Contact with The Mother

STRENGTH OF THE WEAR

During our stay at Madras from 1952 to 1955, we often heard from various people a story of two birds (eagles) believed to be two ancient Rishis flying daily from Benaras to pay their homage to the Lingam of Shiva in the temple of Trikalikundam which is on the top of a steep hill about 45 miles far from the city. We naturally felt a desire and a curiosity to visit the place. But unfortunately every time we had to postpone our visit as I was suffering from asthma and used to find it difficult even to climb an ordinary staircase. At last in March 1955, my husband received an order of transfer from Madras. Hearing of it I and my child went to Pondicherry to receive our farewell Blessings from the Mother. On my return I asked my husband to arrange for our long-cherished visit to Trikalikundam and Mahabalipuram, for if we missed them now we might not get a second chance again. My decision was happy news to my husband though he felt a bit nervous and worried on account of my weak and asthmatic condition. How could he possibly believe that I who could not climb an ordinary staircase would be able to perform the task of climbing a huge hill up 600 steep stony steps! However, finding me adamant and undaunted he agreed to my proposal, perhaps secretly believing that I might have brought with myself some divine strength from the Ashram. So, next morning along with our little boy who was nine years then, we reached the spot in a taxi. There were lots of people ready to go up for the sight of those strange birds. My husband enquired if there was any means available to carry me up, but there was no such arrangement. I looked at the top of the hill and felt dizzy for a moment, but I lost neither courage nor confidence, for I felt convinced that my heart’s prayer to Sri Aurobindo and the Mother had been answered and they were sure to carry me through. I inwardly placed myself like a little child in the lap of the Mother. As soon as I did that I at once felt light and happy and was filled with enthusiasm like my little son at the very idea of marching up and up to reach the summit. My husband was rather apprehensive not only on my account but even for himself! We started our upward journey. Believe it or not I was feeling so light and strong that I went on merrily jumping like a bird; I forgot all about my physical limitations. So much so that now I started teasing my husband who in spite of his good health and strong body was showing signs of exhaustion. Oh! how happy and grateful I felt when at last I reached the top at the exact appointed time and actually saw the birds coming down from distant skies like aeroplanes, eating prasad from the hands of the Pujari and then flying back to their destination.

When we got down from the hill I was in such a good condition that we proceeded to Mahabalipuram and there further wandered about to see the caves etc. On our return my husband said that I was sure to feel the aftereffects of the difficult journey when I lay down and relaxed. But instead I had sound sleep and got up hale and hearty next morning! My husband whose muscles were aching was wondering at the miracle!

Whenever I am reminded of the above experience my heart is filled with joy and gratitude and automatically these words come out:

mūkam karoti vācālam paṅgum laṅghyate girim
yatkṛpātamahaṁ vande parmānandamādhavam

Salutations to Him, the Supreme Delight,
By whose great Gracious Might,
The dumb is made to speak,
The lame to scale the peak.