During Sadasivanathaswami’s and Tillainathaswami’s travels to Mauritius, one of the events was a special workshop for the ladies of our congregation. Both of our monastics gave informative talks followed by exercises in appreciation and Q&A. Our Mauritian Hinduism Today writer, Savita, was at the event. She couldn’t help but write about it afterward. So here is her story and photos.
Finding Space Between Duty and Devotion
By Savita Tiwari
It was Navami, the ninth day of Navratri, a day when my morning was filled with both worship and responsibility. The Spiritual Park Mauritius was hosting its second “Ladies Spiritual Workshop,” led by Paramacharya Sadasivanatha Swami and my editor-mentor, Sannyasin Ji.
I wanted to go because I wanted to have darshan of my mentor, but I also needed to be home because it was a festival day and I had prayer to do and a morning feast to prepare. The Spiritual Park was one hour of travel from my home. And of course it was not a public holiday, so I had to send my two teenage kids to school first.
I am always clear between what I need and what I want, but today I felt that this workshop was not my want but a need of my soul, so I decided to go. Though sacrifice had to be made, the first thing I sacrificed was my yoga routine and my quiet breakfast. Prayer done, feast prepared with the help of my already busy priest-husband, and kids sent to school, I too dressed quickly, packed my breakfast to be eaten in the taxi, and left with faith that I would somehow fit everything into the day.
During the one-hour drive I ate and reflected on the life of women. All women try to balance between family, responsibility, and self. I have a supportive husband who understands my need for spirituality, but there are women out there who, despite their enthusiasm, wouldn’t make it to the workshop today because life between home, office, and children doesn’t always allow that space. The unseen sacrifices of women often go unnoticed, yet they hold the world together quietly day after day.
When I arrived, the women welcomed me with smiles and “Vannakkam,” instantly melting away the stress of my morning juggling. Pramila Ji, the organiser, introduced me as the Hinduism Today coordinator for Mauritius. I smiled; I had never thought of myself in such a title. To me, I was simply someone who loved to write in Hinduism Today about Hinduism in Mauritius.
Soon our special guests entered, and the gentle smile of my mentor brought me peace. Still, I couldn’t help glancing at my watch, remembering my afternoon meeting in Port Louis and my evening duties at the mandir for the Navami havan and Raavan Dahan. That’s how a woman’s day often flows—between sacred longing and practical responsibility, always weaving between roles.
When Paramacharya Swami began to speak, his words went straight to our hearts. He said, “Women have unique challenges, and sometimes men may not understand or even acknowledge them.” We all nodded silently. We felt understood. He spoke about how every soul comes to earth with a purpose, and then he read us a chapter from The Guru Chronicles about a woman who attained samadhi while living in her own home and without any assistance. He said she would be a good example for us, as she was a woman who was married, who had difficulties in marriage, and still found refuge in teachings and in Shiva consciousness. She was also a mentor to Yogaswami. So he began reading us the story of Chalachi Amma.
As he read, I could almost see the quiet strength of a woman who balanced her worldly duties and her divine calling. For a few moments, I was there when Chalachi Amma decided to frequent the temple more and more. I was there standing with other women waiting outside her house shrine room when her three-day samadhi was interrupted. I felt I was on her verandah when the busy businessman was being tested. I was also there when Chalachi Amma attained samadhi.
When the story ended, I came back to the hall where the workshop was organised. The hall was silent, hearts full, eyes glistening. Pramila Ji softly said, “We may have heard the story of Chalachi Amma before, but when it comes from the Guru, it touches the soul.” I couldn’t agree more.
Then Sannyasin Ji, my mentor, expanded on the three worlds—Bhuloka, Devaloka, and Shivaloka—explaining how energy moves between them and how Devaloka acts as a bridge between humans and Shiva. His words blended spirituality with reason, making it easier for us, as mothers and teachers, to explain our faith to our children in today’s world. He gave us practical tools to find our purpose and achieve it.
When the session broke, reality returned—my meeting, my evening rituals, my roles. I sought permission from Sannyasin Ji to leave early, feeling a tinge of guilt that I couldn’t stay longer. It was a rare opportunity to sit and talk with Paramacharya and Sannyasin Ji.
But as I travelled toward Port Louis, a deep calm stayed with me. I had found my moment of spiritual growth amid the rush of daily chores. I realised that such workshops are not just gatherings; they are sanctuaries for women like me who constantly juggle devotion and duty. They remind us that there is scope for growth amid our daily responsibilities.
That morning, I didn’t just attend a workshop.
I found the story of Chalachi Amma—and a renewed understanding of how to keep growing spiritually as a woman and a seeker.