Along the banks of the Gomti River in the village of Kadipur Khurd, located in Sultanpur district, stands the revered ashram of Tyagi Ji Maharaj. This serene riverbank retreat served as the grounds for his deep spiritual discipline. During his time here, the saint observed an extraordinary vow of containment, never stepping beyond a roughly 100-meter boundary around the hermitage for about three and a half years.
Following the Guidance of Guru Vankhandi Ji
According to Rajkumar Pandey alias Rinku, the priest of the temple, Tyagi Ji Maharaj left his earlier base at the Jaisinghpur ashram on the explicit directions of his spiritual guide, Guru Vankhandi Ji. His search for an austere spiritual sanctuary brought him to Kadipur Khurd, where the quiet Gomti riverbank offered an ideal setting. There, he initiated an uninterrupted period of severe penance and established his humble dwelling.
Austere Lifestyle and Village Bonds
Life by the river for Maharaj was marked by supreme simplicity and devotion. Most of his hours were spent immersed in prayer, meditation, and spiritual reflection, leaving an enduring impression on local residents. Village families routinely brought basic provisions, including grains, water, and daily essentials, to the retreat. Using these modest offerings, Maharaj prepared his own meals while maintaining his dedicated spiritual schedule.
The Hanuman Temple and Annual Community Feast
Today, the ashram is widely identified by the sacred Hanuman temple erected on its premises, which attracts visitors from neighbouring areas throughout the year. Pilgrims visiting the historic Gauri Shankar temple in Sultanpur frequently cross the Gomti River by boat to pay homage at this quiet sanctuary. The retreat also hosts a notable annual bhandara, where devotees gather in large numbers to partake in the community feast and offer prayers.
