Anandasramam branch works on the teachings of Sree Narayana Guru and believe that spirituality and worldliness are not separate entities. Instead, they both function with same intention. Just like several body parts function together for the perfect functioning of a human body, in order to achieve the ultimate aim of human kind -to have eternal well being , all the spiritual and material systems and structure should work together symbiotically.
This internationally renowned spiritual centre, founded by Swami Ramdas in 1931, offers a quiet, peaceful ambience, ideally suited for meditation and spiritual studies. It is located 15 km. from Bekal, a small town in Kasaragod.
An asramam (hermitage) in Changanassery town inaugurated by Mahatma Gandhi and blessed with the footprints of the great social reformer Sree Narayana Guru.
In the southern end of the Bhajan Hall is a small room. This small room was the ANANDASHRAM started by Beloved Papa in 1931. It was here that Swami Ramdas and Pujya Mataji lived with a handful of devotees in those early days of the Ashram, and it was the launch pad for their unique mission of Universal Love and Service. This room is now called the shrine.
In the southern end of the Bhajan Hall is a small room. This small room was the ANANDASHRAM started by Beloved Papa in 1931. It was here that Swami Ramdas and Pujya Mataji lived with a handful of devotees in those early days of the Ashram, and it was the launch pad for their unique mission of Universal Love and Service. This room is now called the shrine.
BEKAL FORT the unique Bekal Fort stands amidst the roaming but heartening music of the seas along with the eternal note of the unending waves, carrying the thrilling memories of a bygone era. This foremost souvenir of the 'Gods own Country' remains undeterred over the ages as a silent witness to centuries of eventful yester years. The Bekal Fort has been a source of attraction for historians, tourists and nature - lovers for centuries since it embodies memories of a glorious past.
Trees have been planted on the beach along with the construction of a splendid walkway which makes it easier to traverse the beach and enjoy its sights. At night, the entire place is lit up with special lights that add a whole new dimension to its beauty.
Bekal Fort happens to be the biggest fort of Kerala spreading over forty acres. The important features of this fort are the tank with its flight of steps, the opening of the tunnel towards the South, the magazine for keeping ammunition and the broad and wide steps leading to the Observation Tower is a rarity. From there one has ample view of all the important places in the vicinity like Kanhangad, Pallikare, Bekal, Kottikulam Uduma etc. This observation centre has strategic significance in finding out even the smallest movements of the enemy and ascertaining the safety of the Fort.
Unlike most other Indian Forts, Bekal fort was not a center of administration for no remains of a Palace are found within the Fort. Probably the fort was built for fulfilling the defense requirements. The holes on the outer walls of the fort are so remarkable that they are specially designed to defined the fort effectively. The holes at the top are meant for aiming at the farthest points; the holes below are meant for hitting when the enemy is nearer and the holes under neath facilitate attacking when the enemy is very near to the fort. This is a remarkable evidence for the medival technology of defence strategy. Apart from this, the wild and ecstatic beauty of the setting sun is a glorious presence in the fort.
A water tank with a flight of steps is the key feature of this fort. A tunnel opening towards the south and a space for storing ammunition with steps leading to the observation tower characterise this fort. As you climb up you will be rewarded with one of the best views of the ocean and its surroundings.
In fact, you can also see the neighbouring towns of Kanhangad, Kottikkulam, Pallikkara and Uduma from here. In the past, the observation tower was strategically important to keep an eye on intruders and safeguard the fort against enemies. There are many holes in the outer wall of the fort that were used to aim at and attack intruders.