Chinmaya Mission Timeline
With His far-reaching vision, Gurudev launched the Chinmaya Publication Trust on 8 March 1961 in Madras, handing about 59 books authored by him for future publications. Over the years, the Trust became the precursor for the prolific Chinmaya Publications numbering over 900 titles currently. What started with books, now has…Read More
Gurudev envisioned Sandeepany Sadhanalaya, a Gurukula (residential academy) where the future torchbearers of Vedanta would be trained. Since 1957, he searched tirelessly for the perfect space to build an abode that would kindle the flame of perfection, as its very name suggests. Inspired by one of his powerful talks, a…Read More
The spiritual inclination among women was strong, and Gurudev’s yajnas ignited a deep yearning to understand Vedanta more profoundly. It was time for the women of the expanding Chinmaya Family to build their own forum to gather and grow. Thus, on the Sunday of 2 November 1958, at Chinmaya Nilayam,…Read More
Named after the Hindu goddess of dawn, indicating a new beginning and revival, Usha, the monthly magazine of Chinmaya Mission had its first issue released on 15 March 1958. In the editorial Gurudev wrote, “It is time that the Groups must come together and their activities get somehow co-ordinated and…Read More
The clarion call that Gurudev made during the Hindu Renaissance drew not just the adults. Everywhere He went, the very young too felt that magnetic pull in His booming laughter, His cheerful spirit, and His extraordinary love. Naturally, in His Jnana Yajnas, a place was made to nourish the children,…Read More
“Death is born with us when we are born,” consoled a deeply ailing Swami Tapovan Maharaj when Gurudev was heartbroken during the last meeting with His peerless Guru in the first week of December 1956. Then, at the serene and auspicious time of 4:30 AM on the full moon day…Read More
From December 1951 in Pune to December 1956 in Hyderabad, Gurudev’s tireless efforts through Jnana Yajnas ignited a wave of renewed interest in the Vedic scriptures. To commemorate the sterling milestone at the 25th Jnana Yajna, the first volume of a publication called “Hail Renaissance” was brought out. Crowning the…Read More
During the 13th Jnana Yajna in New Delhi, Gurudev was invited by All India Radio, the national public broadcaster, for a three-part broadcast on key topics in spirituality. With His commanding voice, He reminded Indians again about their spiritual status: “Ours is an Age of Science. The new India, thrilled…Read More
“The Gita is therefore to be studied and delivered to as many devotees as possible. This Pravachana – missionary zeal in propagation – has been emphasized in our scriptures also. The Lord’s Divine Song was not a prescription for one Arjuna of the Mahabharata days. It is for all times…Read More
By the September of 1955, there were already more than 35,000 ardent devotees who had reached out to Gurudev requesting for the Yagna Prasad booklets to be mailed to their addresses. Recognising the great demand for the booklets and the fact that it was becoming inefficient timewise and financially to…Read More