• Jan 25 2016
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Dandakvan Ashram

Yogiraj Maharshi Sadguru Sadafal Deo Ji Maharaj, who revived the knowledge of Brahmavidya after hundreds of years, and established Vihangam Yoga, visited the Kabir-Vat near this place in the year 1944. He was then requested by his disciples to visit Dandakvan. There, he met Shri Shardul Singh Solanki, an influential person from the erstwhile princely state of Vansda. Shri Solanki ji did his best for the spread of Vihangam Yoga in Gujarat. It was at his behest that the Raja of Vansda donated this land for the ashram.

“This Dandakvan Ashram is the Sadguru’s abode. Its importance is immeasurable. Those men and women who pine for God, when they come here, in this Dandakvan, when they behold this ultimate holy place or stay here, they will be entitled to Bhakti (devotion) and Mukti (liberation).”

The heat of Surat makes it hard to believe that a forest is nearby. When you are out to explore new places, even on a pilgrimage, it is always advisable to carry a guide map. A trip to Dandakvan is special because it’s a special place, and visits to special places make the occasion special as well. This is not just another forest that one can visit to enjoy the greenery and wildlife. For that purpose, there are many more options in the Indian sub-continent. This place is special because it’s a lot more than a forest.

Dandakvan is the most ancient forest in this part of the world. “Dandakvan” is a Sanskrit word which means, a forest that punishes the sinners. When one lands in the zone of Dandakvan, it’s hard to imagine how anyone can get punished in such a beautiful place – it’s almost like a green heaven. But Ahilya did get punished here, as she was reduced to stone form after being cursed by her husband Sage Gautam. It was only when Shri Ram’s foot brushed the stone, that she was liberated from the curse and able to regain her human form.