Introduction

Why does one visit Saints?

The natural inclination on human mind is to be happy. One tends to spend his/her time, effort and resources towards gaining happiness. Most of the times, it is the belief that material well-being brings happiness. However on many occasions in one's life one experiences that this "material well-being" alone is not able to bring fulfilment / happiness.

Then why do we visit Saints? What is the driving factor? In the annual Ammaya Aradhana / ఆమ్మయ ఆరధన Invitation, i find a clear answer. Predominantly on account of one of the following 6 reasons.

1. Progeny,
2. Education,
3. Job/Occupation/Position/Recognition,
4. Money,Business etc
5. Marriage / Relationship,
6. Health / Life

When one faces a problem/(Needs Help) in ones life in one, some or all of the above 6 areas and is helpless. Kind of reached a dead-end on our efforts and we are in a direction less state and need a direction or guidance to move forward, we look up to an external source for some help and guidance.

Even if one has options to handle these imbalances, how can one ascertain that the option chosen is the right one that will take him out of entanglement ? Is there any facet other then the above 6 what one is concerned about in their daily life?

When all the above 6 areas of life are in balance, one feels satisfied. Any lack or imbalance in one of those areas drives one to seek help outside his efforts. It is a different question if one feel content/empty with what providence has provided for him in all these areas. Can i be content/tolerant with what I am receiving in the above 6 areas? Very Subjective..based on ones tolerance levels....and not to be debated.

As per Bhagvad Gita, One praying for support in one of the above areas is a "Aartha" or "Artha-Arthi" apart from these there are two other types  "Jignasu" and "Mumukshu". These are the 4 different type of people who pray, as per Shri Krishna in Bhagvad Gita. Can there be any other type ?

Once on the first/few visit/visits when we overcome our difficulties, we get interested and inquisitive in how the divine helped us..and we get drawn. There after we may visit the saint out of our curiosity..however there may not be a personal/material purpose. The state gets qualified from "Aartha" to "Artha-Arthi" to "Jignasu"

"Jignasu" - is one who is curious to know/learn. Know how the saint/master is always in a giving position. Unfortunately we are not(cannot) always in a giving position (Unconditional) we frequently switch between a giver and a seeker.There could be many other dimensions in which one can ponder and wish to learn and understand.

Interestingly when we keep remembering and praying even when we are doing well, adversity does not strike us. Or rather when it strikes we would have developed the strength in character to   take it in the right perspective and tolerate it. Are these qualities acquired by visiting saints/masters ? Do they formally teach them? 

Un-Conditional Surrender

When a seeker approaches an enlightened master, he has to be very careful. A seeker can always analyse each and every word and action of his master but he should never be judgemental. He should go with an (Open) attitude that no matter what or how the master may talk or behave, the master is always right. I had few experiences where Swami said something and its only 4-5 years later that i could understand the significance.

For the entire purpose of the seeker to approach the master is to improve his self and move to a higher level. If the seeker does not let himself to be transformed, there is no point in approaching the master. And often the transformation happens in the seeker only by a positive surrender. To bring about this transformation, the master will certainly have to give strokes to his disciple which seem to be unpleasant to ego-consciousness hurting it.

For any inconvenience, unease or hurt experienced by the seeker on the strokes given by a master is a sign of a residual ego. If at all the seeker has moved over this stage, he would not be hurt in any manner.

Often one will be comfortable in the company/presence of people who boost his ego-consciousness. Here is a relation where the master constantly keeps stroking/shattering the ego-consciousness of the seeker. At times it will be very difficult to absorb these strokes, still be resilient and stick on to the master. For this is the only way to move forward.

When we reflect, Which lesson did we learn quickly and remembered longer in life ? A Lesson imparted politely,  softly and gently? We can see there will be crowds of people/teachers who want/can learn/teach lessons in this manner. or the one that is given with a pinch of pain, hurt, inconvenience ?

There will be very few seekers/masters who can learn/teach in this manner. Subjective experience to the individual temperament !! For we have it in our tradition that, the stone that takes the hammer strokes of a Sculptor is mould into a beautiful master piece of God/Goddess and worshipped by people. 

How to reach Neelakantharaopeta Darga?

Firstly Reach Cuddapah Town.. This is the district Head-Quarter and one can find details to reach here easily from many sources. Typically all the private service buses to Cuddapah end their journey at 7 Roads Circle. Get down, The old bus stand is 5 Min walk away from 7 Roads Circle.

If you plan to arrive in Cuddapah by Rail or RTC Bus. All RTC Buses finally stop in New Bus Stand, 2-3 KM away from Old Bus Stand. Railway station is ~6 KM away from old bus stand. Take an auto to 7 Road's Circle.. should cost you around 20-30/-

If it is your first visit, take a hotel around the 7 roads circle and get refreshed. Have some breakfast. Reach the Old Bus Stand...Board any bus to Rayachoti...Take a ticket till Ramapuram...(Should be around 22/- Ticket..). From Ramapuram, there are number of auto's that ply to Neelakantharao peta Darga.

Note: Mention "Neelakantharao Peta Darga", the fare will be ~50-60/-. Get down at the Darga. Swami's visit timing are from ~ 10:30 AM to 12:00 PM in the mornings...and after 4:00 PM to 5:00 PM in the evening. Swami does not see visitors on Thursday's and Friday's.

Typically most visitor come with problems in one the following areas of their life..

1. Progeny,

2. Education,

3. Employment / Business etc,

4. Finance/Money/Litigation,

5. Marriage / Relationship

6. Health

There will be no mediator between Swami and the visitor..Visitors will get an opportunity to directly speak to Swami and ask their question / problem. Swami will guide them with appropriate answers.  Visitor are not encouraged / permitted to touch Swami.

To the extent possible maintain silence and focus in his presence. It will help to receive the maximum grace and benefit of spending time in his presence. When speaking to him, speak slowly and clearly. Keep your question short and to the point.

Should you wish to spend more time @ Darga..you can attend the afternoon Aarthi at the Sai Mandiram..@12:00 PM. Free Lunch / Ashram Prasad is served to all devotees..after Aarathi. Swami does not accept and articles in personal favor (Flowers, Eatables, Fruits etc..). Advised not to take anything along..

Should you feel to offer, there will be a hundi to offer your donations. There is a high school associated to the trust with around 300 school children.The school is run with out charging any fee and serving free breakfast and lunch to all the students. All donations are used to run the school.

For Additional Information: 

There is a on-line book available on Swami @ 

Direct Link to the book: Sri Sadguru Darga Swami Vari Charitra


For any reason if one is not able to reach the above link, one may go to the home page and search on the website  http://saimastersevatrust.org/

You can check for video's about swami @ http://www.youtube.com/user/tsrk76/