he
couple was grief-stricken after losing their only child to cancer at the age of
17. Post tragedy, they chose the
spiritual path to move on in life. They
would frequent the nearby Sai Mandir, with an ardent prayer for the strength to
bear the loss.
In
the course of time, it occurred to M. Srinivasa Pai, a civil engineer and his
wife, Nirmala Pai, that they should construct a facility themselves that could
infuse serenity and peace. They just could not contain the thought that was
growing stronger by the day, Fortunately, they were able to acquire an adjacent
quiet site for the purpose. The dream
project was developed with the sole intention of mitigating the pain of the
nightmare in their life. Thus, has come
up the Amit S. Pai Memorial Vivekananda Dhyana, Yoga and Seva Mandir at Pervaje,
on the outskirts of Karkala in Udupi district.
The
facility has been constructed majestically over a period of nine years. True to the objective of the couple, today it
has emerged a sought-after destination for people who seek peace and tranquillity
away from the hustle of the daily life.
What
catches the eyes here is the construction undertaken without altering the rugged
landscape that spans about half an acre.
A meditation hall with appropriate seats provides a space to look inward.
The mellifluous tunes in the background create a perfect ambience. Statues and
paintings of deities and sages greet visitors. Some artefacts have been brought
from as far as Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh and Bihar and even China. Aesthetically laid out installation art in
open draws the young and the adult alike. The murals - most of them situational
- created by artist Venki Palimar succeed in evoking a smile or a serious
thought. Perhaps no aspect of life is left untouched in the arts portrayed
here. It has a full-fledged kitchen and a
dining hall, as well as an open-air hall. As we come across the smiling portrait
of Amit Pai in many places, we cannot help but empathize with the couple’s
untimely loss.
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The
centre organizes programmes such as bhajan, discourse, and yoga round the year.
The birth and death anniversaries of
their beloved child are marked by Bhajan and other spiritual programmes. Besides
felicitating the academic toppers every year, the centre hosts Vivekananda
Jayanti, Independence Day and such other programmes of national
significance. It serves a venue for
well-intentioned initiatives as well. Open to public since 2023, the Dhyana
Mandir can be visited from 6 pm to 8.30 pm, including on Sundays.
Wallowing
in sorrow does no benefit. It leads to nowhere but into deep pits of
despair. The spiritual and creative vent
Srinivasa Pai and Nirmala found for their grief has turned out to be beneficial
to society. It, no doubt, has renewed
the purpose of their life. Sailing or
sinking - the choice is always with the captain of the ship.
- Sanoor
Indira Acharya
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