Tourists rest house etc. Here is one ancient well in the forest near the Shukdev Mandir which is known as Some other institutions at Parikshit Kunwa. Besides two Sanskrit schools, one high this sacred place school and one primary school are also here in the name of Besides above, there are some other ashrams, hospitals Revered Swami ji. On the instructions from Swami ji, in and government buildings at this divine place. For instance: 1990 Swami Kalyandev Balvidya Mandir has been opened Brahman Ashram, Ganga Mandir, Tyagi Ashram, Gurjar along with high school which is functioning properly.

58 a brief sketch Shukteerth

Honourable Pt. Jawahar Lal Nehru ji's visit Arrival of President Gyani Zail Singh ji

The First Prime Minister of Independent India Pt. Jawahar The then president of India Gyani Zail Singh ji visited this Lal Nehru ji visited this sacred place at the invitation of Shri sacred place on 15th January 1984 at the invitation of Shri Swami ji on 26th November, 1958 on the occasion of Kartik Swami ji. Here he offered oblation for world peace in a Purnima festival. He viewed Ganga ji here amidst Ved mahayagyna, laid the foundation stone for saint Vinoba Mantra and sipped the water through the palm of his hand Bhave Vridha Gau Sadan' and also unveiled the statue of for purification. Afterwards he addressed the crowd of two Pt. Jawahar Lal Nehru. The marble Statue of Pt. Jawahar Lal lakh people assembled here. Nehru and marble stoop for it were got built by Lala A high dais was made on the bank of Ganga in a big Gulshan Rai Jain ji. ground there where only Pandit Jawahar Lal Nehru and Shri Swami Kalyandev ji Maharaj were sitting. There was a Jagadguru Shankracharya in Shukteerth scarcity of food grain at that time. Food grains had to be imported from other countries. All the then and present Jagadguru Shankaracharyas of all Nehru ji used to appeal to the public to grow wheat in institutes and sects visited this sacred place of Shri Shukdev flower-pots and on the roof of the house, Shri Swami ji ji from time to time and bestowed blessings on pilgrims organised this huge and historical conference of farmers in and people residing here. Many Shankaracharya have which two lakh farmers vowed to grow more food grains in performed here Shrimad Bhagvat Katha Saptah. Long ago order to make India self reliant. the great saint personality engrossed in God Shri Devraha This made Pandit Nehru ji so happy that he honoured Baba ji raised a dais on the Ganges and performed Swami ji in the conference. In his welcome address he asceticism. Respectable Shri Shri Ma Anandmayee ji referred Swami ji as Gandhi ji of Uttar Pradesh and observed sanyam saptah on two occasions and also lived honoured him. here for a sometime. Besides, various saints and sages have been performing here Shrimad Bhagvat Katha, Shri Vishwanath Pratap Singh's visit worship and asceticism. Also Revered Dongreji, Morari Bapu, Ramesh Bhai Ojha, Kireet Bhai, Krishan Bhai, Krishan The then President of India, his excellency Shri Neelam Shanker Shastri, Jagadguru Ramanandacharya, Shri Swami Sanjiva Reddy honoured Swami ji with Padmashri for his Ram Bhadracharya and the other Bhagvat Katha teller of commendable services to the nation. the country came to this sacred place and performed To celebrate the occasion, a grand reception was Bhagvat Katha. arranged on 28th June, 1982 by the public of district Muzaffarnagar in Meerut division at the sacred place Revered Dongre Ji Maharaj in Shukteerth Shukratal. Shri Vishwanath Pratap Singh, the then Chief Minister of U.P. participated as a Chief Guest and welcomed Bhagvat King, world fame story teller of Bhagvat and great Swami ji at this reception. saint personality engrossed in God, Shri Ram Chandra On this occasion he also laid the foundation stone for a Keshav Dongre ji Maharaj had a great love, affection and tourist center. Later, he continued to visit this sacred place close affinity towards Shukteerth. 52 years ago he many times to have the darshan of Swami ji. performed Katha here in Gujarati. Afterwards he visited

59 Shukteerth a brief sketch

this place from time to time for solitude. Under the aegis here. Other facilities such as hotels are also available here. of Revered Shri Swami Kalyandev ji Maharaj, Revered Dongre ji Maharaj performed here his second Bhagvat Shukdev Setu Katha from 10th September to 18th September, 1980. About one lakh saints, devotees assembled here to listen With the efforts of Swami ji and with the cooperation of the Katha. This was last Katha of Revered Dongre ji. On this Revered Baba Bhuri Walon, a Shukdev Setu has been built occasion a souvenir Bhagvat Rasamrit' was published. The on the small stream of the ganges. This has helped farmers souvenir contained useful information about spiritualism. and pilgrims a lot.

Shri Murari Bapu and Shukteerth Kargil Shaheed Smarak and Ghat This sacred place has got the affection and affinity of world In the memory of Kargil Martyrs, a Kargil Shaheed Smarak fame Ram Katha teller shri Murari Bapu ji. Devotees heard has been built by Revered Swami ji in the historical sacred the Ram Katha from him in 1988 at this sacred place. place, Shukratal. Its foundation stone was laid by the then Besides, he comes to this place from time to time. The Chief Minister of Haryana Shri Om Prakash Chautala, on devotees of Muzaffarnagar have built a beautiful hermit 19th Sept, 2000. Kargil Shaheed Smarak was dedicated to 'Bhagwat' at the bank of Ganges for his residence. the nation on 9th March, 2003. The name of all 527 Shaheeds of Kargil have been carved on green stone here. Tourist centers and construction It is a great tribute to the Indian armed forces that faced with such audacious and treacherous challenge from of pucca ghat scheme Pakistan in the barren, icy frozen heights of Kargil, where Tourist rest houses have been constructed here with the deployment was limited to only a few men at the striking untiring efforts of Shri Swami ji. Besides, Swami ji got end, they carved out a brilliant victory, to be recorded as constructed pucca ghats at the bank of Ganges and a the most challenging in the annals of military history. separate ghat for cows with the cooperation of UP But it is unfortunate that this victorious deed has not Government. The ghats, have increased the beauty of this been recognized in its true military form through a place and pilgrims got more facilities for bathing. As a memorial to these martyrs at a central place. It is said that, result, incidents of drowning while taking bath have also come down considerably. "God and soldier we adore, in time of danger, not before Forest department The danger passed and all things righted, God is forgotten, and the soldier slighted" There has been development and improvement in the sphere of forest with the efforts of dedicated officers. This memorial is unique, in that it is the only one that The forest department has constructed a beautiful guest commemorates the martyrdom of all 527 Shaheeds of a house where dignitaries visiting this sacred place can stay. Battle together at one point, a national monument in its true For the protection, safety of wild animals and for the sense, and not limited to any unit, regiment or area. It is also entertainment of pilgrims, a 'cheetal park' has been built at a place, historically connected to war, the epic battle of

60 a brief sketch Shukteerth

Mahabharta, and denotes its culmination by ensuring moksha Samadhi Temple of Great Saint Swami Ji to all martyrs. Kargil Shaheed Smarak is humble tribute to the martyrs of Kargil and through them to all Indian soldiers who Although great Saint, a bundle of three centuries have "Given their Today for our Tomorrow". experienced have proved immortal through his life style and art of living. But at his own will he took Samadhi with Establishment of Shri Shukdev prior declaration on 13-14 July 2004, at midnight i.e. 12.20 am. Just after Prikarma of Akshya Vat Vriksha and Shukdev Bhagwat Vidyapeeth Temple in presence of his innumerable devotee Great Saint Since the Shukteerth is the origin of Bhagwat, so the left her abode from this physical world. On July 15th he learned people and devotees have been demanding that was given Bhu-Smadhi at 11.00 a.m. Several devotees, the "Bhagwat Vidyapeeth" be established here. Where the followers and devotees reached Shukartal on this occasions Bhagwat scholars will be trained so that they can be all over country & abroad to attend his last voyage and the deputed at different places in the country and abroad to process of Samadhi just to have his last glimpse. Chief disseminate Bhagwat. To attain this objective, Shri Shukdev Minister of Uttranchal Shri N D Tiwari ji, higher dignities of Bhagwat Vidyapeeth was established, on 28th Nov., 2001 political, social and administrative spheres along with saint by the then Chief Minister, Sh. Raj Nath Singh ji under the samaj, MP's, Minister's from UP and other state were chairmanship of Revered Jagadguru Shankaracharya, Swami assembled. Thousands of people took share on 29.7.2004, Rambhadracharya ji and through the inspiration of Swami ji. at the eve of sodashi (16th day after samadhi) of great saint, including CM Haryana Shri Om Prakash Chautala Ji Kargil Shaeed Smarak Library/ Sant Samaj Jagatguru Shankaracharya Mahamandleshwar ji, Ministers, MPs, MLA's from UP and other adjoining state Reading room and Museum with lot of his followers and devotees. At the initiation of great saint swami Kalyan Dev ji Maharaj beside Kargil Shaheed Smarak Library/Reading room along Swami Kalyan Dev Helipad with a museum are built. The foundation stones of above given triple structures (library/reading room and museum UP Govt. declared on 29.7.2004 at the time of paying were laid down on Feb. 25th 2004 by honourable vice condolence to built a helipad in name of Swarni ji just president of India, Shri Bharon Singh Shekhawat adjoining to Shukdev Ashram campus on ashram's land and accompanied with Shri Yogendra Narain ji IAS, General in his memory. Secretary of upper house of parliament (Rajya Sabha) under the sponsorship of Shri N S Malik the then Vice Army Swami Kalyan Dev Exibition/Museum Chief, at the initiation of Swami ji Maharaj. Vijayant Tank (War Trophy) right In front of Kargil The Great Saint, an evidence of three centuries. aged 129 Shaheed Smarak on the bank of river Ganga, beside the year's philosophy, life style and art of living are represented Kargil Shaheed Ghat, under the direction of great saint by his photography, used items. letters, lectures cassettes basically on his initiation on the same date 25.2.2004 a etc with the help of exhibition/ museum near his samadhi. foundation stone was also laid down by the hand of ««« honourable vice President Shri Bharon Singh Shekhawat ji.

61 Shukteerth a brief sketch List of honourable personalities who visited the Shri Shukdev Ashram

1. Param Pujya Mahamana Pt. Madan Mohan Malviya Ji, Varanasi (Founder Kashi Hindu University, Varanasi) 2. Param Pujya Br. Prabhudutt Maharaj Jhunsi Prayag (Allahabad) 3. Mahamahim Alwar Naresh Maharaj Tejsingh Ji Alwar (Rajasthan) 4. Param Pujyniya Shri Shri Ma Anandmai Ji, Bengal 5. Param Pujya Shri Swami Krishnabodh Aasram Ji Maharaj (Jagadguru) Shankaracharya Badrika Aasram Peeth, Himalaya) 6. Param Pujya Dharam Samrat Karpatri Ji Maharaj, Kashi (Varanasi) 7. Param Pujya Jagadguru Shankaracharya Swami Bharati Krishna Tirath Ji Maharaj, Shrangeri Math 8. Honourable Pt. Jawahar Lal Nehru Ji (First Prime Minister, Government of India, New Delhi) 9. Honourable Dr. Sampurnanand Ji (The then Chief Minister, Uttar Pradesh, Lucknow) 10. Honourable Dr. Rajendra Prasad Ji (The then President, Government of India, New Delhi) 11. Honourable Shri V.V. Giri Ji (The then Governor, U.P.) 12. Honourable Shri Lal Bahadur Shastri Ji, (The then Prime Minister, Government of India, New Delhi) 13. Honourable Shri Chaudhari Charan Singh Ji (The then Chief Minister, U.P.) 14. Param Pujya Jagadguru Shri Swami Gokulanath Ji Maharaj Vallabhacharya Mota Mandir, Mumbai 15. Param Tapasvi Siddh Sant Shri Devariya Baba Ji (Devariya, U.P.) 16. Param Tapasvi Siddh Sant Jagadguru Chabalidas Ji Maharaj Nimbarkacharya, Vrinadavan 17. Param Tapasvi Anant Shri, Vibhuti Shriswami Akhandanandji Maharaj, Vrindavan 18. Desh Bhakt Viyogi Hari Ji, Delhi 19. Tyagmurti Devtaswarupbhai Paramanand Ji, New Delhi 20. Honourable Shri N.V. Gadgil Ji (The then Minister for Works, Mines and Power Department, Government of India, New Delhi) 21. Honourable Shri Anant Shayanam Aayengar (The then Speaker, Lok Sabha, New Delhi) 22. Honourable Shri Algurai Shastri Ji, Varanasi 23. Honourable Pt. Shri Kamlapati Tripathi Ji (The then Minister for Education, Home & Information, U.P.) 24. Honourable Shri K.M. Munshi Ji (The then Governor, U.P.) 25. Honourable Shri Vishwanath Das Ji (The then Governor, U.P.) 26. Honourable Shri Rao Virender Singh Ji (The then Chief Minister, Haryana) 27. Honourable Shri Jai Sukh Lal Hati Ji (The then State Home Minister, Government of India, New Delhi) 28. Honourable Shri Guljari Lal Nanda Ji (The then Home Minister, Government of India, New Delhi) 29. Honourable Shri Yadunath Ji (The then Ambassador of Nepal, New Delhi) 30. Honourable Shri Hanuman Prasad Poddar, Gorakhpur 31. Honourable Shri Mannarayan Ji & Smt. Mdalsa Ji, New Delhi 32. Honourable Shri R.K. Patil Ji (The then Food Commissioner, Government of India, New Delhi) 33. Honourable Shri Nisarahmed Shervani Ji (The then Minister, U.P.) 34. Honourable Shri Girdhari Lal Ji (The then Minister, U.P.) 35. Honourable Shri Aatmaram Govind Kher Ji (The then Minister, U.P.) 36. Honourable Shri Mohanlal Gautam Ji (The then Minister, U.P.) 37. Honourable Shri V.N. Ranga (The then MP, New Delhi) 62 a brief sketch Shukteerth

