Day 1 – 17 May: A Beginning Filled With Divine Grace
Monday, 17 May 1999 marked the first day of the sacred Rasayatra to the holy Shreekshetras of Mangeshi and Shantadurga. The day’s spiritual proceedings commenced at 10:00 a.m. with darshan, during which the Mahabhog was reverentially offered to Shree Ramnathi. As the Shraddhavans took darshan, they collectively recited the Shiv Paath. Immersed in the divine vibrations created by the chanting of Lord Shiva’s name, many found themselves joyfully dancing in devotion, their hearts overflowing with bhakti.
Thereafter, the sacred palanquin procession of the Shree Vishnupad and Shree Krishna began. Lasting for nearly three and a half hours, the procession transformed the temple surroundings into a vibrant celebration of devotion, with Shraddhavans participating wholeheartedly in the divine procession.
Following lunch and a brief period of rest, all the Shraddhavans reassembled at 4:00 p.m. for the Amritmanthan Upasana. Before the Upasana commenced, Sadguru Shree Aniruddha Bapu lovingly explained its profound spiritual significance, enabling every devotee to participate with deeper understanding and devotion.
During the Upasana, each Shraddhavan lovingly moulded a Shivalinga from sacred clay and performed abhishek using the prescribed archan dravya, worshipping Lord Shiva with heartfelt reverence. Simultaneously, the poojan of the Shree Sachchidanand Navneet Paduka was performed. The sacred atmosphere resonated with the chanting of the timeless Guru Mantra:
“गुरु ब्रह्मा गुरु विष्णु गुरु देवो महेश्वरः गुरु साक्षात् परब्रह्म तस्मै श्री गुरवे नमः”
“GururBrahma, GururVishnuh, GururDevo Maheshwaraha | GuruhSaakshaat Parabrahma, Tasmai Shree Gurave Namaha |”
This was followed by the worship of the Shivalinga, accompanied by the recitation of the Shiva Gayatri Mantra:
“ॐ भूर्भुवः स्वः। ॐ तत्पुरुषाय विद्महे महादेवाय धीमहि। तन्नो रुद्रः प्रचोदयात्।
“Om Bhur Bhuvah Swaha, Om Tatpurushaaya Vidmahe Mahadevaaya Dhimahi | Tanno Rudrah Prachodayaat |”
The devotees then collectively recited the Mangesh Gayatri Mantra:
“ॐ नीलग्रीवाय विद्महे। गौरिनाथाय धीमहि। तन्नो मांगीरिशः प्रचोदयात्।”
“Om Nilagreevaaya Vidmahe | Gaurinaathaay Dhimahi | Tanno Maangirishah Prachodayaat |”
Thereafter, the Shantadurga Gayatri Mantra was chanted with equal devotion:
“ॐ शिवप्रियायै विद्महे। सर्वशक्त्यै धिमहि। तन्नो शांतदुर्गा प्रचोदयात्।”
“Om Shivapriyayai Vidmahe | Sarvashaktyai Cha Dhimahi | Tanno Shantadurga Prachodayat |”
The Upasana concluded with all the Shraddhavans joyfully singing the gajar:
“मंगेशा तू भक्ति दे रे, शांतादुर्गा शक्ती | भक्ती करुनी मिळवू देवा, पापापासून मुक्ति |”
Mangesha tu bhakti de re, Shanta Durga shakti | Bhakti karuni milavu deva, paapapasun mukti |”
“Oh Mangesha, bless us with devotion; O Shantadurga, grant us strength. Through bhakti may we gain freedom from all sins.”
Day 2 – 18 May: Under the Loving Gaze of Shantadurga
The second day of the Rasayatra, Tuesday, 18 May 1999, was dedicated to the loving worship of Goddess Shantadurga. After breakfast, all the Shraddhavans assembled with hearts filled with devotion to offer their prayers to the Divine Mother. Following the collective Upasana and the offering of the Mahabhog, everyone proceeded to the sacred Shantadurga Temple to seek Her blessed darshan.
At 6:00 p.m., the unique and spiritually profound Shree Amritmanthan Vidhi commenced. This was no ordinary form of Upasana; it symbolically represented the churning of one’s own inner being. With deep sincerity, every Shraddhavan prayed:
“May this Amritmanthan Upasana bring forth and destroy, through the grace of Lord Shiva, the poison of the negative tendencies hidden deep within our minds. May we receive the nectar of Shiva’s divine grace and begin a new life filled with purity, strength, and devotion.”
As part of the Upasana, the Shraddhavans joyfully participated in the symbolic Amritmanthan, rhythmically pulling the sacred rope while collectively chanting the uplifting gajar:
“जय शिवशंकर संकटहारी | सागरमंथन विषनिवारी | जय हरी मोहिनी संकटहारी | जीवनमंथन अमृतदायी|”
“Jai Shiv Shankar Sankat Haari | Sagar Manthan Vish Tiwari | Jai Hari Mohini Sankat Haari | Jeevan Manthan Amrut Daayi ||”
“Victory to Shiv Shankar, the remover of troubles… He who drank poison during the churning… Victory to Hari Mohini, the remover of troubles… May the churning of life give us divine nectar.”
Thereafter, Sadguru Shree Aniruddha Bapu beautifully explained the deeper spiritual significance of the Amritmanthan and the profound symbolism hidden within this timeless episode from the scriptures, enabling every Shraddhavan to understand its relevance in one’s own spiritual journey.
The Upasana concluded with the sacred Homa-Havan. Amidst the blazing sacrificial fire, every Shraddhavan offered samidha into the yajna while chanting with one voice:
“श्रीकृष्ण गोविंदा हरे मुरारी | हे नाथ नारायण वासुदेव ||”
“Shree Krishna Govinda Hare Murari, O Lord Narayana Vasudeva.”
Day 3 – 19 May: Darshan of Lord Datta and Mangesh Upasana
The third day of the Rasayatra, 19 May 1999, began with a visit to the sacred Punyakshetra of Sakhali, where the Shraddhavans had the blessed opportunity to seek the darshan of Lord Dattatreya. The serene atmosphere of this holy shrine filled every heart with peace and devotion, making the morning a deeply enriching spiritual experience.
After returning from the temple, the Shraddhavans partook of Mahaprasad and rested briefly before reassembling at 4:30 p.m. for the Shree Mangesh Upasana. Gathered around the stage with hearts united in devotion, everyone participated wholeheartedly in the Upasana and thereafter received the Mahabhog. The devotees then proceeded to the sacred temple of Lord Mangesh to seek His divine darshan, completing yet another spiritually uplifting chapter of the Rasayatra.
