25 May Uplifting Rajasthan
Rajasthan, a gem of a State, celebrated as Sri Jayanthi Kumaraswami made an unforgettable impact throughout the state over the past month. Swamiji’s internal India tour schedule carried Her to the “Land of Kings”, during the severe heat wave which affected its people.
Sojat City
As part of Swamiji’s rural outreach programme under the Sri Jai Sathya Mission, Swamiji rested Her lotus feet in a rural village on the outskirts of Jaipur. The village, situated in the middle of the mehendi fields and dried trees spanning as far as the eyes can see, consists of several colonies with traditional Rajasthani homes.
Swamiji speaking with a group of children at the rural village.
Bracing the heat from the late afternoon sun, children of from village gathered under one of the few green trees to receive Swamiji’s blessings. Swamiji had especially requested an audience with the kids after their parents all received darshan. Her Holiness, seated on a cot and Her bare feet in the sand, lectured the children about having respect and love for their parents. She shared with them the story of the race around the world between Lord Ganesh and Lord Karthikeya. Swamiji explained that because Lord Ganesha circled His parents, Bhagavan Shiva and Goddess Parvati- signaling that they are the World to Him, He is given utmost respect and is acknowledged first at the start of all activities.
“Like Lord Ganesh, if you continue to respect and love your parents, you too will emerge first and be successful in everything you do.”-Sri Jayanthi Kumaraswami
Swamiji distributing school supplies.
The children enjoyed a fun quiz where Swamiji tested their knowledge of the Ramayana, Mahabharata and Krishna Leela. Like other activities, a brief mudra meditation session was also well received by the kids. The Sri Jai Sathya Mission ensured that every child in the village and neighbouring villages received a package with stationery to be used at their schools. Swamiji distributed the cases with pens, pencils, measure rulers, erasers, sharpeners and other important school supplies.
Jodhpur
In a surprise stop in Her journey to Jodhpur, devotees eagerly greeted Swamiji on the highway before entering the city.
Devotees welcome Swamiji to Jodhpur before entering the city.
The first item on the agenda in Jodhpur was an emotional experience at the Residential Home for Mentally Retarded where Swamiji met with patients and students there. During a Bhakti session at the institute, Swamiji, with Her vibratory voice, chanted mantras for the wellbeing of the patients. Swami was gifted with handmade pottery lamps made by the patients.
Patients at the institute.
Her Holiness chanting mantras to bless the patients at the institute for the mental retarded.
In the area of Chaupasani Charn, Swamiji visited a Hindu temple in a rural village. Swami met with farmers and other workers who live in the village and lectured to them the importance of organic farming, producing their own food and buying local vegetables to encourage smart economic practice. In addition, Swamiji fueled the crowd’s love for country with strong patriotic points. At the end of this session, Swamiji blessed everyone present.
Swamiji’s main concern for the youth of this nation is education and skills training. As such, Swamiji was the chief guest of honor at an event held by a school built on Gandhian principles. Swamiji addressed the crowd of professors and expressed Her admiration for the level of discipline maintained in their system and congratulated them on their steadfastness in their work to promote the ideology of MK Mahatma Gandhi.
As Swamiji facilitated private darshan for residents of Jodhpur and environs, She made time to sit with a group of journalists who offered a number of questions to Her. The topics ranged from Swamiji’s personal childhood to controversial current matters in India. In response to a question about dalits being declined to take the holy dip at the Kumbh Mela, Swamiji lashed out at religious leaders, calling on them to stop caste discrimination.
Swamiji responds to questions at the press conference.
“There is no upper or lower caste. Opportunity for the holy dip must be available for all. Whether you are millionaire or poor, after death all bodies are the same. Rays emanating from sun is common for all. The Sun God does not discriminate.” -Sri Jayanthi Kumaraswami
At the press conference, Swami also responded to the controversial topic of women becoming priests. She said that there is no problem in women becoming priests. For those women who are not engaged in family matters and interested in social service can become priests. Women who are capable in societal matters, if they want to become priests, it would be good for Spirituality and for the country.
Jaisalmer
Before leaving Rajasthan, Swamiji embarked on a journey to Jaisalmer where She meditated in the extreme heat of 50 degrees celsius in the middle of the Thar Desert. She says the peace and quiet found in the desert is overwhelming satisfying. She used the opportunity to pray for World peace and blessings for Her disciples around the world.
Swamiji prays in the middle of the Thar Desert.
During the past month, Swamiji also gave darshan at other cities in Rajasthan such as Jaipur, Ajmer, Beawer, Pushkar, Pali and Osiyan, Mathania, Chaupasni and other areas of Jodhpur.