38. Honourable Shri Manglaprasad Ji (The then Deputy Chief Minister, U.P.) 39. Honourable Shri Dwarka Prasad Ji Mourya (The then Chief Minister, U.P.) 40. Honourable Shri P.W. Mars (The then Advisor of Governor, U.P.) 41. Honourable Shri Janston Sahab (The then Commissioner, Meerut Division) 42. Honourable Shri Ramkrishan Trivedi (The then S.D.M., Jansath) 43. Honourable Shri Gajadhar Somani (The then MP of Lok Sabha) 44. Honourable Shri Lokapati Tripathi Ji (The then Irrigation Minister, U.P.) 45. Honourable Shri R.T. Shivdasani (The then Commissioner Meerut, Agra & Ruhelkhand Division, U.P.) 46. Honourable Shri Kesav Dev Malviya (The then Petroleum Minister Government of India, New Delhi) 47. Honourable Seth Shri Jugalkishore Birla Ji, famous Industrialist, New Delhi 48. Honourable Shri Raibahadur Seth Gujarmal Modi Ji, famous Industrialist, Modi Nagar (U.P.) 49. Honourable Shrimati Raibahadurni Sethani Dayavati Modi Ji Industrialist, Modi Nagar (U.P.) 50. Famous Bhagvat Kathavachak Bhagvat-Samrat Param Pujya Shri Ramchander Dongre Shastri Ji Maharaj Bhagvatacharya, Gujarat 51. Honourable The Then Secretary to The Ambassador of Japan in India 52. Honourable Shri Seth Kotak & Chandrabhaga, Japan 53. Honourable Shri Seth Santram Niranjan Lila, Rangoon (Brahma) 54. Honourable Shri Swami Chakrapani Ji Maharaj, Vrindavan 55. Jagadguru Shankaracharya Ji, Nimbarkacharya Dham with Bengal Toli 56. Honourable Seth Jaidayal Goyenka Ji, Industrialist, New Delhi 57. Honourable Sir Padampati Singhania Ji with his mother, Industrialist, Kanpur 58. Honourable Hiranand Ji Goyenka Ji, Kolkata 59. Mahamandleshwar Shri Swami Bhagvatanand Ji Maharaj, Ahmedabad (Gujarat) 60. Mahamandleshwar Shri Swami Maheshanand Giri Ji Maharaj, Suratgiri Banglow Kankhal, Haridwar 61. Mahamandleshwar Shri Muni Harimilap Ji Maharaj, Haridwar 62. Honourable Shri V.N. Khare The then Member, Viceroy Council, New Delhi 63. Honourable Shri Sir J.P. Shrivastava Ji, The then Member, Viceroy Council, New Delhi 64. Honourable Shri A.G. Khare The then Assembly Speaker, U.P. 65. Honourable Shri Hansraj Ji Gupta, The then Mayor, Delhi 66. Honourable Shri A.V. Khosla Ji, The then Vice Chancellor, Roorki University 67. Honourable Shri Dghananand Pandey Ji, The then Vice Chancellor, Roorki University 68. Honourable Shri Bhagatdarshan Ji, The then Vice Chancellor, Kanpur University, The then Minister in Government of India 69. Honourable Shri Narayan Dutt Tiwari, The then Chief Minister, U.P. 70. Honourable Shri Ramnaresh Ji Yadav, The then Chief Minister, U.P. 71. Honourable Shri Virender Varma Ji, The then Agriculture Minister, U.P. 72. Honourable Shri Narayan Singh Ji, The then Deputy Chief Minister, U.P. 73. Honourable Shri Kalicharan Ji, The then Education Minister, U.P. 74. Honourable Shri Tribhuvan Prasad Ji Tiwari, The then Commissioner, Meerut Division 75. Excellency Dr. M. Chennareddy Ji, The then Governor, U.P. 76. Honourable Shri G.D. Tapase Ji, The then Governor, U.P. 77. Tyagmurti Mahamandleshwar Shri Swami Ganeshanand Giri Ji Maharaj, Uchana (Haryana) & Kankhal, Haridwar 78. Tyagmurti Mahamandleshwar Shri Swami Vasudevanand Ji Maharaj, Amerika 79. Tyagmurti Mahamandleshwar Shri Swami Nagpal Ji Maharaj, Durga Mandir, Chattarpur, New Delhi 80. Tyagmurti Mahamandleshwar Shri Swami Gitanand Ji Maharaj, Panipat, Haryana 63 Shukteerth a brief sketch

81. Tyagmurti Mahamandleshwar Dandiswami Shri Vishnuaashram Ji Maharaj, Viharghat 82. Tyagmurti Mahamandleshwar Shri Swami Prakashanand Ji Maharaj, Kankhal, Haridwar 83. Tyagmurti Mahamandleshwar Shri Swami Vedvyasanand Ji Maharaj, Rishikesh 84. Tyagmurti Mahamandleshwar Shri Swami Raghavanand Ji Maharaj, New Delhi 85. Tyagmurti Mahamandleshwar Shri Swami Aacharya Jagdishmuni Ji, Bhimguada, Haridwar 86. Tyagmurti Brahamchari Devenderswarup Ji, Jairam Aashram, Bhimguada, Haridwar 87. Tyagmurti Mahant Ramswarup Ji Maharaj, Virakt Kutiya, Haridwar 88. Tyagmurti Brahamchari Kesavanand Ji Maharaj, Nirdhan Niketan, Bhimguada, Haridwar 89. Honourable Shri Jagatnarayan Ji, Founder Punjab Kesari (Newspaper) Jalandhar, Punjab 90. Honourable Dr. Shantiswarup Ji Sharma, President Haryana Journalist Association, Kuruchetra, Haryana 91. Honourable Shri Devidayal Nanha, Secretary Journalist Association, Haryana 92. Honourable Ramdas Ji Sonkar, The then Commissioneer, Meerut Division 93. Honourable Yogendra Makvana Ji, The then State Home Minister, Government of India, New Delhi 94. Honourable M. Kutuppan Sahab, The then Commissioner Ambala & Chancellor Kurukshetra University 95. Honourable Chaudhari Naunihal Ji, The then Education Minister, U.P. 96. Honourable Jagdish Prasad Ji, Famous Vaidhraj Ji, New Delhi 97. Honourable Raja Vishwanathpratap Singh Ji, The then Chief Minister, U.P. 98. Honourable Mahamahim Shri Gyani Jail Singh Ji, The then President Government of India, New Delhi 99. Honourable Shri Narender Singh Ji, The then Agricultural Minister, U.P. 100. Honourable Chaudhari Chanda Singh Ji, The then Transport & Technology Minister, U.P. 101. Honourable Shri Vidyabhushan Ji, The then Minister, U.P. 102. Honourable Chaudhari Yashpal Singh Ji, The then Agricultural Minister, U.P. 103. Honourable Shri Mahendra Singh Ji Sathi, Mayor MCD, Delhi 104. Honourable Shri Vaijnath Kureel Ji, The then Minister, U.P. 105. Honourable Shri Avataar Narayan Kaul Ji, The then DIG, Meerut 106. Dr. Jagdish Prasad Sharma Ji, The then Dean Aayurved Sankay, U.P. 107. Professor Vasudev Singh Ji, The then Food Minister, U.P. 108. Honourable Smt. Lata Singh Ji, Commissioner Secretary Health & Family Welfare Department of India, New Delhi 109. Famous Kathavachak Shri Baba Ji Maharaj, Vrindavan 110. Mahamandleshwar Dr. Shyamsunder Das Ji Shastri, Gareebdasi Aashram, Haridwar 111. Mahant Ramnarayan Das Ji, Ambala Chavni 112. Shri Harikishan Shastri, M.P. S/o Shri Lal Bahadur Shastri, New Delhi 113. Shri Swami Sankarshan Parpannacharya Ramanujacharya, Chitrakut, U.P. 114. Honourable Shri Yogendranarayan Mathur Ji, The then Joint Secretary Power, U.P. 115. Honourable Shri B.K. Goswami Ji, Commissioned Meerut 116. Honourable Shri Nathuram Ji, DIG, Meerut 117. Honourable Shri Bhagwan Singh, The then Ambassador, New Delhi 118. Honourable Chief Examiner Sanskrit Pathshala, U.P. 119. Daanveer Seth Lala Gulshanrai Ji Jain, Famous Industrialist Muzaffarnagar 120. Param Pujya Pt. Shri Goswami Ganeshdutt Ji Maharaj] Lahore, Punjab 121. Param Pujya Anant Shri Vibhushit Jagadguru Shankracharya Ji Swami Swarupanand Saraswati Ji Maharaj (Jyotirmath & Sharda Pithadhiswar) 122. Honourable Shri Shivdutt Upadhyay Ji, Delhi 123. Param Pujya Tyagmurti Gyan Sagar Jain Muni Shri Swami Vidyanand Ji Maharaj 124. Honourable Rani Phootkumari Ji, Dhampur, Bijnaur 64 a brief sketch Shukteerth

125. Honourable Gayatridevi Ji, Jaipur, Rajasthan 126. Honourable Shri Krishnashanker Shastri, Nadiyad, Gujrat 127. Pandit Brahmanand Shail, Khurja 128. Aacharya Kuber Dutt, Khurja 129. Pt. Parmanand Ji Pracharya, Rishikul, Vidyapeeth, Haridwar 130. Shri Balakram Agnihotri, Rishikesh 131. Pt. Girdhar Sharma, Vidyamahamahopadhyay, Jaipur 132. Pt. Aanand Prakash & Pt. Sudharam Ji, President Ganga Sabha, Har ki Pauri, Haridwar 133. Param Pujya Mahamandleshwar Shri Swami Narsingh Giri Ji Maharaj, Kursia Ghat, Delhi 134. Mahamandleshwar Swami Krishnanand Ji Maharaj, Kankhal, Haridwar 135. Mahant Suchha Singh Ji, Nirmal Aakhara, Kankhal 136. Mahant Ramgiri Ji Maharaj, Nirvani Aakhara 137. Mahant Jaikishan Girija Maharaj, Nirjani Aakhara 138. Mahant Dharamdas Ji Maharaj, Bada Aakhara, Kankhal 139. Mahant Shreyonath Ji, Gaddi Sthal Bohar Rohtak, Haryana 140. Mahamandleshwar Shri Swami Brahmhari Ji Maharaj, Chetan Dev Kutiya, Kankhal 141. Mahamandleshwar Shri Swami Brahmanand Ji Adol Ji, Haridwar 142. Mahamandleshwar Shri Swami Krishnanand Ji Maharaj Kursia Ghat, New Delhi 143. Honourable Judge High Court, Allahabad, U.P. 144. Shri Kulwant Singh Ji, Personal Secretary to Excellency President Shri Gyani Jail Singh Ji, New Delhi 145. Dr. Parmanand Panchal Ji, OSD to Excellency President Shri Gyani Jail Singh Ji, New Delhi 146. Famous Ramayan & Bhagvatkatha Vachak Shri Muraribapu Ji, Gujarat 147. Bhagvatdharam Samrat Pauranik Pt. Shri Harihardev Ji Maharaj, Mathura 148. Shri Roopmadhuri Sharan Ji Maharaj Charandasi Sant, Vrindavan 149. Shri Albeli Madhuri Sharan Ji Maharaj Shri Sukcharandasi Sampardayacharya Saraksunda, Jaipur 150. Pt. Govind Narayan Ji Nyayacharya Nirvartman A. Maharaj S. Mahavidhyalaya, Jaipur, 151. Shri Swami Prabhu Swarup Ji Maharaj Charandasi Sant, Jaipur 152. Shri Kedarnath Modi Ji, Industrialist, Modi Nagar 153. Shri Virender Verma Ji, Governor Himachal Pradesh 154. Major General Shri N.S. Malik Ji, Meerut 155. Honourable Shri Ashok Vajpayee Ji, Education Minister, U.P. 156. Dr. Mandan Mishra Ji, The then Vice Chancellor, Lalbahadur Shastri Sanskrit University, Delhi 157. Shri Sardar Laxman Singh Ji, Health Minister, Haryana 158. Shri Mahesh Prakash Mehrotra, Judge High Court, Allahabad 159. Shri Chandbhan Rathi Ji, Income Tax Commissioneer, Meerut 160. Shri Premchand Gupta, Judge High Court, Allahabad 161. Shri Vasudev Singh, Food Minister, U.P., Lucknow 162. Shri Balram Jakhar Ji, The then Lok Sabha Speaker, New Delhi 163. Shri Jagdish Prasad Mathur, DM, Muzaffarnagar 164. Shri Premchand Shrivastawa Ji, Consolidation Commissioner, Muzaffarnagar (U.P.) 165. Shri Ramayan Prasad Vishwakarma, GM Sugarmill Doiwala, Dehradun 166. Shri Aanand Priya, Ambassador of Moresius 167. Shri K.V. Lal Sharma, Additional Secretary- Home Ministry Government of India, New Delhi 168. Shri Hariprasad Pandey, Additional Education Director, U.P. 169. Shri Naresh Chand Saxena, Joint Secretary Govt. of India, New Delhi 65 Shukteerth a brief sketch

