Seventh Bada Mangal Celebrations Witness Deep Devotion and Spiritual Fervour in Lucknow
Lucknow: An atmosphere of devotion, spirituality, and cultural pride marked the celebrations of the seventh Bada Mangal of the holy month of Jyeshtha at Ramakrishna Math, where a remarkable feat by a 10-year-old girl captivated devotees and spiritual seekers alike.
The highlight of the day-long celebrations was the extraordinary performance of Kumari Aryama Shukla, who recited the Shri Hanuman Sahasranama five times continuously and flawlessly from memory without referring to any text. Her exceptional command over Sanskrit scriptures and devotional literature drew admiration from the large gathering of devotees.
According to the Math, Aryama has memorized the entire Bhagavad Gita, Durga Saptashati, several Sahasranamas, and nearly 3,000 Sanskrit verses. Her impeccable pronunciation, concentration, and spiritual discipline left the audience deeply impressed and emotionally moved.
The religious programme began at 4:30 a.m. with the Mangala Aarti of Sri Ramakrishna. This was followed by Vedic chanting and recitation of the Bhagavad Gita by Swami Ishtakripananda, filling the premises with a deeply spiritual ambience.
Special worship, garlanding, and aarti of Lord Hanuman were performed before the Hanuman idol installed in front of the main temple. Math President Swami Muktinathananda led devotees in a collective recitation of the Hanuman Chalisa, after which prasad was distributed.
A morning online satsang conducted by Swami Muktinathananda attracted participation from devotees across India and abroad, offering spiritual guidance and reflections on devotion and self-discipline.
Speaking on the occasion, Swami Muktinathananda said, “Where the remembrance of Lord Hanuman resides in the heart, there is no place for fear, despair, or weakness.” He praised Aryama Shukla for her dedication and spiritual accomplishments, describing her as an inspiration for the younger generation.
The Swami emphasized that such values rooted in India’s spiritual traditions help nurture confidence, discipline, and cultural awareness among children. He blessed Aryama and wished her continued success in her spiritual journey and studies.
Addressing devotees, he also highlighted the spiritual significance of Bada Mangal, observed on Tuesdays during the month of Jyeshtha. He explained that worship, mantra chanting, charity, and service performed on this day are believed to bring divine blessings, inner strength, and wisdom.
Referring to a popular mythological episode, he recounted how Lord Hanuman, disguised as an elderly monkey, humbled the mighty Bhima and taught him the virtues of humility and self-restraint. Such stories, he said, continue to inspire devotees toward service, devotion, and moral living.
In the evening, special worship and aarti of Lord Hanuman were conducted by Swami Krishnapadananda following the evening aarti of Sri Ramakrishna. Devotees once again joined in the collective chanting of the Hanuman Chalisa under the guidance of Swami Muktinathananda.
The celebrations concluded on a devotional note with the soulful rendition of the bhajan “Itni Vinati Raghunandan Se” by Swami Muktinathananda, creating a deeply spiritual atmosphere. The programme ended with the distribution of prasad among devotees.
The entire event was also streamed live on the Math’s YouTube channel, allowing devotees from across the country and overseas to participate in the celebrations virtually.
