In the afternoon of 3rd May 2013 20 Devotees, mainly from Mumbai
and Pune, Maharashtra, who were on a religious journey to the
Himalayas, came to seek the Blessings of Divine Mother
Omkarananda-Kamakshi-Devi.
They knew, that the Omkarananda-Kamakshi-Devi Mandir, built in
the typical South Indian Tradition, is a landmark in the entire
State of Uttarakhand.
Kumari Somashekhari, General Secretary of Omkarananda Ashram
Himalayas, guided the entire group inside and around the
beautiful Temple-Complex and explained to the Devotees the
meaning and importance of each Divinity, residing in the
different Shrines.
After having taken the Darshan of Omkarananda-Kamakshi-Devi and
other Deities, the Devotees were blessed with Arati, Kumkum,
Vibhuti and Prasadam.
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The
honourable guests from Mumbai and Pune are received
by Swami Vishveshwarananda and Kumari Somashekhari. |
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They were eager to know more about the Temples, about the
Activities of Omkarananda Ashram, about different aspects of
spiritual life, etc.
The Devotees were eager to know the meaning of the sacred Meru
Yantra.
Exchange of spiritual thoughts with Swami Vishveshwarananda and
Kumari Somashekhari.
Sitting relaxed all together on the stairs, adjoining
Omkarananda Vidya Bhawan, they were served tea and biscuits and
could calmly enjoy the beautiful environment of the Headquarters
of Omkarananda Ashram Himalayas, with its lovely Temples and
natural surroundings.
Kumari Somashekhari spoke to them about the wonderful works done
by Gurudev Paramahamsa Omkarananda Saraswati in the field of
spiritual life, social activities and education, specially in
the remote area of Garhwal Himalayas, where by His Grace so many
important educational Centres and Places of Worship have been
established.
Many questions were raised by the Devotees in relation to
spiritual progress, which were answered by Swami
Vishveshwarananda and Kumari Somashekhari to their satisfaction.
In the end, the Guru of the Devotees, expressed his deepest
thanks on behalf of all and he said, that the words of Wisdom of
Swami Vishveshwaranandaji and Somaji are so precious, that they
will never forget them anymore throughout their whole lives.
A few of the guests from Maharashtra, who knew, that
Somashekhari is an excellent Bharatanatyam Dance Performer,
expressed their wish to see her dance.
Kumari Somashekhari agreed, as a special case, to dance in the
Temple on the next day, after evening Arati.
On Saturday afternoon of the 4th May 2013 all arrangements were
made for the evening dance-program in Omkarananda-Kamakshi-Devi
Temple.
During the evening Arati for Omkarananda-Kamakshi-Devi all
Devotees assembled in the Temple Hall.
After the wonderful Arati Shri Swami Vishveshwarananda Saraswati
welcomed all and spoke in brief about Kumari Somashekhari and
the dances, which she was going to present.
Somashekhari started with the most difficult Bharatanatyam
item "Melaprapti", then continued with "Ganesha Kauthuvam", which
was followed by "Shiva-Panchaakshara Stotram with Alarippu" in Khanda Chapu Taala.
All these three dances are pure Temple-Dance-Items, very rare
and very precious and had been taught to Somashekhari with
utmost dedication, diligence and affection by the great
Bharatanatyam Guru, Shri Deepak Mazumdar, from Mumbai, who is
also the Bharatanatyam Dance Guru and Choreographer of the
world-famous Film-Actress and Classical Dancer Hema Malini.
Kumari Somashekhari completed her dance-performances with a
dance, dedicated to Lord Krishna, which she presented in the
North Indian Classical Dance, Kathak. The clapping response
spoke for itself.
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High
class Bharatanatyam Dance
Performances by Kumari Somashekhari. |
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A delighted Devotee takes the Blessings of Somashekhari.
Krishna Dance by a Devotee from Mumbai.
Swami Vishveshwarananda thanked Somashekhari for the wonderful
moments everyone could enjoy during her dance-performance.
He spoke about the great spiritual life, Somashekhari is living,
about her dedication to the Indian Classical Art in form of
Bharatanatyam Dance and her deep devotion to Swami Omkarananda.
Swami Vishveshwarananda further pointed out the great sacrifices
of Somaji in completely renouncing all the worldly affairs in
order to be fully in the service to the holy Feet of Paramahamsa
Omkarananda Saraswati.
Then Swamiji offered his special thanks to all the Priests for
their assistance.
He explained to the audience the importance of a spiritual life,
a life guided by the Guru and the importance of prayers and
meditation. He emphasized, that only a life of utmost purity can
bring man closer to the Truth. Karma Yoga, Swamiji said, is a
good exercise to control the jumping mind and to be more
focussed on the Divine.
Spiritual advices to the noble Seekers by Swami
Vishveshwarananda.
The audience gave an overwhelming response for the opportunity
they had, to be part of this wonderful function.
They surrounded Swami Vishveshwarananda and Kumari Somashekhari
and overflowed them with endless thanks.
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