170. Shri Chandrika Rai, Superintendent of Police, Chamauli 171. Shri Rishi Ram Mishra, Judge High Court, Allahabad 172. Shri S. Rangnathan, Judge Supreme Court, New Delhi 173. Shri R. Venktachalam, Councellor Sampurnanand Sanskrit University, Varanasi 174. Shri Yogendra Bhatt Shastri, Baroda, Gujrat 175. Shri Ramesh Bhai Ojha, Porbandar, Gujrat 176. Smt. Sheila Dikshit, The then Congress President U.P. 177. Shri Mangeram Gupta, The then Finance Minister, Haryana 178. Shri Ganga Bhakt Singh, Agricultural Minister, U.P. 179. Shri Harak Singh Rawat, State Tourism Minister, U.P. 180. Swami Santanand Saraswati Ji Maharaj, The then Jagadguru Shankracharya Ji, Badrikaashram 181. Smt. Amarjeet Kaur, Chairman Central Social Welfare Board, New Delhi 182. Shri Laxman Rao, Chief Justice High Court, Allahabad 183. Shri Swami Satyamitranand Ji Maharaj, Bharat Mata Mandir, Haridwar (The then Jagadguru Shankracharya Bhanupura Peeth) 184. Shir Swami Divyanand Ji Maharaj Jagadguru Shankaracharya Bhanupura Peeth, Madhya Pradesh 185. Shri Premsingh Ji, Ambassador Singapur 186. Shri B. Satyanarayan Reddy Ji, The then Governor, U.P. 187. Shri Chandrashekhar Ji, The then Prime Minister of India, New Delhi 188. Dr. C. Prasad Ji, Agriculture Research Council , Pusa, New Delhi 189. Shri P.N. Mathur, Agriculture Research Council, Pusa, New Delhi 190. Shri P. Das, The Then D.D.G., Indian Council for Agricultural Research, Pusa, New Delhi 191. Shri Pawan Singh Ghatowar, The then State Health Minister of India, New Delhi 192. Shir Vaidhraj Vrihaspati Dev Triguna, New Delhi 193. Shri Vimal Kumar Sharma, General Secretary Kalyan Karoti, Moti Mahal, Lucknow 194. Smt. Chandrawati Ji, The then Education Minister, U.P., Lucknow 195. Smt. Malti Sharma Ji, The then Education Minister, U.P., Lucknow 196. Dr. K.C. Pandey Ji, The then Vice Chancellor University, Meerut 197. Dr. M.L. Ranga Ji, The then Vice Chancellor University, Kurukshetra 198. Shri H.L. Birdi Ji, The then (IAS), Commissioner Meerut Division 199. Shri Raisingh Ji, (IAS), Chief Secretary, U.P. , Lucknow 200. Shri Romesh Bhandari Ji (IAS), The then Foreign Secretary of India, New Delhi 201. Shri S. Bala Subramaniyam (IAS), Director Taxes Central Board, New Delhi 202. Shri Parmanand Ramlakhan, President Sanatan Dharam Temple Federation, Maritius 203. Shri M.N. Venkatchaliya Justice Supreme Court, New Delhi 204. Shri Maheshchandra Sharma Ji, Chairman U.P. Aavas-Vikas Parisad, Lucknow 205. Shri Omprakash Singh Ji, Irrigation & Sugar Minister, U.P. , Lucknow 206. Shri Nepal Singh Ji, Education Minister, U.P., Lucknow 207. Shri H.R. Bhardwaj Ji, MP, The then Law Minister of India, New Delhi 208. Shri Sardar Ali Ji, Member MRTPC, New Delhi 209. Dr. Syad Raunak Raja Jaidi, Syohara, Bijnaur 210. Shri A. Laxman Rao, Chief Justice High Court, Allahabad 211. Shri Ishwar Prasad Vashisth, Justice High Court, Allahabad 212. Shri Jagdish Prasad Ji Bhalla, Justice High Court, Lucknow 213. Shri Nageshwar Prasad Upadhyay, First Commissioner, Saharanpur 66 a brief sketch Shukteerth

214. Shri Subhash Kumar, Commissioner, Saharanpur 215. Shri Vishwanath (IAS), Commissioner, Meerut 216. Shri Devdutt Sharma (IAS), District Magistrate, Bijnaur 217. Shri Sanjay Aggarwal (IAS), District Magistrate, Meerut 218. Shri D.P. Tiwari Ji, The then Vice Chancellor Meerut University, Meerut 219. Smt. Prabha Dwidi Ji, The then Labour Minister, U.P., Lucknow 220. Shri Dr. S.B. Singh, The then Vice Chancellor G.B. Pant Agriculture & Technology University, Pant Nagar 221. Shri Ram Prasad Kamal, The then PWD State Minister, U.P., Lucknow 222. Param Pujya Swami Vigyenendra Thirthji Jagadguru Shankracharya, Kanchi Kamkoti 223. Shri Yogendranarayan Ji (IAS), The then Chief Secretary, U.P. 224. Shri Rameshchandra Ji, Vice Chancellor Ch. Charansingh University, Meerut 225. Shri R.N. Goyal Ji (ITS) Member Telecom Commision, New Delhi 226. Shri I.D. Swami Ji, State Home Minister of India, New Delhi 227. Shri A.P. Mishra Ji, Justice Supreme Court, New Delhi 228. Shri U.K. Bansal Ji (IG) Meerut Zone 229. Shri S.R. Singh Ji, Justice High Court, Allahabad, U.P. 230. Dr. Pranav Pandaya Ji, President Shantikunj, Haridwar 231. Shri Sukharam Yadav Ji, Justice High Court, Allahabad, U.P. 232. Shri Gulshan Kumar Ji (MD T-Series) S/o Shri Chandrabhan Ji with family 233. Shri Baleshwar Tyagi, State Minister Basic Education, U.P., Lucknow 234. Shri Hukum Singh Ji, Minister for Parliamentary Affairs, U.P. 235. Shri Bangaru Laxman Ji, The then President BJP, New Delhi 236. Honourable Shri Vishwanath Pratap Singh Ji, The then Prime Minister, New Delhi 237. Dr. M.L. Ranga Ji, Health Minister, Haryana 238. Honourable Shri Omprakash Chautala Ji, Chief Minister of Haryana, Chandigarh 239. Shri Chaudhari Bansilal Ji, The then Defence Minister of India, New Delhi 240. Shri Ramvilas Sharma, The then Education Minister, Haryana 241. Shri Rajdhari Singh Ji, Forest Minister, U.P., Lucknow 242. Shri Shailja Kant Mishr (IG) Meerut Zone 243. Honourable Shri Vishnukant Shastri Ji, Governor U.P., Lucknow 244. Param Pujya Shri Swami Madhwashram Ji Maharaj, Jagadguru Shankracharya Ji, Delhi 245. Param Pujya Shri Swami Ramanujacharya Swami Rambhadracharya Ji Jagadguru Shankracharya, Chitrkut 246. Honourable Shri Rajnath Singh Ji, The then Chief Minister, U.P. 247. Shri Gopal Gupta Ji, DIG Saharanpur 248. Shri S.N. Kapoor Ji, Justice High Court, Delhi 249. Smt. Snehlata Chautala Ji W/o of Shri Om Prakash Chautala Ji, Chief Minister, Haryana 250. Shri Ajay Chautala Ji, MP Bhivani, Haryana 251. Shri Banshavale Baba Ji, Saurana, Sarsava 252. Raajtmaata, Bikaner, Rajasthan 253. Shri P.L. Punia Ji, (IAS) Principal Secretary U.P., Lucknow 254. Shri Purushottam Das Ji Maharaj, Aacharya Ramsnehi Sampradai, Gaddi Khedapa, Jodhpur, Rajasthan 255. Mahant Samaram Ji, Gaddi Seetal Nagaur, Rajasthan 256. Mahant Hariprasad Ji, Gaddi Rain Nagaur, Rajasthan 257. Paramhans Shri Tejasvi Ji Maharaj, Vidarbh, Maharashtra 258. Smt. Usha Mehra Ji, Justice, Supreme Court, New Delhi 67 Shukteerth a brief sketch

259. Smt. Moksha Mahajan Ji, Member of M.R.T.P., New Delhi 260. Shri N.K. Mehrotra Ji, Principal Secretary Law, U.P., Lucknow 261. Shri Ramprasad Gupt Ji, The then Chief Minister, U.P., Lucknow 262. Shri Dorai Swami Raju, Justice Supreme Court, New Delhi 263. Shri Ramesh Chand Lahoti, Justice Supreme Court, New Delhi 264. Shri Ashok Gehlot Ji, The then Chief Minister, Rajasthan 265. Shri Girdhari Lal Sharma, SP Fire Service, U.P., Lucknow 266. Shri O.P. Tripathi Ji (D.I.G.), Saharanpur 267. Shri P.C. Sabbarwal Ji (I.G.), Meerut 268. Shri H.L. Virdi Ji, Chairman & Principal Secretary Transport, U.P., Lucknow 269. Shri Bhanwar Singh Ji, Justice High Court, Allahabad, U.P. 270. Shri V.N. Rai Ji (I.G.), Meerut 271. Shri Yogendra Narayan Ji, General Secretary Rajya Sabha, New Delhi 272. Shri A.B. Shukla Ji, Principal Secretary Law, U.P., Lucknow 273. Shri Bhagat Singh Koshiyari, The then Chief Minister, Uttranchal, Dehradun 274. Shri George Fernandiz, Defence Minister of India, New Delhi 275. Shri Chaman Lal Gupta, Central Defence State Minister of India, New Delhi 276. Shri Sukhdev Singh Dindsa, Central Chemical & Fertiliser Minister of India, New Delhi 278. Smt. Nazma Heptulla, Speaker Rajya Sabha, New Delhi 279. Shri Bhairaon Singh Shekhavat Ji, Vice President of India 280. Shri Narayan Dutt Tiwari Ji, Chief Minister Uttranchal 281. Shri Rakesh Kumar Verma, PrisonsMinister U.P., Lucknow 282. Shri R.K. Singh, Chief Forest Conjervator, Saharanpur 283. Shri Rajiv Kumar Singh,Commissioner, Saharanpur Division 284. Shri Chander Prakash Mishra, Special Secretary Home Gaurds & Civil Defence, U.P. Govt 285. Pro. B.L. Chaudhry, Chancellor Udaipur University, Rajasthan 286. Shri Daya Nand Gupta, Ex Chairman Zila Panchayat, Meerut, U.P. 287. Honourable Shri T.V. Rajeshvar, Governor, U.P. 288. Shri Ram Pal Soni, President All India Maheshwari Samaj 289. Shri B. Prabhakar, I.F.S. Saharanpur, Mujjafarnagar 290. Shri R.P. Shukla, Divisional Commissioner, Saharanpur 291. Shri Kiran Maheshwri, Member Parliament, Udaipur Rajasthan. 292. Shri S.P. Ojha, Chancellor, Ch. CharanSingh University, Meerut, U.P. 293. Smt Meera Kumar, Central Minisrer Social Justice & Rights 294. Shri H.I. Gokhle, Honourable Chief Justice, Allahabad High Court 295. Shri Ram Pravesh Tiwari, Upper Sr. Forest Conjervator, Lucknow 296. Shri Brajesh Pandey, Retired Upper Magistrate, Bijnaur, U.P. 297. Shri Om Prakash, Leader B.J.P., Legistrator Assembly 298. Shri Dev Narayan Thanvi, Judge Rajashan High Court, Jaipur 299. Honourable Shri Mulayam Singh Ji Yadav, The then Chief Minister, U.P. 300. Shri Matvar Singh Kandari, Minister Child Development, Uttarakhand 301. Shri Ram Adhar Yadav, Commercial Taxes Meerut, U.P. 302. Dr. Yashwant Singh, Poverty Eradication Allowance, U.P. 303. Dr. K.P. Singh (I.P.S.), I.G. Police Haryana 304. Shri Yograj Singh, Agriculure & Research Allowance, U.P. 68 a brief sketch Shukteerth

