CRONOLOGY IN LIFE OF SWAMI VIVEKANANDA

Transcription

1 1 January 1890 Allahabad 5 January 1890 Allahabad 2 to 4 January to 20 January January 1890 Allahabad Allahabad Ghazipur? 22 January 1890 Ghazipur Swami V staying at the residence of Doctor Gobinda Chandra Basu at Chack, Allahabad with brother monks. Letter to Balaram Bose Sympathizing his illness and suggesting him to visit some places for recovery of health. Letter to Jogeswer Bhattacherjee.. Letter to Ram, Krishna Moyee and Indu. In one opinion- Arrived at Ghazipur on 21 January ( SND1 p338) EN ) Swami V received marked attention from the Bengalis of the town; they were astounded at his learning. His admirers at Allahabad were pressing him to spend the month of Magha there keeping the Kalpavow. 2) Jogananda got better 3) Swami V stayed with Gobinda chandra basu at his residence for 15days then proceeded to Ghazipur. 1) Became popular and loved by local devotees.local people admired his knowledge and higher thought and lovely songs.spiritual practices and spiritual discourses, conversation centered chiefly around spiritual matter. 2) Met one Mohammedan saint, every line and curve of whose face showed that he was a "Param-Hansha'. 3) Heard about the Yogi Pavhari baba of Ghazipur, about whom he knew from Dekshneswer. Wanted to meet Pavhari baba of Ghazipur, 4) Started for Ghazipur ( 122miles from Allhabad) in the 3rd week of Jan 1890: ( EWD1p228 ). 5) Swami V started from Allahabad 0n 20/21 Jan 1890 to Ghazipur ( MSD p 165) 6) Most probable route : By train upto Dildarnagar, three or four stations from Moghul Sarai, then by branch railway to Tarighat from there to Ghazipur by crossing Ganga. Reached Gazipur, Stayed with his childhood friend Satish Chandra Mukhyapadhyay in his residence at Gorabazar, whose father Ishwan chandra Mukhpadhyay was a disciple of Sri Ramakrishna, was staying with his son during that time 23 January 1890 Ghazipur Host of Sri Satish Chandra Mukhyapadhyay. 24 January 1890 Ghazipur Letter to Pramadadas Mitra about coming to Ghazipur, Swami V was sad about the people of Ghazipur that people were gentlemen but they were more westenize and materialistic. Swami V in Ghazipur : 1) Sw V had a longing to see and to meet famous Yogi Pavhari Baba. 2) Local people gathered in house to meet Swami V and spiritual discourses with Krishna-Bhajan. 3) Swami V. saw Pavhari Baba's house, Door was closed could not enter and came back dissapointed after a long waiting in the 1

2 25 to 29 January 1890 Ghazipur 3) Swami V. saw Pavhari Baba's house, Door was closed could not enter and came back dissapointed after a long waiting in the cold outside the gate of his cottage. It was difficult to get an interview with Pavhari Baba, the Swami V. could not meet him for several days. 4) Swami V. was determined to leave for Kasi on following 3 February 1890 but did not materialised. 30 January 1890 Ghazipur 31 January 1890 Ghazipur Letter to Balaram Bose asking him to visit Gazipur to recover his health Letter to Pramadadas Mitra 1 to 3 February 1890 Ghazipur During these days 1) Visit to Pavhari Baba was successful, As he said- through supreme good fortune,swami V. had an interview of Baba & extended stay in Gazipur with advice of Pavhari Baba. 2) Pavhari recognised Ramakrishna's sanctity.swami V saw a picture of Sri Ramakrishna in the cave of Pavhari baba,and he addressed the person as an 'Avatar.' 4 February 1890 Ghazipur Letter to Pramadadas Mitra praising about Pavhari Baba "s bhakti & Yoga.A towering representation of marvellous power born in Bhakti and Yoga. "A great sage indeed!" 5 February 1890 Ghazipur 6 February 1890 Ghazipur Letter to Balaram Bose requesting to send 1. Chaitanya Bhagbat and 2. Chaitanya Mangal (if printed) for Pavhari Baba. 7 February 1890 Ghazipur Letter to Pramadas Mitra, requesting him to come to Ghazipur to meet Pavhari Baba, the great Sage. 8 to 10 February 1890 Ghazipur During his stay in Ghazipur, anyday: 1) Swami V. moved to garden house of Gaganbabu in order to be nearer to Pavhari. Baba's place and began severe ascetic practices. Gaganbabu was superintendent of opium factory in Ghazipur and P.Baba had a respectful relation with Gaganbabu. 2) Swamiji lived on Bhiksha (alms) at that place, had stomach trouble, could not digest the food of Bhiksha. Due to this Swami V used to take lot of lemon from the bushes there. Swami V had been suffering from lumbago. 11 February 1890 Ghazipur Letter to Balaram Bose acknowledging receiving the books for Pavhari Baba. Sw V. suffering from low back pain 12 February 1890 Ghazipur 13 February 1890 Ghazipur 14 February 1890 Ghazipur Letter to P. Mitra sympathasing his illness, Swami V praised Baba's bhakti, politeness, his power,though he could not go to see him due to back pain. Letter to P. Mitra, asking to send letter of Sarat. Informed him that Sw.Akan was in Kashmir. Sw Bh & Sw Sub was in Vrindaban. Letter to Balaram Bose & Letter to Sw Sadananda 2

