Sadhu Bhandara
in Omkarananda Ashram Himalayas,
on 11th September 2019

Shri Shantilal Patel, a long-standing Devotee of Gurudev Paramahamsa Omkarananda
Saraswati and Omkarananda Ashram Himalayas, had the wish for a Sadhu Bhandara,
on the occasion of his 90th birthday, on 11th September 2019. In spite of his advanced
physical age, Shri Shantilal Patel always travels totally alone by train all the way from Gujarat
to Rishikesh. He considers his physical fitness as Grace and Blessing of Gurudev
Shri Paramahamsa Omkarananda Saraswati. Before the start of the Sadhu Bhandara,
Priests of Omkarananda-Kamakshi-Devi Mandir were conducting special Pujas and a Homa.
On the photo one can see Shri Sanjay Panditji, an important Priest of Omkarananda Ashram Himalayas, tying a Raksha-Sutra (a holy cotton-thread for protection of the wearer)
on the wrist of Shri Shantilal Patel.

Slowly the Sadhus arrive in the Mandapa of the Omkarananda-Kamakshi-Devi Mandir
and sit there peacefully, in anticipation of the Bhandara. Shri Shantilal Patel can be seen
in the middle, wearing white clothes and a flowermala.

All Sadhus are invited to a delicious and pure Bhandara
near the Omkarananda-Kamakshi-Devi Mandir.

The Sadhus were nicely seated in a row.
After Prayers, they could enjoy the holy food.

Assisted by Shri Swami Satchidananda Saraswati, Treasurer Omkarananda Ashram Himalayas,
who had greatly helped in organizing the Bhandara, Shri Shantilal Patel offered Dakshina
to each and every Sadhu. The Priests of Omkarananda Ashram Himalayas had themselves
cooked the food, offered it to the Divine and then distributed it to all the Sadhus.