A calm and serene atmosphere greeted the devotees who thronged the main hall of the Ashram at Nerul on Sunday, October 7, 2012 to celebrate the 59th birthday of Amma, who has, through Her Darshan, acquired the epithet, ‘The Hugging Saint’ across the globe. A program of prayer, meditation, Archana and devotional singing was organized at 9 a.m. under the guidance of Br.Avyayamrita Chaitanya. A Bhagawati Puja was also organised to be conducted in the evening. The crowd comprised of a large cross-section of people from the local areas as well as from the distant suburbs.
In his short introductory speech, Swamiji spoke of the importance that Amma attaches to the virtues of compassion for the poor and feeling the sorrows and pain of others as one’s own. In Amma’s own words, “The first step in spiritual life is to have compassion”. These qualities, however, he said, should be put to practice, using one’s discrimination and awareness. He also stressed on the need to re-orient the youth of today to the rich cultural values that are a part of our country’s heritage.
After Swamiji’s speech, the ‘Paaduka Puja’ ceremony commenced wherein offerings of milk, honey, rose water and sandal paste were made to the holy sandals of Amma to the accompaniment of chants such as the Ashtothram, Guru Stothram, Guru Paaduka Stothram and the Lalita Sahasranamam. The rendering of some very soulful bhajans enhanced the celebrative mood.
As a grand finale, the Maha Arati was performed with fervor by devotees. Thereafter, everyone was treated to a sumptuous lunch. In adherence to Amma’s emphasis on compassion, free lunch, (Annadaanam) that is a regular feature of the Ashram’s charitable activities was provided to the local poor too. Indeed a great celebration through prayer!