Cherished Memoirs 34

This series chronicles interesting experiences recounted by the devotees of HH Maharanyam Sri Sri Muralidhara Swamiji. These articles are  translations from the series, “Madhuramaana Mahaneeyar” that is published every month in Madhuramurali Tamil monthly magazine.  The original article was written by Dr. Bhagyanathanji, Personal Secretary of Sri Swamiji.

New Year blessed with Mass Prayer

January 1, the beginning of New Year as per English calendar, is the day when Sri Ramakrishna Paramahamsa, like the celestial cow Kamadhenu, rained boons sought by his devotees. On such an auspicious day we also conduct a Mass Prayer and chant the Mahamantra kirtan.

January 1, 2016. Until the last moment the town and venue of the annual mass prayer had not been decided. At first we thought of conducting it at Salem. Sri Swamiji_chinmudraAfter His visits to Virudhunagar, Sivakasi, Periyakulam and Udumalaippettai for satsangs, Sri Swamiji decided to conduct the mass prayer in Madurai. There was not much time left. Further, the city of Chennai was hit by never-before-seen downpour and floods, twice. Therefore, it was doubtful if we would be able to conduct the mass prayer in Madurai. Later, when the whole of Tamil Nadu was affected by floods, it was decided to definitely conduct the mass prayer this year. Preparations were done hurriedly.

No posters or any kind of propaganda was done in this connection. No one from outside was specially invited for the occasion. Yet 10,000 devotees assembled in SDH School complex on the evening of January 1, 2016! Sri Swamiji gave His benedictory address for about 10 minutes.

Sri Swamiji began with the glorious history of Madurai, the temples around Madurai, great souls (mahans) who had taken birth in Madurai and then spoke of the efficacy and power of the Lord’s Divine Name and the Mass prayer. Only the voice of Sri Swamiji was heard and the 10000 devotees assembled there listened with rapt attention. All of them heard Sri Swamiji with great enthusiasm and elation. Finally, Sri Swamiji asked everyone to close their eyes for a while and pray.

The whole of Madurai seemed to be in dhyana when all the devotees closed their eyes and offered silent prayer! Then it was sheer joy to see and listen to all the 10000 devotees chant the Lord’s Divine Name with arms lifted and clapping, along with Sri Swamiji. All the devotees left for home peacefully with deep faith, a great divine feeling and Mahamantra kirtan. This mass prayer was relayed live through webcast. Devotees all around the world participated in the mass prayer from their homes and benefited.

This year, by the Lord’s grace, the mass prayer was successfully conducted in the historical town of Madurai.

Madhuramurali  Feb  2016 issue
Translated by Nisha Giri Houston TX

 

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