THEMES FOR ARIPO RIVER BOOK

108 Steps to Spirituality

Introduction
1. The Beginning in 1976
2. Events of 1986 and 1990
3. The Assets
4. NSSO 2000
5. Filling the River
6. Sightings of His Holiness
7. The Mystical Music
8. World Water Day 2010
9. Baby Kaitlyn
10.Swami Bramhadeo

11 March 2013

Introduction

The Holy Sararipu Nadi

Jaya Guru Datta
His Holiness Sri Sri Sri Ganapati Sachchidananda Swamiji explained that since His
youth He had been introduced to the Bramhananda Purana by His grandfather. This
text spoke of a holy river in India as well as one particular river in the western
hemisphere named the Sararipu Nadi (or Saptarishi Nadi) whose water had great
powers of physical and spiritual healing.
A few years later, Sri Swamiji set off to the West in search of this holy river. The
journeys covered eleven years and took Him to North America and Europe, where
He took a bath in several rivers. When finally His Holiness visited Trinidad for the
first time on the 12th August, 1976 one of the first things He did the very next
morning was to proceed east of Arima, and upon reaching the Aripo Road,
embarked upon that route. Shortly thereafter, He arrived at the river and proceeded
to announce that this was indeed the Holy Sararipu River. The search was over and
Trinidad was blessed for it.
In the sacred Bramhananda Purana, the Saptarishi Nadi was described as the
confluence of five rivers. It was described by the poet Kalidas in the Puranas. Here
seven great Rishis came to take bath, meditate and do penance. This site was the
abode of the ancient Rishis. Sri Swamiji would later explain that over 25,000 years
ago this river carried the name Sararipu Nadi and was connected with the holy
Ganges at the time when the Earth was one geographical land mass. Although our
scriptures cite so many rivers, this was the chosen one in the West.
In the early stages of development of life on Earth, lower life forms like insects
and monkeys evolved, followed by humans (Aarya). The Holy Sararipu River
came side by side with the Aarya development. There is an intrinsic link between
the river and our dharma. Sri Swamiji says without the river there is no dharma,
without the river there is no human body.
In His Holiness autobiography, it is stated that in His first journey to Trinidad, Sri
Swamiji envisioned seven mountains and the Datta Ganga. I have an ancient
connection with all of you. I was here 25,000 years ago and many times more. It

was Lord Dattatreya and Ganapati who goad me to come to this country. Whatever
happens here through me is Dattas great Grace. This is the land of the Trinity.
Ten years later, in 1986, Sri Swamiji led His devotees to a point higher up the river
where three streams (triveni) and five waters (pancha Ganga) converge. This was
the actual site where He had incarnated many generations ago. During that era,
great Yagnas were performed on the banks of the Sararipu River, and He was
known to the natives as the Aripo Muni Raja. His Holiness renamed the river as the
Aripo Datta Ganga.
Sri Swamiji indicates that although the Aripo River is small, it consists of five lines
or pancha nadi. This river originates from the highest point in Trinidad, from the
summit of the Cerro del Aripo mountain peak at 3,084 feet (940 metres) elevation.
The flowing water is highly medicated because of its passage through the forest
and mineral rocks. Its water is of a different colour and its taste unique, having
high medicinal value. Even scientists admit that its water has very special qualities.
Sri Swamiji continued to visit this site regularly on subsequent visits to Trinidad,
and directed His devotees to construct a Lord Shiva Temple there. On March 10,
1990 His Holiness consecrated the Vana Shiva Mandira and named the site Aripo
Datta Shiva Linga Shetra. This site has become a major pilgrimage centre for
thousands of local and foreign devotees who come to pray, meditate and take a
spiritual bath. Monthly poojas are performed by the Pundits of the Datta Yoga
Centre and annual Ganga Dashaharaa and Kartik Snaan celebrations are conducted
annually with great pomp and ceremony.
Devotees attest to miraculous healing powers experienced at Aripo. Many who had
serious ailments and had expected to undergo surgery have been cured
mysteriously after bathing in the Holy Aripo Datta Ganga. Childless couples who
were unsuccessful for years had their prayers answered after circumambulating the
holy Audumbara tree. And countless others have traveled from foreign countries to
receive Sri Swamijis divine blessings at Aripo.
Trinidad and Tobago has benefited immensely as a result of the Aripo Datta Ganga
being located here. Sri Swamiji has made this country the major centre of the
Dattatreya Yoga Centre in the west. Ashrams have been constructed at
Carapichaima, Princes Town and Penal, and the world famous 85-foot tall Lord

