8 February 2024 

Vishwaguru Mahamandaleshwar Paramhans Sri Swami Maheshwarananda Ji has been making final checks, supervising and guiding preparations in the last days before the OM Ashram Grand Opening ceremonies, which begin on Saturday 10 February 2024.

From 10-19 February continuous yagyas (fire ceremonies), recitation of the Shiva Mahapuran Katha and various other programmes will take place on the premises of OM Ashram. The final ceremony to conclude the Grand Opening will happen in the morning hours of 19 February 2024.

Meaning of OM

OM is the sacred sound symbolising the ultimate reality or consciousness. This ancient syllable, often considered the essence of the universe, holds immense importance in Hindu philosophy and spiritual practices. At its core, OM encompasses the triad of sounds – A, U, and M – which represent the three states of consciousness: waking, dreaming, and deep sleep.

Golden Kalash

In Hindu temples, placing a golden Kalash (vessel or pot) at the top, typically on the temple's spire or shikhara, holds deep symbolic and religious significance. Several kalashes, gilded with gold leaf, are being installed on top of important places on the OM Ashram building.

The kalash represents the cosmos and is considered a symbol of abundance, prosperity, wisdom, and immortality. The base of the pot symbolises the earth, the middle the space (sky), and the opening at the top the heavenly realm, reflecting the connection between the earthly and the divine.

On 5 February, the Maharaja of Jodhpur, respected Gaj Singh Ji, visited Om Ashram, and together with Vishwaguruji, they placed the first golden Kalash on top of the OM Ashram temple. Maharaji Ji is a long time disciple of Vishwaguruji, meaning Vishwaguruji is the Raj Guru of Rajasthan.

International disciples arrive

Hundreds of Vishwaguruji’s devoted disciples have been arriving from all over the world, gathering together at the OM Vishwa Deep Gurukul in preparation for the Grand Opening celebrations and ceremonies, and many more are arriving in the ashram each day.

Vishwaguruji has organised very comfortable accommodation and healthy vegetarian meals for all – from youngsters through to many of his mature long-time disciples, who have been with him since his early years in Eastern Europe.

See the official OM Ashram website for more details.