3 15 to 18 February 1890 Ghazipur During his stay in Ghazipur, anyday: 1) Swami V. had sought refuse in Pavhari-baba's grace; and Baba had given him hope- a thing very few may be fortunate enough to obtain- Swami V. expressed. 2) While Swami V was in Ghazipur, every there used to be a small gathering of elites in Gaganbabu's house.the Bengali residents of Ghazipur had become greatly attracted to Swami V and would gather to listen to his songs and discourses. They used to called him affectionately as 'babaji' for his krishna -bhajan. 3) Gaganbabu introduced Mr Ross a higher Govt. officer with Swami V. Swami V had answered many penetrating question of Mr Ross on Hindu religion, particularly about Hindu festival of Holi and Ramlila, and Mr Ross became very pleased. 19 February 1890 Ghazipur Letter to P. Mitra informing Sw Abhedanan was ill in Rishikesh and if needed Sw V may need to go to him. Sw Akhand was sending him interesting description of Tibetans and in reply letter Sw V explained Buddhist doctrines and the philosophy behind Tantric rites. 20 February 1890 Ghazipur Letter to Balaram Bose about one anonymous letter ( Postal date 20 Feb 1890). 21 to 24 February 1890 Ghazipur During his stay in Ghazipur, anyday: 1) Swami V. failed to meet P Baba due to low back pain. P. Baba would send somebody enquiring about Swami V's health & request. to meet Baba. 2) Swami V. liked Pavhari baba very much, he would thought to learn practice of Hatha Yoga from Baba to strengthen his body, He was only interested to learn different process of Raj-Yoga from Pavhari baba, but was not successful. 3) Swami. V. thought of taking intiation from P.Baba which might help for his lesson of Hatha Yoga from him. 25 February 1890 Ghazipur Letter to P.Mitra informing about his bad back due to which he failed to visit P Baba. 26 to 2 February 1890 Ghazipur During his stay in Ghazipur, anyday: 1) Swami. V. thought of taking intiation from P.Baba which might help for his lesson of Hatha Yoga from him, but he had a vision and he felt as if Sri Ramakrishna was looking steadfastly at him and looked very much grieved. He postpond the idea of initiation from P Baba for the day. 2) After 1-2 days, Swami V failed to receive any knowledge or process of Raj-Yoga from P baba, and idea of taking initiation from him again came in mind and again he had darshan of Sri Ramakrishna and this probably happened for five to six times (YN1p213). 3) This torment of soul lasted severeal weeks, he was torn between the two mystic appeals of Ramakrishna and Pavhari Baba. The events of darsan happened consicutively for 21 days ( BoR9p147) and eventually he gave up the idea of initiation from P Baba. 4) In one opinion, Swamiji did learn some Hatha Yoga from P. baba as per memory of the son of Raghunath Rao of Madras. March E.N

4 3 March 1890 Ghazipur 4 to 7 March 1890 Ghazipur Letter to Pramadadas Mitra, Swami V. surprised that P.Baba wants to learn from him instead.whole matter was opposite to what expected. In his impression Baba's realisation is not complete. Swami.V. wants to leave and not to come back. In his realisation Sri Ramakrishna is unique and has no peer. Swami V would not go to big person any longer. 1) Thus it was Sri Ramakrishna who in the end triumphed. Long afterwards Swamiji composes a song in Bengali entitled " A Song I sing to Thee' on his experience. During his stay in Ghazipur, anyday: 2) Mr Ross requested Swami.V. to write a passage on Hindu Festival of Holi and Sw V. completed that. 3) Someday this time letter to Sw Akhanda, asking him to come to Gazipur to meet Pavhari Baba and expressed that his motto was to learn whatever good things he came across anywhere. 4) Mr Ross introduced District Judge Mr Penninton with Swami. V. Mr Pennington was so impressed by Swami's exposition of Hindu religion and social customs that he suggested him to preach in England. ( difference in opinion: Sri Mahendranath Dutta had opinion that this meetting was dome by Srish ( Shirish) chandra Bose. 8 March 1890 Ghazipur Letter to P.Mitra, Swami V. would also come to prayag like him. 9 March 1890 Ghazipur 10 March 1890 Ghazipur 11 March 1890 Ghazipur Letter to Tulsiram. One basket of roses would be sent to him which he should delivered to Sw Ramakrisnaanda at Baranagar Ramakrishna Math. Swami V would leave this place shortly and would proceed towars Barriely and further north. Letter to Balaram babu asking him to get the flowers from Fairlee-Place rail yard.(bani O Rachana 6 p 253 ). EN March 1890 Ghazipur 13 March 1890 Ghazipur Sent Roses for Thakur's Puja. Letter to Balaram babu asking him to collect the flowers without delay from Fairlee-Place rail yard producing proper receipt,( which was supposedly sent by Swami V). 14 March 1890 Ghazipur 15 March 1890 Ghazipur Letter to Balaram Bose informing him,sw Premananda was in Gazipur and was ill with high fever. Letter to Atul Babu, brother of Girish Ghosh During his stay in Ghazipur, anyday: 1) Swami V had a long discussion on Vedantic ideas and their practical application in daily life with another English-Man Colonel Rivett-Carnac. 2) During this time, oneday Swamiji offered ' Kumari-Puja' to Gaganbabu's nine year old daughter- Monika' who later became'jhoshoda Ma' of ' Uttar Vrindaban' ashrama near Almora. 3) He came to know that a problem was croping up between Girish Ghosh & Balaram babu, about Holy Mother's coming to Calcutta. He replied to Babaram babu that he did not consider himself matured enough to comment about Holy Mother. 4) Probably Swami V was host of Mr Srish babu and stayed in his house for few days. There were a Brahmin grand father like man, addicted to Ganja, charas posing to be a Mr know-all, came to Mr Srish babu s house one day and Narendra made lot of fun with him with witty humorous 4

