
SWAMI BRAHMANANDA

SWAMI BRAHMANANDA
On the auspicious day of Swami Vivekananda's birth anniversary, falling on 30th January the same year, he administered the vow for Celibacy and inducted to monasticism 35 persons in all. On the 10th February following, his birth anniversary was also celebrated in a grand manner and at night a Kalipuja in image was performed. During his stay he went to Sankata Mochana temple on 4th March along with the monastics and brahmacharins for singing the Ramanama samkirtana and had the holy darshan of Sri Mahavira there in the guise of an old Brahmin. The 11th March following is especially memorable for the Advaita Ashrama when, on account of the birth anniversary of Bhagwan Sri Ramakrishna, Special pujas were performed and the old Lithograph of Sri Ramakrishna so long worshipped was replaced by a new photograph and the Lithograph was placed in the hall. Along with Swami Brahmanandaji, Swami Saradananda, Swami Turiyananda and Swami Subodhananda were also present on the occasion. All present danced and sang the tune Esseche nutan manus.......' (A new one has arrived) on the pavilion with great excitement. Swami Brahmanandaji performed the offerings and aratrikam. At that moment some sannyasins noticed in him an ecstatic mood. On that day he initiated five novice into Brahmacharya and initiated nine others into sannyasa. This was his last visit to Kashi. On the 15th March following he left the holy Kashi for Belur Math.