Navarathri 2017
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September 21 – 30, 2017
?Holy Navarathri Celebrations?
Sri Sri Sri
Vasudevananda Swamy Ashram
Naidupeta, Nellore Dt.,
Andhra Pradesh, India.
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For all of those who have been eagerly awaiting for any bits of Ashram news my heartfelt regrets for having to delay these postings. I am sure you can appreciate that I along with other members of the Organizing committee were fully engaged in attending to the monumental tasks associated with the 10-day Navarathri Celebrations, the biggest annual festivity with the largest attendance.?
Besides the sacred worship of the Divine Mother Sri Rajarajeswari Devi in all her beautiful forms, the event is distinguished with the notable and noble charitable services of Anna-daanam (free food), Vastra-daanam (free clothes), and Vaidya-daanam (free healthcare) provided to large number of the needy from the surrounding villages.???
There was much preparation for the sacred event; besides procuring all the supplies and food items there was a large purchase of clothes especially sarees for free distribution. And then there are shamianas to be erected, decorative festive lighting to be installed and display boards to be installed — the list can go on..
Other major improvements done to the Ashram campus in preparation for the big event include:
– full-scale painting of the Ashram temple
– upgrading the temple lighting with eco-friendly and energy saving LED lights
– adding decorative and inviting chandeliers in the temple
– installing solar streetlights throughout the Ashram site
– Tidying up the little kitchen with new flooring
– And the biggest improvement of all (which I shared before) – Steel plates and reusable tumblers along with the stainless steel tables which made the dining experience a very memorable one for everyone. Intalling washbasins outside the dininghall helped to streamline the diner traffic out of the dining hall.
Each and everyone of these wonderful major improvements was made possible by the loving generosity of the devotees from around the world.???
It was wonderful to see Amma taking interest in every aspect of the preparation big and small, snd provide valuable guidance throughout.
About a week before the beginning of the Navarathri festival Amma personally undertook the preparation of large quantities of pickles (tomato, gongura). These were made not just for the festival but to pack and send to her devotees attending the event!
A birds-eye (drone) view of the Ashram.???
Pickles to Pulihaara – Divine cuisine ???
Utappam anyone? Amma makes the tastiest one filled with live.?
Amma tries out the precious ornaments before they adorn the Divine Mother in the temple. For the Very Precious Lord where is the need for the Jewelery; He is Glory unto himself.??
What a glorious morning sight to wake up to.?
Sri Rajarajeswari Devi temple of the Ashram — all spruced up for the occasion with a fresh coat of paint, new lighting.?
Here are the flyers and the poster that detail the 10-day festivities.?
September 20th night Amma ceremoniously lit the cooking stoves initiating the large-scale marathon cooking for the masses that went uninterrupted for the next 10 days.?
September 21, 2017 – The inaugural day started very early in the morning with Amma herself participating in the starting ceremonial worship of Ankurarpana and Ganapathi puja.
Morning started with the sacred live instrumental music of Nadaswaram.?
At the Yaagashaala….
A very significant ceremony did take place in the morning at the Goshaala – – and that was the dedication of the Goshaala honoring Sri Ch Radhakrishna Reddy. A longtime ardent devotee of Amma he has rendered many years of selfless service in support of the Ashram operations.???
Go-puja cows in front of the temple ready to accept the morning worship.??
Following the inaugural morning worship at the Yaagashaala and the Abhishekam of the deities in the temple stage was set for tge next item on the program, viz., Paada Puja of Amma. Unlike in the years past the ceremony was held outdoors in the front yard of Amma’s residence; considering the size of the gathering it turned out to be the right venue even from the weather perspective.
Just as the Paada Puja program concluded a procession lead Amma to the next program of Suvaasini puja which took place on the second floor hall of late Sri Nageswaramma building. The organizers set up a token system of admission so that the crowd can be managed. The invitees were honored by treating them as the very personification of the Divine Mother; wasing their feet, applying turmeric and vermillion and presenting tgem with a gift package that included cosmetic items and a beautiful saree.?
