The desert state Rajasthan has played a pivotal role in the life of Swami Vivekananda; he has both spiritual as well as historical connection with Rajasthan. His visit to Rajasthan wasn’t just confined to sojourns, but a major milestone in his life that later helped shape his global personality. Places like Alwar, Mount Abu, Ajmer, Pushkar have been an integral part of Swami Vivekananda’s life. But, one place in Rajasthan that was a turning point was Khetri. In 1891, Swami Vivekananda for the very first time visited Rajasthan and during this visit he stayed for almost 50 days in Alwar district of Rajasthan. Thereafter, he headed towards Mount Abu, where he did meditation inside the Champa Cave situated near the famous Nakki Lake.
Then came the turning point in his life, he reached Khetri, where he met Khetri maharaja Ajit Singh, over the period of time, the duo shared a great bond and became very close friends. Singh was influenced by Vivekananda’s ideas and it was Ajit Singh who gave the name ‘Vivekananda’ to the young monk who was then called ‘Narendra’.
Who was behind Swami Vivekananda’s America visit?
It was Maharaja of Khetri behind Swami Vivekananda’s visit to America to attend the World Parliament of Religions being organised in Chicago. Not only Maharaja Ajit Singh suggested Swami Vivekananda to go to America, but also, he sponsored his travel expenses. This America visit was a turning point in Swami Vivekananda’s life, he established India’s spiritual consciousness on the world stage, by giving his maiden speech in Chicago in 1893.
After his return from America, Swami Vivekananda came down to Khetri in 1897, he stayed with Maharaja Ajit Singh and explored the religious and cultural consciousness of Rajasthan even more in depth. This story is very less known, but even today in the ruins of Khetri fort one will find many letters and details of Swami Vivekananda. And in 1898 Swami Vivekananda wrote a letter to Maharaja Ajit Singh, in the letter he wrote for permanent assistance for his mother even after his death and immediately the request was taken care of and Maharaj Ajit Singh sent 100 rupees to Swamiji’s mother every month. So, Rajasthan and especially Khetri played a crucial role in taking Vivekananda’s ideology to global level.
