Weapon and scripture training begins at Bageshwar Dham:5 scholars from Varanasi to teach in Vedic Gurukul tradition

After the Hindu village and cancer hospital initiatives at Khajuraho’s Bageshwar Dham, training in both scriptures and traditional weapon arts will now also be provided. On 13 February 2026, preacher Ramesh Bhai Oza, Pandit Dhirendra Krishna Shastri and Pandit Pradeep Mishra jointly launched a Vedic Gurukulam. Students of all castes will receive education in this Gurukul. The main objective is to connect young disciples with Sanatan Dharma, the Ram-Krishna tradition and Vedic culture. A three-storey building has been constructed where 50 students have currently been admitted. Classes have already begun, and teachers from Varanasi are conducting lessons. Located about one-and-a-half kilometres from the Dham in a secluded area, the three-storey structure is drawing visitors from far away. A reporting team visited the site to gather details about this dream project. Read the full report… Conch shell sounds start coming from 4 AM It is four in the morning. The sound of a conch shell echoes from inside the Gurukul, and lights in all rooms begin turning on one by one. Within minutes, a chant leader’s voice becomes clearly audible. Students and residents recite, “Karagre vasate Lakshmi, karamadhye Saraswati…” — a mantra traditionally spoken while looking at one’s palms upon waking. The complex also houses a cowshed. For students’ convenience, a large hall and ten rooms have been built. There is also a temple dedicated to Bageshwar Balaji and other deities. Within ten minutes, activity fills the Gurukul. Students pick up their clothes and head towards the washrooms. When asked why everyone bathes so early, attendant Rishi Shukla says this is part of Gurukul tradition. Morning prayers begin at 5 am. Just before five, students gather in the hostel corridor carrying their prayer mats and small copper pots filled with water. Worship begins. By about six, rituals conclude. After exchanging glances, they start singing the Hanuman Chalisa loudly together. Teachers have come from Banaras Gurukul principal Acharya Gopal Charan Pandey explains that Gurukul literally means “the teacher’s home”. Lord Ram studied under Sage Vashistha and Lord Krishna at Sage Sandipani’s ashram, and this tradition has continued for centuries. The same rules apply here. So far, 50 students have enrolled. Students studying in a Gurukul are called Batuk. At present, children from Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Bihar and Nepal are studying here. Accommodation for teachers and Brahmins has been arranged in 20 rooms. Brahmin student Sagar Adhikari says he is from Kathmandu and is studying weapons training and Vedic texts here. He hopes to become a religious scholar in the future. All types of education will be provided Acharya Gopal Charan says schools may provide bookish knowledge, but values are learned only in Gurukuls. Students will be taught when to wake up, when to sleep and how to live a disciplined life. The curriculum will include not only Vedas and Puranas but also archery, Ayurveda, astrology and traditional wrestling arts. The Gurukul has begun with five teachers and 50 students, with plans to expand to 250. Currently students are being trained in routine and values. Regular academic sessions will begin in April, and weapons training will also start then. In future, recognised Shastri and Acharya degrees from a Vedic Sanatan Board will be awarded. Dhirendra Shastri said – Future generations should become cultured and knowledgeable Gopal Charan says the vision of Dhirendra Krishna Shastri, head priest of Bageshwar Dham, is to make the coming generation cultured and knowledgeable. He believes food and money provide support only temporarily, whereas the gift of education lasts a lifetime. From applying a tilak on the forehead to greeting parents respectfully, such values come from this traditional learning. Scholars from Kashi — Acharya Krishna Kumar Dixit (Vedas), Shivam Kumar Pandey (astrology), Divyanshu Dwivedi (grammar) and Priyanshu Pandey (Yajurveda) — are teaching students here. There are also plans to establish similar Gurukuls at major temples and pilgrimage sites across the country. Gurukuls will be established across the country Attendant Rishi Shukla says the aim is to protect youth from vices such as addiction, gambling and crime while ensuring their holistic development. Alongside education, training will be given in archery, meditation and yoga. Students will follow a disciplined routine beginning with waking at 4 am and ending with bedtime at 9:30 pm. Three daily prayer sessions, self-study and designated meal times are included. This is not an ordinary coaching centre but a full educational board. Classes 6–8 will be called Prathama, 9–10 Purva Madhyama, 11–12 Uttar Madhyama, and graduation level Shastri, followed by a two-year Acharya course. All these degrees will be recognised by the Vedic Sanatan Board. What is the daily routine of Gurukul Guru-disciple bond: The system centres on a close, personal relationship between teacher and student. Disciples live like members of the teacher’s family, receiving affection like children. The relationship is based on respect, trust and dedication. Celibate discipline: Students typically live in Gurukuls from ages 8 to 25 while observing strict discipline. Free education: Instruction is entirely free, funded by community donations or patronage. After completing studies, students offer Guru Dakshina according to their capacity. Community life and discipline: Students assist with daily tasks such as collecting wood, seeking alms and cooking food, developing physical labour habits, discipline, self-reliance and service values. Personal attention: Teachers guide each student individually based on ability, interest and learning capacity — what is now called student-centric learning. How are Gurukuls? Gurukuls were ancient Indian residential schools where students lived in the teacher’s home or ashram. This tradition emphasised teacher-student relationships, moral character building, practical knowledge, connection with nature and holistic development as a way of life. How Education Was Conducted