Aniruddha Upasna Centre Goregaon (W)

Lord Shree Ram was born on Chaitra Navmi. This is the ninth day of Shubhankara Navratrotsav. Ram means Happiness, Ram means Synergy, Ram also means Restraint and Ram means a Role Model. Since 1996, every year, our Foundation celebrates Ramnavmi with much happiness, enthusiasm and in an environment that is full of devotion. This year too it will be celebrated on 8^th April, 2014 at Shri Harigurugram. Following is the list of events that take place on this day:

Events of the day:-

1. Shree Sairam Sahastra Yagna:

The ritual for this yadnya marks the beginning of this day. Shree Deepshikha is carried along from SaiNiwas to Shri Harigurugram. Every Shraddhavan can offer these while chanting the Tarak Mantra. This helps the Shraddhavan to attain the positive vibes physically as well as mentally. As one gets stronger mentally, this helps to get free from the sins of one’s past deeds (Prarabdha). The ‘Appatti Nivarak Sameedha’ too is made available during the Yadnya.

2. Shree Ramvaradayini Mahishasurmardini Poojan:

P.P. Bapu has clearly stated in Shree Matruvatsalyavindanam, the detailed story of how Shree Ram had achieved victory over Ravan with the help of Aadimata Mahishasurmardini in form of her blessings. Hence, the virtuous poojan of Shree Ramvardayini Aadimata Mahishasurmardini is performed today.

3. Ramjanma (The event of Birth of Lord Shree Ram):

At sharp 12:00 in the noon, the birth ceremony of Shree Ram is celebrated very traditionally in the presence of Sadguru Shree Aniruddha, Nandaai and Suchitdada. The cradle which was used for our beloved Sadguru P.P. Bapu when he was a toddler is the same one which is used for this celebration. Shraddhavans swing the palana (cradle) whilst they sing along the melodious RamJanma palana i.e. “KuniGovindGhyaKuniGopalGhya….” (a song which is a lullaby which is sung for Lord Shree Ram). 

Importance of Palana

As we celebrate the birth of Lord Shri Ram, as a part of celebration we sing a Lullaby ( 'Palana' ). This is sung to shower and express our love towards our ' Paramatma ' as our child. This palana illustrates the complete story of Lord Shri Ram. Anyone can sing this 'Palana'. Singing it with love, affection and devotion will surely wet your eyes.

Thereafter the naming ceremony takes place. “Sunthavada” is distributed as Prasad. This cradle is kept over the stage for the whole day so that the Shraddhavans can have a glimpse of it and offer their respect towards it.

A beautiful video of our dearest Meena vahini performing the palana during Ram Navami Utsav 2003

 4. Shree SaiSatpoojan:

For fulfilling the everyday wishes the Shree Sai Sat Poojan is of great importance. People keep chanting ‘Shree Ghorakashtodharan Stotra’ the whole day and perform ‘Shree Sai Sat Poojan’ as well.

5. Shree Sai Mahimna Poojan:

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.

One can offer Tulsipatra over the holy things given by Baba. This poojan is helpful for the health of all family members and in particular for the children and also the disabled.

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’ (“RakshaRakshSairam”) 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. Shree Sahastradhara Abhishek:
 

Sahastradhara Abhishek is performed by chanting mantras on 'Renukamata’s Tandala' by using a special Abhishekpaatra. It is indeed a great opportunity for all Shraddhavans to watch the Abhishek Sohala which is useful for destruction of one's 'Dushprarabdha' and listen to the mantras chanted.

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 Bhaktashrestha Pundalik and the person who applies Bukka, also uses his hands which are symbolic of the hands of BhaktaShrestha 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 SaiSatcharitra takes place. 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 Saisatcharitra’ four times i.e. on Ramnavami, Gurupournima, 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 shraddhavan who enters this section resolves to try to become a devotee like him before he begins reading chapters from ‘Shree SaiSatcharitra’.  

9. Shree AniruddhaHandi Prasad:

Param Poojya Bapu participates in the preparation of the Handi Prasad On this auspicious day, every devotee can benefit from obtaining Prasad that is touched and blessed by 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 SaiSatcharitra’. This Prasad not only tastes unique but the taste is indescribable as well. Each and every shraddhvan does not leave the venue unless he takes this Prasad.

At night, soon after the culmination of ‘Shree SairamSahastraYadnya’ and ‘Mahaarti’, this festival comes to an end. Every Shraddhavan can individually, personally participate in this unique festival celebrated on the day of Ramnavami and attain the blissful blessings of our beloved Sadguru by leaving ourselves completely at his Lotus feet.