Rishi Culture = Pujya Gurudev

The Holy Himalayas and the Glorious Rishi Culture

=Pt.ShriRam Sharma Acharya

Translation of a discourse in Hindi on "Guru-tatva Ki Mahima Aur Garima" Delivered by Rev. Gurudev Pandit Shriram Sharma Acharya on Guru Purnima, 1981 –

Let us begin with a collective chanting of the Gayatri Mantra: "Om bhurbhuvaha svaha tatsaviturvarenyam bhargo devasya dhimahi dhiyo yo nah pracodayat" Sisters and Brothers, Special crops grow in special soil and climate. The oranges of Nagpur, bananas of Bhusawal, mangoes of Lucknow, etc are popular all over the world for their special taste. But these fruits won’t taste the same if grown elsewhere, say here in Hardwar. You must have heard of the sandalwood of the Neelgiri Hills. What a heavenly fragrance! The plant might grow at your place as well, but won’t have the same smell. Then what about the unique herbs and the fruits and flowers - like Devkand and Brahmkamal - grown in the serene regions of the great Himalayan heights? These paradise-species won’t even grow anywhere else. The soil, the climate, the subtle environment of every place has its distinct effects. The holy Himalayas are unique because of the vibrant spiritual ambience generated here by the long-term dedicated tapa-sadhanas of the Rishis - the seer-sages, saints of Vedic Age.

Indeed this land is divine land that nurtures virtuous tendencies and induces angelic inspirations. Every seeker of spiritual realization and inner light wants to spend sometime in the pristine shelter of the Himalayas. I had also got this opportunity. You are all sitting here in Shantikunj, Hardwar; this is the land where the Ashrams of the Sapatarshis1 were located thousands of years ago. This is the sacred land where these preeminent saint-sages, whose glory continues to sparkle like the unique cluster of seven stars in the sky, had undertook devout tapashcharya. The holy Ganga surrounds this place much like a mother’s lap protecting a child.

This is the place where, once upon a time, lion and cow would drink water from the same water pond, standing besides each other on these banks of the Ganga! Indeed, there are such spiritually energized locations and the siddhas2 whose company can awaken the divinity hidden within us! This Ashram of Shantikunj is established at such a place. Have you seen the temple of Devatma Himalaya here? There is no deity-idol for worship in this temple; there is only a model of the holy Himalayas. As you know, the idols of God enshrined in the temples symbolize the divine powers. This temple should make you aware of the divine nature of the Himalayas. (Countinue)

Thanks GOD, Thanks Sadguru,

Shiv Sharma