24 Aug 2024, Amritapuri Ashram
Today, more than sixty devoted women from Thiruvananthapuram gathered at Amritapuri Ashram to offer their 108th group chanting of the Lalita Sahasranama at the sacred Kalari. This group, which began their journey from Amma’s 70th birthday, has been visiting temples across Thiruvananthapuram district, chanting the Lalita Sahasranama in each one. The Kalari was their final destination, marking the completion of their spiritual endeavor of visiting 108 temples.
After the chanting, the group also planted a coconut tree in each temple premises as a symbol of their devotion and connection to the earth. The temple authorities throughout their journey welcomed them warmly, providing the necessary arrangements for their archana, reflecting a growing support for their devotional efforts.
The idea for this spiritual program was inspired by Swami Shivamritananda Puri, who is in charge of the Thiruvananthapuram branch. He envisioned it as a way to spiritually prepare for Amma’s 71st birthday, encouraging the community to come together in devotion and prayer.
The visit to Amritapuri was made even more special when the group requested a photograph with Amma, to which she graciously agreed. Amma expressed her happiness in seeing the elderly coming together to spend their time in chanting, spreading positive vibrations. She lovingly referred to them as “the Mahalakshmis (goddesses of wealth) of Thiruvananthapuram.”
Lalita, one of the group leaders, shared their collective sentiment, saying, “We feel deep gratitude for everything—to have the opportunity to chant the Lalita Sahasranama and to receive Amma’s blessings.”
However, the journey has not been without its challenges, recollects Lalita. The societal norms that restrict who can chant sacred texts still persist. When questioned about their right to chant the Lalita Sahasranama, the women confidently responded, “Upon whose command the Lalita Sahasranama was composed, that Devi gave us the permission to chant.” This profound reply echoes Amma’s ongoing efforts to break societal taboos and empower all people, especially women, regardless of gender or caste, to engage in spiritual practices.
You may recall that it was Amma who initiated nearly 50 years ago, and popularized the Sri Lalita Sahasranama among the common masses. Millions of copies of the book have been printed and sold by the MAM Trust in various Indian and foreign languages. This reflects the profound impact of Amma’s revolutionary efforts to meet the needs of the times, bringing sacred practices into the lives of people from all walks of life.
-KaliCharan