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December 1993

I am sorry I was delayed. We were supposed to see the Collector and the Tahsildar, as they call him. They have done so much for us; so much they have organized, all the way, and officially they have done so well, that I had to wait for them to thank them very much.

 I think it’s not very much hot for you; see, the wind is blowing, can you imagine! And if you see, there’s no, no leaves, leaves are not moving. You always used to go and sit in the sun, so now here it is, you’d better have some of it! I hope you all enjoyed your stay in Jabalpur and the visit to Jabalpur. It was quite interesting. Some people have not yet arrived. I am sorry to say they haven’t been able to arrive from Bombay. I think they are more Bombayites, not from the foreign countries, but otherwise I think all of you are here.

It’s a very unusual thing to happen like this, you see, because My father built this house about eighty years back. He was very imaginative and fond of guests, so he also put up guest bedrooms and guest bathrooms such, and it was a hill station. Now of course, because of crowdedness – very cold and a hill station – so people used to come, his friends used to come from Nagpur, so he had made arrangements for them; there were no hotels or anything – so they used to have them. And the people of this place are extremely hospitable, very hospitable. So it was his idea that he should have a house here where his guests would be. His brother had a big house but it was joint and he couldn’t receive his guests, so he thought it’s better to build a house here, and behind was a huge big compound bigger than this, which I have seen. I was only four years of age when we went away from here, but I remember each and everything about this house, and everything about Chindwara.

You know My memory is unusually, very, very sharp. I mean, I remember even My birth, it’s to that extent. But I never knew that there would be so many saints coming to visit this place of My birth. I never expected that there would be so many people who will take to Sahaja Yoga in My lifetime, because when I was born I found people were so blind. I thought: “”How will I talk about Sahaja Yoga? What will I do? How will it work out?”” It’s very difficult. My father knew about My mission, and he told Me that: “”You’d better find out a way by which You can give Realization en masse. That’s what’s important, because even if You give Realization one person, is of no use. Also You should not write anything, because You don’t create another Bible, Gita, Koran, because books also bind them, so best thing is that You should take to search of human beings, why can’t they get their en masse Realization, because now You have come for that purpose.”” Somehow I worked it out, and really it was surprising, I was really, was not thinking to open Sahasrara, but I was literally forced into it and it worked out.

It’s working out. You can see, all of you are here. It’s very amazing thing that can happen to someone like this, that in the lifetime only, you have come here to see this birthplace of Mine. It was such, such vibrations that My Sahasrara became completely jammed with vibrations: so cool inside, and outside was so hot that I didn’t know what was happening. So I’m happy all of you could come and see this place, and a very humble house it was, but in those days it was the most, I mean, well-planned house as such, and was very much appreciated by people. And after that four years I was here, and then we went to Nagpur because we had a, My father had a big practice in Nagpur, he had to go many times down, so they thought: it’s better to go. There also he had many houses, and Babamama is going to take you round to see those houses. He says he’ll find out time to see wherever I have lived. But Nagpur also is very vibrated place, you can feel it. People are very quiet, it’s a very quiet place.

So this is a very novel thing: I don’t think it has happened in the lifetime of any one of the Incarnations Who came on this earth. Even for Rama Janama Bhoomi we are fighting even today. So you can imagine. Thank God we have got this place, in a way. It’s not yet ours, but in a way we are there, and maybe with your good wishes we will own it very soon.

Today’s Puja I thought was best to have Shri Ganesha Puja in a short way, because the first Puja here, and I was born here, so it’s better that we should have a Ganesha Puja. It would be a nice thing to start with, and I, we have a doctor here. They’re all Sahaja Yogis and they are going to help us to do the curing. Actually I always thought: “”Which is the place where people will get cured?”” So now we’ll send all of them here to get cured.

It’s a, it was a jungle here. All around was jungles, hills, but I think all that’s finished and broken now; and we used to get tigers and things; little far away from here is a place called Tameer where they go, could see tigers, but now they are there no doubt, but they are saying that nobody is now going that side, they all go to some reserve places which you have seen yourself, also Kanha Kisli. I hope you enjoyed. How did you enjoy Kanha Kisli? And the River Narmada also I was told you enjoyed very much. I am happy this has happened. It was a little circuitous and quite different from all the Tours you have had so far, but I am happy you all have enjoyed it.

