It was 2017, during Pujya Shri Akka's visit to the US we were delighted that She was going to spend the Navaratri festival with us. Nandalala Mission had planned Kanya Puja and Vijayadasami celebrations along with the release of the translated book "The Divine Way " during that time. I requested Pujya Shri Akka to give us the significance of Navaratri, in a way that it could be shared with the community here in the US. She readily gave Her blessing and proceeded to work on it right away. I noticed the lights were on in Her room deep into the night; She was handwriting the significance of each day of Navaratri along with suggested cultural and spiritual observances. She kept working on this content during her trip from SFO to LA and had it scanned and sent to me in a few days! What a blessing! Pranaams to Pujya Shri Akka!
It is with utmost gratitude and joy that we are sharing not only her original written work in Tamil with you all, for the first time, but we have also provided a synopsis in English and shared recipes of the suggested offerings. Pujya Shri Akka's guidance continues to flow to us through Her written works. We hope this collection provides you a ready reference as you observe this wonderful tradition every year!
We are all extremely blessed to have experienced Ambal's presence physically in all our lives.
This book regarding the greatness of Navaratri through Her Divine words is indeed a treasure house for us and several generations to come.
Sri Akka always insisted on celebrating Navaratri with enthusiasm and involvement. This is an opportunity to hone one's imagination, creativity in arts, music, & culinary skills. The nine different kolams recommended by Sri Akka in this book are simple and yet can be nuanced per individual creativity. I consider these kolams as auspicious Yantras given by Her for us to propitiate and worship the Goddesses during Navaratri. Sri Maniam Selven has experienced the presence of Sri Akka so deep in his heart which is manifest in the portrait of Sri Akka. His illustrations of Devis are divine and speaks of his immense experience in depicting Hindu Gods and Goddesses.
Sri Akka always said that we should enjoy cooking food, especially prasadams for pujas. She constantly encouraged us to strive towards improvising while cooking; be it recipe enhancements or garnishing/presentation. The effort by Nandalala Mission members preparing the various neivedyams for each of the days as recommended by Her and presenting them with such lovely pictures is extremely commendable. This brings about a special flavor to this book that I am sure everyone will relish.
Sri Akka truly enjoyed the process of setting up Golu, and we had the good fortune to experience Her enthusiasm when She stayed with us during Navaratri in 2000 at Pune. She involved Herself completely in the set up including directing and working on the creation of a mountain with sand and clay. She often mentioned that arranging Golu differently every year kindles one's creativity and was instrumental for the themed Golus at Sri Nandalala Temple at Chennai. Once She gives the theme, the committee members are spurred into action-physically and mentally; gathering required information, ideating, procuring materials, and planning the execution of the ideas. It is a learning process by itself and a thoroughly enjoyable group activity fostering a lot of camaraderie.
Some of the themes done at Sri Nandalala temple with Her guidance are: Anbil Adangum Anandan (Happiness encompassed in Love); Annaiyin Kaiyil Arputham (Wonders through the hands of Mother); Bhaktiyil Uraiyum Sakthi (Energy steeped in Devotion); Bommai Kolu Sollum Shanmatham (Shanmatham portrayed by Golu Dolls); Sri Maruthiyin Prabhavangal (Greatness of Lord Hanuman); Unave marundu (Food is medicine).
I am very blessed and honored to be given an opportunity to share my thoughts and experiences. I am happy that Golu and Navaratri are being celebrated at Nandalala Mission, California by following the principles of Sri Akka and wish the endeavor continued success.
Mathioli Charanam!
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