Smt. Jayalakshmi Ramachandran, attained eternal peace on April 3, 2010, around 2:30pm at Trinity Hospital, in Chennai, India.
Born to Smt. Mangalam and Shri. Ramaswamy, she was the wife of Late Shri. T. S. Ramachandran. Mother of Pujyashri Mathioli Saraswathy (Nandalala Family of Organizations - www.nandalala.com), and Smt. Bhuvana Ramakrishnan.
Over the decades, she embraced and took in hundreds of us as her own family, participating in all of our experiences wholeheartedly. She was fondly referred to as "paati", "mami" by many.
Her bright smile, cheerful personality, wit, "can do, should do" attitude, unconditional love, unwavering support, cajoling encouragement and inspirational leadership will be sorely missed.....
Please add your memories of mami through the comments here, and let us collectively remember the wondrous life she led ......
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Instead of having one memory which truly stands out for me whenever I think of Smt. Jayalakshmi Ramachandran, I will always remember her smile. Every time I would see her, she would always have a beaming smile on her face. Always seeing this smile would give me such happiness and hope, which is truly a testament of how such a small gesture can carry such great meaning.
ReplyDeletePaati was a very giving person. I cannot believe she has left our midst.
ReplyDeleteOne memorable incident was when I invited Akka to stay at our house which she had asked us to sell. Akka said she will come next time since it involved climbing stairs and, since, I was going to sell the house anyway. Paati was with her during that trip. And Paati immediately said she will come and stay at our house. She did not want us to be disappointed that Akka could not come and tried to make us feel better.
She always tried to make things better for others.
May her soul rest in peace.
Patti as she was known to many was a special person in our lives. She was our friend,philosopher & guide all through. She was the architect behind all the planning that went in the celebration of our son's Upanayanams & the wedding of our daughter. We can never forget the hospitality she showered on all the visitors to her home. We always longed for her visit to our house with Sri Akka when it would turn out to be a time of real happiness. We lave lost a visionary and we are all poorer by that irreparable loss. We pray for her soul to rest in peace.
ReplyDeleteI grew up seeing the face of Paati and Akka. So, this place is very small to share my experiences with her. I lost my dad when I was 20 and she had written a letter to our family which my mother treasures it till today. The words were few, but it had lot of encouragement and hope for us to move forward in life. A practical down to earth person. She was never an old generation paati, she used to be upto date with latest movies, stars, current news etc. Akka is God to us and sometimes I will be scared to talk to Akka, but with Paati, its all fun. Shrikand is her favourite sweet and I dont think I can eat Shrikand anymore in my life. Words cant describe her loss, but she has ingrown alot of good virtues within us, which we should all be proud of and move ahead in our lives. Though she is not with us today, she lives in our heart and our homes day in and day out. Missing you alot Paati....and may your soul rest in peace. Be our God and guiding star from heaven.
ReplyDeleteWhen I think of Patti, what come to mind is a picture of compassion. She was always caring for others. When our daughter Ahila was sick and hospitalised during our vacation in India, Patti prepared curd rice, and told us to give it to her. That was the first solid she could digest without any discomfort. Patti was an expert in cooking and home remedies, which never failed. We all love Patti very much.
ReplyDeleteJaya paati is an amazing personality.Her meticulous involvement in every aspect of life including its nitty-gritty’s,her penchant for tasty food, menu planning,presentation and unique recipies often left me
ReplyDeletedumbfounded!Thank God she has left some of it in print for us to learn.Her natural remedial measures have cured many.Her hospitality is something that all of us can never forget .Be it at Annapoo or Jayamalar,throwing open the doors to one and all she made us feel that we are a part of her family too!Every child ,teen or adult who have interacted with her never felt the “generation gap”. Just by being with her, one could learn many interesting ways to deal with the mundane chores .Her legendary wit and humour have left us in splits.Even though the last couple of days have been trying times for Paati,she did have some lighthearted moments for us to fondly remember her by..a legend has passed away indeed..will miss u paati.soundarya Ramji
She was Amma to me and she always refered to me as her third daughter. Her pasion to feed all of us is legendry. Her love to draw up a menu for any occassion was something I took for granted. She was always there for me and especially for my children. I feel adrift and it will be hard for me to get on without her.
