Fond memories of bliss - Part 2 In the fertile Tanjore belt in Tamil Nadu, there is a town with historic significance called Gangaikonda Cholapuram. Once this was the glorious capital of the Chola kingdom. This town is sanctified and beautified by an ancient Shiva temple. The Shiva Lingam here is one of the rarest and one of the biggest, in terms of size. Another unique feature of this Lingam is the “Anna abhishekam” (Abhishekam with rice) that is performed by devotees on the Full moon day in the Tamil month of Aippasi. It is a grand and unique celebration. On one of Sri Swamiji’s visits to Kumbakonam several years ago, I had the good fortune of spending time in His divine company. One day, Sri Swamiji had a suddden ‘divine call’ to go to Gangai Kondacholapuram Shiva temple and off we were in no time. It appeared to me that Sri Sri Swamiji was very intense all through the onward journey and as we entered the temple the intensity seemed to be maximal. To a casual onlooker, it would appear that Sri Swamiji was in a restless state. To my utter amazement, Sri Sri Swamiji did the most unusual act. He ran quickly towards a big pillar in the mandapam (hall) and clasped it tightly with both arms. He was standing there holding on to the pillar for a while. At that time, His face wore the most unique expression. His entire body was radiant and quivering. This lasted for a while and then Sri Swamiji slowly walked down to a secluded corner and sat with His eyes closed in deep meditative state. He was perfectly still in that meditative posture for what seemed like ages to me and finally He opened His eyes. We had darshan of the Lord and the Divine Mother. I could hardly control myself as we began our return trip. I asked Sri Swamiji, “ Swamiji! If I may ask you, will you kindly spell out what you were going through inside the temple? Why did you suddenly hold on to the pillar? Were you feeling giddy? I was very worried!” Sri Swamiji replied smilingly As I entered the temple I suddenly started feeling that I was becoming lighter and that I would fly away. Slowly the intensity of the feeling increased and at one point I was so sure that I would fly away that I became afraid. I rushed to the pillar and grasped it tightly with all my energy. Only after it subsided, I let go!. That was how Sri Swamiji described his most unique experience. To this day, while talking about that temple, Sri Swamiji would jokingly remark, You know ! I never go to that temple because I am afraid that I might fly away! To be continued...
Posted on: Thu, 18 Sep 2014 23:36:12 +0000
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