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Acharyas return to Kanchipuram
From Kanchiforum, as posted by a devotee
It was a Red letter day in the minds of all mutt devotees. As per their divine wishes, Sri Periyava and Sri Bala Periyava decided to return to Kanchi mutt.
The reception was organized 50 meters ahead of the Sarva Teertham tank near an Amman Temple. Assembled were two temple elephants, a Nadaswaram party, Veda pundits all looking anxiously for our Periyavas along with about 150 devotees.
At exactly 6.00 am, three yellow mutt vans arrived at the location. There was a mad rush by the press who were fighting with one another to take pictures of and videotape the Acharyas. A small stage had been erected and both Acharyas stood on it.
First, Kamashi Amman prasad was offered to both Periyavas. Next, devotees started queuing up one behind the other and offered the Acharyas shawls/garlands/malas etc. The reception lasted about thirty minutes.
The Acharyas then got back in the vans and left directly for the matham. Enroute in two or three places, Poornakumbam was offered by devotees. The vans of Their Holiness was also followed by about 30 cars and 70 motorcycles.
At about 6:35 am, our Peiryavas were received at the Matham entrance with Nadaswaram, Poornakumbam, go and Vedic pundits.
Again there was a mad rush by the Press to photograph/videotape Sri Periyava entering the premises. Sri Periyava let in the press people in first and walked straight to the pooja mantapam. He, along with Sri Bala Periyava, blessed the photographers.
After this, at about 7:00 am Sri Periyava arrived at the Mahaswami Brindhavan. He offered pushpaanjali and the Brindhavan doors were closed for about five minutes for Sri Periyava to be in Ekantha. As Sri Bala Periyava was held back by the devotees, He too had to wait outside the Brindhavan until the doors were opened.
Sri Periyava came out the Brindhavan and proceeded to the Homa Sala. There in His presence, the poornahoothi was performed. Later the sacred water was sprinkled by Periyava on Himself. He then sat down near the Brindhavan and gave darsan to all.
Sri Bala Periyava blessed all devotees from the room opposite the Brindhavan.
"Welcome Bombay Kanchi Sathya": Our Guru
It was indeed blessing in disguise.
In the past, to be present for Periyava’s Darshan, I used to leave chennai at 4:30am to reach kalavai by 7:30 am. I used to attend the puja and leave Kalavai by 3:00 pm. But on Saturday, I was unable to leave Chennai before 11:00 am. I thought I would still reach Kalavai for Deeparathanai. When I reached the Matham, I learnt that the Puja was over and Periyava was giving the after-Puja Darshan. I cursed myself for not being on time for the Puja. But Periyava thought otherwise.
‘Welcome, Bombay Kanchi Sathya, Kanchi forum,” said Periyava , when he saw me. I could not believe what I heard, and I did not know what to say. I did Sashtanga Namaskaram. Periyava enquired how Kanchi Sathya and Kanchi Forum were doing and blessed the organisers, members and well wishers.
Periyava blessed my daughter, who was with me. On Saturday morning, while we were on our way to Kalavai, she heard that she got admission into Law, the subject she wanted to study, in a college she wanted. Periyava said: “It is a very good college, you will do well”.
Then we met Bala Periyava. He blessed us, spoke for a while and asked us to visit the old age home near the Matham. He asked a senior person in the Matham to accompany me and show me how it was being run. He said that he would meet me after the Pradosha Puja.
It was quite an interesting tour of the ‘Home’. There are 156 elderly people, 50 of them are women. The Vridhashram has nicely laid out one-room row houses, with a prayer room and a neat kitchen. The atmosphere was very quiet and serene.
The surprise of the ‘tour’ was a separate building for ‘Physically handicapped children’. There are about 28 of them, studying different schools in Kalavai from 6th standard onwards. One of them also teaches. They are taught prayer slokas and meditation. They play chess, carom and cricket. The kids were indeed very charming. One of them is a painter, he earns Rs 200 for painting sign boards, after the school hours, of course. We made them chant/sing some prayer songs. I was really moved!
I must plan to organise some vocational training for them, depending on their aptitude. I remember someone saying “ Instead of giving them a fish, teach them how to fish”.
To cap it all, the best part – all of them are non-brahmins and Perivaya takes special interest even in their diet. They have a special kitchen where healthy and fatty food, (including onion and garlic) is prepared to give them more strength. Yes, I saw they were physically handicapped, but mentally strong.
I understood why Bala Periyava asked me to take that ‘tour’.
Evening Pradosha Puja should be best described by Sarathiji. With two traditional oil lamps glowing, one could clearly see the Lingam in that light. With the thread of white milk flowing from Periyava’s hand on to the Lingam, the Lingam and its base sparkling with pure milk, the chanting of Rudram for almost 15 minutes, the smell of the seasonal jasmine flowers around, what more can one expect for the eyes, ears and nose simultaneously? My delayed start had its own meaning!
More interesting things followed: Periyava sang along with Sarvamangalaji! Again a treat for the eyes and ears!
Then around 9:00 pm when everyone had left, Periyava spent more than one hour with me discussing various subjects, telling anecdotes in between, quoting from Puranas and Vedas, in his usual, simple style. I will write these snippets separately.
Around 10:15pm Periyava gave me an audio cassette of his speech at the Advaitha Research Center in Chennai on 29th May and asked me to broadcast it to all the Kanchi-Sathya and forum members. That was His blessing to all. He said: “ Idhoda copyright bhagavaanukkuthaan. Adhanaala ellorrukkum Kudungo” – Meaning, the copyright for this cassette is only with God; use it freely.( This will be uploaded soon)
As always, Periyava allowed me to take photographs of Him.
After I took Leave of Him, I was looking for ear plugs so that I could retain whatever I heard!
Krishnan
My Recent Visit to Kancheepuram and Kalavai
G.K. Kalyanaram
Dallas and New York, USA
kalyan@alum.mit.eduI visited Kancheepuram and Kalavai on May 11th and 12th for the darshan of Their Holiness Jayendra Saraswathi and Vijayendra Saraswathi. I spent over ten hours with Their Holiness --- in part one-on-one, and in other parts in small and large group situations.
My last visit to the Mutt was on August 24th and 25th, 2004 for two days in Kancheepuram. Benchmarking against the August 2004 visit, I found my current visit in May 2005 to be both extra-ordinary and ordinary.
The visit was ordinary in the sense that I found the activities in the Kancheepuram and Kalavai Mutt to be energetic, robust, and vigorous --- similar to my August 2004 visit. And the visit was extraordinary because though (since my August 2004 visit) Their Holiness and the Mutt have confronted some challenging issues, I discovered both Their Holiness and the Mutt to be engaged and lively and the activities to be uninterrupted.
As someone who has had the extra-ordinary fortune of developing a father-son kind of relationship over the last twenty five years, I found His Holiness Jayendra Saraswathi to be cheerful and composed, curious and engaged, decisive and certain, reflective and thoughtful. There was no sense of sorrow or self-pity or self-doubt.
Being Akshaya Thithi, May 11th was a busy day at the Shankara Mutt in Kancheepuram – there was a sahasra bhojanam in the Mutt in the presence of His Holiness Jayendra Saraswathi. After the sahasra bhojanam, His Holiness visited in person with the students who had completed their vedic studies – He offered them words of encouragement, certificates to signal their completion of the program of studies and dakshina.
After the events at the Shankara Mutt in Kancheepuram, His Holiness visited the Chandrashekara Saraswathi University run by the Mutt to discuss and direct some academic and administrative issues. And the finally, His Holiness visited a neigbouring village and offered His blessings before arriving at Kalavai about 7:30 pm.
When I visited with His Holiness Jayendra Sarawathi from about 7:30 pm to about 10 pm at Kalavai, He was at once both energetic and relaxed. In those two hours, His Holiness discussed with a professor of agriculture about organizing a two-days educational seminar for farmers in the neighboring villages – the seminar and the training sessions were to deal with arid farming, cash-crops, new seeding and fertilizing techniques; He discussed with another professional regarding the establishment and the accreditation of an Information Technology center on the Chandrashekara Saraswathi campus; He discussed with the Mutt officials ways of reducing the costs of operation of the Mutt including eliminating any potential waste in the kitchen operations.
