With Infinite Gratitude…
Mamta Savkur from USA narrates with great sensitivity how Pujya Swamiji’s Compassionate Guidance has stirred devotion, kindled the spirit of seva and enabled every sadhaka to transform ordinary moments into joyous offerings (September 2025)
I still remember with vivid clarity the auspicious Navaratri of 1999, when we first welcomed Pujya Swamiji to Delhi. Purna Kumbha Swagat marked the beginning of a twelve-day period that would leave a lasting imprint on our collective consciousness. The first sight of Swamiji—serene, in simple saffron, seated cross-legged upon a low dais—radiated profound peace and compassion. That moment, though brief, offered a glimpse into the spiritual majesty which was about to envelope our lives.
The Delhi Sabha back then was a modest group, composed mainly of bankers and armed services personnel who frequently relocated. When we heard of Swamiji’s visit in May 1999, our small Sabha of about 25 families was filled with a mix of excitement and trepidation. We quickly decided to rent the Kavle Math premises in Greater Kailash-I. It needed significant renovation—from major repairs, installing large water tanks to painting every wall and redoing the entire facility.
Being our first occasion of hosting Swamiji, we were totally inexperienced and unaware of many rituals, poojas, and programme requirements. Our weekly meetings buzzed with questions and logistical challenges, which we resolved through consistent communication with the Bhatmaams at Shirali and the then President. Spiritual preparations—bhajan practices and cultural programme rehearsals—commenced with enthusiasm. Yuvas took charge of decorations and the backdrop, while others worked on logistic details: securing police permissions, arranging generators and PA systems, managing security, parking and also sourcing utensils, tents, fans, and furniture. Seniors, working from home, devoted themselves to packing Bhiksha Prasad and Mantrakshat packets. With only a handful of volunteers, everyone wore multiple hats, offering genuine and joyful seva. Time flew, yet our collective energy soared. Meetings grew frequent, many took days off from work to complete the assigned tasks, spurred on by devotion and excitement.
During this period, the Bhatmaams requested “Patkali flowers” for Navaratri. Unfamiliar with this, and with a long list of pending queries, Naimpally Jayavanth Maam embarked on a journey to Mallapur, where Swamiji was observing Chaturmas. The Bhatmaams not only graciously answered all questions but sweetly packed some “Patkali” flowers as sample. To our surprise and joy, upon its arrival, we discovered it was ‘Ixora’ – a common garden flower, bringing immense relief and gratitude!
Swamiji’s journey to Delhi in 1999 was ‘different’- the only time when the travel was by flight. On all subsequent visits, Pujya Swamiji preferred trains or road travel. Senior Sabha members were privileged to greet Swamiji on the tarmac, a cherished experience—made even more memorable as the pilot was my uncle, Capt. Ravi Brahmavar. Those twelve sacred days saw Swamiji perform Devi Pujana, sing soul-stirring bhajans, deliver insightful Ashirvachanas, and give us numerous opportunities for personal interaction. This occasion united our community as “One Large Family,” working with unity and bhakti. Our gratitude to Swamiji for this sense of togetherness is beyond words—a bond that only grows fonder with each passing year. It is a testament to Their divine influence that even now, despite many families having relocated to Bengaluru, they still proudly claim to be “Dilliwallas.”
After1999, Swamiji graciously visited us every two years, blessing us with Their divine presence. During this time, Delhi Sabha organized yatras to sacred sites like Chardham, Vaishnodevi and Manasarovar. Despite our move in 2001 to Hong Kong- Singapore and return back to Gurgaon in 2007, I felt an unbroken connection while volunteering for the Saraswati yatra. This was followed by the Tristhali yatra, Kashi, and Badrinath-my last yatra in 2013 before moving to Brazil in 2015 and then coming to US in 2018.
In 2007, I received my mantradeeksha, a pivotal moment that initiated subtle, yet profound, shifts within me. The petty irritations that once clouded my thoughts seemed to gradually lose their grip. I found myself responding to life’s challenges with greater patience and empathy, a direct testament to the inner peace cultivated through Swamiji’s guidance. My daily pooja, japa, and meditation, inspired by Their gentle wisdom, became an anchor—a sacred time to return to stillness, to rediscover the divine presence within. I started understanding that true spiritual growth is not measured by external achievements, but by deepening inner peace and the capacity to act with compassion and clarity. It is through self-awareness, dedicated seva, and profound humility that we can truly transform our ordinary moments into sacred offerings.
I recall my childhood visits to my grandparents’ home in Byndoor during summer vacations and from there, visiting Shirali Math. At that time I did not grasp the immense relevance of our revered Guruparampara. I have vivid memories of going to Talmakiwadi when Pujya Parijnanashram Swamiji would be camping there and distinctly recall being allowed to play in Sirur Park during Their Ashirvachana.
It was Sadyojat Shankarashram Swamiji who truly introduced us to our Parama Guru’s blessings and Their divine Guru Shakti, reuniting our samaj through the awesome and transformative Gurujyoti Padayatra in 2008.
I have experienced many miracles which others may view as coincidence. I cherish each one as a precious ‘Prasada’ from my beloved Gurus, a testament to Their boundless grace.
After moving to Boston in 2018, Swamiji’s compassion led me to CHF. Beginning as a volunteer collecting Vantiga, I now, by divine grace, lead these efforts, which have grown threefold. I also help with Samvit Sudha and fundraising for our Math and have the privilege of teaching in Prarthana Varga and conducting Konkani classes for our community’s children, in an effort to preserve our heritage.
Daily livestreaming and recorded videos on “Anushravas” have become a spiritual lifeline, keeping us connected with our Guru and Math wherever we may reside. Swamiji’s “Samparka,” launched during Covid, remains a milestone, allowing direct connection with Their Holiness—a blessing beyond measure.
For 26 years, Swamiji’s charismatic presence has drawn people from all walks of life—seniors, Yuvas, children, and now even non-Amchi Saraswats from North India—all attracted by Their divine aura. Our Guruparampara is an endless trove of wisdom, and our Guru’s unwavering presence continues to inspire, guide, and transform. The profound sense of belonging cultivated under Their guidance has illuminated our spiritual path.
We humbly bow at Swamiji’s Lotus Feet, prostrating in profound reverence and offering our deepest gratitude. We thank Them for taking us from the darkness of ignorance to the effulgent light of knowledge. “Om Shree Gurubhyo Namah”. Our Guru’s blessings are truly the greatest gift we could ever ask for, leaving us humbled beyond words by Their ceaseless compassion and selfless love.
May countless others find solace and inspiration through Swamiji’s teachings. May our journey continue in awareness, love, and belonging, illuminated by Their divine light.
PRECIOUS MOMENTS