ReplyDeleteSeetha Nagaraj
Mami ws a truly contemporary person who could interact with several generations with ease. She had an innate ability to care for and feed others which are unparalleled. She was the north star on the customs and cultural practices for our family as well as many others. I cherish her remarkable sense of taste and fondly recall her ability to consistently serve my (and several others') food favorites when we visited her.
ReplyDeleteShe tried to make this a better world. She will be missed.
I had met Patti onle one time when we came to Chennai to meet Shree Amma. Patti was ver friendly, kind and excellantly communicative as though she had known us for a long time. Her demise is going to be big void for all of us. Her good spirits is going to be with us for ever!
ReplyDeleteI cannot believe that Paati is not with us anymore. It is a tremendous loss for us. Every time anybody used to visit her or Sri Akka, she used to make sure that they did not leave without having something to eat. During my wedding she was there with us from the beginning guiding us through every step of the procedure. She has been a pillar of support for our family. We will miss you a lot, Paati.
ReplyDelete--- Ananyaa Gautham
It was shocking to hear this morning that our beloved mami is no more. I have known mami for more than 50 years and she has been a guru, friend and guide to my family. From my experience she always had answers ready for any question that I pondered upon in my day to day routine activities, right from my youthful days to present. On matters of cooking or pooja customs, she was always the authority!
ReplyDeleteMy heartfelt condolences to Sri Akka and her family.
--Susila Natarajan
Maryland
Mami was a very very great person. She was an exceptional planner and our family guide for all occasions. It is a very great loss for all of us. I felt she was my mother and she also considered and called me her daughter. I have confided in her a lot and she has greatly counseled and taught me a lot about life. Each time I met her, she would always inquire about the well being of my entire extended family, beacause she deeply cared about people.
ReplyDeleteShe was a rare and exceptional human being and we have lost a very loving, noble and helpful soul. We are truly privileged to have known such a phenomenal person. Though I cannot believe she is no longer with us, I know we will always her blessings.
I pray for her soul to rest in peace. I have so much more to tell but words fail me.
Patti was indeed a great person who always wanted to help people regardless of who they are. She once gave me a South Indian sweet while I visited Sri Akka's to petition for U.S. visa. I took it as a great blessing from both Patti and Sri Akka. During my recent visit to India (in December 2009-January 2010) I met Patti and paid namaskarams to her as well as the pics of Gods in Sri Akka's. Patti remembered me and asked about my mother. I really miss her. God will definitely make her soul rest in peace. Srivathsan Vijayaraghavan, Illinois, USA.
ReplyDeletePatti will be remembered by me and all my family, everytime we pray to Sri.Akka. We had the oppurtunity of meeting her in 1999 in Rochester at the Rush Temple, and then several times, also in Chennai at her house.
ReplyDeleteI cannot forget her very kind concern for all of us.. We will miss Patti very much, and definitely she will be blessing us all from above.. Bhuvana Venkat & Sreekant. (Waterloo, Canada)
Akka dear,
ReplyDeleteIt is with deep sorrow that I learnt the news of "patti's" demise tonight in washington.
Before coming here I saw patti and got her blessings.Patti's memories only remain to guide us and strengthen our mind.memories are only our treasured possessions from our pet patti. My deepest sympathies!(padma, charanya U.S.A)
I will always remember Patti as the amazing Mother Anapurani, who made sure that people were always fed properly. She was always so nice to me and would always ask me questions to know what I was upto, and give me kind words of advise. Even ff AMMA wasn't at home, its was always Patti who I would do Namakaram to and go. She will forever be in my memories...
