Ashram Newsletter - November 2025

November 1, 2025 | Ramloti

Dear Friends,

As you read last month, Bill our head cook for almost 10 years, has retired. This also coincided with Premanand, who has been serving at the Ashram for thirty years taking care of the grounds, gardens, water system, solar systems, and evening puja; having a much-needed hernia surgery, after which he needed weeks of rest. We have continued to have very warm weather, student groups, Diwali, and other celebrations, and the devotees and first-time visitors continue to come to the Ashram in large numbers.

This could sound challenging but by surprise and the grace of Shri Babaji and the Divine Mother, it has been a time of great community support, joy, and love. Different families have been coming to cook on the weekends which has been delicious and fun.

We were also in need of stocking our Maha Lakshmi Shop, so we received an order of 20 huge boxes full of murtis, incense, clothe items, and other devotional items last weekend. In the same manner, Baba and Mother sent some extra help from Grand Junction and Conifer making the unpacking and stocking faster than ever and fun.

On Sunday morning, as I walked to the temple with the savory smells of Sabina and Aruna’s cooking in the kitchen and the ambrosial scents of the fire ceremony being prepared, I began to cry in deepest gratitude. I felt totally wrapped in the loving arms of Shri Babaji and the Divine Mother and their love and care.

I also knew that this Ashram, their home, was in their care always. We had just read from Shri Babaji’s Teachings, that to devotees He gives Abhaya Daan, by which they will always be protected, taken care of, and have no fear. The last month has been such an immersion in that faith and love of our Father and Mother. As I said, it brought me to tears and I decided to interview some of the people that were at the Ashram that day to help. Here is a short clip for you to see. https://youtu.be/1B-PsSEmdGk

So, a deep bow to all who have been helping and also for those keeping us in your prayers and thoughts during this transition time. Premanand is pretty much back on his feet, and we have more helpers coming. If you would like to volunteer some time or a weekend to help and join the community fun, let us know.

One of Babaji’s strongest teachings is that “Work is Worship” and we have plenty to go around for everyone.

In Truth and Love,
Ramloti for the Ashram

Upcoming Events

Paduka Puja and Chanting in the Denver Area

This weekend Shri Babaji’s Padukas will be making their annual visit to the Denver area for Paduka Pujas, Chanting, and Lunch programs. All are invited and we hope to see you. Here are the details:

Saturday morning, November 1 at 11am - in the home of Ajay and Sabina Pradhan. Call 720-732-6141 for more details.

Sunday morning, November 2 at 11am - in the home of Ashwini and Rahul Nipunge. Call 720-201-8583 for more details.

Wednesday, November 5 - Full Moon Fire Ceremony, Chanting, and Lunch – 11am MT

If you cannot join us in person the fire ceremony will be live-streamed at Haidakhandi Universal Ashram Facebook Page.

Wednesday, November 19 - New Moon Fire Ceremony and Pitru Puja, followed by Chanting and Lunch – 11am MT

Ashram Annual Holiday Online Auction – Nov. 21 through Nov. 30

It is getting to that special time of year that we like to remember our loved ones. What better way, than to purchase something on the Ashram Holiday Auction which will bring you and your loved ones blessed items and benefit the Ashram as well. We will have over 200 items to choose from and, several of them hand-made by loving friends of the Ashram from the Divine Mother’s saris and malas. Here are few examples and more are being put up daily. For a sneak preview of the whole auction go to fundraiser.bid/babajiashram.

#1066: 1 Set of Exquisite Prayer Flags made from the Divine Mother Sari
#910: A Lovely Warm and Snuggly Bright Pink Wool Shawl worn by the Divine Mother at Night
#852: An Astounding Krishna Murti - 28"
#966: Six Point Star Pendant on chain

Daily Events at the Ashram

We have daily Aarati and Chanting at 7am and 6pm, which last about an hour. We also have a daily Small Fire Ceremony when we do not have the larger one. Please call the Ashram at 719-256-4108 for exact timing for these. The daily fire ceremonies are live-streamed at Haidakhandi Universal Ashram Facebook Page.

Recent Events

We are still hearing from people about the wonderful Navratri Festival last month. Here are two articles that came in:

Divine Mother Radiating Love

My last visit to the Ashram was in August, and when I returned home, I felt as if a part of me had stayed behind with Maa. A subtle restlessness lingered within me. I knew I had to go back. So, when Navaratri approached just a month later, I decided to visit again only for a night all by myself.

I arrived on September 20th a day before Navaratri. The moment I stepped out of the car, I could feel a freshness in my breath, as if the very air was infused with grace. This was my first time experiencing Navaratri at the Mahalakshmi Temple, and the atmosphere was filled with divine festivity. We were a small group of just ten women but it felt as if the entire universe was celebrating with us. During the evening aarti, I could already feel the mother radiating pure, boundless love.