Hanuman Murti has been installed here. The Jana Samrakshana Maha Mantra
(Peace Mantra) Om Aim Hreem Shreem Shiva Rama Anagha Dattaya Namaha was
launched in Trinidad in 1993; the Yagna for World Peace was conducted in this
country for the first time outside of India in 1995; and the Lord Hanuman Nagar
and World Conference was held here in 2008.
All of these miraculous and significant events have taken place through the divine
grace of Sri Swamiji in the land of the holy Sararipu River.
Sri Guru Datta.

Chapter 1
The Beginning in 1976

Abstract
Sri Swami Ganapati Sachchidananda arrived in Trinidad on August 12, 1976. He
came in search of the Holy Sararipu River which was described in the Bramha
Purana. The next day His Holiness identified the Aripo River as the one he was
searching for. On that inaugural visit, He saw Boloji and Saroop on the other side
making a cook. They called out to Him and exchanged greetings. Later they would
both become major devotees of Sri Swamiji, serving Him in many special spiritual
ways. As a result of finding the Holy Sararipu River here in Trinidad, Sri Swamiji
established His mission here which has flourished over the years.

(Balroop and Boloji to supply articles)

Chapter 2
Events of 1986 and 1990

Abstract
Ten years later, in 1986, Sri Swamiji journeyed further up the Aripo Road and
identified the site where the Triveni Sangam was located, where He lived in a
distant earlier life as the Aripo Muni Raja. Those who were present described His
feeling as ecstatic on arrival at this point. He instructed that a Lord Shiva Temple
be constructed here. This is done by the Saroop family and consecrated on March
10, 1990.

(Saroop and Balroop to supply articles)

Chapter 3
The Assets

The Steps
Many local and foreign devotees characterize the Aripo pilgrimage site as the place
with 108 concrete steps. This was one of the first projects undertaken by devotees
following the consecration of the Vana Shiva Mandir by Sri Swamiji on March 10,
1990. During those early years, it was extremely difficult for Sri Swamiji and
worshippers to access the river and Temple from the road. The landscape was
precipitous which resulted in many persons slipping and sliding on the way down.
It was even more challenging to climb to the top on the way back.
In 1993 a number of devotees approached this problem with a plan to carve out a
staircase from the road to the river. It was a challenging engineering feat, not only
because of the steep topography, but one also had to acquire the appropriate
material and skilled labour to achieve the goal. Many prayers were offered at Aripo
for Sri Swamiji to bless this project, and when the work started, all of the obstacles
disappeared, almost miraculously. At the end of two months, 108 concrete steps
were installed and awaited Appajis presence.
Sri Swamiji visited the site on May 29, 1993 and was very pleased to be the first to
utilize the staircase, following which He blessed the devotees who had contributed
labour and material for its development. This staircase has been revealed in several
devotees dreams all over the world, and epitomizes the dedication and devotion of
a handful of volunteers in the humble service of Aripo Muni Raja. Significantly,
most of the workers on the project who were on the verge of losing their
government jobs around that time due to a recession in the country retained their
jobs and became permanent employees just after completing the Aripo staircase
project. The blessing of Sri Swamiji knows no bounds!