305. Shri Mahesh Chander Sharma, Rajasthan High Court, Jaipur 306. Honourable Shri Bhupendra Singh Hudda, Chief Minister, Haryana 307. Shri Vijay Prakash (I.P.S.), SSP Mujaffarnagar, U.P. 308. Shri Lal Singh Yadav, Member Haryana Selection Board 309. Shri Ramveer Upadhayay, Power Minister, U.P. 310. Shri Anand Sharma (A.P.S.) Power Minister 311. Dr. Badri Narayan Tandon 312. Shri R.S. Panday, Secretary Petrolium 313. Shri Madan Kaushik, Minister Uttarakhand Govt. 314. Honourable Vice Chancellor, Sardar Vallabh Bhai Patel Technical University 315. Shri G.V.G. Krishnamurty, Ex. Chief Election Commissioner 316. Shri Narayan Shukla, Judge High Court, Lucknow Bench 317. Shri Bachchu Lal, Distt. Judge, Bijnaur 318. Shri K.K. Mehrotra, Town Commissioner, Saharanpur 319. Shri B.L. Joshi, Honourable Governor, U.P. 320. Shri S.K. Kak, Chancellor Ch. Charan Singh University, Meerut 321. Shri Suresh Chandra, Commissioner Saharanpur Division 322. Shri N.A.Vishwanathan, (Rtd IAS) Ex Home Secretary, Govt of India 323. Shri Kailash Vijay Vargiye, Industries Minister, Madhya Pradesh 324. Shri Girish Chand Gupta, Judge High Court, Kolkota 325. Shri Devi Prasad Singh, Judge High Court, Lucknow, Allahabad Branch 326. Shri G.N. Bajpai, The then Chairman Securities & Exchange Board of India 327. Shri R. S. Pandey, the then Secretary Govt of India 328. Shri Monir Khan, Area Marketing Manager, BPCL, U.P. (West) 329. Shri Sameer Dange, Territory Manager, BPCL, Meerut 330. Shri H.V. Patel, Managing director, GFCL, Baroda, Gujarat 331. Shri P.R. Rama Subramanium Raja, Chairman RAMCO Group, Rajapalayam (Tamilnadu) 332. Shri Ramesh Chander, Chancellor, Mewar University, Chittaurgarh (Rajasthan) 333. Shri N.S. Rao, Judge. Cauvery Water Distribution Tribunal, New Delhi 334. Shri R.C. Gandhi, Ex. Registrar Supreme Court of India, New Delhi 335. Dr. Ashok Kumar, Dy. Medical Supdt, PGI, Chandigarh 336. Shri Shambhu Nath Shukla, Editor Amar Ujala 337. Shri Shyam Shankar Shukla, Upper Secretary, Ministry of Personnel & Training, Delhi 338. Shri Ganga Ram Baderia, IAS, Regional Commissioner, Belgaum, Karnataka 339. Shri Shriprakash Jaiswal, The then Coal Minister, Govt. of India 340. Smt Rita Bahuguna, Congress President (U.P.) 341. Shri Chitranjan Swaroop, State minister for urban development (U.P.)

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69 Shukteerth a brief sketch List of Kathavachak performing Shrimad Bhagavat at the historical Bhagvatpeeth Shukteerth, The origin of Shrimad Bhagvat Katha

1. Shri Krishna Shanker Shastri Ji, Nadiyad, Gujarat 43. Shri Ved Narayan Ji Shastri, Agra 2. Shri Ramchandra Kesav Dongre Ji Maharaj, Nadiyad, Gujarat 44. Shri Nathu Lal Goyal 3. Shri Pt. Purushottam Lal Sharma, Jaipur, Rajasthan (43 times) 45. Shri Pt. Vijay Shastri, Ayodhya 4. Shri Swami Vishnuashram Ji Maharaj, Dandiashram, Shuktaal 46. Shri Bhudev Prasad Shastri 5. Goswami Shri Moolbihari Shastri Ji, Vrindavan 47. Shri Durgashanker Shastri, Mandsaur (two times) 6. Shri Shribaba Mathura, Vrindavan Yajaman Shri Subhkaran Kedia 48. Shri Mukesh Mohan Shastri Ji & Shri Ramkumar Gupta, Mumbai 49. Smt. Shanti Devi D/o Chaudhari Devi Lal Ji 7. Shri Shrimannarayan Bhaktmali (Mama Ji), Vrindavan, Mathura 50. Shri Dr. K.S. Gupta, Bijnaur 8. Shri Krishna Thakur Ji, Vrindavan 51. Shri Parmanand Ji Maharaj, Allahabad 9. Shri Gopal Bhaiya Ji, Vrindavan 52. Shri Shrinath Shastri, Mathura 10. Shri Murari Bapu Ji, Gujarat 53. Shri Kishore Chand Shastri, Baroda (many times) 11. Shri Yogendra Bhatt Shastri Ji, Baroda, Gujarat 54. Shri Pujyaniya Haribhaktiparayan Vishnuji Gyaneshwar, Pune 12. Shri Ramesh Bhai Ojha, Porbander, Gujarat 55. Shri Ratanlal, Ajmer, Baroda, Madhya Pradesh 13. Shri Kirit Bhai, London 56. Shri Swami Ladlidas Ji Maharaj, Vrindavan 14. Shri Balyogi Aanand Oturkar, Pandarpur, Maharashtra 57. Shri Lalita Prasad Ji 15. Shri Swami Ajneshwar Ji Maharaj, Jodhpur 58. Shri Rameshwar Shastri, Vrindavan 16. Shri Swami Sadanand Ji Maharaj, Bhivani, Haryana 59. Shri Gopal Bhaiya, Vrindavan (two times) 17. Shri Lekhram Shastri, Himachal Pradesh 60. Shri Ramakant Sharma, Vrindavan 18. Shri Vedprakash Brahamchari, Dandiashram Vale 61. Shri 1008 Jagadguru Ramanujacharya Ji Maharaj (Tridandi 19. Shri Sukdevanand Acharya, Baroda Swami) Devnarayan Acharya Pithadhishwar, Vrindavan 20. Shri Chandrahas Shukal Puranacharya, Hardoi 62. Shri Acharya Shri Jairam Ji Maharaj (four times) 21. Shri Swami Vasudevanand, Rajgarh (MP) 63. Smt. Aditi Chetanya, Akola 22. Shri C.B. Kolhatkar, Pune (eight times) 64. Shri Ramprasad Ramsnehi Ji, Jodhpur (four times) 23. Smt. Varudevi, Himachal Pradesh 65. Shri Niranjan Shastri Ji, Meerut 24. Smt. Kamla Pathania, by Ramayan Mahila Satsang (HP) 66. Anant Shri Swami Shardanand Ji, Uttarkashi 25. Pt. Chunnilal Burnala Vale (six times) 67. Shri Swami Ramswarup Ji Shastri 26. Shri Dayashankar Shastri Vyabar Vale (two times) 68. Shri Shudhadwat Jap Yagna Samiti, Lucknow 27. Pt. Devaki Nandan Goswami, Vrindavan 69. Shri Jagadguru Shankaracharya-Brahmavart Pithadishwar 28. Shri Swami Gyananand Saraswati, Gurdaspur, Vrindavan (4 times) Mugniashram Ji Maharaj, Kanpur 29. Shri Suresh Ji Shastri, Vrindavan 70. Shri Baba Sahai Satavlekar Ji Maharaj, Nagpur 30. Smt. Krishna Bimla & Kanta Ji 71. Shri Ayodhya Prasad Mishra, Bulandsahar 31. Shri Hemraj Sharma from Chandigarh 72. Shri Bhupendra Gupta by Manas Kunj, Uttam Nagar 32. Shri Nagendra Govind Halekar, Velgaon, Karnataka 73. Smt. Permeshwari Devi Kalavati Devi by Sister of Shri Devi Lal Ji 33. Shri Pavan Kumar Modi, Patna 74. Shri Pt. Chandra Mohanji, Nabha 34. Shri Pt. Shyam Bihari Ji, Hathras 75. Shri Satyanand Ji Maharaj 35. Shri Brahamchari Chetan Maharaj (two times) 76. Shri Prateetram Ji, Ujjain 36. Shri Babulal Balji Dave, Bhavnagar 77. Shri Gopichand Ji, Bhagwanpur 37. Shri Vinayak Shastri Ji, Nagpur 78. Shri Ram Vallabh Phopalia, Gita Bhawan Swargaashram, Rishikesh 38. Shri Premdutt Semval/Swami Gyananand Ji Sarasvati (2 times) 79. Shri Rangnathcharya Ji Maharaj, Indore 39. Shri Dharmendra Upadhya Shastri 80. Shri Ranjeetdas Ji, Balangir, Orrisa 40. Shri Trayambak Shastri Akola 81. Shri Shayamshanker Mishra uraf Changa Pandit 41. Shri Acharya Sadanand Ji Maharaj 82. Shri Devender Shastri Ji Maharaj (two times) 42. Smt. Jai Shri Ojha, Mumbai 83. Shri Krishan Premi Ji Maharaj 70 a brief sketch Shukteerth

