Chikkaballapura: A mother embodies forgiveness, kindness and compassion, and nothing can surpass her status, Sadguru Sri Madhusudan Sai, founder of the One World One Family mission, said during the fifth day of Navaratri celebrations at Satya Sai Grama in Muddenahalli.
He said worshipping the Divine Mother, or Jaganmata, was incomplete unless devotees treated all her children equally, empathised with their suffering and extended a helping hand to those in need.
Referring to Adi Shankaracharya performing the funeral rites of his mother, Aryamba, despite the traditional restrictions associated with Sannyasa Dharma, Sadguru said the episode underscored the importance of maternal love and the duty towards one’s mother.
He also recalled the influence of Eashwaramma, mother of Bhagavan Sri Sathya Sai Baba, in inspiring the latter’s social service initiatives. Moved by the suffering of people around her, Eashwaramma had urged Baba to help them, laying the foundation for his humanitarian work.
Sadguru said compassion towards others and efforts to alleviate their suffering constituted the true tribute to a mother. Maternal love, he added, provides a strong foundation for an individual’s growth and inspires service to society.
Highlighting the importance of Vidyadana (the gift of education) and Aushadhadana (the gift of medical aid), he said the organisation was advancing these ideals by providing free education and healthcare services.
Former minister H.K. Patil attended the celebrations. Ritvija Vidwan Subrahmanya Bhat of Sringeri explained the significance of Skandamata, worshipped on the fifth day of Navaratri.
The day’s rituals included Lalita Homa, Sri Chakra Puja, Sumangali Puja and Kannika Puja. Dr B.N. Narasimha Murthy, president of the Prashanthi Balamandira Trust, and T.B. Jayachandra, the Karnataka government’s representative in Delhi, were also present.