These sweet and wise verses of the
Annapurna Stotram caused joy and ecstasy to burst forth in my heart. Although I had never chanted it before, I have fallen in love with this hymn—it's so strong and powerful! Listening to the verses felt to me as if I were transported into another dimension.
a Siddha Yogi from Chiavari, Italy
A friend from my youth transitioned last week, and I was experiencing grief and loss. This morning, as I listened to the sweet voices singing the
Annapurna Stotram, I followed along with the words and read the translation. A warm cocoon of love seemed to fill me and gently wrap me up. I felt nourished, relaxed, and at peace.
Thank you, dear Annapurna Devi.
Thank you, dear Gurumayi, for your love and support.
a Siddha Yogi from Hurlstone Park, Australia
This hymn has such power for me. When I read it for the first time, I could sense the presence of the goddess within me—I could see her seated in the lotus position, with a beautiful bright green shawl around her neck. After I finished reading the hymn, I felt the goddess convey to me that the reason for my recent difficulties lies in my ego, rather than my outer circumstances. Each time I read this hymn to the goddess Annapurna, I feel that a deep connection to my inner Self is taking place.
Thank you so much, Gurumayi, for this beautiful and very timely gift.
a Siddha Yogi from Glastonbury, United Kingdom
This morning, I sensed that today would be a good day to offer fruit to the
puja, the altar, in my living room. I put this thought out of my mind until later in the evening when I visited the Siddha Yoga path website and listened to the hymn to Annapurna. I felt as if I were having an inner conversation with Gurumayi.
I began to offer fruit to the
puja, and then I experienced divine energy flowing strongly within me and directing me to look at the full moon outside. I now feel that the energy of the
puja is alive within me.
a Siddha Yogi from California, USA
As I read in verse 5 of the hymn to the goddess Annapurna, “You sever the thread that binds us to the play of earthly existence...,” I saw and felt the moment in which this “severing” had happened to me. It was when I received
shaktipat initiation from Gurumayi in 1996. And I marveled, again, at the sudden sense of limitless freedom I felt in that moment, and the image of the sky that opened both inside me and outside, giving me an opening to the inner world and a new perspective on the outer world as well. I reconnected with this great abundance as I read this line in the hymn.
Thank you, Gurumayi, for this great gift!
a Siddha Yogi from London, United Kingdom
This morning as I prepared my breakfast, a feeling of deep gratitude arose in me for the ready availability of nourishing food. As I blessed my food as God nourishing the God within me, I also prayed for everyone in the world to have this basic need met.
Later in the day, I heard a broadcast request for donations to feed people in need. I was drawn to support them with a donation and also wanted to send my blessings.
As I was going to bed this evening, I looked out of the window and saw the light of the full moon. It reminded me of Gurumayi's light shining on all of us and inspired me to check on the Siddha Yoga path website for guidance. I am so glad I did. I found this wonderful hymn, which supports me in sending my blessings.
a Siddha Yogi from Yeovil, United Kingdom
When this beautiful hymn appeared honoring Goddess Annapurna, I felt it was a perfect celebration of my birthday today. My career is in the area of food and nutrition. This year, I have been delighted to follow Gurumayi's guidance to pray for every person and child in this world to have food, and also to do something concrete to make it happen.
a Siddha Yogi from North Carolina, USA
As I read the translation of this beautiful hymn, I found myself yearning to chant it, but I felt hesitant because I didn’t know the musical notes. I opened myself to the feeling of love and abundance, and a sweet melody carried the words out of my mouth. I became suffused with a feeling of warm gratitude for the abundance of good things in my life. I wish this abundance for all.
a Siddha Yogi from Wisconsin, USA
This evening my husband and I took our regular walk, even though it was already dark outside. We looked to our right, and there in the sky we saw the glorious moon shining down on us and on the streets and houses. We marveled at the moon's beauty and size.
After the walk I went to my computer and saw that we had been looking at the Annapurna moon. I read the verses of the Annapurnan Stotram and felt myself expanding and expanding.
a Siddha Yogi from Virginia, USA
This beautiful hymn stirred my heart with joy because this week I had a profound experience while preparing food for the Siddha Yoga chanting and meditation group that meets in my home. I had made fresh sauce, stuffed peppers, and braised butter asparagus. There was such joy in my heart as I made the sauce, worked with another person to cook the asparagus, and served the food. It was as though God was doing all the work, and I was enjoying the preparation
seva. I felt such reverence in cooking and serving others.
a Siddha Yogi from South Carolina, USA
What a beautiful hymn. I read and reread it. It gives me so much peace, and fills me with a sense of humility. So sweet, and yet so powerful. I was grateful to learn about this hymn and the Goddess Annapurna when I read Gurumayi’s talk, “Food is God.” I am going to cherish the teaching that “food is God” and keep it alive in my heart, remembering the importance of forming a prayer for the nourishment of all.
a Siddha Yogi from Rome, Italy