Exactly six months after the conclusion of the grand event at Sagara Giri Durga Temple, Divine Mother appeared to Guruji. Divine Mother, in the form of Bala said, “When do you plan to build a home for me?”
Guruji laughed, and said, “If it possible, kindly make me build one yourself, because I am not in a position to build you one. I don’t have that much money. Youvery well know that.”
Bala: “I know. Please go ahead and conduct Sri Devi Yaagam.”
Guruji: “Why now?”
Bala: “Sri Devi Yaagam is for the same purpose. I told you so. So, please go ahead and organize one as suggested.”
Guruji: “Looks like your intention is not to leave me alone quietly. I have no clue how to conduct
these yagnas, and yaagas.” Bala: “Is it just for you to sit idle; did I convince you to quit your job? Even otherwise, is it you who is doing all this? It is me who is getting things accomplished through you. Just consider yourself lucky that it is you. So, please go ahead and start working on this immediately.”
Guruji: “Divine Mother! You very well know I always obey your orders, and will continue to do so in future. Without any second thoughts, I quit my job. As you know, I have 3 kids that I need to take care of. To perform Sri Devi Yaagam, I need lots of money, which I don’t have.”
Bala: “Just listen carefully. Your kids are my responsibility. Your future is my responsibility. Those who strongly believe in me have never been left in the lurch! Nor will anyone be! You are in safe hands. Please go ahead and start your preparations for Sri Devi Yaagam.”
Guruji offered his salutations to the Divine Mother, and started his inquiries about who/where and how such Yaagas are performed. Guruji then came to know that Sri Krishnayaji of Surya Peetam from Parvathipuram had a lot of experience in performing as well as conducting such a Yaagam on a grand scale. Guruji immediately went to Parvathipuram to meet Sri Krishnayaji. Upon patiently listening to what Guruji said, Sri Krishnayaji started explaining the process and procedures of Sri Devi Yaagam.
He detailed all the items needed, and mentioned that rithviks would perform homams daily. In addition, there would be group Lalitha Sahasranamam and Vishnu Sahasranamam chantings, along with kumkuma pujas every day. Sri Krishnayaji also suggested that it is better if kumkuma pujas are performed by suvasinis (married ladies). Guruji said, “As suggested, let me try to have suvasinis perform kumkuma pujas. But, will it be okay if widows also take part?” Sri Krishnayaji said, “It is against the traditions.”
Guruji responded, “Why is it against the traditions? It is not just Suvasinis alone. If someone has something already, they are not going to pray to get what they already have. So, widows who have not been lucky in this lifetime will have the opportunity to pray to Divine Mother requesting her to bless them with marital bliss in next birth. So, it is unclear to me as to why it is against the traditions?” Sri Krishnayaji, “That’s what our elders and wise men have said.”
Guruji replied, “In my opinion, I don’t believe this is ever mentioned in any underlying principles of Vedas or traditions. These have been incorporated by some few men, which have been accepted as traditions by the rest.”
Sri Krishnayaji said, “Please don’t say that. I just informed you what the traditions are. That’s the only thing that I am aware of, and would like to practice. Kindly let me know if you still wish to proceed.”
Guruji said, “I just can’t believe this. All would like to get closer to God, especially those suffering, and unlucky in life. We as fellow human beings should ensure that we provide them with all opportunities to get closer to God. That’s what I strongly believe. I would not like to say anything more, and leave it up to you. Please let me know if you have a change of heart.”
Guruji did not say anything further, and returned to Visakhapatnam. Guruji started wondering, “Will Sri Devi Yaagam ever conclude successfully? Why do people follow traditions to the word, without ever taking into consideration the human aspect of those suffering? To those who are blessed with health, and wealth, what else can God give them, especially when they have everything? In the name of religion, traditions and customs, why is the human aspect missing all together?” Guruji was extremely unhappy with the outcome of his meeting with Sri Krishnayaji. Guruji’s brother-in-law Sri Prasada Rao said, “Are we in a position to bear the expenses associated with Sri Devi Yaagam? Why do we need to do all these now? I think you have made a sincere attempt to make it happen. Let us give up now.”
