20th September has always been and will always be the most auspicious birth date for the devotees of Shivabala Shivarudrabalayogi Universal Peace Mission Malaysia, as it was on this date 63 years ago that the Divine gave this universe a baby boy named Srinivasa Dikshit, who would one day inspire and help transform the lives of many seekers of the Truth.
On 16th September 2017, we embarked on our Yatra to Dehradun, to celebrate the 63rd birthday of the Living Yogi, Shri Shivarudrabalayogi Maharaj, lovingly known as Shri Babaji. This is an annual sojourn of about 8 days, and this year, 19 devotees from Malaysia set out on this journey of love in honour of their Living Guru.
A typical morning at the Dehradun Ashram begins with Shri Babaji doing His morning Pooja to Lord Ganesha, Lord Shiva and His Beloved Guru, Shri Shivabalayogi Maharaj. Then Shri Babaji leads His devotees in reciting the Hanuman Chalisa and invocatory mantras. Devotees then do their morning pranams to Shri Babaji.
On Monday 18th September, at 6pm, the Hanuman Pooja was conducted at the Hanuman Temple located within the Ashram premise.
Tuesday 19th September morning, Abishegam for all the deities and Shri Shivabalayogi Maharaj’s statue was conducted by Shri Babaji. This was followed by the Maha Agni Hotra at 11.30am. After doing their pranams to Shri Babaji, devotees adjourned for lunch. As night fell, devotees gathered at the terrace of the Ashram to do the Patha Pooja ceremony for Shri Babaji. It is indeed a rare opportunity for devotees to perform this auspicious ceremony of washing the feet of their Beloved Guru, especially on His Birthday.
20th September 2017… the day everyone was eagerly waiting for, dawned bright and beautiful. Every heart sang the same the song as they prostrated before their Living Yogi to seek His Blessings.
“Babaji, our hearts beat because of You and for You”.
The Birthday celebration began at 6pm with Bhajans and Sanskritik Sandhya, followed by the Mangala Aarthi, Shri Babaji’s Birthday message and Shradhanjali. A sumptuous feast was served on the gaily lit lawns of the Ashram.
The grand finale of the evening for the devotees was the group photo shoot with Shri Babaji at His dais. This was truly memorable as it depicted the universality of the Shivabala Shivarudrabalayogi Mission, a Mission that transcends race, nationality and creed.
The culmination of Shri Babaji’s Birthday celebration is the journey to Haridwar for the ceremonial dip in the Ganges River, the Gangasthanam. This always happens the morning after Shri Babaji’s Birthday.
This annual Yatra to the abode of our Living Guru signifies to many the energizing process in their lives:
Vows to serve the Mission for the betterment of mankind are renewed, Strength to continue in this journey called Life and Living is sought, and Grace to inspire others to seek their true selves is received.
Jai Shivabalayogi… Jai Shivarudrabalayogi…
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