5 16 to 30 March 1890 Ghazipur 31 March 1890 Ghazipur 1 April 1890 Ghazipur conversation about Veda reading (MDG1p153). 5) Worried about Sw Abheda's ill health at Hrishikesh, mentioned to host Gaganbabu and fare of Sw Abheda to Varanasi ( Rs 10/-) was sent to him. 6) Some day letter to Sw Akhandananda, asking him to come to Ghazipur and one of friend of Swami V was then a tutor to His Highness the Maharaja of Nepal and he could arrange to Swami's visit with dignity to Tribet, Lhasa, China, and all. 7) Based on a wrong idea of Swami V's devotion to P Baba as the disloyality to Sri Ramakrishna, Sw Premananda came to Ghazipur to persuade Swami V. to go Varanashi. Swami V behaved cruelly to him and asked him to go to Varanasi to look after Sw Abhedananda. 8) Swami V. went to seclution from Gaganbau's place for few days. May be Swami did not like Sw Premananda's coming to Ghazipur and influenced him to take him back to Baranagar, so he concealed himself. Letter to P.Mitra mentioning about seclution and again would go to Seclution for few more days. He repented for his rudeness towards Sw Premananda. Swami V was in lot of mental agoni.he was expecting Sw Akhand to be in Gazipur. 2 April 1890 Ghazipur 1. Letter to Sw Avedananda acknowledging Sw Premananda's arrival news to Kashi. 2. Letter to Pramadadas Mitra. Ghazipur Ghazipur Ghazipur? Way 3 to 12 April 1890 Varanasi? Varanasi Varanasi Varanasi 13 April 1890 Varanasi 1890 Varanasi 1890 Varanasi Way 1) Though ill and weak Sw Abhedananda came to Varanasi towards end of March 1890 but the rumours of his illness persisted. 2) Swami V felt compelled to go Varanasi himself in the first week of April. 3) Swami V, after making every arrangement for the care of Abhedananda, settled himself in Pramadababu's garden and devoted his entire time to spiritual practices. 4) Swami V soon felt ill with influenza, but he recovered in a couple of days with the care of Pramadadas babu and the ailing Abhedananda. 5) Swami V served Abhedananda who had a severe relapse of fever for the second time. Death of Balaram Basu, the great devotee of Sri Ramakrishna and Guru-brother of Swami V. 5

6 1890 Way to 30 April Bagbazar 1890 OR W.B Baranagar 1890 Math to 9 May 1890 Baranagar W.B May 1890 W.B. 1) Swami V received the news of passing away of Balaram Babu. He was deeply grieved to hear it. The memories of innumerable days of sweet companionship and of staunch friendship crowded in on him and made him lamant. 2) Pramadababu was struck to see a monk, a strict Vedantin, so upset by death. Swami V said They are not dry monks, a sannyasi also bear a heart. 3) Swami V left Varanasi for Calcutta sometime in the second week of April. 1) Swami V. Back to Baranagar Math- the guide and leader of brother monks. 2) Discussion with memories of Master's word to set fire in souls of brother monks and stories of his own life as a wonderer. 3) His extensive learning went to the guidance to richer intelectual life to monastic brothers. 4) Swami V suffered from fever. Letter to Promadababu that Swami V suffered from fever and sorry for late reply due to other reasons to 24 May Baranagar W.B ) Swami V in Baranagar Math. 2) Swami V faced Hard days with brother monks with oposition of social tradition and financial crisis even crisis of food among monks. 3) Swami V shouldered the responsibilities of furthuring his Master's mission in a difficult surroundings. For sometime his mind was engaged with the thought of raising some permanant memorial of Sri Ramakrishna. 6

