Jagjit Ji used to sing it in Bm scale and that’s what I’ve recorded in, but his more recent performances were in Am, probably to keep in sync with his growing baritone/older voice. Happy Holidays and my gift to all music lovers on Christmas Eve.

I want to share a little incident that has baffled me for a while now, although I never quite gave it much attention, but still want to throw it out there.

I want to share a tune that I recorded in September 2006. I had just started learning Guitar on my own and at that time I only knew how to play couple chords and had merely been playing for 2-3 months. This was 2 years before I even knew who Anna Singt was. For those who don’t know – Anna Singt is an Acoustic German band started by Anna Ratsch-Heitmann.

I downloaded her song in May 2008, which was originally released in 2002. Now what’s interesting is that I did not even hear her song until 2008. AND THAT is what has baffled me for a long time and I have no answers for it.
Could it be a pure co-incidence..that I recorded a similar tune or atleast the intro?

Here are the first 60 seconds of the piece that I recorded while practising D minor chord in Sept. 2006.

Here is the beginning of Anna’s Song “Stay on your own” with uncanny resemblance to my piece. (AGAIN, I had never heard this song before 2008).

P.S. I consulted many experts on this and it was established that:

Words:

Love of mine some day you will die
But I’ll be close behind I’ll follow you into the dark
No blinding light or tunnels to gates of white
Just our hands clasped so tight
Waiting for the hint of a spark

If Heaven and Hell decide That they both are satisfied
Illuminate the NOs on their vacancy signs
If there’s no one beside you When your soul embarks
I’ll follow you into the dark

In Catholic school as vicious as Roman rule
I got my knuckles bruised by a lady in black
And I held my tongue as she told me
“Son fear is the heart of love”
So I never went back

If Heaven and Hell decide…

You and me have seen everything to see
From Bangkok to Calgary
And the soles of your shoes are all worn down
The time for sleep is now It’s nothing to cry about
’cause we’ll hold each other soon
In the blackest of rooms..

Words:

Oh how long has it been since you talked with the Lord
And told Him your heart’s hidden secret
How long since you prayed How long since you stayed
On your knees till the light shone through

How long has it been since your mind felt at ease
And how long since your heart knew no burden
Can you call Him your friend How long has it been
Since you knew that He cared for you

Oh how long has it been since you knelt by your bed
And prayed to the Lord up in heaven
How long since you knew That He’d answer you
And would keep you the long night through

How long has it been since you woke with the dawn
And felt that the day’s worth the living
Can you call Him your friend How long has it been
Since you knew that He cared for you

Jeete rehne ki saza de, zindagi ae zindagi
Ab to marne ki dua de zindagi ae zinda–gi

Main to ab uqta gaya hoon kya yahi hai qayanat
Bas ye aaina hata de zindagi ae zindagi

Dhoondne niklaa tha tujhko aur khud ko kho diya
Tu hi ab mera pata de zindagi ae zindagi

Yaa mujhe ehsaas ki ees qaid se kar de rihaa
Warna deewana banaade zindagi ae zindagi

Written by: Zaka Siddiqui
Original Scale: A#m (my version is in Bm)
P.S. The voice is a bit hoarse in the video as I’d been practising “Wo Kagaz ki Kashti” prior to recording this, which exhausted my throat!

My humble tribute to the Legendary Late Jagjit (Ghazaljeet) Singh. Volume is a bit low, so raise it up please.

Aah ko chaahiye ik umr asar hone tak
Kaun jeeta hai terii zulf ke sar hone tak

Aashiqii sabr-talab aur tamannaa betaab
Dil kaa kyaa rang karun khoon e jigar hone tak

Ham ne maanaa ke tagaaful na karoge lekin
Khaak ho jaayenge ham tumko Khabar hone tak

Gam e hasti kaa ‘Asad’ kis se ho juz marg ilaaj
Shamma har rang men jalatii hai sahar hone tak.

We’re currently working on our second album, which will be a compilation of original English Folk/Acoustic songs. Visit us on Facebook for more!

My decision to conduct experiments with Time and Space started in September 2011 after a year long research on topics such as Astral Projection, Space Time continuum, Time Travel and other similar topics that may sound ‘out there’ to an average so-called intellectual. After going through the procedures involved and initial preparation, I conducted my first experiment on the afternoon of 18th September 2011. The day had been slightly warm (temperature was in 80s) but the inside of my apartment was pleasant. The focus of my first experiment was to be able to Astrally Project on a chosen date and place.

