4 Jun 2009, San Ramon, CA
On Tuesday, Amma held a special program from 11am until 8pm on which was supposed to be a day off.   It was an unusually quiet day in that many devotees who were coming from out of town had not yet arrived.   It reminded many of the days 10 years ago when the balconies were virtually empty and there was plenty of space to sit near Amma.   Still, the program went until after 9pm.    There were no Bhajans.

Wednesday was the first full day of programs here.

Evening bhajans were a mix of old and new.   Even with the 2009 Bhajan supplement hot off the press, there were two even newer bhajans that had just been introduced this tour.   Amma started out with a brand new Ganesh bhajan and ended with a classic.

Amma sang:

• Sri Gananayaka (new)
• Murali Ghana Vale Pyare Khana (new)
• Virahatti
• Khol Darvassa (Punjabi – new)
• Manasse Nin
• Sankara Siav Sankara (Tamil – new)
• Nannu Cusi (Telegu – new)
• Ma Jai Jagadambe Ma

In reading the translation of Khol Darvassa, it reminds this child of Tuesdays and non-darshan days in Amritapuri when Amma gives satsang in the Temple for Ashram residents.   Even though there is no public darshan on these days, there are usually visitors who have just arrived and who are waiting outside the Temple to receive Amma’s hug.   Though outwardly they appear to be quietly waiting, the words of Khol Darvassa probably more accurately reflect what is going on in their minds and hearts:

O Devi who rides the lion, Oh Great Queen, please open the door to your temple.

We, all your devotees, are calling you, constantly chanting your name.  Oh Mother, please open the door!

O Mother, all the devotees have come to your door.  We have climbed the mountain to bring you our gifts.   O Mother, we aspirants have come to you; please accept our offerings!

O Mother, who lives in a beautiful cave, you are the one who bestows her boons on all her devotees.  O Mother, ride your lion; please bless us with your vision.  We stand at your door awaiting your darshan.  You accept whoever seeks your grace, whether he be noble or sinful’ you turn no one away.

I have come to your golden temple.  O Mother, my only desire is to be with you and sing your glories at every moment.

May I always sing, “Victory to the Divine Mother!’

(Of course, Amma does hear their calls, and once Satsang is over, the doors open up, and all are welcomed in for darshan.)

– Sri Pati