By Bhaktin Sarveswari
Hare Krishna dear devotees,
Pls accept my respectful obeisances.
All glories to Sri Sri Guru and Gauranga!
All glories to Srila Prabhupada!
It was a Christmas celebration with a difference for 30 over children from Gokul Garden(GG) SJMKL and Gopal’s Fun School(GFS), Klang. GG organized a field trip to Batu Caves(BC) on Christmas day and invited GFS to join us for some spiritual fun and learning experience.
Half a bus load of enthusiastic children from Klang yatra arrived at SJMKL at 8.45am. Three of their teachers, Jeyanthy mataji, Sri Devi mataji and Bhaktin Sita accompanied them. The bus left SJMKL promptly around 9am once GG children got in with their teachers, HG Yasoda Mayi mataji, HG Amrta Gaurangi mataji, Bhaktin Sheela and HG Vrnda Sakhi mataji. Some Pandava Sena members joined in the fun as well. On the way to BC, everyone sang Lord Nrsimha pranam to ensure a safe and successful trip.
There were many visitors at BC but the eager and excited children of GG and GFS were on their best behaviour . Each teacher was assigned to a group of children and just before the tour around the temples, the children were briefed to remain with their group at all times. We visited the temples of Lord Ganesh, Lord Shiva and Goddess Amman before ascending the 272 steps to the shrine of Lord Muruga inside BC. Jeyanthy mataji and Vrnda Sakhi mataji remained below to look for a picnic spot. Though it was pretty dark in the cave all teachers were alert and made sure their charge were with them at all times.
Back below we continued our tour to Lord Venkateshwara’s temple. We felt very much at home here as it was Lord Vishnu’s temple where the walls graced some beautiful ISKCON paintings. We sat down to rest for a moment while Jeyanthy mataji told us stories of the different Hindu gods and their roles.
After visiting the Hanuman temple we adjourned to our picnic spot which was below a shady tree and in front of a cave housing a diorama on the Ramayana. Jeyanthy mataji managed to obtain special permission to allow us in. The diorama depicting pastimes of Lord Rama was simply breath-taking under the superb lighting.
Next we adjourned to our cool picnic spot where we had some raisin and cheese buns prepared by HG Yasoda Mayi mataji. While waiting for lunch prasadam, we played some Krsna-conscious games organized by Bhaktins Naadhiya and Jhanani. There were ice-breaking games, charades and memory game.
By now everyone was famished. Due to a massive traffic jam in the city, lunch prasadam arrived a little late so everyone decided to have their prasadam in the bus on the way back to SJMKL. Everyone hungrily tucked in delicious nasi lemak prepared by Bhakta Siva Kumar and pieces of moist carob cake prepared by HG Amrta Gaurangi mataji. The food was neatly packed in styrofoam containers for easy disposal.
The journey back to SJMKL was longer than expected due to traffic jam. Nevertheless we had some livewires with us like Bhaktas Nanda, Rehva and Mukundan who kept everyone entertained with riddles, funny stories and jokes. There was never a dull moment!
Everyone thoroughly enjoyed themselves and on behalf of GG, we would like to thank:
Jeyanthy mataji for chartering the bus and co-ordinating part of our tour HG Amrta Gaurangi and HG Yasoda Mayi matajis for preparing snacks for everyone Bhakta Siva Kumar for lunch prasadam TASK members, Bhaktas Sanjeev and Vinod for helping with the preparation, packing and delivery of lunch prasadam GG and GFS teachers who tirelessly took charge of the children.
Last but not least we would like to thank the wonderful parents for giving their consent and support to GG and GFS activities. We assure you there’ll be more of such activities in 2009. Thank you.
Yours in the service of KAISHORAA,
BEE Team reporter
