Shri Ramnavmi
ll Hari Om ll
Abstract
from English translation of Marathi discourse given by P.P. Aniruddha Bapu on
15th March 2007at New English High School, Bandra
“Ram rameti rameti
rame ramey manorame |
Sahasranaam tattulyam
ramanaam varanane |”
“Sahasranaam
tattulyam ramanaam varanane” Lord Shiva clearly tells Varanane, means Parvati,
Uma,that “ O Parvati, ‘Ram rameti rameti rame ramey manorame’
That in the ‘smaran’
(remembrance) of Ram my mind is forever engrossed. Like the mind of Shiva is in
Parvati, the mind may be entangled inmaya but it is engrossed in Ram Naam only.
In Shri Ram only. In Ram’s form, in his attributes and in the remembrance of
his name.
“Ram rameti rameti
rame ramey manorame!Sahasranama tattulyam
ramanama varanane!”
That
O Uma you are Varanane, just seeing Your Roop, by just your darshan, everything
becomes beautiful. Everything becomes mangal (pure). Everything becomes holy.
And therefore I will tell you a secret that if You ask me that there are
thousands of names in this universe and these are said a thousand times, then
too “Sahasranama tattulyam ramanama varanane” Just by chanting Ram Naam only
once is as good as the chanting of all the thousand names and a thousand times.
Lord
Shri Ram was born on Chaitra Navmi. Ram means Happiness, Ram means Synergy, Ram also
means Restraint and Ram means a Role Model.
In chapter 6 of Shri
Sai Saccharitra Hemadpantji had narrated to us the ugam (beginning) of Ramnavmi
Utsav at Shirdi in the year 1911.
Kindly find below the
abstract from English version of Shri Sai Saccharitra chapter 6:
“Where
Real or Sadguru is the helmsman, he is sure to carry us safely and easily
beyond the worldly ocean. The word Sadguru brings to mind Sai Baba. He appears
to me, as if standing before me, and applying Udi (scared ashes) to my forehead
and placing his hand of blessing on my head. Then joy fills my heart and love
overflows through my eyes. Wonderful is the power of the touch of Guru’s hand.
The subtle-body (consisting of thoughts and desires), which cannot be burnt by
the world dissolving fire, is destroyed by the mere touch of the Guru’s hand,
and the sins of many past births are cleaned and washed away. Even the speech of
those, whose heads feel annoyed when they hear religious and Godly talks,
attains calmness. The seeing of Sai Baba’s handsome form, chokes our throat
with joy, makes the eyes overflowing with tears, and overwhelms the heart with
emotions. It awakens in us ‘I am He (Brahman)’ consciousness, manifests the joy
of self-realization, and dissolving the distinction of Thou, and I then and
there, makes us one with the Supreme (One Reality). When I begin to read
scriptures, at every step I am reminded of my Sadguru, and Sai Baba, assumes
the form of Rama or Krishna and makes me listen to his Life. For instance when
I sit to listen to Bhagwat, Sai becomes Krishna from top to toe, and I think he
sings the Bhagwat or Uddhava Gita (song of teachings by Lord Shri Krishna to
His disciple, Uddhava) for the welfare of the devotees. When I begin to
chitchat, I am at once put in mind of Sai’s stories for enabling me to give
suitable illustrations. When I myself start to write anything, I cannot compose
a few words or sentences, but when He of his own accord makes me write, I go on
writing and writing and there is no end to it. When the disciple’s egoism props
up, He presses it down with His hand, and giving him His own power, makes him
gain His object, and thus satisfies and blesses him. If any one prostrates
before Sai and surrenders heart and soul to Him, then unsolicited, all the
chief objects of life viz. Dharma (righteousness), Artha (wealth), Kama
(Desire) and Moksha (Deliverance), are easily and unsolicited attained. Four paths,
viz., of Karma, Jnana, Yoga and Bhakti lead us separately to God. Of these, the
path of Bhakti is thorny and full of pits and ditches, and thus difficult to
traverse, but if you, relying on your Sadguru, avoid the pits and thorns and
walk straight, it will take you to the destination (God). So says definitely,
Sai Baba.
After
philosophising about the Self-Existent Brahman, His Power (Maya) to create this
world and the world created, and stating that all these three are ultimately
one and the same, the author quotes Sai Baba’s words guaranteeing the welfare
of the Bhaktas: -
"There will never
be any dearth or scarcity, regarding food and clothes, in any devotees’ homes.
