Mother

maathre

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Pack lot of eatables for them for their journey

Mahaperiyava was camping at Pandharpur at that time and my father took us to a western trip that Navarathri (my mother, me and 2 brothers). We stayed in Pandarpur and used to cross the river and visit Mahaperiyava and we stayed there for couple of days.

After that, my Dad requested for Utharavu (His permission to leave) so that we could leave and continue our trip. Mahaperiyava did not answer and nor did He allow anyone else to give us Utharavu! My dad being an impatient man, insisted with the other close Matham people that we get Utharavu. But they said that Mahaperiyava is specifically refusing the utharavu and has asked your family to stay back. So we did!

After 2 days, it was a Navarathri friday (or Saraswathi poojai - I don't remember exactly I was only 7 or 8 at that time). That day, the Matham people asked my mother to give me a head bath and Mahaperiyava gifted me with a Red Pattu pavadai ankle length Silk Skirt and I had special honors for being a Kanya Ponnu in the camp during Navarathri! After that, He called my father and said, "Ippo oorukku poittu vaa, You may leave for your home now!".

Also Mahaperiyava called His aides and said,

"Avo (my mother) kuzhandaila kootindu thaniya pora. Neraya katti kuduthu anuppu She is going back home alone with just her children, pack lot of eatables for them for their journey!"

Needless to say we were blessed with lots of fruits, bakshanangal (snacks) for the journey home!

I still remember how the three of us chanted "Jaya Jaya Shankara Hara Hara Shankara" on the way in and out of Pandarpur in the train.

This is an experience I cannot forget and I have held on to his blessings all this time!