Sandeepany Sadhanalaya, Powai, 8 th May, 2016, the 100 th Jayanti of Pujya Gurudev Swami Chinmayananda – the air reverberated with the chants of Om Shri Chinmaya Sadgurave Namaha as oon as everyone entered the Ashram. It was 7.30 am and there were people milling around the registration counter to register for their Abhishek timing slots. Everyone looked so very happy and at peace standing in the queues.
The inauguration started at 8.30 a.m. with Br. Ved Chaitanya giving the opening address followed by Shri. Mukulbhai Patel who gave the welcome address. Swami Bodhatmananda spoke to the gathering about how Gurudev brought the highest knowledge down to us, “Arjunas”. As against many teachers who hold back some knowledge, Gurudev shared it all with us irrespective of caste, creed or gender.
Pujya Gurudev, he said, wanted to make many more “Chinmayas”. Swami Swatmanandaji then addressed the gathering and elaborated on the first verse of Kritajnata – Samasta-Jana -Kalyane and spoke about Gurudev and his ideals, his compassion, his zeal while working for the people and the country and how he was firmly established in the Truth.
Swami Bodhatmananda released 2 new publications entitled “Read Daily, Live Fully” which are excerpts from Gurudev’s writings and “The Life of I” the next in the Mananam Series. A Marathi DVD entitled “Pathirakha Sadguru” by Pujya Guruji Swami Tejomayanandaji was also released.
All present then chanted the Guru Stotram, Gurudev’s Ashtottarashata Namavali followed by Gurudev’s Aarti. The Sahasra-Kalashaabhishek (Abhishek with 1000 Kalash-s) began with the Acharyas performing the Abhishek on Gurudev’s Vigraha first, then the Mukhya Yajmans followed by the other Kalash Yajmans.
While the Abhishek was being performed, the Sadhana Mela was in full swing. The Sadhana Mela was based on the eight aspects of Saguna Sadhana of Pujya Gurudev (Naam, Rupa, Guna, Kriya, Sambandh, Leela, Dhaam & Swarupa) with special counters/events for children as well as elders. Members were seen leaving the Geeta Mandir with smiles of serenity on their faces after participating in the guided meditation session in Pujya Gurudev’s voice, while children were kept occupied with parables and stories under the trees like in the Vedic time. Books, Cds, DVDs and other merchandise were fast going off the stands with Chinmaya Vani, Upahar and other stalls. There were selfies being clicked with a cutout of Pujya Gurudev, which was a big hit. Pujya Gurudev’s quotes were jumbled and one had to get the right quote. Even Swami Bodhatmananda was seen putting a quote together. Devotees who had met and interacted with Pujya Gurudev regaled members with their anecdotes. There were devotees who hadn’t met Pujya Gurudev and they recalled the impact He had on them. Children and youth were seen drawing/sketching portraits of Pujya Gurudev.
The Ashram was packed with members – old and new, devotees – old and new. The atmosphere was charged with inspiration and vibrant dynamism. Volunteers, led by Br. Ved Chaitanya, who had been working tirelessly for this day, ensured a seamless and smooth movement for all the members from the Vigraha Abhishek through all the sadhanas.
The program concluded with the screening of ‘On-A- Quest”. A day filled with Sadhana on this Sadhana Day. A Day for introspection and reflection. A Day of feeling blessed. A Day filled with gratitude for Pujya Gurudev.
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