Jyoti Ashram
Welcome to Jyoti Ashram. After the divine realization in the Himalayas, Swamiji reached the plains of India, for completing the task set by divine mother for him. According to his mother's wishes (who was settled in Mumbai), he established the first ashram in Pune, which is only 150 km away. This is Jyoti Ashram, which is spread over 1.5 acres of land in Lulla Nagar area of Pune. It was established in the year 1962. At that time, it was located in a very quiet area, little outside Pune city. But now, due to the steady growth of the city, it has become a residential locality. On one side of the ashram is a wide Kondhwa Bibawevadi link road, while on the other three sides there is a residential area, where buildings and houses have been built.
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As you enter through the main entrance of the ashram, the 5.5 feet high statue of Trimurti in the front attracts your attention. There is a two-storey building at a short distance behind Trimurti, where male devotees can stay. If you turn to the right from Trimurti and go ahead, then 'Jyoti Dham' is on the right.
When Gurudev was present in physical form, He lived here. His followers have maintained this tiny dwelling, the same way it was kept when Swamiji left for his last visit to US.
If you go beyond 'Jyoti Dham', the Satsang Hall falls on the left. What attracts your attention first is the plate outside. ‘True knowledge alone liberates’. This one liner is the gist of Swami Amar Jyoti’s philosophy.
The large room is used for bhajans, satsangs, etc. To the right of the Satsang Hall are the dining room and kitchen. Between the satsang hall and the dining hall is the ashram's small library. It has about two thousand Hindi and English religious texts, books and magazines related to spirituality. A shelf here showcases Swamiji's books that attract the devotees. Proceeding from the Satsang Hall, on the right is a single storeyed structure called 'Shakti Dham', which houses women followers.
If you put 'Shakti Dham' on the right and look in front of you, you will be mesmerized. There is a pyramid shaped structure about 80 feet from here, which is made of white marble. This twenty-five feet high pyramid has greenery and trees all around. This is the 'Samadhi Sthal', where the ashes of Swamiji were buried.
Above it is Gurudev's life-size statue made of pure white marble. In the four directions of the statue, the idols of Ma Saraswati, Ma Lakshmi, Ma Durga, and Ma Kali are installed.
Above it is Gurudev's life-size statue made of pure white marble. In the four directions of the statue, the idols of Ma Saraswati, Ma Lakshmi, Ma Durga, and Ma Kali are installed.
The ashram is looked after by devotees and followers who hail from Pune and its suburb Pimpri. The ashram holds chanting of mantras and bhajans on Thursdays and Sundays. It is followed by playing of Swamiji’s recorded satsangs, after which aarti is performed. The timing is from 4 to 5.30 pm. All the major festivals, according to the Hindu calendar are celebrated here with great enthusiasm, just like when Gurudev was present in the physical form. Three days in a year are the most important, when there is a crowd of devotees here. Gurudev's birthday which falls two days after Buddha Purnima (English month of May), Gurudev's death anniversary (13 June), and Guru Purnima (English month of July). On these occasions, the marble statue of Gurudev is anointed with milk and water, accompanied by chanting of mantras. Apart from this, festivals like Makar Sankranti, Mahashivratri, Raksha Bandhan, Janmashtami, Dussehra, Diwali, etc. are also celebrated. On these days, along with chanting of mantras, bhajans and satsangs, common meals (Preeti bhojan) are also arranged.
Twice a year, havans are performed with Vedic chanting. In the months of January and July, three days long 'Adhyatma Samagams' are organized. During the Samagam, the day begins with meditation at 5.45 am. Thereafter, bhajans, There is meditation from 7 to 7.45 pm. During this time, all services are performed by the devotees who believe in the finest tradition of Karma Yoga. In the ashram premised Swamiji had planted a number of saplings personally chosen by him such as bilva, parijatak, ashoka, mango, sandalwood, etc. These saplings have now grown into tall trees, as if waiting for Gurudev to return one day in order to bless them!
Apart from devotees, others can also visit the ashram. The timings for them are 10 am to 12.30 pm and 4 to 6.30 pm. Prior intimation is requested for visitors. You are welcome to visit Jyoti Ashram at least once!