Sri S.N.V. Naidu, Bhairavati, Mysore

Two remarkable days in my life are the 7th of September 1941, and the 7th of September 1945.

The 7th day of September 1941 has given me a new life. Having an interest in spiritual life, worshipping Sri Ramakrishna Paramahamsa and studying his messages, I was searching for a Guru to guide me. Accidentally on the above-mentioned day, Sri Jaganmata brought me to Rishikesh and showed me, my Guru, the eminent saint Sri Sivananda Saraswati.

Sri Gurudev with affection put spiritual ideas into my heart. I cannot forget the days spent there reading the Bhagavad Gita with many inmates of the Ashram, near the feet of Gurudev.

Having stayed there for some time, I came back to my native place, and again went to Rishikesh with my family, on the 7th of September 1945. I feel that Jaganmata who had brought me to Rishikesh before, to show my Gurudev, brought us again to the same place now to show us another sacred man who is a devout adherent of Gurudev.
Who is now renowned by being celebrated his birthday by the same Ashramavasis - Swami Venkatesananda - had with great enthusiasm taken part in the birthday celebrations of Gurudev on that day, wearing only a towel on his body.

I do not know why I, who dislike friends and too much of talking with others, wanted his relation even at the moment I saw him. His childlike heart, philosophical thoughts and sincerity have increased my ambitions. Within a couple of days we two understood each other and a close contact was formed. One night I went to the Bhajana Mandir, where he resided. The doors of his room were closed. He was praying before a picture of his Ishtadevata. I stood there for a while, feeling both amazement and pleasure, seeing him through a window of that room. I immediately remembered Sri Ramakrishna Paramahamsa and felt very glad, for the scene I saw was as it is described in his life history.

Having spent six months as six days with this sacred man, near the feet of the Sadguru, in the holy and peaceful surroundings of Rishikesh, we left that place with tears.

Let us pray to God to bestow long life and efficiency on this Wisdom-Moon, Sri Swami Venkatesananda, illuminated by the Knowledge-Sun - Sri Swami Sivananda Saraswati, to regenerate human beings by spraying Jnanamrita on them.