Shri Narayan Ashram at Tajpura, nestled amidst the rugged and lush green foothills of the holy shrine Pavagadh, stands as a captivating haven of divine and aesthetic pleasure within the woods.
When revered Shri Bapuji first arrived in this forest, human habitation seemed nearly impossible. The area was home to wild animals and ferocious beasts. During this time, Shri Bapuji sensed a mysterious divine indication from the omnipresent Almighty and decided to establish his spiritual sanctuary in Tajpura. Gradually, the area began to develop. Shri Bapuji would sit in profound meditation for weeks and even months in a small pit he dug in the forest. Termites and other insects often crawled over his body, seemingly adoring his divinity with their unspoken embrace. Unfazed by their presence, Bapuji remained focused on his goal of reuniting with God, spending almost 35 years consuming only milk.
Through rigorous meditation and penance, Shri Bapuji experienced the divine presence of God and caught a glimpse of the great eternal entity. He realized the power of the Omnipotent, who assisted him in manifesting his desires and dreams within a short span of time. Initially, Bapuji built temples adorned with beautiful idols, allowing visitors to feel the presence of the Almighty. Subsequently, he constructed a large and spacious assembly hall and spent his precious time meditating in a cave designed for this purpose. Arrangements were also made for pilgrims and devotees traveling from distant places and abroad.
For half of the year, Bapuji immersed himself in the serene presence of revered saints, sages, and enlightened souls amidst the majestic Himalayas. His preferred sanctuaries included Haridwar, Rishikesh, Lakshmanzula, and Kankhal, where he frequently resided. Bapuji embarked on pilgrimages to sacred sites like Badrinath, Kedarnath, Gangotri, Yamunotri, Hemkund, Amarnath, and the sacred Lake Mansarovar, often traversing on foot. It’s believed that Mansarovar in Kailash held a special significance for him, serving as a haven where he engaged in profound discussions with numerous sages, sharing his visionary insights on spiritual matters. Bapuji maintained that the sages dwelling in the Himalayas seldom ventured beyond its pristine realms.
Bapuji’s personal experience with cataracts led him to empathize deeply with the suffering of the less fortunate. Motivated by his own journey of undergoing eye surgery, he resolved to establish an eye hospital, Shri Narayan Eye Hospital, at Tajpura. His vision was clear: to provide free eye care to those in need, guided solely by humanitarian principles. Initially, the hospital began with basic treatments like eye examinations, gradually progressing to conducting surgeries every Monday. Over time, Bapuji’s dream expanded, and the hospital now boasts 250 beds, a spacious waiting area, separate wards, state-of-the-art operation theaters, and a kitchen.
Today, Shri Narayan Eye Hospital stands as a beacon of hope, welcoming patients from across India, regardless of their background or financial status. Not only are patients treated with compassion, but their companions are also offered free accommodation. Tajpura and the hospital have become synonymous with healing for cataract patients, who express their gratitude through heartfelt blessings and spread awareness of this noble endeavor among their communities.
While Bapuji’s devotees believe his blessings sustain the institution, Bapuji himself attributed its success to divine intervention and the boundless love and mercy of God towards His children. This sentiment underscores the importance of wholehearted service to such institutions, utilizing all available resources to alleviate suffering and spread compassion.