| S VENKATESHWARAN |
The members of Devi Goshti, a group of dedicated women volunteers, have been serving Sri Rajarajeshwari Ashram, Thillaiganga Nagar, Nanganallur, for many years. Their tireless service and devotion have made them an integral part of the Ashram’s activities. They have also been officially recognised by the Ashram management and have been issued volunteer identity cards.
The Ashram management said the Devi Goshti has been instrumental in helping the Ashram plan and conduct numerous spiritual and religious events. They added that without the consistent support of these volunteers, it would be difficult to successfully organise the many programms and activities conducted throughout the year.
The members of the Devi Goshti are involved in several daily service activities, including cleaning the temple premises, drawing kolams, arranging flowers and tulasi, and maintaining the sanctity of the Ashram. They also extend their support during various important events such as kuthu vilakku pujas conducted during the Adi and Thai months, Sandhyotsavam arathi every evening, daily parayanams, special parayanams on Fridays and Pournami days, annadanam, Pournami girivalam, Pradosha puja, monthly homams, and many other spiritual programmes.
The women of Devi Goshti also perform the important role of ‘Odhuvars’, singing hymns with great devotion and enthusiasm.
Their day begins with Ambal Suprabatham at the temple and concludes with the Sayana puja offered to Ambal and all the deities in the temple. Every evening, after the naivedyam, Vedic recitals are offered to the Goddess, followed by the singing of Tamil devotional songs from Thevaram and Abhirami Andadhi, ending with the energetic ‘Om Shakti’ song of Bharathiyar and a daily Thithi Devatha song.
We could clearly see their deep faith and strong bonding with the Goddess. Each member takes responsibility for specific tasks with complete dedication and commitment. Their unity, devotion and sense of service reflect a beautiful spiritual bonding among themselves and with the Divine Mother.
