Ashram History
Nestled amidst the rugged hills near the holy shrine of Pavagadh in Gujarat's Panchmahals district, lies the divine Shree Narayan Bapu Ashram in Tajpura.
Initially inhospitable, the area was transformed by Pujya Shree Narayan Bapuji’s arrival, guided by divine signals to make Tajpura his spiritual haven. Despite the wilderness, Bapuji dedicated himself to deep meditation for extended periods, digging pits for this purpose. Unbeknownst to him, insects would gather, drawn to his aura. For 35 years, he subsisted solely on milk, unwavering in his pursuit of divine union.
Through rigorous meditation and penance, Pujya Bapuji attained a profound divine connection, experiencing God's presence and glimpses of the eternal.
Pujya Bapuji quickly realized the omnipotent power that aided him in swiftly realizing his dreams. Initially, he constructed temples adorned with divine idols, followed by a spacious assembly hall and a meditation cave. Facilities were provided for pilgrims and devotees from afar.
Six months of the year, Bapuji communed with saints and sages in the Himalayas, particularly in Haridwar, Rishikesh, and other revered locations. He undertook pilgrimages to sacred sites like Badrinath and Kedarnath on foot, with Man Sarovar in Kailash being a significant spiritual nexus.
The influence of Shree Narayan Arogya Annapurna Trust now extends across Gujarat, Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, and parts of Uttar Pradesh, obviating the need for further introduction. Nonetheless, the trust’s history is provided for reference and updates.
Reproduce History of Tajpura Here
Whenever it was difficult to get fruits, the villagers were daily arranging for milk for Pujya Shree Bapu. In monsoon when the ditches / trenches will be filled by rain water Bapu used to come at the hill side of streams and built small cottage & stay there. He will make bed of mud and put dry grass on it and sleep and sit there for rest. As the news of Bapu / Sant started going in to the village people, they started flowing for Darshana of Bapuji. At times the flow of people from distance village & places was there and sometimes people have to stay back in Ashrma during nights. Due to forest situation and fear of dangerous/violent animals, the devotees were facing lot of problems. People requested for allowing them making / arranging for the mud houses, and thus first lot of cottage were constructed.
Slowly the impact of Bapuji’s presence number of people left the drug/wine addiction.
Pujya Bapu’s presence brought about significant changes in the lives of the local people, who were initially mired in poverty, ignorance, and various social vices including drug addiction and violence. With Bapu’s guidance, many renounced their harmful habits and embraced religious and spiritual practices such as bhajans, kirtans, and satsangs. Under his influence, people pledged to abstain from alcohol, theft, and violence, fostering a community of improved lifestyles and socio-spiritual engagement.
To accommodate the growing number of visitors, plans were made to construct a temple in 1962, followed by an “Atithi Bhavan” for guests. Weekly gatherings and special events drew large crowds for spiritual activities. The serene atmosphere of the ashram attracted many, prompting the initiation of welfare and developmental projects under the auspices of the Shree Narayan Arogya Annapurna Trust.
During a four-month period of silence in 1968-1969, Pujya Bapu received requests for donations to support various charitable causes. However, devotees expressed a strong desire for the trust to undertake these initiatives directly. Inspired by their enthusiasm, Bapu encouraged them to establish a committee to address local needs, resulting in the establishment of a dispensary and later, an eye hospital.
The foundation stone for the dispensary was laid in 1969 on “Vasant Panchami Day”, and subsequent eye camps led to the establishment of a full-fledged eye hospital. Bapu’s personal experience with eye surgery further motivated this endeavor, exemplifying his commitment to serving the community’s medical needs.