An Extraordinary Guru

— Dr. Sadhvi Chetna

It has been my great fortune that fifty-five years ago I was blessed to become the disciple of such an extraordinary and remarkable Guru— one who could create out of emptiness, transform darkness into light, sow seeds of hope in despairing hearts and help them blossom, show the way even in the most difficult circumstances, and turn suffering and adversity into strength.

It is a source of immense pride and gratitude for me that such a distinguished and noble Guru bestowed upon me the honour of becoming her first disciple. That Guru was Tai Ma—Padma Shri awardee Acharya Chandanashriji. During these fifty-five years, I witnessed in her an unending flow of motherly affection. She was like the sacred Ganga of love and compassion, flowing continuously in countless streams.

Today, life feels empty and incomplete. Yet I know that Tai Ma filled us abundantly with the treasures of love, affection, motherly care, and friendship. To share these precious treasures with others and spread the love she gave us—that alone will be our truest tribute to her.

May your blessings forever shower upon us

— Sadhvi Shri Vibhaji

What can one possibly write about revered Tai Ma? No matter how much is written, words can never fully capture her greatness. She is beyond description. Yet, this is a humble offering of devotion—a garland of words expressing what has been experienced.

She was the embodiment of motherhood, an ocean of boundless affection and compassion. Her voice was gentle yet profound, soft yet powerful, sweet yet full of strength. It touched the heart directly.

When Tai Ma first went to the state of Bihar, she was deeply moved by the conditions she saw there. Poverty, hunger, and unrest were widespread. Witnessing this suffering, she resolved to light the lamp of service there and bring the light of compassion into people's lives.

With complete dedication and unwavering commitment, she immediately immersed herself in this mission.

Tai Ma used to say on her birthday: “Service to humanity itself is the true celebration.”

On those occasions, operations were performed on children suffering from polio and other disabilities. The eyes are symbols of knowledge, and the feet are symbols of action. A person should walk through life guided by the light of knowledge and through their own efforts, develop and uplift their life—that, she believed, was true celebration.

Tai Ma possessed remarkable practical wisdom. Whatever challenge arose, she would swiftly find a solution. She never became overwhelmed by difficulties. In fact, the greater the challenge, the more clearly she could see the opportunities for future growth hidden within it.

She never learned to fear hardship. She faced every challenge with courage and determination. Every moment of her life was devoted to noble work and immediate action. This is why, within a single lifetime, she was able to accomplish so much and win a place in the hearts of so many people.

In Rajgir, she planted the seed of a Kalpavriksha (wish-fulfilling tree) whose branches spread far and wide throughout India and across the world. Detached from personal gain yet overflowing with compassion, the magnetic force of her love connected hundreds of thousands of people to her mission.

Giving was her innate nature. She did not merely give—she gave abundantly. She gave not only with her hands but with her heart. Her entire being radiated sweetness and grace. Whether it was knowledge, guidance, love, or service, she gave generously and wholeheartedly.

Tai Ma, may you continue to bless us so that we too may share with others the priceless treasure you bestowed upon us. May your loving hands always rest upon our heads in blessing.

You dwell forever in our hearts. We bow at your sacred feet.

Bappa

— Sadhvi Rohini

My Tai Ma, you are an ocean of love, overflowing with compassion and kindness.

Bappa (Bhagwan)! Everyone tells me who you are, what you were like, and speaks of your greatness. But what do they know of the relationship between you and me? Bappa, you are my God. You were my everything.

From playful childhood mischief to my earliest lessons in life—how to sit, how to stand, how to speak—you taught me everything with great simplicity. From games and everyday learning to the knowledge of the Agamas and scriptures, you gave me everything.

May I become worthy of bringing honour to your name. You have been a witness to every joy and sorrow in my life. Whatever I have received—from my practices of self-discipline and austerity to everything else—has been your gift.

When my father passed away, you were with me. When my mother passed away, you were with me. But Tai Ma… now that you are no longer physically with us, my heart refuses to accept it.

You are present in every tree and plant, in every flower and leaf. You are present in every work of art in the Shri Brahmi Kala Mandiram. You are present in Netra Jyoti Seva Mandiram and in every person devoted to service. Everywhere I look, I see only you, Tai Ma.

