Nithya Annadhanam is being served at : Dhanushkodi | Thiruvannamalai | Puravipalayam | Chennai | Pondicherry | Nedumaram Village
COVID 19- Relief Support
COMMUNITY OUTREACH
Puravipalayam Sri La Sri Ponmudi Kodi Swamigal Charitable Trust's tireless support for the livelihood of the fishermen community at Rameswaram & Dhanushkodi, during COVID-19 Phase 1 & 2 during April 2020 - April 2021.
EVENTS BEFORE COVID-19 OUTBREAK
How our guru asked us to prepare for an uncertaINty like this scale.
The divine prophecy by Kodi Swamigal
When Kodi Swamigal warned the trust members with a cryptic message that the world will face a prelayam (Catastrophe) and whoever seeks refuge in his divine shelter will be protected. Without any awareness of the monumental event, the world was about to face, we carried out whatever tasks were given to us through his divine instructions for two major upcoming events; Thabovanam Temple Kumbaabhishekam in Chennai and 20th-year Kadal Poojai at Dhanushkodi. Our firm belief is that there is a divine direction behind every step of our action.
A sprinkling of turmeric water with neem leaves during Kadal Poojai at Dhanushkodi.
Kodi Swamigal instructed us to sprinkle turmeric water using neem leaves on everyone who entered the temple premises at Dhanushkodi for the 20th-year Kadal Poojai which was held on March 11th, 2020. At the time, we didn’t fully grasp the significance of this act, but we followed his guidance with faith and ensured that every visitor was sprinkled with turmeric water using neem leaves as they entered the premises.
Two weeks later, the world was plunged into lockdown due to the COVID-19 pandemic. India went into lockdown on 26th March 2020. As information flooded in on how to protect ourselves, Health experts were advising home remedy practices—cleansing with turmeric water and incorporating neem leaves for their healing properties. Only then did we begin to realise the deeper meaning of Kodi Swamigal’s instruction given to us on why to do the same process during the Kadal Poojai at Dhanushkodi on 11th March 2020.
Kodi Swamigal instructed us to sprinkle turmeric water using neem leaves on everyone who entered the temple premises at Dhanushkodi for the 20th-year Kadal Poojai which was held on March 11th, 2020. At the time, we didn’t fully grasp the significance of this act, but we followed his guidance with faith and ensured that every visitor was sprinkled with turmeric water using neem leaves as they entered the premises.
Two weeks later, the world was plunged into lockdown due to the COVID-19 pandemic. India went into lockdown on 26th March 2020. As information flooded in on how to protect ourselves, Health experts were advising home remedy practices—cleansing with turmeric water and incorporating neem leaves for their healing properties. Only then did we begin to realise the deeper meaning of Kodi Swamigal’s instruction given to us on why to do the same process during the Kadal Poojai at Dhanushkodi on 11th March 2020.
TRUSTS RESPONSE AFTER COVID-19 OUTBREAK
HOW WE DEVISED A Quick response process and coordination to ensure Nithya annadhanam did not stop due to the outbreak.
Unity in adversity
When faced with tough challenges, It is the spirit of humanity that rises above all. Our trust volunteers exhibited the same qualities when faced with the tough challenges of COVID-19. They rose to the occasion with the support of like-minded people and helped the needy get their essentials and food for their livelihood during these adverse times.
Working together
Our partnership with like-minded souls led by Shri Muralidhar Ji in Rameswaram shows our common goal of helping the community. We provided daily meals for a year during the difficult times of the COVID-19 pandemic and supported essential needs in rural areas. Shri. Muralidhar ji opened the doors of his big marriage hall to make use of the space for annadhanam to be prepared and that was the distribution point for annadhanam inside Rameswaram. Providing infrastructure support and a workforce during adverse conditions is a reflection of care for fellow citizens.
Helping remote areas
With the support of the Police & Coast Guard, we extended our reach to remote areas of Dhanushkodi, ensuring that food and essential supplies were delivered to villagers who were otherwise inaccessible.
Obstacles as opportunities
Despite the constraints, our volunteers worked tirelessly, ensuring no one went hungry or without necessities. From distributing meals to delivering vital supplies, our efforts extended a lifeline to those most affected by the pandemic. With the divine guidance from Kodi Swamigal, we could continue the Nithya Annadhanam even during adverse times without stopping for a single day. The Volunteers quickly arranged the change of venue since Dhanushkodi was off-limits during this outbreak. The Nithya annadhanam continued at Vardhini Mahal, Rameswaram.
The trust worked with government officials and ensured that there was no stoppage in relief efforts around Rameswaram & Dhanushkodi for 1 year ( Apr 2020-Apr 2021) during COVID-19.
COVID-19 Relief operations begins with prayer
Hygenic & Quality food was provided as annaprasadham
Vardhini Mahal at Rameswaram was the annaprasadham distribution point
Healthcare and sanitary workers were taken care well as they put their lives upfront for the well being
Daily essentials were distributed to the needy in remote areas
Each was given a pack of daily essentials needed for a fortnight
Volunteers ensured that relief support reached the nook and corner
Mobile vans were deployed to reach the inaccessible areas
In the simple act of offering, Kodi Swamigal emphasised the transformative power of selfless giving. He believed that providing sustenance to others was a direct path to spiritual elevation, fostering a sense of unity and interconnectedness with all beings.