The most trying part of arranging the Vishnusahasranaama
Yajna was to set up the place for the occasion by
dawn, after the previous day's programmes were over
at 6 p.m. Generally we need about 36 hours for the
decorations and arrangements. After the fervent Naamasankeertana
Pradakshina that followed the last lecture on 1st
January, the Pandal was cleared and the stage modified
to suit the pooja needs. Within the few hours left
in the night, the 218 ceremonial peethams (seats)
for the lamps as well as the havana-kunda were to
be prepared. The cleaning of pooja-flowers and various
decorational arrangements had to be done simultaneously.
All worked till 3 a.m. and some had to work till dawn
to complete the arrangements. One must admire the
dedication and fervour displayed by the young and
old alike in enabling the conduct of the event on
time. Blessed indeed are all of them.
I had thought that every day, after the last lecture
at 6.30 p.m., all present should circumambulate the
Satrashala inside with naamasankeertana in chorus.
From the second day onwards, except the last day,
this pradakshina was exhilaratingly done. Hundreds
of devotees participated in it, singing and dancing
ecstatically. This enlivened and divinized the venue
even more.
As was envisaged, the Lord's presence in Naimishaaranyam
was tellingly overflowing. On the 4th day, Swami Mridanandaji
Maharaj from Ramakrishna Math (Trichur) telephoned
me: "Swamiji, I want to express my compliments.
Those who visited the Satram, told me that it is a
very well organized and disciplined function. No event
like this has been held in Kerala. I am happy about
it. The Annakshetra arrangements are excellent, and
so too is the Pandal".
I told him: "Swamiji, I shall convey your words
to the Satram audience. They are of great value and
assurance." Conveying his compliments, I told
the audience: "All this is because of you, your
behaviour and devoutness. The Satram will be the way
you make it and glorify it."
From 4 a.m. till 8.30 p.m. the Satrashala was reverberating
with lectures, Bhajans and naamasankeertana. Many
Bhajana groups from different areas volunteered to
come forward and sing from the Satrashala platform,
regarding it as a great note of blessings. Thus the
entire day was filled with narrating the Lord's leela
and singing His praises.
The intention in naming the venue as Naimishaaranyam
is that from here (as from Naimishaaranyam of old,
cited in our Epics), should radiate Sreemad Bhaagavatam
enunciation, instilling a new note of devotional dharma,
as desired by Vyasadeva. I think a beginning in this
mission has been accomplished.
But this was possible primarily because of (i) the
cooperation of Paralikad people - virtually the hosts
for the Satram (ii) the listening public (iii) the
wholehearted volunteering done by Paralikad residents
as well as many that came from other villages and
towns (iv) many other workers and professionals, who
did their work painstakingly, rising to meet the call
of every occasion. Mass media took it upon themselves
to reach the news to the reading public. Newspapers,
television, Prasaarabhaarati (Radio-channels), etc.
gave the event wide coverage. A very popular Malayalam
channel featured the event with a special half-hour
programme.
For conducting any great event like this, there must
be a core group who would do the planning, take decisions
and go ahead. Many others around, near and distant,
can work only in support. Purushothama Swamiji was
physically near the venue at Vyasa Tapovanam, where
all the physical preparations were made. Prof. Padmanabhan,
PV Narayanan, Vijaykumar and Shankunnikkuttan Master,
jointly did the central part of the organizational
work. I was doing all the writing and the rest from
our Ashram.
Everything moved systematically. Regular meetings,
in which workers and Dharma Sevaks from far and near
attended, were held in the Annakshetram Hall, Paralikad.
VP Janardanan, Chief Organizer of HNP, together with
Ravikumar, Coordinator for the Satram, reached all
the village centres to marshal support and help. Kannan
and the rest from Paralikad were there to render all
assistance and lead volunteering and many other allied
matters.
While the great holy event has come to pass, some
of us are still to recover from the exertion and exhaustion.
Having played our part, we also have evaluated critically
the whole event from the organizational side, to find
out the lacks and loopholes, and how best these can
be attended to next time. Crowd management, water
management, fine tuning of the arrangements and procedures,
etc. are points which are already in our minds.
The event has taken place in Naimishaaranyam in Paralikad,
Trichur District, Kerala. But it has been possible
because of many like you, who from distance felt that
it should take place in the manner proposed by us,
and did whatever you can by coming or sending in your
thoughts and assistance.
Think of the thousands that thronged the Satrashala
for listening to Sreemad Bhaagavatam lectures. Does
the rustic population have so much love to listen
to spiritual talks? It is now for all of us to evaluate
this widespread aspiration and think as to what further
can be done from our side, to strengthen, guide and
support this community fervour of such a large multitude
of people. Many Satrams like this should be held in
many places of the country, and our large multitudes
should be enlightened and guided. The people have
the thirst, and when water is made available they
can quench it. The task is a mammoth one, calling
for multiple contributions. What we did and intend
to do is just an exemplary speck of the great whole.
May the Dhaarmic dedication grace you, your family
and descendants, remaining a source of immense strength
and benediction.
