AvadhootaDatta Peetham

Parama Pujya Sri Swamiji visited Angel Falls in Venezuela on the 9th August 2011. It had been a long time Sankalpa of Sri Swamiji to visit Angel Falls, the world's tallest falls in the southern region of Venezuela in South America.

Sri Swamiji arrived in Venezuela on the 7th August in a direct flight from Trinidad. Sri Swamiji gave Darshana to Sri Babaji and devotees in the evening.
On August 8th morning, Sri Swamiji and a small group of 20 persons flew from Caracas to Canaima airport in the Canaima National Park situated in the southern part of Venezuela. The park borders Brazil and is part of the Pan Amazonia region filled with lush green forest, frequent rains and roaring rivers and waterfalls. The Waku lodge where we stayed is right opposite three huge water falls.

On 9th August morning, Sri Swamiji flew in Helicopter to three different locations in the area. The region is studded with Tepuyi or large mountains jutting from the ground and flattening at the top. The distinct feature of this unique geological formation is that the mountains flatten out at the top instead of forming a cone at the tip. Natural springs and frequent rains create rivers on these table tops and when it falls down to the valley, beautiful water falls are formed. It was a unique experience to see this geological formation. As the helicopter flew around, we also spotted thousands of rocky citadels standing aloof to the lush green vegetation below. The first stop was in a place which the guide had named as "Jurassic Garden". Here light crimson colored petered out of rocky caves and crevices. Sri Swamiji walked around collected the pinkish colored sand and, climbed in a cave and sat in meditation. Devotees chanted "Om Aim Hreem Shreem Shiva Rama Anagha Dattaya Namaha". Sri Swamiji collected water for Puja and sprinkled it on devotees. Devotees took bath in a pond nearby. The helicopters then hovered around several falls falling from Tepuyi. The daring maneuvers of the helicopters showed the beautiful Angel falls from several angles and heights. Each view had its own beauty and awe. The second landing was at Gold River area. Here the water cascaded on rocky terrain before falling of the cliff in to a abyss of green vegetation. Food Prasadam was served. Wide open vistas, hundreds of water falls all around, hues of crimsons, reds, yellows, blue sky, scattered clouds rearranging in several designs - Sadgurudeva's Blessings - it was Shiva & Vishnu Loka indeed.

The final stop was the most important one. The helicopters landed at the foot of Angel falls. It was a sight to behold - Sheets of water taking a jump off a rocky cliff almost a kilometer above and a single mighty fall - and during the journey the water transforming from a sheet to white foam - and even before hitting the ground turning in to a splay of foam - the total transformation to be held in a single gaze - was indeed a divine play. Pujya Sri Swamiji sat on a rock - His vision transfixed on the falls. Devotees chanted Mantras and Stavas. It was a perfect day on all counts. It was a miracle that helicopters could land on a sloppy grass knoll so close to the falls. Sri Swamiji then removed clothes and sat Digambara in meditation. The gentle spray of water from the falls on Sri Swamiji was like a Avabhrutha Snaana after a Yajna - the Yajna or Pilgrimage to honor the Varuna and Jala Devatas. Below us was lush green amazon forest and a smattering of tall Tepuyis with water falls - like a garland of falls around Prakruti Mata. Sri Swamiji's Bhajan - Devi Viradurpa Mainatti Neeku - Prakruti Sarvambu Mastabu Cheyu - was remembered. This Bhajan describes various natural elements as the ornaments of Mother Goddess. It was particularly felt true in this pristine forest. Sri Swamiji spent about 30 minutes at the base of the falls and then beckoned to leave. The Helicopters brought us back to the lodge - all along the way meadow lands, sierra mountains dotting the landscape. After arrival - Sri Swamiji said - a long time wish - Datta has fulfilled.

The 10th of August had its share of surprises and firsts. Sri Swamiji went on a boat and visited the three falls in front of the lodge. At the base of Hacha falls we left the boat and climbed a wild path to reach the mid-section of the fall. There the guide led us through a stony path to a wondrous cave behind the falls !!! What an amazing spectacle. A thick curtain of brown water roaring just 3 metres in front of us. Sri Swamiji sat in meditation and chanted Mantras and made many Mudras. After chanting "Om Aim Hreem Shreem Shiva Rama Anagha Dattaya Namaha", Sri Swamiji lied down on the wet rock for a while. Sri Swamiji asked everyone to take a tiny rock from the place as Blessings. Sri Swamiji sprinkled water on everyone. After about an hour stay, we carefully retraced the slippery rocky path back to the boat which took us to Alexey island in front of Hacha falls. The island is uninhabited. Sri Swamiji walked around the island and returned to the lodge.

In the evening there was heavy rains with thunder and lightening reminding the monsoon in India. On 11th, Sri Swamiji took another boat ride in the river in front of the lodge and visited another falls nearby. Later, Sri Swamiji played with the birds in the lodge. At 2 PM Sri Swamiji and the group flew back from Camaina airport to Caracas.