A Happy Handover Ceremony!

On the auspicious occasion of 125th Anniversary of the Foundation Day of the Ramakrishna Mission when multiple programmes were held all over the globe, a change of guard took place quietly in a remote centre of the Ramakrishna Math at Yelagiri Hills, Tamil Nadu. Swami Bhavarupananda the President of this Math Centre handed over the Charge to the incoming incumbent Swami Vimokshananda in a brief ceremony. There were guest monks Swami Atmaghanananda, the Head of Pondicherry centre and Swami Samahitananda, the Head of Nattaram Palli centre. Also devotees from nearby towns attended.

The Swamis, Brahmacharins and devotees straight went to the beautiful Universal Temple of Sri Ramakrishna, situated on the first floor of the Sadhu Niwas buildings. Swami Vimokshananda offered Arghya at the feet of the Holy Trio and Banalinga. Amidst chanting of Vedic shanti mantras by the Swamis, Brahmacharins and devotees, Swami Vimokshananda performed an Arati as the first step of adoration. The Declaration and Letter of Acceptance was placed at the Altar. Swami Bhavarupananda, the out-going President of the Math handed over the document to Swami Vimokshananda, the in-coming President (Adhyaksha). 

Thereafter at the ground floor, a meeting took place which was compered by Swami Samahitananda, the Head of Nattaram Palli Ramakrishna Math. Swami Atmaghanananda in his sweet voice chanted Sri Narayana Suktam and also sang a Tamil bhajan. 

Sri Ravi Kumar from Tirupattur, the Auditor of the Yelagiri Hills Ramakrishna Math, garlanded Swami Bhavarupananda. Sri Pandurangan, President of the Tamil Nadu Ramakrishna-Vivekananda Bhava Prachar Parishad welcomed the newly arrived Swami Vimokshananda by garlanding him.

Then the signing of Documents received from the Headquarters was done. Swamis Atmaghanananda and Samahitananda also signed the documents as Witnesses to the handover ceremony. Swami Bhavarupananda handed over the keys as well as other important documents. 

Welcoming all the guests, Swami Samahitananda pointed out the tireless efforts of Rudra Maharaj as Swami Bhavarupananda is popularly known. Swami Atmaghanananda stressed the importance of the Teachings of the Holy Trio and how they are timeless. Sri Pandurangan, Sri Raman, Sri Ravi Kumar and Sri Gautaman ji gave speeches bidding adieu to Swami Bhavarupananda and welcoming Swami Vimokshananda. Both the Swamis thanked everyone - seen and unseen donors, volunteers - who made the Yelagiri Hills centre possible to have a Sadhu Niwas and the elegant Temple for the Retreat of monks and devotees. Br. Samarasachaitanya gave a Vote of Thanks!

The guests were served with lunch Prasad at the close of the meeting.

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