Discourse & Satsangs

Poojya Swamiji and Ma at Baba's Shrine

Baba’s Jayanti Observance (18 February 2023)

Feeling the Presence

– Sadhika Miru

Baba’s Jayanti was on the Shivaratri day, 18 February. This year, the day was particularly meaningful in the light of recent foundation stone laying ceremony for Poornashram (Dakshinkhanda) a month before on 18th January (Vicharasethu Feb 2023). Workers and staff joined Ashramites and devotees in sharing the special day with Poojya Swamiji, Nutan Swamiji and Ma. Tears flowed freely as we gathered at Baba’s shrine in Ashram Mandapam.

The fondness and devotion Swamijis and Ma have for Baba was felt in all its fullness. One was reminded of Nutan Swamiji and Ma speaking about Baba’s ‘Presence’ during last year’s observance (Vicharasethu April 2022). As Poojya Swamiji, assisted by Ma and Nutan Swamiji, lit the main lamp and offered flowers to Baba, that ‘Presence’ became palpable.

Poojya Swamiji performed the arati to Baba’s photo, with Nutan Swamiji ringing the bell and Ma standing with palms together. All three conveyed an unconditional love from their hearts, which was readily felt in ours too. As Poojya Swamiji prostrated in front of Baba’s photo resting his forehead on the shrine, we bowed our heads in humility and gratitude. Each of us then offered flowers and prostrations to Baba and Poojya Swamiji, and then prostrated to Nutan Swamiji and Ma, before moving to Vijnana Bhavan for the next part of the programme.

Poojya Swamiji offering Rasagullas to Baba’s photo

Honouring the Source

Poojya Swamiji spoke in Malayalam, enlightening the workers and staff about the fundamental importance of Baba and Poornashram, in the birth and growth of our Ashram. Swamiji narrated the incident near the huge Banyan Tree in Dakshinkhanda, that made “Magician Baba” embrace a simple young school teacher Kshitish Chandra Dev as his Guru (A Great Association p 46-47) to learn the Ultimate Magic of the Universal Lord. From Baba, the magnificent treasure flowed through Poojya Swamiji, then Nutan Swamiji and Ma, down to each and every one of us.

The hall was darkened for screening a beautiful presentation on Poornashram Shila Sthapana which Dr. Aravindan had compiled. Brni. Pranati Swaroopa related the whole event, with occasional annotations from Poojya Swamiji and Ma. Watching visuals of Ma carrying the octagonal stone to the stage, handing it over to Pranatiji, and tearfully embracing Pranatiji after the stone was laid, filled our heart. Equally touching were Ma’s heartfelt words to the devotees and her joyful participation in the naama-sankeertanam. The mind was reminded of Baba’s instruction to Poojya Swamiji to “take care of her”, not long before Baba shed his body.

Rasagullas (a sweet Baba was especially fond of) were lovingly offered to Baba’s photo and distributed as prasadam to all present. In SIRD-Malaysia too, rasagullas were offered at Baba’s shrine on this auspicious day. In CIRD Delhi and Jamshedpur, devotees gathered in their beautifully decorated Satsang Halls to observe the occasion. In California, devotees came together online. But, the most fulfilling event this time, was observance of Baba’s Jayanti in Poornashram, Dakshinkhanda, where right from early morning, devotees (including small children) worked delightedly to decorate the place for the divine function.

From a tiny village in West Bengal, Baba came to Calcutta, where Poojya Swamiji happened to meet him. From Calcutta, Poojya Swamiji’s spiritual journey began, bringing him back to Kerala, to form an abode of enlightenment for all of us. Bengal-Kerala bond became stronger when Nutan Swamiji and Ma came to serve Swamiji. The three strands of this divine rope have carried the mission of Narayanashrama Tapovanam across the world and now brought it back to its very source, the tiny village in West Bengal. There is magic in the world indeed.

Jai Gurudev.

To watch video of Baba’s Jayanti day observance, click here