Guruji responded, “No way! Divine Mother has asked me to. So, we need to go ahead with no questions asked. That’s it!”
The next day Guruji rested for a while after his lunch, and when he woke up, he had a surprise awaiting him. Sri Krishnayaji showed up unannounced at Guruji’s doorstep. Guruji cordially invited him inside, and requested him to sit. Sri Krishnayaji said, “Looks like you have a strong will. Divine Mother appeared in my dreams last night and said this yaagam is very special. ‘Don’t be
stubborn and stick to these so called customs and traditions. Please do as Sri Amritananda has requested.’ So, whatever you say will be a doctrine to me. Kindly go ahead and start your preparations for Sri Devi Yaagam.I will give you a detailed list of what is required. I will go ahead and invite rithviks. Kindly take care of the rest.”
It was at that stage that preparations picked up speed. The next big question was about the location. Where could this grand event be conducted?
It was around the same time that Simhaachala Devasthaanam had constructed a brand new marriage hall named ‘Prahlaada Kalyana Mandapam’ near Jagadamba Center in Visakhapatnam. Though construction had completed, this location was not yet inaugurated. Guruji contacted Simhaachala Devasthaanam to request them for conducting Sri Devi Yaagam at this location.
Temple Management immediately agreed to Guruji’s request. Temple Management was extremely happy and felt blessed that Sri Devi Yaagam will take place at their marriage hall, and consider this grand event as a formal inauguration April 27th, 1983 was decided as the start date for Sri Devi Yaagam. Since this was an event in honor of Divine Mother, Guruji thought it was appropriate to have an idol of the Divine Mother on the main dais. Guruji was contemplating whether to have an idol made for this occasion.
A Telugu movie “Sri Rajarajeshwari Mahatyam” had a successful run in Visakhapatnam around the same time. The owner of the movie theater had a huge idol of Divine Mother for the release of this movie. Once the movie was no longer screened, he placed this idol in his office room at the theatre. Guruji wondered if this theatre owner would oblige giving Devi’s idol for the grand event.
Guruji approached the theatre owner, and explained his situation. Theatre owner immediately agreed. He told Guruji, “We consider ourselves lucky that you have asked us to participate in this grand event. Kindly take the idol of Divine Mother.”
Guruji thanked him and went home to request Ammah accompany him for bringing the idol home. Both of them went to the cinema theatre to bring the Divine Mother idol home. As the cycle rickshaw was about to leave the cinema theatre with Divine Mother idol safely tucked in their arms, Guruji realized that someone was calling asking them to wait. Guruji heard music coming from musicians behind them and was wondering how this happened. Guruji said, “I did not request the bhajantrees.” Ammah responded, “Why do we need to request? Divine Mother wanted them, and so they are here! Let’s go.”
With all the grandeur and pomp, Divine Mother ultimately graced the dais where the grand event was scheduled. As planned, Sri Devi Yaagam commenced on April 27th, 1983 and was performed for the next 15 days. Sri Krishnayaji and Guruji’s relatives attended Sri Devi Yaagam. In addition, this grand event was witnessed by more than 100,000 locals. Guruji himself funded this entire event. Initially, it was Guruji’s intention to install 18 Sakthi Peetams as a precursor to Sri Devi Yaagam. As logistics did not permit this, Guruji installed 18 kalasams and commenced the grand event.
Every morning, the program commenced with a navaavarana puja at 5 a.m. Guruji and Ammah had actively conducted some special homams all by themselves every day. The grand event had everything going on—navaavarana puja, homams, Veda paarayanam, Devi sthuthi by ladies—all in one place these 15 days reminded everyone of good old Naimishaaranyam. Every day from 10 a.m. to noon, Lalitha Sahasranamam paarayanam and kumkuma pujas were performed. In addition, shodasaupachara pujas were performed to 18 spinsters and nine suvasinis every day by applying paarani to their feet, providing bangles to wear, honoring them by showing mirrors, and giving them blouse bits.
