Aradhana 2025

As the world slumbered in the quiet embrace of the early morning on April 25, 2025, a sacred melody awakened the dawn. At precisely 4:45 am, the resonant strains of Mangala music filled the serene expanse of Sri Ramanasramam, weaving a divine tapestry of devotion and reverence. The Ramaneswara lingam, enshrined in Bhagavan’s samadhi, was adorned with an exquisite array of multi-colored flowers—each petal a fragrant tribute, each hue a silent hymn of love and surrender. The day unfolded like a sacred scripture, its verses imbued with profound spiritual significance. The solemn Mahanyasa Rudra Japam reverberated through the halls, sanctifying the air with the ancient vibrations of purity. The recitation of Bhagavan’s timeless teachings echoed like celestial whispers, reminding all present of the eternal wisdom that flows through his words. The anointing ceremonies bestowed their blessings, marking the culmination of the sacred rites that ushered in a day of divine communion.

Devotees, drawn from far and wide by their unwavering devotion, gathered to offer prayers, their voices interwoven with the ethereal strains of devotional songs that ascended like fragrant incense to the heavens. At the stroke of 11 am, the luminous glow of Deeparadhana bathed the shrine in flickering radiance, symbolizing the ever-present light of Bhagavan's guidance. As the spiritual journey reached its crescendo, a bountiful feast was lovingly prepared and served to all attendees, embodying the spirit of selfless giving that Bhagavan so ardently espoused.

Yet, this sacred occasion was not confined to the boundaries of the ashram; it transcended physical space, touching the hearts of thousands through a live broadcast on YouTube. More than ten thousand devotees joined in digitally, while over five thousand souls graced the ashram in person, uniting in a shared moment of devotion and remembrance.

The immortal words of Bhagavan permeated the gathering, a gentle yet unwavering reminder of his eternal presence:

“They say that I am dying, but I am not going away. Where could I go? I am here.”

His teachings further illuminated the true essence of the Guru, dissolving the illusion of form and separation:

“You mistake the body for the Guru. But the Guru does not think so himself. He is the formless Self. That is within you; he appears without only to guide you.”

Mouni Sadhu, in his reflections on Bhagavan’s third Aradhana anniversary, beautifully captured the boundless nature of Bhagavan’s love—selfless, pure, and eternal. It is a love that transcends time and space, a guiding beacon that silently accompanies every devotee through life’s journey, offering solace in moments of turmoil and illuminating the path to self-realization. His presence is not confined to memory; it is a living force, gently leading each soul toward the truth that resides within.

On this sacred day of remembrance, as we bow in gratitude and devotion, let us internalize the profound wisdom of Bhagavan:

“The Self can be reached only by 'dying'; but (this) dying does not consist in destruction of the body; one should understand that true death is the extinction of the ideas 'I' and 'mine.'”

Let his words permeate our hearts, dissolving the illusion of separateness, and guiding us ever closer to the radiant truth—the eternal presence of Bhagavan Sri Ramana Maharshi.