Ramanasrama, 100 years
Ganesh Temple, Queens, NY
Namaskar,
On September 21, 1923, an event of profound spiritual significance unfolded as Muruganar had a life-changing meeting with Bhagavan Shri Ramana. This meeting was beneficial not only for Muruganar but also for all of us treading the spiritual path.
Muruganar wholeheartedly surrendered himself to Bhagavan. He renounced all his worries, doubts, and the burden of making life decisions, placing his complete trust in Bhagavan. He came to the profound realization that Bhagavan resided permanently in his heart, guiding him in all aspects of life.
Through his life's example, Muruganar has laid out a spiritual solution to our problems, emphasizing the enduring importance of sincere devotion and steadfast abidance in the spiritual heart.
Is there any poet, in any language, from any era, residing in any corner of the world, belonging to any religion, who has displayed such unwavering devotion as Muruganar did? He filled every fiber of his being with devotion to Bhagavan Ramana, glorifying the divine brilliance in verses.
Indeed, along the way, Muruganar has arisen as one of the greatest poets nurtured by mother Tamil, who has endowed him with a magnificent faculty and intellect to employ her beautiful language in singing, blessing, celebrating, and immersing himself in the profound bliss and devotion experienced while worshiping his beloved Lord Ramana.
As we reflect upon his legacy, Muruganar built a monument for Bhagavan Shri Ramana. This monument stands for all to see, appreciate, and marvel for ages to come. Unlike conventional monuments, Muruganar laid the foundation for this monument through his own realization. Each verse he composed serves as a brick; his devotion acts as the sand; his unconditional love is the water, and Bhagavan's grace is the cement binding it all together. Brick by brick, he constructed his masterpiece. Within this monument, he placed an enormous throne—one that resides perpetually in every heart yet remains often unrealized. Muruganar spent numerous lifetimes preparing this throne, meticulously crafted through years of solitude, penance and surrender.. In that throne, Lord Ramana, is seated in all His glory and radiance, quietly observing, and guiding.
Sangeetha Swaminathan, though her musical genius, devotion, unwavering commitment and hard work along with Swaminathan has brought a wonderful audio treat that can fill our hearts as we hear her divine voice singing anthems composed by Muruganar. I have the privilege to introduce her and invite her to the stage to sing a few songs from her recently released album. – Thank you.