7 25 May 1890 Bagbazar W.B. 26 May 1890 Bagbazar W.B. Death of Surendranath Mitra, a great devotee and 'rasaddar' of Sri Ramakrishna ( one of main expences bearer and supporter of monks ) and Guru-brother of Swami V. Long and appleaing letter to Pramadadas babu about worries of perchasing land on the bank of river Ganga to preserve the Masters relics, probable source of the money for land purchase, balance Rs 1000/- donated by Surendranath Mitra. Asking suggestion for help to raise money from rich Hindus to perpetuate the memories of Sri Ramakrishna in Bengal to 31 May Bagbazar W.B to 3 June June 1890 Bagbazar W.B Bagbazar 1890 OR 5 to 8 June W.B. Baranagar 1890 Math June 1890 Baranagar W.B. Most probably Swami V was staying at 57, Ramakanta Basu Street, Bagbazar, Calcutta. Both letters to Pramadababu on & was written from this address and was requeated to reply in the same address. Swami was full with worries and anxiety about the financial problem of Baranagar Math.Mind finding ideas for fulfilling Master's vision. Many brother monks decided to go out from Baranagar Math for Tapaysa. Letter to Pramadababu Swami V in Baranagar Math. Sw Akhandananda was brought to Baranagar Math by police from Bali rail station suspecting him and told Swami V to give a writing acknowledging him. Swami V. objected in a strong voice ' why to write? As if he told and that should be enough. 10 to 30 June 1890 Baranagar W.B. Swami V in Baranagar Math. 1) Brothers monks were very happy with return of Swami Akhandananda. 2) Wonderful memories of Tibet & Himalaya of Sw Akhanda surprised Swami V and he expressed his desire to get Swami Akhanda's company for Himalaya tour. 3) When the news came out in ' Satteman' magazine about the travel of Tibet and Afganisthan of a mysterious sadhu, who also know their language, Swami V told Swami Akhandananda not to speak anymore of his travel to anyone. 4) 7

8 July 1890 July to 5 July 1890 Bagbazar July 1890 W.B. July July 1890 Bagbazar to 14 July Baranagar 1890 Or W.B Bagbazar July 1890 July 1890 July 1890 July 1890 July 1890 W.B. July 1890 July 1890 July 1890 July to 31 July 1890 their language, Swami V told Swami Akhandananda not to speak anymore of his travel to anyone. 4) Swami V decided to start for Himalaya after completing the ' Viraja homa' for Gangadhar. Letter to Sw Saradanan in Almora informing Girish Ghosh was maintaining the expences of Math. Swami V's health had improved from Ghazipur and his decision to go to Himalaya for long meditation with accompanying Gangadhar. Letter to Sw Saradanan in Almora suggesting to come down to Baranagar with Sw Kripananda to live in there.the widow of Mahindra Mukherjee was trying head and heart to build a Math for them. 1) Swami V set out in the third week of July with determination not to return until he had achieved his spiritual goal. Wanted to go to Uttarakhanda immediately after start without stopping anywhere. 2) Planed to travel on foot along Ganga, to beg his food as an ordinary monk, and thus to make the journey a spiritual exercise and adventure. 3) Start date from Baranagar Math. Different opinion exist. ( PB1p156: month of July ),( YN1p221, mid July ),( EWD1p241:3rd week of July ), ( VRK1p329, Swamiji left Calcutta at the end of July.). (MDG1p143: Swamiji left Baranagar Math on a by morning train, HaraMohan Mitra and Upendranath Mukhyapadhyay of Basumati went to Station to see them off. Date may be20th July/ 27th July E.N

