Naggamma, Bommeparthi

But, one of the wonderful things about Her was, that she used to share whatever she got from those small amounts. She used to first feed us and then use what was remaining for Her family.

My name is Nagamma. I am one of most blessed persons on this earth to be born in Jayalakshmipuran aka Bommeparthi, where Mata Jayalakshmi lived after her marriage to Gandluru Narasimha Shastry. I am ninety seven years old now, but my memories still are as fresh as the day when I met Mata Jayalakshmi, when she first moved into this small village. She was tall, very fair and had beautiful hair. She mostly talked in Kannada and it was tough for me to understand that language. She had a soft voice and used to tell stories in Kannada.

In the early days of marriage she had seen many hardships, as Narasimha Shastry, Sri Ganapati Sachchidananda Swamiji father, was not financially strong. He was the priest, to the many surrounding villages, and he used to perform poojas for the villagers and receive petty amounts from them for that work. But, one of the wonderful things about Her was, that she used to share whatever she got from those small amounts. She used to first feed us and then use what was remaining for Her family.

As a kid Sri Swamiji was very naughty but He was fun to be with. All the village kids used to swim in a pond nearby, and His friends would push Him into the water. He in turn used to stay in the water for few hours and scare them by not coming out. Mischievously, He used to turn sand into sugar and rocks into candy and every kid in the village got attracted to Him at that tender age. We are happy that, the little boy we knew as Satyam is Sri Swamiji now. I still remember the days when He was small kid and used to show miracles like materializing things.

This village falls in drought area of Anantapur District. Before Mata Jayalakshmi came to this village we had famines and crisis, but gradually the rains began falling in time. Sri Swamiji also contributed a lot for the development of this village. We have pipe borne water, electricity and even our own Post Office. Everyone in this village have a sense of gratitude for Mata Jayalakshmi and Sri Swamiji. This village had seen so much from Him; socially, educationally, spiritually and financially.

Today, Jayalakshmipuran is known the world over, and people come from different places to visit here. It is only with His grace and compassion that we are surviving and we are alive. When Sri Swamiji comes to this village everyone will go to see Him, for He is an integral part of us. He has installed a fascinating Ashrama for us and at times Mata Jayalakshmi would be heard walking in the temple.

At this age I do not have any major medical complaints and so too are the majority of the people here. We sincerely believe that because of Him and Mata Jayalakshmi we are benefiting tremendously. Sri Swamiji is the head of our village and even the children listen to His words and do what they are told. He had been here and will be here forever.