Jammu, Oct 9: “The Divine Voice of Kashmir”, a new book by noted writer and author Sanjay Pandita on the life, spiritual journey and teachings of saint, poet and mystic Swami Pran Nath Bhat Garib, was released on Friday at his Ashram in Jammu on the occasion of the saint’s birth anniversary.
The release ceremony, marked by an atmosphere of devotion and spiritual fervour, was attended by a large number of devotees, scholars, writers and admirers of the revered saint.
The choice of the Ashram as the venue lent a special significance to the occasion, bringing together the literary endeavour of the author and the living spiritual tradition associated with Swami Pran Nath Bhat Garib.
The function was chaired by eminent historian Prof Rattan Lal Hangloo, who highlighted the significance of documenting the lives and contributions of spiritual personalities who enriched the intellectual and cultural heritage of Kashmir. He emphasised the importance of preserving such legacies for future generations and placing them within the wider historical and cultural context of the region.
Speaking on the occasion, Prof Labroo dwelt upon the life and contributions of Swami Pran Nath Bhat Garib and reflected on the relevance of his spiritual vision in contemporary times. He underlined the enduring value of the saint’s teachings in an age marked by material concerns and an increasing need for inner balance and spiritual awareness.
Other speakers, including Dr Ramesh Nirash, Piary Lal Shangroo and Rajinder Pandita, spoke about different dimensions of the saint’s personality and legacy. They recalled his spiritual depth, literary accomplishments and influence on his devotees, stressing the need to preserve and disseminate his teachings.
“The Divine Voice of Kashmir” is not merely a biographical account. It is an attempt to enter the inner world of a spiritual seeker and understand the gradual transformation of Anand Swaroop Prannath Bhat ‘Garib’ from a poet and scholar into a mystic and spiritual guide, the speakers assert.
The book, according to them, explores his childhood, his spiritual awakening, his encounter with his Guru, his discipline and devotion and the philosophical and mystical dimensions of his thought and poetry.
For the author, the book also carries a deeply personal significance. Sanjay Pandita’s association with Swami Pran Nath Bhat Garib goes back to his childhood, as the saint belonged to the author’s native village of Murran. Years later, a personal encounter with him at a time of profound emotional significance brought the author into closer contact with his personality and teachings. Subsequent meetings and participation in his satsangs deepened that association and eventually inspired Pandita to undertake a sustained study of his life and spiritual vision.
The author has approached the subject not simply as a researcher but as a seeker attempting to understand the inner journey of a spiritual personality whose presence left a lasting impression on those who came in contact with him. This personal dimension gives the book the character of both a literary study and a devotee’s humble tribute.
The book also places Swami Pran Nath Bhat Garib within the broader spiritual tradition of Kashmir, a land that has produced a remarkable succession of mystics, saints and poet-seekers. Through an exploration of his poetry, philosophy and spiritual discipline, the author seeks to bring into focus a voice that he believes deserves wider recognition beyond the circle of his devotees.
The programme concluded with expressions of gratitude and devotion, as devotees paid homage to Swami Pran Nath Bhat Garib and celebrated the continuation of his spiritual legacy through his teachings, poetry and the memories preserved by those who knew and followed him.
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