Tai Ma: The Fountainhead of All Creations

– by Upadhyay Shri Yashaji

We bow to Tai Maharaj, the radiant embodiment of divine light.

Maharashtra is a land of devotion. Its saints have sung:

“The one who embraces the suffering and downtrodden as their own,
know that person to be divine,
And bow at their feet.”

We see Tai Maharaj in exactly this form. Whether rescuing people trapped in the floods of the Koshi River, standing among victims of devastating earthquakes, or embracing the destitute and helpless as her own, she always responded with boundless compassion.

When a hungry child cried, “My mother has died; I have nothing to eat,” Tai Maharaj would say: “I am your mother. You will eat from my hands. I will seat you in my lap and feed you.”

This is the very form of the Divine, and it is at such feet that we offer our reverence. Yet this is only one aspect of Tai Maharaj. She possessed many dimensions.

If a master painter holds a brush and colours in his hands, he can create an entire world of images. If a sculptor holds a chisel and hammer, he can transform stone into a deity. If a gifted scholar holds a pen and paper, he can create new literature and new worlds of thought. These are all expressions of creative genius.

And how many such arts of creation lived within Tai Maharaj!

When we visit the Brahmi Kala Mandir Museum, it feels as though life and consciousness have been infused into what was once inert matter. Clay, stone, wood, cement, and sand - all seem to come alive. When one visits these creations, it feels as though Bhagwan Mahavir himself is walking beside us and that we are living in his era. Such was the power of Tai Maharaj's creative vision.

Seeing such achievements - and even greater ones - I am filled with wonder, even though my own understanding and perspective are limited. One thing I always knew is that by remaining at the sacred feet of Tai Maharaj, every worthy undertaking would find fulfilment. Apart from Tai Maharaj, I have never seen anyone like her in this world.

But today, as I listen to all of you, I realise how magnificently Tai Maharaj lived in your hearts and lives. You did not merely live your own lives - you embodied Tai Maharaj in your lives.

Through the words of each individual - and even through the feelings that some could not express in words - you have conveyed everyone's emotions.

As I listen to the respected Chief Justice from Bihar, Abhay Bhai, Shanti Bhai, Mukesh Bhai, Naveen Ji, and so many others - including those who worked tirelessly behind the scenes, such as Naveen Bhandari, Atul Bora, Jayant Bhai, and countless unnamed contributors - I am reminded of the depth of dedication that surrounds Tai Maharaj's work.

This is the first gathering of its kind that I have witnessed. It is filled with faith, love, a thirst for knowledge, and a shared vision for the future. Tai Maharaj spent 55 years laying its foundation. Our responsibility now is to build upon that foundation with the same grandeur and dedication.

Tai Maharaj shaped each sadhvi like a master craftsman shaping a precious jewel. Every one of you is part of the treasury of gems she created. As I hear your personal experiences, I realise that she did not merely shape institutions - she shaped lives.

There are not merely one or two such people, but countless lives that were transformed by her. Their aspirations are connected to the future of Veerayatan. If that is the case, how glorious and beautiful that future will be!

Whenever Gurudev saw a new creation of Tai Maharaj, he would quote:

“Kṣaṇe-kṣaṇe yan navatām upaiti, tadeva rūpaṁ ramaṇīyatāyāḥ.”

"That which assumes newness at every moment alone is truly beautiful."

Chandanaji herself was such a harmonious personality, inwardly and outwardly. Every moment revealed freshness; every moment displayed diversity - such was her nature.

We see that the feet which walked more than 55,000 kilometres remained as soft and delicate as those of a newborn child. Her face shone with extraordinary radiance and vitality. Yet infinitely greater than outward beauty were her boundless love, compassion, and depth of contemplation.

Therefore, today we not only pray, but we also have faith in our prayers. I believe that the future will be even more magnificent. The work will continue to grow and expand.

The thread of love that Tai Ma gave us has woven these precious jewels into a single garland. United, we shall continue to work together as one.