Before I proceed ahead – I must disclose the fact that this experiment is ideal for early morning around sun-rise or just prior to sleeping. Just the fact that I conducted this cycle in the middle of afternoon showed that i.) I was not expecting any results and ii.) I may not have been that serious as I would be in my future experiments.

Sitting down/Preparation

After tuning into my consciousness and confirming the set-up, I requested Providence for assisting me to astrally project at Rohtak (India), which is where my parents live. This cycle lasted for about 10 minutes. My initial tuning was not 100% to my satisfaction yet I decided to proceed ahead for the sake of time. I later found out that results may significantly improve if this cycle were to last for 20 minutes. I plan to extend my time-frame in my future experiments. After wrapping up, I sat down on my reclining chair for a period of about 25 minutes. The goal was to relax and clear the mind to arrive at a state of tranquility. In scientific terms, one could say that you are looking to reach somewhere between an Alpha State and Theta State. For those not aware with these terms; here is how it is explained:

• Alpha brainwaves are slower, and higher in amplitude. Their frequency ranges from 8 to 12 Hz (cycles per second). A person who takes time out to reflect or meditate is usually in an alpha state.
• Theta brainwaves are typically of even greater amplitude and slower frequency. This frequency range is normally between 6 and 10 Hz (cycles per second). A person who is driving on a freeway, and discovers that they can’t recall the last five miles, is often in a theta state–induced by the process of freeway driving.

After the relaxation period, I resumed my normal chores, but stayed away from anything too physical. The actual results were to reveal themselves at night.

Astral Projection and OOBE

After a late dinner and reading a book, I went to bed at around 12:30 at night. After saying my nightly prayers, I put myself into a state of conscious sleep where you are aware that you’re sleeping yet your mind is observing (not participating). I must also mention that just when I was about to drift off to sleep, I noticed a strange sensation in my body as if some invisible force was causing me to levitate (as noticed in different body limbs). Now the most interesting part of the night was to happen around 3 AM. I found myself lying on my bed in my room at our house in Rohtak. The room was dark so I assumed it was night-time. What happened next is still hard for me to explain given the surreal nature of the experience. It was almost like watching a movie, BUT where you get to participate instead of simply being an observer.
Even though I was in Rohtak, I was consciously aware of the goings on about 8000 miles away in my apartment in US.

Out of Body Experience

My astral self/soul (or whatever term you wish to use) gradually started to separate from my physical body. It felt as if an elastic was being stretched and then going back to the starting point. I merged back into my physical body after a couple of small jumps, and afterwards a full disjunction was observed. I had now fully left my physical body and was floating above it while observing it consciously. This is very critical as this is one of the things that separates such an experience from a Dream (which is mostly done sub-consciously, hence most of us don’t remember our dreams or forget them soon after waking up).

After floating above my body for a while, I decided to explore further and moved outside the room. I followed the stairs and floated all the way to the ceiling and lingered there for a while. Since this was the first such experience for me, I repeated this process a few times where I went back to my physical body still lying on the bed in my room and floated right back up to where the stairs ended. At this point, I made an attempt to cross through a physical barrier, which in this case was the ceiling itself (made of concrete). To my surprise, I was able to pass through the ceiling and found myself outside in dark on the terrace (still floating). I felt a sensation as one feels while inserting hand within an object made of rubber/gas. While I was out, I noticed the darkness and the quiet of the night when suddenly – a feeling of fear engulfed me for some reason and I decided to drift back inside.

Location Confirmed

Here is where I encountered my mother and for the next bit, things took an unexplained turn. Firstly, she was not surprised to see me floating. Based on what I know, an average physical person can not detect an astral being/soul/spirit with bare eyes. We conversed for a few moments and this is when I consciously remembered (to my surprise and relief) to ask and confirm – What time period I had travelled to.

Going back to the beginning of my experiment, my goal was to astrally travel to Rohtak on 30th December 2010.

I asked, “What date is it today”? My mother then looked at the Calendar hanging on the nearby wall and informed me of the current date; 5th August. I could not confirm the year as I could not retain that information. I do, however, remember staring at the calendar to confirm the date myself, but my clouded vision prevented me from doing so.

Soon after that I merged back with my physical body and got up from my bed (back in my apartment in US). The time was around 4AM and I could recollect every tiny detail of what had happened. I was glad that the Experiment number 1 had shown solid results and paved way for future experiments.

Final Notes

To sum it up, I have had vivid dreams before, but nowhere close to what I experienced this time. It was a mixture of Astral Projection at will – later combined with an OOBE (Out of Body Experience). I am not sure what the Divine will is behind this, but with the grace of Providence, I will soon conduct my second experiment. Some observations and notes for the future are noted below.

