Parama
Pujya Sri Swamiji commenced the Devi Navaratri festivities today with
the worship of Divine mother as Gowri. Sri Swamiji came to the Datta
Temple and the Palanquin containing the idol of goddess was carried
in a colorful procession to the Nada Mantapa. The program started with
the Kumari Puja (Worshipping of eighteen girls from age one to eighteen),
installation of the Kalashas, Sri Chakra Puja, Nava Avarana Puja, Annarchana,
Devi Homa, Archana, Maha Mangala Arati, Avadhana Seva, Dolotsava and
concluded with Bhajans sung by Sri Swamiji. Sri Swamiji sang the new
Bhajan "Amba Maadya Ahamidhe".
The
meaning of the new Bhajan of the day - "Amba Maadya Ahamidhe"
:
I am offering
my prayers to Goddess mother who is beyond all matter, sentient and
insentient creations and who is endless and without beginning. I address
her as Gowri devi and I offer my chants to her.
Stanza 1. She is the vital cause for the creation of this Universe,
one, without a beginning and an end. At all times she is the basis of
this creations (Adhara Bhoota). A unique quality of her is that she
exercises total equanimity even when Dushkarmas (evil deeds) and noble
deeds are performed. She exercises Samatvam. For those who seek wisdom,
she is the bestower of Wisdom.
Stanza 2. She is the incarnation of "knowledge" and
all her limbs are filled with that "Higher knowledge". For
those seekers of Truth, she is the support, by which they can realise
that Truth. Residing in the left side of Lord Kameswara, the Holy Mother
is pleased only through devotion and faith in her.
Stanza 3. What the Shrutis (Scriptures) pertaining to Vedas praise
in their invocations is she, the Divine Mother. She is addressed as
Prakrithi, Vikrithi and Purusha. She is the embodiment of Sat-Chit-
Ananda and through the mode of Sadguru, my mind will rest in that state.
Oh, Divine mother Bhavani, the sacred spouse of Lord Shiva, any devotee
of you, who would address you with devotion as Bhavani, would definitely
receive your compassionate look.
The second meaning of Bhavani is – You are in truth "ME".
Even Brahma, Vishnu and Rudras offered their crowns to worship your
sacred feet. You have the power of Bless them. The meaning of Bhavani
is "Bhavani Rani" (reviver of worldly affliction).
Pujya Sri Swamiji leading the procession of Mother Goddess placed in
the palanquin
