Bhagavatham Village: Why Kerala’s new spiritual abode beckons one and all

Courtesy: Venu Muruvelil

Looking for spiritual bliss and freedom from mundane cares and worries? Come to Bhagavatham village, a place for mental and physical rejuvenation through the study of ancient Indian holy texts and participation in yoga, meditation and satsang.

Bhagavatham village, founded by Swami Udit Chaitanya, the world renowed Acharya in ancient Indian scriptures, is spread across about 15 acres of land, 9 kms away from Chalakudi town, on the way to the picturesque Athirapilly waterfalls. Cradled between Chalakudi river and dense woods, this solemn place offers a serene atmosphere away from the hustle and bustle of the city. According to scriptures, there used to be yagnas conducted in this place in ancient times. Once again the place is witnessing a silent spiritual revolution, thanks to the vision and mission of Swami Udit Chaitanya.

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Swami Udit Chaitanya giving a discourse (Image source: Venu Muruvelil)

Bhagavatham village is envisaged by Swamiji for practising the Pancha Yajna for the benefit of society. Pancha Yajna consists of Bhoo Seva (nurturing medicinal plants), Gow Seva (protection of cows), Jnana Seva (study of scriptures and practice of yoga, pranayam and meditation), Mathru-Pithru Seva (taking care of elders ) and Deena Seva (empowerment of physically, mentally and financially challenged people). All these sevas form the five pillars and principles of Bhagavatham Village for service to mankind and are religiously practised by all inmates of the ashram.

A day at Bhagavatham village starts at 5 am with a holy dip at the bathing ghat on Chalakudi river. The inmates have to follow a strict regimen that includes meditation, breathing exercises, bhajans, chanting of epics, grama pradakshinam etc.

The Bhagavatham village consists of an administrative block, two residential units of single and double rooms with furnished accommodation, meditation/prayer hall, goshala, Library, dining hall etc.

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Entrance to Bhagavatham Village (Image source: Venu Muruvelil)

The construction work for the temple-cum-meditation hall is fast progressing. Bookings are open for a third residential block. Other facilities available at the village include Ayurvedic Rejuvenation Centre, Medical Clinic, Internet Centre, Amphi Theatre, Multiplex Theatre and Children’s Play Area. Swamiji also envisions the establishment of a Children’s University to inculcate spiritual knowledge in young minds.

“The main aim of Bhagavatham village is to provide an environment where we can live together to study and practise the message embedded in our scriptures which is relevant in our life, and thus experience the divine energy in us,” says Swamiji. Hundreds of devotees from far and near are attracted to the spiritual camps and meditation classes organised by the ashram.

Swamiji has dedicated his life for spreading the ancient teachings of Indian Rishis and Acharyas for the benefit of mankind. He is imparting this divine knowledge through his popular satsangs and sapthaham on Bhagavatham, Ramayanam, Bhagavath Gita, Narayaneeyam and so on which help people to realize the true potential of human mind and the real purpose of life.

A master communicator, Swamiji has given a new dimension to Bhagavatha sapthahams by making the seven-day Bhagavatham story-telling session a powerful medium for positive mental transformation.

Residential quarters (Image source: Venu Muruvelil)

For so many years, his discourses are being aired everyday on various TV channels. The newly launched Flower TV telecasts his discourses from 6am to 6.30am.

Swamiji interacts with devotees and answers their questions personally as well as through the official website of the ashram www.bhagavathamvillage.com. He sees each and every one, listens to their worries, consoles, encourages and gives new direction to their lives.

An interaction with Swamiji has helped many people lead a healthy life. Swamiji conducts pilgrimages to holy places.

Swamiji believes that economic development without social harmony is counterproductive.

“What is the point in narrating age-old stories unless they have relevance in our lives? Look, Bhagavatham is not an old story. It is our own life’s story. To realise that, dive deep into the ocean of Bhagavatham and collect the pearls of wisdom,” Swamiji exhorts his devotees.

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