I always thought there was only one Dayanand Saraswati whom we had read about in history books. Then, I came across his name while I was doing my research about eminent people in the field of Vedanta. I was more surprised when our PM Modiji told me about him and asked me to meet him. Modiji’s office called him about my visit and told the PA of Dayanandji to permit me to spend some time with him. He has not been keeping well. I was thrilled to find out that he was in Rishikesh. I went to spend two days in his ashram in March 2013. I had more than 100 questions to ask him about various topics of Vedanta. He answered patiently and also opened my eyes about the many facets of Vedanta which I had not touched upon. Inspite of having such dedicate health, he used take regular lectures of the students for more than four hours a day and spend whole day attending visitors.
The ashram is located in sylvan surroundings on the banks of the Ganga, right across the Aurobindo Ashram where famous rock stars of yesteryears would often drop in. I spent the beautiful days enjoying the dips in the Ganga near the ashram. I also met Ammaji who is the writer of the courses offered by Dayanand Ashram. I also shared some moments with various sadhus in the ashram during Guru Purnima which surprisingly fell during my visit. I will never forget what I learned from him. It amazed me to know that many scholars from different parts of the world come to the ashram to learn Vedanta as short or long term courses. I was fortunate to witness the ceremony of Diksha to a few followers who had made up their minds to dedicate their lives to the pursuit of Vedanta and spread the message of our Scriptures.