Amma in Pune

Amma with children in Pune (2010)

23-24 February, Pune — Bharata Yatra 2010

Pune was once known as ‘Punya Nagari,’ the meritorious city. Over time, it became shortened to just Pune. Maharashtra is known as the land of saints, which include Jnanesvar, Tukaram, Eknath, and Namdev. Amma’s ashram is only a twenty-minute drive from the samadhi shrine of the great saint Jnanesvar, who spread the message of the Gita in the native Marathi language. In these two days of programs, Amma is also spreading the eternal message of Sanatana Dharma.

During the programs, Amma sang many new bhajans in Marathi, and Amma’s satsangs were translated into Hindi. On the last night, Amma spoke about the importance of dispassion in one’s daily life.

The temperature during the day was scorching hot, while the nights were cool. People came for Amma’s darshan from all flocks of life; from villagers to vice-chancellors of universities.

Amrita Vidyalayam children presented different cultural programs, including some traditional Marathi dances. There was a Kathak dance performance by Dr. Nandakishore Kapote, a disciple of Bhrigu Maharaj, a maestro of dance. On the first night, there was a wonderful performance by Manish Omano on the slide guitar and Santosh Ghante on the harmonium, accompanied by Sukhad Munde on Pakhawaj and Santosh Salve on tabla.

A new biography of Amma written by Raj Lakshmi Deshpande in Marathi titled ‘Jagan Mata’ was released on this occasion.

At the end of the last darshan, Amma sang a few Telugu bhajans and Mata Rani upon the request of devotees. The darshan ended with what has become a Pune tradition… a local family of devotees dressed Amma up as Krishna and implored Amma to reenact some of the leelas of Bala Krishna.  The devotees approached Amma with large mud pots of curd and milk and offered Amma a stick to break the pots.  Amma herself then drank from each pot and distributed prasad to everyone.

– Tulasi

Amma's bhajans in Pune (2010)
Bhajans
Bhajans in Pune 2010
Bhajans
Devotees listening to Amma in Pune
Devotees listening to Amma
Amma with children in Pune (2010)
“Concentrate here” Amma instructing two kids during Manasapuja
Amma's arati in Pune
Arati
Amma's Darshan
Darshan
Jogava, traditional Marathi dance by the students of Amrita Vidyalayam
Jogava, a traditional Marathi dance by the students of Amrita Vidyalayam
Kathak, classical dance by Amrita Vidyalayam
Kathak, a classical dance by Amrita Vidyalayam
Performance by Santosh Ghante and Manish Omano on harmonium & slide guitar
Performance by Santosh Ghante and Manish Omano on harmonium & slide guitar
With a prayerful mind
With a prayerful mind
Bhakti do Jagadambe
Bhakti do Jagadambe
Lord Siva, Brahmasthanam temple Pune
Lord Siva, Brahmasthanam temple
Devotees participating in puja
Devotees participating in puja
Amma's arati in Pune 2010
Arati
Darshan
Darshan
Darshan
Darshan
Amrita Vidyalayam children singing bhajans
Amrita Vidyalayam children singing bhajans
Marathi folk dance by the students of Amrita Vidyalayam
Marathi folk dance by the students of Amrita Vidyalayam
Kathak dance performance by Dr. Krishna Leela: Nandakishore Kapote, a disciple of Bhrigu Maharaj
Kathak dance performance by Dr. Krishna Leela: Nandakishore Kapote, a disciple of Bhrigu Maharaj