---
title: WHAT TO EXPECT ON DARSHAN DAY
description: This article explains the structure of online darshan and what expect in terms of the schedule, process and how to ask questions during darshan.
---
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3. [Darshan](https://knowledge.bhaktimarga.org/migration/paramahamsa-vishwananda#darshan)
# WHAT TO EXPECT ON DARSHAN DAY
## This article explains the structure of online darshan and what expect in terms of the schedule, process and how to ask questions during darshan.
### TABLE OF CONTENTS
**Scroll through the whole article, or click on a link below to go directly to a specific section:**
### **LOGISTICS**
- [How long will the Darshan Experience last?](https://knowledge.bhaktimarga.org/migration/online-darshan#how-long)
- [What time is the *darshan* in my area?](https://knowledge.bhaktimarga.org/migration/online-darshan#time-calculator)
- [When should I log into Zoom?](https://knowledge.bhaktimarga.org/migration/online-darshan#log-into-zoom)
### THE DARSHAN EXPERIENCE
- [What is the schedule of activities?](https://knowledge.bhaktimarga.org/migration/online-darshan#schedule)
- [Is the *darshan* a one-on-one experience?](https://knowledge.bhaktimarga.org/migration/online-darshan#one-on-one)
- [What happens when Paramahamsa Vishwananda is online?](https://knowledge.bhaktimarga.org/migration/online-darshan#guruji-online)
- [How can I ask Paramahamsa Vishwananda a question?](https://knowledge.bhaktimarga.org/migration/online-darshan#questions)
### ARTICLES
### LOGISTICS
### How long will the Darshan Experience last?
- The Online Darshan Experience **can last up to two hours or more.**
- It is important to **set aside enough time** so that you can really enjoy the full experience stress-free.
### What time is the *darshan* in my area?
- The scheduled start time of a *darshan* is always posted in Germany time.
- Be sure you know the correct time in your time zone, we don't want you to miss the event.
- **Use this [Time Calculator](https://dateful.com/time-zone-converter)** to determine the time in your area.
- Please use Germany for our time zone on the left side of the page.
- Type in your country / timezone in the box on the right side of the page, a list of options will automatically pop up for you to choose from.
### When should I log into Zoom?
- The **Zoom Meeting Opens** 45 minutes before the scheduled start time.
- Example: if the event time is 13:00 CET, then Zoom opens at 12:15 CET
- Be sure to [install Zoom](https://app.hubspot.com/knowledge/8952526/edit/56084941589#zoom) well in advance of your *darshan*.
- For more information: [Online Darshan Preparation](https://knowledge.bhaktimarga.org/online-darshan-preparation)
- It takes time for our Team to admit everyone, please plan on logging in a **minimum of 20 minutes before** the scheduled start time.
- Getting online early allows you to secure your seat, settle in, relax, and take full advantage of all that is being offered.
### THE DARSHAN EXPERIENCE
### What is the schedule of activities?
Online Darshan is truly an experience, one not to be missed. The Online Darshan Experience has **three major components:** *Gita Lounge*, Living the Path segments, and the *darshan* blessing with Paramahamsa Vishwananda.
**Gita Lounge**
Before each online *darshan* we host a spiritual Q&A program called *'Gita Lounge*'.The program begins 30 minutes before the scheduled start time.
- Example: Gita Lounge starts at 12:30 CET when the event time is 13:00.
- During this program our resident swamis answer audience questions using the *Bhagavad Gita* and Paramahamsa Vishwananda's commentary as a resource.
- You can **ask questions in the Chat**.
- To find Chat, click on the **three dots ( ... )** in the Zoom Toolbar.
- Then **choose Chat** from the options.
**Living the Path**
****
Depending on how quickly Paramahamsa Vishwananda comes online, we may show several short segments about living the Bhakti Marga Path.
- - **Segments may include:** Pre-recorded *bhajans*, people sharing their personal experiences of having Gurudev in their life, special announcements, and/or a short meditation.
