Our beloved Pujya Guruji gave the divine gift of his presence to the devotees of Chinmaya Mission Chicago on his birthday, June 30, 2014. With love in our hearts, the day became one of celebration and inspiration at the Yamunotri ashram where children and adults sang and prayed for Guruji’s health and his blessings.
Amidst this flow of love, Chicago devotees prayed for Guruji with Sunderkand parayan from Rama Charit Manas by Goswami Tulsi Das. The Balvihar children of both Badri and Yamunotri ashrams sang bhajans with many accompanying instruments, especially the flute, which brought cheer and joy to Guruji’s face.
These events all preceded a surprise for Guruji, a special video from India by Chinmaya Naada Bindu – residential gurukul for Indian Performing Arts – which offered birthday greetings with special composition, photographs and videos of Guruji from all over the world, demonstrating the love that flows in his every action.
The evening was highlighted by Guruji singing bhajans for the devotees, one honoring Pujya Gurudev and the second, a composition by Guruji called `Shyam Sundar Ko Ana Hi Hoga.` Guruji invited everyone to join in the singing of the bhajan, adding to the celebratory mood of the evening.
The deity of Yamunotri, where all the celebrations were held, are Radha Krishna. Rightly so, the concluding item of the celebration was an enchanting flute performance by Pundit Ronu Majumdar, master flutist and Grammy Award winner, accompanied by Shubhashish Mukherjee on tabla. Punditji said that he was inspired by the celebratory environment to play Raaga Jhinjhoti. Guruji was seen enjoying the concert very much. Seeing the love of Pujya Guruji for Sri Rama, Pt. Ronu Majumdar sang some key verses from Rama Charit Manas and played Raaga Desh on the flute.
A birthday feast for all devotees had been arranged, along with Guruji’s bhiksha. Chicago was truly truly blessed to have Pujya Guruji on this very auspicious occasion.