Prbhavati Raje's visit - an excerpt

[Guest guest]

Princess Prabhavati Raje was an ardent devotee of Bhagavan Ramana

Maharshi.

When Prabhavati got married, she visited Ramanasramam along with her

husband to seek the blessings of Bhagavan.

 

The prince and the princess brought two big beautiful rose garlands

for Bhagavan.

But the Asramam rules do not allow anyone to garland Sri Bhagavan. Yet

the princess insisted on this and approached Bhagavan with the two

rose garlands.

 

There were many devotees in the hall, eyes closed, in meditation.

Bhagavan was seated on the sofa in Sukhasana.

As soon as the princess reached Sri Bhagavan, He gestured with His

hands and stopped her from garlanding. Yes, even Bhagavan does not

break the ashram rules.

 

Alas, what could Prabhavati do? She started weeping. Peacefully yet

sternly, Bhagavan looked at Prabhavati and told her, " Take the

garlands to Mathrubhutheswara and garland Him".

 

With a lot of disappointment , she kept the garlands on the sofa and

prostrated in front of Bhagavan along with her husband. Then, still

sobbing, she took the garlands back and walked slowly towards the

Mathrubhuteswara temple.

Prabhavati almost reached the doorstep, when Kunju Swami who was

following her,

told her, "Turn and look at Bhagavan".

And what did she see?

 

Many rose petals that had fallen from the garlands lay scattered on

the sofa and Bhagavan

was picking them one by one and eating them!

 

Said Kunju Swami: "You are very fortunate. You felt sad that

Bhagavan

did not accept your garlands.

Look! The rose petals from your garlands have become the very food for

Sri Bhagavan!"

Princess Prabhavati was overjoyed and her tears became tears of joy!

 

Translated from "Sri Ramana Virundu" Part I (Tamil)

 

Om Namo Bhagavathe Sri Ramanaya.