Navaratri Celebrations at Penusila Kshetram
Sep 24, 2006
Divine Mother Lalitambika resides in the bindu, the uppermost point, of the Sri Chakra – in the Vedas we are told that the entire Creation has emanated from the Sri Chakra bindu (in this photo the bindu is covered by garlands of flowers and tulasi leaves)
Harati is performed to the three forms of Divine Mother – just as we are worshipping Sri Lalitambika, in Manidwipa there are thousands of emanations of Gayatri Devi worshipping Mother and millions of Lakshmi’s waiting eagerly for Mother’s blessings
Everyone is in bliss listening to Amma’s divine discourse – “Divine Mother is connected to Her entire Creation, and She is so concerned about all of Her children. At all times She is taking so much care of even tiny tiny things, from Lord Brahma to the tiniest ant. That is the nature of Divine Mother’s love towards Her creation.” ~Amma
When many priests chant and make offerings simultaneously,this multiplies the homa energy tremendously – “The mantra sounds attract cosmic radiance; we feel as if we are floating like a small swan in an ocean of Vedic mantras.” ~Amma
Amma meditates for the health, peace and happiness of everyone during the homas, which included Sahasra Modaka Sri Ganesha, Sri Rudra, Sri Lalita Sahasranama, Sri Nava Chandi, Sri Dhanvantari, and Sri Lakshmi Narayana Hrudaya Homas
Amma offers the purnahuti to the sacred fire on behalf of all her children – whatever we offer to God is returned to us on the subtle level in the form of innumerable divine blessings
Everyone participates in Sri Lalita Sahasranama Puja – “When we worship the Sri Chakra during Navaratri, even the most terrible karmas from countless births are just washed away, due to Mother’s grace.” ~Amma
During the evening procession, an image of Divine Mother is carried on a large pitham around the entire ashram; here Divine Mother has been brought in front of Sri Bharata Mata, and both forms of Mother are offered worship
In this close-up of the processional image, we can see all the beautiful decorations; tonight’s form is Sri Maha Lakshmi Devi, holding two lotuses in Her two hands
As Amma walks at the front of the procession, devotees join hands and dance joyfully in a circle around Amma
A special Sri Vishnu Yantra has been drawn on the temple floor – Amma offers harati to the yantra for viswa shanti, universal peace
In the final activity of the evening, Divine Mother is placed on a beautifully decorated swing, and She is gently rocked back and forth as all the devotees sing “Manidwipa Vasiniki” and the lullaby “Lali Lali”
Divine Mother Lalitambika on the unjal – “It is Mother’s responsibility to solve Her children’s problems, but our main goal should be spirituality. Pray to Mother to experience the highest bliss of Atman at all times.” ~Amma
~~~
During the auspicious Navaratri festival,
may the whole world be drenched in the nectarean love of
our beloved Mother Sri Lalitambika Devi
~~~
Om shantih shantih shantihi
May all be in peace
Lokah samastah sukhino bhavantu
May all be happy
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