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 Indian event. That deserves a separate article focused on the empirical and experiential (in terms of convenience) aspects of the Maha Kumbh. To the naysayers — say what you will. All one can say is: “Take a bow, Modi and Yogi. What you have achieved is nothing short of a miracle,” and leave it at that.
What truly deserves attention, though, are the small miracles constantly unfolding as one moves through the Maha Kumbh and the collateral visits to Kashi and Ayodhya. Our experience was, to say the least, divine. If we don’t overthink things and just leave it to Mahadev, He ensures that our experience gives us the learning we need to move towards moksha. We were humbled by the small acts of selfless help we received — from regular people and those with more influence. Humbled, because in that sea of devotion and spiritual energy, Mahadev hasn't given up on us — even though our level of faith was likely far less than those putting in much greater effort despite having far fewer resources.
Was it luck? Probably not. It was just Mahadev taking care — as He always does — when we stop trying to outsmart our own destiny.
Do resources matter? Maybe not. But the integrity of intention certainly does.
Perhaps that's why we had such moving experiences — in front of Vishwanath, Maa Vishalakshi, Prabhu Shri Ram Lalla, and the unwavering presence of Lord Hanuman. If I tried to express the emotions I felt during those moments, I’m not sure I could. Language wouldn’t be enough.
So, my advice to anyone planning a visit to the Maha Kumbh? Don't forget the purpose. Keep your intent honest. Be genuine and kind. Switch off from the material distractions, and you’ll find yourself in a far better mental space.
Har Har Mahadev. Jai Shri Ram.
“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 Indian event. That deserves a separate article focused on the empirical and experiential (in terms of convenience) aspects of the Maha Kumbh. To the naysayers — say what you will. All one can say is: “Take a bow, Modi and Yogi. What you have achieved is nothing short of a miracle,” and leave it at that.
What truly deserves attention, though, are the small miracles constantly unfolding as one moves through the Maha Kumbh and the collateral visits to Kashi and Ayodhya. Our experience was, to say the least, divine. If we don’t overthink things and just leave it to Mahadev, He ensures that our experience gives us the learning we need to move towards moksha. We were humbled by the small acts of selfless help we received — from regular people and those with more influence. Humbled, because in that sea of devotion and spiritual energy, Mahadev hasn't given up on us — even though our level of faith was likely far less than those putting in much greater effort despite having far fewer resources.
Was it luck? Probably not. It was just Mahadev taking care — as He always does — when we stop trying to outsmart our own destiny.
Do resources matter? Maybe not. But the integrity of intention certainly does.
Perhaps that's why we had such moving experiences — in front of Vishwanath, Maa Vishalakshi, Prabhu Shri Ram Lalla, and the unwavering presence of Lord Hanuman. If I tried to express the emotions I felt during those moments, I’m not sure I could. Language wouldn’t be enough.
So, my advice to anyone planning a visit to the Maha Kumbh? Don't forget the purpose. Keep your intent honest. Be genuine and kind. Switch off from the material distractions, and you’ll find yourself in a far better mental space.
Har Har Mahadev. Jai Shri Ram.
Comments