Stories with Ammagaru

Written by: Anvitha Voruganti

Last year, we visited Poondi Swami’s ashram for the first time, uncertain about what to expect and curious to learn about the saint we’d heard so much about. Before we left, we read the article from Rose Petals, which gave us a background to Poondi Swami's life and teachings. This provided a foundation, giving us a glimpse into the revered figure who has inspired many. When we arrived, we sat infront of Poondi Swami and then did pradakshina. Murali Uncle took the time to read more about Poondi Swami’s life to us, sharing stories that helped us understand the depth of his wisdom. Sruti Akka also shared her personal experiences, describing moments of connection with Poondi Swami that left us in awe. Her stories were both enlightening and comforting.

This year, we returned to Poondi Swami’s ashram with a sense of familiarity and excitement. The anticipation was even greater because Ammamma was joining us. Arriving at the ashram, we felt peace settle over us as we did pradakshina several times. After completing our pradakshina and namaskaram, we sat with Ammamma, who read the Poondi Swami book she had written. In the book, she had carefully written stories of people’s experiences with Poondi Swami, capturing the impact he had on their lives. As Ammamma read from her book, every few paragraphs, Sruti Akka would translate the Telugu into simpler Telugu phrases, making the stories easier to grasp. The stories ranged from humorous anecdotes to deeply spiritual encounters, each one helping our understanding of saints. Listening to Ammamma, Sruti Akka, and others share their memories was not only heartwarming but also genuinely educational. Ammamma’s gentle narration brought these stories to life, making them feel like cherished treasures passed down through generations.