“This Dandakvan Ashram is the
Sadguru’s abode. Its importance is immeasurable. Those men and women who pine
for God, when they come here, in this Dandakvan, when they behold this ultimate
holy place or stay here, they will be entitled to Bhakti (devotion) and Mukti
(liberation).”
THE MYSTIC’S ABODE: DANDAKVAN
The heat of Surat makes it hard
to believe that a forest is nearby. When you are out to explore new places,
even on a pilgrimage, it is always advisable to carry a guide map. A trip to
Dandakvan is special because it’s a special place, and visits to special places
make the occasion special as well. This
is not just another forest that one can visit to enjoy the greenery and
wildlife. For that purpose, there are many more options in the Indian
sub-continent. This place is special
because it’s a lot more than a forest.
Dandakvan is the most ancient
forest in this part of the world. “Dandakvan” is a Sanskrit word which means, a
forest that punishes the sinners. When one lands in the zone of Dandak Van,
it’s hard to imagine how anyone can get punished in such a beautiful place –
it’s almost like a green heaven. But Ahilya did get punished here, as she was
reduced to stone form after being cursed by her husband Sage Gautam. It was only when Shri Ram’s foot brushed the
stone, that she was liberated from the curse and able to regain her human form.
The Dandak Van finds mention in
scriptures as ancient as the Brahmanas and the Ramayana. Historically, it is a
very significant place and the natural beauty – a culmination of the river,
hills, forests and wildlife, almost has a magical effect. But what really adds to its gravity is the
spirituality part.
This forest has been home to many
sages and seers. Maharshi Gautam lived here and performed penance. Brahmarshi
Vishwamitra visited this place along with Shri Ram. Sadguru Kabir Das lived in
a place called Kabir-Vad on the banks of River Narmada. Sadguru Maharshi
Sadafal Deo Ji Maharaj visited the Kabir-Vad here in the year 1944. This is the
land where an ashram of Sadguru Sadafal Deo Ji Maharaj was built. This very
ashram is our travel destination this issue – the ashram that stands tall as
the torchbearer of the light of the ancient science of complete knowledge and
true spirituality (Brahmavidya), an ashram that has been witness to divine
miracles of the Sadguru Lord.
Blessed with lush greenery and
natural beauty all around, this ashram is located in tranquility near Vansda in
the state of Gujarat. Surrounded by the hills and forests of the Dandakvan, the
Kaveri river flows clear pretty near. This ashram is many ways the soul of the
Dandakvan because it is here only that one can come to know about the miracles
that once happened, about the knowledge of consciousness that once existed in
ancient times and has now been revived in the 20th century, about
the technique that was practiced here by the sages thousands of years ago. The
stories of this ashram and the surrounding areas combine with the heavenly
beauty all around to leave an everlasting effect on the visitor. Plus, there is
also a lot of spiritual energy in this ashram that can be felt by anybody who
meditates or even visits here.
The ashram is located at a place
from which all other major hotspots (or places worth a visit) are nearby. One
can say, the location of this ashram is quite ideal. The entire Dandak forest
is tranquil alright and fit for meditation, but the technique of meditation
(Brahmavidya) can be learnt here as this ashram also serves as an international
center of Vihangam Yoga meditation. Apart from this, the ashram has its own
history which is extremely interesting and very much realistic also.
History of the Ashram:
Yogiraj Maharshi Sadguru Sadafal
Deo Ji Maharaj, who revived the knowledge of Brahmavidya after hundreds of
years, and established Vihangam Yoga, visited the Kabir-Vat near this place in
the year 1944. He was then requested by his disciples to visit Dandak Van.
There, he met Shri Shardul Singh Solanki, an influential person from the erstwhile
princely state of Vansda. Shri Solanki did his best for the spread of Vihangam
Yoga in Gujarat. It was at his behest that the Raja of Vansda donated this land
for the ashram.
Attractions In & Around the Ashram:
Jata Samadhi Mandir: In the basement of the central temple known as
the Jata Samadhi Mandir, is a Samadhi of Sadguru Sadafal Deo Ji Maharaj’s nails
and locks, created in the year 1953. Swamiji had taken an oath that until India
was freed from British Raj, he’d not cut his nails and hair.