ReplyDeletePatti was Patti to my children Vidya and Priya, Patti to my wife Janaki and Amma to me. Whenever I enter Jayamalar, Patti used to ask me "Enda, Un Pondatti Soukiyama, Kuzhenthil Eppadi iruka". She is the only soul in my life who was caring to ask me in such a affectionate manner. Patti's departing from us is a loss to all of us.
ReplyDeleteTHere is nobody who would understand you more than Patti.I still remember the incident-onetime when Sri Amma and Patti were staying in the apt next to Vijaya mami's house) (when the present house was under construction after the fire accident)I went to stay with them, Patti decided to go to Vijaya mami's place and sleep at night such that myself and Sri Akka will have privacy.
ReplyDeleteIn the present house, she used to always sleep in the hall giving up her bed to me to sleep next to Sri Akka eventhough she has to walk a long distance to walk to go to the bathroom
she will always sit and make sure all the items are on my plate before I started eating each time.One person who worried about all the Nandalala members is patti, Everyday she will have something to worry about someone.Even when I visited them 2 weeks back, she was so happy to see that I had my lunch there and she was sitting beside me making sure I ate well.
We will all miss her soo much.We all have to live with the sweet memories of her.
I will miss you so much Patti.
She was so good in expressing and thanking for even little things you have done for her.
It is a big loss for the entire Nandalala family
Yogam
Mother Ganga descended from the heavens and emerged at Gangotri. Her cool, fresh waters bounced on boulders, sang with chirping birds, played colors with flowers on Her banks. Mother Ganga blessed all, without any distinction: be it a tortoise, a fish, a peasant or a king. And Gangotri was besides herself at the vision of this divine play.
ReplyDeleteAs Ganga grew and moved, Gagotri asked 'Where do you go? Why do you leave me?'. 'I have come down to wash the ashes of sixty thousand of Bhagiratha's forefathers and liberate them from their sins. Though I move forward, I am always here, I will never leave you. That is my word, my promise.
With her consent Ganga sped down to the plains to liberate the souls, to irrigate the fields and to quench the thirst of masses. In the plains Ganga is so vast, one can not see Her other bank within the horizon.
Now they have built temples in the plains, it is so easy and convenient to have darshan of Ganga and offer pujas as prescribed by the scriptures. And yet for a true devotee like you, your pilgrimage would not be complete if you do not visit Gangotri.
And Gangotri even today, welcomes a true devotee with all Her divine, simple and uncommercialized beauty. She asks for nothing, she keeps nothing with her.
Oh Lord ! may I always remember Gangotri and Mother Ganga. This is my prayer forever.
Before leaving for abroad, on 19th march 2010, I took Patti's blessings. With her characteristic smile she blessed me and wished me a successful trip. I did not expect that i will not be meeting her again. A wonderful and caring personality has left us all. "Enna thavam seidhanai, Engum nirai parabrahmam amma endrazhaika...."
ReplyDeleteI shall always remember our dear Paati as a benevolent soul with genuine concern for everyone around her. To me personally and to my family, she was our loving paati whom we wanted to meet as soon as we arrived in India and she would always be there welcoming us with her beaming, affectionate smile. Her love and care without any boundaries was reflected in the guidance she gave in all that we wanted to do and makes her very, very special. I would always fondly remember her parcel of sweets and savouries (with selection of all items that we liked) which she would always keep ready, whenever we left back for Dubai. Such was her love and affection, beyond measure. As I sit and write Sriramajayam in my Nandalala notebook today, my heart recalls my adorable paati who inspired me when even at Her age of 90 had such complete dedication as she drew the lotuses in various colors and calling out “Sri Ramajayam”. Paati, we all love you and you will live in our hearts forever.
ReplyDelete" May her soul rest in peace " our special flower showerings to the departed soul & our heart felt rememberance for ever-Ashwini Kumar Jaya & Aishwarya Dubai
ReplyDeleteVery sorry to hear about this great loss. I had the honor and pleasure to meet mami in the year 2000. I remember mami's affectionate smile. Her thoughts are always with me when I use her recipe book. My sincere prayers for her soul to rest in peace.