It is my special characteristic, that I always look to, and provide, for the
welfare of those devotees, who worship Me whole-heartedly with their minds ever
fixed on Me. Lord Krishna has also said the same in the Gita. Therefore, strive
not much for food and clothes. If you want anything, beg of the Lord, leave
worldly honours, try to get Lord’s grace and blessings, and be honored in His
Court. Do not be deluded by worldly honor. The form of the Deity should be
firmly fixed in the mind. Let all the senses and mind be ever devoted to the
worship of the Lord, let there be no attraction for any other thing; fix the
mind in remembering Me always, so that it will not wander elsewhere, towards
body, wealth and home. Then it will be calm, peaceful and carefree. This is the
sign of the mind, being well engaged in good company. If the mind is vagrant,
it cannot be called well-merged."
Origin of Ramnavmi Utsav
One,
Mr. Gopalrao Gund, was a Circle Inspector at Kopergaon. He was a great devotee
of Baba. He had three wives, but had no issue. With Sai Baba’s blessings, a son
was born to him. In the joy that he felt regarding the event, an idea of
celebrating a fair or ‘Urus’ occurred to him in the year 1897, and he placed it
for consideration before other Shirdi devotees, viz. Tatya Patil, Dada Kote Patil
and Madhavrao Deshpande (Shama). They all approved of the idea, and got Sai
Baba’s permission and blessings. Then an application for getting the
Collector’s sanction for celebrating the urus was made, but as the village
Kulkarni reported against holding the fair, the sanction was refused. But as
Sai Baba had blessed it, they tried again, and ultimately succeeded in getting
the Collector’s sanction. The day for the Urus was fixed on the Rama-Navami
day, after having consultation with Sai Baba. It seems, He had some end in
view, in this, viz., the Unification of the two fairs of festivals, the Urus
and the Rama-Navami and the unification of the two communities - the Hindus and
the Mahomedans. As future events showed, this end or object was achieved.
Though
the permission was obtained, but other difficulties cropped up. Shirdi was a
village, and there was scarcity of water. There were two wells in the village,
the one in use, dried up soon, and the water from the second was brackish. This
brackish water was turned into sweet one by Sai Baba, by throwing flowers into
it. The water of this well was insufficient, so Tatya Patil had to arrange to
get water, from a well by fixing Moats (leather sacks) thereon, at a
considerable distance. Then temporary shops had to be constructed, and
wrestling bouts arranged. Gopalrao Gund had a friend, by name Damu Anna Kasar,
of Ahmednagar. He also was similarly unhappy in the matter of progeny, though
he married two wives. Sai Baba too blessed him with sons, and Mr. Gund prevailed
upon his friend to prepare and supply one simple flag for the procession of the
fair; he also succeeded in inducing Mr. Nanasaheb Nimonkar to supply another
embroidered flag. Both these flags were taken in procession through the
village, and finally fixed at the two ends or corners of the Masjid, which is
called by Sai Baba as Dwarkamai. This is being done even now.
The ‘Sandal’ Procession
There
was another procession, which was started in this fair. This idea of ‘Sandal’
procession originated with one Mr. Amir Shakkar Dalal, a Mahomedan Bhakta from
Korhla. This procession is held in honour of great Muslim Saints. Sandal i.e.
Chandan paste and scrappings are put in the THALI (flat dishes), and these are
carried with incense burning before them in procession to the accompaniment of
band and music through the village and then after returning to the Masjid, the
contents of the dishes are thrown on the ‘Nimbar’ (nitche) and walls of the
Masjid with hands. This work was managed by Mr. Amir Shakkar for the first
three years, and then afterwards by his wife. So on one day, the two
processions, the ‘Flags’ by the Hindus and that of ‘Sandal’ by the Muslims,
went on side by side, and are still going on without any hitch.
Arrangement
This
day was very dear and sacred to the devotees of Sai Baba. Most of them turned
out on the occasion, and took a leading part in the management of the fair.
Tatya Kote Patil looked to all outward affairs, while the internal management
was entirely left to one Radha Krishna Mai, a female devotee of Baba. Her
residence was full of guests on the occasion, and she had to look to their
needs, and also to arrange for all the paraphernalia of the fair. Another work,
which she willingly did, was to wash out and clean and white-wash the entire
Masjid, its walls and floor, which were blackened and were full of soot on
account of the ever-burning Dhuni (sacred fire) of Sai Baba. This work, she did
during the night, when Sai Baba went to sleep every alternate day in the
Chavadi. She had to take out all the things, including even the Dhuni, and
after thorough cleaning and whitewashing replace them, as they were before.