The next morning i.e. May 12th, I spent another two hours when His Holiness was yet again engaged in eclectic conversations and discussions: be it reflection on the artistic and sculptural splendor of Halebid in Karnataka with a long-time devotee visitor from Halebid or narration of the significance of Prarabdha, Sanchita and Agami karma in the context of the ebb and flow of life to me. His Holiness told me that he had just received intimation from Swami Dayanada Saraswathi requesting His Holiness’ blessings as Swami Dayananda Saraswathi had been invited to speak at the United Nations prayer meeting.
By about 9 am, His Holiness adjourned to prepare for the performance of the first-kala (of the three kala) puja of Chandra Mouleeshwarer and Tripura Sundari.. The first-kala puja consists of abhiskems and other offerings.
The second- and third-kala puja, performed by His Holiness Vijayendra Saraswathi, are archana pujas.
As with His Holiness Jayendra Saraswathi, His Holiness Vijayendra Saraswthi is well and productively engaged: be it performing the pujas or discussing the standard/quality of learning of the students in the vedic schools under the direction of the Shankara Mutt (in the view of His Holiness, there was some need to tighten the standards) or presiding over the patti-manram (dialectic debate) regarding the richness of Ramayana and Mahabharata epics or attending to the large correspondence to the Mutt.
I also noticed that the Mutt operations both in Kancheepuram and Kalavai have been more streamlined and tightened.
I went with only one goal: to visit with my spiritual counselor, guide and guru, His Holiness Jayendra Saraswathi. I was immensely delighted with my visit – as always, He treated me with compassion, kindness, love and empathy.
But I was even more pleased to learn and observe that both Their Holiness and the Mutt are full of hope, spirituality and optimism. There is at once both an abiding sense of uplifting calm and a deep productive energy.
His Holiness visits Kanipakkam, Chitoor
His Holiness Pujyasri Jayendra Saraswathi Swamiji visited Kanipakkam, near Chitoor, in Andhra Pradesh, and offered prayers at the Sri Vinayaka Temple, on the 25th of May, 2005. His Holiness was welcomed with traditional Poornakumbham by the priests and temple authorities. He blessed the assembled devotees and gave a discourse
My visit to Chennai and Kalavai
by Krishnan
It was not in my agenda when I visited Chennai. At about 4:00 pm on Sunday, the 8th of May, I accidentally read a small advertisement in Dinamalar. It was about Sankara Jayanthi celebrations at Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan and that Periyava would bless all. When I rushed to the place in Mylapore, the hall was packed to capacity and overflowing. I could not enter through any of the main doors, both in the ground and 1st floors. Finally I managed to enter through a small door in the 1st floor. The view of the stage as well as Periyava’s speech were fantastic. He spoke only about Adi Sankara. It was left to oneself, to draw parallels between Adi Sankara and our Periyava. At the end of the meeting, there was fulfillment in the air along with the reverberations of ‘Jaya Jaya Sankara Hara Hara Sankara’.
On Tuesday, 10th May, I had the opportunity to receive the blessings of Shri Periyavaa and Shri Bala Periyavaa at Kalavai.
The Periyavaas seemed highly energetic. I understand that a lot of grass-root level charitable activities are under way. A lot of interaction were taking place between the Periyavaas and various groups of local people, during the day.
I saw more crowd this time, though it was a week day. The first Kala Pooja was performed by Periyavaa and Bala Periyava performed the other two. Pooja was over by 2:00 pm. Both the Perivaas were giving dharshan and talking to visitors beyond 3:30 pm.
I wanted to take pictures of both the Periyavals together. And my day was made.
Look at the radiance in Periyava’s eyes, in the accompanying photographs.
I could sense auspicious events happening soon in the Matham.
Visit to Kalavai
Hara Hara Shankara Jaya Jaya Shankara
The holy darshan of a Guru becomes possible to one, only if the Guru Himself chooses and blesses him. I would like to narrate how it happened so in my case.
Yes, Sri Periyava appeared in my dream three times, showered his blessings and called me to Kalavai. With His Grace, accordingly we made plans and myself and my son reached Chennai on the 15th April. The next early morning we left for Kalavai in a private taxi.As we were reaching Kalavai, the road branching towards the holy place of Sri Periyava inspired us with fresh air and a unique serene atmosphere.
At the entrance of the Brindavan, a friendly security guard directed us to the location where Sri Periyava was performing Sri Chandra Mouleeswara Puja.When we entered, Sri Periava was doing milk abeshekam to Sri Chandramouleesawara. The small hall, with roughly thirty devotees was vibrating with veda mantra.
My whole body was electrified to see Sri Periyava; His periodical kadaksham at the devotees nurtured our spirit to a higher level of enhancement.The puja lasted for nearly three hours and in between we went to have dharsan of Sri Bala Periyava.
Sri Balperyiyava was chanting veda mantra along with few other disciples. I was wondering within myself if I were seeing Shri Adi Sankara Himself sitting with his disciples!!
After the puja both the Periyavas spent time talking to each and every devotee, enquiring and blessing one and all. We were all enveloped by their radiance, thejas and super-natural vibrations interspersed with innocent smile now and then.
Sri Bala Periyava enquired about all devotees in Singapore, and more on sath sang activities going on there. Totally, I was able to spend about forty golden minutes with both Periavas, which is indeed a rare blessing to enjoy and cherish for ever. I am deeply moved to recollect how our family is time and again steered by Their Grace and Blessings in every walk of our life.It is my anxious request to those living abroad; please do not miss the opportunity to have darshan and Blessings of Their Holiness whenever you happen to go to India.
Balasubramanian J, Singapore
Sri Periyaval and Sri Bala Periyaval’s pictures and videos
One of Sri Periyaval’s devotees who resides abroad was lucky to witness Sri Periyaval’s first visit to the Mutham since the arrest, in the early hours of March 28th. Sri Periyaval did archanai at the Brindaavanam of Sri Maha Periyaval. After the deeparardhanai, He proceeded to Sri Kaamakshi Amman Kovil where he did paal abhishekam to Amman with 108 kodams of paal. On the way to the temple, he stopped at a Sivan Kovil. On March 31st, Sri Periyavaal went to Orikkai directly from the Kanchipuram court, after receiving the chargesheet. The devotee was in Kanchipuram doing pada poojai at Sri Maha Periyaval’s Brindaavanam at that time. He joined Sri Periyaval and went to Orikkai with Him. The devotee was able to take pictures and videos of that holy event.
He has gladly shared all the videos and pictures of the events on the 28th and the 31st. In his excitement, he forgot to re-set the date and time to Indian time. Also, some of the videos were taken by someone who did not realise that it was not a still picture and has turned the camera. As a result the videos are not oriented correctly. We think however, that the devotees will not mind any of these inconveniences when compared to their pleasure at watching these wonderful pictures and videos.
The devotee was also able to take pictures of Sri Bala Periyaval in Chennai.These have also been made available to you. These videos have been loaded on an X-drive.
Please click on this link to download the videos and pictures. http://www.kanchiforum.org/interesting/video.htm
Sri Jayendra Saraswathi Swamigal blesses the devotees – “Pray to Ishta Daivatha and be happy/blessed”
[ Translated from www.dinamalar.com ]Kalavai:
Kanchi Acharya Sri Jayendra Saraswathi Swamigal has asked the people to pray to their Ista Daivatha (personal God) and be happy / blessed.
Sri Acharya, currently staying in Kalavai, has been visiting the temples near that area and getting the darshan of the Deities in the temples. Since the day before yesterday [23rd March, 2005] was Pradosham day [sacred to Lord Shiva], the Acharya visited the Shiva temple near Kalavai and had darshan of the Shiva deity.
Yesterday, the Acharya visited the ‘Sri Kaligaambal’ temple, where he was given the traditional ‘Poorna Kumbham’ welcome by the temple authorities. After the ‘darshan’ of the Goddess, the Acharya blessed the devotees assembled there. In his blessing the Acharya said:
“God Shiva, who is in Kailash is blessing all of us. God Shiva is present in all forms in all the places and is blessing all of us all the time. Every family prays to two forms of God – the Ishta Daviatha [Personal God] and Kula Daivatha [Family God]. Similarly, everyone must pray to the form of God that appeals to them the most and be happy and blessed.” After blessing the devotees with the above words, the Acharya visited the Naagathamman temple and prayed there.
Sri Acharya is continuing his temple visits today also [26th March]. He is scheduled to visit several temples in and around the Valajapettai area. The Acharya will be visiting Vinayagar temple, Karumaari Amman temple, Iyappan temple, Sri Rama bhaktha Hanuman temple, Amman temple in the Pelliappa Nagar area.