I also pray that these experiments do not conflict with my Spiritual Sadhna and I trust the Divine Powers to show me the right path.

Observations/Notes for Future Experiments:

• The tuning requires acute concentration and focus. You must find yourself in a state of meditation and clear your mind of the goings on in your life.
• In my next experiment, I plan to use only Month and Year and drop the date out of my requirements. I also plan to use a different location this time to visit astrally.
• The overall tuning and focus period is advised to be around 20-30 minutes. I plan to implement this. Also the pre-set up stage for tuning needs to be refined.
• The time of running this experiment is most critical. Either Sunrise or just before sleeping are considered to be most apt.
• Mind should be calmed and relaxed as much as possible. Perhaps somewhere between Alpha and Theta state is where I will strive to be.

Gautam Dhar
Documented on: 19th September 2011
Experiment Date: 18th September 2011
Sunnyvale, CA (US)

*EDIT: An updated version of this article is available at india travelogue‘s Travel Section. My thanks to the Editor!*

The month was July and it was the rainy season again. Almost 2 years had passed when I took the Journey to Mahavatar Baba’s Cave in 2009. The journey we took during the course of a week involved mystic experiences with people and places alike. After last year’s torrential floods and landslides in Himalayas and most of Northern part of India, this year in 2011, (despite being the rainy season again!) the weather gods kept the days clear. At times, mist and fog rolled in, clouding our view completely, but it wasn’t too long before the sunlight shone through.

The places we covered during this trip are tucked away quietly amidst the lap of the Himalayas, far from the crowds and rituals of modern day temples. With advancing times, even many Siddha places have not remained untouched by the so-called rituals and tourists, yet some places lie quiet and unnoticed, as destined by Providence. I strongly believe that one can only get to these places when the divine call comes. No map or planning will lead you there. Such has been my experience.  I consider and rightly found myself blessed on visiting these places. For obvious reasons, I will give everyone an idea of the locations, but leave it to the reader to follow their own beckoning and visit the places, if the divine wish be so.

Click Here to see some of the Photos from our Journey

After a long flight from US, I landed in Delhi at about 6.30 in the morning on 19^th July and the very next day we set out for our journey in the Himalayas. But first, Father and I made a night stop in Haridwar to drop my mother off  in Jolly Grant where my Mamaji is a doctor at HIMS (Himalayan Institute of Medical Sciences) established by Swami Ram.

To Lansdowne…

The next day, we left for Lansdowne located in the Garhwal range of Himalayas. Getting an early start, we left Haridwar at 8.30 after a heavy breakfast of Poori Bhaaji. We encountered Kawariyas during most of our journey through the plains (UP), the scenery started to become hilly as we approached Kotdwar, which is a small and bustling town 130 Kms. from Lansdowne. We arrived at the outskirts of Lansdowne at about 1.30 PM. We decided to stay away from the population and halted at Kasang Regency Hill Resort, 5 KMs outside of Lansdowne. After imbibing a panoramic view of the Himalayan Mountains from our room’s balcony and a decent lunch – we set out for our destination – Tarkeshwar Mahadham.

Tarkeshwar Mahadham

Tarkeshwar Mahadham is a 600-year old sacred shrine located on a hill-top nestled within a deep forest at about 6,800 feet above sea level. The ancient Tarkeshwar Dham in the Himalayas is also where Swami Ram of the Himalayas attained enlightenment. Here is also where Swami Ram and his master would come often for Tapa.
Amazingly, the wild animals ambulating about are quite indifferent to any human inhabitant, as Swami Hari often found out in his encounters with Bears, Tigers and local Cobras (The Laughing Swami).

Around February – April in 2010, while the Kumbh Mela was in progress in Haridwar, I had some strange visions with one of them being of Swami Hari. I had merely read about Tarkeshwar a few times back then, and also in Swami Ram’s book “Living with Himalayan Masters”. It was a surreal dream where Swami Hari and I talked about random things beside a temple in the mountains and then towards the end he invited me to visit Tarkeshwar. Afterwards, the dream remained etched in my memory as if I had met Swamiji in real life. Things became more intense when a friend told me that Swami Hari had left his mortal body in June 2008, which was almost 2 years prior to my dream. I knew right then and there that Tarkeshwar beckoned strong – but it would take 2 trips to Himalayas before my Sankalpa became a reality.

