42. Sadhana in Haridwar
Haridwar — the gateway to the Himalaya where the Ganga leaves the hills — has drawn seekers for millennia. Kankhal, at its southern edge, is home to the Daksha Mahadev temple and to the samadhi shrine of Sri Anandamayi Ma (1896–1982), the Bengali saint whose body was laid to rest on the banks of the Ganga near the Kankhal ashram [8]. Shree Shree Ma Anandamayee International Centre welcomes guests in this atmosphere of prayer, study and service.
Figure. A day of sadhana at the Centre — practice, study, service and rest
| Element of sadhana | At the Centre and in Haridwar | How the kitchen supports it | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Prayer and meditation | Morning and evening practice; temple visits; Ganga aarti at dusk | Early light breakfast; dinner early enough to attend aarti | |
| Study (svadhyaya) | The Centre's library and the books archive of Ma's teachings (books.ssmaic.org) | Quiet dining for reflection | |
| Satsang | Gatherings, kirtan, talks | Tea and light prasad | |
| Seva | Service in the garden, kitchen, library | Garden-to-table work in the Annamaya garden | |
| Silence (mauna) | Silent meals or silent days by choice | Written meal orders; quiet service | |
| Fasting and festivals | Ekadashi, Navratri, Shivratri, Guru Purnima | Phalahari track; festival thalis (Vol. II, C2) | |
| Rest | Time for walks by the Ganga, sleep, recovery | Regular, nourishing meals |
PART IV-B