The nerve centre of the great Spiritual Mission ‘Shri Paramhans Advait Mat’ is at Shri Anandpur. It is renowned world over as the main centre of devotion and spiritualism where seekers of Truth obtain spiritual knowledge and true peace. It is situated near Isagarh in District Ashok Nagar of Madhya Pradesh. This place is nearly 30 kilometres away from the nearest Railway Station at Ashok Nagar. Various Satsang Ashrams or spiritual centres connected with it are spread all over India.

Once ‘Shri Paramhans Dayal Ji’, the Great Progenitor, First Spiritual Master, was gracing Agra to benefit the devotees with His edifying spiritual sermons. Seth Pannalal ji, a native of Isagarh, availing the opportunity, pleaded to the Divine Master to visit Isagarh. The First Holy Master observed, “At present, time does not permit, but I promise that I shall come sometime later.” Thus, His Holiness gave an inclination of the establishment of the great spiritual centre.

Later on, in 1929 A.D., the Second Holy Master came to Gwalior and found the lands of this forested estate suitable for the establishment of the great spiritual centre. The saints (Mahatmas) and devotees, by the holy commands purchased this land on 4th August 1930 A.D. after tendering the deposit money. Many completely surrendered families came here with His sacred permission and engaged themselves in selfless-services.

In 1931 A.D., His Holiness, the Second Holy Master, came to Shri Anandpur; devotee Seth Pannalal ji too went for the Glorious Divine Vision of the Second Spiritual Master. He was entranced by His Holiness’s Divine Vision and invited Him to hallow his residence. The Spiritual Master blessed the house of devotee Seth Pannalal ji. His Holiness, the Second Spiritual Master remarked, “Seth ji! Today I have fulfilled the promise that I had made to you.”

At this reminder, the event of years ago flashed in devotee Seth Pannalal ji’s mind. He then recollected that he had beseeched in the lotus feet of the Great Spiritual Master, Shri Paramhans Dayal Ji Maharaj, to visit his house at Isagarh. Gazing at the beauteous holy countenance of the Second Spiritual Master, Seth ji’s eyes filled with tears and he lay prostrate at the sacred feet of the Great Divine Master. He received the Second Spiritual Master’s divine pleasure and gracious blessings and made his life blissfully blessed.

Another incident is of that time when at Shri Anandpur, tigers, leopards and other fierce animals used to freely roam about in this forested lands even during daytime. Drinking water had to be brought here, from far off. Thatched huts were the only dwelling. As the land was rocky and full of deep forests, a few men of repute pleaded, “O Holy Master! Previously, a number of parties have purchased this land; as they could not make it habitable, their deposit money was forfeited and they had to leave. You are after all ascetics and saints (sadhus), how would it be possible for you all to put in such hard labour to develop this land?”

At this the Second Holy Master observed, “Kindly harbour patience. Our disciples are not the ones who shirk hard work and backtrack; soon you will see signs of habitation, greenery as well as hustle and bustle on this land of dense forests. The wild Dhak (Butea Krordosa) trees here will be replaced by mango-orchards. In place of rocky land you will see here wells, water-tanks, reservoirs, roads and gardens. There will be electricity supply; lush green fields of grains and vegetables shall stand in full blossom. There will be inhabitation here. There will be schools and hospitals. Likewise, in due course of time you will see a lot more development here.” The gentlemen were highly impressed by the resolute will and emphatic words of the Spiritual Master and went away, totally satisfied.

In this way, the Second Spiritual Master laid the foundation of this great spiritual centre and visited this place from time to time, infusing ever-new spirit and renewed enthusiasm in the dedicated devotees and spiritual seekers.

In 1939 A.D., abiding by Holy Commands, Shri Paramhans Avataar Ji, the Third Holy Master, resided permanently at Shri Anandpur. Thus, was established a centre of selfless-service and dedication, directing spiritual aspirants and devotees on the simple path of devotion; guiding souls in the technique of Surt-Shabd-Yoga (communion of consciousness with the ‘Holy Word’), the means by which the soul can merge into its Origin: the Almighty God. A rejuvenated enthusiasm was infused in devotees, spiritual seekers and the disciples by adopting the ideals of Karma-Yoga (communion with God through selfless activity).

The Great Pilgrimage: Shri Anandsar (the great hallowed reservoir) testifies of the ardent faith and reverence of the devotees. The banner of glory of this great spiritual centre began to flutter in every nook and corner of India. Consequently, Shri Anandpur soon became a progressive centre, both on material and spiritual planes. Construction of houses made of stone, tanks, step wells (baoli), schools, dispensaries, gardens, so on and so forth was accomplished. ‘Shri Anandpur Trust’ was established for safeguarding the movable and immovable property and for the administration of the spiritual centre.

The Fourth Spiritual Master too, paid attention to progressive implementation of the ethereal plans, instilling in lives of one and all, the nectar of unwavering devotion and divine love, thereby making them achieve the true purpose of life.

Under the benign guidance of the Present Fifth Spiritual Master, the spiritual mission has been led to the zenith of devotion. His Holiness got ‘Shri Paramhans Advait Mandirs’ (the spiritual centres or the temples) constructed in every Ashram of Shri Paramhans Advait Mat. Well-ventilated buildings, schools, hospitals, roads and other facilities were made as per the modern standards. Till date, efforts are being made by His Holiness, the Present Master to elevate the living standards of pilgrims, devotees and the resident disciples so that they may tread the path of spirituality unhindered.

Around 4,000 devotees, who have completely submitted themselves to a life of selfless-service and spiritual propagation, stay permanently at the Ashrams (spiritual centres). They have adopted a life of celibacy and are striving continuously to mould their lives according to the principles and precepts laid down by the Illustrious Revered Saints. Thousands of spiritual aspirants and fervent devotees from India and abroad throng this world-famous Spiritual Institution, thus ennobling their lives by selfless-services, spiritual teachings, contemplative meditation and Divine Vision of the Holy Master (Shri Darshan).

In brief, Shri Anandpur is a world-famous great pilgrimage; the fountain-head of mystic knowledge and spiritual wisdom; and the eternal source of divine love and unflinching devotion; guiding the wayward mankind on the true path of spirituality. This spiritual centre is completely self-sufficient and self-contained.