No matter how dominating your introverted-ness is, you can hardly go about your day without saying anything. Now, imagine barely speaking every day for 30 long years.
85-year-old Saraswati Devi from India is scheduled to end her vow of silence on January 22, nearly 32 years after she took the vow. She has pledged to break her vow only when the Ram temple is inaugurated, scheduled for January 22, reported The Indian Express.
The vow of silence for Saraswati began on December 6, 1992, when she was 54, and since then, she has been known as the Mauni Mata (silent mother).
She started her vow on the day Babri Masjid was demolished in 1992 by Hindu activists who claimed it was the birthplace of Lord Ram, and Saraswati would only speak when Ram goes into the temple. Since then, Saraswati has been leading a routine-based lifestyle, where she wakes up at 4 am, meditates for 6 to 7 hours every day, and visits many holy places.
Her diet is simple (yet strict to follow); she eats only once a day and drinks milk twice.
Her vow of silence, however, was partially broken in 2020. She started to speak for an hour at noon, but the “break” didn’t last long. She returned to complete silence in July 2020. But what happens when she needs to communicate with her family members?
Sign language and writing.
When there is a need to convey something, Saraswati will rely on sign language to talk to her family members, and when necessary, she will use a pen and paper to relay her messages in honour of the vow of silence.
What a Determination and Devotion !!??
Saraswati devi from Dhanbad, Jharkhand will break her fast of silence (maun vrat) after 30 years, on 22nd January, 2024 in Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Mandir, Ayodhya.??? pic.twitter.com/FixtkcSTba
— Pooja Sangwan ?? (@ThePerilousGirl) January 10, 2024
According to another report by Times Entertainment, Sarawati’s vow of silence has since inspired many people. Her son said that it has earned the respect and admiration of the family members and the community. You can watch the clip below where Saraswati communicated with the media.
Saraswati Devi from Dhanbad, 'Mauni Mata,' maintained silence for 32 years since the Babri Masjid's demolition in 1992. She will finally speak on January 22, coinciding with the auspicious consecration of the Ram Temple. pic.twitter.com/BrcqUDWsE3
— Political Kida (@PoliticalKida) January 10, 2024
It has been 30 years now, and there are barely 2 weeks left to go before Saraswati’s vow of silence ends. Do you see yourself leading such a disciplined and routined life?
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