Activities
Activities at Dibyadham Yogashram offer blessed opportunities to live and share the divine teachings of the revered founder, Her Holiness Sri Maa Bhabamayee Paramahansa. It is by Her grace that every activity here—whether sadhana (spiritual practice), seva (selfless service to the Divine), the sharing of spiritual wisdom, or social service—flows as a constant offering at Her lotus feet, inspiring all to live in harmony with the highest ideals.
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Do not run after God.
Go on doing your duty.
God will follow you
with His vessel of grace in His hands.
– Maa –
Her Holiness
Sri Maa Bhabamayee Paramahansa
Daily Spiritual Activities
Dibyadham Yogashram endeavours to maintain an atmosphere of purity and sanctity through its daily activities and proper way of living.
Sadhaks (spiritual practitioners) rise before sunrise for their individual spiritual practices.
Arati is performed in the temple at 5 o’clock.
Her Holiness Holy Mother’s
Samadhi and statue
The Smruti Mandir
of Holy Mother
This is followed by havan (fire-worship), puja (worship of deities), and the chanting of sacred texts such as the Bhagavad Gita, Vishnu Sahasranam, and other scriptures.
Guru puja is then offered at the Smruti Mandir of Holy Mother.
Teaching and Training in Yoga, Indian Philosophy, and Music
The Yoga Institute at Dibyadham Yogashram offers instruction in various forms of Yoga, Indian philosophy, and both devotional and classical music. Teachings are imparted in Karma Yoga, Bhakti Yoga, Jnana Yoga, and Raja Yoga, alongside discourses on sacred scriptures such as the Bhagavad Gita, Shrimad Bhagavata, and the Upanishads. Both short-term and long-term residential courses and seminars in Yoga are conducted for students from India and abroad.
The Yoga Retreat Course held at Dibyadham Tapovan Ashram, Motori (Puri District), during winter, includes Hatha Yoga classes, spiritual discourses, mantra writing, japa (repetition of the Divine Name), meditation, karma yoga (yoga of action), and satsang (spiritual gathering). Emphasis is placed on the integration of these teachings into daily life, with particular focus on the students’ spiritual growth and inner transformation.
Hatha Yoga class, January 2024
Spiritual Guidance and Teachings
Guidance and instruction are offered through personal meetings or correspondence to all who seek direction on the spiritual path. According to each individual’s circumstances, the ashram encourages them either to lead the life of an ideal householder or to dedicate themselves as full-time sadhaks (spiritual practitioners).
Pujya Swami Anandaji Maharaj answering
the participant’s questions, August 2022
Sjt Bijaya Mohapatra, music teacher, singing at the Dola Purnima festival, March 2023
Sadhu Seva (Service to the sadhus)
Invited Vaishnavs on the occasion of
Punyatithi
Sadhus (holy ascetics) and spiritual aspirants from across India, regardless of their sect or belief, are warmly welcomed at the ashram with great respect. They are provided with accommodation, meals, clothing, and financial support throughout the year.
As part of its sacred mission to disseminate spiritual knowledge, Dibyadham Yogashram publishes books and booklets in Oriya, English, Japanese, Spanish, and French. These publications aim to guide sincere seekers on the path through the teachings of Holy Mother.
Social Welfare Activities
Dibyadham Yogashram engages in a wide range of social welfare activities. A Charitable Dispensary is operated at its sub-centre, Tapovan Ashram, located in a remote area where people had long been deprived of proper medical care. Another Charitable Homeopathic Dispensary, located in Puri, provides free treatment and homeopathic medicine to those in need. Cooked prasad is distributed every Saturday and Sunday within the ashram premises as part of Narayan Seva. Food and alms are offered at all times to those who come seeking refuge. The ashram also provides scholarships, food, and shelter to support students in need. Sincere service and hospitality are extended to visiting sadhus (holy ascetics) and saints. The ashram also extends financial support to elderly and needy locals.
Dibyadham Yogashram Charitable Dispensary located at Tapovan Ashram in Motori Village
Distribution of refreshments to the pilgrims on Sri Kshetra Parikrama Day
The doctor testing the eye-sight of a patient in an Eye Camp on the Republic Day
Prasad served to guests during Durga Puja
Go Seva (Service to Cows)
The ashram maintains two gosalas (cow shelters) : one at Banaprasta Ashram and another at Tapovan Ashram. These gosalas provide shelter not only for milch cows but also for aged, non-productive cows, which are cared for as part of the ashram’s spirit of service. The dairies supply fresh milk daily, from which ghee is prepared for the daily havan conducted for universal peace and harmony.
Holy Mother with a Calf
Gosala in Tapovan ashram
Festivals and Celebrations
The most important festivals at Dibyadham Yogashram are the Holy Mother’s Appearance Day and Guru Purnima. Disciples and devotees from across India and abroad gather to celebrate these occasions. Another important celebration is the sixteen-day Durga Puja held during September and October. Many other festivals are also observed in the ashram, including Sri Rama Navami, Sri Krishna Janmastami, Dipavali, and Rath Yatra. Christmas is also celebrated, as the ashram respects all faiths and upholds the view that the essence of all world religions is one.
Holy Mother’s Appearance Day
Sri Ramanavami festival
Yajña held on the occasion of Gita Jayanti
Christmas celebration
Cultural and Artistic Activities
The ashram promotes cultural and artistic performances by encouraging both established artists and students to take part in programmes of devotional music, dance, and drama held on special occasions, such as the festivals and celebrations mentioned above. Ananda Sabha, a special cultural and artistic gathering, is organised on the ashram premises to honour the occasions of Holy Mother’s Appearance Day and Guru Purnima. Opportunities are provided to students, devotees, and disciples from across India and abroad to take active part in these events, as well as in the daily satsangs.
A young artist performing bhajans, accompanied by professional musicians, at Ananda Sabha
Dance performance at Ananda Sabha
Maintenance of Religious and Historical Sites
Baghei Thakurani
As part of its mission to preserve Odisha’s cultural and spiritual heritage, the ashram extends financial support to several religious and historical sites.
This includes monthly contributions for Akhanda Mahamantra chanting at the West Gate of Lord Jagannath’s Temple; support for daily puja and upkeep of Baghei Temple in Mandarabasta village; and financial aid to various temples and organisations for building renovations and cultural programmes.
The Holy Mother and Swamiji at Baghei Temple under reconstruction, 2001
The new Baghei Temple inaugurated in March 2003