I have said so many things about Shri Ganesh, I don’t know what to say now any more, but all of you have seen that a place – now see the, this breeze is coming from where? I don’t know. You are sending breeze to Me, instead of I doing it!

All right.

 

Her Holiness Shri Mataji Nirmala Devi

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Online Contribution

Online transfer can also be made directly in the Chhindwara Trust account. Please inform the trust office so that receipt of the same can be couriered at your address.

Account Details: State Bank Of India, Main Branch Chhindwara.

Account No.: 30054169631

 IFSC Code: SBIN0000348

 Note: Currently donations are accepted in Indian Rupees only from Indian Nationals.

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State of Development

Chhindwara Project – Mother’s Shrine

 HH Shri Mataji was born on 21st March 1923 at Chhindwara, Madhya Pradesh. The holy Birthplace at Chhindwara had been in possession of non-yogis since Shri Mataji left Chhindwara to live in Nagpur. The House where Shri Mataji was born was acquired from the last occupant, Mr. Jamte by the HH Shri Mataji Nirmala Devi Sahaja Yoga Trust on 14th July 2005.

 Immediately thereafter, conservation experts from the Indian National Trust for Culture & Heritage (INTACH) were commissioned to firstly, assess the extent of structural damage due to vintage of the building and secondly, to suggest a roadmap to restore the building to its original grandeur. The express mandate was to restore the building to its original facade and form and at the same time strengthening it such that this spiritual treasure can be preserved for all time to come. The report by the INTACH experts indicated that the building was not in good shape structurally and raised concerns due to damage to the wood used in the roof / doors / windows due to termites, leaking roofs, additional construction by new tenants that disturbed the original structure, damaged/ missing floor tiles, poor drainage etc.

The restoration philosophy agreed was that nothing was to be disturbed unless it posed a threat to the structural integrity of the building. All efforts would be made to repair any damaged component and it would be replaced only if the damage was irreparable. It was also decided that the replacement part would be exactly similar in appearance to the original to ensure that the original beauty of the Birthplace is maintained.

Consequently, the entire roof was removed tile by tile. Significant effort went in cataloging the location of each tile so that it would be restored to its original location after repairs. The wooden planks supporting these old earthen tiles were damaged beyond repair due to termites and water. These were replaced with new wood in the same pattern as the original structure. To ensure complete waterproofing and structural strength, sheets of prefabricated, toughened sheet of wood-ply were put on top of the wooden structure.

Thereafter, the original tiles, after being cleaned, were reinstalled in their respective locations. This roofing intervention was a success in addressing the concerns stemming from weakening wood beams, seepage and leakage in the roof and also restoring the roofing to its original condition. The roofing is a very visible component of the house as the roof is sloping and therefore this part of the project was critical in meeting the overall aim of the project.

The other major interventions were:

a) Replacing the damaged flooring. All the tiles in the house were removed, cleaned, polished and subsequently restored to their original location. The damaged tiles were replaced with new tiles of similar appearance. The tiles in the room in which Mother was born (the “Janamsthal”) were not taken out and were cleaned from the surface only.

 b) Replacing old plaster & painting of the walls. The old plaster was damaged due to wear and tear and due to seepage in the Building. To address this problem, the entire plaster was removed by hand to avoid damaging the walls. The original plaster was carefully stored as it formed a critical part of the original structure. The water proofing of the walls was done and thereafter, the original plaster was mixed with new cement and reinstalled on the walls. A fresh coat of paint was put on the walls, again in the original shade as before.

 c) Removing the extraneous constructions post Mother’s stay in the house. Several structural additions not in harmony with the overall design of the House were added by later occupants. There were all removed to restore the House to its original condition.

 d) Concealed lighting and electrification of the house was also a major intervention. The original structure did not cater for electric wiring and the system installed by earlier occupants was inadequate. An entirely new system was installed without any visible disturbance to the structure.

 e) Colored glasses for the doors/ windows matching the original specifications have been installed. Brass door knobs, latches etc. matching the original have been installed where missing and the existing installations, if in usable condition, have not been disturbed.