Back to the journey now…
The road to Tarkeshwar was more or less deserted as there is no habitation along the way. We did not encounter any villages, not even a tea shop. It was definitely one of the most desolate roads I’ve seen in Himalayas. We saw barely 3-4 vehicles that passed us in the 1 hour we spent driving. The road itself was narrow, yet maintained, and offered severe landslides at places. It took us little more than an hour to cover 39 Kms. The environment was serene, quiet and filled with a vibrant energy, as if the sages from time immemorial were (and probably are) still engrossed in their Tapasya. The way to the Shrine is narrow yet paved, about a 15 min. walk. Before you arrive at the Shrine, you pass through the Meditation Hall and a Dharamshala on the left, located on a hillock. The entire area is surrounded by thick blue pine forests, oak trees and dense Deodars.

A feeling of rejuvenation enveloped us as we arrived at Tarkeshwar Mahadham. There were a few cows roaming around, but we did not see anyone else. There was no caretaker or even a visitor other than a few lads who left within a few minutes of our arrival. My father breathed in the environment and went his way while I sat in Dhyana at the Yagna  Kund. As I dived deep within my psyche, I imagined Swami Ram and Swami Hari performing a Yagna. After paying silent obeisance to the Siddha Bhoomi and Swamiji, we departed from the sacred shrine after spending an hour or so. We did remember to have a cup of hot and sweet Himalayan tea at the only tea stop located at the entrance of Tarkeshwar. I tried my utmost best to capture the entire journey in my camera lens, but to drink in the vibes – one must visit the place when the beckoning comes.

Siddhashram at Sitalakhet – Hariakhand Baba

There are many places all over India, especially in remote reaches of Himalayas where everyday visitors do not step foot. The sound of constantly ringing bells and arti will be missing. There will be no sign-boards to guide you – nor will the place be listed on any maps. Such places can only be found if the Divine wish guides and beckons you.

Siddhashram is associated with Hariakhand Baba or Hairakhan Baba. There are many names and spellings by which people know the Siddha Yogi. However, such Siddhas are beyond name and identification. As listed in the the book “Sri Babaji: Immortal Yogi of the Himalayas” by Romola Butalia, “Some people refer to him as Mahavatar Babaji, from Lahiri Mahashaya’s meeting in 1861, made popular by Paramhamsa Yogananda-ji’s book, Autobiography of a Yogi. Others have mentioned the legendary Kripacharya, or the Chiranjeevi Ashwatthama from the days of the Mahabharata, when referring to him. He is also known as Kriya Babaji. As a perfect siddha, he has been associated with Guru Gorakhnath, also known as Shiva Goraksha.”

It is best to not get confused in identifying who’s who, but focus on the eternal truth, which is ever present.

Siddhashram at Sitalakhet came to my knowledge after I read a book called “Sri Babaji: Immortal Yogi of the Himalayas”. Going back to my visit to Hariakhand Baba’s Ashram at Chiliyanaula (about 5 Kms. outside of Ranikhet) in 2005, my inner experiences have always kept me within close proximity to Babaji in form of the other. I’m sure there’s a divine wish behind that, which is not always easy to comprehend by our mortal minds.

Back to the journey now…
We left Ranikhet around 9AM on 25^th July for Sitalakhet. Sitalakhet (also known/spelled as Sheetalakhet, Sitlakhet) is a small paradise at a distance of 38 Kms. from Ranikhet. You will not find Sitalakhet on any map or GPS device. Just two kilometers below Sitalakhet there is the village ‘Khoont’, which is the ancestral village of the late Pandit Govind Ballabh Pant, the first chief minister of Uttar Pradesh and the famous freedom fighter of India.

Siddashram is not located in Sitalakhet, but one must take a low road before you reach Sitalakhet. I am not drawing an exact map of the place for as stated above – such places can only be visited when the Divine wish beckons you – and that is when the map will automatically unfold in front of you and you will be led by an invisible force. This is what happened in our case and I trust the same for you.

In the Kumaon hills, Baba is popularly known as Hariakhand Babaji and many tales are told about him in these parts dating back to mid 1800s. After wandering around the narrow mountain road back and forth – we discovered a slight climb going up a hill. On the hill-top – Siddhashram stood tall. There was an unmistakable silence all around, yet the echo and unpolluted air reverberated with divinity that surrounded the place. After paying our respects and doing Arti – our host, guide, narrator and the Ashram care-taker Joshiji invited me and my father in his house for a hospitable cup of tea. We sat in silence reflecting up on several artifacts and photos associated with Babaji and several siddha yogis and yoginis while Joshiji attended to his duties. After finishing our tea, we exchanged several incidents and legends with Joshiji associated with Hariakhand Baba, formation of the Ashram, sacred trees Nar and Narayan that stand there (planted by Babaji in early 1900s). There is a sacred water source that flows there ever since the day Babaji requested the mother earth to split open and provide the locals with the nectar like water. Needless to say, the first sip of the water rejuvenated all our senses.