Prakatya Mandir: The temple on the left is known as the “Prakatya Mandir”
where Nitya Anadi Sadgurudeo (Eternal Sadguru) appeared before the present
Sadguru Acharya Shri Swatantra Deo Ji Maharaj.
Brahma Vidya Vedi Mandir: Where this temple stands today, there
used to be a mango tree where Sadguru Sadafal Deo Ji Maharaj wrote the
exposition of Sadguru Kabir Saheb’s principal creation, “Bijak”. He also used
to answer the queries of spiritual seekers here. Therefore is this temple
called the Brahma Vidya Vedi Mandir.
Bamnia Bhut: Sadguru Sadafal Deo Ji Maharaj visited this place
regularly from 1944 to 1954. Near this ashram is a place called Bamnia Bhut
where the first statue of Sadgurudeo was erected.
Experience at the ashram: Truly Magnetic, a must visit.
Facilities: Accommodation facility is pretty good for an ashram,
very hygienic and a park adds to the beauty. Food is vegetarian and satvic yet pretty tasty. People at the
ashram are very simple, reliable, helpful and knowledgeable.
If you want to know something or
attend a Satsang, you need not worry.
Vedic Yajnas are conducted here and
one can attend them. It’s a great place to meditate and learn for sure. Modes
of communication are phone, mobile, internet (no Wi-Fi), whereas conveyance is
not an issue since town is nearby. Basically, it’s a place well-connected but
still an ashram where you can experience and learn a lot, a sort of place that
can help you evolve as a person and realize your goal.
Geographical Location
Dandakvan is a beautiful forest
located in the Sahyadri hill ranges of south-west India. The forests are
deciduous and full of wildlife. Saputara, the only hill station of Gujarat, is
located in this range. Saputara is full of natural beauty and is merely 47
kilometers away from the Maharshi Sadafal Deo ashram at Dandakvan.
Historical significance
The Dandakvan is historically the
most significant forest of India. Once upon a time, it was a kingdom of forest
but with time, things changed. Humans encroached upon the forest, and today it
has reduced to a huge extent. It is a kingdom of forest no more. But it still
is pretty vast, green, mystic and adventurous. Ancient scriptures such as the
Brahmanas, the Ramayana and many more tell us about the Dandak forest. The
Dandakvan is historically the most significant forest of India.
Spiritual significance
Dandakvan is not just another
forest. It is actually a place of immense spiritual importance. This is the
reason why every human being must visit this place. Maharshi Gautam performed
penance here. Maharshi Vishwamitra visited this place along with Shri Ram. Sadguru
Kabirdas lived here in the place that is now famous as Kabir-Vat. Located on
the banks of river Narmada, it is a geographically beautiful and spiritually
amazing place.
Places to visit
Maharshi Sadafal Deo Ashram – Jata Nakh Samadhi Mandir, Prakatya
Mandir, Brahma Vidya Vedi Mandir
Bamnia Bhut – Temple of
Sadguru Maharshi Sadafal Deo Ji Maharaj, located very near to the ashram at
Vansda.
Saputara – Hill station
with waterfalls, cottages, caves, sunrise point, and sunset point
Vansda National Park – A
wildlife sanctuary (protected area and a no felling zone)
Kabir -Vat – On the banks
of River Narmada, this place is still full of spiritual vibes. There are many
stories that do the rounds regarding the uniqueness of the banyan tree here
i.e. the Vat where Kabir Saheb meditated. One such story is that Saheb planted
a datun (twig of a tree) here and it
took the form of a banyan tree. The branches of the banyan tree then formed
many more trees. See the picture to believe it.
Things to do
·
Meditation
·
Yoga
·
Sightseeing
·
Satsang
·
Vedic Yajna
·
Trekking
Pointers
Nearest Airport/Railhead: Surat
Bus stand: Vansda, Gujarat
By Road: 255 kilometers from
Mumbai/35 kilometers from Surat
Contact: +91 2630 222530
Vasya Talab, Vansda, Navasari,
Gujarat
Source: Vihangam Yoga Times
