A Moment with Ram Lalla: Reflections from the Maha Kumbh
When Gopanna, also known as Ramadasu, wrote: “Kaarunyalaya Bhaktavarada ninu Kannadi kaanupu Rama,” he was undoubtedly referring to experiencing Rama — our inner consciousness or Paramatma personified. It is not meant to be taken literally. When we had the darshan of Prabhu Shri Ram Lalla in Ayodhya, these lines by Ramadasu came to mind. Yes, they are not meant to be taken literally, but the emotion one feels while looking at Ram Lalla is such that you can’t help but feel your sight has finally fulfilled its purpose. Personally, I couldn’t have asked for more during our entire Kumbh Mela yatra. It felt as if Mother Ganga, Yamuna, and Saraswati had conspired with Mahadev to grant us that incredible darshan of Prabhu Ram. There are many logistical aspects one could speak about at the Kumbh Mela — the efficiency of the Yogi administration, the commitment of all the personnel involved, the cleanliness, the cleaning workforce, the elaborate arrangements that are rarely seen in any I...