It was a Divine Direction of a few Decades Dire physical necessity of a few years and a Project initiated a few months back. Overall, it was a long cherished dream. It was the day of that “dream-come-true” for several brethren of Jillellamudi.
2nd December, 2015 was truly a Red Letter Day in the History of Jillellamudi. There was an air of joyous excitement, sense of fulfillment and satisfaction of long awaited desire among the thousand and odd congregation. Yes, it was the Inauguration of New Building of “Andarillu ” or “House of All” and AMMA’s heart throb ANNAPURNALAYAM.
Annapurnalayam kitchen was constructed in early 1960s and “Andarillu” was completed in late 1960s. The building in those days was constructed not with paid labor but with the – bricks of love, mortar of faith and devotion, cemented with dedication of all devotee children of Amma. They contributed their personal labor irrespective of gender or age. Amma aptly named it as “Andarillu” or “House of All”. Dining hall was a temporary shed covered with Asbestos sheets, accommodating about 300 to 400 people.
With the passage of time the shed was getting dilapidated and a need for a permanent structure was felt.
It was the initiative of Ravi Annayya based on the direction of Amma given decades ago that the permanent structure be constructed to replace the Asbestos shed. The Project was conceived with a modest estimate of around Rs.1.5 crores. But when actual construction work started in January 2013, it was found that the foundation for the building needed to be laid from as deep as 40 feet in view of the soil structure!! That shot up the estimates by another 1.00 crore. Divine dispensation is beyond our comprehension!! Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams came forward to donate Rs. 1.00 crore for the Project, thanks to the good offices of the then Executive Officer Sri L.V. Subrahmanyam, I.A.S. Final cost of the construction of the building came to over Rs.3.50 crores including First floor.
The whole project can be viewed a result of intense penance (TAPASYA) of Ravi Annayya. Day in and day out, he had nothing but this project on his mind for the last few months. The contributions from the fraternity of Jillellamudi were unprecedented. The sacrifices made by our brothers and sisters for this Project to say the least we’re simply mind blowing. A few of our sisters, save the names, have even contributed their personal jewelry like Mangalyams and bangles.
The new building of nearly 14000 sq. feet area consisting of two floors Ground floor of around 7000 sq. feet of floor space and ceiling height of 22 feet, first floor a huge hall of 7000 sq.feet to accommodate at least 1000 audience is a gigantic structure constructed with all modern facilities and tasteful elevation. The building was inaugurated on 2nd December, 2015 at 8.05 a.m. by Sri Sri Sri Jayendrapuri Mahaswamyji, heading Raja Rajeswari temple of Kailasa Ashram, Bengaluru. The inaugural function was unique in the sense the enthusiasm was all pervading and evident in every bit of the moment.
Swamyji initiated Lalita Koti Nama Parayana on the morning of 1st December, in connection with Hymavathi Devi S 73rd Jayanti Celebrations. By evening Koti Nama Parayana was completed. At the function held on this occasion, Swamyji was introduced to the audience of Jillellamudi by brother Sri I. Ramakrishna Rao who had a long association with him. Addressing the audience, Swamyji explained the significance of the descent of Amma’s incarnation. Earlier in the day. Swamyji attended the house warming ceremony of our dear brother Sri V. Dharmasuri who constructed his own independent house in Jillellamudi. Actually, it was Dharmasuri’s initiative and persistent efforts that ultimately resulted in Swamyji’s visit to Jillellamudi. Later Swamyji laid the foundation stone for the construction of the Hostel Building for girl students of Matrusri Oriental College, Jillellamudi.
After Inauguration of the building on 2nd December, Swamiji released the book on Annapurnalayam originally written in English by Sri S. Mohan Krishna and translated into Telugu by Sri A.V.R. Subrahmanyam.
The Inaugural function of the new building was presided over by our dear brother Dr. Potturi Venkateswara Rao and attended by Sri L.V. Subrahmanyam, I.A.S. as Chief Guest. Smt. Nannapaneni Rajakumari, Member of Legislative Council of Andhra Pradesh participated in the function and recalled her experiences with Amma. She released the special issue of VISWAJANANI, consisting various articles on Annapurnalayam and Sri L.V. Subrahmanyam garu released a book on Amma a collection of Sadguru Sivananda Murthy discourses on AMMA. He released another book written by Smt. Kusuma Chakravarti and Sri A.S. Chakravarti titled “Amma Dadi – Amma Gudi”. Sri VSR Moorty, the spiritual scientist, exhausted the audience with his inspiring and enlightening speech.
Brahmasri Mallapragada Srimannarayana Murthy, a veteran compere and former Lecturer of MOC, conducted the whole programme in his inimitable style.
The function concluded with honoring all those who contributed for the construction of the building.
Sri Sri Jayendrapuri Mahaswamyji’s visit to Jillellamudi was unique not only due to his holy presence but also his inspiring and evocative benediction (Anugraha Bhashanam). He was Gracious, Kind and Humble. He made intimate inquiries with all those in the premises of Andarillu with great love and affection. His stay in Jillellamudi on 1st and 2nd December, 2015 was a memory that stays in the hearts of our brothers and sisters forever.