Swargarohan Tirth
Swargarohan is situated in the foothills of Aravali mountains in Ambaji, the famous pilgrim place of Goddess Amba, in North Gujarat. Swargarohan, which literally means “ascent to heaven” lives upto its name and offers divinity, peace and tranquility to spiritual aspirants.
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During his sadhana days, Shri Yogeshwarji visited many pilgrim places of India with his mother (Mataji Jyotirmayi). While pilgrim places pulled faithful devotees poor and rich alike irrespective of cast or creed from all over India, Yogeshwarji felt that almost all pilgrim places lacked basic facilities like good lodging and boarding at an affordable rate. He, therefore had an ardent wish to build an affordable place (Dharmashala / Guest House) for the pilgrims in India.
Later in his life, Shri Yogeshwarji decided to fulfilled his dream. He selected a piece of land at Ambaji in North Gujarat, a famous pilgrim place of Goddess Amba – his most revered deity. Situated in the midst of Arvalli mountain ranges on Gujarat-Rajasthan border, Ambaji attracts millions of tourist round the year from all over country.
Before Swargarohan took any concrete form, Shri Yogeshwarji passed away but his spiritual heir, Maa Sarveshwari took upon the challenge of fulfilling her master’s dream. On that holy blessed land, Maa Sarveshwari created a small Guest House named ‘Mataji Jyotirmayi Vishram Gruh’ appropriate called ‘SWARGAROHAN’. This place discerns Maa’s aesthetic touch and her divine insight.
Initially, 10 rooms were built for pilgrims. All rooms had attached bathroom and lavatory. A small prayer cum meditation hall was also erected on the second floor for devotees. Shantibhai Mehta, a close devotee took special care in supervising the activities of Swargarohan during its construction. Once completed, Balubhai Jambucha offered his honorary service for handling the day to day running of Swargarohan as a Manager for almost a decade. Many such known and unknown devotees gave their service.
Construction work at Swargarohan’s finished in 1986. During its construction phase, Maa Sarveshwari consecrated it with the renderings and recitation of Ramayana, hymns, shlokas and mantra-japa. Maa performed such acts while on fast without water during the summer heat of Ambaji ! During construction, there was no place for Maa and devotees to sit. A small hut (Kutiya) was then hand prepared by devotees. Later, Maa sat there for hours with devotees consecrating the place.
In 1990, Toronto Dhyan Kendra celebrated its 10 successful years in Canada. In commemoration, they donated funds to refurbish the Kutiya with a marble one at the same place. In a short span of time, their wish transformed the Kutiya and assumed the form of magnificent dome shaped structure with sidewalk around it. The photograph on right is the recent view of Kutiya at Swargarohan. These days, devotees flock the place to perform their meditation and other routines while outside walkway remains busy with devotee’s ‘Parikamma’ (cicumambulence).
The second major facelift of Swargarohan occurred when Shantibhai Kaneria, a close disciple of Maa-Prabhu decided to add a magnificent prayer and meditation hall in the complex. The hall, which was later named as “YOG SHAIVALYAM’ can easily accommodate a congregation of 500+ devotees at a time. It was also equipped with kitchen facilities on one side where now-a-days food is served to visiting and residing devotees for a nominal charge.
Every devotee who visits the place for a few minutes experiences utter tranquility and calmness. A variety of flowers, fruits and groves of trees add to the beauty and serenity of the place. Everyday thousands of birds flock to have food grain on the terrace of Swargarohan. The view is worth a watch! A playground for children equipped with swings and slides enlighten children’s stay here.
Every year during Navratri, large number of devotees attends the “Maun Japa Yagna”. Austerity, dedication and service along with the sadhana make the event a memorable one.