A Sacred Spandan…
…was experienced by the Shivirarthis and Sanchalaks at the recent Shivir, held for senior sadhakas, in the Divine Sannidhi of Devi Arbuda at Mt. Abu. Here are two in-depth reports by Sabita Harite from the organizing team and first-timer Tanmay Mudur (August 2025)
The name- Arbuda-Spandah Shiviram itself stirred the excitement of organising a Shivir for 40 sadhaka-s in the age group of 45-75. The registration was full almost instantly. The logistics team coordinated with the Santa Sarovar Ashram for one set of arrangements , while the Secretary of Chitrapur Shivirs Core Committee coordinated with Shivirarthis and Sanchalaks to collect information, answer queries, share joining instructions and hold meetings. The data collected was shared with the logistics team to make arrangements for both the accommodation and transport to Abu Road to pick-up and drop Shivirarthis. A WhatsApp group of Sanchalaks and Shivirarthis was formed for interaction and ease in communication.
The Shivir programme, as approved by Pujya Swamiji, was shared with the Sanchalaks along with their responsibilities for each session. Upasanchalaks were chosen among the Shivirarthis to help in serving Prasad Bhojan and to assist during trekking. Besides this, six Yuvas participated for 3-4 days on rotation to gain hands-on experience of conducting a Shivir at Mt. Abu.
For every room occupied by the Shivirarthis, a Room Co-ordinator was selected from amongst them to assemble the room-mates for the sessions on time and to convey the updates received from Sanchalaks.
The unique vibrations in the silence of the Aravalli range could be experienced by all, soon after reaching Mt. Abu. The Shivir commenced with Prarthana and Deepa Prajwalanam on June 6. The morning sessions of warming up exercises, Pranayama and Ninad strengthened the willpower to climb rocks in the wilderness. The chirping of various birds and chatter of the langoors who wanted to be part of the sessions on the terrace added to the magic.
Sanskrit Sambhashanam, Vimarsha and Abhivyakti were conducted in the afternoons. The Shivirarthis were taken to the Ram and Hanuman Mandir-s and treks to Bhooma Point, Bhima Shila and Arbuda Devi Mandir in the evenings after tea. A Tempo Traveller transported Shivirarthis to the starting point of each trek and Enerzal pepped them up for the climb. All Shivirarthis participated with great enthusiasm in the treks and some senior Shivirarthis even scrambled up the rocks and came down on fours without any aid near Bhima Shila.They were gently guided and encouraged by Subhashji, an ex-military man who accompanied us on all the treks.
Every evening, after sunset, there was an excitement coupled with slight fear of being confronted with a sloth bear as they roam around the Ashram and also attempt to invade the kitchen after midnight. All Shivirarthis were therefore instructed to walk in groups after sunset, preferably with a torch and a stick for thumping the ground while walking.
The most awaited sessions, of course, were interactions with Parama Pujya Swamiji. Shri Subramanya Bhujanga Stotram, composed by Adi Shankaracharya, was the topic of Swadhyaya selected by Swamiji to take forward the grand celebration of the recent Brahmakalasha Utsav at Shrimat Anantheshwar Temple, Vittal.
Swamiji gave us quality time by conducting Guided Meditation after every session of interaction and Swadhyaya. Everyone present could sit unmoving for even half an hour as they were transported to a divine sphere of peace and tranquility.
On the morning of 9th June, Swamiji performed Shiva Pujan in Shri Somnath Mahadev Mandir followed by an Ashirvachan and Tirtha Vitaran. Many local Samvit Sadhakas also participated.
During the interaction with Swamiji that evening, Shivirarthis gave feedback about their experiences in the Shivir – in both the indoor and outdoor sessions. Swamiji expressed His Happiness upon hearing that the Shivirarthis had found their first Shivir at Mt. Abu to be a truly awesome experience.
The Shivir concluded on June 10 with the Samaropa Dharma Sabha in the morning beginning with Vote of Thanks and Kshamayachana by Chaitanya Shiroor Maam. Swamiji Blessed all with an Ashirvachan.
After Prasad Bhojan, it was time for the Shivirarthis to depart to Abu Road railway station. En route, we stopped at the Samadhi Sthala of Parama Pujya Swami Iswaranand Giriji Maharaj at Kacholi to pay our obeisance.
As all the Shivirarthis were already connected to the Math, the Shivir was like one big family coming together to march forward in our individual as well as collective sadhana.
The love and humility with which we all were treated at the Ashram, the sumptuous food we were served will all be etched in our memories forever.
Krishnanand Heblekar (Kutty) Maam, the Chief Coordinator of Shivirs and Cmde Chaitanya Shiroor Maam, the Head of Logistics Team deserve special mention for their leadership and coordination which made the Shivir a grand success.
We offer our Sashtanga Pranama-s at the Lotus Feet of Parama Pujya Sadyojat Shankarashram Swamiji with a deep sense of gratitude for having given us this opportunity to do seva in this extraordinary Shivir.
DISCOVERING SILENCE AT MOUNT ARBUDA
by TANMAY MUDUR
We were 32 shivirarthis, aged between 45 to 75 years,from — Mumbai, Bengaluru, Pune, Chennai and Jaipur — all united by a yearning to enjoy a spiritual retreat at the sacred Sant Sarovar, Mt.Abu in the Divine Sannidhi of Pujya Swamiji. This was my first experience of attending a Shiviram. I enjoyed the scenic drive up from Abu Road to Mount Abu to reach the Sant Sarovar Ashram, built by Bade Swamiji-Parama Pujya Iswarananda Giri ji Maharaj located on the banks of a serene lake and surrounded by mountains.