The Acharya is also scheduled to visit the Yendhira Saanishvarar temple in the Thiru Yeari Kuppam village near Aarani in the Thiruvannamalai district on the 28th of this month.
The Acharya, who observed ‘Mouna Vritham’ [Vow of silence] for two months, has recently started visiting several temples. He is also giving spiritual discourses to the devotees in the temples that he visits. The devotees of the Acharya are delighted by this development.
Pournami pooja: The ‘pournami pooja’, done every full-moon day, was conducted at the Kalavai Ashram today [25th March]. Sri Acharya has been conducting various poojas and yagyas daily for the welfare of the people. Yesterday, after the Acharya completed his regular ‘Chandra Mouleeshwarar pooja’, Veda Parayanam [chanting of Vedas] followed. After this, the Acharya performed the ‘Pournami pooja’. More than 100 devotees took part in the pooja.
Darshan of Periyavaal at Kalavai
Suddenly, the world seemed peaceful, and everything was OK again!! The Acharya was performing the Chandramouleeswara poojai, the devotees were there in numbers, the matham functionaries were at work, the Acharya was giving darshan and meeting one-on-one with devotees, the scholars were chanting vedas, free bhojans were served to devotees. Just two differences - the location was Kalavai (and not Kanchi), and the Bala Periyavaa was not there.
I was planning to go to India in June, and have darshan of our dharmagurus; but business requirements forced me to travel earlier in February, 2005. I was overjoyed, happy and looked forward to the trip. I planned to drive from Chennai to Kalavai on Sunday, February 13th, and then go on to Bangalore for a business visit.
As the day approached, I became nervous. How would our Guru be? Will he see us and talk to us? How would the devotees be? Will there be the intimidating presence of the oppressive police force? How will I react when I see the Acharya? If he decides to talk to me, what will I say?
As our car sped from Chennai towards Vellore on the newly laid highway, we stopped for 'ilaneer' and asked the vendor where Kalavai was. He casually pointed to the next intersection, and said "left-la thirumbungo, anga ketta solluvanga". As we turned left, we saw an non-descript sign pointing to Kalavai. Another 20 minutes or so, we were in Kalavai village. A right turn later, I saw the brindavanam on the right. A very small campus protected by a short 5-foot wall. There was no sign of police anywhere near. We parked opposite the entrance near the school, changed into our veshti, removed the upper garments and chappals, and approached the security. The security person just looked at us, and respectfully waved us in. As we entered the matham, someone there showed us the way to a small hall where about 150 devotees were crammed in. On the other side of the screen, I was told, the Acharya was performing the poojai, and that the screen will open for the deepa-aradhanai. After a brief wait, the screen opened, and there he was - sitting majestically, concentrating, and performing the deepa-aradhanai. He briefly turned to scan the group of devotees, then the screen closed again for the next phase of poojai. While that was going on, a group of devotees started performing the paada poojai in another corner of the hall.
My brother and I left the hall, and went around the brindavanam. A group of vedic scholars and students were chanting vedic hymns in a makeshift pandhal. Food was being served to devotees round the clock. Volunteers could be seen working all over the place. The Kalavai mutt is not equipped for a prolonged stay of the Acharyas and for the influx of so many devotees. You could see construction going on, and maintenance crews scurrying around. Power surges and power cuts happened often. Pottable water is a problem too. The compound wall was too low and did not offer any privacy from police and mediamen who prowl around whenever any high-profile visitor comes visiting. Bricks were being unloaded to raise the height of the compound wall.
We also spoke with the Acharya's aides and offered to help and assist in any way we could. We discussed a couple of community efforts that will leave an impact in a place like Kalavai.
We did not want to leave the mutt before prostrating at the feet of the Acharya and getting his blessings. As we walked around the premises back to the main hall, we found a quiet line of devotees, and Periyavaa was sitting in a small room, meeting and blessing each devotee. Periyavaa was observing mouna vratam, but was listening intently to what the devotees had to say, and giving suitable directions to his aides. Looking at Him as he was sitting, smiling and blessing, I felt funny that I am praying to Him for His own safety and well-being.
Our turn came, and a smiling Periyavaa beckoned to my brother and me to come near him. I stood there, with my palm covering my nose and mouth, and within a couple of feet from our Guru. When I made eye-contact with Periyavaa, I could just not talk. As I stood there transfixed, my brother introduced us, discussed the projects (we had talked about with His aides), and offered to anything that He would bid us to do. Periyavaa smiled, gave suitable instructions to his aides, and blessed us even as we prostrated before him. He gave us a book (with excerpts of MahaPeriyavaa's teachings), with viboothi, kumkumam and kalkandu. Seeing him, and seeing him smile suddenly lightened the burden of the events of the past 3 months. I kept looking at Him, and kept closing my eyes, trying hard to retain the image in my mind's eye. Now, 15 days later and 10000 miles away, I can close my eyes, and see Him smiling and blessing.
Valmiki P. Raghunathan
Atlanta, GA, USA
Chennai Camp:
His Holiness Sri Bala Periyaval arrived at Sri Lakshmi Kamakshi Nilayam on 11 February 2005 - an auspicious Tai velli - Friday of the Tamil month Tai. On arrival, His Holiness performed Go dhanam. Ganga Jal abhishekam was performed to His Holiness. Following this, Veda Parayanam commenced in the Mandapam of the temple. More than a dozen young boys and scholars took part, along with His Holiness, in this exercise of chanting the entire Vedas in the next few weeks.
His Holiness has advised all devotees to do Pradharkshanam(circ ambulation) of the Arasa maram, where ever possible and as many times possible, everyday before 8.30 am in the morning.
19 Feb 2005 – By a devotee -
As one enters the Lakshmi Kamakshiamman temple at Chennai, there is a little Durga alcove to the left and a Kalabhairavar niche on the right. Directly ahead is a raised frontyard of the temple - covered. Dozen or boys and some elders were chanting the Vedas, in the presence of His Holiness Bala Periyaval.
Devotees were sitting in silence.
A young boy, perhaps four or five years of age, was sitting with his father, was alternating between playful prancing and resting on his father's lap in weariness. Bala Periyaval flicked a gesture to someone, who hurried and gave a banana to the boy. The boy accepted it with a smile, and looked at the ladies section on the left, perhaps at his mother...
Around 8:15 or so, Abhisheka of Kamakshi Amman commenced. Devotees clanged the temple bell with much aplomb - it felt so good to be there. The Garbhagraha seems to be modelled along the lines of Kamakshi Amman temple at Kanchipuram - Sri Chakra meru in front of the Vigraha of Goddess.
The temple itself surprises one with the number of little shrines. There is Ardhanareeswara on the side of the Garbha graha, a Vishnu icon nearby. Outside in left-back corner there is a shrine of Ashwatha-Ganapathi, a shrine built at the foot of an Ashwatha tree (the Peepal tree known botanically as Ficus religiosa ) - perhaps the Sthala Vruksha.
Next to that is a small shrine of Bangaru Kamakshi. On the lfet side of this shrine is a shrine of Shyamala Devi. Adjacent is a shrine of Purna-Pushkala-sametha-Dharma Shasta. And in the right-back corner is a shrine of Adi Shankara Bhagawatpada.
On the right of the front yard is the shrine that houses the utsava moorthis - ceremonial icons - of Vaani, Ramaa, Utsava Kamakshi. Reminds one of the name from Lalita Sahasranaama, "Sachaamara Ramaa-Vaani Savya Dakshina Sevita".
The chant of the Vedas was reverberating in the temple.
Bala Periyaval, with a gentle gesture, asked one of the devotees to come nearer. It turned out that the person hailed from a family affiliated with Rig Veda, and Bala Periyaval wanted him to absorb the chants which were from the Rig Veda. The devotee, a modern young man with perhaps an engineering degree and no Vedic grounding, was visibly moved as he soaked in the ambience.
An elderly man, sitting in the sands, and leaning on the temple periphery wall, seemed transported to the comfort of years-ago, as he absent-mindedly played with little stones, throwing them up in the air and catching them on the back of his hand...
Another elderly devotee who had come from another corner of the country, was almost in tears, as he approached one of elder officials on attendace - wanting to pour out his woe....
In general, one could feel a silent 'grit' in the demenaour of those around.
As the session concluded at around 9:30 AM, devotees lined up to receive blessings, perhaps share a word or two, as His Holiness blessed each one silently - being in a mood of extraordinary inwardness.