Meditation Hall

In the back side of the House, the horse stables and servant quarters have made way for a meditation hall with a capacity of approximately 500 Sahaja Yogis. The Hall has a basement, a mezzanine floor and a first floor. The Hall has been equipped with Air Conditioning and a modern crowd circulation pattern to ease movement of people. The Hall is in structural harmony with the overall structure with similar material as the main House being used in construction and with similar visual appearance. Care has been taken that the hall does not visually distract people from the main Shrine and therefore, is not visible from outside (hence the basement and not an additional floor).

As on 15th February 2007, the restoration work is almost complete and the Hall would be ready by end of April 2007.

Parikrama (Walk around Shrine)

Space has been made around the house so that Yogis can walk around the outside of the house to tour the Shrine. A route has been made for the Yogis to see the actual room in which our Holy Mother was born and thereafter see other aspects of the house. This route has been made to cater to the expected rush of Yogis in coming times and to allow everyone to see the Shrine in a systematic, organised manner.

Project Participations

  • Chhindwara Collective represented by Mr. Prassanna Bakliwal
  • Nagpur Collective represented by Mr. Siddhartha Gupta & Mr. Nafade
  • MP collective (particularly Bhopal, Raipur, Chandapur) represented by Mr. Yogesh Lodha
  • Meditation Hall design: Mr. Devpujari from Noida
  • INTACH: Represented by Mr. Manu Bhatnagar
  • Dr. Suresh Nigam has been entrusted with collecting all the Sahaj material related to Chhindwara for the Library there
  • Australia Collective represented by Mr. Mike Fogaty
  • Mr. Dinesh Rai: Coordinator of the Project
  • …and several Yogis from around the Globe
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Nearby Attractions

Patalkot / Chhota Mahadev Cave at Tamia / Devgarh Fort / Waterfalls at Kukdi Khapa & Lilahi  / Gotmar Mela of Pandhurna / Tribal Museum / Neelkanthi / Anhoni Village / Other Places

PATALKOT  Top

‘Patalkot‘ situated in the hilly block ‘Tamia‘ of Chhindwara District, has acquired great importance because of its Geographical and Scenic beauty. Patalkot is a lovely land scape located at a depth of 1200-1500 feet in a velley. Because of the great depth at which it is located this place is christened as ‘Patalkot’ (‘Patal menas very deep, in Sanskrit). When one looks down the place sitting at the top of the valley, the place looks like a horse shoe in shape. People belive it as the entrance to ‘Patal‘. There is one more belief that after worshipping ‘Lord Shiva’ Prince ‘Meghnath’ had gone to Patal-lok through this place only. People say that this place was ruled by Kings in 18th and 19th Century and that there was a long tunnel connecting this place to ‘Pachmarhi’ in Hoshangabad District.

The place is spread over an area from 22.24 to 22.29 Deg. North, 78.43 to 78.50 Deg. East. The place is located at a distance of 62 Km from the district headquarters in the North-West direction, and 23 Km from Tamia in North-East direction. Patalkot is spread over an area of 79 Sq.Km. at an average height of 2750-3250 feet above Mean Sea Level. ‘Doodh‘ river flows in the picturesque valley. It is a treasure of forest and herbal wealth. There are 12 villages and 13 hamlets in this valley, with a total population of 2012 (1017 male and 995 female). Most of the people belong to ‘Bharia‘ and ‘Gond‘ tribes. Because of the inaccessibility of this area, the tribals of this region were totally cut off from the civilised world. But, with the constant efforts being made by the Government, tribals of this area started tasting the advantages of adopting civilised life. ‘Patalkot Development Agency‘ has taken up the overall development of this area and people. Now, there are Primary Schools, Primary Health Centres, Veterinary Health Centres etc. serving the needs of these people. The Government has built stop dams for irrigation purpose, people started using modern cultivation methods, tools. They employ diesel/ electric pump sets to irrigate their land, use improved seeds, fertilisers. Every effort is being made to bring these people to the main stream. The day is not far away when we can see our tribal brothers of Patalkot mixing well with the modern world. ‘Patalkot’ is attracting many tourists because of its geographical location, scenic beauty, culture of the people who live here, and the immense and rare herbal wealth.

