The New Year dawned with immense spiritual fervor at Ramakrishna Math, Madurai, as devotees gathered on Thursday, January 1, 2026, to observe the sacred Kalpataru Day. The Math premises reverberated with divine chants and devotional singing, marking a fitting and auspicious start to the year ahead.
The Significance of the Day
Kalpataru Day commemorates that momentous occasion in 1886 when Bhagavan Sri Ramakrishna revealed His divine aspect as the 'Kalpataru'—the mythical wish-fulfilling tree—at the Cossipore Garden House in Kolkata. His profound blessing to the gathered devotees on that day, "May you all be spiritually illumined!", continues to resonate with seekers today. We celebrate this day not to seek worldly fulfillments, but to pray for that supreme gift of spiritual awakening and unalloyed devotion.
Morning Proceedings: A Symphony of Devotion
The celebrations began in the quietude of dawn at 5:00 AM with the solemn Mangalarati and Suprabhatham, awakening the spiritual consciousness of all present. This was followed by uplifting Vedic chanting and Bhajans. In keeping with the traditions of the holy month of Margazhi, the soulful chanting of Thiruppavai and Thiruvempavai was also performed, adding a deep cultural resonance to the early morning prayer.
The second session commenced at 8:30 AM with devotional Bhajans, setting a meditative mood. At 10:30 AM, a sacred Homa (fire ritual) was performed, invoking divine blessings for the welfare of all.
Discourse and Final Arati
A special discourse was delivered at 11:15 AM by Revered Swami Sarvarupananda Maharaj. He dwelt upon the significance of Sri Ramakrishna’s act of supreme compassion, explaining the depth of the Kalpataru incident and its enduring relevance in our daily spiritual struggles.
Following a Bhajan at noon, the morning program concluded with a vibrant Special Arati at 12:15 PM, leaving the atmosphere charged with divine vibrations.
Prasadam Distribution
The spiritual feast was followed by the distribution of Annaprasadam. It was heartwarming to see the large turnout of devotees starting the New Year in the holy precincts of the Math. We are pleased to share that more than 650 devotees partook of the cooked noon Prasad, receiving the Master’s blessings through the holy food.
Prayer, Japa and meditation
In the afternoon, the temple reopened at 2:30 PM, allowing devotees to practice meditation and japa during the auspicious time when Sri Ramakrishna revealed Himself and blessed devotees on January 1, 1886. Hundreds of devotees engaged in silent prayer, japa and meditation.
Evening Arati and Bhajan
The evening session started with Arati at 6:30 PM, followed by bhajans until 8:00 PM. Inspired by Kalpataru Day, devotees prayed to Sri Ramakrishna for blessings on their spiritual journey.
