Mt.Abu "Swami Vivekananda" Champa Gufa

Today was an exhilarating day; neither the hot mid day sun nor the trudging up the steps to the base of Toad Rock could have been more invigorating. I had gone to get some snaps of the Champa Gufa (caves) which is mid-way. Finding it closed I went in search of the present day Poojari or Maharaj. The Poojari, Saral Pandey was an accommodating, simple man. In the course of my chit chatting with him he divulged that a few years ago three holy Shishyas of Swami Vivekananda had come in search of this very same Gufa. You may be wondering where I’m leading you with this introduction, well it’s time I dwell on the main topic as to why I’m highlighting this place .
I’m going to write about what I consider the Swami of all Swamis none other than Narendra, to the rest of the world known as Swami Vivekananda. I only hope I do justice to this most revered and learned man, the man responsible for spreading Hinduism to America and to the rest of the world. His charismatic charm, his rich personality, his profound and flexible wisdom held his audiences in rapt attention whenever he held discourses or gave lectures. He was an individual of great strength, always questioning, seeking for answers unceasingly, never believing anything that was heresy.
He was a shishya( disciple)of Ramakrishna. When Ramakrishna died of throat cancer Narendra and a group of disciples took vows to become monks and renounce everything. Narendra travelled a lot, he was an undeniable force of transformation for many people who came into his life.
He was the chief guest of Maharaja Ajit Singh Shekhawat in Mount Abu, at his residence Khetri house. Today Khetri house is the present day Sophia High School. Swami Narendra also spent a month in meditation and discourses at the Champa Gufa. From here he went to Khetri. To know how Narendra got the name Vivekananda click on this link
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Khetri


Swami Vivekananda is today one the most revered Swamis of this century. He is a true beacon to the youth of this country, his doctrines and wise advice vibe with this modern generation. . His advice is that, “Do not hate anybody, because that hatred which comes out from you must, in the long run, come back to you. If you love, that love will come back to you, completing the circle.
Anyone looking to do penance just for the heck of it would like to see if could endure what this soul went through in Champa Gufa. I’m attaching some photographs I took today of the Gufa where he slept and conducted his discourses for the one month that he spent in Abu.

Saral Pandey at the door of Champa Gufa

Swami Vivekananda's bedroom while he was here in Abu.

seat of discourse

Seat of wisdom graced by Swami Vivekananda

A small ashram built In his honour opp the Catholic grave yard