The token desk to Suvaasini Puja honorees.?
Gift packages for the Suvaasinis.?
Suvasinis being honored and worshipped.??
Renowned Music Director and Singer Sri Rajagopal Palagummi and his wife took the opportunity to garland Amma and present the prelaunch copy of the CD entitled “Nirmala Tattva Bidha” especially prepared for the Navarathri. The CD was officially released on the evening of September 22, 2017.?
As the Suvaasini Puja comes to a close for the day Amma returned to the residence to get ready for the primary worship program at the temple. Accompanied by ceremonial temple music Amma went in a procession to the temple.?
Once at the temple Amma promptly began the worship.??
Throughout the elaborate worship Amma is very focused in performing the ceremony with utmost scriptural accuracy and invoking the Divine Mother as the living embodiment. Sri Kambhampati Seshagiri Rao who assisted Amma is well versed in many a Puja Vidhis and Vedic chants continues to be a great asset for the Organization and the Amma’s devotees around the world; his patience and loving faith in Amma in strictly following Amma’s directives and his outstanding beautiful voice are commendable.???
It is very challenging to describe the whole experience of witnessing Amma’s spectacular worship but a few things that devotees attending the ceremony would always remember are the ways Amma distributes the prasad to everyone present calling on them individually by name and making perfect toss of the fruit prasad. Other sanctified items Amma distributes to devotees include the panchamrutham, sandalwood paste, vermillion, turmeric, Bilva leaves, garika grass. Also, the sanctified pieces of cloth that Amma uses to wipe tge Srichakram after applying the fragrance is a treasure that everyone looks forward to receive from Amma. But the memorable highlight has to be when Amma calls on devotees to lovingly place the paan (combination of betel leaf and areca nut along with dry fruit, honey and sugar) directly in the devotees’ mouth. What makes it even more extraordinary and truly Divine is that Amma remembers and calls on everyone by name to receive the prasad whether they are present directly in the line of vision or they are seated behind completely out of sight. Now it makes sense when you recall the line in the Purusha Suktam; “Sahasra Sheersha Purushah, Sahasrakshah Sahasra Paath” (सहस्रशीर्षा पुरुषः सहस्राक्षः सहस्रपात् ।); meaning, The Purusha (Universal Being) has Thousand Heads, Thousand Eyes and Thousand Feet (Thousand signifies innumerable which points to the omnipresence of the Universal Being).???
It’s time for lunch, and who better to show the way on how to serve – – Amma, just like tge loving mother Amma serves with much care and love paying individual attention to everyone seated, young and old. Amma is truly thrilled with the new shiny dining tables that brought the dignity to the whole dining experience; something that Amma always wanted. We are also truly blessed because of Amma’s grace to find a wonderful cook who has been making tasty delicacies for the past four Navarathri festivals. Besides being a great chef he is a person with good temperment and very pleasant; and that may be the secret ingredient in his dishes.???
It is not too long after the lunch that the homa session at tge Yaagashaala got underway; and soon Amma joined. As the homa session convluded Amma headed to the temple for the evening worship and Arathis. It is a truly a feast to the eyes to witness the expertise and elegance with which Amma waves the Arathis.???
Kumkumarchana (worship with vermillion) followed where devotees congregated around the sacred Srichakrams and did the worship.
Typically this was followed by melodious bhahans by the overseas devotees.?
The presiding deities in the Ashram temple??
Divine Mother beautifully decorated (alankaaram) as Devi Bavani – Day 1, Navarathri (September 21, 2017)?
Evening worship ?
In addition to the evening Bhajans by the overseas devotees, local devotees sang and danced from 3 PM until the evening worship began. The overseas devotees were also blessed to sing Bhajans in Amma’s Divine Presence every morning soon after the early morning abhishekam and worship concluded.?
With a few exceptions the program each day followed as outlined.
So, I will post only the ones that are different, special or some unique message to convey instead of chronicling everyday events.??