When he stood up, he looked so much like the picture of the great sage of yesteryears, Sri Sadasiva Brahmendra - oblivious of the robes of the world.
As he walked away, a lady started the chant, "Jaya Jaya Shankara", as all joined "Hara Hara Shankara"....
20 Feb Morning - By a devotee
Today they completed Parayana of Rig Veda. This was an experiece to savour, the young Veda students, their teachers and Bala Periyava - chanting in unision. Different Mantra sets, as seen by different Rshis, extolling different Devas - to Indra, Yama, Vishwa Deva, Agni, Soorya...what a treasure...The chant was like a powerful locomotive surging ahead - one moment of distraction would leave the listener 'miles' behind as the Mantras forged their way throgh the cosmos, like Matali driving the chariot of Indra. As they came to end of Rig Veda Parayana, the pitch became higher, the decibels stronger, the momentum like a team of rowers powering the boat in the last leg of a race. What a crescendo!
By the way, noticed shrines (niches) that one had missed. There was one for Somaskanda, one for Annapoorni (right behind the temple), one each for Vaaraahi and Aroopa Lakshmi (just like in Kanchi Kamakshi temple), a big Ganesha (Sowbhagya Ganapati) and a smaller Santana Ganapathi...
One young boy came and chanted a chapter from Bhagavad Gita, holding the pomegranate fruit prasaadam very carefully in his cupped hands, with Bala Periyaval graciously joining him in the chanting. It was Chapter IV - the one with "yada yada hi dharmasya...." and "paritraanaya...". He was rewarded with a silver coin by Periyava. A young lady sang a kriti on Paramacharya and the lineage - with deep bhaavaa.
With the goshala behind, and Go pooja in the temple, it was a lovely setting this Sunday morning at Chennai.
They begin Yajur Veda this afternoon.
Jaya Jaya Shankara, Hara Hara Shankara
Miracle coconut in Kalavai
This was the first coconut that was broken while preparing modakas for
Ganapathi Homam. This is unique for two reasons: first because it is equivalent to a
twin. Second, it has a shape that resembles Ganapathi. A miracle coconut!
His Holiness giving darshan
I am based in Mumbai and I planned a full day trip just to meet my Guru.
I went to Kalavai with 2 of my sisters on Wednesday. We left at 4:30 am from Chennai by road and reached Brindavanam at 7:30 am. Based on various reports in this forum and elsewhere, we carried Rice, Tur Dal(tuvaram paruppu), vegetables and fruits. We were the first visitors for the day. The security at the gate informed us not to carry camera. Otherwise, no checks, no frisking. They were very polite, like how it used to be at Kanchi Matam earlier.Periyava was inside the Brindavanam, Samavedam chanting by about 10 young boys ( I guess they study at the veda patashala) was going on. When it was over, Periyava came out at 8:30 and was walking towards us. We did sashtanga namaskaram. We did not know what to tell him. We were the only three there. After a few seconds I managed to get my composure back. We introduced ourselves and asked him what he wanted the bhaktas to do and that everyone was concerned. Using gestures and lip movements, he said: “Bhaghavanai Prarthanai Pannungo” (Pray to God). We could not hear him, like how Paramacharya used to be. I found his eyes more powerful than ever before.
He gave us Kunkumam prasadam, blessed us and walked away while we were still wondering what happened.
We were waiting for the Chandramouleeswara Puja. In the meantime, around 9:30 am, a group of about 20 Pundits started a Homam just outside the Brindavanam. They had made a make-shift Homam Pandal of 40 feet by 40 feet. This was where Homam was being performed in the last 4 days. This went on till about 12:30 pm.
While we were waiting for the Puja hall to be opened, a sishya of Upanyasahar Keeran started reciting slokas and Bhajans and we participated in the same and it was quite an experience. By now there were about 50 people waiting to see the Puja. Unfortunately, we could not watch the Puja that day since there was another homam inside the pooja hall. I presume it was Periyaval’s janma nakshatram day and the homam was for that.
Periyava came out and visited the Homam site. He spent about ½ hour there completing the process with the Kalpura aarthi. All the devotees were there along with Him.
We got the “Theertham” and then waited for His darshan. Periyava came out around 1 PM and gave his blessings to each individual. He gave Kunkumam Prasadam to every one and blessed them with his smile.
All of us very excited. Periyava was very cool, composed and cheerful throughout. It was a great experience, away from work on a week day!
We had a simple and excellent Matam Lunch.
Our heart goes to all those background players in the Matam, who make everything ‘happen normally’ in spite of all the difficulties.
Hara hara Sankara,
Krishnan
"His Holiness at the Parameshti Guru's adhistanam on 11-2-2005"
Special Homams in the Presence of the Acharya at Kalavai on February 7, 2005
Kalavai, February 7:
Learned vedic pundits performed several homams in the presence of His Holiness Sri Jayendra Saraswathi Swamigal at Kalavai on February 7, 2005. These were performed for overall welfare of people all over the world. Hundreds of devotees participated in the homams (havans).
Twenty scholars performed the following poojas:8:30 am:
- “Go” pooja. Followed by:
- Vigneswar Sankalpam
- OM Saravanabava Prarthana Homam
- Dhanvanthri Homam (to remove illnesses)
- Rudra Homam (General well being)4:00 pm:
PoornaahutiMeanwhle, the Acharya performed the trikala Chandra Mouleeswara Pooja as usual.
Several devotees are visiting the Brindavanams at Kalavai to seek the darshan and blessings of the Acharya. They come in droves by vans, cars, buses. Many take a lot of trouble to get here from their villages, changing several buses. The Acharya meets all of them, listens to them and give them His blessings and prasad.
A trip to Kalavai
My wife and I just returned after a short trip to Kalavai. Here is a report of the trip.
Our excitement was palpable as we approached Kalavai. We could have easily
missed the small board, which said ‘This way to the Brindavanam’. We turned
right and approached the Brindavanam. In our excitement, we overshot the place
and stopped in front of the Vridhasramam. We backtracked and arrived at the Brindavanam.The time was 7:00 am – exactly a three-hour drive from Chennai.
As we entered the gate, two polite security men checked the bags without any fuss. To the left was a small make shift office and to the right was a water tank. We washed our feet and moved further. Just a little ahead was an entrance to our left.
We entered the place and saw a few devotees seated on the floor. A few familiar faces greeted us. We went round the Brindavanam of the Guru & Parama Guru of the Mahaswami.
We settled down with our bags in a corner, awaiting the appearance of the Acharya. There was a narrow passage running north to south & we were in the southern end. To our left was the entrance to the Brindavanam. He emerged from His abode shortly thereafter and entered the Brindavanam. There were nearly a dozen pundits reciting Sama Veda, seated inside the Brindavanam. The Acharya settled down in a corner and spent the next 90 minutes meditating and listening to the chanting, as we waited outside.
Finally, we were told that we could approach Him inside to offer our prostrations. As we entered the Brindavanam and turned left to face Him, we were taken aback for a moment by what we saw. The Acharya was sitting on the floor with eyes closed wrapped in a red shawl. His face was radiant and peaceful. His posture was exactly like that of the Mahaswami.
We kept the fruits and prostrated in front of Him. He gave us a gentle nod in acknowledgment and we came out and waited for Him.
When He came out of the Brindavanam, the morning sun gently caressed His face, and His skin was glowing. His eyes were soft and He broke in to a gentle smile as He recognised us. Before we could say anything, He enquired about our daughter using hand gestures and lip movements. He did not speak, as He was observing silence. He then went on to enquire about my mother-in-law who was with us.
He met all the devotees and gave them prasad. Every one got a gentle nod, a simple eye contact and a generous smile as He slowly moved towards the small hall where He would be performing the Sri Chandramouleeswara Pooja.
The doors were closed for a short while and opened again at about 9:30 am for the Pooja. You could see the Pooja at close quarters and watch His every moment. He performed the pooja in a leisurely pace and we savoured every moment of it. The ‘palabhishekam’ was a treat to watch when He held a small vessel with a hole, over the Spatika Lingam; the milk came down in a neat single flow. (Avichinna Dhara, He had called it once). They closed the curtains after the abhishekam and opened them for the Deeparadhanai.
After the pooja He quickly finished His biksha and was back to meet the devotees, now sitting in the doorway to the pooja hall. There was a crowd of about 50 people. He met every single one and gave them prasad. He listened patiently as they spoke & poured their hearts out. You could see the empathy & intensity with which He listened to every one. Thereafter He retired for the afternoon – a short rest for about an hour before he would return to meet the new arrival of devotees.
