On Saturday, March 16, 2025, my Bhabhi Sarla, my wife Indira, and I embarked on a sacred pilgrimage to Baidyanath Temple,one of the twelve Jyotirlangas, followed by Darshan at Basukinath Temple, a revered Shiva shrine around 43 kms from Deoghar,considered to be the court of Baba Baidyanath, where Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati are worshipped together, symbolizing divine union and devotion. Our journey led us to Deoghar, 250 kms away from Ranchi,where we arrived around 6:30 PM. Initially, we faced some uncertainty regarding our accommodation due to the absence of SP Deoghar, A. P. Dungdung, from the district headquarters. However, this momentary challenge was soon resolved, and we found ourselves comfortably settled in the VIP suites of the sprawling Deoghar Circuit House. The dinner arranged by the SSP for us at the circuit house featured an exquisite selection of both Chinese and continental dishes, which we enjoyed to our heart's content. The delightful flavours of these culinary creations will linger in our memories for a long time. This thoughtful gesture not only showcased the SSP's refined taste and elegance but also reflected his deep respect and regard for me.
After a restful night, we were blessed with a divine Darshan of Baba Baidyanath early the next morning. The temple, teeming with devoted worshippers on an auspicious Monday, resonated with chants and an air of spiritual fervor. Our Panda, Pyare Lal, a towering figure known for his deep knowledge and meticulous approach to rituals, guided us through the sacred proceedings with remarkable attention to detail. Amidst the surging crowd of Shiva devotees, the experience was nothing short of transcendental.
Following this, we proceeded to Baba Basukinath, where the Darshan, though equally spiritual, was far less crowded. The police arrangements ensured a smooth and hassle-free experience, allowing us to pay our respects with ease. With our hearts filled with divine blessings and gratitude, we parted ways—Sarla Bhabhi and Indira returned to Ranchi, while I embarked on the next leg of my journey, a spiritual retreat at Rikhiapeeth, Deoghar.
My purpose for visiting Rikhiapeeth was twofold—seeking spiritual upliftment and enhancing my mental and physical well-being. Upon arrival, I was warmly welcomed by a Sadhvi on duty, who facilitated the registration process and issued my identity card. I was then escorted to a serene and well-appointed suite, which included an attached bathroom, a drawing room, and a dining area—my peaceful abode for the next eight days or so I thought.
Eager to immerse myself in the ashram’s discipline, I quickly settled in and managed to partake in Prasad just before lunchtime concluded. Later that afternoon, Swami Surya Prakash Ji, accompanied by Swami Ananta, personally took me to the lounge at Patanjali Bhavan. There, Swami Surya Prakash provided a comprehensive briefing on the activities and schedule I would be engaged in during my stay. Swami Ananta was assigned to oversee my daily routine and ensure my needs were met.The warmth and positivity of Swami Surya Prakash were truly uplifting, and he hinted at the possibility of an auspicious encounter—the Darshan of Swami Satsangananda Saraswati (Swami Satsangi)—during her scheduled inspection of construction and other activities the following morning.
After my meeting with Swami Surya Prakash lasting 15 to 20-minute,I got the chance to meet a couple of sevaks, offering me insights into the ashram’s daily operations and their roles. After an early dinner at 6:00 pm—a departure from my usual schedule—I took a serene 5-kilometer walk within the campus, enveloped in peace and tranquility.With a mind brimming with thoughts,I looked forward to the days ahead, ready to embrace the spiritual discipline and profound calm that Rikhiapeeth had to offer.
The next morning, March 18, 2025, I awoke at 4:00 am, feeling refreshed and eager to embrace the day’s unfolding experiences in this new sanctuary. Following my morning mantras and a brisk cold bath—owing to either an unresponsive geyser or my unfamiliarity with its operation—I prepared for the day. Punctually at 5:40 am, I arrived at the Patanjali Bhavan gate, as scheduled. A vehicle transported us to the main building for the havan ceremony, which commenced precisely at 6:00 am. Participating in the rituals was exhilarating; the mantras were chanted rapidly yet rhythmically, synchronized with offerings into the Agni kund. The vibrations from the chants permeated the environment, imparting immense spiritual joy—a profound experience that resonated deeply, marking my first encounter with such profound spiritual elation.