Kids participated enthusiastically in Bala pujas. Guruji treated these little kids with equal respect and dignity and showered them with love and affection by performing shodasa-upachara pujas. Who knows in what form the Divine Mother would come? So, Guruji performed every task, every puja meticulously with love and devotion while taking care of every minute detail.
One -day, an old poor suvasini showed up at the doorsteps and requested Guruji perform suvasini puja to her. Guruji, with no second thought, cordially invited her to sit down, and with utmost devotion and dedication performed suvasini puja to that poor lady. Ammah was next to Guruji when this happened. Guruji said, “These are the situations when Goddess Mother takes the liberty to test us. She may come in any form or disguise. Just because this lady appeared poor and dirty, we should not send her back. Had we done so, we could have failed the test of Goddess Mother. No one can be ignored or disrespected during this grand event.” There was hardly any break for anyone every day during the grand event. Every evening attendees had the opportunity to listen to religious discourses by distinguished speakers. Then, cultural programs like a classical music concert or a dance performance by enthusiastic kids followed it. After these activities, navaavarana pujas, and pujas to couples (dhampathi puja) were performed every day. The grand finale to the daily function was the mangala-aarathi using a lamp with 360 intertwined wicks, performed while religiously chanting Mantra Pushpam. At the conclusion, devotees would offer their final respects to Goddess Mother, take prasadam and leave for the day.
Donation of Devipuram land
On the third day of the Sri Devi Yaagam, to everyone’s surprise a wonderful thing happened. On the third day of Sri Devi Yaagam, a blessed soul Sri Putrevu Babu Rao along with his brother attended the event, and donated 3 acres of cashew gardens on the suburbs of Narapadu village to Guruji. Guruji said, “What can I do with this land far away from the city”?
Sri Babu Rao replied, “Please come and see this place for yourself once. Kindly accept our donation, and you can later decide what to do with it.” Guruji accepted the invitation.
April 27th, 1983 was the day on which Sree Devi Yaagam started, which also happened to be the first day of Vasantha Navaraathri. Sree Devi Yaagam was celebrated with pomp and splendor all 15 days. On the 16th day, all 18 kalasams along with Divine Mother were taken in a grand procession around the city and they ended up on the beach for immersion.
Everyone who participated in the procession walked bare foot all along the entire route. Some of the participants were disappointed upon the conclusion of grand event. They questioned Guruji, “Why did you conclude Sree Devi Yaagam so quickly? Why not extend these events by few more days?” Some wept profusely, and said, “Divine Mother! We wish to come with you!” They started walking towards the sea.
With a quick presence of mind, Guruji immediately formed a human chain along with few other men to prevent women from moving ahead into the sea. All 18 kalasams along with the idol of Divine Mother were slowly immersed into the ocean. The idol of Divine Mother danced to the waves of the ocean while slowly making its way towards the ocean bottom. Though there was lot of joy all around, they kept staring at the ocean with a heavy heart, and started reminiscing sweet memories of the grand event that occurred over the past few days. Sri Krishnayaji ensured that Guruji and Ammah completed their traditional rituals right on the sea shore, before they could return back to the hall. Upon return, Guruji and Ammah changed out of their wet clothes and performed remaining formalities to conclude Sree Devi Yaagam. All those who participated in this grand event profusely thanked and commended Guruji for having given them this unique opportunity to participate.
Once the dust settled, Guruji took the time to tally the expenses, and realized that the returns were 3,000 rupees more than his initial investment of 70,000 rupees for this grand event. Guruji deposited the entire amount back into her account at the bank. The location of these divine wonders next shifted to the cashew gardens near the suburbs of Narapadu village, the current location of Devipuram.
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