Feeding the poor, which was so dear to Sai Baba, was also a great item in this
fair. For this purpose, cooking, on a grand scale and preparing various sweet
dishes, was done in Radha-Krishna Mai’s lodging, and, various rich and wealthy
devotees took a leading part in this affair.
Transformation of Urus into
Rama-Navami Festival
Things
were going on in this way and the fair was gradually increasing in importance
till 1911 A.D., when a change took place; That year one devotee, Mr. Krishnarao
Jageshwar Bhisma (the author of the pamphlet ‘Sai Sagunopasana’), came for the
fair with Dadasaheb Khaparde of Amraoti, and was staying on the previous day in
the Dixit Wada. While he was lying on the verandah, and while Mr. Laxmanrao
alias Kaka Mahajani, was going down with Puja materials to the Masjid, a new
thought arose in his mind and he accosted the latter thus - There is some
providential arrangement in the fact that the Urus or fair is celebrated in
Shirdi on the Rama-Navami day; this day is very dear to all the Hindus; then
why not begin the Rama-Navami Festival - the celebration of the birth of Shri
Rama here on this day? Kaka Mahajani liked the idea, and it was arranged to get
Baba’s permission in this matter. The main difficulty was how to secure a
Haridas, who would perform ‘Kirtan’ and sing the glories of the Lord on the
occasion. But Bhishma solved the difficulty, by saying that his ‘Rama Akhyan’
(composition on Rama’s birth) was ready, and he would do the ‘Kirtan’ himself,
while Kaka Mahajani should play on the harmonium. It was also arranged to get
the ‘Sunthavada’ (ginger-powder mixed with sugar) as Prasad prepared by Radha-Krishna
Mai. So they immediately went to the Masjid to get Baba’s permission. Baba, who
knew all things and what was passing there, asked Mahajani, as to what was
going on in the Wada. Being rather perturbed, Mahajani
could not catch the purport of the question and remained silent. Then Baba
asked Bhishma, what he had to say. He explained the idea of celebrating
Rama-Navami festival, and asked for Baba’s permission and Baba gladly gave it.
All rejoiced and made preparations for the Jayanti-festival. Next day, the
Masjid was decorated with buntings etc., a cradle was supplied by Radha-Krishna
Mai, and placed in front of Baba’s seat and the proceedings started. Bhishma
stood up for Kirtan and Mahajani played on the harmonium. Sai Baba sent a man
to call Mahajani. He was hesitating to go, doubting whether Baba would allow
the festival to go on; but when he went to Baba, the latter asked him as to
what was going on and why the cradle was placed there. He answered that the
Rama-Navami festival had commenced, and the cradle was put on for that purpose.
Then Baba took a garland from the ‘Nimbar’ (nitche), and placed it round his
neck and sent another garland for Bhishma. Then commenced the Kirtan. When it
came to a close, pound sounds of "Victory to Rama" went up; and Gulal
(red - powder) was thrown up all round, amidst band and music. Everybody was
overjoyed, when suddenly roaring was heard. The red-powder thrown promiscuously
all round, went up, somehow entered Baba’s eyes. Baba got wild and began to
scold and abuse loudly. People got frightened by this scene and took to their
heels. Those intimate devotees, who knew Baba well, took these scoldings and
outpourings of Baba, as blessings in disguise. They thought that when Rama was
born, it was proper for Baba to get wild and enraged to kill Ravana; and his
demons, in the form of egoism and wicked thoughts etc. Besides they knew, that
whenever a new thing was undertaken at Shirdi, it was usual with Baba to get
wild and angry, and so they kept quiet. Radha-Krishna Mai was rather afraid;
and thought that Baba might break her cradle, and she asked Mahajani to get the
cradle back. When he went to loosen and unfasten the cradle, Baba went to him,
and asked him not to remove it. Then after some time, Baba became calm, and
that day’s programme, including Mahapuja and Arati was finished. Later on, Mr.
