The exit of Brother J.V.B.Sastry on the 18th May 2021 caused a deep sense of irreparable loss among the Jillellamudi fraternity. Brother Sastry hails from an illustrious family of Jillellamudi. His parents served Jillellamudi and lived by the precepts of Jillellamudi to the point NANNAGARU during the days of his physical form often stayed in their home whenever he had to be at Guntur for some work or other.
Bro.J.V.B.Sastry’s mother very widely known as Jonnabhatla Akkayya has always been ready to serve a meal at her home, to all the brothers and sisters who reached there. Scarcity of means, stringency of resources hardly mattered for her. In the true sense and spirit of Jillellamudi, what little she has shared with others who reached her. Their home and hearth are always warm and generous to the needy and deserving.
Brother Sastry imbibed the same spirit ever since the beginning. Among all the service activities at Jillellamudi, feeding the utmost and foremost very dear to the heart of AMMA as pronounced by HER. Sastry excelled in this activity. In the Godavary and Krishna Pushkarams (A rare 12 year occasions), he organized the feeding activity and of ANNA VITHARANA, distribution of AMMA’S PRASADAM. He almost took the whole load personally in getting the permissions, selection of the spot, picking up men and materials for this mammoth feeding effort which runs for 12 days and countless persons are involved. Every time it has been a tremendous success, receiving official commendations from the Govt., too once.
For the ANNAPOORNALAYAM at Jillellamudi, he often found and secured the material for pickles which are served regularly in the meals given at Jillellamudi. He is often very strongly associated with food and feeding. Many times he brought seasonal fruits in bulk to be added to that day’s meal. This is one facet of his personality well noticed and appreciated by all the Brothers and Sisters of our fraternity.
Brother Sastry is very intensely associated with the ritualistic activities of the temples at Jillellamudi. Sometimes he arranged for the priests on important occasions like Vigraha Pratishta, to make a specific mention, the installation of NAVAMATRUKAS around the inner sanctum of ANASUYESWARALAYAM. He took a lead and active part in the various processes associated with the formality for a few days. Also inspired others to participated in the same.
He is a very prominent and active Member of the Temple Committee at Jillellamudi. Notable mention merits to be made the BILVARCHANA for which he arranged the huge quantities of the BILWAS in stock to be offered in the specific ritual. His participation in the SIVA RATHRI midnight worship is significant. His contribution to the temples and rituals at Jillellamudi is enormous to be placed on record.
After the absence of Brother Kesava Sarma, Sastry evinced keen interest in the aspects of VEDA SMARTHA PATASALA being run at Jillellamudi. Scouting for the talent, the teaching and all. Sastry is an ardent follower of SANATHANA DHARMA, in its observance and promotion. Yet he is widely tolerant and humane as a person, never losing touch of the mundane realities and practical concerns. An ideal family man being the virtual prop and stable anchor for the family after the exit of his father.
With all his contribution, in the varied activities, never looked for personal exposure. Ever working silently, always humble and self-effacing. Ever a man of a few words and a lot of meaningful action. He has been a good team player in all the activities, service, devotional and spiritual. Always soft spoken, mild mannered, highly tolerant person whose memory is ever cherished and merits mention.
Pray AMMA GRANT Bro.J.V.B.Sastry eternal peace. Pray AMMA GRACE the family members with the strength to move ahead in life fruitfully.