Hello readers,
This post is a continuation of my two previous posts titled “Amritapuri – A Homeless Guy’s Visit To A Hidden Oasis” and “The Legend of Parayakkadavu | Amritapuri Ashram | Amma (Mata Amritanandamayi).”
First, I want to say a few things about Lakshmi, a beautiful female that I met in Amritapuri. I fell in love with her the first time I saw her. Yeah, it was love at first sight. Every time I went to meet Lakshmi, she used to say ‘Hi’ to me. A couple of times I saw her while taking a shower, and she looked at me and continued enjoying the shower.
Lakshmi is an elephant that lives in the ashram campus. After our first meeting, she used to lift her tusk as a gesture of greeting every time I went to see her. At first, I thought it was a coincidence, but then it became obvious that she did recognize me.
One day, an old lady from France was standing near Lakshmi’s place and watching her. I told her, “I think she recognizes people. Every time I come and see her, she nods her head and lifts her tusk.” She said, “Yes, she does. She has a good memory. Amma is inside her.”
When you enter the ashram through the accommodation office, the first thing you see is a Kali temple. There is a colorful statue of Krishna and Shiva to the left and right sides of Kali’s shrine. Many people sit and meditate there. The statue of Kali looks very beautiful.
If you turn right from the ashram’s gate, there is a bridge built on top of the backwaters. It is a wonderful experience to watch the scenery from the top of the bridge. If you cross the bridge, you reach a village called Vallikkaavu, and there is a road that runs along the backwaters.
I already wrote about Ponnabhagavathi Kshetram in Parayakkadavu in one of my previous posts. I want to share some pictures here.
There is a sandy beach called ‘Azheekal bridge’ which is a few kilometers away from the ashram. I went there on the 9th of April. The beach is less crowded, and it’s a wonderful place to spend your evenings and mornings.
When I was leaving on the last day, I wore the T-shirt with Sooryagayathri’s photo and name printed on it. This is an idea to promote Sooryagayathri’s music and make it reach more and more people.
Before leaving, I went to the ashram’s bookstall and bought some books. The lady at the bookstall asked me, “Oh, there is even a T-shirt for Sooryagayathri?” I replied, “This is something that I designed myself and got it printed.” She said, “You like Sooryagayathri that much?” I said, “Oh yes, I even have her portrait as a tattoo on my right hand.”
I didn’t really have the heart to leave Amritapuri, but I had to leave anyway. When I was traveling back on the bus, I started reading Amma’s biography, a book I bought in the ashram. Her story is not only interesting but will also bring tears to the eyes of the person who reads it. Just try it! It must be available online.
Currently, I am living in an ashram established by one of the direct disciples of Ma Sarada Devi. The ashram is in a serene location. There is a temple dedicated to Ramakrishna Paramhamsa. Do you know how I found the ashram? There is an interesting story behind it. I will write about it in another post.
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