March 28, 2025 | Ramloti
Dear Friends,
I just got home from 2 weeks in India with most of the time spent in my Lord’s home of Haidakhan. I must say, it is not an easy trip even though transportation and the route there is much improved since the overnight buses we had to take in the early 80’s. Still, the over 24 hours of travel time, the change of diet, and the total inversion of time (it is 12 1/2 hours different than Colorado) wreaks havoc on my system. As I lay in bed one night in pain due to a digestive issue, I actually decided that at 76 years of age this would be my last trip to India.
Well, that was at the beginning of my time in Haidakhan. But after my body caught up and felt better, I began to experience the sweetness of Haidakhan and the many people who have served for years there, particularly Guarhari. They were a great example to me and encouragement for me to carry on. Each year I have seen an increase in daytime visitors to Haidakhan, now that the somewhat improved road there makes it possible to drive there in a sturdy car or motorcycle in an hour and a half. It reminded me of Crestone and the many, many people that come, particularly on the weekends. What I also observed was how loving Gaurhari was to each one of them. He would greet them warmly, ask them about their family, offer them Chandan, give them prasad, and even invite them to lunch if it was being served at that time.
Greeting visitors is often what fills my days at the Ashram. But Gaurhari’s energy was much more consistent and long-lasting than mine. Of course, he is probably 10 years younger than I but when I asked him about this, he continually told me it was Shri Babaji’s blessing and grace that he could continue to do this day after day. Why he often takes his afternoon nap on the stone bench outside that we are sitting on in this photo. When I asked him why he did not go to his room to rest (he gets up at 3am to bathe and do aarati to 15 murtis each day), he told me he did not want to miss any visitors. As I said, he is a huge inspiration to me. His love is palpable to me and the tenderness that he gives us every morning during Chandan, and served us all our food at lunchtime filled my stomach much more than the actual food that I ate! If you want to hear a great interview with Gaurhari and Prakash that we did this trip, here is the link: https://youtu.be/cf5E4LKTlrA
As I pause my story about this trip to Haidakhan and think about having any stories of
Babaji and food when I was with Him, I suddenly remember yet another occasion with Him that
I had forgotten. I have said that Babaji often was teaching me lessons that I would use in
the future.
As I returned to Delhi, I was once again struck with the painful constipation but once morning came, I could get some relief in the big city. But flying home I got a painful UTI and arriving back at the Ashram, Jonathan had come down with a very bad flu and cold which got passed on to both Premanand and I and has laid us very low. Over one week later, I am improving but still coughing a lot and at low energy. Reading this, I sound very sickly, which is not my normal constitution. I really feel that if I had any second thoughts about not traveling internationally anymore, that Shri Babaji was showing me that my place to serve is at this Ashram in Crestone, Colorado. So that is a big decision after going to my beloved Haidakhan nearly yearly for the last 44 years since meeting Shri Babaji.
In truth and love,
Ramloti for the Ashram
Upcoming Events
Saturday, March 29 – New Moon Fire Ceremony and Pitru Puja for our Ancestors - 11am MT
This was sent to me and thought it important to share with you: On March 29, 2025, a unique astrological event will occur in the sign of Pisces. Six planets will converge at once:
Moon, Sun, Rahu, Saturn, retrograde Mercury and Venus. Such a concentration of planets in one sign is an exceptionally rare phenomenon, which has a deep karmic and spiritual meaning. This day in general has exceptional astrological significance, combining four key events:
Saturn's transition to Pisces.
Solar eclipse.
Parade of six planets in Pisces.
Beginning of the new lunar year.
According to Joyotish, such a coincidence creates a moment of exceptional power, capable of changing the trajectory of human development. The Mahabharata says: "When many grahas (planets) converge in one rashi, the worlds begin to move, and a time of great changes comes." The last time such a conjunction of five planets was observed was in 1991 - the year of the collapse of the USSR and the end of the Cold War.
A quantum leap in spiritual development is possible, especially for those who practice meditation and introspection. Emotional overload is possible with insufficient preparation. It is important to maintain balance. This is a time for healing emotional and karmic wounds. Global processes that began in previous decades are coming to an end. Changes in collective consciousness and a shift in thinking paradigms are possible. Events related to the water element (floods, storms, etc.) are intensifying. A period with an emphasis on empathy, interconnectedness and spirituality begins.
The coincidence of the beginning of the new lunar year with a solar eclipse and a parade of planets creates a unique energy configuration. The Chandra Kala Nadi says: "When a new lunar year begins with a surya grahana (solar eclipse), it marks a time when old karma is ending and new karma has not yet begun to act - a moment of pure potential." This gives a chance to start life "with a clean slate." Intentions or sankalpas formed during this period have special power. This period will be a time of deep transformation both on a personal and global level. Use the energy of the parade of planets for spiritual growth, healing and creating a new future.
