Archives Timeline Stories
Kindling Vedanta in the West
On 7 November 1979, Chinmaya Mission West (CMW) inaugurated its first Vedanta Course outside India (1979–81), with about forty-two students, at Krishnalaya Ashram in Piercy, California - the first property acquired by CMW. Gurudev fondly called it the “Sandeepany of the West.” Set amidst the serene beauty of Northern California, between the coastal mountains and towering redwoods with the Eel River flowing nearby, the ashram has since blossomed into a spiritual sanctuary.
The Temple of the Healer
In March 1978, Gurudev consecrated a beautiful temple in Indira Nagar, Bangalore (now Bengaluru). Called Deenabandhu Devasthanam, the temple’s main deity is a captivating black granite idol of Lord Krishna in the Kaliya Mardhana pose. Gurudev revealed the symbolism: “Krishna is dancing on the serpent (the ego), which spits forth the poison (vasanas) into our life stream. Let us revere and worship Him whose Grace blessed us all, who is the Deenabandhu.”
Mission in the West - CMW & CPW
To unify the rapidly growing Chinmaya Mission centres in the United States with a common vision and structure, Gurudev established an apex coordinating body - Chinmaya Mission West (CMW). It was incorporated as a nonprofit in the San Francisco Bay Area in August 1975. Alongside, Chinmaya Publications West (CPW) was founded as a separate nonprofit to meet the increasing demand for Gurudev’s books and publications, later becoming the publication division of CMW.
Chinmaya Yuva Kendra (CHYK)
In May 1975, Gurudev lay foundation for Chinmaya Yuva Kendra (CHYK). From 20-27 May 1975, for the first time in a Gita Jnana Yajna, there was a special spiritual camp for youth and students. An important outcome of the camp was the formation of a Chinmaya Youth Forum with Bangalore as the headquarters. That forum became Chinmaya Yuva Kendra (CHYK) to emphasize that its main goal was its spiritual potential and not political affiliation.
Jetsetting Vedanta with Global Tours
On 21 March 1970, Gurudev suffered his first heart attack in Mysore. Yet, undeterred, he resumed his mission, undertaking two intense world tours. These, his fourth and fifth global tours, carried him over 11,000 miles across the Middle East and Western countries, where his powerful ‘Chalk Talks’ (Vedanta in classrooms) captivated audiences and opened new doors of understanding for seekers worldwide.
Launch of Balvihar Magazine
To connect the children across the world with love, learning, and laughter, a children’s international monthly magazine called Balvihar was released by Gurudev in November 1969. He wrote in the inaugural issue: “We shall, through this journal, build bridges of love and understanding between children everywhere, and we shall learn to create a greater world out of what our parents have given us now.” Since then, the pages of Balvihar have enriched countless children with joyful creativity, noble values, light-hearted moments, and knowledge both sacred and secular.
Chinmaya Nursery Schools
In the bustling city of Bombay (Now Mumbai), another "preschool with a difference," the 18th Chinmaya Nursery School opened at Kemps Corner. Following an earlier school started in Worli, Mumbai in 1967, at the inauguration, Gurudev was joyfully welcomed by the little children. He reminded the teachers to nurture them for a holistic outlook on life from a young age.
Jagadeeshwara Temple Inauguration
On the auspicious day of 10 November 1968, Lord Siva was ceremonially invoked at the inauguration of the majestic Jagadeeshwara temple on the top of a hillock in the tranquil grounds of Sandeepany Sadhanalaya, Mumbai. Gurudev with his scriptural knowledge, guided the inauguration and installation ceremony. The Kalasha Puja with the holy waters of the Ganga straight from Gomukh was followed by a sacred anointing of the idol of Lord Siva with the other divine idols.
Long-Distance Vedanta
To address the challenges of distance, time, and access, Gurudev launched the postal tuition course on the fundamentals of Vedanta in 1966. This course laid the foundation for the many long-distance learning programs developed by Chinmaya Mission in the years to come. Remarkably, until His Mahasamadhi, Gurudev personally responded by correspondence to every doubt and question raised by students, making the learning experience deeply personal and enriching.
Launch of Chinmaya Vidyalayas
Guided by Gurudev’s vision for value-based education, the first Chinmaya Vidyalaya was established as a nursery school in Kollengode, Kerala. The Queen of Vengunad, Radha Devi Namboodiripad, generously offered part of her palace grounds, and K.P.S. Menon, former ambassador to Russia, lent his support as a patron. Today, the CCMT Education Cell oversees 81 Chinmaya Vidyalayas across India, one in Trinidad, 9 Chinmaya Colleges, and 14 Chinmaya Vision Schools, continuing to nurture generations with knowledge and values.