Barsana Dham helps evacuees from Hurricane Ike
With Hurricane Ike bearing down on the Texas coast, Barsana Dham stood ready to receive hundreds of weary refugees. The devotees and volunteers at the ashram made all the necessary preparations to welcome families arriving around the clock from Houston, Galveston and Lake Jackson.
No one knew when or if they would be able to return home or if anything would remain, yet even in the midst of a disaster such as this, our guests, young and old, found solace and spiritual inspiration at Barsana Dham. Attending satsang (devotional program) in the Temple each morning and evening, and joining in the regular schedule of the ashram, whether in the kitchen preparing meals, or gardening, enjoying videos of Shree Maharajji’s discourses, reading Shree Swamiji’s books, playing, laughing, hiking, and singing, families spent their days at Barsana Dham living as part of a large family.
“In addition to imparting the knowledge of the great teachings of Hinduism, we were happy to be of service to the community in their time of need,” said Prabhakari Devi. Barsana Dham staff arranged activities for all ages, from a “Peacock Walk” for the youngest to a knowledge session on Hinduism for school-age youth, as well as programs for adults and older youth.
Click to watch and listen to comments by some of the evacuees...
Local papers and TV were interested in the community service Barsana Dham provided during the storm: Read the story here... Watch the video here...
Evacuees were so grateful and appreciative of Barsana Dham, they left comments such as the following:
“We normally go to replenish our soul and mind at Barsana Dham and now we came because of the hurricane. Our children can walk around safely; it is complete package, nourishing our minds, bodies and souls. What more can you ask for?” said Padmini of Lake Jackson. Her 13-year-old daughter added, “I love it here at Barsana Dham and don’t feel like going back.”
“We came here during Rita and now during hurricane Ike. I’m really impressed with the management and the people with the live spirit to do whatever it takes to make it a most unforgettable experience. I’m no longer worried about our home.” --Puri of League City
“Barsana Dham is a real blessing in this situation. I am very thankful to God being here, safe, and for the holy environment in a difficult situation. Barsana Dham management people, they take so much care. Thanks for all – they give us very good services.” --Vandana, Lake Jackson
"This is our third time here. The atmosphere is so soothing that you can forget the whole world when you are here. This is definitely the right place for all the people escaping the hurricane because it will help to keep them calm." --S. Mehta, Pearland
"We had originally planned to go Barsana Dham for one night during a visit to Austin, but it turned into an extended stay quickly because of the impending landfall by Hurricane Ike. Many evacuees started streaming in on Friday from Clear Lake, Lake Jackson and different parts of Houston. As usual, the people at Barsana Dham did an outstanding job of being prepared ahead of time in making everyone feel at home. They found accommodations for everyone promptly. The daily Satsangs helped ease the stress being built-up for many families affected after the landfall. Special breakfast and meals were prepared every day thru the weekend. Meal timings were extended, making sure that no one went hungry even late at night. Many families volunteered help with cooking and cleaning. A couple of discourses and some programs were quickly designed specially for kids so that they were occupied at all times. All in all, an extraordinarily peaceful weekend away from Ike's path." --Vishal, Houston