One Year Locked in the Divine Master’s Grace Amidst a Pandemic An unexpected yearlong presence of the compassionate Master, Pujya Gurudevshri at Shrimad Rajchandra Ashram, Dharampur. An unprecedented tragedy struck the globe in 2020. Fear and anxiety spread like wildfire as the coronavirus pandemic engulfed the world. Pujya Gurudevshri who was in the Ashram at Dharampur since 2 March, 2020, decided to extend His stay. The Master’s divine presence cocooned those residing in the ashram in a blanket of grace. And, His infinite compassion and selflessness sent glimmers of love, care and compassion to millions across the globe. Through satsang, bhakti, meditation, chanting, yoga, and seva, He ensured every devotee’s life was replete with wisdom, spirituality, security and stability. He nurtured the hearts and minds of those residing in the ashram, and provided various means of connection for those not physically present via the digital realm. The year began with the historical Raj Katha, a personalised, riveting and elevating recounting of the extraordinary life of Shrimad Rajchandraji. During this time, seekers immersed themselves in spiritual study, bhakti, meditation and selfless service. The Paryushan Parva was celebrated at the ashram in Pujya Gurudevshri’s presence for the very first time. A heartfelt pujan flagged off the yearlong celebration of the 125th anniversary year of Shri Atmasiddhi Shastra, Param Krupalu Dev’s magnum opus. The ashram celebrates this special year with a joyous and elevating pujan of this sacred text on every Vad Ekam. Pujya Gurudevshri unravels the depths of the masterful creation through Raj Gita Jnan Yajnas every month – expounding upon Shrimad Rajchandraji’s teachings in English to touch the youth and international audience, also. Spiritual and international days of note were celebrated in a festive manner throughout the year at the ashram. A glance at the festivities include: 120 years of Param Krupalu Dev’s stay in Dharampur Gurupurnima Installation of the Amalsaar of the new Jinmandir Pujya Gurudevshri’s Pragatya Din 125 years of the Mool Marg Sambhlo Jinno Re 125 years of Apurva Avsar Gandhi Jayanti Navratri Sharad Purnima Diwali Kartik Purnima Christmas Valentine’s Day While Pujya Gurudevshri was at the ashram, He gave divine white light every single day of the year to all beings around the world, providing them with a protective armour. Pujya Gurudevshri’s love extended without boundaries via the Circle of Love movement. 27 lakh theplas, 3.2 lakh food packets, 1.5 lakh drinks were distributed to 11.5 lakh migrants and daily wage earners in 50 days. Several initiatives were launched to provide for medical doctors and frontline workers, as well. One cannot put a number to the infinite grace and obligations of these unforgettable, unimaginable 365 days passed in Pujya Gurudevshri’s refuge. His pious countenance, heartfelt words, uplifting association, and much more. Yet, here is a peek at the list of events held at the Ashram in this one year: 151 satsangs, providing an impetus for liberation, totalling 225 hours 21 exams and quizzes 30 quarantine batches – allowing new seekers to enter the ashram after a rigorous COVID-19 test and quarantine 125 socially distanced Darshan windows, benefitting 3500 seekers 40 sacred visits to seekers’ homes 34 Zoom calls for Virtual Tours and Kalyanmitra Kalling 123 yoga classes The epitomes of love and compassion, Param Krupalu Dev and Pujya Gurudevshri blessed seekers with holistic nurturing of the mind, body, and soul through these trying times. Countless salutations and gratitude for Their astonishing and boundless compassion.
