Dev Badri Shaligram*

When the walking pilgrimage began, I silently asked forgiveness in my heart, saying — “O Lord, when I reach Badrinath, I will buy a Shaligram from some shop!”

I had even brought an asana (prayer mat) for You, but it remained empty; I was carrying it along without using it.

These thoughts kept moving in my mind. Then another thought arose — “It’s alright, I can at least do something.”

A feeling came over me — Let me walk while remembering the name of God!

So I took the rosary in my hand and began to chant:

Dev Badri Shaligram*

After bidding farewell to Guruji, we all returned to our rooms. We had come back, yet it felt as if we had left a great deal behind—and carried so much more within us. Everyone’s heart was filled with joy after meeting him! But in my mind, the divine form of Shaligram Ji kept appearing again and again.

A desire arose within me—to bring home a Shaligram. I didn’t know why, but this wish would not stop. I began to wonder: How would I worship Him? Where would I keep Him? These thoughts kept circling in my mind.

Dev Badri Shaligram*

My heart was filled with joy — every burden seemed to have lifted. Guruji’s embrace felt like a healing balm soothing every pain within. We returned to our room, our minds calm, everyone softly humming the kirtan tunes. Now, all that remained was the anticipation for the next day.

My heart kept replaying the events of the day — thinking about the divine play of the Lord. Sometimes a smile would appear on my face, and at times, I would again sink into silence.

*Dev Badri Shaligram*

But as soon as I moved forward, near the staircase leading out of that hall, I saw a Guru descending. He looked at me, I looked at him — and we both smiled, as if we had known each other for years.

He quickly walked toward me, accompanied by his disciples. Though it was our first meeting, it felt as if we were meeting after lifetimes. As we came closer, he began to speak beautifully about what a Guru is, and the importance of a Guru in one’s life.

The tears I had held back all the way from Haridwar to Rishikesh began to flow. His words touched my soul. He turned to his disciples and said, “Look, this is my friend. We are spiritual friends — he takes the name of Shiva, I take the name of Krishna, but our destination is the same.”