In Hyderabad, Ramakrishna Math at Domalguda is visited by devotees from all over the city. Apart from the aesthetic temple where one can pray and meditate to The Lord, the Vivekananda Institute of Languages, the Vivekananda Institute of Human Excellence attract a large number of students from the city, many from the underprivileged visit the Health Centre for treatment at a concessional rate, and the vast library is also very popular. But very few Hyderabadis know about the Ramakrishna Mission campus at Keesaragutta, a temple among the nature barely 35 kms from the city.
This was our second visit to the location. Almost a year ago, we had gone there during a weekend and had a really peaceful time in the serene silence of the temple, interactive sessions with Swami Jnadanandaji (who was earlier the Adhyaksh of the Hyderabad math) in a premises, with greenery all around and roaming around - enjoying the blissful nature all around us. From Begumpet, we went through the city via Sainikpuri, AS Rao Nagar to ECIL. After ECIL as we proceeded on the road to Yadadri, the journey became interesting with greenery on both side of the road. We crossed the Outer Ring Road and soon reached the Keesara town. The math premises are on the right about seven kms past Keesaragutta.
As you enter the ashram you can’t but admire the serene surroundings. It is green all over and a lake that provides water to the ashram adds to the beauty. The ashram has about 50 rooms for the devotees of which around 15 are air-conditioned. It is better to pre-book before arrival, but you can also do spot booking. Any devotee is welcome to stay in the ashram, but you need to understand it is not a fun and frolic place. Tranquility and peace needs to be maintained at all times.
We checked into our no-frills but clean room, and soon set foot towards the campus. The serene lake has seating next to it, where we sat for a long while. Small groups of monkeys play around, but they do not disturb you. A long pathway among the trees enable you to explore the idyllic surroundings.
The temple is central to the campus. Large images of Sri Sri Ramakrishna, Ma Sarada and Swami Vivekananda are central to the temple, which also has images of the main disciples of Sri Sri Ramakrishna. The temple is open from 5 am to 8:30 pm, and unlike many Ramakrishna Math centres do not close in the afternoon. You can sit there and quietly meditate through the day if you want. There is Mangal Arati at 5:30 am in the morning, puja at 7:30 am and in the evening there are prayers from 6:30 pm.
The ashram canteen serves breakfast, lunch and dinner. It is local vegetarian food but is extremely tasty. The upma in the morning was very good, and so were the sambar, dal, chutney and vegetable curry. The cost of food is included in the room charges. Please understand however, that it is not a lavish spread, and you are supposed to wash your own utensils after eating.
One of the highlights of our trip was the satsang with resident Maharaj Swami Jnadanandaji. The satsang is held every morning at 9:30 am and additionally during weekends at 5:30 pm. You can ask the Maharaj any questions or doubts on your spiritual journey that you wish to clarify. The limited number of people in the group also facilitates a frank and stimulating discussion.
As we bade farewell to the ashram after a two-day stay, we had made up our mind to come back for a longer stint next time.
Location:
Ramakrishna Math and Mission, Keesaragutta
Ramalingampally, Telangana 508126
Yadadri Bhubanagiri District
Telangana
Telephone: 79016 96801
Directions:
From ORR take Exit 8. The location is 7 km away.
From Secunderabad travel via Sainikpuri- AS Rao Nagar – ECIL – Nagaram.
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