The next morning, September 21st first day of fall Navaratri, we gathered in Babaji’s Kutir. The moment I entered, I felt an expansion in my heart. Together, we began cleaning and adorning the murtis. Watching people perform each act with such devotion was deeply touching. A true embodiment of Bhakti Yoga (Pure devotion). It felt good as everyone was invited to participate in the rituals, each explained so beautifully that you can’t help but feel completely mesmerized.

When Ramloti applied chandan on our foreheads with her loving hands, a cool wave of peace ran through my entire being. Then we moved to the main temple, where Mother was dressed so exquisitely by Jonathan’s and Sangeeta’s graceful hands.

The coconut, symbolizing Durga, was beautifully placed—its inner milk representing purity and nurturing love. This explanation of this symbolism touched me deeply. We read Haidakhandeswari Saptashati, and the experience was immensely Powerful. We sang, we danced, and I felt completely soaked in love and devotion.

During the fire ceremony, Ramloti ji lovingly handed me the ghee to pour into the flames, knowing I would be leaving that day. It was a gesture filled with grace and blessing.

After enjoying a delicious meal, it was time to leave. As I drove back home, I felt fulfilled, ever satisfied, and complete. For the first time in my life, I truly understood the meaning of pure love, silence, and bliss.

Even now, writing these words, that same sense of expansion and peace remains within me. Since that day, I feel the Divine Mother’s presence in my heart—alive, constant, and radiant.

That sacred place is filled with nothing but Love, Love, and Love.

Love and Regards
Shivani Raina, Denver, Colorado

“When I first visited the Haidakhandi Universal Ashram two years ago my experience was one of levity, fortune, and delight. By coincidence, we turned down the road to the Ashram just as a beautiful Hanuman Jayanti puja was taking place, and Ashram members graciously and spontaneously included my whole family in the ceremony. That experience sparked in me a sense of joy and connection that lingered long after.

When I returned this time for a slightly longer stay, I was struck again by the natural majesty and peace of Crestone. But this time at the Ashram I really noticed the constancy, discipline, vigor and devotion that sustain the ashram’s daily life. Beneath the joy and fun lies a foundation of love, hard work, regularity, quiet strength, and a collective spirit of dedication that I realize form the soil from which that light and levity I first experienced grows and glows :) Jai Mataji”

Neal Desei, New York

Diwali

It was a lovely day for a sacred fire ceremony and even lovelier when we came inside to the candle lit temple to the songs of Rita and Wonder Bob. Each person lit a candle and then the dancing began. It was very fun, since so many Indians had come from around Colorado to cook for us and joined in the dancing. The feast was sumptuous, and the spirits were high. Mother and Baba were, of course, resplendent.

Board and Staff Visit the Neem Karoli Ashram and Hanuman Temple in Taos, NM

Every three month, we have a Board and Staff Development Meeting. This is time we set aside to explore and learn new ideas. It is nearly a six-hour round trip to Taos, but it felt like it would be a great learning experience for us all. So, we made it happen this last month and it was inspiring, educational, and worth every minute of it. Hanuman Das the Executive Director, who has help run the Ashram since its inception, took several hours to show us around and answer questions on a Zoom meeting with all of our Board members from around the country including the four board members that were able to make the trip in person. There were many correlations between our two Ashrams, even though Taos has many more people on a regular basis than we do. Both Lok Nath and I brought up the striking example that we would always stop for darshan at Neem Karoli’s Ashram, Kainchi Dham, when we were traveling from our Haidakhan Ashram and going to the Chilianaula Ashram near Ranikhet. This was about a three-hour drive. Here on the other side of the world, the only Neem Karoli Baba Ashram and the only Haidakhan Babaji Ashram in America are also about 3 hours apart. Many many people make this same pilgrimage that we made 45 years ago coming to Crestone and then on to Taos or visa versa. These two great Beings showered their love on many devotees and continue to do so to this day. Neem Karoli Baba Ki Jai! Bhole Baba Ki Jai!

Get Your Divine Mother 2026 Calendar Before They Runout!

We are so grateful to have our beautiful Divine Mother Calendar available again. You can purchase on our Maha Lakshmi Online Shop at this link https://www.ebay.com/itm/406292608143, come by, or call the Ashram to receive one. Haidakhandeshwari Mata Ki Jai!

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.

THE BOOK SHRI DIVYAKATHAMRIT - English version - $12

From the book SHRI DIVYAKATHAMRIT. Being an Ocean of compassion, He thought over to wander at the bank of Gautam Ganga and ordered to dessiminate the path of devotion.
https://www.ebay.com/itm/405445581663

om namah shivaya bracelet - $30

Size large copper brass nickel metal bracelet 5/8" width inscribed with the ancient Sanskrit mantra "om namah shivaya"- ("I bow to the God within")
https://www.ebay.com/itm/405445685212

4" Brass Two Tone Krishna & Radha Murti - $34

Beautifully crafted brass two tone 4" standing Krishna & Radha Murti
https://www.ebay.com/itm/405484928883

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.