September 22, 2017 – The second sacred day of the Navarathri celebrations – Divine Mother invoked in the form of Bala Tripurasundari Devi, a young girl.??
Early in the morning Smt Priya Tanugula of Santa Clara, CA, USA (accompanied by her parents) brought to show Amma the package of gifts and goodies to be presented to the young girls who will be receiving tge worship of Bala Tripurasundari Devi. Amma was pleased and blessed them. Later in the morning the ceremonial worship of sixteen young girls did take place at tge Ashram temple. ? ?
Soon it was time for the sacred Paada Puja. ?
Next Amma leaves to Smt Nageswaramma Building to presidd over the Suvaasini Puja.?
The registration desk for the Suvaasinis.
Amma blesses couple of elderly ladies.
With the Suvaasini puja coming to a close Amma returned to the residence to get ready for the morning worship at the temple.?
The morning worship began.???
Sri Rajagopal Palagummi, a renowned Music Director and singer sang a few beautiful poems and devotional songs.?
You may notice a couple of rows of chairs in the background with little girls seated on them; later in the morning Smt Priya Tanugula undertook their worship as the embodiments of Bala Tripurasundari Devi.?
Morning worship continued….
Each day a small privileged team gets to the alankaaram (decoration) of the designated form of the Divine Mother. And when Amma comes to give the final stamp of approval everyone around is nervous in anticipation. Today, Amma ended ip redoing the Alankaaram completely; typically Amma does minor adjustments to everyone’s relief and elation.?
Divine Mother beautifully decorated (alankaaram) as Sri Bala Tripurasundari Devi – Day 2, Navarathri (September 22, 2017)???
Amma’s Arathis are a Divine feat and a joyous feast for the eyes.??
Amma truly blessed all her devotees around the world by enabling us to reach out to an outstanding singer and a renowned Musician Sri Rajagopal Palagummi to produce the CD entitled “Nirmal Tattva Bodha”. The beautifully produced CD is a comilation of selected Tattvas authored by Sri Sitha Mahayogini. For the Palagummis it became a family project as his son Sri Ram Palagummi who resides in the USA joined him in rendering the English translation for the Tattvas.. Here is brief background in the talented Singer And Director in his own words.???
In the evening, the CD was formally released in Amma’s Divine Presence. The couple was honored and receive Smma’s blessings.?
Sri Rajagopal Palagummi sang a few of the Tattvas recorded in the CD, and expressed his deep sense of gratitude fir Amma for bestowing this special blessing on him.?
The evening ended with Kumkum-archana (worship with vermillion) and Mangala Arathi.?
Amma takes a peak at the TV of the kumkumarchana in progress in the temple.
Arathi to Amma???
September 23, 2017 – The third sacred day of the Navarathri celebrations – Divine Mother invoked in the form of Gayathri Devi.??
Early morning Darshan???
Morning bhajan session??
The sacred Pada Puja got underway.?
After the Pada Puja Amma went over to Smt Nageswaramma Building to preside over the Suvaasini puja, and tgen onto the Temple to perform the elaborate morning worship.?
Amma stepped in into the Garbhaalayam (sanctum sanctorum) see the Gayathri Slankaaram. The lucky few who followed Amma had the good fortune of photo op with Amma. ???
Amma the recognized expert in Alankaaram does the final adjustments with a criticsl eye.?
Divine Mother beautifully decorated (alankaaram) as Gayatri Devi – Day 3, Navarathri (September 23, 2017)???
Smt Saileela and Sri Sridhar Padakanti engaged their parents and made it a family affair in making a beautiful offering of 108 sarees to the Divine Mother arranged in the form of the raising Sun.???
Noon Arathi.???
Lunching in the lap of luxury with dignity and decorum.???
In the evening, Amma visited the homa ceremony in progress at the Yaagashaala.?
September 24, 2017 – The fourth sacred day of the Navarathri celebrations – Divine Mother invoked in the form of Annapurneshwari Devi.??