9 July 1890 /or 3rd August ) First halt Bhagalpur- July miles from Calcutta. If Swami V started from Barabagar Math on mid July,and he took fortnight to reach Bhagalpur( 365 miles Way to from Calcutta). Possibly he visited Nadia, Shantipur and other places on their way (SND1p374, YN1p222)}. 5) Way to July 1890 Uttarakha Uttarakhand. nd July 1890 July 1890? Bihar July 1890 July 1890 August 1890 August 1890 August 1890 Bhagalpur August 1890 August 1890 August 1890 August to 14 August 1890 August 1890 August 1890 August 1890 August 1890 August 1890 August 1890 Vaidyanat hdham Bihar 1) Both Swamis reached Bhagalpur ( EWD1p243: first week of August) ( YN1p222 in month of August, SND1p374 in August). 2) Rested at the bank of Ganges near palacial residence of Raja Shivachandra. They looked tired with old dirty ochre garment, holy staff and monk's water pot. They caught attention of Kumar Nityananda Singha, one most prominent person,swamis rested the night at house of Kumar Nityananda Singha. 3) Nityananda Singha took them to Babu Manmatha Chowdhury's house and Swamis stayed at his house for 7 days. Discussion of English translation of a book on Buddhism with Manmatha Chowdhuiry and Mathuranath Singha of Danapur, a pleader at Patna and they attracted by his grand personality. During his stay in Bhagalpur: 4) Discussion of practise of Yoga and Upanishad with Manmotha Chowdhury and Mathuranath Singha and they were highly impressed. Swami V. sang devitional songs. 5) Discussion of Upanishad with Manmotha Chowdhury and Mathuranath Singha. Went to visit holy man of Barari Sri Parvaticharan Mukhyapadhyay. Manmathababu was astaunch Brahma, but became re-hinduized by Swamiji's eloquence and spiritual genius. 6) Visited the Nathnagar Jaina Temple and talked to Jaina archrya about their religion. Bhajan evening along with other Ustads and Swami V. sang till 3am in the morning and had to stop because Kailash babu accompanying Swami V had cramp in the finger after long beating with tabla. 7) M.Chowdhury wantwed to take him on car to meet other dignetories of the town but Sw V refused to meet rich hotshots because it was not the usual for a monk and not suitable for a sannyasi. 8) Manmatha Babu expressed his desire to take Swami V.to Vrindaban and lived with Gobindaji's Prasad and spent in devotion for rest of life. 9)Swami V left Bhagalpur without knowledge of M.Chowdhury while he was away for a work,noticing that his host getting personally attached to him. Sw Akhand hadnot seen the temple of Vaidyanath at Deoghar before, so they went on to Vaidyanathdham 126 miles from Bhagalpur. 1) Reached Vaidyanath. Visited the shrine of Vaidyanath Shiva.. They wanted to meet Rajnarayan Bose, the venerable old Brahmo preacher, veteran social reformer and national leader and Sw V told Sw Akhand not to speak English at all infront of Rajnarayan Bose as Bose hatred of the English language. 2) During Discussion with Babu Rajnarayan Bose,Sw V( OR Rajnarayan Bose) unknowingly uses the english word 'plus', but managed it with finger kept crossed one on another. Spent the night with him. Both Swamis were very much amused at the behaviour of the old Rajnarayan Bose. 9

10 August 1890?Ghazipur August 1890 August 1890 way to Varanasi August 1890 August 1890 August 1890 Varanasi August to 28 August 1890 Ayodhya August 1890 Way to Nainital August 1890 August 1890 Berrelie August 1890 August 1890 Nainital August 1890 Other Opinion : 1) From Vaidyanath, Both Swamis came to Ghazipur ( 285 miles away ) and thence, about middle of August 1890, proceeded to Varanasi and rested at Babu Pramadadas Mitra s house (SND1p379), From Vaidyanath, next they went to Ghazipur from there to Varanasi (EWD1 p248) 2) : After leaving Bhagalpur, Akhandananda convinced Swami V to visit Baidyanath dham and then proceeded to Varanasi via Ghazipur (AKH p 66 ). 3) According to Akhandananda the probable route of travel was Bhagalpur --> Vaidyanath --> Ghazipur--> Kashi --> Ayodhya --> Nainital --> Almora. 1) Swamis left Vaidyanath dham, Way to Varanasi with Swami Akhandananda. Reached Varanasi. Swami V with Sw Akhandananda stayed with Pramadababu for few days. 2) Varanasi. Disscussion of spiritual topics with Pramadababu. They both disagreed each other on certain matters and coolness came in their relation. Sw V became impatient to see snowcapped Himalayas. 3) Swami V left Varanasi. On the eve of his departure Swami V said" I am now leaving Kashi, and shall not return untill I have burst on society like a bomb-shell; and it will follow me like a dog " to Pramadababu and many others. 4) Reached Ayodhya, he was not happy for this detour arranged by Sw Akhandn, failed to meet Mahant, Janakibar Saran of Ayodhya in the evening at SitaRam temple at bank of holy river Saraju. 5) Next morning, Sw Akhan introduced Mahant-a Vaishnava of great renunciation and devotion was a Sanskrit and Persian scholer. Swami V.was much impressed with mahant's learning and spiritual fervour and admited to his brother monk that Mahant was a real Holy man. 6) Left Ayodhya, ( Both Swami stayed very happily in Ayodhya for few days. SND1 p285). Started for Nanital walking on Himalayan foot Way. 7) Reached Barellie on the way to Nainital, met one Maharastrian Singer named Ramkrishna Narahar Buya Oajhe. Buya got spiritual knowledge and lesson on music from swami V. Swami V. sang many 'Dnoha'. Hindi 'Dnoha' to Buya. In his book' Sangeet Kala Prakash' Buya Oajhe wrote,' I came to Berellie from Goalior, there met swami Vivekananda. I was with him for fifteen days and received intensive knowledge from him'. 8) Swami V at Nainital and stayed there for 6 days as guest of Babu Ramaprasanna Bhattacharya. (YN1p230) ( other opinion SND1p 385 stayed for fortnight as guest of Sri Ramaprasad Bhattacherya possibly because Swami Akhandananda was not feeling well ). Tal Bath, and Sw Akhandan fell ill with chest pain with cold water of Tal. 9) Left Nainatal, proceeded for Almora. Started on foot, Swami V took the forest path alone,his friend went along usual route. Swami V expressed that he had seen the ' Mantras" in golden letters. Night took shelter under an old peepul tree where river Koshi met another river Suial. It was fourteen and half miles away from Almora. After bath Swami V. sat for deep meditation for a long time.returning to normal consciousness Swami V. said ' Greatest problem of life was solved, I have found the oneness of the macrocosm with the microcosm. 10) Two miles away from Almora, Swami V fainted with hunger opposite a Muslim cemetery.one fakir named Zulfikar Ali fed cucumber and saved Swami's lifetwo monks arrived Almora at garden of Amba Dutta.. Sw Akhand went to inform Saradananda and Kripananda( Baikuntha Nath Sanyal). They along with host Lala Badri Saha hastened to Amba Dutta's garden and on way met Swami V. 11) Swami V reached Almora on 29th or 30th August 1890 ( SwS p74, Pr Bha, Jan 1992, p25 ) E.N August 1890 Kakrighat 10

