Rama Navami

“For as long as mountains and rivers remain on the earth, so long will the story of Ramayana spread in the world.” Thus it was said by no less than Lord Brahma the creator, and indeed how true is this statement. There is a special beauty in the story of Lord Rama that continues to enchant us no matter how many times we have heard it before. So it was no surprise to see devotees of all ages thronging to Chinmaya Sannidhi (Abode of the Ram Parivar) to celebrate the Lord’s birth on Ram Navami.

The Sannidhi was packed with devotees early on a Sunday morning, all of them were eager to revel in the presence of the Ram Parivar on this auspicious day. The program began with a puja dedicated to Sri Rama. Our Br. Gopalji and Sevaks had dressed Sri Rama, Sitaji, Lakshmanji, and Hanumanji in beautiful new clothes, and adorned the altar with striking decorations.

Not to be outdone, the young Bala Vihar children and Junior CHYK teenagers had their own puja in the adjacent room conducted by our Senior Chyk Ashwin under the guidance of Br. Gopalji. The children were eager participants, praying ardently to the Lord for health, long-life, intelligence, and beauty (and probably Xboxes as well). After offering their flowers and prostrations to the Lord, the little ones readied themselves for the fancy dress competition, while the teenagers delved into a deeper discussion of the significance of Ram Navami with Mahesh and Vikas.

Soon, the Bala Vihar children made a grand entrance into the main hall just as the adults’ puja concluded. There were lots of little Sitas dressed in beautiful little saris, gagras, some of our Sitajis’s were in contemporary costumes, providing a unique blend, as well as handsome young Ramas proudly carrying their bows and arrows. There was even one Lakshmanji, and one young child thought that he was Shah Rukh Khan (the Lord resides in all hearts, including Shah Rukh’s).

The children then went outside for some fun activities and collected prizes for their fancy dress efforts from Br. Gopalji, before settling down to watch a video on Lord Rama setup by our Akaash Uncle and Subhra Aunty.

Back in the main hall, the adults were reflecting on some probing questions. Does it make sense to celebrate the Lord’s birthday, given that he is the very source of the entire universe? And even if we do accept that he did take birth thousands and thousands of years ago, what relevance does a life lived so many millennia ago has to do with us today? CHYK Neeraj inspired by Br. Gopalji, who was speaking about Lord Rama and Ram Navami, opened with these profound questions. In his unique, engaging and entertaining style, Neeraj proceeded to explain that although the Lord is indeed Infinite and all pervading, His Avatars are a great blessing because they allow us to see Him in flesh and blood – as a tangible form of the Absolute.

But the question remained – what was so unique about the Sri Rama Avatar? There have been other Avatars, and the Lord has manifested Himself many times in many ways. Why is Bhagavan’s descent as Rama so special? At this point, Neeraj took a different tack, and described in detail the great travails that Sri Rama faced. He was exiled by his mother, His father was killed by grief, His wife was kidnapped, He had only monkeys to help Him, and even after He returned to Ayodhya having defeated Ravana and his mighty army, He had to exile Seetaji for the sake of his subjects, meaning that His own sons were strangers to Him. This seems to be a miserable life as you could imagine, but we still revere the Lord and he brings joy to the hearts of countless millions. Neeraj concluded that His glory shines through all these miserable events because Lord Rama never crossed the bounds of Dharma by thought, word and deed, no matter how trying the circumstances were. He was an embodiment of Manushya Dharma (or dutiful humanity). Thus, His example is as relevant to us today as it was all those millenia ago.

Our musical group Chinmaya Swaranjali (CHYK Band) and a few of the devotees rendered a few soulful bhajans, before we all sang the Hanuman Chalisa to invoke the blessings of the Lord’s greatest devotee. Finally, as midday approached, everyone sat in silent contemplation, striving to meet the Lord in their own hearts. The program concluded with Aarti and lunch Prasad.

As the beautiful proceedings came to an end, we were once again drawn to reflect upon the timelessness of the Lord Rama’s appeal. He is indeed not a historical character in the usual sense. In fact, past, future, and all of the happenings of our lives in the present, are taking place within His Infinite embrace. Festivals such as this remind us to step back, open our eyes, and recognise His all-pervading divine presence.

Br. Gopalji concluded the program with the following words "May Sri Rama take birth in each of our hearts to help us abide in Dharma through every step of life’s journey".

Glories of Lord Rama's Devotees

Br. Gopalji spoke and brought tears to our eyes on the subject of Lord Rama's Devotees. One of the stories Gopalji spoke on was the kevat (the boatman). How insignificant that kevat was. He was just a boatman and a low caste, but the Lord saw no distinction and he blesses all who come to him in devotion. Lord only sees the love. Lord blesses Kevat to wash His feet. How great one must be to get a glimse of the Lord's feet, here kevat washes both feet of the lord. Rare are the occassions when we get the opportunity to see or touch the Lord's and Guru's feet.

Similary Gopalji spoke about Guruji Swai Tejomayanandaji his Guru. Who was one of the greatest Rama Bhaktas Gopalji knew. Guruji was just like Lord Rama. Who only saw love. He took the love and love only. Gopalji illustrated this with a true story between Guruji and a true dedicated youth worker who was a very poor person.

Gopalji concluded the talks with a story of Lord Hanumanji who is the greatest devotee of Lord Rama. He explained that those who approach Hanumanji, Hanumanji's only role is to ensure that we reach the feet of Lord Rama. So the fastest way to reach the Lord is through His Devotee.

With that note Gopalji invited all to attend Hanuman Jayanthi.

Hanuman Jayanthi

Hanuman Jayanthi was held on 1st of April from 9AM – 4PM. We had a large participation of devotees. Some were from different cultural backgrounds. Each one took a Sankalpa (Wish) to chant 100 times the Hanuman Chalisa. It is said that one who can do this with single pointedness will be blessed by the Lord and the wish will be fulfilled.

The Hanuman Jayanthi concluded with Arati and Maha Prasad.

Jai Shree Rama! Jai Shree Anjaneya!