The year 2013 got off to a great new start as Amma’s children in Mumbai were engaged in hectic preparations for Her visit on the 7th and 8th of January. Amma’s arrival at the Nerul Ashram on the 6th had teary-eyed devotees scrambling to get a compassionate glance, a touch of Her benign hand, a knowing smile!
At the start of the evening program on the 7th, Amma was welcomed to the dais where a host of dignitaries was present, including Bollywood actor Chandrachud Singh, State Minister Ganesh Naik, former Justice of Bombay High Court, Radhakrishnan. Amma showered Her compassion for the poor and destitute in the form of pensions to 100 women and scholarships to 100 deserving students belonging to economically weak families.
The two-day program included Amma’s Pravachan, Dhyan, Bhajan and Darshan. The dawn- to- dusk Lalita Sahasranama Archana saw enthusiastic participation by people from various parts of the city. The special pujas including the Mangal Puja, the Rahu Puja and the Shani Puja were also well-attended.
Amma regaled everyone with Her Pravachan in Hindi. The soulful Bhajans She sang transported the audience to a totally tranquil realm of peace and bliss. Devotees thronging the Darshan line left with prasad consisting of sacred ash, a toffee and a yearning for one more Darshan. The grand finale had Amma rendering some energetic Malayalam folk songs to which devotees chorused animatedly. Amma left for Delhi in the evening of 9th January, as the sorrowful faces of Her children in Mumbai beckoned Her to come back soon!