11 30 August 1890 Almora 31 August 1890 Almora 1 September 1890 Almora 2 September 1890 Almora 3 September September 1890 Almora 5 September 1890 Almora 1) In Almora. Host of devoted Lala Badri Saha. All welcomed Swami V and were very happy.with spiritual discussion and Bhajan. Swami V.had long discussion with Sri Krishna Jhoshi, a govt. official on the need for becoming a sannyasi. Swami V spoke of the glory of life of renunciation which is the ideal of all religion. 2) Swami V left his devoted host and beloved fellow monks and wanted to practise spirituality alone in a solitary mountain cave day and night. 3) Returned to Badri Saha's office and Swami V. got wireless message of his younger sister Jogenbala had committed suicide and got morrosed and stirred the swami in the innermost depth of the heart. Swami V. left Almora and proceed to Badrinarayan. Letter of Swami Saradananda to Pramadadas Babu of Kashi that two gurubrother stayed in Almora for 5 to 7 days and leaving today for Garhwal. 6 to 30 September 1890 Garhwal Karnapraya g Himalayan path Rudrapray Himalayan n Path SriNagar, 1) Way to Garhwal. Swami V. with Saradananda, Akhanda, Kripananda and a coolie. Enjoyed Himaliyan beauty. Reached Karnaprayag. Entertained by a Govt. Hospital doctor who trated stomach trouble of Saradananda and Kripananda. 2) Got news road leading to Badrikasharama and Kedernath had been closed by Government, on account of famine in that part. 3) Swami V left Karnaprayag to proceed towards Srinagar in Garhwal state. Swami V and Sw Akhan both fell ill and had to stop in a roadside rest house ( Saladkad Chati). 4) Swami V with Akhanda saw once on roadside, a monk was in meditation with covered head with cloths and was snoring.swami V amused that the said monk was sleeping ( AKH p70). 5) Reached Rudraprayag, enjoyed Himalaya Glacier and flowing Alakananda. Swami V. met one Bengali Sadhu named Purnananda. They live in his Ashrama for the night. 6) Moved to Dharamsala of Rudraprayag and illness of both monk increased. 7) Luckly met Sadar Amin of Garhwal Mr Badri Dutta Joshi who was kind to give some ayurvedic medicine to both the monks. Badri Joshi arranged Dandi for both ill monks and sent them to Srinagar which was about nine miles away. 8) 9) Reached Srinagar. Difference in opinion of travel time: ( Y.N. 1 p233 it took three weeks from Katgodam 160miles & EWD 1 p 253 it took little over two weeks to cover Almora to Srinagar 120miles) 10) Swami V with brother monks in Srinagar, Garhwal. Swamis gradually recovered, They dismissed the coolies and lived in a lonely hut in which Sw Turiananda once lived by the bank of Alakananda. Living on Madhukari. 11

