In the small village of Jetalpur, near Ahmedabad, lived an old woman named Gangama. She held immense affection for Shriji Maharaj. Whenever Shriji Maharaj visited Jetalpur, Gangama would be overjoyed. She would bring him to her home and lovingly offer him food. Shriji Maharaj, in turn, would gladly accompany her, affectionately calling her “Mother, Mother.”
While Shriji Maharaj addressed other women by their names, he always called Gangama “Mother.” Because of this, all the saints and devotees also referred to Gangama as “Mother.” In this way, Shriji Maharaj’s mother became a mother to everyone.
Gangama was dedicated to serving Shriji Maharaj hot and fresh food. She would even become displeased if he didn’t eat on time, so she would always follow him. She devised a unique way to ensure his meals were fresh: she’d place a basket on her head, with a burning stove on top of it. On the stove, she’d carry utensils filled with dal (lentil soup) and vegetables. As soon as it was lunchtime, she could quickly prepare and serve hot, fresh food to Shriji Maharaj within minutes. Such dedicated service truly reflects a mother’s love, which is why Shriji Maharaj called Gangama “Mother.” Indeed, Shriji Maharaj’s mother became a mother to us all.
Even today, in Jetalpur, you can find the small room where Gangama lived, along with the idol of Radha-Krishna that she worshipped.