Kanha Shanti Vanam World's Largest Meditation Centre

Which is world's largest meditation centre? 

Is it the Swarved Mahamandir in Varanasi, which can accommodate 20,000 people at one time?

No, it is not.

Then which is the largest?

It is called Kanha Shanti Vanam.

And, how many people can meditate there at one time?

It can accommodate one lakh i.e. 100,000 people at any one time.

Oh, that is huge! Where is is located?

It is on the outskirts of Hyderabad.

Hyderabad? Didn't know that. Can Ghumakkad take us on a tour of the Centre?

Sure, stay connected.

Ghumakkad along with few other armed forces veterans and spouses had visited Kanha Shanti Vanam (KSV) recently. It is located 65 kms south-west of Secunderabad Cantt. It is an hour and 45 minutes drive one way. KSV is located off Bangalore Highway (NH-44) near Chegur village. See the map below.

The 1400-acre  land where KSV is now located was barren and dry. By planting 5 lakh saplings and transplanting 1000 trees, KSV is now a green heaven. It houses the meditation centre, library, extensive garden, housing for staff and visitors and ample parking. KSV has utilised locally available building material. The whole campus has been designed and developed to ensure environmental preservation. Let our pictures and videos do the talking.

Here is a short video by Vaishali as we approach the meditation halls.

We all attended one meditation session in the Central Hall. Get a feel of its size in a short video below:

The audience in the hall was well disciplined. No noise or undue disturbance. Before the meditation session commences, instructions for the audience are flashed on large video screens. Sharing below one of the instructions.

People consider it an auspicious privilege to get married in the hall and be blessed by Shri Kamlesh D Patel also know as Daaji. The couples in wedding attire, line up on the stage. They walk up to Daaji, exchange the wedding garlands and rings in front of him. Daaji then blesses each couple. See the picture below.

Where do 100,000 people remove their shoes and how do they remember where to collect it from? Very elaborately designed shoe racks with proper numbering ensure smooth storage and collection of shoes by the visitors. Pictures below:

KSV Garden is another outstanding feature of the campus. It has a nursery as well which sells plants.

A short video shot by Aditee Bhakay shows the well-manicured plants and garden in KSV.

Enjoy the ride with the veterans around the KSV Garden in the video below shot by Vaishali

KSV also sells herbal and other formulations for the well being of the visitors. Sharing one of the signages.

Photo-Op location: KSV has constructed a cemented railway coach amidst the greenery of the campus. It provides a perfect photo-op for the visitors.

Here is the group of veterans and spouses who had visited KSV. Ghumakkad is behind the lens.

Those who have seen the KSV from a flight at night, would connect with the following picture courtesy KSV website.

The visit to KSV was an eye-opener. Most of us did not know that such a massive meditation centre exists in Hyderabad! Do visit KSV during your next travel to Hyderabad. And Hyderabadis- get going! Do share a picture or two of your visit to KSV.

Thanks are due to Gen Naozar Patel for organising the visit and sharing few pictures. Special thanks to Aditee and Vaishali for sharing their pictures and videos.

We end with a quote about meditation by Gautam Buddha who said 'Meditation brings wisdom; lack of meditation leaves ignorance'.

Thanks for browsing. Stay connected and do leave a comment. Few words will do. It keeps us going.

    - Harsh-the-Ghumakkad/ Secunderabad/ 12th May 2026

#KanhaShantiVanam #HeartfulnessInstitute #ShriRamChandraMission #MeditationCentre #WorldsLargestMeditationCentre #Hyderabad #Daaji #ghumakkadharsh #ghumakkadhb #TelanganaTourism

Wooden Electric Pole KBG-43 Answer

'It is a backpack holder'

'Mast of a sailing vessel'

'Flag pole of the large National flag'

'Tubular high mast for solar lights or for perimeter lighting of Airport'

'Telephone pole'

'Steel based high circular wooden masts for flood lights or solar lights', these were some of the responses received for KBG-43, the 43rd edition of online travel quiz Kaun Banega Ghumakkad.

Wooden electricity pole was the correct answer.

Wooden poles continue to be used in many countries for electricity transmission. The picture was taken by Ghumakkad in the Bay Area of California, USA. While on a hike in a Forest Reserve, I noticed these wooden poles which were treated for pests, neatly polished and numbered. 

While returning from the camping site, we observed that similar poles were in use around the cities and towns also. 

The high tension transmission towers though were metallic structures as in other countries. See the picture below from northern fringe of SF Bay, California.

The toe holds on the poles were given as a clue in the contest. These holds are necessary for climbing the poles for any maintenance or repair. Since the poles were located in a hiking area, to prevent any accidental or adventurous attempt to climb by unauthorised personnel, bottom few sets of hand holds are detachable. Very thoughtful design. Otherwise in other countries, the bottom rung of the poles or towers are wrapped in barbed wires to prevent accidental/unauthorised climbing.

Since tall trees like the conifers, redwood and fir grow abundantly in California, wooden poles continue to be used for electricity transmission.

Winners

KBG-43 generated good response with almost 300 participants. However, only two readers gave the correct answer. Another anonymous response, though correct, goes unrewarded. Congratulations to both the winners who are profiled below:

1. NR Ravi: Former Captain Indian Navy who after retirement worked as the Chief Designer in an electronics manufacturing company and later as a Professor in a leading engineering college in Chennai. Loves travelling and gardening.
2. Ranajit Sen: A Pharmacy graduate from BITS Pilani. After more than 40 years in pharma industry, Ranajit is now an advisor to the Govt of India and leading bio-tech companies.

Thank you for your continued support to KBG Kaun Banega Ghumakkad contest.

We hope we have helped you in taking your mind off Covid and Corona.

Stay safe. More KBGs will follow.

    -  Harsh-the-Ghumakkad with Neeta Bhargava/18th Oct 2020

#travelchallenge #hiking #virtualtravel #ghumakkadhb #ghumakkadharsh #KBG #kaunbanegaghumakkad #onlinecontest #powerofobservation #lockdownfunathome #beatthecorona #lockdown #stayhomestaysafe  #funwithtravel #learningfromtravelling #woodenelectricpole #ecofriendlymaterials