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 , graceful , erudite scholar , Kashmiri to the core and compassionate human being . Swami Ji was son of Narayan Joo Raina known in Kashmiri Pandit circles as Nau Naran (who owned the first houseboat 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 Ghulam 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 duty if I do not make special mention of two individual devotees . One Kama Ji and the other 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 Mohan Ji Wattal . Life has come a full circle for Mohan Ji Wattal . 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 . Mohan Ji Wattal lives in Srinagar and has been amongst the closest disciples of Swami Ji. I quote two incidents .Dr Farooq Abdullah came to Ashram once with P L Handoo . He had some discussions with Swami Ji and asked for permision to leave . I quote verbatim the conversation. Here it goes ;-
Swami Ji,
"Farooq take your food. Why should you leave without food ? "
Dr Farooq,
" Ok Sir, then I shall have Haak and rice only "
Swami Ji,
" Mohan Ji ,Farooq shall be taking Haak and rice with us "
Mohan Ji 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. Mohan Ji Wattal 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 careful . Swami Ji told Mohan Ji wattal ,
Mohan Ji 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. Mohan Ji Wattal 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 careful . Swami Ji told Mohan Ji wattal ,
" AMIS HA BAA CHHU SANKAT SAMAY . "
" This lady has serious trouble in her destiny at the moment " Indira Ji was killed just three days thereafter. So Long so much.
( Avtar Mota)
PS
I have uploaded some views like the gate of Ishber Ashram, the Bhairav temple in the Ashram where Swami Ji would perform Bhairav Puja .The double storey building 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 . Mohan Ji Wattal is siting in a chair behind.