Following the havan, I engaged in the day’s scheduled activities, including yoga asanas, pranayama, and Yoga Nidra. Around 11:30 am, I was granted the rare privilege of meeting Swami Satyasangananda Saraswati during her visit to Patanjali Bhavan to oversee various construction endeavors. Meeting such a distinguished spiritual leader face-to-face was profoundly inspiring. In our brief interaction, she warmly welcomed me, expressing joy at my presence in the ashram and encouraging me to feel at home. She instructed the arrangement of a competent yoga instructor to guide me in daily yoga sessions of at least one hour. Her aura exuded positivity and warmth, an experience I will cherish throughout my life. I feel deeply blessed to have received her blessings.
After an extraordinary and blessed meeting with Peethadhiwari of Rikhiapeeth, I had no inkling of the storm that was about to engulf me. On the afternoon of March 19, 2025, as I awoke around 3:00 PM, I was suddenly seized by an overwhelming sensation—the world around me began spinning at a dizzying speed. It was a terrifying and disorienting experience. My initial reaction was that an earthquake of immense intensity had struck Rikhia. But when I saw that everything around me remained intact except for my own spiraling perception, I realized that something was gravely wrong with me.
A wave of severe nausea washed over me, leaving me reeling. I struggled to steady myself, but my balance had completely deserted me. Lying flat on my back with my head straight seemed to bring momentary relief, but even the slightest tilt in any direction reignited the unbearable dizziness and sickness. This torment lasted for nearly 25 minutes before I gathered the resolve to seek help. However, a daunting challenge presented itself—how would I even reach the main entrance to call for assistance when I could barely move?
I first tried calling my daughter, Chitrakshi, but she was engaged with office work and couldn’t respond. Finally, I reached out to Swami Ananta, who acted swiftly, sending an attendant to my aid. To my immense relief, I had not bolted the door from inside, allowing him easy access. I immediately contacted my family physician, Dr. Payoj Tiwari, who prescribed medication based on my symptoms.
However, the mere act of attempting to sit up, even with full support, sent me spiraling back into vertigo-induced nausea. Even basic movements—like getting up to go to the washroom—became an ordeal of unimaginable difficulty.
Eventually, the prescribed medicine took effect, allowing me to sleep for two hours. Upon waking, I felt slightly better and, with the full support of two attendants, managed to get to the washroom. That night, I rested relatively well, hoping that the worst was over. However, the next morning, the symptoms returned with full force. It became evident that I needed hospital care. Fortunately, AIIMS Deoghar, with its newly established medical facilities, was within reach. A medical ambulance was arranged for my transfer—my first-ever experience of being transported in one, though not a particularly pleasant one. The hour-long journey was rough, with poor road conditions exacerbating my discomfort.
Upon arrival at AIIMS Deoghar, a team of doctors promptly attended to me, bringing a much-needed sense of relief and reassurance. I underwent a series of tests, including an MRI of the brain, which thankfully ruled out any serious neurological issues. My condition was diagnosed as Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV)—a disorder caused by the displacement of tiny calcium carbonate crystals (otoconia) in the inner ear. This disruption in the vestibular system sends conflicting balance signals to the brain, resulting in severe dizziness and nausea.
Now, having regained much of my balance, I am feeling significantly better. While I am still recuperating at AIIMS Deoghar, I remain hopeful for a possible discharge tomorrow, March 22, 2025.
Life has a strange way of unfolding, sometimes in the most unpredictable and unsettling ways. One moment, I was basking in spiritual bliss; the next, I was grappling with a harrowing health crisis. This experience has reinforced my belief in divine grace—perhaps Baba Baidyanath’s blessings shielded me from something far worse. It has also reminded me of the frailty of human existence and the importance of health, preparedness, and resilience. As I emerge from this ordeal, I do so with gratitude, newfound wisdom, and a deeper appreciation for the mysterious ways of life.
The writer is a retired IPS officer, who was DGP of Jharkhand. Views are personal.