**Darshan Blessing**
****
Paramahamsa Vishwananda's *darshan* blessing is a very personal experience. He looks into our soul and does what He can to help us progress on our spiritual path.
- - Read more: [What is Darshan and How to Receive It](https://blog.bhaktimarga.org/what_is_darshan?hsCtaTracking=9f7b7edf-e3f3-40c2-b4df-9648ca30d7ee%7C3bdfab31-6a8c-48d4-a86e-0ba676f011cb)
- When Gurudev comes online, He is usually present for about an hour.
- Further details [below](https://knowledge.bhaktimarga.org/migration/online-darshan#guruji-online).
### Is the *darshan* a one-on-one experience?
- Yes and no. In truth, **you will have your own personal *darshan* experience** and there will be many others online at the same time.
- Online *darshans* are offered through Zoom with up to 1000 people online all at the same time. However, the *darshan* itself is a very intimate experience as the camera is only focused on Gurudev and you do not interact with the other people.
- Keep your screen on **Speaker View** so it will just be you and Him when He gets online.
- You can change your **View** by clicking on the View Icon in the **upper right-hand corner** of the Zoom screen.
- 
### What happens when Paramahamsa Vishwananda is online?
- When Paramahamsa Vishwananda comes online He will say 'Jai Gurudev' (greetings to the Guru within) and welcome everyone with some short instructions.
- *Darshan* is a very personal experience. During which **Gurudev tunes into your** **consciousness** to determine what is needed to help you advance on your spiritual path.
- To do this, **He needs to look at every single person online**, this usually takes 10-15 minutes.
- In order to receive the blessing **you must have your camera on so He can see you.**
- While He is looking at everyone, He will ask you to chant ***'Sri Vitthala Giridhari Parambrame Namah'.***
- You can **learn more about the mantra** in this [satsang](https://youtu.be/z2snjvRkFDw) (minute 46:00).
- When He finishes looking at everyone, He will ask you to:
- **Close your eyes and meditate upon Him in your third eye.**
- You can then **ask your question, offer a prayer, or set your intention.**
- See below for more [specific guidelines](https://knowledge.bhaktimarga.org/migration/online-darshan#questions)
- When He is ready, He will ask you to **open your eyes and look into His**. This is the actual *darshan* moment.
- Although it may not last long in physical time, it often feels timeless.
- Just try to remain open to whatever may come.
- After He is done:
- He will ask you to **be in silence for two minutes,** then He will go offline for a few minutes.
- **It is best to sit in stillness** to feel into your experience and **enjoy the presence of the Divine within.**
- When He comes back online **He usually opens the mic to talk with people.**
- Use the **Raise** **Hand icon** if you wish to speak to Him.
- Click on **Reactions** in the Zoom Toolbar, then on Raise Hand.
- If He chooses to speak with you, please be sure to remove the hand afterwards.
- When it is all done **He will say His farewell and bless everyone**.
### How can I ask Paramahamsa Vishwananda a question?
There are several ways you can ask for Gurudev's help during *darshan*.
- **Write and hold up your question**
- Make your question **very short.**
- **Write large** enough for Him to readon the screen at a distance.
- He can read English, French, and Hindi.
- **Hold the paper up** next to your face while He is looking at everyone.
- Do not cover your face.
- **Make sure the text is readable to Him.**
- Right-side up and facing the camera, not yourself.
- Check if you can read it yourself in your own picture screen.
- **Ask internally**
- You can also **ask your question in your mind** during the pre-*darshan* moments and the actual *darshan*.
- He hears all prayers and requests and will respond according to what is best for you.
- **Open mic**
- After the *darshan* is over, **Gurudev may open the mic** for sharing and questions.
- Click on **Hand Icon** in Reactions found in the Zoom Toolbar.
- **NOTE: Gurudev may or not respond directly, or call upon you, but He will know what to do.**
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