12 1890 SriNagar, 1 to 12 October Garhwal Tehri Tehri 1) In Srinagar, Garhwal. Days passed in prayer, Meditation, Upanisad discussion. 2) Swami V met a school Master, Vaishya by caste who was a recent convert to Christianity. Swami V spoke to him the glory of Hinduism and he longed to return to Hindu fold. 3) Here in Srinagar, the monks stayed about a month and half ( EWD1p253 ), nearly a month (YN1p233), one month (SND1p389) not more than a fortnight ( Pr Bha Jan 1992, Vol 97 p 26 ), a little more than fortnight ( AkhP p66). 4) Swami V was longing to see Bhagirathi river. Started for Tehri on foot. 5) Reached a village on way to Tehri at dark, hungry and exhausted went to village for search of food, but failed to procure a little. Akandan remembered a saying among Garhwal " A Garhwali does not give anything unless threatened with a stick" and procure food after shouting with their staffs. 6) After reaching Tehri found two room specially build for wondering monks on bank of river GangaLived on begging, Spiritual practise, Shastra & Upanisad discussion. 7) Met Babu Raghunath Bhattacharya, the Dewan of Tehri State and elder brother of pandit Haraprasad Sastri of Calcutta. Swami V stayed with him for few days, As Swami V was longing to meditate in a lonely place and Dewan find him a suitable place in Ganeshprayag,at the confluence of Ganga and Vilangana river. 8) Sw Akhanda fell sever ill with old bronchitis, local doctor advice him to go down to plains since mountain cool air of coming winter would not suit him. And Swami V's hope for meditation in Himalian retreat were dashed to ground and he had to change plan for the shake of brother disciple whom Sri Ramakrishna had entrusted to his care.. He gave thanks to Dewanji for place of Ganeshprayag. 9) Dewan helped giving a letter of introduction to Civil Surgeon of Dehra Dun for treatment for Swami also arranged for passage money and two horshes for Sw V and Sw Akhnd. 10) Swami V decided to set out for Dehradun with three brother disciples after some days stay in Tehri ( EWD1p255, YN1p234 ). Monks proceeded towards Dehra Dun. Mussoorie 13 October 1890 Rajpur DehraDun Garhwal October On the way to Mussoorie Swami V were delighted to meet Sw Turiyananda near Rajpur. They were oneday precrrding Nabaratri ( it was 13 Oct 1890), ( YN1p235, AkhP p66 ) Monks in DehraDun. 1) In Dehra Dun met Civil Surgeon Dr Maclaren who prescibed Sw Akhand to stay in plain, not hill with other medicines. Sw V searched for a shelter and got one in anewly build but incomplete house of a business man where it was very damp and did not suit Sw Akhand health 2) Sw V begged door to door for shelter of Sw Akhand without success, fortunately met his Christian class mate of General Assembly Institution of Calcutta Hriday Babu who agreed. But Akhand failed to adjust the Christian way of living being so long accustomed to Hindus mode of life. At last Pandit Ananda Narayan, a Kashmiri Brahmin and a pleader of the town took charge of sick monk.at last Pandit Ananda Narayan, a Kashmiri Brahmin and a pleader of the town took charge of sick monk Hriday babu's house Sw V had hot discussion with some Christian preachers. He spoke about higher criticism of the Bible something they have never heard of. They failed to withstand force of Swami V's argument and left the place. At Hriday babu's 3) At 12

13 DehraDun 1 November 1890 something they have never heard of. They failed to withstand force of Swami V's argument and left the place. At Hriday babu's house Sw V had hot discussion with some Christian preachers. He spoke about higher criticism of the Bible something they have never heard of. They failed to withstand force of Swami V's argument and left the place. 4) Swami V met one miser " Nanda Ganta" Swami V enjoyed his depthless talk of Vedanta and amused with him. Oneday Miser Nanda's son invited the Monks for lunch and made Nanda surprised with anger but failed to oppose own son. 5) Swami V advised Sw Akhandananda to go to a friends house at Allahabad. Swami V hi,self started for Hrishikesh with Saradanan and Turianand. 6) 2 November 1890 DehraDun 1) Swami V with Gurubrothers remained in Dehra Dun about 3weeks ( YN1p236, SND1p390, EWD1p256) 3 November November November November November 1890 Hrishikesh Swami V in Hrishikesh with Sw Saradananda and Sw Turiyananda, Swami Kripananda joined later. 1) The Swami and brother disciples lived in a hut erected by themselves near temple of Chandeshwar Mahadev, engaged in spiritual practisces, lived on begging. 2) Hrikesh, a place hallowed by Hindu legend and story is situated at the feet of Himalaya in a valley surrounded by hills and half circled by Ganga. The whole place is monastic. Air is holy and pure. Thousand of Yogis and Sannyasis of diverse sects assembled here to spend in meditation, reading scriptures and practising Yoga. Swami found himself and longed for deep meditation. 3) Swami V had wonderful experience about some monks about whom he praised later life. One Mahatma who seemed to be mad and when he used to go out nude, boys used to hit with stone chips, Monk will not take no notice though bleeding from cut areas, enjoyed bubbling with lot laughter and took it as God's play. 8 November November November November 1890 Mother Kali's Worship day on that year. 12 November 1890 According to one opinion, Swami Varrived Meerut after Kali Puja day 13 November

