Om Sharavanabhava!
During October
two members of the youth wing were fortunate enough to attend Swami’s Birthday
Celebrations and Navaratri Celebrations in Swami’s Ashram
in Sreekrishnapuram, India.
The week leading
up to Swami’s birthday celebrations was full of charitable activities conducted by
Swami himself. Many programmes were held where basic necessities were
distributed to those in need. The necessities included food bags containing
rice and grains, clothes, all things we often take for granted.
Below you can
see Swami visiting underprivileged families where more often than not at least
one family member was incredibly ill. In every house Swami visited, the care
and concern he showed each person was admirable.
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Food bags ready
to be distributed
|
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Swami visiting
the ill
|
On Swami’s official birthday, the 11th of October, the Ashram was full
of people. Over 10 000
devotees attended the event including devotees from countries across the
globe such as UK, Swiss, Canada and Germany. The programme lasted the whole day
with speeches from representatives of Swami’s centres in various countries
updating everyone on charitable activities, an auspicious pada pooja was also
conducted for Swami and Swami gave an inspiring satsang and ensured every
single person present received his Dharshan.
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| Pads pooja being conducted for Swami. |
On the 12th
of October Navaratri programmes began in Sreekrishnapuram. Navaratri is a time
where the Divine Mother is worshipped in her various forms: Goddess Durga,
Goddess Lakshmi and Goddess Saraswati. Everyday poojas were conducted in the
morning and evening worshipping the Divine Mother also known as Shakthi,
strength and praying for world peace.
Our
experience
We were
incredibly lucky to have spent 13 days with Swami in Sreekrishnapuram. The
entire time we were there, we felt like we were in another world. We forgot
about work, school; there was nothing on our mind. There was always a serene,
positive and relaxed atmosphere that we have not been able to experience
anywhere else. Also spending time with Swami was enjoyable as always. Every
single person in the Ashram was so welcoming and loving, we felt as if we were
part of a big family.
All in all it
was such was a beautiful spiritual experience, and hopefully we can visit again
soon!
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| The view from the accommodation |
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| The Murugan temple and Shiridi Baba temple |
