The 63-page book in English titled” “Yogiraj Swami Nand Lalji” is a biographical study of life and message of Kashmir’s renowned saint who has a very large number of devotees in and outside Jammu and Kashmir. The author, Jawahar Lal Bhat has given a graphic account of this Yogiraj swami Nand Lalji (1902-1966).Nand Lalji was born in Koul (Kothdars) family in Gurgari Mohalla, Zaina Kadal, Srinagar in 1902. He left his house at age of 14 while studying in 9th class as he was destined for high spiritual awakening.
Ashram Life
He arrived at Zoonipora (Zienpur) , a village near Bomai(Sopore) Ashram and remained there for over 20 years in the company of saints and sadhus. This Ashram is situated enroute to famous shrine of Maa Sharda near Muzaffarabad (now in PoK). A large number of devotees, including those visiting the Maa Sharda shrine prior to 1947 used to frequent this Ashram as well.Revered Swami Lalji maharaj, an highly accomplished yogi-saint (from outside Kashmir) became Nand Lalji’s guru. Swamiji had also great adoration for Lalded, greatest yogini and mystic Kashmiri poet and high admiration for her famous wakhs (discourses in Kashmiri).
Spiritual Enlightenment
Once Maharaja Pratap Singh on his visit to this Ashram was so impressed that he allotted to it a jagir of 1000 kanals. The Ashram had lot of resources and was well managed.His other famous abodes were in Tikkar Ashram in Kupwara and also Hushoora Ashram in Budgam district in Kashmir have significance in his spiritual advancement.Swamiji performed many miraculous feats to provide relief to the people who came in large numbers to him for serious physical ailments or any household problems
Numerous Devotees
Nand Parivar comprising of his disciples and devotees is vast and widespread both inside and outside Jammu and Kashmir now. His devotees have firm faith in yogiraj Nand Lalji. Notable disciples who achieved spiritual enlightenment are: Mahatma Vibhishanji, Swami Kralbabji, Swami Kumarji, Swami Mastbabji, Sedbabji, Shalputji, Shri Neel Kanthji. Most of them have established Ashrams at Jammu, Delhi and elsewhere, in memory of Swami Nand Lalji after migration of 1990.The author has made mention of Ashrams, outside Kashmir, as Kralbab Ashram at Garhi in Udhampur, Mastbab Ashram at Patoli, Jammu; Shalputji Ashram at Anand Nagar, Jammu and Jib near Udhampur and also at Najafgarh, Delhi in addition there is Sedbab Ashram at Patoli, Jammu.
Eternal Message
Swami Nand Lalji often spoke of Nitya Karma and Bhakti (sustained devotion of Lord) and preached simplicity and sincerity of life. He accepted into his fold all without consideration of caste, creed or religion.” Human mind gets purified only by extreme love of Lord”, he always stressed and preached that one must be able to put wholeheart into one Sadana be it Dyana (meditation), Japa or Pranayama (control of breath) and another important factor is Upasana or love (Bhakti) combined with reverence.
“ Be truthful and fair, clear your mind of worldly attractions and keep the Lord’s name alive in your mind all the time so that nothing bad is done” he always told his devotees.Jawahar Lal Bhat has not only authored but has also published this book. He has not put any price tag on this publication. It will certainly be welcomed by devotees of Swami Nand Lalji but average citizens will also find it absorbing and informative.
