Before this event, Swami had impressed on us what a rare opportunity we were being offered. Ancient Rishis had suggested that listening to the reading of the SRIMAD BHAGAVATAM was the only Divine medicine needed to “wash away all sins and remove people’s suffering”.

Srimad Bhagavatam is a holy book, a timeless scripture, which has inner meaning depicting different aspects of humanity. It brings within reach truths contained in the Vedas by depicting the lives of kings, holy men, devotees and enlightened beings. Lord Krishna’s teachings to his disciple Uddhava are to be found here. “The Vedas only tell of Thee; Thy devotees behold Thee,” Brahma said to Krishna.

It is said that the best way to deal with negative vibrations is by having devotion to the Lord, and by keeping the company of good people, as it has been found that an object acquires the quality and vibration of the things it is in contact with. The most intense devotion results in knowledge of the Self and by chanting God’s name all negativity will be burnt away.

Each day began with prayers before 6am which were followed by the reading of the Srimad Bhagavatam in Sanskrit, interspersed with a commentary in Malayalam – expounded by a Brahmin priest. A precis English translation was also given. While this was taking place, another priest performed continual puja to Lord Krishna statues which had been installed on the platform. The evenings were brought to a close with more puja which everyone participated in. This was then followed with bhajans – the singing of devotional songs.