18 Aug 2024, Amritapuri Ashram
Tumban, the beloved ashram dog, breathed his last on the morning of August 15th, at the age of 20. For the past several years, Kripa from the USA had been caring for him, especially during his final days when he could no longer walk.
During Amma’s programs in Tokyo, she casually mentioned to one of the tour staff, Gautam, that she felt Tumban would pass away within a day or two. Sure enough, the following day, Tumban left his body. When asked how she knew, Amma shared that although Tumban had not been unwell, she had sensed his time was near. At 4 a.m. on the day of his passing, she knew he was close to the end, and by 7 a.m. on August 15th, Tumban had indeed passed away. Amma instructed that Tumban’s body be kept until her return for the final rites.
On August 18th, after the evening bhajans, a special ceremony was held. Amma garlanded Tumban’s body, chanted the 8th chapter of the Gita, and sang bhajans, as the whole ashram gathered to witness the solemn farewell. Shakti, another ashram dog, was also present, and Amma lovingly told Shakti, “Eda, Tumban poyi. Nee arinjo? Prarthikku.” (“Hey, Tumban has gone. Did you know? Pray, pray, pray.”) She repeated this several times, encouraging Shakti to offer prayers.
After the ceremony, Tumban’s body was taken to the beachside and buried alongside Bhakti, another beloved ashram dog.
Tumban was no ordinary dog; he was known to be Amma’s special companion, attending scripture classes, Ramayana discussions, meditations, and Amma’s webcasts. Amma would even call out his name during webcasts from the USA or Europe, and Tumban would always respond, ensuring he was never far from the spiritual activities of the ashram.
There were many stories about Tumban’s loyalty and intuition. Once, Amma called a brahmachari who was taking care of Tumban to her side. Tumban was seated with an older man near Amma. Amma mentioned that Tumban had bitten the man. The brahmachari explained, “Amma, this old man often steals cups and plates from the ashram, so Tumban didn’t like it and bit him. Tumban only bites when someone is stealing or when they wear lungi*. He also reacts to drunkards.”
Amma gently told the old man not to steal and gave him a new white shirt and dhoti to wear when visiting.
Tumban’s dedication to the spiritual life of the ashram was evident even during scripture classes.
Once, during a scripture class, Acharya Kaivalyananda Swamiji emphasized that we must listen to the scriptures and practice sadhana regularly because, as human beings, we have the capability to do so now. He mentioned that we shouldn’t waste any time, as we cannot be sure if we will get another human life. At that exact moment, Tumban came near Swamiji and sat down. After the class, Tumban followed Swamiji to his room on the 10th floor of the Amritadarsan building and stayed there for a long time.
Tumban was known for never sitting or lie down on the floor; he would always wait until someone spread a mat or asana for him to sit on.
Tumban’s presence at Amritapuri was more than that of a pet; he was a silent companion in the ashram’s spiritual journey, a witness to the divine play of life, and a beloved soul to Amma and all the devotees.
Dear Tumban. You will always be remembered with love.
-Sakshi
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*Lungi – men’s casual wear, a multicoloured dothi, tied around the lower waist covering upto the ankles.