Morning worship at the temple???
Special Blessings – Amma distributed to everyone the special prasadam from the vessel resting on the lap of Matha Annapurneshwari Devi.???
The lucky ladies who performed the Kumkum Puja in the sanctum sanctorum.?
Smt Pallavi & Sri Raghunath Reddy of Stockton, California, USA had the blessed opportunity to garland Amma on the holy occasion. ?
Amma never misses a day to stop by at tge Dining Hall to make sure that everyone is being fed sumptuously, and the operation is efficient. Too often Amma jumps into action to lend a hand in serving, and does not hesitate to even pick up the dirty plates.???
Rain is always a welcome relief despite the thunder; and it stopped just in time for the evening program go uninterrupted.
Soon it was time for the homa ceremony at the Yaagashaala?
Dance and song by the local devotees as Amma was about to enter the temple.?
What followed was a beautiful classical dance presentation by young Anvi, the darling daughter of Sri Bhuvan Padakanti and the Pride of the Padakanti and Mukka clan.
Thanks to Smt Latha Kandaswamy who brought an offering of a large colorful collection of beautiful bangles, Amma blessed them by wearing them, and distributed to the eager devotees who were thrilled to receive them.?
September 25, 2017 – The fifth sacred day of the Navarathri celebrations – Divine Mother invoked in the form of Lalitha Devi.??
Morning Arathis….???
Smt Priya Tanugula of Santa Clara, CA, USA receives Amma’s nod of approval and blessings as Amma dons the saree and other items brought for the Suvaasini puja.?
Two special family events are to take place in the Padajanti/Mukka families soon after the Navarathri event; and, this morning they came to invite Amma to those events and seek Amma’s blessings. The elder Padakantis, Smt Andal and Sri Sitharamaiah are ready renew their marriage vows in an ancient traditional ceremony of Shastipurthi. And the youngest Chi Vaishnavi, darling daughter of Smt Saileela and Sridhar Padakanti will be inducted to adulthood through Pytala (Voni) function, a ceremony of Rights of Passage.
Three generations of Padakanti and Mukka families have established a very loving relationship with Amma and are truly dedicated in serving Amma and Amma’s mission. I have great admiration for these truly blessed families.?????
The sacred Paada Puja began…
Amma arrived in the hall of Smt Nageswaramma building to preside over the sacred Suvaasini puja.?
Next stop is the temple for the elaborate morning worship.???
Lalitha Devi Alankaaram ?????
Afternoon Homa ceremony at the Yaagashaala ?
A group photo op for the women devotees — something that they pull off every year; it’s time that men devotees take up the clue.
September 26, 2017 – The sixth sacred day of the Navarathri celebrations – Divine Mother invoked in the form of Sri Mahalakshmi.??
Suprabhatha Darshan of our Sweet Lord???
Lucky ladies!?
The mornings – – Many sweet memories and haunting melodies ?
Next we move on to the sacred Paada Puja.??
Amma proceeds to Smt Nageswaramma building next to preside over the auspicious Suvaasini Puja.?
Soon it was time for the elaborate morning worship that everyone looks forward to.??
Amma steps into the sanctum sanctorum for the final review and appreciation of the Alankaaram of the Divine Mother — today’s Alankaaram is in adoration of Sri Mahalaksmi.?
Amma’s watchful eyes are everywhere.???
The doctors and volunteers who worked hard in the free medical clinic setup from September 22nd through 26th serving large number of villagers who sought medical care. Amma made frequent visits to the free clinic; today being the final day of the camp Amma came especially to bless the volunteers with a group photo op.?
Following the lunch and a little break Amma headed to the Yaagashaala to preside over the sacred homa ceremony that was already in progress,?
A tradition for the villagers to express their love and devotion to Amma on this special day of Sri Mahalakshmi — garlanding Amma with a garland made by stringing the currency notes. Once the garlanding ceremony is over, Amma is quick to distribute all the currency notes from the garland to the devotees.??
