Amazing Timing

It could not have been planned in this day of uncertain shipping schedules. The remarkable bronze murti of Gurudeva left Colorado and flew to Colombo, Sri Lanka, arriving in time for Thondunatha to guide it through customs and drive 6-7 hours north to Jaffna just time time for the 75th anniversary of Gurudeva's initiation by Yogaswami on the full moon day in May, 1949. Devotees were in awe of the propitious timing. The murti was taken first to Nallur Temple for darshan of Lord Murugan, then to Yogaswami's Ashrama in Columbothurai for a reception and abhishekam. Read Thondunatha's note to Satguru Bodhinatha Veylanswami for the story from Jaffna.

Dear Bodhinatha,

On Tuesday, Vaikasi Visakam, Gurudeva arrived in Jaffna. That evening, we escorted Gurudeva to the Nallur Temple, and subsequently to Columbuthurai Yogaswamis ashram to commemorate the 75th anniversary of Gurudeva's initiation by Yogaswami on the full moon day in May 1949.

The priest performed a wonderful abishekam to both Yogaswami's Thiruvadi and Gurudeva. Everyone present felt the strong spiritual presence of both Yogaswami and Gurudeva. Holly Young did an exceptional job creating the statue. Thank you so much, Paramacharya, for coordinating the creation of Gurudevas statue for Alaveddy.

Gurudeva is now resting in Alaveddy, awaiting the arrival of the other gurus. It truly feels as if Gurudeva has returned to Jaffna.

Love,
Thondunathan

The murti is welcomed at Yogaswami\

s hut in Columbothurai. '

It is a masterful work of art and spirituality.

It rode from Colombo in the front seat, and stopped briefly at Nallur Temple

Thondunatha guides the yatra.

Devotees carry Gurudeva into the ashram.

Into the hallowed chamber

Outside on the lanai Yogaswami\

s Natchintanai songs are sweetly sung to greet Gurudeva.'

Abhishakam follows.

The pedestal here holds Yogaswami\

s sandals. '

Yogaswami and Gurudeva together again.

Final aarti.

An appropriate welcome and a moment of reflection and remembrance of the importance of the Guru Paramparai in Sri Lanka.

The murti now sits in the Sri Subramuniya Temple, here lit up at night.

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