The fifth annual Akhand Ramayan Pat was held at the Chinamaya Maruti temple on May 1 and 2nd. An intense spiritual experience where readers read the Ramcharitmanas in a 24 hour time cycle requires months of planning and the support of the community. As you entered the temple, one was taken by the beautiful ambience that was set with the kind support of Shobha Shastry of Alankar Decors. Everyone was encouraged to light a small candle, which made for a brilliant deep display. The event was a prayer to those who were affected by the tremendous tragedy in Nepal. The grand finale was bhajan by several talented singers.
“My old childhood memories flooded back from the past, while growing up in India my mom use to take us kids with her for these overnight events in our Delhi neighborhood. We kids went more for prasad at the end then to listen to any Bhajans. How times change, I guess age makes you realize what is important in life. I am not a very ritualistic person but I do like the peaceful time I had at the event. I enjoyed the music, singing and the atmosphere so much, if allowed i would have sat for few more hours just to sock in the feeling and trance i was in. Looking forward to next year†said Neelam Wali, who supported all the printing.
Rasik Bhai Mehta and Sanjeev Kumar photographed the event.
Ritu Gaind the force behind this event shares her motivation for this event and describes the journey.
What motivated you to start this pat?
Jagjit Gaind ,Naveen Agarwal & I were inspired to start Sunderkand @ Chinmaya Temple in 2010 May. I specifically wanted to start a religious prayer group on a voluntary basis that could bring people together. Being Ram devotee, Sunderkand was close to our hearts and hence we decided to do it
After five years how has this impacted you?
I get so much unconditional love from community. I want to become the person who reciprocates the same love. Lot of devotees come and talk to me about personal problems, to help guide them from my own personal experience. This inspires me to become a better person. I do feel the Sunderkhand has had a very positive effect on my health. But it is seeing the community come together month after month with dedication and devotion that inspires me to work continuously to make Sunderkand event more efficient.
Why is it important to do the Ramayan Pat?
All beings are suffering, one way or the other. If we can kindle the spirit to experience the bliss even for a short while, it will bring out the nobility in all beings that is suppressed.
Any message for the community?
MO SAMA DINA NA DINA HITA TUMHA SAMANA RAGHUBIRA
ASA BICHARI RAGHUBAMSA MANI HARAHU BISHAM BHAV BHIRA
To care, share and support each other when in need is the most important need of the hour.
Some comments from the devotees who attended the event!
I have been participating in the Akhanda Ramayan path since the first time it was done in 2011. The festive atmosphere, the
beautifully decorated podium and the dedicated reading group only enhanced the name and scene of Shri Ram whose very name is already so pleasant to the ears.
Be it the start time, the dedicated set of Ramayan readers, the soul filling bhajans on the concluding day and the prasad arrangements round the clock, all these have always been very meticulously planned, year after year.
Not once, but doing Akhand Ramayana year after year for five years in a row is no small achievement and God bless Ritu-ji and her husband Jagjit Gaind to have done this and to continue this noble task.
During the very first year, I still remember the appearance of the Divine pebbles resembling the Shiva lingas that seem to have come from nowhere and landed in the Sanctum Sanctorum of Lord Hanuman and was discovered by the priests the next morning after the
Ramayan Path had started. That sure was an approval and blessing from above indeed. Nevertheless it seemed to have given the necessary fillip as Akhanda Ramayan has gone from strength to strength from that time on.
During the second year, I recall one devotee sitting through the entire 24 hours of non-stop reading without taking any rest. Those who enjoy the bliss do not get tired of chanting and
hearing the Lord’s name chanted and that was a standing example.
Last year, I fully got engrossed in it towards the end and even my own family later commented that we have never seen you like this before! There was a Divine bliss being enjoyed, only I could
feel
Overall it has been truly a Divine and memorable experience for me every single year.
JAI SIYA RAM
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Our first visit to Akhand Ramayan@Chinmaya Mission was a
very pleasant experience. We came here expecting this to be another cultural event where people come to meet and greet each other, kids playing with friends and some Indian food. Kudos to the people reciting The Ramayana and accompanying musical instruments!! Overall the environment was so devotional, it hard to come out of once you are in. Our son Sid sat in the event for 2+ hrs. by the singers and enjoyed every moment of it. Dedication and contribution of 150+ volunteers was exemplary, and was seen in all parts of the event including
delicious vegetarian food. We will continue to be part of this event in the future.
Sanjeev & Swati
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Akhand Ramayana At Chinmaya Mission Boston was a very Blissful experience for everyone Thanks to Akhand Ramayana Volunteer Team who with her quiet unassuming presence organised such a beautiful Holy event and made it possible for all to be a part of it .Looking forward to the next event with heartfelt anticipation.......Kiran Nath, Singer
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Had great Kirtan/Chant on Saturday. Thank you Rituji ,Jagjit Ji and amazing team of 150 volunteers for dedicating our devotional chant/prayer service to those affected by tragedy in NEPAL and parts of India and Bangladesh.
I truly appreciate yours, all families, temple administration, and volunteers unbounded compassion and a path of Bhakti that unites community together for Akhanda Ramayan year after year. I believe, this Satsang provided us all an opportunity to experience and continue journey towards deeper understanding of Bhakti Yoga.
Sri Ram Lakshman Janaki - Jai Bolo Hanumana Ki
With peace, love, and respect,
Arun Chaudhari
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