The Abode of Bliss

Mataji Krishnabai

Mother Krishnabai, after being subjected to setbacks and shocks in her early life culminating in the passing away of her husband, came in contact with Swami Ramdas in the year 1928, and became his foremost disciple.  She attained Self-realisation – Universal Vision – by implicitly following the teachings of her Guru, Beloved Papa, who, to her, was God Himself. An embodiment of love and service, Mataji was truly a mother to all who came under her spell from the very inception of the Ashram. Anandashram provided a field for the outward expression of her inner vision through whole-hearted, loving and selfless service to her Beloved Papa in the countless forms of those seeking spiritual guidance or material help. Day in and day out, she strove to serve the devotees as well as the poor and needy.  For her, serving others was serving herself.  As Swami Ramdas used to say, all the activities of the Ashram revolved on her perfected vision and unlimited love and dedication to Guru. After Swami Ramdas’ Mahasamadhi in the year 1963, it was left to Mother Krishnabai to guide the affairs of Anandashram and minister to her Beloved Papa’s spiritual family spread all over the world.  In spite of her poor health, she carried on her mission tirelessly till she attained Mahasamadhi in 1989.

Swami Satchidanada

Swami Satchidananda, as Anantasivan, went through a period of struggles and trials in his early life, and, when he was 30, he came under the spell of the unique personality of Swami Ramdas. It was as if Swami Ramdas was waiting for his arrival, for, they took to each other instantly as Guru and disciple. At the behest of his Guru, he took to Nama Japa and later embraced the order of Sannyas. Guru-seva and dedicated service of all became the basis of his life. He served the two great saints, Swami Ramdas and Mother Krishnabai, throughout their lifetimes.  After the Mahasamadhi of Swami Ramdas, he assisted the Mother in the day to day affairs of the Ashram.  The Great Gurus were grooming the Swami, as it were, to carry on the noble mission they had started for the good of humanity. In 1989, when Mother Krishnabai left her mortal coil, Swami Satchidananda inherited the mantle of running the Ashram. With his exemplary qualities, he became the guiding spirit of the Ashram. He followed the footsteps of his great Masters in loving and serving all based upon universal vision. He attained Samadhi in 2008.