Every summer around June-August, a multitude of devotees from North America (and other parts of the world) eagerly travel to India solely to seek the darshan of our Guru Maharaj, HH Maharanyam Sri Sri Muralidhara Swamiji, who is fondly called as Sri Guruji. They yearn to constantly be in the divine presence of their Guru, who is always in the thought of Bhagavan, who inspires them with his words, and whose mere presence brings forth Bhagavan’s divine name in their lips and peace in their hearts.
In these heartwarming conversations shared below, some devotees have enthusiastically recollected their fond memories and sweet experiences with Sri Guruji during their summer travel this year (2023). The memories of these devotees, highlighting Sri Swamiji’s compassion, love, and easy approachability, are truly inspiring for other devotees also who are seeking Sri Swamiji’s darshan and blessings.
“There are so many incredible attributes and qualities of Sri Swamiji, but one prime attribute of Sri Swamiji that I had the bhagyam to witness was the way he had adored our Premika Varadhan and Madhurisakhi with such love, devotion, and care. During this year’s Vasant Utsavam, Sri Swamiji absolutely adored Bhagavan. I simply cannot express in words how Sri Swamiji would embellish the Divine Couple with utmost endearment. There was a sparkle in Sri Swamiji’s eyes as he listened to Sri Krishna Premi Swamigal’s yugala shatakam being sung, smiled in a charming manner, and covered Bhagavan in beautiful flowers. Sri Swamiji’s reverential demeanor as he worshiped the Divine Couple unexpectedly cultivated a feeling of adoration to my Bhagavan as well. In pravachans, Sri Swamiji would tell us to adore Bhagavan like our child, and seeing Sri Swamiji exhibit such love to Bhagavan inspired me to cherish my Bhagavan in a similar manner to our Sri Swamiji.
Bhagavatam certainly is Bhagavan, but what a bhagyam for us to read Srimad Bhagavatam with our Bhagavan. Every morning, Sri Swamiji would immerse himself in Srimad Bhagavata parayanam. Sri Swamiji, however, would beautifully explain the meaning of certain slokams as well as sing different kirtans (composed by various composers) corresponding to the canto.
The beauty of our Sri Swamiji is the profound compassion he extends onto us. Sri Swamiji invariably took it upon himself to ensure the well-being of each one of us, a true testament to his unparalleled care and concern. The phrase “koti mAtru vAtsalyam” applies to no one better than Sri Swamiji.”
Radharani Narayanan from Atlanta, Georgia
“This trip was truly unlike any other. The four weeks I was there was filled with nothing but Sri Swamiji’s darshan. The most notable memory from this trip was being in the presence of Sri Swamiji while in his car. The drive from the bustling city to the serene village of Manimangalam was filled with a remarkable experience with Sri Swamiji. I had the bhagyam to sing Sri Swamiji’s divine compositions. I remember I was singing and Sri Swamiji would turn around and smile, and what a sight was that to see. Furthermore, he quizzed us on Sanskrit and Tamil words as well as facts from Srimad Bhagavatam, Srimad Ramayanam, and Mahabaratam. On the way back, Sri Swamiji asked us questions about my school, my family, my daily routine, my extracurricular routine, and my friends. Sri Swamiji displayed genuine curiosity and an attentive ear to my expressions. I consider myself exceedingly fortunate to be in the vicinity of Sri Swamiji because only our Guru will descend to our level and engage with unparalleled compassion and attentiveness.
I also had the bhagyam to spend ten days in Govindapuram, filled with ample satsang. The eight days prior to Ratha Utsavam were one of the most notable days of this trip. There were barely any devotees, therefore I was able to completely immerse myself in Sri Swamiji’s presence. In the afternoons we chanted Nama around the divyanama Krishna, and one day Sri Swamiji held my hand for twenty minutes as we chanted Bhagavan Nama while going around Sri Krishna. On the last day, as it was Ratha Utsavam, Sri Swamiji was immersed in the divine presence of Bhagavan.
My last two days in India were revolutionary. Sri Swamiji explained the importance of chanting Nama and spreading the kali yuga dharmam to others as well. I had the bhagyam to hear about Sri Swamiji’s vision for all satsang devotees as well as plans to spread satsang throughout the USA. Being with Sri Swamiji this trip was a bhagyam that I pray more and more for.”
Krishnanujam Srinivas from San Jose, California
Interviewed and compiled by
Meera Srinivas, Bay Area, CA
Click here to go back to the August 2023 newsletter page:
https://godivinity.org/newsletters/nama-dwaar-newsletter-august-2023/