ReplyDeletePaati was a very special person who had a unique gift of hospitality and versatility. I fondly remember the cookbook written by Akka - "ammavin samayal" that contained all her mouth watering recipes. I am going to pick up her book and make something from her book once a week as a tribute to paati. That I am sure will make paati smile and will be my simple way to say "thank you". We will miss you paati and may your soul rest in peace.
ReplyDeleteWe have lost a well wisher and a senior member of our family. Each one of us felt that Jayam patti was part of each of our families. My association with her is so profound, I find words do no justice. She was a personality full of love and involvement with each one of our lives. She embraced all our children as her grand children. Her zest for life, perfection in what ever she did, her planning, her sense of humour, her passion for serving food for every one who visited her, her culinery expertise, her interest in trying and tasting different recipes are few of the facets of her lovable personality. She always enjoyed life and taught us how to enjoy and still be disciplined and contented-this may sound strange but that was her enigmatic personality. We always cherished her stays with us. There are so many instances in our lives where her participation was very memorable,but I would like to mention her total involvement in our dauhter's wedding which she with SRIAKKA planned in every detail and with care and love which we cannot forget. Her participation was always total in whatever she did. My mind is filled with so many thoughts about her that my eyes are filled with tears. Our visit to "jayamalar" will not be the same again. There is going to be a huge void which cannot be filled, but she will always be in our hearts and thoughts that she will live with us forever.
ReplyDeletePatti,
ReplyDeleteI have no words to express yur loss. I miss you so much. You always had the heart to give others and feed anyone who is at yur door step.For me...It is you first and then akka.I have never gone without eating something from yur house I cannot picture the house without yur prsence. It is soooooooo EMPTY......my prayers yur soul shd rest in peace and be close to you in my next birth.
Akka, pattis lose cant be replaced by time. my deepest condolence to yur family. Akka, Take care of yur health , we are all ther for you.
I miss patti soooooooooo much. I cannt picture the house without her presence , she filled the house with love and affection you are so gifted to have her as yur mother akkka....in all aspects..... Miss Patti a lot.... Take care
I have lived abroad for close to twenty years now so I can only say a few things about Patti. Whenever I remember patti, I remember her great attention to detail in everything that she did. I remember once when I was visiting India my uncle, the late Srikanth went to report the goings on in a function to donate essentials for the tsunami victims. This function could not be attended by both Akka and patti. While we were waiting to see Akka, patti came out and asked so many questions to Mama about the function that I was awe struck at her interest in Nandalala at that advanced age.
ReplyDeleteSecondly, she has always been like my very own patti and treated me like her grandson, chastising me whenever I did something wrong and encouraging me when I did something right.
May her soul rest in peace.
Vasanth.
She is one of the coolest paatis I have known.She was warm and welcoming but also smart and witty in her conversations. She had such a wonderful way of making you feel at home instantly. She will be terribly missed and I feel really blessed to have known her.Some people live forever in your heart . She will be appreciated for everything she did to bring people together and teach us all some really wonderful things . "Paati" will never be forgotten but will live with us in her recipes , quick short cuts and home remedies .
ReplyDeleteOn our first meeting itself, our dearest Patti took a comfortable seat in the revered corner of our hearts. Paati's charming smile on her benign face and her effusive love were irresistibly captivating.
ReplyDeletePaati’s perpetual smile, an indelible expression of the indwelling bliss weaving through a pure-minded soul, was evident even through her fragility and infirmity.
Having discarded an aging body to the elements, Paati is now free to infuse dynamic enthusiasm in us and make us strive to achieve our goals. She can lift our spirits to lofty heights of subtle joy.
May we invoke her divine spirit in our hearts and take a joyride to the heavens.