You dwell in my heart. You are enshrined within my very being, and there you shall always remain.

How Deeply You Will Be Missed

— Sadhvi Sumedha

What shall I write, and how shall I write, about such a divine and extraordinary soul—one who knew how to honour others, how to love, how to console, and how to inspire courage?

I had come from a small village in Bihar to seek refuge at her feet. Calling me the pride of Bihar and the glory of Bihar, she embraced me with such affection that I was overwhelmed. Never before had I heard such words or experienced such loving acceptance. Holding my hand with affection, she said, “You will remain with me.” Without questions or doubts, I simply followed, drawn by her irresistible love. My life was naturally and effortlessly surrendered at her feet.

From the day I received initiation, she kept me by her side like a protective shadow. She involved me in every task—whether it was preparing chyavanprash for thousands of people, making sweet mango pulp, or working on her artistic creations, she would simply say, “Sumedha, today we have to do this.” I would spend the entire day with her. While working alongside her, I learned so much. There was never any burden or formality—everything flowed with simplicity and natural affection.

At times she would call me betu, at times beta, and address me with many other affectionate names. Every form of address carried immense love and intimacy.

Life will move forward, and Veerayatan's work will continue to grow—but who will now place a reassuring hand upon our shoulders? Who will appreciate our work? Who will make even the smallest among us feel valued?

Whenever Tai Ma came to Kutch, I would personally look after her smallest needs, and I always waited eagerly for those moments—wondering when Tai Ma would arrive again and when I would once more receive the blessing of serving her.

Now I shall continue waiting for those moments in memory alone. My ears will forever long to hear that sweet voice again. I shall cherish the privilege I had of working alongside her.

But, Tai Ma, those memories are my wealth, an invaluable treasure, my strength, my inspiration—they are my everything. For I have complete faith that you are always with me.

Tai Ma, the love you gave was never measured or weighed.
Whatever you gave, you gave with an open heart.

Bhavanjali (A Heartfelt Offering of Devotion)

— Sadhvi Manasvi

The one who creates out of emptiness—that is Tai Ma…
The one who brings light out of darkness—that is Tai Ma…
The one who sows seeds of hope in barren soil and makes life blossom—that is Tai Ma…

I remember the day when you said to me, “Kimpal, come with me to Veerayatan.” Those words transformed my life, and I came to Veerayatan with you.

At that moment, I did not realise that the direction of my life was about to change. After coming to Veerayatan, I experienced the path of service and spiritual practice. And from deep within arose the call to accept initiation and walk the beautiful path of selfless service and sadhana.

Tai Ma, I shall never forget this blessing you bestowed upon me. May your grace and blessings always remain with me, so that I may continue to walk the path you showed me.

May every step and every moment of my life reflect what you taught and what you asked of me—that is my prayer.

Tai Ma: The Centre of My Infinite Faith

— Sadhvi Kalyaniji

Your infinite virtues cannot be contained within my pen. What is the existence of a single drop before the ocean? Yet you accepted a tiny drop like me and embraced me into your vast ocean.

When I came to you after being separated from my life partner, you not only gave me a place at your feet, but also a place in your heart. Even today, Tai Ma's words continue to echo in my ears. When she accepted me, some people questioned, “Who gives initiation to a woman at the age of sixty-five?” Yet Tai Ma gave me a place at her feet and granted me the opportunity to break the chains of countless lifetimes.

Tai Ma stands before me even today. Even now, she continues to shower her grace upon me. Every moment, I strive to receive and absorb that grace—and I shall continue to do so.

We Shall Strive to Walk the Path She Showed Us

— Sadhvi Shashwatiji

Not everyone has words to express their feelings, but I have one word—complete surrender. Every Sadhvi present here has lost something precious. But for me and Divyashriji Maharaj, my sister, the loss feels especially profound. A Guru usually departs only once from a person's life, but we have experienced that sorrow twice.

When we met Tai Ma for the first time, it was truly love at first sight. From our very first meeting and from the very first words she spoke, we became hers. Those words lifted us beyond the boundaries of tradition. She gave us vision, gave us wings, and taught us how to soar beyond limitations.