The program for the day ended with a melodious bhajan session preceded by the evening worship.???
September 27, 2017 – The seventh sacred day of the Navarathri celebrations – Divine Mother invoked in the form of Saraswathi Devi.??
Each and every day of the 10-day celebration of the Holy Navarathri festival is jam packed with programs from Sun up to well beyond Sun down. Nevertheless it is never exhausting rather a very exhilarating experience, and spiritually uplifting and energizing. Of the ten days, the last four days are even more intensive in the program content, especially today celebrating and worshipping Saraswathi Devi, the Goddess of Education or Knowledge. Many things are special about today; besides the Alankaaram of the Divine Mother in the temple with the traditional white saree accessorized with the celestial musical instrument, the Veena, our Beloved Amma also dons the white saree for the occasion – – a true heavenly treat!
Another tradition and a very special blessing to the children is that on this day Amma writes the beejaksharas (sacred letters) on the tongues of young children. A long and tedious process that Amma takes much keen interest and astounding amount of patience by personally writing the sacred letters on the tongues of nearly 600 children taking over 5.5 hours. Amma worked non-stop without food with only an occasional sips of water and buttermilk.
Based in the lessons learnt from the years past, the American devotees set up fun games, quizzes and puzzles to keep the large gathering of children engaged as they waited their turn, creating a very festive and carnival atmosphere. The children were also given snacks and were taken to lunch organized in groups, making the whole experience a very memorable one.
After getting the blessings of the beejaksharas from Amma, each child received a gift package as a memento that included a beautiful backpack, a notebook, and an ensemble of writing accessories (especially prepared by the children of American devotees).???
Getting started for the long day.???
Morning at the temple?
Veena Vaadini Saraswathi Maatha.?????
???The day had a much big mystery ahead to unfold; a Divine miracle that made everyone spellbound. A rare blessing to everyone who had the good fortune of witnessing Amma’s Divine feat. A materialization of a rare salagram idol brought out in a spectacular and surprising way. More on this later.???
As usual Amma was set out to admire and approve the Alankaaram, and today even more spectacular with the Alankaaram as Saraswathi Devi.
Carefully listen to Amma’s singing as Amma addresses Saraswathi Devi as the daughter-in-law of Sri Mahalakshmi since Saraswathi Devi is the consort of Lord Brahma who rose in the lotus from the navel of Sri Mahavishnu.?
And now — here is that magical mystical moment of the day, the year and our lifetime when Amma brought out the salagram idol of Varaha-Hayagreeva Avatar with Sri Mahalakshmi seated on His lap, a rare and unique manifestation of Vishnu in the line of the Dashavataras or the ten incarnations of Vishnu.?
I continue to learn many simple and profound truths and ways of living in the vicinity of God with AWARENESS, both in a worldly and spiritual sense. In this particular incidence I have to admit my utter failure to be alert and for missing a golden opportunity to capture a historic moment. Amma rightly chastsed me for my ineptitude.?
Before bringing out the idol Amma hinted several times that the “in-laws are coming” to which Prasuna and I questioned who it is and Smma’s reply was “who are the in-laws of Saraswathi Devi?”. And a little later Amma continued, “also Adishesha and Garuda are coming”; seeing our puzzled look Amma assured, “you will get to see them as well”. To our thick skulls we remained clueless as to what Amma was telling us.?
And then it happened! The naivedyam (sacred food offering to God) was brought in and placed in front of the Srichakram. Amma asked for a towel, and replaced the banana leaf cover with it, and thrusting his hand into the naivedyam as if searching for something; and, when Amma lifted the hand — there it was! The black salagram idol fitting to the exact description that Amma gave earlier.?
When Dr. Srinivas Pyda of Livermore, California arrived early next morning, Amma blessed him by gifting it to him. So, for all those eager to see it, please contact Dr Pyda and I am sure that he will accommodate to have the holy darshan. ?
