The Sri Dattagiri Maharaj Vedic Pathashala located in an ashram in the

Bardipur village of Telangana has an ambience just like any other ashram -
quiet and peaceful. As I walk in, a priest welcomes me and pleasantries are
exchanged, as well as visiting cards and e-mail ids.

(Entrance to the pathshala)

The pathashala or school which is situated in a remote village off the

Mumbai Highway in Medak district might at first appear to be like any
other ashram. "We established this ashram around 55 years ago and we
teach the children the vedas and the mantras and offer a course that trains
them in becoming a priest themselves, if they like," says Sri M. Sideshwara
Swamiji, one of the chief priests at the ashram.