Mahajani asked Baba, for permission to remove the cradle, Baba refused the same
saying, that the festival was not yet finished. Next day, another ‘Kirtan’ and
Gopal-Kala ceremony (an earthern pot containing parched rice mixed with curds
is hung, only to be broken after the ‘Kirtan’, and the contents distributed to
all, as was done by Lord Krishna amongst His cow-herd (friends), were
performed, and then Baba allowed the cradle to be removed. While the
Rama-Navami festival was thus going on, the procession, of the two flags by day
and that of the ‘Sandal’ by night, went off with the usual pomp and show. From
this time onwards, the ‘Urus of Baba’ was transformed into the Rama-Navami
festival.
श्रीरामनवमीचे कीर्तन करताना बाळाबुवा सातारकर
.... Courtesy Pratyaksha 18.04.13
From
next year (1912), the items in the programme of Rama-Navami began to increase.
Radha-Krishna Mai started a ‘Nama-Saptah’ (singing the glory of God’s name
continuously day and night for seven days), from 1st of Chaitra, For this, all
devotees took part by turns, and she also joined it, sometimes early in the
morning. As Rama-Navami Festival is celebrated in many places all over the
country, the difficulty of getting a Haridas was felt again. But 5 or 6 days
before the festival, Mahajani met accidentally Balabuva Mali, who was known as
modern Tukaram, and got him to do the ‘Kirtan’ that year. The next year (1913),
another Balabuva Satarkar of Brihadsiddha Kavate, District Satara, could not
act as a Haridas in his own town, as plague was prevailing in his town, and so
he came to Shirdi; With Baba’s permission, which was secured through Kakasaheb
Dixit, he did the Kirtan; and was sufficiently recompensed for his labour. The
difficulty of getting a new Haridas every year was finally solved from 1913 by
Sai Baba, as He entrusted this function to Das Ganu Maharaj permanently, and
since that time, he has been successfully and creditably conducting that
function uptill now.
Since
1911, this festival began to grow gradually year-by-year. From the 8th to 12th
of Chaitra, Shirdi looked like a beehive of men. Shops began to increase.
Celebrated wrestlers took part in wrestling bouts. Feeding of the poor was done
on a grander scale. Hard work and sincere efforts of Radha-Krishna Mai turned Shirdi
into a Sansthan (State). Paraphernalia increased. A beautiful horse, a
palanquin, chariot and many silver things, pots, buckets, pictures, mirrors
etc. were presented. Elephants were also sent for the procession. Though all
this paraphernalia increased enormously, Sai Baba ignored all these things, and
maintained His simplicity as before. It is to be noted that both the Hindus and
Mahomedans have been working in unison in both the processions, and during the
entire festival, there has been no hitch or quarrel between them at all so far.
First about 5000-7000 people used to collect, but that figure went up to 75000
in some years; still there was no outbreak of any epidemic or any riots worth
the name during so many past years.
Bow to Shri Sai Baba - Peace be to all
Since 1996, every year, our Foundation celebrates Ramnavmi with
much happiness, enthusiasm and in an environment that is full of devotion.
1. Shree Sairam Sahastra Yagna:
In the morning, the
ritual of Yadnya starts. This Yadnya is called ‘Shree Sairam Sahastra Yadnya ’.
Shree Deepshikha is brought from Sai Niwas to the venue. Every devotee can make
an offering while chanting the Tarak Mantra. Due to the offerings, one’s body
and mind obtain positive vibrations. Similarly, because the Mind also gets
strengthened, the sins of one’s previous births get eradicated as well.
‘Aapatti Nivarak Sameedha’ is available during this Yadnya.
2. Shree Ramvaradayini Mahishasurmardini Poojan:
With the blessings of
“Aadimata Mahishasurmardini”, Ram’s victory over Ravan was achieved. This story
has been narrated in detail by Shree Aniruddha in Shree Matruvatsyalavindanam.
Thus, the Poojan of ‘Shree Ramavardayini Aadimata Mahishasurmardini’ is
performed on this day.
Poojan of Renuka Mata:
3. SHREE Ramjanm (The event of Birth of Lord Shree Ram):
In the presence of
Sadguru Shree Aniruddha, Nandaai and Suchitdada, at 12 O’ clock noon the
occasion of Shree Ramjanm is celebrated in a traditional way. The Cradle that
was used for Bapu when he was a baby is used for performing this festivity.
Ladies and Gents both swing the Palna (cradle) while singing “Kuni Govind Ghya
Kuni Gopal Ghya….” song (Ramjanma – Palna (i.e. lullaby sung for Lord Shree
Ram)). After this, the naming ceremony of Ram takes place and “Sunthavada” is
distributed as Prasad (Communion). This Cradle is kept on the stage the whole
day for devotees to pay their respects to.
