Page 57 - Amrit Varta - Issue Feb. 2023 - English

Vol. 27, No.1, February 2023 MA ANANDAMAYEE AMRIT VARTA 45

visiting temples, doing service in the Ashram, puja, kirtan, etc, along with the
other girls of the Ashram became my regular routine.
Suddenly one day I fell ill. There was intense pain all over the body, the
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temperature was fluctuating between 103 -105 F and the throat had swollen up.
Ganga Ma and the girls took utmost care of me, whether it was day or night,
helping me in brushing the teeth, changing cloths, giving timely food and
medicines. The doctors of Ma Anandamayee Hospital were looking after me.
They said that only because of the minute care of the girls and Ganga Ma that I
could recover from this fatal disease.
Time was passing in this manner when Ganga Ma informed that a letter has
arrived from my father. He had pleaded, “Maiji, please do not send my daughter
to any other place. I will come to pick her up from your Ashram after the school
exams are over here.”
I used to visit Ganga Ma daily early morning for getting her blessings and
she used to mention, thirty days then twenty days, fifteen days, ten days and
finally five days left for Shree Shree Ma’s arrival in Kashi. Finally the big day
arrived and I said, “I would like to meet Ma”. And Ganga Ma replied, “Of course
you will.” But I was still quite weak, with pains all over the body and throat. So
she ordered one lady to escort me. Walking very slowly with short steps we
finally reached Ma Anandamayee’s Ashram. On the way the lady advised me
how to behave and talk with Ma.
Entering the Ashram I saw the office, the Chandi Mandap, the Budo Shiv-
mandir, the Gayatri Yagnashala and finally an open half circular terrace or balcony
where several people were sitting. The terrace was covered on three sides
beautifully by curtains with a serene and pious atmosphere all around. The lady
informed me that Ma was also seated there. As I had not seen Ma earlier I looked
around and pondered who was Ma? Some of those seated there wore saffron
colored, some yellow colored and some white colored clothes. I suddenly felt
as if a divine voice was saying ‘Come near, I know you have come here to see
me. Not seeing me, you have not returned back, that too I know, you get well
soon and then you can come and stay with me here’.
Ma (beckoned me): What is your name?
Myself: Sunanda Goswami.
Ma: Who has given you this name? Your father?
Myself: Yes.
Ma: Were you married?
Myself: Yes.