A SHORT STAY IN UTTARKASHI - PART 3
A description in three parts
Story and photographs by Robert Moses

It was the second to last day of my stay in Uttarkashi. Swami Hariomanandaji, who likes to keep abreast of things, told me that a Swamiji had attained maha samadhi, and his body was to be cast into Ganga later that day. In the meantime, there was another function that morning which we had been invited to attend.
A short walk towards town from Swami Janardananandaji’s kutir, and up a flight of cement stairs, is Sivananda Ashram, Ujjaili. It was established by H.H. Sri Swami Chaitanyananda. He was sent there by his Guru, the great Swami Sivananda of Rishikesh, with the words “Go and sleep in Uttarkashi.” Swami Chaitanyananda did just that. He stayed in Uttarkashi for the rest of his life, venturing out only on a very few occasions, and finally he ‘slept’ there. While he was living he kept the ashram quite small, with only a few rooms, a restful porch upon which one could sit and see Ganga in the valley, a clean kitchen. A satsang hall was added. After he left his body, his disciple Swami Gambhirananda assumed control, and the ashram has expanded considerably. It still retains it’s quiet charm while being run with the utmost efficiency.

To continue reading this article please purchase it or subscribe to Namarupa. Thank you