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Babuji Memorial Ashram, Manapakkam - Request to visit

Travel Request Application Procedure for Abhyasis within India

All abhyasis who wish to stay overnight are required to have a Mission’s ID card and a letter of introduction from their Prefect or Centre in Charge.

Prior written request seeking approval to visit is preferable, which should be sent to the Ashram Manager at Babuji Memorial Ashram, Manapakkam. Please fill in the following form for individual as well as group travel requests.

Travel Request Form for Abhyasis in India

Travel Request Application Procedure For Overseas Abhyasis

Please read the instructions carefully before filling out the form: Travel Request Form (for approval of visit to BMA Manapakkam and to travel with Master)

1.   A travel request is mandatory for all abhyasis and prefects visiting Manapakkam ashram or requesting to travel with Master. Each individual will have to be recommended by their prefect and by the country in-charge/regional coordinator designated for this purpose. Both will have to review the request and recommend the individual for travel to India for the purpose of staying in the Manapakkam ashram or to attend bhandaras. Recommendations should be made only under the following conditions:

  • The abhyasi has practiced regularly for a year and has been taking individual sittings and attending satsanghs.
  • He or she does not have any mental illness, or is not under any psychotropic treatment.
  • He or she is seriously focused on Sahaj Marg practice with good understanding.
  • He or she understands the spiritual purpose of the journey to India.
  • He or she has a confirmed return ticket and has sufficient funds to meet his or her expenses while in India.
  • He or she has no serious health problem or any ailment requiring a high level of care.

2.   The new travel request format provides a column for addresses and contact numbers of next of kin in case of an emergency.

3.   The visit of any abhyasi/prefect must be approved through a travel request even if the applicant is going to stay outside the ashram or venue of bhandara. When accommodations are off-site, the address where the abhyasi will stay should be given. The travel request must be recommended by the country in-charge or regional coordinator (who will be designated) after verifying the points mentioned above. The request should then be sent to the Travel Request desk in Manapakkam by the person making the recommendation. It shall be the responsibility of the recommending prefects and country in-charge or regional coordinator to ensure that unstable individuals do not arrive at the ashrams.

4.  The second page of the travel request form includes a check list. Please confirm that all items have been agreed to and checked off this list before submitting your request.

5.  Upon arrival at the ashram, the visiting abhyasi should carry a printed copy of the travel request form with signatures of the recommending prefect and CIC/RIC/RC (country in-charge, regional in-charge or regional coordinator). If the request has been submitted online by the CIC/RIC/RC their signature is not required on the printed copy, especially if the signature is difficult to obtain because of physical distance.

6.  The third page of the travel request form (passport, visa, airline ticket and emergency information) is for purposes of checking in at the ashram. It can be mailed in advance or carried and presented at the time of checking in.

7.  If the abhyasi plans to stay outside the Mission's ashrams or venue of functions, permission to visit the ashrams and attend the functions is still limited to the time period approved by Rev. Master.

8.  Please note that visit to Satkhol, CREST or retreat centres requires separate travel approval for which you should go to the web pages of those centres.

9.  If abhyasis submitting a travel request form need to use the Delhi ashram (RK Puram Ashram) or the Kolkata ashram as a transit point, they need to include that information on the  form (under "other details"), so that the travel request desk can inform the ashram that you will be stopping there. When you arrive at that ashram, it will be necessary to show your approved travel request as well as your Mission ID card.

10. Bhandaras have their separate registration forms which should be filled in for registering and staying at the venue of bhandaras.

Stay in the Ashram or outside accommodation:

  1. The abhyasi ID card must be worn at all times within the ashram.
  2. Dress code according to local standards should be observed. First time visitors will be briefed by the recommending prefect.
  3. Combining tourism with a spiritual visit is not advised by Master. If unavoidable, tourism may be completed before you arrive in Manapakkam or at the venue of the bhandara. Afterwards, it is recommended that the abhyasi return direct to his or her country.
  4. Visiting abhyasis will attend all satsanghs in the ashram.
  5. Visiting prefects should not give introductory sittings to local aspirants or to those they meet during their travels. They may brief them about Sahaj Marg and give them the contact number of a prefect living in, or near, their town or city.
  6. A locker facility will be available to keep valuable articles such as passport, electronic devices, cash, et cetera; valuables should never be left in the dormitories unattended.
  7. If there is a need to do any shopping, the advice/guidance/help of the ashram manager or any responsible functionary may be taken.

Compliance with Indian Visa / Immigration rules

  1. All travelers should check with their respective Indian Embassy or Consulate office  regarding travel alerts, passport validation requirements and revised entry and exit rules that accompany the visa.
  2. Abhyasis should not remain in India after expiry of their visa. They are likely to be turned back from the airports at the port of exit by Indian immigration authorities.
  3. Abhyasis should not forget or delay registration with local Immigration/Foreigners Registration Office if it is stipulated on the visa stamp in the passport. This must be done within the time specified on the visa. Abhyasis who fail to comply with these stipulations cannot seek intervention from the Mission to obtain the exit visa.
  4. All visiting abhyasis are requested to avoid travel complications by scrupulous compliance with Indian laws and regulations. Abhyasis will please understand that failure to do so results in difficulties for the Mission with governmental authorities.

Caution regarding Exchange of Money

  1. It is suspected that a massive infusion of counterfeit notes of INR 1000 and INR 500 is taking place through other countries into India. All our overseas abhyasis are advised not to accept these denominations from money changers in their countries.
  2. Currency exchange should be done only in India from authorized banks as directed by Rev. Master.
  3. The receipt for such transactions should be retained by the abhyasis until their return from India. The receipt should contain the name or passport number of the abhyasi.
  4. As far as possible, payment for big purchases/expenses while in India should be made with international credit cards, if the abhyasis possess such cards.

Travel Request Form (for approval of visit to BMA Manapakkam and to travel with Master)

Email : travelrequest@srcm.org
Post : Babuji Memorial Ashram address
Fax : Babuji Memorial Ashram office