Andhra Kodai Summer Retreat 2023 : Day 3

The fortunate got upto the Mangala Nadaswaram even before the Sun rise in the dawn hours- The Sandhya Samayam on this Tuesday. Waking up their Lord singing Suprabhatam was a thrill by itself for it was neither at their homes nor elsewhere but standing right in front of their Lords’ Abode in the Eco-Tourism village. The Nagar Sankirtan started before the Sun rose from behind the Hills and ended walking through the silent Valley with hardly any one seen in the surrounding area. However, their faces wore more smiles with few more arriving and joining the celebrations that morning!

The highlight of the Morning was an Abhishekam performed for Lord Hanuman standing on the hill over a rock. The place had an interesting story to reveal for Hanuman is said to have appeared there on his own-in an idol form, The whole family enjoyed the short spell of trekking singing the glory of Hanuman; witnessing the Panchaamritaabhishekam performed. The nature around the hills and the Valley gave a different perspective sitting by the side of a nice stream flowing down the Hill they had gathered. The Bhajans, Rudram, Purusha Sooktam Hanuman Chaalisa chanted by the group were only to be heard and Nature, the first stage of creation, was the only one to be witnessed in its purest pristine form.

On return to the Eco-Tourism village the chosen ones began to occupy their seats in the morning Satsang while a tune that made their Hearts more cozier – “ Ungli pakadke Chalna sikhaya Tumhi ne – SAI Prem ki jyot jägee hein Har Manav ke hriday mein-Sairam”

In His Divine Discourse Swami spoke of Brotherhood of Man –

Sowbhraatatvam and fatherhood of the God-Vasudhaika Kutimbikam.

Swami went on to highlight how Man falling a prey to Maya is caught in the web of the world unable to extricate himself from the Sanchita Prarabdha Aagami accumulated as a result of the actions carried out of his ignorance. Whereas Man despite being bestowed with the Highest boon of the birth of a human being among 84lakh species of creation, Swami said, has forgotten his very goal for which he has been coming into the world birth after birth.

Citing the example of Radha, Swami went on to say that she did not open her eyes in cradle for quite sometime until Krishna came to see her. Till then Radha waited and just wanted to see Krishna first. One must develop this urge, Swami said, and wait to experience the vision of the God in visible creation and the invisible Omnipresent. Reiterating the need to follow the guidelines given for attaining SOWSEELYATWAM the previous day, Swami emphasised the need to show Gratitude to one and all in one’s life.

The evening session wore a different look with Swami blessing the Tribal Model Village as the new location for some interesting activity. It had in it fun and frolic as Swami chose the eldest couple for a demonstrative wedding in the Tribal way. It was not just a simple one. Swami ensured the couple wore new clothes gifted by none other than Himself. It had the musical instruments; the village people who performed ethnic Thimsa Dance. The wedding had both the parties to represent the bride and the groom. It was interesting to watch an Ex Head of the village performing the Wedding to perfection. The wedding performed in the Orian style was followed by sumptuous dinner.

#summerretreat