Soon after the morning worship program conclude, Amma headed straight to the second floor hall of Smt Nageswaramma Building to write the sacred Beejaksharas on the tongues of young children on this sacred day of Saraswathi Devi, the Divine Mother who bestows knowledge and wisdom. Children were already waiting seated in a queue.???
The bigger task of managing the children for the long wait was done with extraordinary planning and creativity by a dedicated team of devotees of the American contingent. Kudos to these dedicated souls.??????
Here are a few snapshots of that operation.??
Kids waiting at the registration desk…
Registration and Tagging kids
Waiting in lines for their turn to play
Parents eagerly waiting outside the play area
Kids waiting in groups of 20 for their turn to play
Dr Shobha Ramanujam kept kids engaged with stories while they waited for their turn?
The elegant Arathis by Amma (morning worship session) — it is quite an artistic presentation ???
September 28, 2017 – The eighth sacred day of the Navarathri celebrations – Divine Mother invoked in the form of Durga Devi. Special sacred event of the day – Chandi Homam ??
The early morning session witnessed Amma blessed blissful recipient, Dr. Srinivas Pyda of Livermore, California, USA. In the close up picture you can now easily discern the details – – the horse face sspect of the Hayagreeva Avatar, the tusks of a boar representing the Varaha Avatar; Consort Sri Mahalakshmi seated regally on the lap of the Lord while He rests the left foot on the head of the celestial serpent Adishesha as the faithful servant and vahana Sri Garuda bows down. What a spectacular creation indeed!???
Back at the residence Amma takes a short break before getting on with the next part of the day’s program.
Amma tries out the nose-ring offering brought for Sri a Rajarajeswari Devi (the presiding deity in the Ashram temple) by the devotees of the neighboring village.??
Sri Durga Devi Alankaaram.???
Just a moment later Amma notices something is amiss and immediately proceeds to correct it; Amma added the ouline of pupils to the eyes.???
Amma admires the new armaments of the Divine Mother — Trishul (Silver Trident) and Khadgam (Silver Sword).?
As I was otherwise engaged I seek your understanding and forgiveness for not being able to provide full coverage of events over the next coupke of days.
Also, I have no pictures to share of the day’s major event, the Chandi Homam.??
September 29, 2017 – The ninth sacred day of the Navarathri celebrations – Divine Mother invoked in the form of Mahishasura Mardhini.??
Early morning blessings — Smt Yashoda and Sri Boda Rao of Milpitas, California, USA received the coveted sacred Srichakram from Amma.
Morning Paada Puja in progress.?
Next on the agenda was the Suvaasini Puja at Smt Nageswaramma Building.?
The elaborate morning worship program was next on the program.?
Amma gives the final touch to today’s Alankaaram of Divine Mother as Mahishasura Mardhini.????
The evening session.???
September 30, 2017 – The tenth and the final day of the sacred Navarathri celebrations – Divine Mother invoked in the form of Sri Rajarajeswari Devi.??
Welcome to the grand finale of the ten day sacred celebration! Besides the daily program of worship the day concluded with “Shami Puja” and the ceremonial procession and parade of the small idol of Sri Rajarajeswari Devi on the imposing silver lion vahana through the streets of Naidupeta and surroundings.???
With the early morning session of worship coming to a close Smt Sai Leela and Sri Sreedhar Padakanti (Folsom, California, USA) took the opportunity to get Amma’s blessings for their daughter Vaishnavi’s Pytala function scheduled for the next week; family and friends joined the occasion.??
Smt Premalatha Epuru of Atlanta, Georgia, USA brought a couple of copies of the book entitled “Tripura Rahasya” to have Amma bless for her to study. Tripura Rahasya is regarded as one of the chief text-books on Advaita, the reading of which alone is considered sufficient for Salvation. Amma recommeded to one of the devotees who plans to host the Saptarishi Puja at his home to include the book as part of the offering to the couples receiving the worship.?
Standing nearby I was the lucky recipient of one copy of the sacred book in Telugu.
