AKSP needs support

We have written many times on Arunachala Grace about the Arunachala Kattu Siva Plantation and about their excellent reforestation work. One of the most unique aspects of their work is that the structure of their organisation is such that it empowers the forest worker with a voice in decision making. Sadly, as is often true in the case of the worthiest of organisations, AKSP is in a precarious financial position and urgently needs the support of Arunachala devotees to help fund their work. Otherwise their organisation might have to fold - which will be sad day for Arunachala reforestation.

To understand exactly what it is they do, please check an earlier posting here. And also to meet some of the friendly, hardworking decent forest workers, please read about a recent Saraswati Puja at this link.

An unorthodox sadhu!

On the day of the Saraswati Puja, I bumped into this rather unorthodox sadhu on my way back to the hillround roadway. I have no idea of his background or history but he definitely has some kind of connection with motorbikes - because as well as having a rather remarkable wrist watch, on arriving back on the pradakshina path, he also offered me a lift on his rather massive Harley Davidson motorbike. An unorthodox sadhu indeed!

Saraswati Puja

Saraswati Puja, the ritual worship of the Goddess is celebrated on the fifth day of the bright fortnight of the Magha month of the Indian calendar, on the day called 'Vasant Panchami'.

Saraswati is the consort of Lord Brahma and is the Goddess of Wisdom and Knowledge. She is the personification of knowledge - arts, science, crafts and represents Shakti, creativity, inspiration and the union of power and intelligence from which organized creation arises.

Puja is performed extensively in Hindu households on the day of Saraswati. One of the most essential aspects of this puja is that one dedicates the instrument of one’s work (gardening implements for a gardener, computer for a programmer, car for a driver etc) to the Goddess on this day.

In this respect I was invited by workers associated with Arunachala Kattu Siva Plantation to their puja which was performed by a priest from Sri Ramana Maharshi at the forest location of the reforestation work of the organisation.

First I have to get there so I take the very beautiful 'inner' mountain path.

Already many of the forestry workers and their families have arrived at the reforestation area, at which place the puja will take place.

Folk are busy preparing the area, and their working implements for the upcoming puja.

And now the puja, which is being performed by a priest from Sri Ramana Ashram, commences.

After a very beautiful worship the puja is completed with the waiving and breaking of a white pumpkin (to ward of evil spirits) and the cracking of a coconut.

Now all that remains is to sit down under a cooling tree and eat some delicious prasad of sundal (spicy garbanzo beans i.e. chick peas) and sweet pongal (rice dessert).