We went around the entire set up during this time. Kalavai is a very small village and the Brindavanam is situated opposite to a school. The place is very quiet and peaceful. There was a gentle afternoon breeze as we walked towards the small structure housing the Patashala and the kitchen.
We read with interest small signage about rainwater harvesting. While there, we met a few of the devotees who were serving as volunteers. A doctor, chartered accountants and other professionals who have taken time off to be here at Kalavai, to be of service. In addition, there was the Mutt staff. You are struck by their dignity and poise. They were smiling, pleasant and helpful.
Since it was Friday He would be performing the pooja in the evening too.
We learn that the Acharya performs the trikala pooja every day and there are special poojas on Fridays, Pradoshams & Poornima Days.
His routine is simple. He keeps His vow of silence and all His communication is through gestures.
We visited the Brindavanam on three days and had His Darshan on all three days.
As we took His leave on the third day afternoon, He gave us the prasad and blessed us. He made it a point to give separate prasad for our daughter, who had not accompanied us. His compassion moved us to tears.
He gave His most reassuring smile and a gentle nod as we moved back to give way to others.
On our way back to Chennai, we felt completely recharged just having had His Darshan.
This brief report does not do justice in any way to the way we felt right through. Yet we felt it important to share this with everyone who is eager to know about His well-being.
Some how His being there in Kalavai seemed so nice. The place where His guru took up sanyasa asrama. Where His Guru’s guru & Parama Guru were showering their benign blessings.
- A devotee
You will find here various advertisements that appear from time to time in support of our Periyavaal and the Kanchi Mutt. The advertisements appear alphabetically by country of publication
India
Tirupathi Kalyana Utsav in Mumbai
Lord Srinivasa, SriDevi, Bhudevi and Sri Sudharshanar (Utsava Moorthies)
from Tirumala were brought in to Mumbai by road by a newly bought van
of Sri Matam and were available for Darshan at the nearby SIES complex.
Sri Seetharaman Mama and Sri GK Mama of Kanchi Mutt must be
specially praised for their services of this. After Darshan, the deities
were decorated specially for the Kalyana Utsav and were brought to
the Bandra Kurla complex. The stage looked like a football ground with
so much of space. I took a detour and went to the complex
before the function started and took some pictures while the final preparations
were going on. The Executive Officer of TTD Sri Sharma, IAS and his wife were received by Sri V. Shankar.
H.H. attended the Pradosha Puja at Shankara Mutt and then reached the complex. He was welcomed with a Poorna Kumbham and was brought to the stage by the local executives and TTD executives. Governor Krishna came a little later. After seeking Blessings from H.H. Sri Seshadri of Tirupathi started the proceedings with the priests who came from TTD. Sri Damal Ramakrishnan was the MC and did an excellent job in explaining the importance of the Kalyana Utsav. Sri Sharma narrated how the deities have been taken over India and soon abroad (Detroit is going to have it first). He also said that there is a misconception that the original Utsava Moorthies are taken out of Tirumala but that was not the case. A replica of the original Utsava Moorthies have been made and after formal prayers, they have been taken across the country and for the first time to Mumbai, thanks to SIES.
The function started with Annamacharya's keerthanies (as he was the first one to take Lord Srinivasa around the country and did Kalyana Utsav in his period) and at every stage of the Kalyanam. All the devotees also took Sankalpam for the Kalyanam. After the Mangalya Dharanam and exchange of Garlands, special Harati was performed. It was a Divine sight to see during Harati, H.H. with Lord Srinivasa, Sridevi and Bhudevi amongst the hundreds of thousands of devotees chanting Govinda, Govinda!
Sri V. Shankar and the entire team of dedicated volunteers including SIES school and college children did a magnificent job in getting this Herculean task done very nicely. The seating and parking arrangements, distribution of Laddu Prasadams to everyone and the big screen display of the function to the entire crowd of few lakhs is not a small job. Thank You organizers. In the picture album, you will see some of the key and important volunteers. A separate link will be sent for the video clippings
After Varanasi trip, H.H. arrived at Matunga Shankara Mutt on the evening of December 1. He was given a grand reception by the local devotees and committee members of various other temples and organizations. The devotees from other states also came for the Darshan of H.H. and also for the special Srinivasa Kalyana Utsav. A special Harati was performed and H.H. gave Darshan for the all the devotees. After the welcome address by the President of the Shankara Mutt, H.H. gave an Anugraha Bashanam. H.H. toured around the Mutt and it was very difficult to see H.H. climbing up and down on the steep steps. Link to the video clippings of HH Mumbai visit will be posted separately.
Nagpur Shatabdi Pictures - 23rd November 2006
13th Aradhana of H.H. Sri Chandrasekarendra Saraswati
Maha Swamigal at New Jersey.
Please visit the following links for latest photos from Sri Matam
http://www.kanchiforum.org/forum/viewtopic.php?p=20476#20476
The above link has the Shatabdi and Aradhana Celebrations across
the world
Namaskarams. Happy Holidays!
We came across a very good write up about the significance of Tirupathi
and about the Srinivasa Kalyana Utsavam that was recently celebrated
in Mumbai, India. All the sequences that have been explained on the write
up in samples as video clippings and the same have been posted on the link shown at the top and bottom of the PDF document. Please enjoy reading the write up and watching the video clippings.
Click here to download the document.We Pray for all of us a Very Happy, Prosperous and Healthy New Year 2007!
13th Aradhana Photos from Kanchi
Dear All:
Om Sri Gurubhyo Namaha
On this 13th Aradhana day (December 17th 2006) of Maha Swamiji,
Kanchi Forum is pleased to bring the video clippings taken at Kanchi,
Nagpur, Varanasi and at Mumbai during Kalyana Utsav
(during His Holiness tour) Hope you enjoy watching the same.
Jaya Jaya Sankara! Hara Hara Sankara!http://www.kamakotidevotees.org/media/kanchimahan/
Kanchi Acharyas shall be performing Navarathi Pooja
at Kanchipuram.During the Navarathri celebrations at Kanchipuram, several musicians
will be honoured.23 Sep 06 Vocal Concert by Sri Dr. Sirkazhi G Sivachidamabaram
24 Sep 06 Saxophone concert by Sri Kadri S Gopalnath
25 Sep 06 Vocal Concert by Sri R Suryaprakash
26 Sep 06 Vocal concert by Sri Sriram Gangadharan
27 Sep 06 Vocal concert by Neyveli Sri Santanagopalan
28 Sep 06 Violin duet by Sri Ganesh- Sri Kumaresh
29 Sep 06 Mandolin duet by Sri U Srinivas, Sri U Rajesh
30 Sep 06 Veena concert by Sri Rajesh Vaidya
1 Oct 06 Saraswathi Puja day - The Sangeeta Murthi Festival will be held and several leading musicians will participate in a group concert. The programme will be held in the benign presence of Pujyasri Acharya Swamijis. Several artists and musicians will be honored on the occasion.
2 Oct 06 Vijayadasami Day – Sri Kamakshi Ambal Golden Chariot procession will take place at 7.30 pm in Sri Kamakshi Amman Temple. Nadaswaram/ Mangalavadyam concert will be held.- “Dharma Rakshana – for those who want to support the cause” -
Sri Kanchi Kamakoti Peetam released a full-page advertisement in leading newspapers early in December 2004 to provide clarifications on the issues concerning the Acharya's arrest.
Well-known media columnists, political analysts and legal experts had expressed strong opinions about how the case must be handled to ensure a fair trial. People had also expressed strong views about the role of the media in this issue. It was important to know what the 'common man' felt about these issues. Hence we put together a simple poll for 'Campaign for Dharma', and invited participation at the website www.kanchi-sathya.org
The poll featured just three statements asked participants agree or disagree1. This case must be shifted out of Tamil Nadu if you must get justice
2. This case must be tried by a special court to accelerate verdict in a just manner
3. The media must adopt a self regulatory code of conduct and stop such trial by media
In addition participants provided simple profile information about themselves.
We received 14,264 responses over a period of 8 days. Out of these responses we ruthlessly removed all the duplicate entries and invalid e mail ids. Thus we arrived at a nett base of 9826 participants to the poll.