March 30 through April 7 – Spring Navratri
Daily Puja to different aspects of the Divine Mother begins at 8:30 am followed by Sapta Sati reading (700 Praises of Haidakhandeswari), Fire Ceremony at 11am, Chanting, Discourse and Lunch. We will honor our children on Sunday, April 6 following the fire ceremony. Read more about Navratri below.
Saturday, April 12 – Full Moon Fire Ceremony followed by Hanuman Puja and Chanting for Hanuman Jayanti - 10am MT
Sunday, April 27 – New Moon Fire Ceremony and Pitru Puja followed by chanting and lunch - 10am MT
About Navratri – The Divine Mother Festival
There is so much to be said about the Navratri, here is some of it:
These are nine spectacular days to focus on our beloved Divine Mother who gives us everything.
The first unique ceremony of the day is the Devi Puja at 8:30am. The first three days we focus on Mother Durga asking Her to annihilate any parts of us that keep us from our spiritual path. The second 3 days we focus on Maha Lakshmi asking Her to fill us with Satvic (pure, peaceful, loving) qualities. And the final three days we focus on Mother Saraswati asking Her to give us the Rajasic energy to bring all our new qualities into the world and into our heart. If you wish to sponsor one of these pujas, just go to www.babajiashram.org/donate and let us know which day.
After the pujas and Sapta Sati Reading, we have the Sacred Fire Ceremony at 11am. Each day there is a special aspect of the Mother we remember.
Day One: Sunday, March 30 - Ma Shailputri
Navratri begins with the worship of the Ma Durga in the form of Shailputri Devi, whose name means Daughter of the Mountain. In fact Shailputri is the daughter of the king of the Himalayas, and is considered the purest incarnation of Mother Durga. Her color is red, her planet the Moon. She is associated with the Muladhara Chakra.
Day 2: Monday, March 31 – Ma Brahmacharini
The benign and peaceful form of Brahmacharini brings serenity and calmness in the mind and instills a great degree of self-confidence. As Brahmacharini, the Divine Mother is the greatest Yogini and a Guru to the world. Brahmacharini means in whom the nature of Parabrahma (divine consciousness) is prevalent, so by worshiping Her the ultimate nature of your own self, which is the Goddess, will come alive in your experience. She is meditated upon in a peaceful form where she holds rosary and kamandalu in Her hands, which both are symbols of spiritual austerities for divine realization. As Parvati, when She performed her penance, even Brahma, Vishnu, Shiva, and Saptarishis bowed down to Her as Her penance stood unparalleled and highest among all yogis. She is the Goddess who is worshiped by all Yogis and realized sages. She is the storehouse of knowledge and wisdom.
Day Three: Tuesday, April 1 – Ma Chandraghanta
As Chandraghanta, Divine Mother is a fiery warrior who takes down all evil endlessly. She is meditated upon with a ten armed form holding trident, mace, sword, bow, arrow, lotus, rosary, kamandalu, Abhaya, and Vara mudras. She is seated on a tiger. The purpose of worshipping Goddess Chandraghanta, the third manifestation of Devi Durga, is both related with internal and external situations. Chandraghanta has a mark of moon on her forehead, which represents Her calmness and meditativeness. She is a fierce Warrior who is always taking down Asuras in war, but still She's untouched by anger. She's always internally calm but at the same time very active in doing Her job. This form of Mother teaches us about inner balance, as many times we lose our balance and react senselessly which is followed by regret. So with the worship of Chandraghanta, Her devotee is reminded to remain calm and react in any situation only after clear analysis.
Day Four: Wednesday, April 2 – Ma Kushmanda
As Kushmanda among the nine Durgas, as Mahalakshmi in Shrimad Devi Bhagawatam and as Kamakhya in tantras, Devi is regarded as the very source of everything. She is regarded as universal mother simply because everything that exists is born out of her. She is the womb / source from which Shiva (time), Vishnu (space) and Bramha (matter) are also born, she is the Mother of all gods.
Kushmanda means from whose ushma / self energy, the Bramhanda (universe) is born. She is the mother Goddess to everything that is animate and inanimate. Creations have born out of her and goes back to her. She is the beginning, and she is the end of the cosmos.
Devi is consciousness and bliss incarnate as Saguna which is worshiped as Kamakhya, Mahalakshmi, Lalita, Kalika, and other Vidya forms of her. She is also formless, unknown or unseen as Nirguna parabramha. In form and as formless both ways she exists. When she's in a form she becomes the mother and creates life and universes, when she becomes formless she devours everything back within herself.
