Like a tree in the sun

Amma ariving in Palakkad, Kerala

26 April, Palakkad, Kerala — Bharata Yatra 2010

Amma’s third program of this month’s yatra was in Palakkad. The devotees were thrilled to see Amma, this being the one day of the year that Amma gives darshan in their hometown. There were supposed to be two days of programs, but as there was an all-state strike, it was not possible to have a second day. As the devotees came in increasing numbers, so was the temperature, the heat scorching everyone at above 40 degrees C. However, everyone was willing to withstand the extreme weather in order to get a moment close to Amma, to unburden their sorrows to her. There is an old verse in Sanskrit, ‘giving shade to others, while standing themselves in the scorching sun, giving fruits to others, Mahatmas are like trees*.’ Amma personified this saying, offering herself to the thousands who came for relief from problems, or those who came out of spiritual curiosity.

Students from the Palakkad Amrita Vidyalayam performed a variety of cultural dances during darshan. Amma gave satsang, bhajans, and led a meditation in both the morning and evening. At the end of darshan, Amma sang three bhajans. As Amma was leaving, a strong downpour started, bringing a coolness to the scorched earth. It was just like how Amma showered her love and compassion in the hearts of the devotees.

— Kannadi

Amma ariving in Palakkad, Kerala
Poorna Kumbam: traditional welcome to Amma upon arrival in Palakkad
Arrival in Palakkad
Arrival in Palakkad
Devotees throng for a touch of Amma
Devotees throng for a touch of Amma
Bhajan
Bhajan
Bhajan
Bhajan
Amrita Vidyalayam children performing a dance
Amrita Vidyalayam children performing a dance
Amrita Vidyalayam children performing a Radha Krishna dance
Amrita Vidyalayam children performing a Radha Krishna dance
Amrita Vidyalayam children performing a dance
Amrita Vidyalayam children performing a dance
Devotees listening to Amma
Devotees listening to Amma
During Sani Puja
During Sani Puja
During Sani Puja
During Sani Puja
Amrita Vidyalayam children performing a dance
Amrita Vidyalayam children performing a dance
Amrita Vidyalayam children performing a tribal dance
Amrita Vidyalayam children performing a tribal dance
Amrita Vidyalayam children performing a Punjabi dance
Amrita Vidyalayam children performing a Punjabi dance

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* छायाम् अन्यस्य कुर्वन्ति स्वयम् तिष्टन्ति आतपे
फलान्यपि परार्थाय वृक्षाः इव सत्पुरुषाः॥