4. Shree Sai Satpoojan:
Three things, viz,
‘Rudraksha garland, Trishul and Shaligram’ which were given by Shree Sainaath
to Hemadpant (writer of Shri Sai satcharitra) are then brought to the venue for
Poojan. People keep chanting ‘Shree Ghorakashtodharan Stotra’ the whole day and
perform ‘Shree Saisat Poojan’ as well.
5. Shree Sainath Mahimnabhishek:
An Abhishek is performed
on the Idol of Shree Sainath called “Shree Sai Sadashiv Idol.” This ritual is
performed through the process of ‘Shree Sainath Mahamnabhishek.’ Every devotee
can participate in performing this Abhishek. This Abhishek is particularly
useful and beneficial for the health of all members of a family and in
particular for children of the household.
6. Talibharan:
Talibharan is performed
on the day of Ramnavami. Talibharan is initiated by Sadguru Shree Aniruddha,
Nandaai and Suchitdada. In the midst of various musical instruments and while
chanting ‘Shree Sairam jap’ (“Raksha Raksh Sairam”) this ritual is performed.
When one performs Talibahran, one gets as much blessings as one would get after
feeding 5 hungry souls. Similarly, the Prasad (Communion) is the most sought
after among the nine types of Prasad (Communions). The participation in this
event also is equally important.
7. Akhand Jap:
On the auspicious day of
Ramnavami, a mantra “Om Ramaay Rambhadray Ramchandray Namah” is chanted
continuously all through the day. This ritual is also performed in the presence
of Sadguru Shree Aniruddha, Nandaai and Suchitdada. All those who chant this
mantra put Bukka on each other’s forehead first by greeting that person with a
Namaskar. The sentiments are supreme behind this action. The person on whose
forehead the Bukka is applied symbolizes Bhakta shrestha Pundalik and the
person who applies Bukka, also uses his hands which are symbolic of the hands
of Bhakta Shrestha Pundalik. With these sentiments all those who sit for
chanting apply Bukka on each other’s forehead and then start the chanting. All
those who witness this, derive immense and unique happiness.
8. Sai Satcharitra Adhyayan Kaksha:
For this event, a
separate area is demarked as “Aadyapipadada” Section, in this section
continuous reading of Sai Satcharitra is performed. Aadyapipadada is none other
than Shree Sureshchandra Pandurang Dattopadhye. An ardent devotee of Shree
Sainath and a true follower of Bapu! Every year, he used to perform Parayan of
‘Shree Sai satcharitra’ four times i.e. on Ramnavami, Gurupoornima,
Krushnashtami, and Dassera. This was his regime for almost 60 years. He used to
end his reading of a week in the afternoon on the day of Krushnashtami. He left
for heavenly abode exactly on the day of Krushnashtami. This is the
Abhisamvahan of Sainath that he performed all through his life. As described in
the 11th chapter, “Akahand Ram Ladhal” turned out to be true in his life. Every
devotee who enters this section resolves to try to become a devotee like him
before he begins reading chapters from ‘Shree Sai Satcharitra’.
9. Shree Aniruddha Handi Prasad:
Our Dear Sadguru Shree Aniruddha Bapu participating in the preparation of the Handi
Prasad.
On this auspicious day, every devotee can benefit from obtaining Prasad
that is touched and blessed by Our Dear Sadguru Shree Aniruddha Bapu himself. While this is
being cooked, Bapu himself adds the required ingredients to the Handi (Big Pot)
and he himself stirs it as well. This is the most unique thing about this
Prasad. This Handi Prasad reminds every one of the Handi Prasad as described in
‘Shree Sai Satcharitra’. This Prasad not only tastes unique but the taste is
indescribable as well. Each and every devotee does not leave the venue unless
he takes this Prasad.
In the night, after the culmination of ‘Shree Sairam Sahastra Yadnya’ and after ‘Mahaarti’ this festival comes to an end. Every devotee can individually, personally participate in this unique festival celebrated on the day of Ramnavami.
"राम नामाची गोडी मला लावुली, किती दयाळू माझी गुरु माउली"
ll Hari Om
ll
ll Shree Ram ll
ll Shree Ram ll
ll I am
Ambadnya ll
II I Love you my Dad ll
II I Love you my Dad ll
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