When we think of devotees, what is the first name that comes to mind? It is the image of Hanumanji . And though Hanumna ji considered himself a servant of Bhagwan , to Bhagwan Ram , he was always his equal,his friend , his adviser. It was in this spirit that we at Chinmaya Gurukul celebrated Hanuman Jayanthi and Ram Navami on April 12th .
The puja team had done the altar setup with Ram Parivar in the center and decorated lovingly with flower garlands and Paan malas . There were also signups sent out for prasad which would be served after the puja. The puja was scheduled to start at 10:00.
With the Yajaman family sitting, Sushma Aunty started the puja, as is the practice with Ganapathi Puja. This was followed by Shodhasha Upachara puja for Bhagwan Ram . We all chanted the 108 names of Bhagwan . This was followed by the chanting of a portion from Tulsi Ramyan which celebrated the birth of Ram Lala. We got to accompany Guruji as he sang this beautiful portion of Baal Kand. This was followed by chanting of Ram Raksha Stotram and chanting Hanuman Chalisa 7 times. As the voices rose and fell each time , the devotion in the hall raised the vibrations. It is said anytime Hanuman Chalisa is chanted Hanuman ji is present and we definitely felt his presence.
There were beautiful bhajans sung by our Swaranjali team to the accompaniment of tabla . After this Aunty told a story which made us reflect on what the power of Bhagwan’s name is.
After this the Prasadam was offered to Bhagwan and Aarti offered by all the families gathered. Both Hanuman Aarti and Ram Aarti was performed. The Dining room was setup and the prasad, prepared with so much reverence was enjoyed by all gathered. All the sevaks helped cleanup and by around 1:30 the event winded down.
May Bhagwan Ram along with Sita Ma, Lakshman ji and Hanuman ji continue to live in all our hearts. Jai Shri Ram, Jai Hanuman !!!