Remarkable inauguration of OM Ashram in India
On 19 February 2024, the OM Ashram in Jadan, Rajasthan, India, was ceremoniously opened.
Over a hundred fifty thousand guests from India gathered for this auspicious occasion, together with 1,200 guests from more than 30 other countries around the world.
This unique building in the shape of the Sanskrit syllable OM, with astonishing architecture, the breathtaking central Shiva Temple, the divinity of the Samadhi Hall of Hindu Dharmsamrat Paramhans Sri Swami Madhavanandaji, and the spiritual atmosphere of Vishwaguruji and other spiritual leaders, attracted the thousands of participants, all keen to be a part of this auspicious moment of inauguration.
The program was filled with ten days of ancient Vedic ceremonies, cultural programs and famous singers and dancers from India and Europe. A unique concert hall with a capacity of 5,000 people was built for the occasion, where participants listened to the beautiful chanting of the Maha Shivpurana by Mahamandaleshwar Swami Chidambaranand Saraswati Ji Maharaj during the day.
In the evenings, cheerful traditional Indian music was played. A special surprise was the Indian spiritual Bharatanatyam dancing performed by Bhaktideví from the Czech Republic, showing the sincere respect that representatives of Yoga in Daily Life have for Indian traditions.
Many distinguished guests addressed the audience with inspiring words about the importance of the OM Ashram for the unity of people around the globe, for spirituality, love and peace. All the programs filled the hall and the friendly atmosphere between the Indian and Western audiences could be felt at every step.
On of the most important components of the opening ceremonies was ancient Vedic ceremonies performed in the specially constructed Yagya Shala (hall of sacred fire pits). The pandits led the ceremonial fires according to strict Vedic rules for the peace, happiness and prosperity of all – humans, animals, nature and the whole world – and thus invited the divine cosmic energy into the OM Ashram.
Vedic rituals also took place during the installation of the six gold-plated Kalashs on the tops of the OM Ashram temples and a flag with the OM symbol on the Shiva Temple. All those who wished had the opportunity to actively participate in these ceremonies.
Over 200,000 meals were distributed to the OM Ashram visitors during these ten days, as a gesture of boundless generosity and compassion.
Finally, on the tenth day, a special Vedic ceremony called Pran Pratishtha was performed at the Shiva Temple by highly educated pandits, Vishwaguruji, and spiritual leaders of India. At the same time, special caps were placed on all six golden Kalashs at the OM Ashram, completing the temple as a profound spiritual and symbolic element.
Among the distinguished guests at the inauguration ceremony were the Chief Minister of Rajasthan, Shri Bhajanlal Sharma, Maharaja Marwar of Jodhpur, His Highness Gad Ji Singh Sahib, Mahanirvani Acharya Mahamandaleshwar Swami Vishokanand Bhartiji, and many other representatives of social, cultural, religious, and spiritual life.
At the end of the opening ceremony, Vishwaguruji emphasised that the OM Ashram is here for the whole world, with the words, “My vision would be truly fulfilled if everyone coming to the OM Ashram felt as if they were coming to their own home and that when leaving, they were inspired by their stay and filled with happiness, love, wisdom, peace and contentment.”
OM Ashram has opened its doors. All are welcome – those who admire the traditional Indian temple architecture, those who are on the spiritual path, yoga practitioners, or the ones who would like to dedicate themselves to the service of others.