I remember how often I would complain to her and ask, "Why do you do this?" I would speak my mind freely. Sometimes she would gently scold me, sometimes affectionately pat my head, and then simply say, "Go ahead, speak." Whenever I worried that I had spoken too frankly and said, “Tai Ma, perhaps I should not have said that” she would reassure me with the same words every time: “Speak freely. I am here. I am with you—go ahead and speak.”

I always had questions, and she alone had the answers. Just three days ago, I had asked her something. I feel as though that question still remains unanswered. The question remains with us now, but the one who could answer it is no longer physically present.

Even so, I will continue asking those questions every day. Wherever she is, I know she will continue to guide us. My elders have already spoken much, so I will not repeat their words. We shall simply walk the path she showed us.

The lamp she lit—I shall strive to turn into a great flame. This life is dedicated at the feet of Tai Ma, and until my final breath, it shall remain dedicated at her feet.

Pranamanjali (A Reverential Tribute)

— Sadhvi Praniti

I was born into a Jain family in Chennai, and from an early age I watched the lives of monks and nuns with admiration. I felt deeply drawn to their way of life. Yet one question always lingered in my heart: “Why can we not do something to help everyone?” When I came to Veerayatan and witnessed the work of selfless service carried out by Pujya Tai Ma, my heart was deeply moved, and I surrendered myself at her feet.

For five years I saw Tai Ma engaged only in noble and selfless work. Her life has been a profound source of inspiration for all of us. Her extraordinary life teaches us so much that it is difficult to describe her in words. Her heart was so vast that she loved trees, plants, and animals with equal affection.

Tai Ma, this is my humble tribute at your sacred feet: may I fully imbibe your teachings and always remain a humble participant in your sacred mission.

Tai Ma is as deep as the ocean,
Tai Ma shines like a star,
Tai Ma is regal like a queen,
Tai Ma is as delicate as a flower,
Tai Ma is as sweet as nectar.

Her love is so profound that no one can fathom its depth,
And every moment spent in her presence is as precious as rarest jewels.

Forever grateful…

Shraddhanjali (A Tribute of Reverence)

— Sadhvi Pravedita

I am Sadhvi Pravedita, the youngest member of the Veerayatan Sadhvi Sangh. I received initiation in 2025. I consider myself especially fortunate, for I received initiation at the hands of Tai Ma herself, and mine was the last initiation she bestowed. Every moment spent with Pujya Tai Ma is unforgettable, and I would like to share some of those precious memories.

Tai Ma possessed a divine quality. Whoever came to her was embraced like her own child. Whether rich or poor, she treated everyone equally and constantly thought and worked for the welfare of all.

Following Tai Ma's instructions, I devoted my time to scriptural study. Whenever I recited passages from the Uttaradhyayan Sutra, Tattvartha Sutra, or Dashavaikalika Sutra, Tai Ma would become immensely happy—just as a mother rejoices in the accomplishments of her child. She would lovingly place her hand on my shoulder and say:

"Well done, my child! Very good. Continue studying with joy and keep progressing."

Since I speak little by nature, Tai Ma especially appreciated this quality in me.

When I went to Pune to be with Tai Ma, I would spend the entire day studying. Seeing me study, she would encourage me, saying: “Very good, child. Continue studying with concentration. If you have any doubts, ask me." She answered every question with love and guided me with clarity and logic.

Whenever I sat beside Tai Ma, she would say: "Child, study now. This time will not return."

One teaching she gave me remains forever in my memory:

काकचेष्टा, बको ध्यानं, श्वाननिद्रा तथैव च ।
अल्पाहारी, गृहत्यागी, विद्यार्थी पंचलक्षणम् ॥

Explaining this verse, Tai Ma taught me that an ideal student should be alert, attentive, disciplined, hardworking, moderate in habits, and free from laziness. I will always remember this teaching and strive to shape my life accordingly.

I consider myself truly fortunate to have spent even a little time with such an extraordinary soul.

Tai Ma, you are the moon among the stars. Words are not enough to express my feelings. You are extraordinary. We love you, Tai Ma.

My true tribute to Pujya Tai Ma is to absorb her teachings into my life and dedicate myself to the continued growth and service of Veerayatan.