Goddess is regarded as the supreme Godhead in Hindu spirituality, almost every scripture speaks in volumes of her being the very source of the universe.
Day Five: Thursday, April 3 – Ma Skanda Mata
As Skanda Mata, the Goddess is Mother to Kartikeya. Kartikeya is known as Deva Senapati, the commander in chief of Gods. He takes down all the negativity / Asuras which are offsprings of material desires in the mind. As her son, he clears the path for her devotee by defeating all the compulsions in our mind.
Once peace and silence takes over mind, the devotee becomes meditative and he or she experiences the Divine consciousness which is Devi, or Skanda Mata. Skanda or Kartikeya has six heads, which represents his victory over six kinds of disorders in human mind. He holds the shoola which is given by his Mother to fight against evil. Worship of Skandmata, bestows the grace of both Kartikeya swami and Jagadamba to a devotee. We invoke the blessings of fifth manifestation of Devi Durga, the Mother of Skanda (kartikeya), the leader of the celestial army that is overpowering the lower tendencies of our human nature. We can do our devotional part by honoring Skanda Mata today and pay full awareness to our thoughts and actions.
Day Six: Friday, April 4 – Ma Katyayani
Katyayani is the daughter of Sage Katyayan, he worshiped Ambika to grant protection from all evil forces to the society. Pleased by his tireless penance and oblations to fire / homa, the Goddess appeared and asked him to ask for a boon. Katyayan replied if you'll be born as my daughter and protect the world from Asuras it would be his greatest fortune. The Devi smiled and gave him his desired boon.
Goddess Katyayani is none other than Mahishasura Mardini, the slayer of buffalo demon who terrorized even Bramha, Vishnu, and Shiva. Katyayani is a ferocious warrior form of Goddess whose name itself terrorizes the negative forces. She's ferocious but compassionate at heart.
Katyayani is the spiritual fire in a human being who takes down the six enemies of Kama (lust), Krodha (anger), Lobha (greed), Moha (attraction), Mada (pride), and Matsarya (jealousy). Mahishasura is a unified form of these enemies hence he can only be slayed by the Divine consciousness which is Mother Katyayani. She holds the chandrahaasa sword, which destroys negativity and grants meditative mind.
Katyayani is the great power of transformation, who transforms compulsions into positive actions. She refines the inner nature of a spiritual aspirant and makes him/her fearless to go deeper into the spiritual depths of their own self. On the auspicious occasion of Maha Shashthi, we invoke the blessings of sixth manifestation of Devi Durga, Mata Katyayani.
Day Seven: Saturday, April 5 – Ma Kaalratri
Kaalratri is the most fierce one among the nine durgas, simply because she gives the highest realization to her devotee by annihilating his / her mortal limitations and grants them fearlessness. Her fierceness represents her higher intensity, as even her ornaments are nothing else but high voltage electric waves. Highly intense means she gives transcendence to her bhakta easily by making them quickly suffer their accumulation of past mortal karmas.
She is meditated upon in a form with untied long hair, she is digambara or naked as she is the entire cosmos and there can hardly be any clothes made for her as external covering because she is everything. She holds a shiny sword and a Vajra (thunderbolt) in left upper and lower hands and abhaya and Vara mudras in right upper and lower hands. She's seated on a gardabh / donkey, which shows that every creature is beloved of Divine Mother. Her face expression is Raudramukhi / fierce with wide big open eyes and a gentle smile on her lips.
In Durga Saptashati, Kaalratri is mentioned along with the three spiritual nights. Kaalratri means the night of dissolution. Absolute darkness in which nothing can be seen or known. Only when there is light, you can find a sense of duality in terms of the existence of a matter in some space and time. Here, in absolute darkness, there is no existence of matter. She either stops time or has devoured the time itself. In absence of time, the space can't be formed, and matter becomes static. As earlier told her ornaments and body are charged electric waves which reveals that anything which goes close to her will merge / dissolve in her. She'll release them from mortality, hence she grants Moksha or liberation to her devotees. She destroys fear in her devotee's mind and grants them wisdom to cross the ocean of samsara / physical life effortlessly. On the auspicious occasion of Maha Saptami we invoke the blessings of Ma Kaalratri to destroy all negativities in our lives.
Day Eight: Sunday, April 6 – Mahagauri
Mahagauri is the kriya Shakti of existence. Kriya means action, the energy which creates motion in static matter is Mahagauri. She is the eighth manifestation of Goddess Durga who is worshiped on Maha Durgashtami. She is the beloved wife of Lord Shiva, who is meditated upon seated on Nandi, the bull. She has four hands in which she holds a trident, damru, Abhaya, and Vara mudras. She has a blissful expression on face.