14 14 November 1890 Hrishikesh 15 November November November November 1890 Swami V in Hrishikesh with Sw Saradananda and Sw Turiyananda, and Swami Kripananda. 1) One day he met one holy monk whose face clearly indicated of achieving 'Truth', while talking he came to know that that particular monk was the thief who stole all belonging of Pavhari Babi of Ghazipur and P.Baba was after him to return those things what he left when caught. By devotion a thief could be totally converted. 2) Oneday Swami V gave his own blanket to an old cold monk who blessed him with name of God. 3) Days passed with hard tapasya, meditation discussion of Sastras,Brahmasutra, Vedanta Bhajan and meeting monks of different sects and getting experienced 19 November November 1890 No information of Swami V in Sw Akhandananda's letter to Pramadadas Mitra about arrival in Meerut. 21 November November November November 1890 Hrishikesh 25 November November November November November November December 1890 Hrishikesh 2 December December 1890 Hardwar Swami V in Hrishikesh with Sw Saradananda and Sw Turiyananda, and Swami Kripananda. 1) Swami V fell ill in Malaria.with high fever and delirium ( other opinion it was Diphtheria SND1p391), lying unconscious on blanket.on floor. Brother monk were at lost, weeping, started praying for life of Sw V. No pulse felt and body became cold. ( SP p6- : Naren was unconscious and pulseless after continuous 6 days continous fever. Saradananda and Kripananda were by his side. An old sadhu came and gave medicine peepul & honey and consciousness regained.) 2) A miracle happened. One sadhu came, fed him mixture of honey and some indigenous medicine ( Powered peepul). Soon after Swami V regained consciousness abd body became warm. Opened eyes and wanted to speak. One brother disciple heard him sayind," cheer up my boys, I shall not die." 3) (SASwj p 309:) The person who gave medicine to Swamiji while remained unconscious in Hrishikesh was not a monk, but it was Jaladhar Sen ( extream debatable issue ) 4) Swami V began to revive but could not travel. Gurubhais served him resting there. Swami V in Hrishikesh with Sw Saradananda and Sw Turiananda, and Swami Kripananda. 1) Babu Raghunath Bhattacharya, Dewan of Tehri state along with Maharaja of Tehri passed Rhishikesh and came to know about ill Bengali Swami. They spent money repairing the hut and advised Swami V to see a Hakim in Delhi for whom he gave recommendation letter ( YN1p 238 : Dewan Raghunath Bhattacharya, met Swamiji in Haridwar. ) 2) Dewan spent for passage money also and Swami V wanted to leave for Hardwar. Met Sw Brahmananda in Kankhal. 3) Other brother disciple arrived in Hardwar. E.N December

15 5 December December 1890 Swami V not reached Meerut. No mention of party's arrival at Meerut in Swami Akhandananda's letter to Pramadadas Mitra on Swami V reached Meerut someday after December December 1890 Saharanp ur All proceed to Saharanpur and stayed at the house of Bankubihari Chatterjee. They Heard about Sw Akhandnanda in Meerut and all set out for Meerut. Swami V with Brahmananda, Saradananda, Turiananda, Kripananda all set out for Meerut. 9 December December 1890 Meerut 11 December December December December December 1890 Meerut 16 December December December December December December 1890 Meerut 22 December December December December December ) Swami V arrived in Meerut. And stayed at house of Dr Trailokyanath Ghosh as Sw Akhand were residing there. It was a shock for Swami Akhandananda to see emaciated appearance of Swami V. 2) Other brother disciples stayed at Yajneshwar babu's house who later on turned monk named Sw Jnanananda, the well known leader of the Bharat Dharma Mahamandal. 3) Swami V was undergoing treatment under Dr Trailoyanath Ghosh and responding. 4) Both Swamiji and Sw Akhanda recovered fully in a fortnight time in Dr Trailokyanath Ghosh's house. 1) Swami V came to Shethji's garden house who was a friend of Yajneshwar babu and served Swamis with all they needed. 2 ) Sw Advaitananda came to join Swami V at Shethji's house and all other brother disciples were staying there. Other brother disciples also joined Swami V. 3) Shethji's garden house turned to be a 2nd Baranagar Math with seven direct disciples namely Swami V, Sw Brahmananda, Sw Saradananda, Sw Turiyananda, Sw Akhandananda, Sw Kripananda, Sw Advaitananda. 4) Days went very happily and fruitfully in meditation, prayer, singing devotional songs, study of literature in Sanskrit and English, Swami V taking charge of teaching brother disciples different sastras. 5) In evening they used to go on walking and enjoyed watching the sports and games of the troops on the parade ground 6) Brother desciples were all very happy and satisfid with Sw V's companion. Swami V took care of brother monk's study, they completed one by one Mrichhakotikom, Abhijyan Sukantalam, Kumarsambhav, Meghdut,and Vishuna-Puran. 7) Oneday he cooked Pilao, everybody enjoyed and praised,to satisfy brothers Sw V didn't have that pilao at all and distributed the whole share among other brothers. 8) Sw Akandananda used to bring one vol everyday of Works of Sir John Labbock from nearby Meerut public library. After completing Sw V returned that vol and Sw Akandananda used to bring the next vol and this went on. 9) Librian was suspicious that Swami had returned the book without reading it and was making a show of reading it. 15

16 27 December December December December 1890 Meerut 31 December ) Librian was suspicious that Swami had returned the book without reading it and was making a show of reading it. 10) Hearing that Swami V himself went to libarian and challenged him that he was ready to answer from any volume because he was sincere to grasp them. Libarian tested with some question from different volume, and to his surprise Swami gave the correct answers. 11) Oneday Sw Akhandanan brought an Afgan gentleman who was a refugee sarder and a relative of Amir Abdar Rahaman of Afganisthan. Swami Akhandananda knew him while returning from Tribet to Kashmir. The Afgan gentleman maintained everything as a Hindu approached a Sadhu, brought a box of sweet-meat with him. 16