|
Vrajavãsi
|
She was small, old, bent with wrinkles on her gleaming face. She looked as soft as the
clean blue cotton saree that covered her body. Walking with the help of a stick she approached
the ‘Enquriy Desk’ in Raghunãth Ashram where Srimad Bhãgavata pãrãyana
(during the Srimad Bhãgavata Sapthãha Shatakratu at Vrindãvan) was in progress.
It was around 8.00 a.m. Head covered with the saree pallu, she looked up at the people in the
‘enquiry desk’. The voice was surprisingly clear, though soft, “Bete! Hum Mahatma se mil sakti?”
(Son! Can I meet the Mahatma?) The young Dr.Bagyanath immediately led her to where our
Sri Swamigal sat, listening to the Bhãgavata Pãrãyana. She walked with slow and sure steps,
head bent. Placing the stick aside she prostrated to Sri Swamigal. Securing Sri Swamigal’s
permission she touched the Lotus Feet of Sri Swamigal with her two hands with deep reverence.
She then pulled a corner of her pallu tucked to her waist and unknotted it.
She drew all that it contained (coins) and
offered it to Sri Swamigal! She then looked up at Sri Swamigal and asked, “Hum Ãpko Pradakshin kar sakte hain?”
Sri Swamigal nodded His head and pulled His chair to the front creating some space for
her to move around Him. The old Vrajavãsi went around Sri Swamigal thrice and once
again prostrated to Him.
|
|
Sri Swamigal picked a handful of fruits and extended His hand to place them in the old, soft palms held
together. She held it low and received them.
"Swamiji! Hum seva kar sakte hain?” She asked, seeing a few
devotees getting the ‘Tulasi’ leaves ready for the morning Puja. Sri Swamigal nodded His
head. She sat beside the others quietly and offered her services. Head bent, fingers moving
quickly she lent a hand in picking the ‘Tulasi’ for the puja. After a time the ‘old’ devotee
left as quietly as she had come in!
Home
e-MM
Contact
Radhe Krishna
|