2012 Shivaratri Celebration at the Bal Ashram

Every year, on the 13th or 14th night of the full moon in February, Hindus revel in the celebration of Lord Shiva. One of the three 'Supreme Gods,' Shiva is known as the destroyer or transformer. What Brahma creates, Vishnu preserves. But there is an unenviable end to everything...and Shiva destroys allowing for rebirth. Each year, people from all over India travel to Varanasi, Shiva's home, to pay homage to this beloved deity. Devotees flock to temples and honor, while thousands of young men carry on the tradition of running through the city in lively chanting.

Running through the streets of Varanasi celebrating Shiva!

There are many stories surrounding Shiva, but it is commonly thought that this day marks the wedding between Shiva and Parvati...the ultimate connection of matter and energy.

This last Monday February 20th, we celebrated Shivaratri here at the Bal Ashram. Friends and family traveled far and wide to take part in this auspicious day of worship.

A two hour morning Shiva Rudra Abhishekam, or Puja was preformed. All gathered around the linga, a phallic symbol representing Shiva's energy, and watched while it was ceremonially offered bael leaves, milk, ghee and honey.

Some of the Ashram boys front and center

Babaji's niece Dolly (on right) watching the ceremony

Flowers, milk, honey and ghee offered to Shiva

Babaji reminded all that this is a time to be aware and connect with your energy.

"Be careful of boundaries," he said. 'Whenever you create a boundary with something...I hate this, I'm jealous of this person, I care for this but not for that...all your energy is tied up. When this energy is free, we are able to be whole. Wherever your attention is, that's your reality."

After concluding Shivaratri Puja, everyone performed Arati to Babaji

Namaste,
Caspian Merritt
Bal Ashram

What's all the buzz about?

Directly east from the Bal Ashram, across the Ganges, the Amirt Sagar ('Ocean of Nectar") Environmental Center constantly brims with activity. The 10 acre parcel is home to many on-going projects, including a dairy, vegetable and herb gardens, solar panels, bio gas system and a bee colony. This last month, the buzz has been all about the bees.


I had the pleasure to spend time with Bee Experts Alessandro and Barbara Buisnar, during their one month visit to the Bal Ashram from Venice Italy. Although the bee project has been active since 2010, the program needed a bit of guidance and fine tuning from the father-daughter team.


I accompanied Alessandro and Barbara on a recent trip to check on each hive with Eco Center resident and Bee Keeper in Training, Ramesh. The Center currently homes over 20 Langstroth Hives each hosting 60-70 thousand bees..each with one Queen.

 Queen bees lay an average of 1,500-2 thousand eggs per day. While most result in workers and drones, the rearing of another Queen is avoided to prevent swarming -the original queen leaving the hive with her 'swarm' looking for a new residence. This is done by pulling each cell out of its hive and knocking off any 'queen cells' that contain the larvae of potential new leaders. It was inside these queen cells that I was able to taste a little bit of heaven. 

Ramesh, Alessandro and Loknath check one of the hives.

Ramesh inspecting for a 'Queen Cell"

Royal Jelly is secreted from the glands in the heads of worker bees. All larvae is initially fed royal jelly but only  burgeoning queens are fed it exclusively. Reported to have many health benefits including  brain cell growth, antibiotic effects, cholesterol lowering and anti-inflammatory agents as well as anti-aging properties, this bi product is certainly sought-after. The taste is mildly sweet with an almost goat cheese like quality. Sucking the jelly out of a freshly cracked queen cell is certainly a moment I will remember forever! 

After removing the larvae, the Royal Jelly is ready to eat!

My first taste!

Alessandro and Barbara spent many days with the Eco Center team, sharing their vast knowledge and immense respect for bees and the vital role they play in the  worlds ecosystem. Success with this program moves Bal Ashram closer to self sufficiency, with income generated from the sale of the honey as well as provides the young adults of the Ashram with responsibility and ownership in an important link to the Aghor Foundation's prosperity.


Namaste,
Caspian Merritt
Bal Ashram