84. Shri Chandrasagar Ji Maharaj (four times) 134. Shri Pt. Chunnilal Ji Shandilya, Dharaula, Punjab 85. Shri Sitaram Shastri 135. Shri Shesh Maharaj Kondvalekar, Vidarbh, Maharashtra 86. Shri Bhagvatanand Ji Maharaj (two times) 136. Shri Vedprakash Ji Patada, Patiala 87. Shri Subhodhanand Ji Maharaj 137. Shri Brajeshchan Ji Shastri, Delhi 88. Shri Ajay Kumar Mishr, Ayodhya 138. Shri Chandersagar Ji Maharaj, Vrindavan 89. Shri Laxman Singh Yadav, Jaipur 139. Shri Radheshvaranand Ji, Dham Aashram, Vrindavan 90. Shri Ashok Bhai Bhatt, Rajkot 140. Shri Swami Rangnathacharya Ji Maharaj, Ujjain 91. Shri Bhagwatprasad Pathak, Varanasi 141. Shri Swami Divyanand Ji Bhikshu, Gita Kutir, Haridwar 92. Shri Harekrishan Ji Acharya, Vrindavan 142. Shri Swami Ramprakash Ramsnehi Ji Maharaj, Jodhpur 93. Shri Gopalanand Ji, Delhi Yajaman Kundan Lal Ji 143. Shri Baba Arundas Orrisa Baba Balangir, Orrisa 94. Shri Jagadguru Ramanujacharya Swami Vasudevacharya Ji 144. Shridhar Shastri, Pophali, Nagpur Maharaj Vidyabhasker Pithadishwar, Ayodhya 145. Shri Narhari Ji Maharaj, Akola, Maharashtra 95. Shri Banvari Lal Sarasvat, Vrindavan 146. Shri Anil Bhai Shastri Ji, Rajkot, Gujarat 96. Shri Swami Chetan Swarup Shastri Ji, Brajghat, Gzb (2 times) 147. Shri Swami Gopalanand Ji Maharaj, Rani Gali Bhupatwala, Haridwar 97. Shri Shriniwas Mishra, Samthar Kunj, Vrindavan, U.P. 148. Vishesh Versha Kanade Dutta Prakash, Thane, Maharashtra 98. Shri Swami Pt. Shankerguru Ji, Ratlam, M.P. 149. Shri Ram Prakash Ji Shastri, Vrindavan 99. Shri Kanti Prasad Sharma, Vrindavan 150. Brahmchari Chanderpal Ji Maharaj, Shahdara, Delhi 100. Shri Ram Prasad Ramsnehi Ji Maharaj, Jodhpur 151. Shri Swami Ved Bharti Ji Maharaj, Haridwar 101. Shri Swami Sadanand Ji Maharaj, Vrindavan (two times) 152. Shri Vishwanath Das Ji (Raja Bhaiya), Ujjain 102. Shri Dayashanker Ji Shastri, Vyavar, Rajasthan 153. Shri Bhau Maharaj Deshpandey Vitthal, Madi, Maharashtra 103. Shri Pt. Lekhram Ji Shastri, Shimla, Himachal Pradesh 154. Shri Madhav Chetanya Ji Maharaj, Haridwar 104. Shri Chansagar Ji, Vrindavan 155. Shri Swami Parnavanand Ji Maharaj, Nangli tirth 105. Shri Devender Shastri Ji, Modinagar 156. Smt. Malti Bahan Joshi, Balsad, Gujarat 106. Shri Pt. Chunnilal Ji Shadilaya, Dhanaula 157. Shri Shesh Maharaj Bhagvat, Jalna, Maharashtra 107. Shri Acharya Avdhesh Ji Kanaujia, Naumisharanya 158. Shri Ramdayalu Sharma, Kashi 108. Shri Pt. Chetram Ji Sharma, Mathura 159. Shri Bhau Maharaj Deshpandey, Pipal Net, Maharashtra 109. Brahmchari Chanderpal Ji Maharaj, Hanumaddham, Gzb (2 times) 160. Shri Bhau Maharaj Deshpandey, Vitthal Mati, Maharashtra 110. Shri Damodar Shastri Ji Maharaj 161. Shri Pt. Dwarikaprasad Ji Maniram, Jammu 111. Shri Namlal Bhai Rajguru, Mahua, Gujarat 162. Shri Jayantacharya Vasudev Joshi, Pune, Maharashtra 112. Shri Shriram Dayalumani Tripathi, Vidyavaridhi, Varanasi 163. Mrs. Nidhi Tailang Ji 113. Shri Yaadram Shastri Ji, Vrindavan, Mathura 164. Shri Praduman Shastri, Gujarat 114. Shri Rammudgal Shastri Ji, Vrindavan, Mathura 165. Shri Damodar Bhalodkar, Gujarat 115. Shri Swami Sureshanand Ji Puri, Panchkula, Haryana 166. Shri Acharya Sitaram Ji, Chitrakut 116. Shri Sitaram Upadhyaya Shastri, Aasam 167. Shri Swami Namonarayan Ji, Kashi 117. Shri C.V. Kolahatkar Ji, Pune, Maharashtra 168. Shri Anantram Velgaonkar, Mumbai 118. Shri Param Vidhushi Sandhyavahan Tripathi, Ahemdabad, Gujarat 169. Shri Bhaiya Lal Shukl Naimishranya, U.P. 119. Shri Jagpati Ji Sharma, Kotakpura, Swami Hari Giri Ji Maharaj, 170. Shri Shyamsunder Prashar Ji Maharaj Punjab 171. Shri Chunnilal Ji Dhanaula, Punjab 120. Shri Ramprakash Ramsnehi Ji Maharaj (Jodhpur) 172. Shri Shesh Maharaj Bhagvat, Jalna, Maharashtra (again) 121. Shri Mahavir Prasad Ji, Governor, Haryana 173. Shri Ramdas Pant Maharaj, Jalna, Maharashtra 122. Smt. Shailja Saraf, Nagpur, Maharashtra 174. Shri Pt. Madan Lal Ji Shastri, Mandsaur 123. Shri Shridhar Swami Ji Vachaspati, Akola Vidarbh, Maharashtra 175. Shri Bhagwan Das Ji, Ramdham, Haridwar 124. Shri Lalkrishan Jagannath Maharkar, Pune, Maharashtra 176. Shri Ajam Krishnan Nambudari Ji, Kerala 125. Shri Shyamnarayan Lal, Uttam Nagar, New Delhi 177. Shri Swami Prabodhanand Giri Ji, Meerut 126. Shri Balkrishan Karale Kush, Akola, Maharashtra 178. Shri Purushottam Sharan Shastri, Vrindavan 127. Anantshri Vibhushit Parpannacharya Totadrimath Vrindavan by 179. Swami Agni Vishal Ji Maharaj, Meerut Shri Madhvacharya Ji Maharaj, Vrindavan 180. Pt. Vishambhar Dutt Shastri, Muzaffarnagar 128. Shri Navneetpriya Ji Shastri, Nadiyad 181. Vidhushi Sandhyavahan Ji Tripathi, Ahemdabad, Gujarat 129. Shri Hariram Ji Pokhran, Rajasthan 182. Shri Godeshwaracharya S/o Purushottam Goswami Ji, Vrindavan 130. Shri Durgashanker Ji Ojha (Ratlam) 183. Acharya Shri Ram Ji Lal Sharma, Barsana 131. Shri Pt. Gokul Prasad Ji Gautam 184. Shri Swami Maheshchander Ji, Dehradun 132. Shri Chandersagar Ji, Vrindavan 185. Acharya Jairam Ji Maharaj, New Delhi 133. Shri Swami Amritram Ramsnehi, Jodhpur (four times) 186. Shri Mukundraj Maharaj, Dulia, Maharashtra 71 Shukteerth a brief sketch

187. Shri Pratap Narayan Mishr, Dhualpur, Rajasthan 236. Acharya Maheshchand Mishra, Vrindavan 188. Shri Shailender Shastri Ji Bal Vyas Naimishranya, Sitapur 237. Shri Rajju Bhaiya Ji, Ujjain 189. Shri Shridhar Shastri, Pople, Nagpur 238. Shri Upender Shastri, Aasam 190. Shri Yogender Chand Bal Vyas, Badodara, Gujarat 239. Sadhvi Karunagiri Ji Maharaj, Bhivani, Haryana 191. Pt. Shyam Sunder Shastri, Muzaffarnagar 240. Shri Kailash Narayan Ji, Gwalior 192. Shri Rajesh Shastri, Mathura, U.P. 241. Shri P.C. Narayan, Kerala, South India 193. Pt. Ratiram Shastri, Modinagar, U.P. 242. Shri Pujya Sathey Dhankavri, Pune, Maharashtra 194. Param Pujya Jagadguru Ramanandcharya Swami 243. Shri Vilas Maharaj, Parbhani, Maharashtra Rambhadracharya Chitrakut, Satna, M.P. 244. Shri Harikrishna Shastri ji, Haridwar 195. Shri Vishwanath Raja Bhaiya, Ujjain, M.P. 245. Shri Upendra Shastri ji, Assam 196. Dr. Manmohan Goswami, Farrukhabad, U.P. 246. Shri Keshavji Maharaj, Chitrakoot 197. Shri Vishwanath Das Ji Raja Bhaiya, Ujjain, M.P. 247. Shri Shivdutta Mishra, Vrindavan 198. Pt. Shivkumar Ji Shastri, Farrukhabad, U.P. 248. Shri Gopalji Maharaj, Kolkata 199. Shri Ravinandan Shastri, Pathankot, Punjab 249. Shri Shyam Shanker Mishra, (Chhanga Pandit) Pratapgrah 200. Shri Ram Shastri Joshi Aalandi, Pune, Maharashtra 250. Dr. Ashalata Tapas, Nagpur 201. Dr. Venimadhav Ram Upasni Nizampurkar, 251. Ms. Prabha Kadam, Thane, Maharashtra Pune, Maharashtra 252. Mata, Narhari Priyaji, Treeanantpuram, Kerala 202. Saushailja Sarraf, Nagpur, Maharashtra 253. Shri Satishji Shastri, Gwalior, M.P. 203. Shri Vaman Maharaj Dhondu Maharaj, Palamkar, Maharashtra 254. Shri Swami Sadanandji Maharaj, Pranami Mandir, Vrindavan 204. Acharya Mahesh Prasad Mishra Ji, Vrindavan 255. Shri Ram Shastriji, Durga Mandir, Chhatarpur, Delhi 205. Swami Ram Parpannacharya Ji Maharaj Totadrimath Vrindavan 256. Shri Om Prakash Shastriji, Ludhiyana Punjab 206. Acharya Navlesh Dixit, Chitrakut 257. Shri Pradip Bhai Shastriji, Malsar, Gujarat 207. Haribhakt Parayan Ramkrishan Amritrao Maharaj, 258. Shri Sant Amritramji, Ram Sanchi, Didore, M.P. Vidarbh, Maharashtra 259. Shri Vaman Palmakar, Parbhani, Maharashtra 208. Shri Hansmuni Ji Maharaj, Vrindavan 260. Shri Sitaram Maharaj, Limbekar, Maharashtra 209. Pt. Shivdutt Mishr, Sukhda Bhakti Aashray, Vrindavan 261. Shri Balu Maharaj, Ashwlekar, Parbani, Maharashtra 210. Swami Shanti Swarupanand Ji Maharaj, Ujjain 262. Shri Prakash Maharaj Vetmowerkar, Maharashtra 211. Sadhvi Karunagiri Ji Maharaj, Karnal, Haryana 263. Shri Pandit Chunni Lal Sharma, Dhanola Mandi, 212. Swami Shyamnarayan Ji, Ayodhya Sangrur, Punjab 213. Swami Gyananand Ji Maharaj, Gurudaspur, Punjab 264. Shri Rajpal Acharya, Maujpur, Shahdra, Delhi 214. Shri Mohan Sharan Ji, Dhulavari, Nepal 265. Shri Swami Dharmadevji Maharaj, Basant Gali, 215 Shri Madhavdas Rathi, Panchvati, Nasik Kharkhari, Haridwar 216. Shri Chintamani Vairagi, Orrisa 266. Shri Dama Kinkar ji Maharaj, Vrindavan (Two times) 217. Shri Ramanujacharya Ji Maharaj, Vrindavan 267. Shri Dileep Bhai Hanuman Prasad, Ahemdabad 218. Shri Purushottam Ji Vyas, Bikaner, Rajasthan 268. Shir Karmayogi ji, Brij Dham Ashram, Mathura 219. Sadhvi Karunagiri Ji Maharaj, Bhivani, Haryana 269. Shri Sant Gopal Sharan Shastri ji Maharaj, Vrindavan 220. Shri H.V. Kolhatkar Bhagvat Premi Mandal, Pune, Maharashtra 270. Shri Chandrasagarji Maharaj, Vrindavan 221. Shri Chandrashekhar Sharma, Tiruanantpuram, South India 271. Shri Dileep Bhai Pancholi, Ahmedabad 222. Balvyas Shri Radhakrishan Ji Gaur, Jodhpur, Rajasthan 272. Shri Ramchander Ramdasji Maharaj, Akola (Maharashtra) 223. Shri Gopal Sharan Ji, Vrindavan 273. Pt. Santosh Saraswat, Gwalior 224. Shri Shantidev Tripathi Naimishranya, Sitapur, U.P. 274. Shri Surenderji Shastri Vrindavan Valey, Jodhpur 225. Vidhushi Mai Deshkar, Maharashtra 275. Shri Mahesh Chandra Sharma, Dehradoon 226. Acharya Jairam Ji Maharaj, New Delhi 276. Shri Avadhraj Ji Shastri, Varanasi 227. Acharya Swami Ramdayal Ji Maharaj, Shahpur Gaddi Bhilwara, 277. Shri Navalkishore Shastri, Chitrakoot Dham Rajasthan 278. Shri Purushottam ji Vyas, Bikaner 228. Shri Kamal Kishor Ji Nagar, Semli, Maharashtra 279. Pt. Yogeshwar Shastri, Ratlam 229. Shri Yadunath Ji Ballabhacharya, Ahemdabad 280. Shri Dayashankar Shastri, Beawar 230. Swami Raghunathacharya Ji Maharaj, Vrindavan 281. Shri Ramprasad Ramsanehi (5 Times), Jodhpur 231. Swami Hansmuni Ji Maharaj, Parikarma Marg, Vrindavan 282. Shri Sureshacharya Ji , Agra 232. Shri Ramacharya Avdhani, Gulbarga, Karnataka 283. Shri Brahmanand Ji Maharaj, Barnala 233. Shri Yogeshwar Maharaj Deshpandey, Dhule, Maharashtra 284. Shri Sant Maharaj,Rajkot 234. Shri Gopalsaran Ji, Vrindavan 285. Shri Balavenkatesh Pandey Ribanagar, M.P. ( Twice) 235. Acharya Ramazar Ji, Agra 286. Shri Harikrishan Shastri,Burhanpur M.P. 72 a brief sketch Shukteerth

