Last Sunday in Mantin, Seremban, devotees of Ayyappan gathered for a special prayer session dedicated to their revered spiritual guide, Mr. Paramasivam Gurusamy who has steadfastly served as their Gurusamy for an uninterrupted period of 18 years, leading devotees on spiritual pilgrimages to Sabarimala. The prayer session was a heartfelt expression of gratitude and devotion towards Mr. Paramasivam Gurusamy, acknowledging his continuous guidance and leadership in their spiritual journey. A flock of devotees enthusiastically participated in this special prayer session.
The prayer session took place last Sunday(24th December 2023) at 8pm in the Kuberar Hall located at Mantin, Negeri Sembilan. Organized by the Sri Sabari Sasta association, the gathering featured soulful renditions of devotional songs accompanied by traditional instruments, Bharatanatyam performances, and a captivating spiritual talk.
In order to witness the divine manifestations of Lord Ayyappan residing on Sabarimala, devotees must adhere to various rituals before embarking on the pilgrimage. Dr. Arvin Subramaniyam, Ayyappan spiritual preacher from Tamil Nadu, emphasizes that devotees must obtain blessings either from their parents or spouses. Only after obtaining this, can they undertake the entire journey, as outlined by the unique customs and practices associated with the pilgrimage.
“Embarking on a pilgrimage to Sabarimala, even just once in a lifetime, transforms an individual into someone imbued with moral values across all stages and aspects of their existence. Driven by a noble initiative, the organized prayers not only express gratitude to Gurusamy but also exemplify a noteworthy endeavor to contribute funds to Tamil schools. This initiative, as emphasized, stands as a prime example of the positive impact such spiritual activities can have on both personal values and broader community support”, he added.
The Ayyappan devotees demonstrated their commitment to community development by distributing funds to three nearby Tamil schools in this prayers. The purpose behind this initiative was to contribute to the improvement of facilities and to enhance the quality of education for Indian students in the region. This philanthropic gesture aligns with their belief in not only spiritual devotion but also in actively supporting the welfare and progress of the community. The devotees recognize the importance of education in empowering the younger generation and have taken a proactive step to ensure that the schools have the necessary resources for the betterment of students and the overall educational environment.
The Sri Sabari Sasta Association funds of RM5000 to SJKT Cairo, RM1500 to SJKT Nilai, and RM500 to SJKT Desa Cempaka. This benevolent act reflects the devotees’ commitment to the betterment of educational facilities and resources for Indian students in these schools. This event was graced by the presence of Mr Arulkumar Jambunathan, the Member of Negeri Sembilan State Legislative Assembly. He also contributed RM10,000 fund to the Sri Sabari Shasta Association. He expressed his readiness to undertake any initiatives that could contribute to the development of Hinduism within our community. This harmonious blend of spiritual devotion and community service serves as an inspiring example, illustrating the positive impact religious communities can have on both individual values and broader societal progress.
Source: Nambikkai Online
