As Mahavir Sent Gautam Swami Away

– by Dr. Sadhvi Shri Sampragyaji

My beloved and revered Pujya Tai Ma, I offer countless salutations at your sacred feet.

For many years I was blessed by the nectar of your loving presence. Never did I imagine that such a moment would arrive. Your presence radiated enthusiasm, joy, happiness, and compassion. Even late into the night, until one o'clock in the morning, you would continue speaking, sharing new thoughts and fresh insights.

On the day of Tai Ma's nirvana, she suggested that I travel to Khandoba. Although my heart was filled with uneasiness, I could not refuse. I thought perhaps we could go another time. Then Tai Ma said, “You stay here; I shall go. Or else, take me along with you.”

With a racing heart and trembling hands, I offered my respects and departed. At 10:20 a.m., Tai Ma called and said, “Come, I am waiting for you.”

When the news later arrived, it felt to me as though just as Bhagwan Mahavir had sent Gautam Swami away before his final liberation, in the same way, Tai Maharaj had sent us away before her departure.

Today, I reflect upon her ninety years of life and seventy-five years since initiation, and I realise that I was blessed to receive her companionship and guidance for forty-five years of those years.

Never once did it occur to me to question why Tai Ma said something or why she gave a particular instruction. If she entrusted me with a task, I never stopped to think whether I had the ability to accomplish it or not. We do not know who we truly are - but Tai Ma knew. We do not know whether we found the Guru, or whether the Guru found us.

It was Tai Ma who shaped all of us Sadhvis and every one of you.

Whenever she heard praise of her disciples, or saw them growing, facing challenges, and moving forward, she would feel proud - not because of personal achievement, but because she rejoiced in their growth.

Whether in intense hardship or peaceful circumstances, in struggle or in study, austerity, and spiritual practice, she devoted herself wholeheartedly to nurturing each disciple. She never allowed anyone to give up. She would say, “It will happen. You can do it. I can see it.”

Through such encouragement, she built lives. It has been our great fortune and a divine blessing to have received such an extraordinary Guru.

Even amidst the ever-expanding activities of Veerayatan and her constant travels across India and abroad, the time I spent observing and understanding Tai Ma revealed something extraordinary. In her life I witnessed a remarkable harmony between the qualities of Bhagwan Rishabhdev, the First Tirthankar, and Bhagwan Mahavir, the Twenty-Fourth Tirthankar.

Like Rishabhdev, she brought spiritual values into everyday life through practical action. Like Mahavir, she embodied courage, compassion, and the power to transform society.

She understood the present while honouring the past. She created new chapters without abandoning foundational values. Upon that strong foundation, she established possibilities for future growth and renewal.

Like Bhagwan Mahavir, Tai Ma taught us how to make religion a living reality. She gave expression to it through love, compassion, and selfless service, revealing an inner depth that transformed lives. She opened new paths for younger generations, making religion a celebration of life rather than merely a set of rituals. This was no easy task.

To rise above the narrow limitations that had developed in the name of religious customs and traditions and to expand religion into a universal force required extraordinary courage. For a young sadhvi, only fifteen years after initiation, to travel alone through remote, challenging, and often unsafe regions, dedicating herself selflessly to the welfare of others, seemed almost impossible. Yet Tai Ma achieved what many believed was impossible.

Leaving behind comfort and convenience, she went wherever suffering called. When devastating floods struck the Ganga–Koshi region or when earthquakes caused destruction and despair, she was there to serve those in need. She rekindled hope in broken lives and gave people the strength to rise again.

She faced every challenge with courage and overcame it. When she saw ragged children holding begging bowls instead of books and when she saw the sick, the poor, and the neglected, tears would fill her eyes. Yet when it came to her own hardships, she never complained. This was the Dharma of Bhagwan Mahavir lived in action.

The compassion of Mahavir found a new expression through Tai Ma. She showered love upon everyone without discrimination. Times changed, circumstances changed, people changed - but the powerful stream of her pure and selfless love never changed.

History offers few examples comparable to hers. Through her inspiration, grace, blessings, and guidance, she gave us a new vision, a new direction, and the priceless gift of an enduring legacy.

For all of us, Tai Ma remains our protector, guide, and benefactor. Though she has transcended the physical body, she can never be parted from our lives, our hearts, our deepest emotions, or our souls. She lives on - in our thoughts, in our actions, and in all that she inspired.

With her blessings, we pledge to continue working with complete dedication, sincerity, and selflessness under the guidance of Upadhyay Shri Yashaji Maharaj, carrying forward the vision and ideals of Tai Maharaj. All the Sadhvis and devotees are like fragrant flowers strung together by the thread of Tai Ma's love. Together, we resolve to continue and expand the work she began.

Together with the entire Sadhvi Sangh, our respected President Shri Abhayji Firodia, his capable team, and all devotees, we shall continue to add fuel to the eternal lamp that Tai Ma lit, keeping its flame bright and undiminished.

Tai Ma, you are here. Shri Tai Ma lives within all of us. We all bow at your sacred feet with reverence and humility.

May Your Blessings Always Shower Upon Us