The 21st December was Vaikunta Ekadashi, a day sacred to all
Hindus, a day of fasting and prayer; and the citizens of Trivandrum were
delighted when the reception committee announced that Baba would be accepting
their prostrations, that day from 9-30 A.M! It was indeed a moving spectacle,
the long line of eager men, women and children, coming in an ever lengthening
queue, to where Baba was seated in the Thevaram Palace Mantapam and prostrating
before Him, with a glint of gratefulness in their eyes and a smile of
satisfaction, lighting up their faces! Baba gave Vibhuti, to almost all the ten
thousand of them, with His own hands. It was clear that He was very pleased
with the cleanliness and godliness, the orderliness and devotion, of those who
offered Him their homage that day.
In the evening, Baba arrived at Kovalam Beach, seven miles away
from the City, accompanied by the members of His entourage, as well as many
devotees from Trivandrum. At a quite spot on the seashore, far away from the
noise and bustle of the capital, Baba gave those around Him, the unique
pleasure of hearing Him sing a number of songs. Everyone joined in the Bhajan
that followed; during the Bhajan, Baba ‘took’ from the sands a beautiful image
of Murali Krishna and a gold ring with the Radha-Krishna motif embossed
charmingly on it. Being Vaikuntha Ekadashi, Baba also ‘took’ Amrita, this time
from His hands! The devotees who sat around Him could sense the captivating
fragrance, long before the actual materialisation, and even as Baba was singing
a song, He pointed His joint palms at a silver vessel and the ambrosial Amrita
gurgled into it from His fingers! Baba then distributed the Nectar, Himself, to
everyone pr esent, including a few fortunate fisher folk from the hamlet nearby.
From Kovalam, Baba proceeded to Cape Comorin, the sacred spot which
marks the southern-most tip of the Indian Peninsula. On the 22nd, in the
morning He strolled on the seashore and held religious discussions with His
devotees at the Bungalow where He stayed. Here too, a large number of people
from the town had His darshan, and received His blessings.
In the evening, when the sky was turned into a carnival of pink and
purple by the rays of the setting Sun, Baba again proceeded to the shore and
played with the waves of the three seas that mingle there. Each wave seemed to
be more eager than the rest to wash His Lotus Feet, and to offer Him its
individual homage! Suddenly, as if aware of the yearning of the waves, Baba
stood facing the seas and said, to those beside Him, “See! The ocean is
inviting Me, with a garland in its hand!” At that very moment, one could
discern a beautiful wave forming itself a few yards ahead and soon, it swept
majestically forward towards the group on the seashore. It rolled past
Bhagawan, and quickly receded. But, imagine the surprise and joy of everyone
there, when, lo and behold! There was a bewitching pearl garland, round Baba’s
Feet, swaying and swinging with the waters of the sea! One hundred and eight
translucent pearls, the Tribut e from Three Seas to the Avatar Of The Lord! Oh!
How entrancingly charming Baba looked, when, at the earnest entreaty of the
devotees, He condescended to wear the Precious Garland!
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