287. Pt. Bhardwaj Venu, Jaswantgarh (Rajasthan) 338. Shri Hariom Sharan, Vrindavan 288. Shri Gopalji Bhaiyaji, Vrindavan 339. Shri Mukundkaka Jardevlekar, Nanded (M.S.) 289. Shri Madhavanand Bhalpey, Wardha ( M.S.) 340. Shri Acharyasheethal Peeth Kshmaram Ji Maharaj, Bikaner 290. Madhur kararin Peethadhishwar Swami Jagdanand Ji Maharaj, 341. Shri Mridul Krishan Ji Maharaj, Vrindavan Vrindavan 342. Pt. Ramsnehi Ji, Shukratal 291. Acharya Purushottam ji Maharaj Peehadhishwar 343. Swami Prakashanand Puri Ji Paror,(Govind) (Kangra) Kherapa Gaddi Jodhpur 344. Shri Keshav Ji Maharaj , Chitrakoot 292. Shri Shi. Sadhey Dhanakvarhi, Pune 345. Shri Murlidhar (Godigar) 293. Shri Shri Piyush Ji Maharaj, Vrindavan 346. Shri Madan Mohan Ji Goswami, Farrukhabad. 294. Shri Chiranjilal Gaud,Napasar, Napasar (Rajasthan) 347. Shri Surendra Kumar Ji Shastri, Jodhpur 295. Shri Shekh Maharaj Godikar, Jalna (M.S.) 348. Shri Devilal Ji Vyas, Jalgaon 296. Shri Devacharyaji Maharaj, Ruthiaye (Guna) 349. Shri Arun Maharaj Girnikar,Malakpur 297. Param Pujya Shri Ramrsh Bhai Ojha, Porbandar (Gujarat) 350. Shri Swami Apranand ji (Gajli Valey) 298. Shri Jagannath Pandhernath Patil,Thane (M.S.) 351. Shri Madanlal Ji Shastri, Mandsaur 299. Shri Rambhau Joshi Purnenkar, Parbhani (M.S.) 352. Shri Vandudev Aajar Sondkar Ji, Parbhani (M.S) 300. Shri Balshuk Narayan (Brahmchari) 353. Shri Muralidhar Sharma,Chennai 301. Shri Chaitanya Godiyam, Kolkata 354. Shri Satish Adharkar,Dr. Venimadhav Shriram Upasane 302. Shri Kavichandra Das Ji, Muradabad 355. Shri Ram Shastri, Pune 303. Shri Ramesh Shastri, Agra 356. Shri Sunesh Ji Sharma, Rayala (Bhilwara) 304. Shri Maheshchander Mishra Ji, Meerut 357. Shri Hariprasad Shastri, Vrindavan 305. Shri Omprakash Shastri, Vrindavan 358. Shri Jagan Nath Ji Maharaj, Thane (M.S.) 306. Shri Vedprakash Dwivedi, Shukratal 359. Acharya Pt. Kailash Chandra Trivedi, Ratlam 307. Shri Susvendra Teerath Maharaj, Karnatka. 360. Shri Manohar Thakrey, Solapur 308. Shri Gyaneshwar Das Awarey, Devgaon (Akola) 361. Shri Digamber Maharaj, Buldhana 309. Balswami India Temple Acharya Vel, Haridwar. 362. Shri Bhagwati Prasad Shastri, Samdalpur, Dewas (M.P.) 310. Shri Radhey Radhey Maharaj, Akola 363. Pt. Shri Ramrshwar Vyas, Sundernagar (H.P.) 311. Shri Bhagirath Ji Saraswat, Selu (M.S.) 364. Shri Vishnudutt Mishra,Ghaziabad 312. Shri Hariprasad Acharya Nimbark Nagar Chamunda, Vrindavan 365. Shri Vasudev Ji Maharaj, Buldhana (M.S.) 313. Shri Avdhesh Shastri, Haridwar 366. Shri Chiranjilal Gaud, Napasar, Bikaner 314. Shri Sitaram Shastri Assam Valey 367. Shri Ramdularey Ji Sharma (Jaipur) 315. Shri Prakash Maharaj Katharhey, Amrawati 368. Kaka Pimparkar Maharaj, Nanded 316. Shri S.S.Vasudev Rav,Bangalore 369. Shri Mahesh Ji Vyas, Haushangabad (M.P.) 317. Shri Chandrasagar Ji Maharaj, Vrindavan 370. Shri Radhey Radhey Maharaj, Akola 318. Shri Chunnilal Ji,Dhanaula(Punjab) 371. Shri Mukund Maharaj Pakhararhi, Ahmednagar 319. Shri Brajesh Chandra Sharma, Vrindavan 372. Acharya Mahamandleshwar Shri Vishvadevanand Ji Maharaj, 320. Swami Atmaram Ji Ramsanehi, Bundi (Rajasthan) Ahmedabad 321. Shri Dinesh Chandra Ji Shastri, Ghaziabad 373. Sushri Amaranand Bharti Ji,Singarwadi, Distt. Wardha 322. Dr. Ashok Kumar Ramanuj, Delhi 374. Shri Vaman Maharaj Paramji (M.S.) 323. Shri Ramdas Pant Acharya, Jalna (M.S.) 375. Shri Badrilal Sharma, Mundali, Ratlam 324. Saubhagyawati Shailja Sarraf, Nagpur 376. Shri Krishankant Joshi, Govardhan 325. Pt. Shri Kamal Kishore Nagar, Semli (M.P.) 377. Jagatguru Swami Krishnacharya Ji Maharaj,Rishikesh 326. Shri Sant Madhavdas Ji, Rishikesh 378. Shri Vednarayan Dikshit, Agra 327. Shri Bhawan Bhaiya Ji, Vrindavan 379. Shri Murari Bapu,Pushkar, Ajmer 328. Shri Swami Shanti Swarupanand Giri Ji Maharaj, Ujjain 380. Baba Shri Brijvallabh Shastri, Vrindavan 329. Jagadguru Acharya Madhavanand Ji Maharaj, Delhi 381. Swami Krishnanand Ji Maharaj, Ajmer 330. Acharya Swami Akhilesh Ji, Vrindavan 382. Mahant Shyam Sunder Das, Sabar kantha (Gujarat) 331. Shri Mohanlal Sharma,Varauda (Indore) 383. Shri Bhudevacharya Ji Maharaj, Haridwar 332. Shri Damodar Ji Shastri Kherapa, Jodhpur 384. Shri Ranganathacharya Ramanuj Kot, Ujjain 333. Shri Ramsnehi Shastri (shukratal) 385. Shri Durgashankar, Mandsaur Valey 334. Shri Ramprasad ji Ramsnehi, Jodhpur (7 Times) 386. Shri P. Padmakar Sharma, Eluru (Andhra Pradesh) 335. Pt. Vishnudutt Ji Saras, Ghazibad 387. Acharya Dr. Ramjilal Sharma, Baraney Valey 336. Acharya Prembhai Semwal, Panipat 388. Shri Rajeshbhai Joshi, Mumbai 337. Shri Ramchandra Ji Shastri,Chaumu (Jaipur) 389. Shri Yogeshbhai Shastri, Mumbai 73 Shukteerth a brief sketch

390. Shri Ravindra Sharma, Jaipur 443. Shri Shiv Ram Krishan Sharma, Vijaywada 391. Shri Chanderpal Brahmchari, Sahibabad (Twice) 444. Shri Ved Narayan Ji Dikshit, Agra 392. Shri Sitaram Tripathi Ji Mujjafarnagar 445. Shri Sant Shyam Sunder Ji, Bapu (Sabarkantha) 393. Shri Mukeshbhai Shastri 446. Shri Ram Vilas Chaturvedi, Vrindavan 394. Shri Vaidyaling Shastri Ji 447. Shri Matadeen Ji Shastri Abohar 395. Shri V. Padmakar Ji, Andhra Pradesh 448. Shri Mithilesh Ji Nagar Ratlam 396. Shri Ramjiwan Sharma Ji (M.P.) 449. Shri 1008. Bhagwatanand Ji Maharaj, Mandsaur (5 Times) 397. Shri Ramakant Shastri, Swai Madhopur, Rajasthan 450. Shri Vijay Kumar Jeeplod (Aurangabad) 398. Shri Vrindavan Acharya Ji , Vrindavan 451. Shri Anantacharya ji, Almora (Uttrakhand) 399. Shri Dr. Kripalu Tripathi Ji, Rudrapur (Uttrakhand) 452. Shri Subhendar Das Brahmchari, Guntur 400. Shri Vedprakash Ji Vithoor,Kanpur (Twice) 453. Shri Ashok Kulkarni, Pune 401. Shri Pt. Sampatti Kumar Tripathi, Meerut 454. Shri Govind Bua Joshi, Pune 402. Sushri Mandakini Ben, Ahmedabad 455. Shri Bhagat Ram JI Ramsnehi, Jaitaran, Ramdwara 403. Shri Madan Mohan Shastri, Nathdwara, Rajasthan 456. Shri Vidyanand Saraswati Ji Maharaj, Balsad 404. Shri Yogeshbhai Shastri, Ahmedabad 457. Shri Sanjay KrishanJi Salil, New Delhi (Twice) 405. Shri Maharaj Modekar Ji (M.S.) 458. Shri Khem Raj Ji Shastri, Guna (M.P.) 406. Shri Malhar Joshi Agarkar (M.S.) 459. Maha Mandleshwar Abhiram Das Ji Maharaj, Ayodhya 407. Shri Pandit Sonu Ji ,Vrindavan 460. Shri Shesh Narayan Maharaj (M.S.) 408. Shri Pt. Inderbhanu Dwivedi, Ujjain 461. Shri Sakshi Gopal Das Ji, Kurukshetra (Twice) 409. Shri Vedmurti A.N.Joshi, Solapur (M.S.) 462. Shri Vasudev Anand Saraswati, (M.S.) 410. Shri Brahmchari Navneet Ji ,Gurgaon, Haryana (Twice) 463. Shri Anant Joshi (M.S.) 411. Shri Pt.Arun Ji Vaar Pandey (M.P.) 464. Shri Dhananya Deshpandey (M.S.) 412. Shri Vijay Shatri, Ayodhya 465. Shri Sudhanand Ji Mathura Valey 413. Shri Krishan Kinkar 466. Shri Acharya Shravananand Ji Maharaj, Vrindavan 414. Shri Sunil Ji Tripathi, Bhilwara (Rajasthan) 467. Shri Purushottam Upadhayaye, Vrndavan 415. Shri Rakesh Kumar Dattatrey Joshi, Balsarh (Gujarat) 468. Shri Pt. Suresh Bhardwaj 416. Shri Shyam Hardas, Nagpur 469. Shri Madhu Bhai Acharya, Gujarat 417. Shri Govind Maharaj Joshi (M.S.) 470. Shri Avadh Narayan Ji, Mujaffarnagar 418. Shri Uday Ji Maharaj (M.S.) 471. Shri Chinmyanand Ji Maharaj, Haridwar 419. Shri Hanumandas Ji , Vrindavan 472. Shri Jairam Ji Maharaj, Delhi 420. Shri Pujya Sant Braj Raj Sharan Ji, Mathura 473. Shri Purushottam Ji Vyas, Bikaner 421. Shri Agarkar Kolatkar (M.S.) 474. Shri Ram Vilas Chatur vedi, Vrindavan 422. Shri Swami Manishanand Puri Ji (M.S.) 475. Shri Gopi Chandra shastri, Agra 423. Shri Radha Krishan Ji, Jodhpur 476. Shri Hariprasad Dayalal Shastri, Junagarh 424. Shri Kailash Chand Trivedi, Ratlam 477. Shri Dagdu Ji Maharaj, (M.S.) 425. Shri Vrindavan das Ji, Vrindavan 478. Shrimati Shardadevi Chandak, (M.S.) 426. Shri Gopalacharya Swami Ji, Rohtas 479. Shri Ashok Kumar Ramanuj, Delhi 427. Shri Kishan Lal Shastri, Napasar 480. Shri Vaman Maharaj , Delhi 428. Shri Surender Kumar Shastri, Vrindavan 481. Shri Kailash Chandra Ji, Leharia 429. Shri Dr. RamKamal Das Vedanti, Banaras 482. Pt. Siyaram Sharma, Agra 430. Shrimati Sunanda Kulkarni (M.S.) 483. Dr. Yogesh Vyas, Lucknow 431. Shri Bhakan Lal JI, Agra 484. Shri Kaushal Ji Maharaj, Agra 432. Shri Vijay Krishan Acharya, Vrindavan 485. Shri Narayan Swami Chandershekhar, Delhi 433. Shri Anurag Sharma (M.P.) 486. Shri Brijkishore Ji Nagar, Semali (M.P.) 434. MahaMandleshwar Shri Atmanand Puri Ji, Haridwar 487. Shri Kheral Krishnacharya, Bangalore 435. Shri Kankar Maharaj (Twice) 488. Shri Shailash Bhai Shastri, Patan 436. Shri Acharya Umashankar Pandey, Vrindavan 489. Pt. Ghisaram Nagda (Rajsthan) 437. Shri Swami Brahmanand Haridas, Vrindavan 490. Shri Sumant Ji Maharaj (M.S.) 438. Shri Swami Ramroop Das Ji, Kanpur (4 Times) 491. Shri Rudradev Ji Tripathi, Jaavad 439. Shri Lal Ji Banna, Madhopur (Rajasthan) 492. Shri Ashok Ji Pathak, Bikaner 440. Shri Virender Acharya, Nemisharnay 493. Shri Bhagwan Bhaiya Ji, Vrindavan 441. Shri Abhiram Das Ji Maharaj, Ayodhya 494. Shri Swami Akshyanand, Haridwar 442. Shri Mohan Sharan Ji Shastri, Sambhal (Muradabad) 495. Pt. Suryakant JI Shastri, Mujjafarnagar 74 a brief sketch Shukteerth