The Lease
Hindu scriptures are replete with examples of Ashrams being constructed on the
banks of holy rivers, especially in India. Trinidad and Tobago is very fortunate to
have the only mystical river in the western world with the identical healing powers
of the Holy Ganges within its realm, as described in the Bramha Purana, and
described to us by Sri Swamiji.
The process of legitimizing the land ownership at Aripo took over 10 years. The
aim was for the DYCs compliance with the laws of the land, and to have a
permanent claim to it. Several Government agencies were involved in the approval
process. At the end of it all, the Prime Minister of Trinidad and Tobago presented
the original lease to Sri Swamiji.
Many developments took place on the 19 acre site to facilitate devotees coming on
pilgrimage to pray at the Holy Aripo Datta Ganga. Many thousands of local and
foreign devotees have since visited the Aripo River and had their wishes granted.
Electricity
During the period 1990 to 2006 many new buildings and facilities were established
fat the Aripo Temple site for the convenience of the devotees. Some would
overnight occasionally but had to suffice with light of deeyas to read and perform
their rituals. The need to have electricity was identified. Through the divine grace
of Sri Swamiji, the Government provided the entire electrical infrastructure and
eventually gave a reliable supply to the Temple and surroundings.
The Kitchen
Feeding is a major activity in Sri Swamijis mission. In 1993 His Holiness had
instructed that a kitchen be constructed for devotees visiting the site. Although it
took some time, this project was eventually completed by devotees from the
Lopinot village. At the same time a humble Nilayam was built for use by Appaji
when at Aripo. The kitchen has facilitated many cooking events for locals and
foreigners, thereby satisfying Appajis requirements. The labour force to construct
it and the other facilities also came through the divine grace of Sri Swamiji.

Chapter 4
Nada Sangama Steel Orchestra

In 1999 Sri Swamiji indicated His desire for a Trinidad steelband orchestra to
perform in Mysore. When word reached me in January 2000, I immediately took
steps to make this a reality. I had recently met two pan players, and together with
Crusher, we visited the Aripo Datta Ganga on a weekly basis, praying for the
sponsorship and right players to form the orchestra. As time progressed, both came
forward, and miraculously, when Appaji visited Trinidad in June 2000, He was
greeted by the Nada Sangama Steel Orchestra performing upon His arrival at
midnight in the Ashram. His Holiness immediately invited the band to come to
perform in Mysore at His 60th birthday celebrations in 2002.
After a few days, the band performed the first six Datta tunes we had learned when
Appaji visited the Aripo River on August 10th, 2000. Thereafter the miracles
associated with Nada Sangama and the Aripo River continued for many years. The
orchestra found a comfortable home to practice its music and received sponsorship
for sixteen airline tickets to Mysore in 2002. There they were accommodated at a
fine hotel at no expense to the members of the band.
The Nada Sangama Steel Orchestra performed on the opening night of Sri
Swamijis 60th birthday celebrations in Nada Mantapa, playing a combination of
Appajis bhajans, film songs and happy birthday music for our Lord of Music. At
the end, we were blessed by His Holiness and presented with gifts by the former
President of India, Sri Venkataraman. We were further overwhelmed when Appaji
arranged for us to stay an additional week to entertain Him and visitors to Mysore.
All of this had its genesis at the holy Aripo Datta Ganga where we prayed for the
ability to serve Sri Swamiji on this musical and spiritual journey, and where our
prayers were answered many times over.

Chapter 5
Filling the River

When Sri Swamiji visited the Aripo River in November 1994, it was at the height
of the rainy season. The usually placid river carried a lot more water and its flow
was more rapid than normal. After the usual prayers conducted in the river, Appaji
decided to take a swim. It was noticeable how differently He navigated the current.
Later, as His Holiness was about to depart, He indicated that the river was too deep
and that it should be filled. This instruction was both divine and confusing. The
Aripo team acknowledged this instruction without hesitation and during the
ensuing months, embarked upon a project to raise the level of the river.
This unusual project required proper planning and precise execution to make it
work. It was decided by the Aripo Team that a number of baskets would be
constructed, to be submerged at the deepest points in the river, then filled with
rocks and boulders. That way, bathers could stand on this elevated platform for
their safety while still enjoying a river bath.
The execution of such a plan required innovation and perseverance. The baskets
were constructed using a steel frame and wire mesh, which were then submerged to
fit into the contours of the river bed. Accessing the rock material to fill the baskets,
however, was very challenging. Every possible source of manpower was accessed
over a period of months, and at the end of it all, over 10,000 rocks were brought in
and placed in the baskets to meet the target.
When Appaji returned the next year, He put on His goggles and swam under water
to inspect the finished work. It seems that the Aripo team had thankfully passed
this test of Lord Dattatreya, to fill a flowing river for the safety of Appaji and His
devotees. During the more-than-twenty years since devotees have been visiting the
holy site, no one has drowned due to the safety measure which were put in place by
Sadguru Sri Swamiji.

