The Holy caves at Kanhangad
The first and foremost unique place for meditation for Sadhakas is none other than the Holy Caves of Kanhangad Nithyananda Ashram. These holy caves, were created by Swami Nithyananda in the twenties of the last century (sometime between 1923 and 1927), meant exclusively for the seekers of the truth and the Sadhakas. Therefore purpose of these Caves is absolutely for meditation.
Background
This site of the caves is situated by the side of Hosadurga fort and then that was a deserted rocky hill, full of poisonous snakes. After clearing the wild growth, Swami started the construction work. It created quite a sensation in the small town of Kanhangad. Swami was himself involved in the construction of these caves, with the help of local people hired on daily wages.
Swami had a peculiar way of distributing wages among workers during the construction work. Sometimes he used to take money out of his loin cloth, and at other times he told the workers to collect their wages kept in a bundle at the foot of a nearby tree or from underneath a stone. Surprisingly, the bundle contained exactly the amount required to pay their wages.
In the latter half of its construction Swami's close disciple Janananda Baba also joined hands with him in the construction work. Another significance of these Caves is that these were constructed by Swami when he was totally in an Avadhoota state. That was during his second phase of peripatetic journey in coastal region of Kerala and Karnataka.
Why these caves are unique?
The caves are marvelous, distinctive and typical in its structural design and ambience. The outward structure has peculiar zigzag steps, strange square carvings, and bizarre pathways. When once a devotee of Swami asked him about these structures. Then Swami had a ready answer— he said, they are structures resembling the human brain and have everything to promote spiritual exercises like meditation. The ambience too has its own contribution. Almost half of the structure is surrounded by water with lotus flowers.
Another peculiar aspect of these caves is that, in cold season, it is warm inside and in the warm season, it is cold inside. It is said that, their pattern is based on "Shanmugatatva'. There are 43 rooms like structures, and even to this day intact for use in all respects.
As the total number being 43, it is felt, the numerical aspect of 43 has its own connotation. It is attributed to "Sree Chakra". Swami used to call these caves Suryodayastha (Sunrise-Sunset) caves. As a matter fact, lot of spiritual vibrations is experienced in these caves. It is for these reasons meditation in the caves is considered to be a great blessing for the devout. Swami Nithyananda had predicted that, a time will come when great saints would live in these caves and would inspire the birth of a golden era of Sanathana Dharma.
In the year 2006, the holy caves have been renovated by re-in-forcing from within using laterite stone walls and pillars. Besides this exemplary work, a pathway to the Temple over the caves has been constructed.
Kanhangad Ashram had a very distinct place in Swami's mind and heart. He used to refer to Kanhangad Ashram in fond and affectionate terms. He once referred to this Ashram as a "University of Spirituality" where every aspirant had to spend some days before graduating in spirituality.
Do's and Don'ts
As the caves are considered to be most sacred and spiritually distinct, utmost cleanness is to be maintained inside the caves. In order to create a mood of meditation pin drop silence is to be observed. To make this possible, only people with a bent of mind towards spirituality would be allowed to enter the caves.
List of items to be carried inside
A simple small mat is worth for sitting inside the caves. Of course blankets are preferred for this purpose. However, there is no need of special arrangements or preparations as such.
Meditation at Guruvan
Another suitable place for meditation is Guruvan. Guruvan is situated about 5 km east of Kanhangad Ashram.
This land is sanctified by the presence of Swami Nithyananda. Swami reached here about a century back after visiting several places in coastal Kerala. He was then in his tender age and was in a state of Avadhoot-the highest state among the siddhas.
Swami said that the place is very sacred because in the past several siddhas have lived and attained Samadhi here. With his own divine hands he installed the eight stones in a form of circle and named them eight siddhis — Anima, Mahima, Garima, Laghima, Prapti, Prakyama, Eashitwa and Vashitwa. Therefore, Guruvan is rightly called as a Tapobhoomi
At that time there was no water available on this rocky hills surrounded by forest. One day Swami struck at a dry rock with his divine hands and water gushed out of the barren hills. This water is flowing ever since. Swami named it as "Paapnashini Ganga" and said a dip in the holy waters cleanses the body and mind of the bather. The devout take bath in this pristine clear water. A dip in the "Paapanashini Ganga", and there after one can assume meditation either in the natural caves or in the temple premises.
Nestling among the hills on three sides, this Tapobhoomi with its serene and tranquil surroundings offer an ideal place for meditation and prayer. That is how people come here to experience the unique fusion of nature and spirituality.
Accomodation Details
Swami Nithyananda Ashram, Kanhangad has a unique history of providing accommodation for devotees and visitors. All who were visiting the Ashram, have been served with free accommodation from the time of Swami Janananda Baba.
At present the status of accommodation at Kanhangad Ashram is as follows:
Type-1: New, spacious, furnished, with round the clock hot water facility, granite/ vitrified flooring, suitable for a family of 4-5 members. The number of rooms available is 20. This includes very spacious two dormitories, accommodating a group of 10-12 members with 2 numbers of toilets and bath rooms in each dormitory.
Type-2: Old, Mangalore tiled,but cool, hygienic and clean, with all facilities rooms- available number -10.
As Guruvan is only 5k.m.from Kanhangad Ashram, one could stay at Kanhangad Ashram and visit the Guruvan.