When I reminisce about the time together with my beloved Shri Gurudev, the stories of the ashram cooks often come to mind. In all the years Shri Gurudev lived in Karar Ashram, Puri, he only had two cooks who served him and the ashram with their hearts and souls. Writing these stories might be helpful in understanding Shri Gurudev, his life, and how we should live and interact with others.
The kitchen of Hindu families is the second most holy place after the puja room. It represents purity and cleanliness and, at the same time, must conform to a lot of rules. However, times are changing, and many good things are getting lost in the process.
Shri Gurudev was born into a sincere and devoted brahmin family at the beginning of the last century. He grew up with many disciplines in his childhood and followed what he learned from his mother, father, and guru-preceptors before joining the Puri ashram in 1938 as Brahmachari Rabinarayan. His early years in the ashram were quite challenging and difficult. Swami Sevanandaji, who managed the ashram, was very strict and rude. His impolite words and cadence were not easy to digest. Financial stringency in the ashram also made it difficult for Shri Gurudev who was charitable and kind by nature. However, where there is a will, there is a way. He adjusted to his new environment and instigated many reforms to the ashram. The following is a collection of beautiful stories about the brahmin cooks at the ashram who will ever hold a special place in Shri Gurudev's heart.
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