Chapter 6
Sightings of His Holiness

In Sri Swamijis autobiography as well as in Bhakti mala and other DYC

publications, we read of Appaji manifesting Himself to His devotees in some
mystical way while He was actually thousands of kilometers away. There are
several devotees who have experiences this phenomenon at Aripo River over the
years. The Aripo Muni Raja has appeared on the rocks above the waterfall, in the
vicinity of the Lord Shiva Temple as well as in devotees meditation while
performing homa.
Once a married couple who had heard about the Holy Aripo River visited the river
for the purpose of offering their pooja samagri. It was a Sunday evening and after
making their way to the river, found the Vana Shiva Mandira Temple locked. They
came to the river where they realized that they were alone and offered their flowers
with devotion. They returned to the Temple and stood at its entrance praying, but
still wishing they had the opportunity to be inside the Temple to make an offering
to the Lord Shiva lingam. Just at that time a bearded figure wearing ochro-coloured
robes approached them from out of nowhere. He asked about their situation upon
which they expressed their disappointment at not being able to enter the Temple.
They reported to a packed congregation at the Ashram a few days later that the
person who had met them simply waved His hand in front of the lock on the
Temple door without even touching it, and immediately it snapped open! He
invited them inside where they conducted their prayers. Then when it was time to
leave, this mystery person offered to accompany them back up the 120 stairs to the
roadway where their car was parked.
They were in front and he followed. Some conversation took place between them
along the way. As they reached to road and turned to thank him, he was no longer
there. He had completely disappeared, although there was no other way out.

When the couple visited the Ashram a few days later, they stared in disbelief at the
lifesize photo of Sri Swamiji. They quickly realized that it was Swamiji Himself
who had met them at Aripo River on that previous occasion, had spoken to them,
opened the lock on the Temple gate and then accompanied them to their car before
He disappeared into thin air.
They were invited to make this story public and had no hesitation in sharing the
details of their miraculous encounter with Sri Swamiji at Aripo Datta Ganga.
On another occasion a devotee of Sri Swamiji came to Aripo to meditate and
practice mouna or silent worship for forty days. It was his custom to also perform
hawan on a daily basis, making offerings to the holy fire accompanied by the
recitation of mantras mentally. On one such occasion while the hawan was in
progress, Sri Swamiji appeared to the devotee and pointed out the need for certain
modifications to the process, thereby correcting the ritual. The devotee was certain
of Appajis presence and his direction, and took His advice with devotion and
humility.

(Nanhoo to write)

Chapter 7
The Mystical Music

Sri Swamiji is renowned for His musical prowess across the globe. His musical
ragas, bhajans and music for healing and meditation have enthralled millions of
listeners, especially those who have attended live performances. There is another
avenue through which His Holiness performs His divine music, and a few fortunate
devotees have witnessed the sounds of Sri Swamiji at Aripo Datta Ganga. On
several occasions, a Yogi who was staying at Aripo heard Sri Swamijis distinctive
voice singing at night from the river, sometimes accompanied by a chorus of
accompanying singers. However, whenever he ventured to have a look at the point
where the music was originating, there was no one to be seen.
The rural Aripo village and its residents have benefitted significantly from the
presence of Appajis pilgrimage site located close by. The Government has spent a
lot of resources in maintaining the access road which was previously falling apart
and obstructed by landslides. A multi-million dollar school was constructed in the
village, partially through the influence of Sri Swamijis mission at Aripo. And
many employment opportunities have been provided through the Temple and its
influence on the countrys top decision makers.
One morning in August 2012 some Aripo villagers who were at the Temple site had
the privilege of hearing beautiful melodic sounds originating from Appajis
nilayam. They proceeded closer to the building which was locked as usual and
obviously unoccupied by anyone. Still, the sweet sounds continued to emanate
from this source. The music continued for several minutes, after which it subsided
and ended just as mysteriously as it had begun.
Although they could not see anyone, even from close up, they had no doubt it was
the Aripo Muni Raja performing for them that day while they worked to clean and
beautify the river environment.

