BY JYOTHSNA HEGDE
Atlanta, GA: Amma Sri Karunamayi is on a tour of North America and her Atlanta devotees had several opportunities to meet and spend time in her presence. On Sunday, May 15th, 2016, a promotional and fundraising event was held at the Global Mall in Norcross to support Sri Lalita Sahasranama Maha Maha Yajnam held between May 20-29th at the SRIM Center, Amma’s first U.S. Ashram which is located in the heart of Georgia.
Shiv Aggarwal, Owner and CEO of Global Mall welcomed the audience at the Impact Center in Global Mall. Sujaya Dixit, Vidya Patel, and Rajaratnam Pillai joined him on stage for the traditional lighting of the lamp. Radhika Nataraj emceed the event.
Some ofAtlanta’s finest talent took center stage during the evening. Usha Balakrishnan’s rendering of Carnatic Music dedicated to Lord Ganapathi and Saraswati along with bhajans, accompanied by Narayan Subramaniam on the mridangam was delightful. Vocal music was followed by melodious instrumental by Priya Chandrashekharan on the veena, accompanied by Narayan Subramaniam on the mridangam. Various dance performances followed after the music. Bikhipta Panda performed an Odyssey dance with colorful costumes and fine precision. Samta Savla, from Nritya Natya Kala Bharati bedazzled the audience with her gracious depiction of Radha. Asha of ‘Priestess of the dance’ fame also mesmerized the audience with her Dance of Durga – Mahishasura Mardini, in which she delicately balanced lighted lamps and sword.
RJ Bhai spoke about Amma Karunamayi’s initiatives to help those in need. “She gives hope and opportunity” he said. Amma Karunamayi’s international charities include providing education, free health care, providing clean water to villages in need, building free homes and fostering sustainable communities, and social aid providing essential relief at the time of crisis.
The purpose of the The Maha Maha Yajnam or “Great, Great Offering” when translated, is to celebrate the completion of two million recitations of the Sri Lalita Sahasranama, a feat said to haven taken over 60 years. The 10-day fire ceremony is in praise of the Divine Mother that has the power to transform the world and human consciousness. The creation is like a great tree created by Divine Mother’s resolve. The intention is to sustain that tree and bathe its roots in the vibrations created by the homas, symbolic of mother earth supporting life and living beings, the desire for war to be eradicated and women around the world be respected and honored are other reasons for the Yajnam, performed under the guidance of Amma Sri Karunamayi.
The evening at the Global Mall ended with dinner from Ashiana.
Amma was at the Hindu Temple of Atlanta for 2 days, on May 13 for individual blessings/ Saraswati Diksha and a one day meditation retreat on May 14th. Those interested to learn more about Amma Sri Karunamayi may visit http://www.karunamayi.org/