Mahagauri also represents the union of Shiva with Shakti. She completes him by merging him with herself, which makes him Ashutosh. Shiva grants auspicious boons to his devotees only when he is united with Shakti, without her, he becomes dispassionate and has no purpose in existence. The reason Mahagauri plays a Damru represents that divine union of Shiva and Shakti. Their union is considered auspicious for continuance of existence, so Mahagauri embodies the greatest Auspiciousness. She is the creator of life, the Yoni from whom the creation takes birth. She is mother to all life forms. Her worship grants experience of oneness with all lives. When one feels the same amount of love and compassion for everyone, the oneness can be felt. This oneness is auspiciousness of Mahagauri, as it reduces friction and stress in our surrounding and creates acceptance and harmony, for smooth functioning of life. The purpose of spirituality is to reduce external friction to go deep inside your spiritual self. Mahagauri provides this kind of transformation with her worship.
With our worship and concentration on the Divine Mother today, on Astami we invoke the blessings of ever auspicious and blissful Mother Goddess Mahagauri.
Day Nine: Monday, April 7 – Ma Siddhidatri
The ninth and final manifestation of Ma Durga is known as Shri Siddhidatri. Siddhidatri means the one who grants you all kinds of auspicious accomplishments / strengths known as Siddhis. Siddhis are unparalleled strengths in terms of different kinds of masteries which help you pass through the austere spiritual path effortlessly with her grace. Siddhis are of different kinds ranging from attaining an exceptional intelligence to supernatural powers, but the ones who fall in the trap of powers live a limited life and remain deprived of liberation / Mukti. Siddhis are not the ones a sadhaka must bother too much about, if they come or not is her choice. If you are not prepared consciously such strengths can also become disastrous. It is like you handing over a knife to a child who has just learned to step up on his feet. If your priority is only Mother than such strengths will not boost arrogance, rather they'll be helpful in attaining divine realization.
It is said Lord Shiva himself worshiped this manifestation of the Devi and with her grace attained all Siddhis. Shiva is Dakshinamurti himself, the ultimate master of all kinds of spiritual sadhanas. He attained his completeness through His union with the Goddess. As She became His left half, He became the master of everything.
Siddhidatri Devi is an all inclusive figure, from Devas and deities, to Sages, seers and priests, to all kinds of human beings and even the Demons / Asuras are Her devotees. She is the universal Mother, all complete and powerful in Herself. As She sustains everything and everyone, naturally everyone bows down at Her feet. Mother never discriminates among Her children, thus Ma Siddhidatri sees all her devotees as equal. A beautiful quality to learn from Her, if today the world drops each other's differences and realize it's universal identity definitely there will be peace and harmony everywhere.
If you are thinking to sponsor a fire ceremony or puja, you may want to consider the different aspects each day. Once again just go to www.babajiashram.org/donate and let us know what day you wish to sponsor.
All of the above ceremonies will be live-streamed during Navratri including the chanting and discourse after the fire ceremony. You can find them at Haidakhandi Universal Ashram Facebook Page and then they will be posted on YouTube at the Ramloti Wood Channel.
Recent Events
India
So I have already shared a good deal about my trip to India. It was a beautiful and as I shared, I am continually inspired by all the love, service, and karma yoga that goes on there. It is always a blessing to meet with old-time devotees such as Deviji, Lakshmanji, BRK Mishra, and others. Here are more photos.
The MahaMantra Movie
There is a wonderful new movie that has been produced about the power of the mantra. Dr. Arvind Lal, the Chairman of the Samaj was doing research on it when he was at the Ashram a year and half ago. It has only been shown twice so far, once in Delhi and once in Cologne, Germany. Here is an article about that and the short clip from it. When it airs again, we will let you know and hopefully it will come to the US soon.
Dear Babaji devotees!
On February 22, 2025, the big day finally arrived. More than 350 people gathered in Cologne to experience the exklusive Premiere of the film MAHAMANTRA. The event took place at the Residenzkino, a film lounge with a lot of cinematic charm and a long tradition. It was initiated at the request of Brigadier Dr. Arvind Lal, the president of the Haidakhan Samaj. It was realized by Kushal Singh and me, Chandra Devi. It was preceded by months of planning with many team meetings with Dr. Lal and the renowned filmmaker Girish Malik. Some of you may wonder why it was so important to us to show you this film. First of all, of course, because Dr. Arind Lal and Girish Malik made this great project possible. In addition, Kushal Singh and I had the strong feeling that it was Baba's wish to create an opportunity for many of you to meet and exchange ideas in the context of this film. Finally, it is important that people who believe in Baba come together and share their memories.
