1.
Bhakti Dham, Mangarh
It
was here that Shree Maharajji first constructed a meditation
hall for holding the annual sadhana camp. But with thousands of
devotees coming from all over the world, newer buildings kept
cropping up. There is now a huge meditation hall, a number of
residential buildings, common dormitories, a vast dining hall,
kitchen, a beautiful garden, and a Goshala (special shelter for
cattle) for 50 cows. In the center of this little township is
the personal residence of Shree Maharajji.
Behind his residence, in an area of ten acres is Bhakti Mandir,
an astounding temple of granite and red sandstone, which is a
masterpiece of architecture and beauty. The birthplace of Shree Maharajji, the village of Mangarh is
situated in UP near the confluence of the river Ganges and river
Yamuna. It has a special Divine vibration that is perceivable
the moment one reaches there.
2.
Rangeeli Mahal,
Barsana
Considered by many to be the most sacred place in Braj, Barsana
is the village where Radha Rani had resided 5000 years ago. The
Rangeeli Mahal is a huge ashram, equipped with facilities to
house 5000 devotees. One section of the ashram is the newly
built Vishwa Kalyan Kendra. This contains an air-conditioned
hall with a capacity to seat 10,000 devotees.
Shree Maharajji stays here for many months during the year.
While he is present, there are daylong sadhana programs, and
joyous special events. There are also many opportunities for
personal darshan, and informal interaction with him. Two major
festivals are celebrated here: Guru Poornima and Radhashtami. On
these occasions, the ashram bustles with activity, as thousands
of devotees arrive from all over the world to be with their
Gurudev.
3. Jagadguru Dham, Vrindaban
Situated on six acres of land, this ashram has an idyllic
location at the entry to Vrindaban. The elegant main building is
surrounded by perfumed flower gardens and lush green lawns that
make the ashram an aesthetic delight.
There is a charming satsang hall on the ground floor. The first
floor has a devotion hall that houses the beautiful deities of
Radha Krishna. It is a perfect place for sitting down and
absorbing oneself in their Divine remembrance. The ashram also
has a dormitory, and a number of guest rooms for devotees and
guests.
4. Shyama
Shyam Dham, Vrindaban
This
beautiful ashram has been built in black granite stone. It has a
huge hall that can seat 5000 devotees. There are also three
large dormitories, and over a hundred residential rooms. Shree
Maharajji celebrates Shree Krishna Janmashtami here. At that
time, there is fervent excitement, as devotees pour in from all
parts of the world.
On New Year's Day, Shree Maharajji throws a lavish feast here
in which he invites the whole of Vrindaban.
A short distance from the ashram, an awe-inspiring monument,
Prem Mandir, is being constructed.
It will be built from Italian
marble, with exquisite craftsmanship and inlay work of
semi-precious stones. It will stand as a grand emblem of Radha
Krishna devotion for the centuries to come.
5.
Barsana Dham, Austin, Texas.
This spiritual community, built on
200 acres of the most picturesque land on the outskirts of
Austin, has become the one of the
largest Hindu center in North America. The holy places
associated with the Divine leelas of Radha Krishn in Braj, have
all been established here, including the river Yamuna, Barsana
hill, and Goverdhan hill. The crown jewel of Barsana Dham is the
Rasheshwari Radharani Temple, which is among the most beautiful
temples in the world.
