Sri Aurobindo Society
Sirsa Branch

These articles were brought to Sirsa by Shri Ram Kumar Chamadia Ji. A gathering of local devotees was subsequently held at the residence of Shri Devaki Nandan Singal Ji, who had stayed in Pondicherry from 1951 to 1961, where he had the opportunity to practise sadhana in the presence of the Mother.

On 1 September 1963, the pictures and other articles were displayed at this gathering. This marked the first meeting of the Sri Aurobindo Society, Sirsa Branch, with approximately fifteen local devotees in attendance.

The Early Years

After some time, a room was taken on rent at Chandni Chowk Bazaar, Sirsa, at a nominal rent of ₹20 per month. The pictures and the Mother’s sari-blouse were installed there, and books written by Sri Aurobindo and the Mother were made available.

Regular efforts were made to connect with local people and invite them to the weekly Sunday Satsang. Gradually, devotees and friends began attending these gatherings regularly. Spiritual literature was read and discussed, meditation was practised, and the teachings of Sri Aurobindo and the Mother became an integral part of the activities.

The Mother’s Sandals1968

In 1968, devotees of Sirsa requested the Mother to provide a pair of sandals worn by her. The Mother graciously gave the sandals along with her written blessings.

The sandals were brought to Sirsa and have been specially preserved. They are displayed in a glass case in the Satsang Hall of the branch.

The Present Branch Premises1979

In the years that followed, the Gandhi Ashram Trust, Sirsa, donated a plot measuring 75 ft × 75 ft on Rania Road to the Society.

A building was subsequently constructed to meet the needs of the branch. The premises included a Satsang Hall, a residential room, kitchen, dining room, library, office, toilets, bathroom and a shop at the front.

The new building was inaugurated by Shri Beni Madhav Ji of Bhiwani on 18 November 1979. A large number of local people attended the inauguration ceremony.

The new premises provided the branch with a permanent centre for its spiritual and community activities. With the availability of greater space, additional programmes, including slide shows, were also introduced.

A New Phase1989

In April 1989, Shri Ram Kumar Chamadia Ji, the founding Secretary of the branch, expressed his inability to continue carrying the responsibilities of the branch due to health reasons.

The responsibility of the branch was subsequently entrusted to Shri Devaki Nandan Singal Ji, with the involvement and guidance of the Head Office of the Sri Aurobindo Society at Pondicherry.

Shri Devaki Nandan Ji subsequently served the Sirsa Branch in various capacities, including as its Secretary and Chairman.

Growth and Development1991–1993

In 1991, Shri Lalit Goyal came into contact with Shri Devaki Nandan Ji through Shri Kunj Bihari Ji Mahipal. This association led to a deeper engagement with the teachings of Sri Aurobindo and the Mother.

Visits to Pondicherry followed, providing opportunities to learn about life in the Ashram and to meet senior and long-associated sadhaks.

In 1993, Shri Devaki Nandan Ji appointed Shri Kunj Bihari Ji Mahipal as Secretary of the Sirsa Branch to assist in expanding its activities. Shri Lalit Goyal was appointed Treasurer.

With this arrangement, the activities of the Sirsa Branch continued to develop in an organised manner.

The Vision for the Divine Relics2001

A significant development came in 2001, when Shri Devaki Nandan Ji expressed the aspiration that the Divine Relics of Sri Aurobindo should be established at the Sirsa Branch.

To take this vision forward, discussions were held in Pondicherry with Shri Pradeep Narang Ji. Guidance was received regarding the preparations required for establishing the Divine Relics at the branch.

The branch premises were subsequently renovated and beautified, creating an appropriate environment for the proposed establishment.

Establishment of the Divine Relics2002

At the end of March 2002, a team of 12 members of the Sirsa Branch travelled to Pondicherry to bring the Divine Relics of Sri Aurobindo to Sirsa.

The Divine Relics reached Sirsa on 2 April 2002 and were given a solemn welcome. They were kept in the Meditation Room of the branch for five days.

On 7 April 2002, at approximately 12 noon, the Divine Relics of Sri Aurobindo were formally established in the Meditation Room.

This marked a deeply significant moment in the history of the Sirsa Branch, which thereafter came to be known as a Shakti Peeth.

A special programme was organised on 7 April 2002, attended by a large number of devotees. Shri Pradeep Narang Ji from Pondicherry was also present on the occasion and participated in the establishment of the Divine Relics.

The Years that Followed

Following the establishment of the Divine Relics, the Sirsa Branch continued its activities as a centre of Satsang, meditation, spiritual study and service.

Shri Devaki Nandan Ji continued to guide the branch as Chairman, supported by Shri Kunj Bihari Ji Mahipal and other dedicated members.

In 2015, due to health reasons, Shri Devaki Nandan Ji stepped down from the position of Chairman. Shri Kunj Bihari Ji Mahipal subsequently took up the responsibility of Chairman, while Shri Ganesh Singal Ji took responsibility as Secretary of the Branch.

The branch continued to function under the guidance of senior members and with the participation of its growing circle of devotees.

Shri Devaki Nandan Ji’s contribution extended beyond the administration of the branch. His guidance and association also helped many members deepen their understanding of the path of sadhana.

On 28 April 2019, Shri Devaki Nandan Ji passed into the Mother’s care.

The activities of the branch continued under the guidance of Shri Kunj Bihari Ji Mahipal and the dedicated participation of its members.

On 18 January 2024, Shri Kunj Bihari Ji Mahipal also passed into the Mother’s care.

Present Torchbearers2024

Following the passing of Shri Kunj Bihari Ji Mahipal, a prayer meeting was held in the Meditation Room of the Sirsa Branch on 3 February 2024.

The members subsequently entrusted the responsibility of carrying forward the activities of the branch to Shri Lalit Goyal as Chairman.

Shri Chander Shekhar Mahipal, the eldest son of Shri Kunj Bihari Ji Mahipal, was appointed Koshadhyaksh (Treasurer) of the branch.

With the continued participation of its members and devotees, the Sri Aurobindo Society, Sirsa Branch continues its journey of Satsang, meditation, study, spiritual development and service, carrying forward the presence and work of Sri Aurobindo and the Mother.