Pathmarajah Family
Patti's demise is really a great loss to Shri Akka and all of us.There, she was in front of the house varandha, greeting all of us and enquiring about our well being. There were sevaral occasions, when i could not see Akka but seeing Akkas mother was equivalent enough.Even a year back when i was chatting with her she remarked, it is you ( Bhavani's Ganesan) who sang a hindi song in Mr Seetharaman,s residence at Bangalore. She had once 6/7 years back came to my house for tiffin. She was very appreciative of the Ghee baji which was served to her. I will always miss her. None of you people will forget the Undi she had kept for people who are from abroad or returned from outside india , who had to put $1. I can imagine Shree Akkas plight. May God give enough courage to Shree Akka to bear the void created at her residence. Ganesan ( Bglr)
ReplyDeletePaati's loving heart had no boundries. She always had a special way of making me feel as though I was her only grandchild. In 2001, I had a severe case of the stomach flu and was hospitalized at a local Chennai hospital. Paati whipped up a "magical yogurt rice" concoction and made certain that I recieved it and gauranteed that I would feel better...needless to say, it worked like a charm!
ReplyDeleteIn 2007, despite her many ailments Paati attended my dance performance in Bangalore. She sat in the front row and stayed until the very end of the show! She told me that she would NOT let her leg pains stop her from attending my performance. I was completely overwhelmed and touched by her compassion.
Last year, when Paati was told that I was getting married, she immediately had Sri Amma pick out a beautiful sari and matching jewelry and had it sent to me. I am a very lucky grand daughter! Paati was the kindest, most generous grandma one could ever ask for. I will always have sweet memories of her!
Radhika Radhakrishnan
ReplyDelete"Jab Tak Suraj Chand rahega Paati aapka naam rahega "
Paati has been and will remain a source of inspiration to each member of my family. Last year, I had the privilege of being with Paati for few days, which I consider as a blessing.The words, Narayana,Narayana uttered by Paati still reverberates in my ears. We had your guidance in every step of our life, for which, we will be ever greatful to you. Our Paati was one in million. Paati, we will miss u a lot.
Jaya patti was a member of the Ramaswamy Iyer family. She is truly a legend who was involved in every important event of my life. Whenever I visited Sri Akka's residence, she would inquire about all our family members. She was truly Annapoorni incarnate, who made sure that we had something to eat before we left her place. We have lost one more member from the Ramaswamy Iyer family. May her soul rest in peace.
ReplyDeleteAsatoma Sadgamaya
ThamasoMaa Jyotirgamaya
MrithyorMaa Amruthamgamaya
Om Shanthi Shanthi Shanthihi
Patti loss is a loss to all of us and she was amazing in the fact she remenmbers everyone and asks about one and all with kindness.
ReplyDeleteNo one was missed and even in Dec 2009 she recalled all the events.
Her physical absence will be missed by all but she lives in all us and we are all enriched by her kindness
Our Dearest Paati
ReplyDeleteAlthough Paati is not with us here,
She is not any less dear.
How she used to love us all,
And listen to our every call.
Paati always gave us food,
And kept us in a cheerful mood.
She used to draw lotuses every day,
But now in heaven she must stay.
They say Paati will always be here,
Still, down my cheek, there runs a tear.
My heart will take a while to mend,
Our love for Paati can never end…
-Lalitha Natraj (Grade 7)
Vimala Ramaswamy says,
ReplyDeletepatti,the seniormost member in our family was always there guiding us as to how our rituals have to be performed...now that she has left us it seems as though there is sudden darkness in the absence of that illuminous light....our feet are now still in search of those enlightened footprints...
Indukala Radhakrishnan says,
ReplyDeletePaati, our benovelent Guide:
you are the best ever
and can be replaced never
You will always reside in our hearts.......
