Neither Swami Lakshman Joo nor his Ashram at NISHAT (in close proximity to Nishat Garden )need any introduction . Swami Ji was authority on Kashmir shavisim. Always Pheran Clad,Tall , Gracefull , erudite scholar , kashmiri to the core and compassionate human being . Swami ji was son of Late Shri Narayan Joo Raina known in Kashmiri pandit circles as Nau Naran (who owned the first House Boat in Kashmir) . Swami Ji always considered Mehtab Kak and swami Ram as his Gurus. I am poorly equipped to comment on his books but i have personally seen Swami ji Engrossed in serious discussions with Smt Indira Gandhi , Dr Karan Singh and Gh Rasool Santosh ( Painter ) though many people would visit his ashram and have his blessings . The Ashram is well managed at present also by some devotees . I shall be failing in my duties if i do not make special mention of two individual devotees . One Kama ji and the other Sh Mohan Ji wattal. Kama ji who permanently lives in the Srinagar Ashram , will never allow you to go without food or Tea as the occassion be. I had the privilege of having food from her motherly hands . The motherly affection shown to one and all by Khema ji is to be experienced to be believed. Another person doing round the clock selfless service for the Ashram is Sh Mohan Ji Wattal . Life has come a full circle for Watall sahib. I happened to know him in late seventies when he was a leading exporter of the valley. Prior to that he worked in Grindlay's bank Srinagar. At present he is engaged in full time management of ISHBER ASHRAM Srinagar . Wattal Sahib lives in srinagar only and has been amongst the immediate disciples of Swami ji. I quote two incidents .Dr Farooq Abdullah came to Ashram once with Late Sh P L Handoo . He had some discussions with swami Ji and asked for permision to leave . I quote verbatim the conversation. Here it goes ;-
" HAYA BHATTA KHEYATH NEIR PHAAKAY KYAZI NERAKH " swami ji
"Farooq take Your Food. Why should you leave without food."
" ACHHA MAHRAH HAAK TA BHATTA KHEUM TEILI " Dr Farooq
" Ok Sir then i shall have Haak and rice only "
" MOHAN JI FAROOQ KHEIYEE HAAK TE BHATTA ." swami ji
" Mohan Ji Farooq shall be taking Haak and rice with us "
Wattal Sahib ensured that Haak and Bhatta was ready in half an hour . Before her death, Indira ji had come to the Ashram and swami ji had cautioned her to be careful as threat to her life is in the Air. Wattal sahib was asked by Swami ji to bring a pashmina shawl for Indira ji which swami ji put on her shoulders as a protection from the imminent threat . While Indira ji sought Permission to leave ,Swami ji again asked her to be carefull . Swami Ji told wattal Sahib
Wattal Sahib ensured that Haak and Bhatta was ready in half an hour . Before her death, Indira ji had come to the Ashram and swami ji had cautioned her to be careful as threat to her life is in the Air. Wattal sahib was asked by Swami ji to bring a pashmina shawl for Indira ji which swami ji put on her shoulders as a protection from the imminent threat . While Indira ji sought Permission to leave ,Swami ji again asked her to be carefull . Swami Ji told wattal Sahib
" AMIS HA BAA CHHU SANKAT SAMAY . " " This lady has serious trouble in her desitny at the moment " Indira ji was killed just three days thereafter. So Long so much.
I have uploaded some views like the the gate of Ishber ashram, The Bhairav temple in the Ashram where Swami Ji would perform Bhairav Puja .The double storey builiding where swami ji would reside. The bed on which swami ji would recline . The Vatika hut where swami ji would often take his day meals . Present day Puja Hall with Swami Ji's photograph . The fountain in the garden laid by devotees as per his wishes .Kama ji distributing Prasada has also been photographed . Wattal sahib is siting in a chair behind. Enjoy and let us have Swami ji's blessings from his heavenly abode.