We did not make the poll results public till date. You can now have the complete report and an analysis of the results. Click here to read the report
Mahaswami's Room On Top
Sri Bala Periyavaal instructed Krishnan to take a look at the room used by Sri Mahaperiyavaal for his periods of solitude. The room is in bad shape. The Shatabdi trust is desirous of restoring this room without losing its quaintness. Suggestions are welcome on restoration of this very unique room situated on top of the Kumbakonam Sankara Mattham. For more pictures click here
Sankara Hospital Judgment – High Court at Madras
"Discriminative standards have been applied by the State Government, in declining to grant essentiality certificate to the petitioner's college"
"Attempting to stifle activities of the Trust"
"State Government is only looking for some excuse or other to reject the application of the Petitioner."
"The decision of the State Government to decline the Essentiality Certificate is wholly arbitrary and illegal."
Click here to read the detailed Judgment issued by the Honourable Judge Mrs. Justice Prabha Sridevan,dated 13.4.2006
"When a Saint of the stature of Sri Jayendra Saraswathi is slandered, it is the sacred tradition of Advaita Vedanta, the highest light of humanity, that is slandered. When the Kanchi Kamakoti Peetham is attacked, Sanatana Dharma, the root religion of all that deserves to be called religion, is attacked. In South Africa they have a beautiful saying: People are people because of other people. Transposed to the context we are concerned with, the proverb is laden with hope. It means that if a few start taking the responsibility to act rightly, even in little ways, their action is bound to ripple and influence others, making the entire world a little more just, humane and peaceful - a return to the primeval and pristine religion: Sanatana Dharma."
To read more of what Dr. Farokh Merat has to say about the Kanchi Case and the BBC's withdrawl of an offending article on the Shankaracharya, please go to:
BBC withdraws Offending Article on Shankaracharya:
http://www.indiacause.com/columns/OL_060318.htm
REMEMBERING A SAINT: (From left) Sri Jayendra Saraswathi Swamiji of Kanchi Kamakoti Peetham, Sri Rangapriya Maha Desikendra Swamiji of Ashthanga Yoga Vignana Mandiram, Sri Ganapathy Sachidanada Swamiji of Avadootha Datta Peetham and Sri Vidhya Prasa nna Thirtha Swamiji of Kukke Subramanya Sri Math at the centenary celebration of the peetharohana of Sri Chandrasekharendra Saraswathi, Paramacharya of the Kanchi Kamakoti Peetham, in Bangalore on Sunday. — Photo: V. Sreenivasa Murthy
[ Source: The Hindu ]
DISCOURSE ON MAHASWAMIGAL IN SINGAPORE
Sri Kanchi mutt devotees invites you for a discourse on Avathara Purusha in Sri Mahaperiyava in Tamil by Sow. Poornimaji in connection with Sri Kanchi Mahaswami Peetarohana Shatabdi Mahotsav.
Date : April 27 -29, 2006
Venue : Sakthi Vilas, 1003-1005 Serangoon Road ( Opp Bendemeer School, Car Park : Euro Asia Apartment car park) Singapore 328170.
Ph.No: 63963202.
Time -7.15 PM to 8.45 PM.
At the end of the program prasadam will be distributed . Please RSVP by mail or phone to Sri.Balasubramanian at 98250995 .
Hara Hara Sankara Jaya Jaya Sankara
K S Venkataraman
Editor & PublisherNitya Kalyan, Chennai
29-07-05
Dear devotees,
Pranams.
A spiritual monthly magazine in English, by name Nitya Kalyan, is being brought out under the auspices of Sri Kanchi Kamakoti Peetam.
Nitya Kalyan’s objectives are inter alia to strive for spreading knowledge on Vedic Culture, Devotional Literature, True Values of Life, Principles of Self Development, Yoga and so on. It also works for highlighting the importance of the common bond of Vedic Heritage among all sections of the Hindus and for establishing more adhesiveness among them. Mainly it is addressed to youngsters and all those in India and abroad who could understand our culture, religion, philosophy and literature better in English.
Pujyasri Jagadguru Sri Jayendra Sarasvati Swamigal and Pujyasri Jagadguru Sri Sankara Vijayendra Sarasvati Swamigal released the first issue of Nitya Kalyn on 23 October 2004 (Vijayadasami Day) at Madurai.
Pujyasri Jagadguru Sri Jayendra Sarasvati Swamigal released a poster requesting all devotees to subscribe for the magazine Nitya Kalyan on 25th July 2005 at Tirupati, where both the Acharyas are staying now for chaturmasya vrata. Two photographs on this occasion are sent herewith for the information of devotees.
Nitya Kalyan is a sacred mission rather than just another magazine. All the devotees are requested to subscribe for Nitya Kalyan and support this kainkaryam.
Those who want to subscribe for Nitya Kalyan may send their subscription forms to Sri K S Venkataraman, Editor and Publisher, Nitya Kalyan, 203/1 (Old 109) Arcot Rd, Vadapalani, Chennai, 600026 India or to any of the following devotees in charge of liaison.
Sri K Guruvayurappan, 502, Justin Way, Neshanic Station, New Jersey, 08853 USA (Ph: 908 369 1644)
Smt Bhuvaneswari Venkataraman, 1406 Constellation Dr, Allen TX 75013 USA (Ph: 469 323 6878)
Sri Kamesh M Sundaram, 4810 John St, Beamsville, Ontario, Canada, LOR IB4 (Ph: 905 563 9478)
Prof N M Sundaram, 63, Cliff Road, Eping, NSW 2121, Australia (Ph: 02 9617 0852)
For further details on Nitya Kalyan please visit www.nityakalyan.com or contact:
Sri K S Venkataraman, 203/1 Arcot Road, Vadapalani, Chennai – 600026. (Ph. 044-52133742) (cell: 93810 29285)
Email: venkataramanks@nityakalyan.com or venkataramanks7@yahoo.com
With Kind regards,
K S Venkataraman
Wanted translation help
The inaugural function of the Sri Kanchi Mahaswami Peetarohana Shatabdi Mahotsav went off very well in Mumbai.
All the publications brought out by the Shatabdi Mahotsav Trust were very well received by ardent devotees of the Mahaswami.
However there is still work to finish and we need help.
Voice of God
1. Tamil to English – Volumes 1, 2, 3 4 & 5 are ready. Volumes 6 & 7 are expected to be ready by May 31, 2006,
2. Hindi – Volume 1 is ready. All other volumes are expected to be ready by June 30, 2006
3. Marathi – Volumes 1 & 2 are ready. All other volumes are expected to be ready by June 30, 2006
4. Bengali – work on translation have started. We expect all 7 volumes to be ready by September 30, 2006
5. Telugu - work on translation have started. We expect all 7 volumes to be ready by September 30, 2006We need translators to work on the following languages for the seven volumes:
1. English to Gujarati
2. English to Oriya
3. English to Assamese
4. Tamil/English to Malayalam
5. Tamil/English to KannadaGems from the Paramacharya
We have the Gems from the Paramacharya available now in
1. English
2. Tamil
3. Hindi
4. MarathiWe need translators to work on translations from English to:
1. Telugu
2. Bengali
3. Gujarati
4. Oriya
5. Assamese
6. Malayalam
7. KannadaWe invite translators to get in touch with the Shatabdi Mahotsav Trust immediately thhrough e mail:
contact@srikanchimahaswami100.org
Please mark ‘Translations’ in the subject line. In case you know of some one who can help us in any of these languages please send us their contact information.
Prayer meeting in Chennai on November 11, 2005
Devotees in Chennai will be having a day of prayer on November 11, 2005
Time: From 9:30 am to 9.30 pm
Location: Ayodhya Mandapam, Arya Gowda Road, West Mambalam,
Chennai 600033, Tamil Nadu, INDIA.H.H. Sri Jayendra Saraswathi Swamiji would most likely join the devotees at Ayodhya Mandapam, on 11/11, for a brief period, during the Prayer Meeting.
Wanted: Volunteers for an extraordinary project
February 13, 2006. It is a date that every devotee of Sri. Kanchi Kamakoti Peetam must look forward to. It marks the beginning of 100 years of the Mahaswami’s Sanyasa Sweekaranam and ascension to pontifical seat of the revered Sri. Kanchi Kamakoti Peetam. A rarity in the 2500-year history of the Kanchi Mutt.
To commemorate this rare event several activities are being planned by devotees across the world. The project that crowns everything else is the ‘Voice of God’ project launched in Mumbai yesterday with the blessings of the Acharyas.
