Shri Vasanth Gurudev ji’s pilgrimage centre is one such noteworthy outcome of dedicated Yoga Vidya. Until a few years ago, Krishnagiri tirth was hardly a noticeable destination on the map of India. But today it has emerged as a centre of faith for millions of Jains. No wonder then, that we are no longer surprised even when non-Indians have Krishnagiri topping their list of “must visit” places, for today we know that this name has its own significance on the world map. Its fame cannot be without reason. Thousands throng here for a glimpse of Shakti Parshwa Prabhu, Sahasraphana Parshwanatha’s magnificent idol. The blessing of Bhagavathi Padma has transformed this land into a sacred space for pilgrims. This tirth has found its way many a times into the pages of ‘The Guinness Book of World Records’ which goes to prove its popularity as one of the foremost South Indian Jaina havens of pilgrimage. Vasanth Gurudev ji, the originator of this place has immersed himself in so much devotion that it seems as if the celestials from the heavens come down to bestow their blessings whenever special celebrations are held here. Thus the occurrence of miracles here seems but natural! Pilgrims and even curious visitors, both equally experience the bliss of being transported to the heavens above.

O Sahasraphana Parshwanatha, a hundred salutations to you! May each visitor to this sacred place be blessed by your profound grace, may he be elevated from materialism to spiritualism, from being a mere bhogi to becoming a true yogi, and may each one create many more such divine places.

As the mind dwells on the seeds that sprouted into the creative construction of this holy place, it also reflects on that which gave rise to such karmas and arrives at the question often asked of Gurudev – “How did you attain sainthood just by spreading the blessing of peace?” Gurudev’s answer as he calmly leafs through the pages of his past helps us understand that there are those who are so deeply moved by an incident or tragedy in life that it brings about a great transformation in their being. And such transformation becomes the medium of service to the world at large. For Gurudev, his tragic experience as a young child of seeing his sister suddenly die on his mother’s lap and then, of pushing his own grief aside to shoulder the responsibility of a grieving mother was no ordinary task as one can well imagine! He found his one and only succor in God and thus it was, that his endless, devoted prayers helped him through his own grief. Despite being born with a silver spoon in his mouth, as the phrase goes, he renounced worldly comforts and set himself on the path of sadhana and salvation.