CHHOTA MAHADEV CAVE AT TAMIATop

 Tamia village is situated at a distance of 32 miles from Chhindwara on Chhindwara – Pachmari Road. The steep hills, dense forests, and big winding ghats have all combined to make Tamia a beauty spot and a tourist place. A P.W.D. rest house is picturesquely situated on a steep hill commanding an extensive view of the deep jagir forests and mountainous ranges of Satpura notably Mahadeo and Chaura Pahad in the background. The view from the rest house is noted for its constantly shifting natural scenary which is inspiring to the visitors to this place.

The government postal bungalow situated in Tamia is a pleasant place as it is located in hilly range at 3765 feet height above Mean Sea Level surrounded by dense forest. The sunrise and sunset scenes give a breath taking experience to the visitors. About 1.5 Km from this bungalow there is a cave where in the holy ‘Shivling‘ (the diety of Lord Shiva) of ‘Chota Mahadev‘ exists. Just beside the cave is a small water fall. Both of these provide a feast to the eyes of the visitors.

DEVGARH FORT  Top

This famous historical fort of Devgarh is situated 24 miles south of Chhindwara beyond Mohkhed. The fort is built on a hill which is fortified by a deep valley clothed with dense reserve forest. The fort is approachable upto its foot by motor road. The nature is bountiful here.

It was the capital of ‘Gond‘ empire till 18th Century and had its glory and glitter at that time. Now, one can find only the delapitated remains of the mighty kingdom and fort. Devgarh kingdom was considered to be the largest tribal kingdom in Central India. The archeological structures like palace, fort and other buildings make it a beautiful tourist place and remind us of the past glory. It is believed that there was a secret underground passage connecting Devgarh to Nagpur, which was used by the kings to escape at times of emergency.

Among the remnants of the fort the main gate facing North speaks of its past glory. Besides this, there remain Nagarkhana, a place of cattle drum, scattered remnants of the fort walls and ruins of the Darbar Hall. There is a curious reservoir named ‘Mortitanka’ at the top of the fort. It is said that at one time the water stored in the reservoir remained so clear that one could have a clear view of even a coin lying at its bottom. It is believed to be built by King Jatava of Gond Dynasty. The design of Devgarh fort is much akin to Moghul architecture, and hence some historians are of the view that the fort was built by Bakhta Buland who succeeded King Jatava.

At present Devgarh village is a small inhabitance. The ruins at this place speak of its past glory.

WATERFALLS AT KUKDI KHAPA & LILAHI  Top

The picturesque location of Kukdi khapa water fall falls in the Chhindwara to Nagpur narrow gauge railway line, between the stations Umaranala and Ramakona. The water fall is situated in the panoramic ‘Sillevani’ Mountain range. The height of this fall is approximately 60 feet. The location is more beautiful immediately after a spell of good rains.  While travelling in the train along the narrow gauge towards Nagpur one can visualise this beautiful picnic spot.

The Lilahi Water fall is located in the down stream of the District’s second biggest river ‘Kanhan’. This fall is situated in the route from Mohkhed to Pandhurna via Devgarh. It is close to the place called ‘Narayan Ghat’ near Lilahi village on the Kanhan river. The lovely sight of the water fall surrounded by mountain rocks and colourful nature is in deed a feast to the visitor. The water fall will have sufficient down flow water from July to January months.

GOTMAR MELA (FAIR) OF PANDHURNA Top

Sixty five kilometers from Chhindwara, in the headquarters of ‘Pandhurna’ tahsil a unique fair (mela in hindi) by name ‘Gotmar Mela’ is celebrated every year on the second day to ‘Bhadrapad’ New Moon day. This fair is celebrated on the banks of the river ‘Jam’. A long tree is erected in the middle of the river with a flag at its very top. The residents of the villages ‘Savargaon’ and ‘Pandhurna’ gather on either bank of the river, and start pelting stones (‘Got’) at the persons of the opposite village who try to cross into the mid of the river and remove the flag on top of the tree trunk. The village whose resident succeeds in removing the flag will be considered victorious. The whole activity happens amidst the chanting of the sacred name of ‘Maa’ Durgaji. Several people get wounded in this celebration and the District Administration makes elaborate arrangements for the smooth conduct of this rare fair.