496. Mata Shri Kinkareshwari Devi, Ahmedabad 547. Sow. Lata Tai Bapar (M.S.) 497. Shri Shailesh Bhai Shastri 548. Shri Avdhesh Pandey( M.S) 498. Shri Achynanduta Saraswati, Pune 549. Shri Anand Krishan Shastri, (M.P.) 499. SHri Satyanaraynacharya, Kashi Valey 550. Shri Mohan sharan Ji, Assam 500. Shri Mohan Dev Thakur Ji, Orissa 551. Shri Suresh Ji Maharaj Acharya, Gokul Valey 500. Shri Kalicharan Shastri, Gwalior (Twice) 552. Shri Mahavir Prasad Ji Sharma (Rajasthan) 501. Shri Ashok Pathak, Bikaner 553. Shri Chanderpal Ji Maharaj, Bihar 502. Shri Acharya Bharat Swaroop, Ghaziabad 554. Shri Pratap Narayan Ji, Dhaulpur 503. Shri Purushottam Ji Vyas, Bikaner 555. Shri Ramesh Pant Ji, Amravati 504. Shrimati Nandi Devi Shastri, Delhi 556. Shri Shiv Dayal Ji Bhargav, Guna (M.P.) 505. Shri Makarand Bua Ramdasi, Pune 557. Shri Dinkar Maharaj (M.S.) 506. Shri Sandhya Ven Tripathi, Ahmedabad 558. Shri Bal Krishan Ji, Ujjain 507. Shri Narender Shail Ji, Mandi (H.P.) 559. Shri Pradeep Ji Minda, Sihare 508. Shri Ravinandan Shastri, Vrindavan 560. Shri Ram Avtar Ji, Jodhpur 509. Shri Surender Kumar Shastri, Itawa (U.P.) 561. Shri Manohar Balkishan, Ahmedabad 510. Shri Rukmani Kant Ji, Mathura 562. Shri Shyam Ji Maharaj, Mujjafarnagar 511. Shri Hans Muni Gopi Ji Maharaj, Mathura 563. Shri Pushpa Behan Joshi, Rajasthan 512. Shri Mohan Sharan Ji, Nepal 564. Shri Dinesh Thakur, Vrindavan 513. Shri Acharya Rajeshwar Pandey Ji, Ckitrakoot 565. Shri yugal haran Ji Maharaj (M.S.) 514. Shri Jagadguru Ramanujacharya Ji, Devaria 566. Shri Swami Vivek Bharati, Ludhiana 515. Shri Shrikant Ji Rathi, Pune 567. Shri Raj Kumar Mishra, Mumbai 516. Shri Bhanwarlal Ji Jodhpur 568. Shri Hari Prasad SSharma, Vrindavan 517. Shri Mahsh Shrimali Ji, Rajsamand 569. Shri Venkateshacharya, Chitrakoot 518. Sant Shri Pushkardas Ji Maharaj, Udaipur 570. Shri Krishan Ji Maharaj, Bankey Bihari 519. Shri Priya Das Ji Maharaj, Vrindavan 571. Shri Dharmender Ji Upadhyaye, Vrindavan 520. Shri Acharya Rajender Prasad Shastri, Katni (M.P.) 572. Shri Devnath Ji Mahraj,Jalgaon 521. Shri Chandu Bhai Ji Maharaj, 573. Pt. Anant Shastri Morey, Alnadi (M.P.) 521. Shri Chandu Bhai Ji Maharaj, Bhuj (Gujarat) 574. Shri Sharad Shastri Joshi (M.S.) 522. Shri Mukandi Lal Ji,Chandigarh 575. Shri Jai Vallabh Shastri, Mumbai 523. Shri Baban Ji Maharaj, Pune 576. Shri Giriraj Shasti, Alkapuri 524. Shri Dhananjay Shrikant Desh Pandey (M.S.) 577. Shri Prakash Maharaj, Nanded 525. Shri Keshav Ji, Vrindavan. 578. Shri Mahesh Kumar Sharma, Ujjain 526. Shri Acharya Mukut Bihari Shastri, Bara (M.P.) 579. Shri Sitaram ji Tripathi, Mujjafarnagar 527. Shri Gyaneshwar Ji, Pandharpur (M.S.) 580. Shri Girish Chander Upreti, Almorha 528. Shri Ramesh Chander Vyas, Agra 581. Shri Pandu Rang Shastri, Akola (M.S.) 529. Shri Ashok Kumar Bhardwaj, Javad (M.S.) 582. Shri Ramesh Ji Shastri,Jatipura. 530. Shri Pradeep Ji Maharaj, Gujarat 583. Pt. Kishore Chandra Shastri, Baroda Valey 531. Shri Swami Vasudeva Nand, Vyatar 584. Shri Shyam Dutt Sharma, Agra 532. Shri Shyam Rao Deshpandey, Amravati (M.S.) 585. Shri Kishan Murthy, Karimnagar 533. Shri Ramdutt Mishar, Vrindavan 586. Shri Jainender Katara, Jaipur 534. Shri Nishant Krishna, Nathdwara 587. Shri Santosh Ji Shastri (M.P.) 535. Pt. Narsingh Ji, Orissa 588. Shri Gurudutt Ji, Jodhpur 536. Shri Baba Mangal Das, Bijnaur 589. Shri Shridhar Rothi, Nagpur 537. Shri Dhanajay Deshpandey (M.S.) 590. Shri Sanjay Maharaj, Akola 538. Shri Madan Lal Vyas Ji (M.S.) 591. Shri Pradeep Sharma (M.P.) 539. Shri Chaman Lal Sharma, Sundernagar (H.P.) 592. Shri Madhusudan Chaman Lal, Surat (Gujrat) 540. Shri Subhash Chandra Shastri, Saharanpur 593. Shri Krishnamurthy Maharaj, Karimnagar 541. Shri Bhagwan Bapu, Ujjain 594. Shri Brahmchari Harish Chaitanya 542. Shri Dada Maharaj Joshi, (M.S.) 595. Shri Dharmender Upadhyay, Vrindavan 543. Shri Pradeep Ji Maharaj, Vrindavan 596. Shri Vijay Amrit Guru ji 544. Shri Vishvas Hariram Pant,(M.S.) 597. Shri Jagdish Bhai Shastri, Rajkot 545. Shri Mayank Sharma (M.P.) 598. Shri Swami Shankaranand Ji , Haridwar 546. Shri Raghunath Ji Pritampura. 599. Shri Jugal Kishore Shastri, Gwalior 75 Shukteerth a brief sketch

600. Shri Guruji Ek Tu Sachha,Tera Naam Sachha, Moradabad 652. Pt. Lakshmi Narayan Ji Kulkarni, Hyderabad 601. Dr. Virender Sharma 653. Shri Narayan Vasudev Ji, Ujjain 602. Shri Ved Narayan Ji (M.P.) 654. Shri Ram Avtar Ji Shastri, Muraina 603. Shri Chain Roop Ji Saraswat,Mathura (Sujangarh) 655. Shri Pamod Krishan Ji Shastri, Ghaziabad 604. Shri Vishveshvar Das Vaishanav, Ayodhya 656. Shri Ashok Ganesh Ji Kulkarni, Pune 605. Shri Madhukar Rao 657. Shri Rudrender Shekhar Ji Maharaj, Dungargarh (Raj) 606. Pt. Om Prakash Radhey Radhey Ji, Panipat 658. Shri Piyush Jani Ji Maharaj, Mumbai 607. Shri Acharya Ramanand Ji, Ayodhya 659. Shri Ravi Kant Ji Mishra, Sahibabad 608. Shri Venkateshacharya Ji, Chitrakoot 660. Shri Satish Sharma Ji, Rajgarh (M.P.) 609. Shri Shridhracharya Ji Maharaj, Ayodhya 661. Parm Pujya Shri Ramchetan Ji Maharaj, Nandurbar 610. Shri Balkrishan Ji Maharaj 662. Shri Ramanand Ji Upadhayaye, Delhi 611. Shri Kedar Shastri, Mahu 663. Shri Ravi Agarwal Ji, Jodhpur 612. Shri Radhey Radhey Maharaj, Panipat 664. Shri Santosh Shastri Ji, Vidisha (M.P.) 613. Shri Purushottam Sharan Ji Maharaj, Vrindavan 665. Shri Ram Swaroop Shastri Ji, Gwalior 614. Shri Anant Krishan Ji, Cochin 666. Shri Ram Bhushan Das Ji Maharaj, Gwalior 615. Shri Achutanand Saraswati Ji, Pune 667. Shri Acharya Ramdutt Shastri Ji Maharaj, Vrindavan 616. Shri Ram Krishan Shastri, Sikandrabad (A.P.) 668. Shri Vallabh Ji Maharaj,Hathras 617. ShShri B.N. Vijevder Chandran, Mysore 669. Shri Mahadev Ji Maharaj, Pune 618. Shri Dev Dutt Shastri, Pilkhua 670. Shri Acharya Nand Kishore Pandey, Nagpur 619. Shri Vedmurty Kardam Rishi, Mumbai 671. Shri Udai Bhan Ji, Hastinapur 620. Shri Rishiraj Shastri, Muraina 672. Shri Raghvender Ji Deshpandey, Usmanabad 621. Shri Ramsnehi Shastri, Shuktirath 673. Shri Hari Bhau Ji Joshi, Pune 622. Shri Devrajan Acharya, Chennai 674. Shri Sharad Maharaj Ji Ambekar, Higoli (M.S.) 623. Shri Umashankar Ji, Delhi 675. Pt. Vinay Das Ji Maharaj, Jodhpur 624. Shri Dharamraj Ji Maharaj, Faridabad 676. Pt. Achal Ji Shastri, Shukrataal 625. Shri Chiranjilal Gupta (Rtd. IAS), Delhi 677. Pt. Vivekanand Ji Dadhich, Indore 626. Shri Uheshanand Ji Maharaj, Mujaffarnagar (U.P.) 678. Shri Vishva Narayan Ji Palandey 627. Shri Guru Mavli Ji, Nasik (Maharashtra) 679. Shri SSwami Shravna Nand Ji Maharaj, Vrindavan 628. Shri Rajesh Krishan Ji Maharaj, Vrindavan 680. Shri Krishan Gopal Ji Dikshit,Narsinghgarh (M.P.) 629. Maha Mandleshwar Sadhvi Karunagiri Ji Maharaj, 681. Pt. Mohan Bhardwaj, Haridwar Shri Hari Karunadham, Haridwar 682. Pt. Rameshwar Mulankar Maharaj, Amrawati 630. Shri Swami Radha Vallabh Dasacharya Ji, Vrindavan 683. Shri Angad Ji Maharaj, Latur (M.S.) 631. Shri Krishnanand Shastri, Swai Madhopur (Rajasthan) 684. Shri Bhagwata Nand Ji Maharaj, Mumbai 632. Shri Swami Shravananand Ji, Vrindavan. 685. Dr. Anurag Sharma, Muraina 633. Pt. Pujya Swami Ram Prasad Ramsnehi Ji, Jodhpur 686. Mahant Shri Narayan Das Ji, Mehsana (Gujarat) 634. Shri Jogeshwar Maharaj Deshpandey (M.S.) 687. Shri Varun Das Ji Maharaj, Yamuna Nagar (Haryana) 635. Shri Radhika Saran Ji, Haridwar 688. Shri Nandkumar Ji Govindkar, Parbhani (M.S.) 636. Shri Hemant Kumar Shastri, Vrindavan 689. Shri Alka Mutalik, Dombivali (Mumbai) 637. Shri Banwarilal Ji, Haridwar 690. Shri Vedantanand Ji Maharaj, Vrindavan 638. Shri Rudradev Ji, Pratapgarh ( Rajasthan) 691. Shri Sitaram Ji Shastri, Mujaffarnagar 639. Shri Gourang Gaurav Sharma, Agra (U.P.) 692. Pt. Chunni Lal Ji Shandilya, Dhanaula 640. Shri Acharya Swami Bharat Swaroop Ji, Noida (U.P.) 693. Shri Vaduguru Asholekar Maharaj, Parbhani (M.S.) 641. Shri Purushottam Sharan Ji Maharaj, Vrindavan (U.P.) 694. Shri Shri 1008 Pt. Kshmaram Ji Maharaj, Jaipur 642. Shri Vishambhar Dyal Shastri, Bhind 695. Shri Dau Ji Maharaj, Vrindavan 643. Shri Gaurav Ji Vyas, Ajmer 696. Shri Arvind Dhrashtaji Maharaj, Shamli (U.P.) 644. Shri Suresh Baba Ji, Gokul 697. Shri Shamsunder Shivram Shastri, Meerut 645. Shri Sarju Maharaj Ji, Amravati 698. Shri Mahesh Maharaj, Latur (M.S.) 646. Pt. Ganga Vishnu Ji Upadhyaye, Muraina 699. Shri Brahmanand Ji maharaj, Vrindavan 647. Shri Kashinath Baba Khadelkar, Nasik 700. Shri Ram Swaroop Ji Shastri, Bhind 648. Shri Bhagwat Swami Acharya Sa,ketdham, Shukrataal 701. Shri Suresh Shastri Ji, Waseem (M.S.) 649. Shri Malaram Ji shastri, Mathura 702. Shri Kinkeshwaei Devi Ji, Akola 650. Shri Rajender Mishra Ji, Reeva (M.P.) 703. Shri U.R. Rajagopalan, Chennai 651. Shri Sitaram Ji Tripathi, Mujaffarnagar 704. Shri Ramadevacharya Ji, Rishikesh 76 a brief sketch Shukteerth