Join the Fun and Help Cook and Clean Up at the Ashram!

If you would like to take a weekend to cook at the Ashram, you may call us at 719-256-4108 or email us at info@babajiashram.org. We already have Nov. 1rst and 2nd filled and Thanksgiving weekend. We could still use help the weekends of November 8th and 9th, November 15th snd 16th, and November 22nd and 23rd. Thank you so much.

You may also support financially by going to …

• GoFundMe Campaign
• Venmo (@babajiashram)
• Donate Page (this page has links to Paypal and GoFundMe)
• Amazon Wishlist

Calendar of Events

Please go to our Calendar of Events page for all events.

Story from a Devotee – Kathleen Clark, Santa Fe, New Mexico

Kathleen and her husband, Toby, who has now passed away, made several trips to be with Shri Babaji beginning in the late 70’s. They have been great supporters of the Ashram here is Crestone and we are grateful that she is finally sharing some of her experiences with Babaji. What follows is the first of several.

Even though I have felt that ashram life is not right for me this time around, I consider my time with Babaji the most important thing in my life and feel myself to be a member of the Babaji family. I can’t believe I actually spent time with him while he was here in a body and that I was able to follow Shastraji’s advice that to make good spiritual progress I should meditate on Babaji’s feet. I only asked the question because others were asking, I was clueless. But I ended up doing the aarti every morning at home with love pouring down on me and not knowing where Babaji fit into the equation until love started pouring out of Babaji’s feet and I had fallen in love with the Divine. And was forever changed. And that has never left me. Next time I went back to see Babaji I saw him with new eyes and could see what others had said was true, he was, well whatever he is. I won’t even try to say. Because what I am finding right now is the saying that whatever name you give to God is not the right name because God cannot be pinned down to a name. And I could go on and on. Trying to get to the depth and breadth of it all. But not now. It is too much because it is everything.

But even though I didn’t get it, I began seeing things happen in my own life. After that first visit, I began getting understanding about myself. And I have many stories of what I mean by that and the later change that falling in love with the Divine meant. The next time I went to Haidakhan I could see with the eyes of my heart and I could see that he was not playing in the same world as the rest of us. That is, he was no ordinary man. And even though I did not actually feel love from Babaji as many seem to have. What I had was total love for him. His love was completely impersonal bliss and I did not feel loved necessarily, I just reaped the results of my love. I was happy with that I was not feeling the need for a personal love.

I am honored to have my experience shared in the newsletter. I have had so many experiences along the way. They show how a clueless, doubting ordinary person like me, one not looking for a guru (because I was not looking for a guru.) I had said to myself while walking up the riverbed, wading through the river, “what am I doing, I am not looking for a guru”. And I was not, and I did not find a guru. I was just curious and wanted to see for myself this ball of fire rolling down the hill. Anyway, there are many stories and they want to spill out of me. I can go in so many directions. But I don’t want to do that tonight.

Hanuman Chalisa 40 Day Online Sadhana with Govind Das & Rama Chandra Das

NOVEMBER 11 - DECEMBER 20, 2025

Join Govind Das and Rama Chandra Das as your tour guides through the rich devotional tapestry of the Chalisa. Every day during the Zoom satsang, Govind Das and Rob will sequentially introduce a new line for study and memorization, proper pronunciation, share stories about Hanuman-ji, and, of course, sing the Chalisa!

The Hanuman Chalisa is a devotional hymn/prayer written by the Bhakti saint Tulsidas 500 years ago. For the past 5 centuries, the Chalisa has been a central prayer in the Bhakti Yoga tradition praising and glorifying Lord Hanuman, the divine monkey and pure embodiment of love, service, devotion, humility, strength and protection.

This is a great opportunity to learn the Hanuman Chalisa in community and friendship, with structure and guidance. Jai Sita Ram! Jai Hanuman!

PS. Even if you already know the Chalisa, this will be a wonderful chance to deepen your relationship and connection with Hanuman and this inspiring practice!

To register: email bhaktiyogashala@gmail.com

Follow on IG @bhaktiyogashala

Visitors to the Ashram

Many new visitors as well as folks we have been coming here for over 30 years, came this past month. The weather has been warm and inviting and the fall colors in the trees quite gorgeous. We love to meet you all. Here is a note from a group of new visitors.

“Hello Ashram, I wanted to extend my deep appreciation for your kindness and loving generosity with the children last weekend. Our group was so touched and I was personally inspired. At the end of our retreat, we had a closing circle sharing our favorite parts of the weekend and several of us noted our visit to your ashram and experiencing the mother energy there. Sending love, Joy”

Karma Yoga

The love and service that went on this last month was immense and filled with so much joy. Thank you to all who helped out so graciously.