The Voice of God Project is an ambitious project seeking to translate all the seven volumes of ‘Deivathin Kural’ in to English and several Indian languages like Hindi, Gujarati, Marathi, Bengali, Assamese, Oriya, Telugu, Malayalam and Kannada. Each volume of Deivathin Kural is over a 1000 pages long.
The deadline for getting printed copies ready is January 14, 2006. To meet this deadline our translations must be ready by October 15, 2005. Our immediate attempt is to translate the works into English, which could be used as a base for other languages.
We need a team of translators who can translate Tamil to English and subsequently from English to the other languages mentioned above.
If you are keen to participate in this ‘mahayagnya’ through your translation work, please write immediately to R. Sridhar, Mumbai at vijisri@vsnl.com .Clearly mention Voice of God project in your subject line.
This requires several hours of dedicated work, every day. If you have the time, the inclination, the ability and a computer at your disposal, please get in touch immediately. (You could be located anywhere in the world)
We are also looking for volunteers in Mumbai/Chennai to be part of the project team to handle several other aspects like editing, proof reading, co-ordination, monitoring, liaising with printers etc. If you have experience in handling such work, please write
to R. Sridhar, Mumbai at vijisri@vsnl.com clearly mention Voice of God Project in the subject line.PS: Even if you are unable to participate in this directly, you could help by giving us the names of people who can. Feel free to write us the names of other language translators & editors who could help.
Deepavali Shuba Sandesham from Sri Periyaval
to download the audio message CLICK HERE
“Deepavali comprises of two words, ‘Deepa’ and ‘Avali.’ A single deepam removes darkness. During Deepavali, when many deepams are lit, a large amount of andhakaram is removed. Andhakaram has two meanings. One is darkness, the other is Agnyaanam (ingnorance.)
Similarly, the word “deepam” has two meanings. One is the light that is seen, the other is ‘Gnyaana deepam’. Lord Krishna states in the Gita, "Gyaana Deepena Bhaswatha". Just as we know that when a deepam is lit, it drives darkness away, in the same way, we should cultivate Gyaana Deepam (to drive agnyaanam away.)
Krishna created Deepavali when he killed Narakasura, the demon. Since the day Krishna killed Narakasura, the Lord started the Deepavali Prarthana which continues with people taking a morning bath, wearing new clothes, lighting deepams and celebrating happily.
Lord Krishna, who started the Deepavali Prarthana, also expounds in the Gitopadesam, "Gyaana Deepena Bhaswatha". How do we cultivate Gyaana Deepam? We do this by dwelling on the Lord Himself. Lord Krishna Himself is Gyaana Deepam incarnate. Lord Krishna is the author of the Gita and is Bhagwan himself. "Krishnastu Bhagawan Swayam." To dwell on the Lord is to attain the Gyaana Deepam. To read the Bhagavad Gita is to attain the Gyaana Deepam.
The concept of Deepavali is based in its Punya kaalam. When many people die, there is impurity or ashuddam. However, when Narakasura died, it marked the beginning of Punya kaalam. It became the equivalent of having a bath in the Ganges. Having a bath in the morning of the Deepavali day, is like having a bath in the Ganges. Just as all sins are washed away with a bath in the Ganges, so too, by having a bath on Deepavali day and dwelling on the Lord, all sins are washed away. So on this holy occasion, for all our devotees living in America, please dwell on Bhagawan and may all the prayers of elders, children, friends and relatives result in positive outcomes in a gradual manner and become successful. This is the Deepavali Shuba Sandesham.
Narayana, Narayana, Narayana.
We are spending Chaturmasyam at Tirupati. The Bhagawan is sitting atop the Seven (Edu) Hills. For those who have His darshan, all tears (edupu) will go away. There are two to three types of tears. One is mundane tears (Bhouteeka), the second is tears in the eyes, the third is tears in the heart (Manaseeka.) All tears (edupu) will go away with the Blessings of Edu Kondala Vasa (The Lord of Seven Hills). We are staying in that Kshetram and we will keep all of you in our mind. May your tears go away and may you live your lives in happiness. In Kaliyuga, we will dwell on LordVenkatesha and bless all of you.
Narayana, Narayana,Narayana.
Surya Grahanam - Solar Eclipse
Surya Grahanam - Solar Eclipse
3 October 2005• KETHU GRASTHA SURYA GRAHANAM (SOLAR ECLIPSE) will take place on 3 October 2005( Puratasi 17th) and will be visible in India.
• Amavasya Sraddha must be performed on the next day
• Upavasam (Fast) must be observed on the day of the eclipse and food must be taken only on the next day, after seeing the Sun
• People having Rohini, Hastham, Sravanam, Uthiram, Chithirai Nakshatras must perform Shanti
• Kanchipuram (Sun Set 5.45 pm)
Starting..... Mean..... End..... ..... Pramanam
4.26 pm..... 5.27 pm.. 6.22 pm.... .382
Sri Kanchi Kamakoti Peetam Kanchipuram
Navaratri Utsavam
4 October to 13 October 2005Their Holiness Jagadguru Pujyasri Jayendra Saraswathi Sankaracharya Swamiji and Pujyasri Sankara Vijayendra Saraswathi Sankaracharya Swamiji will perform Navaratri Puja in Tirupati from 4 October to 13 October 2005 at Sri Kanchi Kamakoti Peetam Maha Paduka Mandapam, Ramakrishna Marg, (Near Harekrishna Temple), Vinayak Nagar, Tirupati.
Trikala Abhisheka Puja will be performed to Sri Tripurasundari Sametha Sri Chandramouleeswara Swamy.
Sri Kanchi Kamakoti Peetam, Kanchipuram
Chandra Grahanam - Lunar Eclipse
17 October 2005• Rahu Grastha Parswa(Partial) CHANDRA GRAHANAM (LUNAR ECLIPSE) will take place on 17 October 2005 - Monday( Aipasi 1st).
• Poornima Sraddha must be performed on the next day
• Food may be taken before 9 am on the day of the eclipse.
• People belonging to Ayilyam, Kettai, Revathi, Uthirattadi, Aswathi Nakshatras should perform Shanti
• Chandrodayam (Moon Rise)- 5.44 pm
• Grahanam
Starting..... Mean.......... End Pramanam
5.10 pm.... 5.38 pm...... 6.05 pm 0.0599
A new trust – Dharma Rakkshana Trust has been formed and registered in Sri Kalasthi, Chittoor District, Andhra Pradesh, a few months ago.
This trust has been specifically formed with the object of ‘Dharma Rakshana’ and will cover various aspects of Dharma Paripalana, Prachara & Rakshana.
1. Specifically the trust will concern itself with issues relating to renovation and upkeep of small grameen(rural) temples that need urgent help and guidance.(Recently the Acharya gave Brass Lamps to 72 such temples on His Jayanthi)
2. Increasingly looking after elders who have no one for them is gaining in importance. Therefore establishing & maintaining Vridhasramams for elders, especially the destitutes needs immediate attention. The Trust will give this priority
3. In addition, the Trust will be involved in several religious activities to promote Dharma Paripalana, Prachara & Rakshana.This Trust does not have 80G tax exemption. As His Holiness observed “This is for those who want to support the cause; not for those looking for tax benefits.”
A separate bank account has been opened for the trust with Indian Bank, Sri Kalahasthi, and necessary applications are being made to the home ministry to get permission to receive funds from overseas devotees in Indian Rupees and in Foreign Currency. Once this is received the trust will make a separate announcement. Please note that until that time the trust can only receive funds in Indian Rupees remitted from within the country.Meanwhile all donations in rupees may be made as follows.
1. Cheques/drafts to be drawn in favour of ‘Dharma Rakshana Trust’ payable at Sri Kalahasthi
2. The cheques/drafts to be mailed to:
The Manager,
Dharma Rakshana Trust
Vriddasramam,
Sannidhi Street,
Sri Kalahasthi
Chittoor District,
Andhra Pradesh
Please forward queries if any regarding the trust to the webmaster@kanchi-sathya.org
- A not-to-be missed opportunity for devotees
128 Nityagnihotris (also called Aahitagnis) are assembling in Tirupathy on September 14, 15 & 16, 2005 under the auspices of Their Holinesses Sri Jayendra Saraswathy Swamigal & Sri Sankara Vijayendra Saraswathy Swamigal, the 69th and 70th Acharyas of Sri Kanchi Kamkoti Peetam, observing Chaturmasya Vrata.
