Kashmir Ashram
In 1962, a new Ashram was constructed by Swamiji at a site between the famous Mughal Gardens (Nishat) and Guptaganga located in the foothills of the Zaberwan mountain, overseeing the majestic Dal Lake and hugging the famous Nishat Garden is this Ashram located.
The Ashram was named “Ishwar Ashram” since Swamiji was also called Ishwar Swaroop (a manifestation of God).
On Every Monday Swamiji used to remain in seclusion and would not see anyone. He observed mauna (silence) on this day and often would be engrossed entirely in meditation. Very frequently, Swamiji would spent his day uphill in ‘God’s House’, the tiny cottage for meditation, built in a beautiful small garden near the Ishber Ashram at Guptganga. On this day, his meals used to be kept outside the door and nobody would see Swamiji.
Amriteshwara Bhairava Temple
On 11th May, 1983, Amriteshwar Bhairava Temple (Incarnation of Lord Shiva) was formally inaugurated by the Swamiji at Ishber in the ashram premisis. Swamiji used to perform the daily pooja at the temple every morning around 6 a.m. irrespective of the weather or the season.
During his later life, and after the construction of the Amriteshwara Temple (photo above), Swamiji would conduct early morning puja there on his own. The doors would later be opened for devotees.
After Swamiji left his physical frame, Sunday Pooja is being conducted as per his instructions by devotees all over the world. This regular Sunday pooja system started in Jammu in the 1970’s and later in Delhi and Mumbai and Bangalore kendras (conducted by the Ishwar Ashram Trust) as well as in the center of the Universal Shaiva Fellowship in the United States.
Swamiji's living quarters (the red brick house below) is now open as a museum.
Nearby is a small Bhairava Temple (in the picture below on the left), which is built around a tree under which Swamiji used to sit in samadhi on his birthdays.
Behind that is a small glasshouse that housed the geraniums in winter.
In the middle of the picture below (painted in blue) is a small teahouse where Swamiji would meet visitors.
Behind that you can see the roof of the large Havan Shalla which is dedicated to celebrating Swamiji's Mahasamadhi with a fire ceremony.
Opposite Swamiji's house (not in the picture) is the lecture hall where pooja is held every Sunday followed by lunch.
Visit Ishwar Ashram
Please visit the Ishwar Ashram Trust website to learn more about the Ishwar Ashram, Ishber, Kashmir, India.
