By Sri Skanda's Warrior of Light

June 12, 2003

Last night, I was stressing myself over a neurology exam that was coming on June 16, 2003. I was particularly concerned because I felt so unprepared for this course. The reason being, I cannot understand my teacher. He speaks in technical terms that our entire class is in panic about what to do for this course. I guess the anxiety from my classmates had also rubbed off on me. As such, I was very worried.

Before I went to sleep, I said a prayer to Lord Muruga,"Swaminatha. Gurunatha. Gurunathanappa. Your child requires your help. I don't know how to learn this material and am very worried about the forthcoming exam. Please, help me."

Now, I should let you know that my SatGuru, Sri Narayani Amma, had told me during Her last visit to Toronto in November 2001,"Amma is sarva-swaroopini and as such, one of Her names is Murugan. So, you pray to Amma as Murugan. Do not change your chosen deity." Thus, I sent out my prayers to Lord Murugan and awaited a reply.

Immediately, that night, I had a wonderful experience. I was wearing a veshti and standing inside my parent's house peering outside of the window of the front door. To my surprise, I saw Sri Narayani Amma walking across the street and approaching our house. I was so surprised. I was running back and forth, back and forth thinking,"Should I get a camera or should I open the door? What do I do? Amma is coming. What do I do? Do I offer something to Her? What do I do?"

However, Amma reached the front door and I didn't have enough time to do anything. So, I opened the door and my eyes laid upon the graceful smile of Sri Narayani Amma. The radiant glow on Amma's face had the expression,"You called? Here I am."

Recall, the prayer I said before I went to sleep? Well, this is Murugan's reply — through Sri Narayani Amma!

As Amma smiled at me at the front door, I immediately shouted in surprise,"Narayani Amma!" Amma was wearing Her sannyasin kaavi-udupu and without thinking I quickly fell at Her feet. As my forehead touched Amma's feet, I could feel Her gentle hand touch the back of my head in blessing. It felt soooooo real — Amma's presence, Her feet, and Her gentle touch on my head. As I remained on the floor prostrating with my forehead at Her feet, Amma lovingly called my name,"Pranavan." And I awoke.

It was such a wonderful experience and I wish I had never awakened. I sent my prayer to Lord Murugan and Amma responds — as if telling me,"When you say your prayer to Lord Muruga, I receive it since He and I are One and the same." I was also humbled and fascinated by how quick Lord Muruga answered my prayer of worry and uncertainty. He assured me (through Amma),"Not to worry" and bestowed His blessings to me.

Thank you my dear dear Muruga for your countless blessings and experiences that I have been very fortunate to have had by your Grace. May I, by your blessings, always keep my thoughts focussed at your ever-fragrant lotus-feet.

Thinking of you always,

Your Child.