These Nityagnihotris are a rare breed of fire worshippers and are amongst the very few of such worshippers left in India. They are coming together for the first time in this manner for three days. Many of the participating Nityagnihotris hail from families who have been Nityagnihotris for several generations.
They will carry on their daily Nityagnihotri prayers, and also perform special Ishtis for the well being of the whole world.
His Holiness Sri Jayendra Saraswathy Swamigal has directed that these Nityagnihotris must be well looked after during their visit to Tirupathy and participation in the Nityagnihotri Sadas.
Most of the Nityagnihotris are travelling with their Sahadarminis. Arrangements are being made for their travel and stay, and also to provide for their Swayampakam by providing necessary provisions etc.
Why you should be there on September 14, 15 & 16, 2005 at Tirupathy
It is indeed rare for any one of to come across a Nityagnihotri. Therefore, it is going to be an extra-ordinary event of a life time to witness 128 of them performing their dawn/dusk Agnihotri prayers. In addition, to be witness to their performing Ishtis (special prayers) and listening to their deliberations during the Sadas will be a great experience. You will also be the recipients of the Blessings of Lord Venkateswara, Lord Chandramouleeswara, the Acharyas and the Nityagnihotris.
If you find it difficult to be there for all three days, please try and be present at least for a day to witness the dawn/dusk prayers and the Ishti.
Only your presence is solicited
It is the desire and directive of His Holiness Sri Jayendra Saraswathy Swamigal that devotees should gather in large numbers to seek the blessings of the Nityagnihotris and participate in the Ishtis. He has directed that no special fund-raising should be undertaken for this event. Devotees should not feel under pressure to contribute anything. What is more important is their participation. Contributions should be and are entirely voluntary.
If you do feel strongly about wanting to contribute please write to chaturmasyam@kanchi-sathya.org for advice on how you can help.
You can also contact and get advice in person from
Mr. Krishnamurthy/Mr. Nagarajan,
Sri Maha Paduka Mandapam
Off. Kanchi Kamakoti Peetam,
Vinayak Nagar,
Near Hare Krishna Temple,
Tirupati - 517 507
Andhra pradesh
Tel : 0877 2235482Programme – September 14, 15, 16, 2005
Venue
The Nityagnihotri Sadas will be held at:
Sri Maha Paduka Mandapam
Off. Kanchi Kamakoti Peetam,
Vinayak Nagar,
Near Hare Krishna Temple,
Tirupati - 517 507
Andhra pradesh
Tel : 0877 2235482Daily Mornings
5:30am to 6:30am - Pratar Agni Hotram
8:30am to 1:00pm - Discussions on Agnihotra details And Desaachara practices
Daily Evenings
3:30pm to 5:30 pm - Discussions on Darsha and Pournamasa Ishti – Desachara Practices
5:30pm to 6:30 pm - Sayam Agnihotram
Special Programme on September 16, 2005
Felicitations to each Participating Aahitagni by His Holiness Sri Jayendra Saraswathy Swamigal
General Information
Nityagnihotris and Their Position in our Scriptures. ( by R Balakrishnan , member of the organizing committee of The Nityagnihotri Sadas )
“Vedo akhilo Dharma Moolam” according to Sanathana Dharma. The meaning of this verse is “ Vedas are the roots of all Dharma”. Vedas are also called as “Sruthi” because it has been transferred from the Guru to the Student through oral recitation and intent hearing. The Rig , Sama and the Yajur Vedas start with intent to expound Agni the god of fire. All through the texts , the main deity to whom most prayers are directed is again God Agni. The worshipping of Agni as per the injunctions in the Sruti ie. the Vedas is called Srauta Karma. ie Karmas ordained in the Sruti.
A person who is knowledgeable in performing this ritual as per Vedic injunctions is called a Srautin. Srauta Karmas are largely the Agni Hotra Worship , The Ishtis and the Soma Yagnas. Agni Hotra in general is worshipping Three Fires namely in the form of Brahma , Vishnu and Siva in specific shaped Agni Kundas ( fire places) , twice daily with the Brahma fire being kept burning for the life time of the worshipper. Such a person is called as an Agni Hotree.
The next higher level of Srauta Karma are the Ishtis. These are miniature Yagnas that are performed of the Prathama day ( ie the day after amavasya and the day after Paurnami) by the Agnihotri. These are called as Darsa and Paurnamasa Ishtis and are clled as Havir Yagnas .A person performing these are called as Havir Yajee. There are about 270 Ishtis that are specified to be performed to reap a specific benefit.
The third and the most complex Srauta Karma are the Soma Yagas. Agnistoma is the first among the seven Soma Yagnas. A person who does a Somayaga is called as a Somayajee. Vajapeya is one of the seven Soma Yagas too but the performer of this gets the title as Vajapayee as this is one of the most complex and elaborate Somayaga. There are certain Somayagas that are performed with the larger Yagnasala having a Eagle formation. All the prescribed procedures are carried out within this formation. A person who has performed these get the title Maha Agni Chit.
All the Srauta Karmas are meant for the benefit of the society at large. Though the individual who is involved in performing these gets a title as detailed above, the benefits of these are actually reaped by the society. It is required of a person who performs these Srauta Karma to be having three things ie “ Artho Samarthee Vidwan ie Wealth , Health and Deep Knowledge in Vedas”. These Karmas involve the “ Mana – Mind, Vacha- Speech and Kaya- Body” of the performer simultaneously while performing the worship. The procedural complexities require the person who performs this to be a thorough Veda Vidwan. Right from specifying the name of the Yagna / Ishti , the Devatas ( gods) worshipped in these , the kind of materials to be used as offerings into the fire , the quantity of the materials to be used ,the dakshina (fees) to be paid to the performers , the fruits of the yagna etc are directly detailed in the Vedas and hence the need for the performer to be knowledgeable in the Vedas. It is not possible nor admissible to entertain any deviation from the specifications while performing these rituals.
It all starts with the Agni Hotra and goes on to higher and more complex Soma Yagnas. In Ramayana, it is said that Bhagavan Sri Rama had performed the great yagnas like Vajapeya many times as also the very difficult and huge Yagna called as Paundrika. It is stated that the Moon and Sun will retain their glow in the skies as long as there are Srauta Karmas performed on earth.
In a country like India , where Vedas are regarded as the absolute texts of authority , we have only about 128 such Srauta Ritul Performers or Aahitaaginis. The number does not even meet the ratio of one to a crore with respect to the population in our country.
Dear Devotees,
Sri Kanchi Kamakoti Peetathipathi JagathGuru Sri Jayendra Saraswathi Swamigal has launched a scheme for devotees to perform of Padapuja on a regular basis, each month.
For a period of ONE YEAR, on a specified date of each month, Pada Puja will be conducted on behalf of a specified person and Kumkum prasadam will be sent anywhere in the world, as indicated. You may specify a specific date in a month, or a star (Nakshatram).
For example, you may specify, "Sadhayam Nakshatram of each month". In this case, for 12 months on Sadhayam Nakshtram day, Puja will be performed and the Prasadam will be sent. If you specify "15th of each month", on the 15th of each month for 12 months Puja will be performed and the Prasadam will be sent.
Your contribution for the 12 Pada Pujas is Rs. 2,000. If you are living abroad, add Rs 240 for additional postage expenses( 12 months X Rs 20).
This contribution will also help the mutt in organizing various schemes as announced from time to time.
Please contribute and get the blessings of our Guru. You may pass this message and the form to other devotees, who may be interested. Click here to download the form.
Jaya Jaya Sankara
Krishnan
“ A key hospital serving the community in Sundarapandiapuram needs funds”
Dr. Ramasubramanian
With the Blessings of Aacharyal Hindu Mission Hospitals was inaugurated at Sundarapandiapuram in Tenkasi taluk.
This village did not have a regular hospital and patients used to go to Tenkasi for treatment. This hospital was inaugurated on May 11th 2005, on Akshaya thrithiya day. Since then, a doctor is staying there throughout the day permanently and is available for emergency treatment.
The hospital has conducted several camps since then. Details follow:
a )Neurology camp - May 11th 2005
b) ENT camp -May 11th 2005
c) Cardiology camp with ECG for all patient on 10th June 2005
d) Hearing aid with ENT check up camp on 23rd July 2005All the camps attracted crowds of over 100 people and all those present were greately benefited.
This hospital requires to be upgraded with extra facilities and financial
help from philanthropists will help them serve the people better.
Special Events during Chaturmasyam at Tirupati
21 July to 18 September 2005
ADVAITA SABHA
29-31 August
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