It doesn’t matter whether the three dimensions are length, breadth and width as some say, or matter, time and space. We can discern the emergence of the fifth dimension, in the bigger world of Amma. It is so, now in Pune, at the end of program of Mar 2 and 3.

In Pune, the cultural capital of Maharashtra, it is 4.30 AM. Though Amma has just given darshan to the last person in the queue, and the curtain is about to be drawn, the hall is still magically full. With Her face and the whole demeanor radiating stunning beauty and love, Amma surveys all her children in the darshan hall. Amma stretches her legs and relaxes the posture that she had maintained the whole of the evening; looks all around and gives a smile. She passes some humorous comments. The audience warms up to the act; the mood brightens. Amidst the electric silence and anticipation, the stage is set for another riveting performance – of love and for love – by Amma.

Amma tentatively begins to sing.
Suddenly the musical instruments and the musicians appear from nowhere. The video screen that takes few minutes wakes up to the act, flashing words on the screen. Some of Amma’s children wake up to the act. They are animated! Because, during bhajan, when amma sings, generally some of us sway to the music, or clap, or close our eyes in deep contemplation. But not so now; the setting is intimate, the participation complete. Whoever is there, is in the plane of pure devotion.

The tempo builds up. In devotion there’s no inhibition. No longer able to remain just seated some devotees start dancing to the tune:
Mera Mujh me Kuchh Nahi Maiya
Jo Kuchh Hai, Tu Hi Maiya.
(I have nothing, Mother Divine, that’s mine in me; Whatever is there, Mother Dear, is Yours)
Suddenly hundreds of voices chant in unison with Amma: Jai Mata Di, Jai Mata Di, Jai Mata Di. The repetition looks unending, it bcomes a mantra. The atmosphere is thick with ‘Jai Mata Di’; you can feel it with your fingers.
As the bhajan continues, once again Amma starts invoking ‘Mata Rani ki Jai’. As if on acue, hundreds of pairs of hands are raised with forefingers pointing heavenward, chanting with great joy ‘Mata Rani ki Jai’.

It is quite engaging and amusing to see a group of western children musically cooing ‘ma – ma – ma’ adding an interlude of innocent charm to the occasion.

But Amma is truly intent on leading her brood to the heights of divine joy. As if rewarding all those special children who had stayed till the end, who had put in their best serving to their Mother Dear. And who at the end did not have the heart to get up and go.

All the banners, posters, handbills plastered all over the city proclaim only of Amma’s “Bhajan, Pravachan, Dhyan and Darshan”. They never mention the fifth part, the new dimension that has been taking shape over years, unbeknown to uninitiated! Who can tell how many more new dimensions will Amma reveal in future? After all, is not our most beloved Amma, the queen of millions of hearts and the mistress of many dimensions.

-Janardana Krishna