TRIBAL MUSEUM  Top

The Tribal Museum started in Chhindwara on 20th April 1954 has acquired ‘State Museum’ status in the year 1975. And on 8th September 1997 the Tribal Meseum name has been changed to “Shri Badal Bhoi State Tribal Museum”. Shri Badal Bhoi was a revolutionary tribal leader of the district. He was born in Dungria Titra village of Parasia tehsil in 1845. Under his leadership thousands of tribals were demonstrated at collectors bunglow in 1923, held Lathi charge and he was arrested. On 21st August 1930 he was arrested by English Ruler for breaking the Forest rule at Ramakona (under the leadership of Shri Vishnath Damodhar) and sent to Chanda jail. He left his last breath in jail in 1940 after the english ruler given poison to him. Due to his contribution to the national freedom strugle, the Tribal museum name has been changed to “Shri Badal Bhoi State Tribal Museum”. Since 15th August 2003, the Tribal Museum remains opened for tourists on Sundays also.

As per the directions of head of the Tribal Research Organisation, Bhopal the district Tribal museum “Shri Badal Bhoi State Tribal Museum” is maintained by Museum Incharge Officer with the help of artists and peons. It is comprises of 11 rooms and 4 galleries. It depicts the Tribal culture of 45 (approx.) tribal communities  living in Madhya Pradesh & Chhatisgarh states. It is the oldest and the biggest Tribal Museum in Madhya Pradesh. Since 1st September 2003, nominal entry fee of Rs.2.00 per head is being collected. Before to this it was allowed free of cost. Everyday 100-150 visitors visiting the Tribal Museum, which depicts the usefulnes and attractiveness of the museum.

It is a treasure house storing the antique and rare collection of items related to the tribals living in the district. One can find items related to the houses, clothes, ornaments, arms, agriculture tools, art, music, dance, celebrations, the dieties worshipped by them, religious activities, herbal collection and so on. The museum throws light on the rich tradition and ancient culture of the tribal community. Gound & Baiga, the prime tribes living in the district, it has depicted the family living styles. Also it has shown how the Agria tribes uses to mould iron, Patalkots Dehia agricultural system pictures etc. which attacts the tourists and looks like living items. To put it in a nut-shell, the museum is a one stop collection-cum-information centre on the tribes of this district.

NEELKANTHI  Top

Some ruins of a temple can be seen by the side of Siphna stream which flows at some distnace of Neelkanthi, a village which is 14 miles south-east of Chhindwara town. The entrace gate to the main temple is said to date back between 7th and 10th century. It is believed that at one time an area of 264 x 132 Sq. feet inside the gate was surrounded by a rampart. The stone slabs of the gate are fastened together with iron hooks. An illegible insciption can be found on one of the stone pillars of the temple. There is a reference to Raja Krishna III of Rashtrakut kingdom. The design of the gate is Bahmanic style.

ANHONI VILLAGE  Top

Anhoni village is situated near Mahuljhir Police Station and at a distance of 2 miles from the village Jhirpa on Chhindwara-Piparia road. The place is within forest area. A hill stream with hot and boiling Sulphur springs flow near the village. These springs at a further distance assume the form of a nullah. The water of this spring is believed to be beneficial for skin diseases and for certain impurities of the blood.

OTHER PLACES OF IMPORTANCE  Top

‘Kalyani Devi‘ temple in ‘Kapurdha’ village near ‘Chourai’

‘Sharada Devi‘ temple in ‘Saliwada’ near ‘Amarwara’.’Sharada Devi’ temple in ‘Saliwada’ near ‘Amarwara’.

‘Nagadwari‘ caves in Junnardeo Tahsil, where one of the caves is so big to shelter thousands of people from rain.

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Global Positioning

Chhindwara district was formed on 1st November 1956. It is located on the South-West region of ‘Satpura Range of Mountains’. It is spread from 21.28 to 22.49 Deg. North (longitude) and 78.40 to 79.24 Deg. East (latitude) and spread over an area of 11,815 Sq. Km. This district is bound by the plains of Nagpur District (in Maharashtra State) on the South, Hoshangabad and Narsinghpur Districts on the North,  Betul District on the West and Seoni Districts on the East.