Dear Paati,
ReplyDeleteI shall always remember you for your affection and forthright views. I wish, I could emulate your natural ability to relate with people of all ages and all walks of life. I sincerely thank you for your large heart in accommodating all of us as part of your extended family. Infact, that makes you very special to so many of us. I always wondered about your unique quality of remembering individual tastes and likes of people. In particular, it is an honour and privilege that you made me feel as if I am special to you. I shall always be grateful for your thoughtful tips that helped me to meet Sri. Akka, at times, despite her busy and packed schedule. Little did I realize that we take people for granted when they are around and as somebody rightly said
"We grow old filled with regrets:
For things not done;
For words not said;"
So, I decided to express myself atleast now, as it is “always better late than never". Thank you very much, Paati for all that you have done to all of us....
Annai, Nam Annai !
ReplyDeleteAnbai pozhindha annaiye,
paasaththaal pinaiththa annaiye,
vaanjayaal nekizha vaiththa annaiye,
vaazhththi vaazha vaiththa annaiye,
vaari vaari vazhangiya annaiye,
virunthomballil nigar illaa annaiye,
veeramaai vaazhnthu kaattiya annaiye
vaazh neri karpiththa annaiye,
dharani potrum Thaayai eendra annaiye,
maathru seva malara cheydha annaiye,
thaamaraikku thani sirappu serththa annaiye,
Hanumanil Raamanai thuthiththa annaiye,
kshanaththil marainthu vittaaye annaiye,
kaatril kalanthu vittaaye annaiye,
karuththil nirainthu iruppaai annaiye,
ninaivil nilaiththu iruppaai annaiye.
- Seetha Natarajan
Tribute to Jaya Paatti
ReplyDeleteSHE has given us all Nanadalala's, by giving us her loving daughter who is none other than the omnipotent and omnipresent Sri Akka . Paatti was like a banyan tree and she took care of all the members of Nandalala family. Her love and care for all, hospitality, guidance to all near and dear, be it a family function or fixing up marriage for a daughter or a son of Nandalala devotee, her words are considered as veda mandiram . Every time when we visit Chennai, first thing is to visit “Jayamalar” and our loving paatti will be sitting near the entrance of the house like fresh flower with loving smile enquiring the welfare of every member of my family. We will miss such a genuine affection and greetings. When we think about her absence, we will feel very heavy in our hearts. Words cannot express the grief and every one of us will have so much to talk about her greatness for hours together as she has involved herself in all our lives and welfare. When I asked her what she wanted to convey to my son in USA, when we visited him, she drew a lotus and wrote herself “love to Gopi from Jaya Paatti”. This reflects her love and concern for everybody whether they are near or far physically. We pray God that may her soul rest in peace and she will continue to guide us from her heavenly abode.
MalathiBalakrishnan& Dr.Balakrishnan
Banglore
“Naan yaaru sollu” She would ask in her inimitable style to the younger of my two children who is three years old and give a satisfied and proud laugh when he uttered “Jayam paati”.
ReplyDeleteJayam paati the beloved paati of most households in the Nandalala family has moved onto another place. A beautiful place, from where she will continue to watch over each and every one of us and continue to be aware of all our lives. It is only sad that the limitation lies in our end - where we can no longer see her, hear her laughter or her witty remarks and words of wisdom.
Through this forum though, I think all of us can feel her and keep her memories alive by sharing experiences as a family would.
As a newlywed , when I went to get paati’s blessings before leaving overseas, she affectionately as every grandmother would, gave me advice, that was simple and easy to follow, on issues ranging from easy ways to cook avoiding wastage , to warning on the use of allergy causing dish washing liquids, living frugally and sensibly, even how one could increase the taste palette of the husband !! At the end of it she would remark “Paati shonathe nyabagam vechupiyono?” and give out her gurgling laughter. It was much later that I knew that she had travelled so much world over during her earlier years to be able to relate to even the younger globetrotting generation.
Every time I would visit her, she would pick up the conversation from where she left it off the previous time, recollecting everyone in the family and extended family. Even some of the references she used to make of my childhood days when she visited us at Trivandrum would amaze me. What memory!
