Chapter 7
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Chapter 8
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Chapter 10
Chapter 11

SPREAD THE GLORY OF RAM

The dawn was just breaking. The first delicate pink rays had begun to peep from the dark clouds. Mausiji was half asleep when the room was filled with clear blue light. A cave could be seen in front. A voice commanded, ‘Don’t be afraid, walk in". Mausiji, walked into the cave, her heart beating with strange excitement and ecstasy. The chanting of "Shri Ram, Jai Ram" was echoing in the cave, a divine personality was seated; an aura of light surrounded him. There was a book, placed in front of him. Mausiji moved closer and bowed before the sage. He picked up the Holy Scripture and gave it to Mausiji saying-

"Bring into the world peace and calm

Spread every where the glory of Ram"

Soon the divine figure of the sage disappeared but the blue glow remained. She woke up with a sense of elation, the words were echoing in her mind, "Spread the glory of Ram".

Mausiji realized that this was the new path that she had to tread. She decided to give discourse on the glory and virtues of Shri Ram to the public at large. She felt that through these discourses, the Samiti would get a new direction.

Mausiji gave her first discourse on Ramayan at the Mahadev temple, Wardha. About a dozen ladies including her sister-in-law, Umabai, had gathered. Mausiji told the Ramkatha from the very core of her heart. Umabai was moved to tears. She removed her gold necklace and put it on Mausiji’s neck. She embraced her and said, "Lakshmi, you truly have the blessing of the Almighty. May God always bless you and may your glory spread far and wide".

Very soon, she was invited to every corner of Maharashtra to spread the glory of Ram. She began traveling in Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar and Bengal. It became necessary for Mausiji to develop a command over Hindi and in her characteristic manner; she left no stone unturned in mastering the language.

How effective and spellbinding was Mausiji’s power of oration is evident from an incident. At one place, no audience turned up for Ramayan Katha. The Hostess was disappointed. But Mausiji smiled and consoled her, "Why do you feel bad? Why do you say that there is no audience? When Shri Ramji, Sitaji and Hanumanji themselves are with us, and you are here. We are thereby attaining our goal completing the task we have undertaken". No sooner the Katha began the pendal was filled to the capacity with the audience. Such was the power of Mausiji’s oration.

Rajmata Sindhiya invited Mausiji to Gwalior. Her discourses there and later at Baroda were greatly applauded by all. Someone from the audience later wrote to Mausiji, "I have seen such vast gathering at Manikrao Gymnasium only thrice in my life. Once, When Pandit Madanmohan Malviya had come here. The second time during the Kirtan of Shri Afale Guruji and now during your Ramayan discourses. Kirtan attracts people due to dramatization, entertainment and music. But, despite no such accompaniment, your discourse had the audience spell-bound. It is all due to the blessings of Ma Saraswati who speaks through you."

Mausiji narrated the Ramkatha only up to the coronation ceremony. She believed that Shri Ram was an able administrator, a devoted and duty-bond individual and an ideal, whose qualities need to be imbibed in our daily behavior. The coronation ceremony of Shri Ram was performed with full reverence, glamour and gaiety.

Once the coronation ceremony was to be performed at Borivilli. In those days, as Borivilli was sparsely populated, thefts and robberies were very common. On one hand, the ladies wanted to perform the coronation ceremony with all its associated grandeur but on the other hand they were afraid about the safety of their precious gold jewellery and silver utensils. One lady voiced her fears. Mausiji told her, "You are talking about fear? If you wish to attain glory, you should also have the courage and ability to safeguard it". These Words inspired courage and determination in every heart. The most Spectacular ceremony was then performed.

Mausiji believed that through Shakhas, great and able administrators like Shri Ram, Chhatrapati Shivaji and Ahilyabai could be moulded. Even though the Sevikas were not after power, if the occasion demanded, they must have the capacity to become able administrators. It is mother, who can train the children to shoulder any responsibility in life. Hence, she herself had to be an able administrator as she is the commander of her home. Hence, Mausiji put the ideals of motherhood, efficiency and leadership before the sevikas. The basis on which a mother can lead her family is her sense of duty. It was the motherhood that laid the foundation of duty. The term ‘Motherhood’ has vast dimensions; it extends beyond the family to town, society, country, nation, and the entire Universe. Hence, the personality of a woman is all Pervading. Samiti had to strive to develop the personalities of the Sevikas on the ideals of Rani Lakshmibai (Leadership), Ahilyabai (Efficiency) and Jijabai (Motherhood).

Mausiji’s discourses on Ramayan have given inspiration and new direction to endless number of people. Mausiji’s books on Ramayana pravachans act as a reference book, a text book and even as a Holy book to various people.

It was a firm belief of Mausiji that Ramayan has to be read with complete devotion. Such devotion helps to understand the core of Ramayan. Mausiji recited Ramayan to firmly inculcate the fact that Shri Ram is our national hero and the ideal on whose foot- prints we must tread. Mausiji also laid stress on Sitaji’s character and her role in the Ramayan. She explained that it is Sita that moulds Shri Ram. It is her sanctity, her courage, her strength, and her fearlessness that made Shri Ram what he was. How Sita developed her own individuality and personality are the vital aspects, which one must understand fully. Development of individuality meant realisation of one’s duties and responsibilities. This helped Sita to emerge as a victor in both favourable as well as unfavourable conditions. She could mould herself to any situation, as the queen, as a devoted wife and as a devoted mother. Like Sita, every woman must realize her duty in the context of her nation, religion, culture, family, and herself; She should fulfill them to the best of her ability and be ready to make sacrifices if necessary.

Whenever Mausiji delivered a discourse, people came forward whole-heartedly to give donations. But, Mausiji didn’t use even a paisa for herself. The entire fund went into the construction of the Ahalya Mandir at Nagpur Ashtabhuja Temple at Wardha and at many other places. Once in 1977, there was a massive gathering at Ahalya Mandir, Nagpur, as Mausiji had completed 108 speeches. Was it a mere co-incidence or a stroke of good luck; or the blessings of Lord Shri Ram, that on the same day, the Sangh Swayamsevaks and dignitaries who had been imprisoned during the Emergency, were released and reached the Ahalya Mandir to partake of the prasad.

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