By MOKSHPRIYA
In her youth, she had already expressed the desire to create a position especially for women which would equal that of the "ShankerAcharya". Having observed the workings of Nature closely, she said the Purush and Prakriti are one. Creation the basis of life forms cannot give birth unless the energy of Shiva and Shakti unite. Hence, she realised the importance of creating a new position to fit the changing times. For many years she kept looking for an individual who could fit the role. Her search ended when in May l998 she decided to confer the title of Parvatya Charya on G.Maa. However, when she approached G.M. she declined saying she could not accept the the post as it could lead to violence and strife. THe matter was temporarily laid to rest. Then once again in 2007 Ma Yog Shakti told G.M. that now that there is a women in Rastrapati Bhawan, we need to forge ahead and create this new position for the empowerment of women. She was aware that she did not have the blessings of the Sadhu Samaj, not everyone was in favour of creating this new position for the welfare of women. But she convinced G.M. that her "Sankalp" could not wait anymore. Her declining health, and age made it imperative to crush all opposition in order to give birth to the all important role of Parvatya Charya. She said I am seeking someone of your calibre who has a strong personality, leadership qualities, courage, status and knowlege. It was her vision that in order to fulfill these requirements G.M. had to now become the female counter part of the ShankerAcharya. She saw in Guru Maa a leader fit for the representation of women in the 2lst century. She tried hard to convince the Akharas to respect her decision. But she was also ready to fight any opposition to fulfill her dream.
January, l4th Friday 2008 was the auspicious date set for the ceremony. The venue selected was the auditorium in Ma Yog Shakti Divya Dham, in Kankhal Haridwar. Historically, very significant because it was here that Shiva's beloved consort committed Sati in protest. Daksh Prajapati had organised a huge Yagna where everyone was invited but not Shiva. She leapt into the flames in protest. THe auditorium at Divya Dham was decorated with lights, banners, and flowers. Disciples of Gurumaa and Ma Y. Shakti welcomed G.M. with Jai kara. The ceremony begun with a parade amidst the chanting of "Om Namah Shivaya. The original plans were to have elephants, horses, camels, chariots and brass bands to lead the Shobha Yatra. But the UtterAnchal Security and Police refused permission. The Shobha Yatra was therefore confined to the Ashram. The Abhishek ceremony originally was planned to be executed by ll learned Veda Acharyas from Benaras.But they were not allowed entry by the protesting Sadhu Samaj. Finally, the ceremony was conducted by only one Pandit and a women Sanyasi Ma Bhu Bharati of Haridwar. The Puja began with the sprinkling of Ganga Jaal on G.M. Then red rose petals (ll pounds) were showed on G.M. by devotees and well-wishers. G.M. sat calmly in Dyan Mudra, with eyes closed while a rain of rose petals showered her entire body. After this, Ma Yoga Shakti presented a new set of clothes(Vastra) to Gurumaa. Also, gifted was a glittering red Chattar which was held above Guruma's head by a close disciple of Ma YOg Shakti. GuruMaa was also given a Bhiksha Patra filled with holy Ganga Jaal. G.M. had to beg for alms from all present. Ma Yoga Shakti gave her the first Bhisha. I too was fortunate to offer my Bhiksha to G.M. Everyone, present showered her with money, clothes, flowers, and pranams. It was a magical moment....a feast for the eyes. Witnessing all this quietly was the Jain Sant Manak Muniji. The sadhus tried to stop the programme, but failed. Divine will had prevailed to make Gurumaa the world's first Parvatya Charya.
After the Abhishek formalities were over, GM. quietly sat in advocate S.C.Nanda's car with Ma Bhu Bharti, myself and a few close disciplines and left for Ganga Pujan. In a secluded Ghat, far from the maddening crowds G.M. offer her pranams and prayers to Ganga Maiya and Argh to Surya Dev. In a distance we noticed a big Statue of Hanumanji perched on the temple roof top. On that chilly morning we washed Guru Ma's Lotus feet on the banks of the GAnges. History was created but not peacefully. Ma Yog Shakti's mission to create a new position had been achieved despite protest and attempts at violence. May Ma Yog Shakti be remembered for her spirit of sacrifice and courage forever. The President of India, Honerable Pratibha Patil called in her congratulations.It was a perfect ending for a historic day.
Mokshapriya!