________________
48. The Navakara Pounds Down All Worries
Smt. Ranjanben A. Gada Kharuawala (Kutch)
Presently-Dombivali (East), Thane
In the midst of the august presence of the Head of the Achalagachcha, most revered Bhagavant Shri Gunasagarsurishvarji M. S., we went with a Sangha from Shikharji to Siddhachalaji Mahatirtha. Then it was that on 11-3-1985, Monday, the dark fifth day of Falguna, we started going up the Abu mountain in the morning. Up the mountain, we went to Delvada and Achalagadh for Darshan. New pilgrims were expected to join in the pilgrimage on foot. In these new pilgrims, my father and my younger sister Sonal (aged 5) met to my great delight. Next day on 12-3-1985 we were to return early morning to our halt in the valley.
On completion of the regular Aradhana, and after the evening Pratikramana, we recited the Navakara Mantra and prepared to sleep. But I was very much worried. My father's vision was blurred and my sister was a child. Whom shall I support, my father or sister? Worried as I was, I did not get sleep. For the whole night I meditated on the Navakara. I handed over my worries to Parameshthi Bhagavantas. I resolved that the Navakara will protect me.
And really an event took place thanks to the Navakara. After my morning Pratikramana I heard an announcement in the mike that
"Early Vihara is not necesssary. In the Abu Tirth was to be celebrated the final Diksha of Revered Muni Shri
273
