Vishwa Shanti Ashram, India

Sri Vishwa Vijaya Vittala, 36' tall and dressed (!) smiles benignly during a festival at this holy ashram and pilgrimage center located 24 kilometers outside Bangalore in Karnataka State.

A short walk up a tree-lined path and no less stunning is the Bhagavad Gita Mandir, an architectural wonder whose octagonal walls display--engraved on polished black granite plaques--all 700 verses of wisdom sung by Lord Sri Krishna to His disciple Arjuna, a warrior prince who was confused about his duty on the battlefield.

During festivals at the ashram, a magnificent hand-carved wooden chariot is prepared for its role of honor. It is decorated with fresh flower garlands and offered as a ride to God and His spouse whose statues (murtis) are carried in procession.

Ancient ceremony, new access:

Below, devotees climb steadily toward the top of stairs positioned behind Sri Vishwa Vijaya Vittala for the purpose of offering milk or other symbolic treats over the crown, head and smiling face of the deity.

This bathing ceremony is similar to ones which have taken place for millennia, where devotees climb cliffside paths to the tops of mountains, chanting or singing every step of the way.

Vishwa Shanti Ashram was established in April 1982 by Sadguru Sant Keshavadas to promote international peace and understanding.

It is an extraordinary, 15-acre campus where a tradition of pure bhakti yoga expresses in service to humanity, and whose mission is fueled by a dedication to showcase, teach and preserve Hindu arts and spiritual sciences.

Numerous times, Guruji brought western devotees to India and introduced his friends and culture. East and West alike support his effort to create an ashram and pilgrimage center which devotees from all over the world may visit.

Late in the afternoon, the steady stream of visitors at the entrance off National Highway 4 thins out. Often the ashram continues to host events and visitors long into the night.

During festivals, food for as many as 25,000 guests per day is prepared over huge cooking fires. Tasty dishes are eaten by hand off plates made of large, flat banana leaves washed and spread before the guests.

The deities enshrined in waysides or temples arrayed along lush, green paths remind visitors of ancient times and truths. There are Sri Ganesha and Hanuman temples, a Navagraha shrine (presiding deities over nine planets), a Markandeswara Shiva temple, Sri Rama shrine, Sri Radha Krishna shrine, a Vrindavan Tulasi shrine and, attending Sri Vishwa Vijaya Vittala, His eight consorts, Ashtalakshmi.

Guruji speaks, writes and sings about each One of these deities in books and recorded media.

The Occupants of these shrines invariably ask visitors to come close ... to imagine, to touch, surrender, reflect and experience God or Goddess within oneself.