Memories rush in as I close my eyes and think of our beloved paati- the perfect arrangement of flowers, effortless cooking style, her Maatruseva pillayar, her witty remarks, her precision planning and so many more…..My last images are of playing Pallankuzhi with her days before she departed. She was her usual self even then. It is truly special to me perhaps because knowing that her health was failing it was the best possible way she could have left the best of memories for me to accept her departure ….
We will cherish our moments with her for a lifetime…..
Dear Akka,
ReplyDeleteAkka, You are our Goddess . You know everything. But still at this moment we all want to tell you we are all there for you.No one can fill Patti's sthanam.Please take care of your health, and do not strain the whole day entertaining visitors.Patti used to take care of all this before. Patti was the only person who used to be worried about each one of us , about our lives and comforts. We will miss her , but it is sure she will be guiding us in future too !
On each blessed occasion that I was able to meet Paati, she would immediately greet me as "Pathmarajah Ponnu (daughter)" and inquire about my well-being. Then after asking about my parents, sisters and several relatives, she would ensure that I was given something to eat and drink.
ReplyDeleteThese simple gestures of grandmotherly affection penetrated my heart each time, creating a feeling of kinship and love that words cannot convey.
As I reminisce the giant waves of love that radiated from Paati's presence, I weep softly for the loss of a great soul. I feel a void in that space reserved for grandparents and special people in my heart. I pray that loving memories of the past and hope for a brighter future will make me stronger, as Paati watches over us and protects us eternally.
Once the Lord sent his angel as a bee with his blessings to the blooming Nandalala family. Once the flowers blossomed & started to change into fruits he recalled the angel back to his abode. In this he imparted us the wisdom to be happy & content with what you had/have & not to weep about what you do not have.
ReplyDeleteOur beloved "Paaaty" has been a source of strength & happiness to our Nanadalala family. Let us be thankful that she lived among us.
"The bee gathers nectar from the flowers without marring its beauty or perfume. So let the Master settle & wander" (From Dhammapada- The Sayings of Buddha)
Once the lord sent his angel as a bee with his blessings to the blooming Nandalala family. As the flowers blossomed & started to change into fruits he recalled the angel back to his abode. In this he imparted us the wisdom to be happy & content with what we had/have & not to weep about what we do not have.
ReplyDeleteOur beloved "Paaty" has been a source of strenght & happines to our Nandalala family. Let us be thankful that she lived among us.
" The bee gathers nectar from the flower without marring its beauty or perfume. So let the Master settle & wander" ( from Dhammapada- The Sayings of the Buddha)
There aren't enough words to describe Jayam Patti. She was a unique person-Unsurpassed generosity. What an amazing ability to remember everyone's tastes. I don't think I will ever forget her child like smile, her wit and how she would offer food whenever we visit her.
ReplyDeleteWe have been lucky to have Paati stay with us few times and I fondly remember taking her on a short ride on my two-wheeler at her insistence. She was adventurous, used to enjoy life's little pleasures, teaching us to live life to the fullest.
She always used to guide us on our traditions and at the same time was very practical. She has infused a love for cooking in most of us and I will always remember how she used to plan out menus.
Visiting Jayamalar will never be the same- I can picture her sitting in the front porch smiling at all who would visit. She has embraced each one of us as her own family and I will really miss my greatest paati.
Matharasi smt.JayalakshmiRamachandran, the earthly mother of our own Sri Amma, was a constant comforting, compassionate presence at "Jayamalar". Whenever the constant stream of devotees arrive at the house to see Pujaya Sri Amma,(and it was a constant stream)Patti's winning smile and open armed hospitality was there too without fail. Her exquisite knowledge of the art and secrets of cooking was evident to me the first few times I visited her. She would personally cook the most delicious dishes that would easily pass a professional chef's discriminating palette. She lovingly without discrimination fed all to came to the house and took extreme pleasure in doing so. I have had long conversations with her and was also struck by her voice and devotion. As late as Jan 2010 I heard her singing for over forty minutes the Rama Nama, in exquisite Kannada. Even at ninety the voice was firm and controlled. Patti took every devotee that showed up at her residence as one of her own and like her daughter was compassion incarnate and witty, making everyone laugh with her infectious laughter. Patti, I never knew my grandmother now I know how she would have been if I had.