Chapter 8
World Water Day 2010

The United Nations has designated March 22 as World Water Day. Activities to
commemorate this day for the world population are undertaken by Governments
and leaders in order to sensitize the population and encourage better water
conservation practices. As fate would have it, Sri Swamiji visited the Aripo Datta
Ganga on that auspicious day in 2010 and gave His discourse along the water
theme. His Holiness emphasized the importance of conserving water which was
becoming a scarce commodity worldwide. He advocated the value of individual
households trapping rain water and storing potable water for their use. Appaji also
remarked about the need for forest conservation as watersheds, such as at Aripo.
Water is arguably the most precious natural resource in the world. It forms the
basis for life in plants, animals and humans. It is essential for agricultural
production, hygiene and sanitation, and has a major effect on the quality of human
life. Over the past fifty years, there has been a dramatic increase in global
population levels resulting in accelerated deforestation, industrialization and
demand for housing. The net result of all of this has been a decrease in watershed
production from the forest and aquifers. Several countries have had to resort to
desalinization plants and recycled water to satisfy their needs.
Trinidad is fortunate to have the Aripo Datta Ganga flowing naturally from the
highest mountain peak in the country, similar to the Holy Ganges which originates
from the summit of the Himalayas. Due to the history and spiritual significance of
the Aripo River, Sri Swamiji has renamed it the Aripo Datta Ganga. Taking a bath
with faith and devotion in this holy river at the point described by Appaji provides
the bather with physical and spiritual healing. Devotees come from all parts of the
country and from abroad to offer prayers and take a holy bath at Aripo, thanks to
the revelations of the Aripo Muni Raja. Equally, devotees have come to realize that
there is no gift more precious than a bottle of Aripo river water when visiting Sri
Swamiji in India or elsewhere.

Chapter 9
Baby Kaitlyn

Over the years, numerous devotees have attested to the miraculous powers of the
Aripo Datta Ganga where they have had their prayers heard and wished granted.
On August 2nd, 2011 Sri Swamiji visited the Aripo Datta Ganga where He blessed a
new modern shala for devotees to use for prayer. His Holiness was also treated to
the melodious music of the Nada Sangama Steel Orchestra which Appaji Himself
had created a few years ago.
A married couple requested an audience with Appaji which He kindly granted.
They were loyal devotees and had gotten married in the Ashram almost three years
before. They explained that it was their wish to have a baby and sought Sri
Swamijis blessings. Appaji smiled and placed his left hand lightly upon the ladys
belly. He assured them that their wish would be granted. Within a few weeks the
doctors confirmed that she was pregnant. Their joy knew no bounds.
After a full term, baby Kaitlyn was born on May 2nd, 2012, exactly nine months to
the day when Sri Swamiji had blessed the couple at Aripo. To some this might
appear as a coincidence. But for devotees of the Lord, there is no mistaking
Appajis influence in this miraculous birth. Sri Swamijis love is truly infinite and
enduring.

Chapter 10
Swami Bramhadeo

Abstract
Trinidad and Tobago have been blessed to have Swami Bramhadeo Upanya
resident in this country for 30 years. During that time, Swami Bramhadeo
established local Temples and also traveled worldwide spreading the message of
Sanatan Dharma. Swami Bramhadeo came to learn of the divine presence of Sri
Swami Ganapati Sachchidananda when His Holiness visited Trinidad from time to
time. Swami Bramhadeo became a staunch devotee of Swami Ganapati and
experienced many fascinating spiritual miracles which he willingly shared with his
followers. In 2010 Appaji instructed Swami Bramhadeo and ARR to write a book
about the Aripo Datta Ganga. This has been a labour of love which we are
undertaking with devotion and humility.