It was the last day of my Matriculation examination. As most students become God-minded during the examination period, I too was like this and wanted to go to the temple. But my mother told me that the divine mother had come and that I should go with her to see her. It was thus that I saw the divine mother who became my beloved mother afterwards. She was surrounded by a large number of devotees. I was sitting behind them all. But she turned and smiled at me and pointing to me, asked my mother who I was. As I was singled out from the other girls sitting there, I felt very much attracted towards her. Mother gave us all namasmarana and asked us to do japa half an hour daily and chant the mantra – Sree Ram Jaya Ram Jaya Jaya Ram.
One day there was a class for girls which I attended. Mother gave us instructions which appeared simple, though they were highest truths. After a few days she left Trivandrum, leaving behind the sweet memory of her loving and smiling face. I missed her presence much. Though I wanted to act up to her ideals and principles, I am sure I have not progressed much, even after the lapse of seven years. But one thing I am sure and certain, and that is, I love her more than anything else in this world.
Then came the Trichur convention. I was studying for my Junior Intermediate and it was Christmas holidays; so my parents agreed to take me also to Trichur. Those ten days of heavenly joy, I can never forget. Many of the disciples and devotees had come for the convention from several mandalies. It was then that we all got the opportunity to know and love each other and consider ourselves as sisters, the children of one and the same mother. My aunt and myself were always together. After ten days of happy union the day of parting came and I still feel the heaviness of heart when we bade farewell.
By mother’s grace I passed my Intermediate examination. I continued my studies for one more year, when I had to stop my studies after my marriage. I wanted so much to see Mother before marriage. My loving parents wanted to fulfill this desire of mine, and so they took me to Mangalore. We reached there one fine evening and after taking our bath and getting dressed at the waiting-room we went to Mother’s house. The next day she called me to her room and talked to me about grihasthasrama and pathivratha dharma. I gave my tali in her hands and after a few minutes she gave it back to me. She told me that even though I was going far away, I may be rest assured that she would be always near me. We left Mangalore the next day. Even now I remember mother’s loving and smiling face. We prostrated before Bhagavan and herself and took leave of them. Mother also said that I should try to come to Trivandrum whenever she was there.
After my marriage I came to Trivandrum thrice and twice Mother was also there. Last time when I came, she stayed for one month and I used to go and attend the bhajan and discourses daily. One day I had an interview with mother. I eagerly wanted to hear her asking me something about my husband. She read my thoughts; she asked me whether my husband has seen her. I said no. she went on smiling and told me to convey her love and blessings to him, as he was away then. I could not control tears of joy. There is no doubt of his becoming her devotee soon.
SMT. S. MEENAKSHI DEVI
1961