Often called an ‘oasis in the desert,’ Mt.Abu stands out for its rivers, lakes, waterfalls, and evergreen forests. It is mentioned as Arbuda Parvata in ancient scriptures, as the mythological serpent Arbuda, is said to have protected Sage Vasishtha’s cow from falling into a deep grove. This region, where Sage Vasishtha performed austerities, has been chosen for sadhana by saints, yogis, and seekers over the centuries.
Arbuda Spandah – the name of the Shiviram beautifully captured the spirit of the place. From the moment I arrived, I felt like I had stepped into a space where I could connect deeply with the divine. The lack of Vodafone network only added to the experience, as I was cut off from office calls and digital distractions. This disconnection brought a rare sense of calm and peace of mind — a true blessing in today’s constantly connected world.
The Somnatha Mahadev Mandir at Sant Sarovar houses the sacred Panchamukhi Somnatha, represented through five Shivalingas — Sadyojata, Vamadeva, Tatpurusha, Aghora, and Ishana. Around them are the vigrahas of Parvati, Ganesha, Kartikeya Swami, and Nandishwara. Above the main shrine, is the endearing image of Somaskanda — Shiva with Parvati and young Skanda — often mentioned with deep affection by Pujya Swamiji in His talks.
Other deities include Devi Rajarajeshwari, the Ashtamurti Lingas, Surya Bhagawan, Vidya Ganapati, Veda Vyasa, and Adi Shankaracharya. After morning and evening aartis, we would take darshan at each shrine and at the Sannidhi of Bade Swamiji, and then sit down quietly soaking in the serenity of the temple.
Pujya Swamiji led Swadhyaya sessions daily on the Shri Subramanya Bhujanga Stotram, composed by Jagadguru Adi Shankaracharya at the Thiruchendur temple dedicated to Lord Kartikeya. Swamiji explained Lord Kartikeya's association with the serpent deity and gave an insightful commentary on the 33 verses of the stotra over three sessions. Swamiji shared that this stotra was special to Him, as it brought out the connections within Lord Shiva’s parivar.
Each session concluded with a meditation led by Pujya Swamiji, where we would sit in stillness for half an hour. Swamiji instructed us to count and focus on our breath, to quieten the mind and prevent distracting thoughts.
After dinner, we used to gather again for an interaction with Swamiji. After a brief sharing of the day’s experiences, we would again sit in dhyan. On two occasions, we gathered on the open terrace and after joining in a soulful bhajan led by Pujya Swamiji, we meditated under the almost-full moon and starlit sky. Sitting in silence, in the Divine Presence of our Beloved Swamiji, was a deeply moving and unforgettable experience for each one of us. Swamiji expressed great joy that everyone was able to meditate for half an hour at a stretch and encouraged us to continue the practice upon returning home. He said that if we have captured the vibrations of the place, we have truly experienced the Arbuda Spandah.
One night, after the session had concluded, Swamiji stood gazing at the twinkling stars. As we watched Him silently, a shooting star streaked across the sky — and in that sacred moment, the only thing all of us could wish for was to be granted a permanent place at the Lotus Feet of our Beloved Guru.
One afternoon, we attended a Vimarsha session led by Yuvati Vibha Kailaje Shirali on the topic Avalambanam (support). Through thoughtful questioning, she guided us to reflect on the various supports we rely upon in daily life, the emotions involved in seeking help, and how to gradually let go of dependency as we grow. It was my first experience of participating in a Vimarsha, and I found it thought- provoking and enriching.
The trek to Bhuma Point was memorable. We spotted red-vented bulbuls, jungle babblers, parakeets, and heard jungle barbets, lapwings and the Indian cuckoo. We even witnessed a brief scuffle among a group of langurs. We tasted wild Karvanda berries while carefully navigating through thorny shrubs. The climb was steep, but the breathtaking surroundings kept us going. At the summit of Bhuma Point, we were rewarded with a mesmerizing view. After sitting in silence for some time, we sang Anjaneya Swami and Hanuman Chalisa before trekking back, just before sunset.
On the next day, we visited Bhima Shila, a massive rock formation. Under the guidance of our experienced senior guide, Subhashji, we had the chance to try rock climbing. It was the first time that I was attempting such an activity, and I was nervous, especially because I have a fear of heights. But with encouragement from everyone, I managed to climb up the steep rock.
However, climbing down felt far more daunting. On my first attempt, fear got the better of me and I sat down. There was an alternate, slightly easier route, but Subhashji persuaded me firmly to descend in the same manner that I had climbed up. Summoning my courage, I turned around, got on all fours, whispered a quick prayer, and focused solely on the descent.
To my surprise, I climbed down pretty swiftly. The other Shivirarthis applauded and remarked that I was the fastest. That incident brought home the happy realization that confronting your fears can be truly empowering.
On the final day, we visited the Arbudadevi temple, situated on a hilltop quite close to Sant Sarovar. We had to climb nearly 300 steps to reach the temple, which is inside a natural cave. One has to sit down and crawl through the low, narrow crevice to get the divine darshan of Arbuda Mata. Our group recited stotras and chanted bhajans and we had a long and fulfilling darshan.
Though a few of us had planned to continue our climb to Shanti Shikhar from there, sighting a family of bears with little cubs on the rocks beyond the temple made us change our route and we returned to Sant Sarovar before sunset.
This Shiviram was truly special – more of an inward journey, in the lap of nature, in a sacred kshetra, in the Sannidhi of our Guru. I returned with a heart full of gratitude and a renewed commitment to spiritual practice.
UNFORGETTABLE MEMORIES