Some may have been deterred by the dark future that the film has painted. Rightly so. For me, these images spontaneously evoked many memories of the time with Baba, when he so often told us about Mahakranti, which at the time seemed so far away. I also remember the army of “Black Warriors” that Raghuvir actually invented by “coincidence”, but which Baba promptly brought into life.
This Mahakranti has long since begun and we must be aware of the role we want to play. Baba gave us a mantra with which we can face the future, but we must do more. We must be role models. Neither judge nor hate, but give the world the love and understanding it so urgently needs.
This is also the intention of this film, which is aimed primarily at people who have never heard of Babaji. People of every culture and religion. People who have no faith or who do not see the meaning of this life, and especially to a younger and new generation.
It is not about proselytizing, but about reaching out a hand, showing another way. That is why Dr. Lal and Girish Malik have taken a global approach to this film, based on the connection between modern science and Vedic wisdom. The main characters are cosmic consciousness, Shiva and his mantra.
In today's world, which is characterized by different beliefs and constantly evolving narratives, it is crucial to present Babaji's message through a lens that resonates with today's audience. The film is intended to inform, inspire, but above all entertain.
It deliberately begins with a shock factor that points to the current state of the world. Girish Malik explains: “We first had to define the world we are in before showing the way out and the light at the end of the tunnel. We work with this stark contrast to illustrate the transformative power of the mantra ‘Om Namah Shivaya’. By juxtaposing chaotic realities and Babaji's enlightened message, we want to inspire people to open themselves to a universal belief system."
In India, there are currently two prominent gurus who claim to be an incarnation of Shiva and have immense numbers of followers, so our message must be well-founded and credible. With this in mind, Dr. Lal and Girish Malik focus on the scientific basis of the mantras and allow neutral voices to be heard. The aim is to respect and protect the sacredness of Babaji's teachings and to show the deep wisdom of Shiva in the eternal wheel of reincarnation.
The vision for the future
This film is going around the world – and this is just the beginning. The aim is to initiate a dialogue about the meaning of Vedic wisdom and its application in today's context. The next step will be to show the changes that the mantra and Babaji's teachings are bringing about in real life and to share lived experiences.
Chandra Devi
(Alexandra Matzinger-Thurmayr)
The Preview (Teaser) is available on YouTube: https://youtu.be/wR2s7AziV7s
Maha Lakshmi Shop
One of the ways that the Ashram is supported is through the sales at the Maha Lakshmi Shop.
We have some great products for you to look at.
108 Carnelian Bead Necklace Mala Worn by the Divine Mother in Crestone - $45
108 Carnelian 8mm bead necklace mala 24.5" length including orange tassel. Worn by The
Divine mother at the Haidakhan Universal Ashram in Crestone, CO.
https://www.ebay.com/itm/405482194652
Metal OM Wall Hanging - $22
7" diameter OM Gold colored metal wall hanging
https://www.ebay.com/itm/405446884064
The Maha Lakshmi Shop makes up a large part of the Ashram budget, and is open daily from 10am until 4pm. Thank you for your support.
Bhole Baba Ki Jai! Jai Ma!
Other Ways to Support the Ashram
First and foremost is to pray, pray, pray for all the disturbances amongst people and life
all over the earth. This is a time of great challenge, and Babaji spoke over and over again
about the power of prayer, the mantra, havan, puja, and seeing all as children of one Divine
Mother Earth.
You may also support financially by going to …
- GoFundMe Campaign
- Venmo (@babajiashram)
- Donate Page (this page has links to Paypal and GoFundMe)
- Amazon Wishlist
Ashram Wishlist. The Ashram could really use some new chairs for its “Ashram Table”. After many years of use, they are patched in many places and ready to be replaced. We have found some very sturdy ones, which are on our Amazon Wishlist. If you feel moved to support us in this way, it would be great. Thank you for all you do for the Ashram.
Calendar of Events
| Mar 29, Apr 27, May 26 | New Moon Fire Ceremony |
| Apr 12, May 12, Jun 11 | Full Moon Fire Ceremony |
| Mar 30 - Apr 7 | Spring Navaratri |
| Apr 12 | Hanuman Jayanti |
Please go to our Calendar of Events page for all events.
Visitors to the Ashram
We are blessed by everyone’s presence at the Ashram. Since I have been away, I do not have as many photos as normal, but here are some.
Karma Yoga
The work goes on all year round and we are grateful that there are so many willing hands to help. We have been getting ready for Navratri and unpacking from India trip. Babaji said that “Work is Worship”.
