Divine Grace: How Shrimat Jagadguru Ramanujacharya Swami Shri Sudarshanacharya Ji Maharaj Transformed Our Lives

My entire family regards the divine being known in the worldly realm as Shrimat Jagadguru Ramanujacharya Swami Shri Sudarshanacharya Ji Maharaj as essential to our lives, akin to the very breath of our family. A journalist friend had promised to introduce me to this divine family, but due to his own weaknesses, he couldn’t fulfill his promise. Through the grace of Guruji, I was assigned the responsibility of editor for the Ashram’s magazine. It was during this time that I first visited Shri Siddhabali Ashram.

In those days, my financial situation was extremely fragile. Despite seeking livelihoods from various sources, nothing seemed to work out, and we often found ourselves unable to seek help from others. However, under Guruji’s grace, things gradually started to improve. Even when Baba left his mortal form in 2003, his hand always remained a protective presence over me.

Reflecting on my journey, I realize that my first news report in journalism back in 1996 was about Baba’s disciples, even though I didn’t know him personally at that time. By 1997-98, I had started offering my services at Baba’s Kangra Seva Camp. After joining the Ashram’s evening prayers, I had a deep desire to see and listen to Baba. This wish was fulfilled just days before he ended his earthly play. Baba appeared to me in full consciousness and, like Krishna, comforted me, saying that there is no need to worry. Seeing his enchanting form, I wept profusely, while my wife, Geeta, slept soundly. Baba and I wept together for half an hour.

Despite being married for six years, we hadn’t been blessed with children, mainly due to our busy lives. However, in February 2008, a namdhari saint told us that it wasn’t yet time for us to have children. This news made me very sad, feeling like I had somehow disrespected Baba. For the first time, we prayed to Baba for children. In March 2008, medical tests revealed that my wife was a month pregnant. By Guruji’s grace, a beautiful baby girl was born on November 5, 2008. We named her Jeevika, enveloped in Guruji’s loving care.

I can only say that may my divine family never be upset with me, even if the world turns away. Their grace and blessings have given us everything.

Shakunt Raghuvanshi ‘Shridhar’, Journalist, Delhi