Khatu Duna
The main ashram of Sri Deep Narayan Mahaprabhuji, where he spent the most of his life. It is near to his birth village of Hari Vasani.
We find in a short story about the beginnings of the ashram in the Lila Amrit.
The Orange Flag
After three days, Sri Devpuriji returned.
"Now it is time for you to settle and build an ashram so that all who come to you may experience bliss and achieve spiritual perfection."
Mahaprabhuji respectfully agreed.
"Wherever you direct me I shall live in complete contentment and joy."
Leaving the valley, they walked through the desert region between Hari Vasani and Bari Khatu and came upon a hill which previously had been a cremation ground. People usually avoided this place as they were afraid of ghosts and demons. Sri Devpuriji instructed Mahaprabhuji to allay their fears and by his presence to purify the place forever. On this hill Sri Devpuriji hoisted an orange flag, the sign of an ashram. In praise, Mahaprabhuji sang:
HE NISHAN BHAGVA HINDKA PUJANIK ADI ANADI
Praise to the orange flag,
Symbol of Renunciation, Truth and Eternity,
Happy are those who stay in its shadow,
Those who are ignorant miss this great discovery,
My Master, Paramyogeshwar Sri Devpuriji,
Revealed this Supreme Knowledge to me!
Swami Deep is the messenger of his Satguru.
Sri Deva Dungary Sannyas Ashram
As soon as the place of Mahaprabhuji's future residence was decided, Sri Devpuriji returned to Kailash and Mahaprabhuji began building the new ashram. The people of the area had known Mahaprabhuji since childhood and they worshipped him. Overjoyed that they were going to live near him, they enthusiastically helped erect a single-storied ashram on the hilltop. Mahaprabhuji named it 'Sri Deva Dungary Sannyas Ashram'.
Today it is hard to believe that once this place was thought to be haunted by evil spirits, for now only a holy peace can be felt. That this peace still pervades the area is due to Mahaprabhuji's long life and presence there. Each and every stone and grain of sand is saturated with the blessing and Divine energy of his radiance.
The ashram is situated in a beautiful, natural setting. Modern technology has yet to invade and spoil the peaceful serenity and beauty of the desert. Hardly a house can be seen from the ashram. Almost invisible paths wind through the sparse countryside from the village, which is two kilometres away. At a distance of three kilometres there stretches a range of hills. The centre of the range, having been exposed to the vagaries of harsh weather, is precipitous and rocky, yet its peaks are flat and sandy. One large, rocky opening appears through the hill like a gigantic door and this rocky gate is the entrance to the village of Bari Khatu. Apart from these hills, only the quiet of the desert surrounds the ashram. To stand there and behold this impressive view in the warm sun with a gentle breeze blowing on one’s skin, brings an indescribable feeling. Nothing can be heard except the occasional and distinctive cry of peacocks. If Mahaprabhuji is the Ocean of Mercy, then the ashram of Khatu must be the ark upon which it floats.
Sri Deva Dungary Sannyas Ashram
On the road to Jayal, between Bari and Choti Khatu villages, 5 km from Bari Khatu Ashram
District Nagaur, Rajasthan, India
27.150081, 74.303485
