Dear Friends of the Ashram,
We have had many celebrations and visitors this last month at the Ashram. Baba's and Mother's energy seems to pull so many here, even in the colder weather. The loving, family atmosphere at all of the events warms the souls of those that come. We hear from so many people about how grateful they are for this Ashram. It is indeed, as Baba said, "an island in the sea of materialism." I am certainly thankful that I live here. I am also thankful for all the many visitors that deeply touch our lives and give so unselfishly. Prem's and my trip to California went very well. It was great to meet with devotees along the way and sing aarati with them. Staying in touch is a valuable way to rekindle the fire of Babaji's love in our hearts. I look forward to hearing or seeing each of you in the near future.
In truth and love, Ramloti
The night of Lord Shiva, Maha Shivaratri is a great festival in the Babaji tradition. Babaji used to travel to Wapi, Gujarat for this celebration and devotees continue to travel there at this time. This is where I met Babaji in 1981, twenty-five years ago. For me, this celebration goes very deep. It is said to be the night that the Shiva energy is most present on the earth. Here at the Ashram, we fast and chant to Shiva all-night, interspersed with pujas to the Shiva Lingam. In the morning, we have a large havan (fire ceremony) at 10:08am followed by a feast. After feeding the visitors, we break our fast. It is a night of deep connection with the Divine within. I find that breaking the habitual patterns of sleeping and eating, to also be very beneficial. This is a big night at the Ashram, well attended by many and full of chanting, pujas, dancing, and music. If you are able to attend, please do so. If you would like space in the dorm, call us at 719-256-4108. For those unable to attend physically, join us in your prayers. You may also want to consider sponsoring the fire ceremony or the bhandara that day. To do so on-line, click here or call or email the Ashram at info@BabajiAshram.org.
Spring Navratri, nine days in honor of the Divine Mother is a very special time here at the Ashram. The dates this year are Wednesday, March 29 through Thursday, April 6. The schedule for each day begins with aarati at 7am, followed by puja to the Divine Mother at 8am, followed by the reading of the seven hundred praises of Mother at 8:30am. We then gather for the sacred fire ceremony at 10:08am. After the fire ceremony there is a discourse on one of the stories about the Divine Mother from the Srimad Devi Bhagavatam. This is followed by a light meal at noon.
On Saturday, April 1, following the fire ceremony (approximately 11am), Signe Ramstrom will give a performance in the kirtan hall of her classical Indian Kathak dance from the courts and temples of ancient North India. Last year’s presentation was a huge success, so mark your calendar now. This will be followed by an Indian Feast.
On the final day, Thursday, April 6, we honor children after the fire ceremony and have a huge Indian feast.
This is always such a joyous celebration. We look forward to it each Spring and Fall. If you are able to attend any of it, you are welcomed. It is a special time to thank the Divine Mother for all of Her benevolence. For more information on the ceremonies, call the Ashram at 719-256-4108, or email us at info@babajiashram.org.
On February 14, we lovingly came together for a paduka puja, aarati, chanting, and an evening meal. As so often happens at the Ashram, several families attended the ceremony. I once asked Shri Muniraji about children participating in the fire ceremony and pujas at the Ashram, and he said that it was a good thing and very helpful for them on their spiritual journeys. Most of the children are very familiar with the rituals. The evening of Mahasamadhi, they helped with the washing of Babaji's sandals. It is always so touching to see a three-year-old pranaming to Babaji and Mother on their own volition. Bhole Baba Ki Jai!
We are so grateful to have this wonderful kirtan hall addition to the Temple so that we may now all sit together and chant. Over and over again during this last year, we have utilized it with great relief that we were not all crammed into the small temple as we were for years. During large festivals, like Shivaratri and Navratri, the hall is particularly well used. We thank you all for making this possible. We still have an outstanding loan for $94,000. If you can help pay this down we would be deeply grateful. You can donate on line by clicking here.
The Shop is doing well, thanks to all of your support. It continues to be, as it has been over the last many years, a huge support of the Ashram and its growth. We have recently received some beautiful shawls from India. The ones pictured are hand-painted and some are also hand-beaded on a very soft pashmini wool. They are magnificent! We also received soft rayon, cotton shawls in lovely designs. You can see them and order them on our newly updated web site at You may also call the shop toll-free at 1-866-686-4185 and speak to a real human voice, who can guide you through the ordering. We are open daily from 9am until 5pm.
We send our love to you all and many thanks for all of your support and love. For more information about the Ashram and the Maha Lakshmi Shop, please refer to our website at BabajiAshram.org. You may also call us at 719-256-4108 or email us at our new address: info@babajiashram.org. If you would like to make a donation, you may do so on our website, click here, or send it to Haidakhandi Universal Ashram, PO Box 9, Crestone, CO 81131.