Vishwam Museum
VISHWAM MUSEUM
Nestled within the heart of Avadhoota Datta Peetham, the Vishwam Museum was established in 2006, has long been renowned for its diverse array of treasures. Sri Swamiji, through His extensive travels both domestically and internationally, has received numerous unique and rare gifts from his countless devotees and admirers worldwide. From an impressive array of crystals and minerals to a captivating assortment of antiques and historically significant artifacts, the museum has been a beacon of cultural exploration.
VISHWAM MUSEUM
The word "Vishwam" translates to "Universe," symbolizing a collection of exhibits from around the world that convey a message of universal love. This museum provides visitors with an exciting journey through different realms and spheres, each filled with its own unique treasures and meanings. Upon entering Vishwam, visitors are guided through several fascinating worlds, each with its own theme and significance.
Ganapathy World: This section showcases a variety of representations and artifacts dedicated to Lord Ganapathy highlighting the deity's cultural and spiritual significance across different traditions.
World of Antiques: A treasure trove of historical artifacts, this section offers a glimpse into the past with a collection of rare and valuable antiques.
World of Crystals and Minerals: Featuring a stunning array of natural crystals and minerals, this section celebrates the beauty and diversity of geological wonders from around the globe.
World of Cultures of Historical Significance: This area presents artifacts and exhibits from various cultures, emphasizing their historical importance and the rich tapestry of human civilization.
World of Spirituality: Dedicated to spiritual artifacts, this section highlights items of deep religious and philosophical significance, reflecting the diverse spiritual heritage of humanity.
World of Sri Swamiji's Paraphernalia: Here, visitors can view personal items and memorabilia associated with Sri Swamiji, offering insights into His life, teachings, and the profound impact He has had on his followers.
World of Wonders: This final section is a showcase of extraordinary and unique items that defy conventional categories, leaving visitors in awe of the creativity and diversity of human expression.
Collection of Stamps and Coins: Among the myriad treasures housed within the museum, one collection shines particularly bright: Sri Swamiji's esteemed stamp collection, boasting specimens dating as far back as 1835.
This remarkable assemblage of stamps is meticulously curated under the umbrella of Philately, offering thematic insights into a diverse array of subjects, including animals, flowers, musical instruments, the art of India, temple architecture, and stamps representing 162 countries, alongside golden replicas of iconic stamps from the USA and India.
On the occasion of Sri Swamiji’s 76th birthday celebrations, Sri Swamiji was awarded with a Guinness World record for the largest special postal stamp depicting ‘Vishwam’ Museum
In the realm of numismatics, the museum's coin collection stands as a testament to the rich tapestry of India's monetary history. From regular coins of the Republic of India to relics from the era of British India and post-Independence coinage, as well as Indian commemorative coins, the collection offers a fascinating glimpse into the evolution of currency in the subcontinent.
The significance of the stamp collection transcends mere philately, carrying with it a deeply personal connection to Sri Swamiji's own journey. Dating back to his 'Poorvashrama' days, when He was known as Satyanarayana and worked at a Post Office in Metagalli, Mysuru, during the 1960s, this collection holds a poignant link to his past. Vishwam serves not only as a repository of these special gifts but also as a testament to the universal love and admiration that Sri Swamiji inspires. Each exhibit in the museum narrates a story of devotion, cultural richness, and spiritual depth, making it a truly transformative experience for all who visit. In a testament to its commitment to showcasing the rich tapestry of human creativity, the museum had recently unveiled its latest addition: the Music Instruments Section
The Music Instruments Section
The newly curated collection boasts an impressive array of musical instruments sourced from over forty countries, including those gifted to Sri Swamiji during his extensive travels across India and abroad. Visitors to the museum can explore an assortment of instruments categorized into string instruments, plucking instruments, wind instruments, percussion instruments, and more. Each piece holds its own unique cultural and historical significance, enriching the museum's diverse offerings and providing visitors with an immersive musical journey across continents. Among the showcased instruments, visitors will find a captivating array sourced from diverse corners of the world, including India, China, Tibet, Japan, Australia, Indonesia, Persia, Turkey, Uganda, Bhutan, Ethiopia, Mexico, Peru, Germany, Norway, Switzerland, and numerous other countries.
Visitors to the museum are treated to a mesmerizing journey through time and space, as they traverse the corridors adorned with an astonishing variety of exhibits. From musical instruments to minerals, gemstones, crystals, carpets, paintings, and etchings, the collection is as diverse as it is captivating.
Among the highlights are priceless treasures such as an Ancient Silver Drachm-Coinage bearing the name of Alexander the Great (336-323 BC), a meticulously crafted Ancient Ship sculpted from Chinese Jade Stone by skilled artisans, and an exquisite Amethyst Geode hailing from the rugged landscapes of North Canada, once known as the "Jurassic area" during the era of roaming dinosaurs.
Other notable displays include a Ganapathi idol carved from stone sourced from Uzbekistan and crafted in Lahore, Pakistan, as well as the venerable Kalinga Mardana, a bronze masterpiece cast in a single pour, generously gifted by the esteemed former President of India, Dr. R. Venkataraman. Among the collection's treasures are also rare Brahma Stamps dating back to the French colonial era in India, intricate carvings such as the Surya Varna adorning petrified wood, and the awe-inspiring Vishwaroopa, painstakingly carved from a single tree trunk.
In addition to these marvels, the museum is home to a captivating array of natural wonders, including fossilized dinosaur eggs, rare mineral formations, sea shells, and crystalline formations, each offering a glimpse into the wonders of the natural world. As visitors immerse themselves in the splendor of the Vishwam Museum, they embark on a journey of discovery, enlightenment, and appreciation for the boundless wonders of human creativity and the natural world alike.
World’s Largest Postal Stamp: Seer Gets 9th Guinness World Record - https://starofmysore.com/worlds-largest-postal-stamp-seer-gets-9th-guinness-world-record/
An Article about Vishwam museum in Museums of India - https://www.museumsofindia.org/museum/12425/vishwam-museum
Music Instruments Section opened at Vishwam Museum - https://starofmysore.com/music-instruments-section-opened-at-vishwam-museum-in-ganapathy-ashrama/amp/
Images of Music instruments section at Vishwam Museum - https://www.dattapeetham.org/events/view/2018/sri-swamiji-inaugurates-music-instruments-section-in-vishwam-museum