705. Shri Satish Chander Ji Vashishth, Ghaziabad 758. Shri Hari Kishan Bhai Shastri, Burhanpur (M.P.) 706. Shri Ram Vilas Vedanti Maharaj 759. Shri Ramji Lal Shastri 707. Shri Vilas Maharaj, Nanded 760. Param Pujya Baba Bansiwale Ji Maharaj, Uttarakhand 708. Shri Baba Bhai Pourani, Godhra (Gujarat) 761. Shri Swami Shravananand Ji Maharaj, Vrindavan 709. Shri Santosh Shastri Ji, Vidisha 762. Shri Pujya Radhey Priya Ji, Allahabad 710. Shri Ram Avtar Shastri Ji, Muraina 763. Shri Shiv Prakash Ji Shastri, Vrindavan 711. Shri lal Govind Ji Maharaj, Mumbai 764. Shri Bhatat Karan Ji Maharaj, Vrindavan 712. Shri Pradeep Shastri Ji, Gandhidham 765. Shri Shravana nand Ji Maharaj, Vrindavan 713. Shri Ram Swaroop Shastri Ji, Gwalior 766. Shri Vidyanand a Ji Maharaj, Haridwar 714. Shri Gopal Dadhichi Maharaj, Nagpur 767. Shri Acharya Pradeep ji, Vrindavan 715. Shri Swami Shridhracharya Ji, Ayodhya 768. Pt. Chandrakant Ji Maharaj, Bhusawal 716. Dr. Ashok Sharma Ji Jyotishacharya, Hathras 769. Shri Gopal Ji Maharaj, Akola 717. Shri Nilesh Maharaj Pote, Amravati 770. Shri Bharat Bhai Trivedi, Ahmedabad 718. Shri Mahesh Mishra Ji, Oraiya (U.P.) 771. Shri Shasikant ji Patil, Nagpur 719. Shri Shyam Bihari Ji Dwivedi, Oraiya 772. Shri Shankar Ji Maharaj, Khamgaon (M.S.) 720. Shri Ramesh Chander Shastri Ji, Karauli (Rajasthan) 773. Shri Prabhadevi Ji Deshmukh, Ahmednagar 721. Pt. Akinchan Ji Maharaj, Jaipur 774. Shri Ravi Shankar Ji Maharaj, Ayodhya (U.P.) 722. Shri Purushottam Sharan Ji Maharaj, Vrindavan 775. Shri Rajesh Ji Shastri, Indore (M.P.) 723. Pt. Khagender Ji Maharaj, Nandurbar (M.S.) 776. Shri Ram Rajeshwar Gadadhar Shastri, Akola 724. Shri Kapil Muni Ji Maharaj, Khatauli (U.P.) 777. Shri Murlidhar Maharaj Gondikar, Parbhani (M.S.) 725. Shri Ram Swaroop Ji Shastri , Bhind 778. Pt. Sagarbhai Shastri, Ahmedabad 726. Shri Shiv Guru Vinayak Prakshi,Pune 779. Shri Shailesh Upadhyay, Bhavnagar (Gujarat) 727. Shri Prakash Ji Tiwari Komlacharya, Bikaner 780. Shri Banwari Lal Sharma, New Delhi 728. Shri Shiv Kishan Ji Kiradu, Kolkata 781. Shri Ravidutt Pouranik, Badanagar (M.P.) 729. Shri Yogi Prahlad Ji Bigyani, Bikaner 782. Shri Chunni Lal Ji Shandilya, Dhanaula (Punjab) 730. Pt. Dinesh Gautam Ji,Kota (Rajasthan) 783. Shri Priyadas Ji Maharaj , Vrindavan 731. Shri Achal Sharma Ji, Panipat 784. Shri Suneel Kumar Ji, Ujjain 732. Shri Sanvarmal Ji, Salasar (Rajasthan) 785. Shri Akhileshanand Ji Maharaj, Vrindavan 733. Shri Ram Sanehi Shastri Ji, Bijnaur 786. Shri Keshav Das Ji Ramdhan, Vrindavan 734. Shri Vilas Guru Nimbekar, Parbhani (M.S) 787. Shri Krishna Nand Ji Maharaj, Ajmer 735. Pt. Prasann Kumar Mishra, Kalahandi (Orissa) 788. Shri Dahsgiri Ji Maharaj, Akola 736. Shri Ram Vibhor Shastri, Vrindavan 789. Shri Ramchander Ji maharaj Tikalkar, Gangakher (M.S.) 737. Shri Ashish Chander Shastri, Vrindavan 790. Shri Shriji Rohit Gopal Bhaiya, Chittaurgarh (Rajasthan) 738. Shri Chetan bhai Vyas, Dwarka (Gujarat) 791. St. Shri Varshaji Nagar, Mandsaur (M.P.) 739. Shri Manoj Shastri Ji Maharaj, Delhi 792. Shri Subramanium Ji, Tiru Annamalai (Tamilnadu) 740. Shri Ram Prakash Ji Vyas, Muraina (M.P.) 793. Shri K. Satyanarayan Rao, Hyderabad 741. Shri Brajender Mohan Goswami Vyasvanshi, Vrindavan 794. Bhaskar Ji, Saketdham, Shukratal (U.P.) 742. Shri Rajas Sathe Ji Maharaj, Pune 795. Shri Ravi Shankar ji (Ajmer) 743. Shri Ram Dularey Ji Shastri, Porsha (M.P.) 796. Shri Jagannath Patil (Thane) 744. Sadhvi Param Jyoti Ji, Vrindavan 797. Shri Nath Das Mukhiya, Rajgarh (M.P.) 745. Shri Ram Swaroop Shastri Ji, Gwalior 798. Shri Shridharacharya (Neemach) 746. Shri Ram Ganesh Shastri Ji, Nandurbar (M.S.) 799. Shri Prem Bhai ji (Panipat) 747. Shri Shridhar Swami Ji Maharaj, Akola 800. Shri Nand Kishore Joshi (Pune) 748. Shri Makarand Bua Ji, Mumbai 801. Pt. Akhilesh Shukla ji, Basti (U.P.) 749. Shri Mukandi lal Ji, Chandigarh 802. Shri Shriniwas Shastri, Murena (M.P.) 750. Pt. Padmakar Maharaj Kundikar, Pune 803. Pt. Chandra Prakash Shastri, Khargon (M.P.) 751. Jagadguru Rambhadracharya ji Pithadhishwar, Chitrakoot 804. Shri Shyamnarayan Das, Amrawati (M.S.) 752. Shri Ram Dutta Ji Shastri, Kullu (H.P.) 805. Shri Gajanand Maharaj, Amrawati (M.S.) 753. Shri Kumar Baagh Ji, Pune 806. Shri Gopalbhai ji, Vrindavan (U.P.) 754. Shri Harish Bhai Shasti Ji, Mumbai 807. Shri K. Dhananjay, Karimnagar (A.P.) 755. Shri Acharya Ram Swaroop Ji Shastri, Gwalior 808. Shri Radha Upas, Nizampurkar, Jalgaon (M.S.) 756. Shri Shridhracharya Ji Maharaj, Ayodhya 809. Shri Bhagwatanand Bhaskar, Gurgaon (Haryana) 757. Pt. Roop Narayan Ji joshi, Hinganghat (M.S.) 810. Shri Rampant Joshi, Nagpur 77 Shukteerth a brief sketch

811. Pt. Girish Shastri, Gwalior (M.P.) 862. Shri Achal Shastri ji, Shukratal (U.P.) 812. Shri Rampant Joshi ji Maharaj, Nagpur 863. Pt. Bhagwati Prasad ji Tiwari, Dewas (M.P.) 813. Shri Ramkinkar ji Maharaj, Vrindavan 864. Shri Ramavatar ji Maharaj, Ayodhya (U.P.) 814. Shri Purushottam Dasacharya ji Maharaj 865. Shri Sumant Maharaj, Pune (Maharashtra) 815. Shri Milan Bhai Trivedi, Porbandar 866. Shri Shivram Shastri ji, Govardhan (U.P.) 816. Shri Rajkumar ji Gautam, Jabalpur 867. Shri Radhika Sharan ji, Haridwar (U.K.) 817. Shri Namdev ji Maharaj, Vashim 868. Shri Vibhuti Goswami Kartik ji, Vrindavan (U.P.) 818. Shri Prandas ji, Ghaziabad 869. Shri Sandeep Bhai Maharaj, Parbhani (M.S.) 819. Shri Sanjeev Krishan ji Thakur, Vrindavan 870. Shri Sewak Das ji Maharaj, Jalgaon (M.S.) 820. Shri Vijender Vyas ji Vyasvanshi, Vrindavan 871. Shri Dharacharya ji Maharaj, Ayodhya (U.P.) 821. Shri Chaturbhuj ji Chaturvedi, Malwa 872. Shri Hari Maharaj ji, Ahmednagar (M.S.) 822. Shri Ramdas Acharya ji, Jalna 873. Shri Jai Prakash ji, Vill-Beri, Jhajjar (Haryana) 823. Shri Rama Upasani Maharaj, Jalgaon 874. Shri Ramsnehi Shastri ji, Shukratal (U.P.) 824. Sadhvi Uma Devi ji, Kota 875. Shri Chagan Lal ji Brijwasi 825. Shri Bhusari Maharaj, Nagpur 876. Shri M Venugopal Sharma, Hanumankonda (A.P.) 826. Shri Bhakti Prakash ji, Barnal 877. Shri Ashok Kulkarni ji 827. Shri Nareshpal ji Gopinathpur, Baitul 878. Shri Sadashiv ji Maharaj, Bhusawal (M.S.) 828. Shri Raghvendra Narhari ji Deshpande, Dombiwali 829 Shri Damodar Das ji, Salem (T.N.) 830. Swami Patyanand ji Saraswati, Nanded 831. Shri Kishori Sharan ji Maharaj, Vrindavan *** 832. Pt. Gopinath ji, Puri 833. Pt. Shivkumar ji Vyas, Faridabad 834. Shri Ram Moni ji, Viratnagar (Nepal) 835. Shri Sharda Narayan ji Dikshit (Nandurbar) 836. Shri Arun Kaul ji, Shamli 837. Pt. Sitaram ji Shastri (Assam) 838. Shri Brahmanand ji Sharma, Vrindavan 839. Shri Bhikaji Maharaj, Khamgaon 840. Shri Hariom Sharan ji, Vrindavan 841. Pt. Hemant Kumar ji Shastri, Vrindavan 842. Shri Bavandev Purushottam Dev ji, Vashim 843. Shri Radhey Sham ji Nagar, Jhalawar 844. Shri Subhash Balkrishan ji Kale, Amrawati 845. Shri Venkatesh Bhai ji, Udaipur 846. Shri K Puranchandra Rao, Vijayawada 847. Shri Sachin Dev ji, Nagpur 848. Shri Marutinandan ji, Ayodhya 849. Pt. Madanmohan ji Avichal, Nathdwara 850. Shri Kailash Chandra ji, Kota 851. Acharya Gopal Krishan ji, Gokul 852. Shri Samvit Kailash Chandra ji Joshi, Jodhpur 853. Shri Suman Shastri ji, Shukratal 854. Shri Chandurkar ji Maharaj, Amrawati 855. Shri Swami Dharacharya ji Maharaj, Allahabad 856. Pt. Devendra Sharan ji, Khargaon 857. Shri Pt. Kishori Bapu ji, Ahmedabad 858. Shri Sachin Maharaj ji, Aurangabad 859. Shri Shivlahari Gautam ji, Boondi (Rajasthan) 860. Shri Shaym Bihari Vyas ji, Bhind (M.P.) 861. Shri Swami Parpannacharya ji, Uttain (M.P.)

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