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Under the guidance of Her Holiness Guru Maa, the VHI family at Lonavala extended the Sri Ram Charitra Manas Patth from 5 to 9 days. The festivities began on January 5th, 2007 with faithful devotees arriving for the opening of the Holy Text. Guru Maa began with an inspiring Pravachan regarding the importance of learning from the characters of Sri Ram Charitra Manas Patth. She extolled the devotees to learn how to be a good father, mother, husband, wife, son, brother etc from the great characters of Sri Ram Charitra Manas written ages ago by Tulsidasji, the reincarnation of none other than Valmikiji. Guru Maa then opened the holy book, and commenced the continuous recitation of the holy scripture for 9 continuous days and nights. She handed it over to the first sponsor after a few minutes. All the assembled congregants took advantage of the positive vibrations created by the holy chanting.
Every day the sponsors were responsible for breakfast, lunch and dinner which were prepared with great care and respect. Each family included beautifully presented food using colorful vegetables and fruits which was a visual delight to the eyes and the palette. Each family included their special touches of herbs and spices, using recipes passed on to them through generations.
Every evening at 5.30 pm, Guru Maa despite Her ill-health, opened the program with an enlightening Pravachan on topics of the holy scripture or its characters. The attendance increased steadily as word spread, and more out of town guests arrived. Each recitation of the Patth was easily completed with the help of volunteers who filled in any open slots during day time or middle of the night. This made it a bit easier for the sponsoring families.
On the last day, an energetic group of devotees settled down at 12 noon to begin the 108 recitation of Sri Hanuman Chalisa Patth. Ms. Savitri Gupta led the devotees for all the recitations. It was heart warming to see children join the adults too. One young boy sat with his mother and chanted the entire 108 rounds. A wonderful sight to see young ones chanting together with the mature adults completing the circle of life. Upon completion of the 108 Patth, the devotees stood up and chanted the last path while dancing in front of Sri Hanumanji. It was a great sight filled with glowing faces.
At 5.30 pm, the Ashram was filled to capacity as devotees took their places around the 3 Havan Kunds for Sri Sunderkand Patth Havan. The gold and silver coconuts were ready for all the sponsors for the Purnahooti. Her Holiness Guru Maa presided over the first havan even though She was not feeling well. KapishMitra and a local priest began in unison at the other two Havan Kunds. The holy fire burnt brightly as the vibrations from the holy chanting filled the air. The coconuts paced in the Havans were a sight to behold. By the end of the Havan, Guru Maa looked radiant and found Herself able to move about easily.
Everyone moved to the Main Hall for the closing ceremony and Aartis. Guru Maa spontaneously moved close to Baba and began dancing with such grace and liveliness. KapishMitra joined in the dance. Great joy was felt by all to see Guru Maa so full of life after prolonged sickness. Her Holiness Guru Maa closed the Holy Book for another year. She then expressed Her happiness with the successful completion of the nine day program. She thanked all the volunteers, sponsors and staff-members. A lively auction followed as Baba’s Chandoba was auctioned to bring good luck and piousness to anyone who takes the Chandoba home. Mr. Kanhaiya Rawal was determined to have the Chandoba, which after much bantering, was finally sold for Rs. 11,000.
Aarti followed with 31 beautifully decorated Aarti thalis designed by Alka Gupta. The Ashram was filled to capacity with overflowing devotees. It was a wonderful sight to see faith and devotion so alive in this modern age. Delicious Prasad followed which was enjoyed by all.
I would like to thank the sponsors: ShaktiPriya Khandelwal, Mr. G S. Sahay, Mr. Kanhaiya Rawal, Mr. Suresh Jain, Mrs Sashi Purohit, Mrs. Raju Khandelwal, Mrs. Savitri Gupta, Mrs. Bhanwari Purohit, Mr. Kiran Merchant and Inder and Gulab Purohit and all their families. The volunteers also did an outstanding job. Khandelwal family, Purohit family, Alka Gupta, Sanaa K Shah, Savitri Gupta and Priyanka Gupta. Special gratitude to the out of town volunteers, Shiv Poddar, Urmila Dave, Manoramaji and Pramila Dheman. Even the children volunteered happily. Special mention should be made of Darsana and Ruchi Khandelwal for preparing fresh Rangolis’ every day. A strong staff kept things running smoothly, led by Pawan Kumar and his wife, Meenu. Arjun in the kitchen and Chotu kept the entire Ashram clean, while making the stay of the guest very comfortable. Last but not the least, KapishMitra Khandelwal served with complete devotion, and arrived every morning for the Havan, and every evening for the Patth and Puja.
I would like to thank Baba and Guru Maa for all Her love, devotion and kindness.
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