ReplyDeleteI remember akka mami as a very compassionate and caring woman who valued traditions and loved to teach the youngsters the nuances of cooking and also the practical necessities of life. During the early 90's when I was studying in Ethiraj college, I used to visit sri akka's house frequently and had the great opportunity and blessings to learn many things from her. I found her always busy,trying out different types of dishes, I still remember the chembaruthi thogayal and ulund applam. I cherish those memories. Talking to her gave a feeling of strength and confidence. Though we shall miss her physical presence but I am sure her spiritual presence shall be felt by each one of us, just by thinking about her. A great, loving and caring soul, one in a billion. My pranams to her.
ReplyDeleteAkka mami was a great woman, always ready to help and gave practical and sound advices. Her absence shall be felt greatly by all of us. She was a pillar of support and strength and whenever I visited sri akka she lovingly enquired about all the family members. She was an epitome of compassion. My namaskarams to her.
ReplyDeleteI have known Mami since 1968. She was the pillar of strength not only to her immediate family but also to all those families who had come to see Akka. She had an excellent and sharp memory and enquired about each and everyone's welfare. It is hard to imagine that house without Mami. When my mother passed away last year, she wrote a letter(dictated by her) consoling us. I can never forget her kindness. We will all, for sure miss her physical presence,but spiritually she will be there to guide us all.
ReplyDeleteWhenever we have visited chennai and tried to meet PujyaSri Akka, we have met her mother too. Always spoke kindly and blessed us. We will remember her kind, pleasant, smiling face always. Our namaskarams to Pujyasri Akka's amma.
ReplyDeleteR.Chandrakala said:
ReplyDeleteAnbirukkum ullam konda engal jaya pattiye
Deivam thanda deiva thaai enrum engal vazhikaatti……
These were the lines sung by me for jaya patti at Nrs Tatas sadabhishekam….the childlike glee and happiness that she had in her eyes while listening to this song is unforgettable and that scene still stands in front of my eyes….whenever I used to visit her at athais place, she would say, ”eda oru paatu ramar mela padu ri”. And once I finish singing, she would remark,”pona janmathula nee thenabhishekam swamykku panniruke”…. I consider myself blessed to be bestowed with such comments….
her absence is a big loss to everyone of us….dear paati, I really miss you…I just console myself that you are still listening to my songs on Lord Rama from where you are present .....smiling and blessing us all…..
From my experience I was not able to say she belonged to a different generation.She is very open minded person.
ReplyDeleteI mentioned to Paati once that my parents are not interested to visit me at Canada. She said those are unwanted ego's of the elderly people. She said I stayed with Akka even in Libya. She has such a clarity in her thought.
I will always remember paati for the witty & funny comments she passed in her casual way.
ReplyDeletePaatti,
ReplyDeleteMore than anybody She needed you, asked for your advise and views even for every itsy-bitsy thing.Why did you leave Akka?
வானாடர் கோவும் வணங்கி வரவேற்றுத்
ReplyDeleteதேனார் மொழியால் துதிசெய்வார் - தானே
உலகீன்ற தாயை உலகிற்கே தானீந்(து)
உலவாப் புகழ்கொண்ட தால்
கண்ணீருடன் - துபாய் பிரேம் குமார் / ஸ்வர்ணா
t was with deep regret that we learned of the death of Mami. Though
ReplyDeleteshe was suffering for a while, her death must be a big blow to you. I
am 71 and my mother lived with me all her life and she passed away in
1997 and both of us still miss her. One never gets over it, though
time does heal it somewhat. I am sure you will remember all her good
deeds and activities that should make her passing a little tolerable.
Please accept our condolences. Thanks.
Sugantha and Moorthy, Toronto, Canada.