When Arjuna met Krishna

The Meeting of Two Mahatmas:

A Spiritual Bond Beyond Time and Language

The Sacred Grounds of Bhoomananda Ashram

Nestled near the holy Gandi Veeranjaneya Swami Kshetram in Kadapa District, Bhoomananda Ashram is a sanctuary of tapas and spiritual awakening. Its founder, the revered Pujya Swami Ramakrishnananda Giri, was a sant with immense wisdom. His ability to convey the profound wisdom of the Bhagavad Geeta in simple Telugu of the rayalaseema masses, touched even the most unlettered devotees. His renowned lecture series, Janapriya Gitopanyasamulu, became a lifeline of divine guidance for thousands.

A Sant’s Reverence for a Divine Master

यत्सां‍ख्यै: प्राप्यते स्थानं तद्योगैरपि गम्यते ।
एकं सां‍ख्यं च योगं च य: पश्यति स पश्यति ॥ BG 5.5 ॥

Within these discourses, Swamiji often turned to an extraordinary figure: Pujya Gurudev Swami Chinmayananda Maharaj. To Swamiji, Chinmaya Gurudev was not merely a spiritual teacher but the very embodiment of Lord Krishna’s divine virtues.

“A true Karma Yogi,” he would say, pointing to Gurudev’s example, “is one who lives in the world but remains untouched by it. That is Gurudev. He is Lord Krishna Himself.”

योगयुक्तो विश‍ुद्धात्मा विजितात्मा जितेन्द्रिय: ।
सर्वभूतात्मभूतात्मा कुर्वन्नपि न लिप्यते ॥ BG 5.7 ॥

His voice, filled with awe, often trembled as he spoke these words, igniting the hearts of those who listened.

The Divine Announcement: ‘Lord Krishna is Coming!’

కృష్ణ భగవాన్నే వస్తున్నాడు! సాక్షాత్తు శ్రీకృష్ణ పరమాత్మనే వస్తున్నాడు!!

Then came the day when the news arrived: Pujya Gurudev would visit the ashram. The moment Swamiji heard it, his face lit up like the rising sun, tears welling up in his eyes. Overcome by the enormity of what was to happen, he announced to everyone within earshot, “Krishna Bhagavan is coming! Sakshat Krishna Bhagavan is coming!” His joy was infectious, spreading like wildfire through the ashram inmates, bhaktas and shishyas alike. Every corner resonated with a sense of divine anticipation. The devotees prepared not just the ashram but their hearts to receive a living manifestation of the divinity.

A Meeting Overflowing with Tears of Joy

The long-awaited day arrived. Swamiji, dressed in his simple robes, stood at the entrance, his hands trembling in devotion, his heart pounding with palpable excitement for the onlookers. As the vehicle carrying Pujya Gurudev Chinmayananda approached, tears streamed down Swamiji’s face, each drop a testament to his love and reverence.

He clasped his hands together tightly, his voice quivering as he whispered, “Krishna has come to me.”

॥ కృష్ణస్తు భగవాన్ స్వయం ॥ कृष्णस्तु भगवान् स्वयं ॥

When Gurudev Chinmaya stepped out, Swamiji fell to his knees, unable to hold back the flood of emotion. He cried openly, his tears mingling with the dust of the earth as he prostrated himself in the presence of the one he revered as the divine Lord. Gurudev, with his radiant smile and serene aura, gently lifted Swamiji, embracing him with the warmth of a thousand suns. In that sacred embrace, time seemed to stand still, and the onlookers could only watch in awe, their own eyes brimming with tears.

Krishna and Arjuna Reunited

The devotees who witnessed this profound moment often whispered among themselves, “This is no ordinary meeting. Pujya Gurudev is Krishna, and Swami Ramakrishnananda is Arjuna.” The two sants stood side by side, radiating a spiritual energy so powerful it left an indelible imprint on all present.

A Rare Photograph, A Timeless Legacy

In the rare photograph above of the two Mahatmas—a moment frozen in time, reflecting their sacred bond. This image remains a beacon for seekers, a reminder of the divine friendship between Krishna and Arjuna, reflected in the mortal realm by these two great atmans.

Their meeting was not merely an event but a living testament to the unity of divine purpose, wisdom personified and unconditional love. It continues to inspire, reminding us that when hearts are filled with true wisdom, the divine truly walks among us with overflowing love for ALL. 

How Shri Chinmaya Satgurudev represented Krishna and Gandi Ramakrishnanada Swami the Arjuna, is for your reflection!!