Vaazhum Varalaru - September 6 to 9, 2006 - Ashram, Bangalore
- A program on Swamiji's path to Enlightenment

Vaazhum Varalaru was the first program of its kind at the ashram in Bangalore. A unique and intense program,the meditation techniques were based on experiences in Swamiji's life. Many mystical incidents that are yet to be revealed through biography volumes were revealed during the program through the grace of Swamiji. The program was a deep awakening to every participant suddenly opening straight avenues to live like a Paramahamsa, even before attaining to the Truth and instilling in each one a firm conviction about the possibility of attaining the Truth. Experiencing a totality in every passing moment of the program, the participants shared many of their visions, experiences and instant clarity that dawned on them by virtue of the lectures, meditation techniques and deep contemplation that the program set them upon. Above all, they admitted to experiencing beyond intellect that the Existential energy works through the Master's form and all Masters are different forms of the same Energy.

The highlight of the program was purivalam - a circumambulation of the ashram by the gathering, taking Lord Ganesha as the presiding deity of the procession. Walking 12 kilometers barefoot at mid day, the participants went around the ashram, the sacred banyan tree inside the ashram and the neighbouring villages. The energy of the sacred banyan tree, carrying the same energy as the one in the Girivala (circumambulation of the sacred Arunachala hill in the sacred town of Thiruvannamalai), was felt by each one. More than anything, abode of a living enlightened Master, the energy of the sacred banyan and the ashram was felt at a different dimension during the procession. Feeling no fatigue, hunger, thirst nor heat under the bare feet, the participants went on the procession experiencing ecstatic moments, which they later shared.

Following are pictures from this program, which was conducted by one of the trained teachers and Brahmachari of the ashram:

Discourse in progress

Purivalam starts under the banyan tree. The idol of Lord Ganesha is seen being carried by the girls of the ashram.

The procession is ready to step out of the ashram into the neighborhood

Villagers partake in arati

Meditation with visualization to feel the intensity of the panchatapas (fire meditation) that Swamiji did during his days of wandering.