Home News Atmarpit Retreat 2023 in Madhya Pradesh

Atmarpit Retreat 2023 in Madhya Pradesh

‘For a devotee, the Guru’s Lotus Feet are his sacred place of pilgrimage.’
-Pujya Gurudevshri

The days from January 29 till February 1 will remain etched in the hearts of the Atmarpits – life-long celibate devotees, initiated by Pujya Gurudevshri, and blessed with a life of sadhana and seva – as the Master took them on the much-awaited Atmarpit retreat; a tirthyatra to Madhya Pradesh.

The retreat commenced as the entourage arrived at the ancient city of Ujjain. For centuries, it has served as a centre for Hindu, Jain and Buddhist religions.Pujya Gurudevshri along with the Atmarpits visited Shri Avanti Parshwanath Jain Tirth. Built by Shri Mahakal, this splendid temple is the place where Acharyashri Siddhasen Divakar composed the Kalyan Mandir Stotra during which the captivating idol of Shri Parshwanath Bhagwan revealed itself from the lustrous Shivalinga. An elevating snatra puja and soulful bhakti connected the group to the Divine. The group then visited Shri Makshi Tirth where the idol of Shri Makshi Parshwanath Bhagwan is said to be of 7th century BC. After venerating the Lord with dhoop-deep and ghauli, the gathering delved within with heartfelt bhakti. The Master then visited Shri Siddhchakradhan Keshariyanathji Mahatirth where Shripal Raja and Mayna Sundari performed Shri Siddhachakra Aradhana. Pujya Gurudevshri worshipped the Lord with Chaityavandan and bhakti.

The group then visited Shri Makshi Tirth where the idol of Shri Makshi Parshwanath Bhagwan is said to be of 7th century BC. After venerating the Lord with dhoop-deep and ghauli, the gathering delved within with heartfelt bhakti. The Master then visited Shri Siddhchakradhan Keshariyanathji Mahatirth where Shripal Raja and Mayna Sundari performed Shri Siddhachakra Aradhana. Pujya Gurudevshri worshipped the Lord with Chaityavandan and bhakti. The evening was a mesmerising experience as the Atmarpits arrived with their Supreme Benefactor, Pujya Gurudevshri, at the newly inaugurated Shri Mahakal Lok Corridor. It is built around the famous Mahakaleshwar Temple, one of the 12 Jyotirlingas in India. The group was given a guided tour and everyone participated in the enchanting evening arti.

‘The presence of Enlightened Ones is Divine and the earth they walk becomes holy. Pilgrims feel elevated on that land even after generations.’
-Pujya Gurudevshri

The dawn of the next morning brought with itself yet another priceless opportunity to sing the glory of the Divine. Pujya Gurudevshri and the Atmarpits arrived at Shri Bhopawar Tirth where the Master endearingly worshipped the majestic 12-foot ancient idol of Shri Shantinath Bhagwan. A pulsating Shri Atmasiddhi Shastra pujan coupled with nrutya bhakti thrilled the assemblage.

At Shri Mohankheda Jain Tirth, the Master affectionately revered the 16-foot idol of Shri Rushabhdev Bhagwan. The group connected to the Lord through stavans. The Master then paid obeisance to the Lord at Shri Amijhara Parshwanath Tirth where the idol hypnotised hearts with its serenity.

The recitation of the deeply devotional verses of Shri Bhaktamar Stotra filled the air at Shri Bhaktamar Tirth at Dhar where Shri Mantungacharya composed this immortal prayer. Melodious bhakti and chants followed.

‘Journey is travelling, from one geographical spot to another. While pilgrimage is from the external world to internal, from space to no space. Go within.’
-Pujya Gurudevshri

The rosy winter morning sun on the third day brought with it hues of deep adoration as Pujya Gurudevshri and His Atmarpits reached Shri Mandavgadh Tirth which has an ancient idol of Shri Suparshwanath Bhagwan as its principal deity. In the presence of the Master an exhilarating bhakti followed which culminated with a devout arti. Atmarpit Nemiji shared an event of milestone importance that in 1985, when the restoration of the temple had taken place, it was by Pujya Gurudevshri’s pious hands that the pratishtha of Shri Suparshwanath Bhagwan was performed in this temple and thus an instant connection and elevation in every heart was no surprise.

The afternoon witnessed the Master along with Atmarpits embark on an excursion to places of historical significance in and around Mandu (Mandavgadh). The group visited the Jami Masjid, Hoshang Shah’s Tomb, Jahaz Mahal, Rani Roopmati’s Pavilion and Baz Bahadur Palace. The Baz Bahadur Palace, built in the early 16th century, served as the perfect spot for Atmarpits to express their love for the beloved Master. Different generations of Atmarpits professed their feelings through an offering – ‘Legacy of Love’. Through an emotional sharing of incidents and experiences, coupled with musical dedications, the offering brought to surface emotions of deep faith and security that Atmarpits experience in Pujya Gurudevshri’s refuge. Each eye was wet, each heart was drenched in devotion!

‘Reaching the lotus feet of the guru is a holy pilgrimage. through single pointed devotion for the guru begin your journey within.’
-Pujya Gurudevshri

Pujya Gurudevshri was accorded a celebrative welcome at Indore, the commercial capital and largest city of Madhya Pradesh, by His overjoyed hosts Nitesh-Meghna Wadhwani. A grand welcome for the Master was also organised at the WOW Hotel, owned by Nitesh Wadhwani, when Pujya Gurudevshri sanctified it with a padhramani. The Master purified the dwelling of numerous devotees with padhramanis.

In an ambience of vibrancy, piety and fervour, Pujya Gurudevshri consecrated the Divine in the home and hearts of Nitesh-Meghna Wadhwani through a cherished pratishtha. The Master also blessed them with a token of love for their heart-touching hospitality towards the Atmarpits and guests who had visited Indore along with Him.

While at Indore, the group also visited various places such as Kanch Mandir, Gomatgiri Jain Temple and Dhaidweep Jain Mandir. As the Retreat came to its conclusion, the unanimous feeling was that while it could be possible to count raindrops, it was impossible to measure Pujya Gurudevshri’s love, grace and compassion as it knows no bounds! The hearts wanted to convey a lot, but the only words that spilled forth were
‘Ho Vandan Aganit!’

#SadguruWhispers Turn within to touch the blissful reservoir and experience the fountain of joy.