During Amarnath Yatra many devotees visited Goswani Gund Ashram, an abandoned Ashram in Anantnag Village

Sameer Ahmad

Anantnag: Goswani Gund Ashram known as “Sada Barth” an attractive neat and clean Ashram located at Goswani Gund village here in larkipora  Dooru area of south Kashmir’s Anantnag District is in dilapidated condition.

Locals say a number of devotees stayed and meditated here during the Amarnath Yatra.  This beautiful Ashram is situated just 12 kilometers from the main town of Anantnag District.

Before 1989 the Aashram had one hall, two three storied Dharam Shallas, one Shiva Temple, one Kitchen and modern bath and toilet. It was founded by Swami Tota Kak who was called even by Muslims as “Tota Kuda”. Later on he brought one person from Kulgam who was later on named as Swami Atma Ram Ji. Though Swami Atma Ram Ji was a middle-class student when he joined Ashram, he became a classic example of a learned person. He was called the ocean of learning.

Locals told Arising state that  Yogis would come from Banaras to seek knowledge of Arth Shastra and end up satisfied at Goswani Gund Ashram.

According to locals ,the Ashram was known for Sada Barth; one could get a meal all the time. When morning meals were to be served a call “Hari Hari Maha Purshoo” would be recited meaning if there is any person around, please join us in meals. Till the day they left, the meals were served on ground after recitation of Geetaji.

In 1989 when insurgency began in Kashmir both Dharmshallas were burnt, temple damaged, Murties stolen or taken away.  The swamis had purchased some patch of land and constructed 2 rooms; built one temple and two modern baths. They wanted to construct a hall. A Mandli was performed on each Sunday night.

The Ashram is in dilapidated condition nowadays, according to some prominent local residents, alleging  that they have not seen even a single official from administration visiting this place. ‘We have requested several times to higher authorities to renovate it, but nothing has been done so far.’

According to locals ,’this temple was the backbone of their livelihood, people were seen busy for their business when these Swami’s including the yatris came to visit the temple’, they said.

As per the locals, who are in the know-how of the temple matters, they are taking care of the temple since the temple was damaged.