The ancient Kutir where Babaji did Tapasya still stands since the early days though I’m not sure of the exact year. When the ever-moving Yogis and Siddhas descend from higher Himalayas to the area, they invoke the sacred energies present there and conduct Havan etc. We spent around 3 hours at Siddhashram, and in the end conversed with Joshiji as he took us around the ashram and spoke about Babaji. I then informed him of a common acquaintance (also a well-known Author) that both he and I had, which added yet another surprise factor to our visit. An impromptu phone conversation then followed on the phone.

After a promise of a return visit soon, we took Joshiji’s leave and paid our respects to the sacred place. As a very well known Author, whom I know put it – “The time spent there was in an entirely different realm of timelessness, perfection, and infinite possibilities”.
On our way from Sitalakhet to our next destination, we passed through Kainchi for Tea and paid silent respects to Neem Karoli Baba’s Ashram.

Sombari Baba – Padampuri

Sombari Baba and Hariakhand Baba often travelled and did Tapasya together in early 1900s across Kumaon region of Himalayas. The region still echoes with their stories. Sombari Baba was also one of the teachers of Swami Ram whose master, Bengali Baba had sent him to Sombari Baba during his early days. As stated by Swami Ram, no one knew Sombari Baba’s birthplace or his original name, so people began to call him Sombari Baba because he held a public bhandara (feast) in his ashram every Monday.
Gudari Baba, Sombari Baba, Hariakhand Baba, were all sages of highest state who travelled and did Tapasya in Himalayas. I believe that only by an inner urge to seek them or by divine wish can one come to the point of visiting the places associated with them.

Numerous tales about Sombari Baba have been told over last 90+ years and I will let the reader find their own beckoning to visit the place.  As was the case with Siddhashram – Sombari Baba’s call in fact came to my Father on several occasions and I found divine play behind all of those stories that he told me. And that was what took us to Padampuri, which was a 106 Kms. journey for us from Sitalakhet.

Most people I met along the way had not heard of Padampuri. In fact it is known for being the birth place of veteran Congress Leader, Narayan Dutt Tiwari.

Back to the journey now…

Padampuri is about 30 Kms east of Nainital and you’ll need to leave the Highway 87 to travel for about an hour on narrow mountain roads (be prepared for bad roads and landslides in you travel during Rains). The ever-youthful Parmanand Puriji maharaj (born 1889 AD) was not present at the Padampuri ashram, but was living at the Palra ashram where Sombari Baba’s gufa is also located. Since it was almost twilight when we reached Padampuri – we decided to stop at Padampuri and not proceed to Palra. That would be another trip, if destined. Atal Baba who has stayed at the Padampuri ashram for 15 years sat engrossed in front of a Dhuni. He spoke in intervals about Sombari Baba, but mostly sat engrossed in another world. It seemed as if he was “half here, half there” – which is often said about Siddha Yogis.

The timeless environment in the small room was filled with the warmth and scent of Dhuni and Dhoop (incense). After accepting Prasad – we sat there listening to stories of Sombari Baba (narrated by a local villager who sat there) and Atal Baba’s (often) mystic messages that he spoke with a mysterious twinkle in his eyes. Towards the end of our visit, Atal Baba gave his message in yet more mystic terms, which was further visible in his conversations with my Father. I sat quietly and observed the divine play at large. Towards the end – we accepted his blessings, and went down to pay our respects to Sombari Baba’s Samadhi, where Baba’s presence can still be felt.

After a long, yet mystic day that took us from Ranikhet to Sitalakhet to Padampuri, we left around 6.30 PM for Haldwani when the sun was about to set. The 40 Kms drive back to Haldwani was mostly covered in silence for obvious reasons. There was some exchange of thoughts on what had gone on during the day. Upon our return to Rishikesh the next day – several strange visions followed. But that is best left for another narration…

Wishing you all well,
Gautam Dhar, Anupam Dhar

Distances:

Lansdowne (Kasang Regency) to Tarkeshwar: 39 Kms
Ranikhet to Sitalakhet: 38 Kms
Sitalakhet to Padampuri: 106 Kms
Haldwani to Padampuri: 40 Kms
Almora to Padampuri: 68 Kms

Photos from the Journey