For those who are inquisitive a pdf copy of the publication from the Ramanashram is available for free; I am attaching it for your convenience.?
Amma completes the morning worship of the Srichakram with Alankaaram.?
And enters the sanctum sanctorum for one final review, adjustment and approval — today’s Alankaaram is in adoration of the Divine Mother as Sri Rajarajeswari Devi. The Divine Mother looks truly gorgeous in all Her Glory with all the ornaments including a golden braid and a silver saree.?
Amma with two of the longtime devotees and supporters of the Ashram — Sri Madhusudan Reddy; and Smt Chittemma, both if Naidupeta, India.
Novice Priest, our own Chi Ameya Padakanti (son of Sri Bhuvan Padakanti, San Ramon, CA, USA) has been more thanna pair of hands; very devoted and a model young man.?
Kumkumarchana in progress.?
Amma personally lead into the sanctum sanctorum members of the family from Nellore who have been longtime devotees of Amma.?
In the afternoon everyone assembled under the Shami tree adjoining Smt Nageswaramma Building where Amma conducted the worship. Devotees were given small pieces of paper on which the Shami mantra was printed; and, the devotees are suggested to write one desire that they wiuld like fulfilled and tie it to the tree branch.?
Here is the Shami tree prayer:
शमी शमयते पापम् शमी शत्रुविनाशिनी ।
अर्जुनस्य धनुर्धारी रामस्य प्रियदर्शिनी ॥
ShamI shamayate paapam
ShamI shaTruvinaashinI |
Arjunasya dhanurdhaari
Raamsya priyadasrshinI ||
Meaning: The Shami tree cleanses sins. Its thorns are reddish in colour. It is Lord Rama’s favourite tree and in such a tree Pandavas hid their arms. O! Shami! Lord Rama has worshipped you. I now embark upon my journey to victory. May you make it pleasant and free from obstacles.?
The basis for this sacred worship is an event from the great epic Mahabharata. After getting cheated by the Kauravas, Pandavas had to go for exile. For that they need to hide their weapons at a secure place. They opted a Shami tree (a tree with thick foliage and sharp thorns) for that and hid the weapons on the tree; Arjuna’s Gandeeva bow was one among them. When they came back from the exile, the weapons were safe on Shami tree.?
To express their gratitude, they performed a puja to Shami tree (Prosopis spicigera) and their weapons. Since then, it has become a custom to perform Shami Puja and Ayudha Puja on Vijaya Dashami.???
Over the ten day festival period there were more miracle creations by Amma and more blessings on devotees young and old. A number of ladies and a couple of young girls received the unique familiar three-diamond earrings, and a lady received a pair of earrings with solitary diamond. As per Amma’s guidance we will not be posting pictures of these special personal blessings.
What I do want to share are the much sought out Srichakrams that Amma creates to give to the devotees. You may recall that Amma declared that Amma has commissioned a total of 108 of these sacred Srichakrams from the Vishwakarma (architect of the Universe). Four lucky devotees were the blessed recipients of this rare gift from Amma. And, I do have Amma’s permission to post these pictures. With these four added the count of Srichakrams created to date stands at 85; 23 more to come!???
Despite all the hectic ceremonial worship program, the children especially those who came from overseas were fully engaged throughout and seem very much at home enjoying the sights and sounds of the festivities. Earlier I have noted how Ameya was helping out in the temple; and then there was Showmik who mesmerized the devotees with his carnatic vocal presentation. Other kids joined the bhajan session and lead bhajans. All the parents can take pride in knowing that all the kids were well behaved and disciplined in how they conducted themselves. Amma was always there for them making sure that they are comfortable and attended to.???
After some real hard work Ameya could not keep up; I found him napping at the footsteps of the Temple. Poor chap he gets up in the early hours along with the adults and it is truly a long day for him.?
But that one loving hug from Amma is all that they needed; its all worth it?
????That concludes the 10 days of the sacred Navarathri celebrations???????
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