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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 AugustAbout a 120 years ago, this Sabha was started during the period of the 66th Acharya of Sri Kanchi Kamakoti Peetam at Kumbakonam under the Chairmanship of Brahmashri Mannargudi Sri Raja Sastrigal with the intention of encouraging students to pursue their Vedic higher studies in the filed of PRASTHANA THRAYAM (i.e) SUTRA BHASHYAM, GEETA BHASHYAM and UPANISHATH BHASHYAM, VEDANTA PARIKSHA SIDHANTA LESA SANGRAHAM, NYAYA RAKSHAMANI and others. The Sabha conducted examinations for students and honoured the successful ones. These scholars were initiated into the propagation of Advaita Philosophy. Every year during the Chaturmasya Vratam, a particular subject would be taken up for discussion and many Vedic Scholars would participate in the discussion. The scholars are suitably honoured by the Sabha.
VEDA BHASHYA SADAS
29-31 AugustThose who have completed study of the three Vedas - Rig, Yajur and Sama, are helped to study Veda Bhashyam. During the 60th Jayanthi of HH. Mahaswamiji, a trust under the name of Sashtiabdhapoorty Trust was formed. This trust provided monetary assistance to those who studied Veda Bhashyam for the three Vedas. Nearly 80 to 100 Vedic Scholars who had studied Veda Bhashyam have been benefitted by this scheme through this trust. During every Chaturmasya Vratam, all the Vedic Scholars are invited to participate in the Sadas to discuss and present their version. All those who participatd are duly honoured.
SHASTREEYA PAREEKSHA
29-31 AugustExaminations are conducted on an all India basis on the four Shastras of Dharma, Meemasa, Vykarana and Vedanta. Each Sastra is divided into five parts. Competent examiners conduct the examination in each part and successful students are identified and rewarded.
DHARMA SHASTRA SADAS & PANCHANGA SADAS
22-24 August
The Dharma Shastra Sadas and Panchanga Sadas are usually conducted at the same time. In the Panchanga Sadas,, there are two classifications- one is Vakya and the other is Tirukanitha. To avoid any confusion among the users of the different Panchangams in determining the Vratas, Festivals, Shrardha thitis and Amavasya, as the information may be different if each panchangam followed its own pattern and calculation, scholars in both the classifications assemble together, discuss and agree to the publication of uniform information. This is the purpose of the Sadas.11 scholars participate and represent the 11 schools of almanac preparation
a. Srimatam Panchangam
b. Bharata Kanitham Panchangam
c. Paambu Panchangam
d. Pudukkottai Panchangam
e. Srirangam Panchangam
f. Ramanathapuram Panchangam
g. Maruthuvakudi Panchangam
h. Arcot Panchangam
i. Ananda Bhodini Panchangam
j. Rajan Panchangam
k. Sakthi Jothidam PanchangamFor the consideration of the Mathematical calculations in determining the thithis, the scholars in the field of preparing Panchangas, and to determine as to how and when to observe a particular Vritham or festive in consultation with the Vaidaynatha Dikshita Nirnaya Sindhu, the scholars in Dharma Shastra are invited to participate in these two Sadas conducted at the same time. These participants are duly honoured.
SHILPA SASTRA SADAS
Experienced and talented sculptors are invited to discuss the various methodologies followed in Sculpture.AGAMA SADAS
Agama Shastras have various branches such as Saiva Agama, Vaishnava agama (i.e) Pancharatra and Vaihanasas, Saktha and Tantra. Scholars in each field are invited to discuss the various aspects of each Shastra, the various differences prevailing and to expound the methodology from the beginning to the end .ie. Kala ka Kshadhi Prathisthanthm.CULTURAL ACTIVITIES
In the evenings during Chaturmasyam, the traditional rural arts are give preference and presented to the public not only to provide entertainment but also to teach Culture and morals, and to propagate our rich cultural heritage. The rural arts like Bommalattam(in Tamil and Telugu), Villupattu(Tamil), Burra Katha(Telugu), Kala Katha(Malayalam) to mention a few are presented.
One of our plans is to bring out small handy booklets (like the Thus Spake Ramakrishna, Thus Spake Vivekananda kind), with quotes from our Paramacharya. This is part of the celebrations to commence next year from February 13, 2006. We are looking for interesting/powerful quotes in English on any aspect of Life/Religion that the Paramacharya has spoken. You could look at Deivathin Kural or any other published material.
Please send us as many quotes as you can. Each quotation should be a maximum of 50 to 60 words and not more. While sending the quotation please remember to mention the original source, page number & line/paragraph for verification by the editorial group. To take a look at the format in which you should send your material, click here for the example from a devotee – Mr. Natarajan
We are keen that we involve as many devotees in this project as possible, so that we get a huge bouquet of quotations. We will subsequently translate these from English to other Indian languages too. These booklets will be distributed freely, without cost to various schools, colleges and at religious meets/discourses.
Keep sending your collection of 'Gems' as & when they are ready. Jot down anything that appeals to you as a person. It could be a comment by the Paramacharya on any subject. It could be very simple, witty and need not always sound very philosophical or scholarly. Quotations must bring out the width & depth of his knowledge, and experience, his deep intellect and his compassion.
Thank you for your help in advance.
All material may be mailed to the webmaster@kanchi-sathya.org
Clearly mention “GEMS” in your subject line.
Last date for receiving material: September 15, 2005
We have received several requests from devotees who want to make contributions towards the Jayanthi celebrations even though the Jayanthi Celebrations are over. There has been a specific request to sponsor costs of individual items listed out in the earlier announcements.
Devotees may choose to make specific contributions towards
1. Tricycles for the physically challenged. - Rs 2600 each. You can
sponsor the cost of one tricycle or multiples thereof.2. Sewing Machines for poor & needy ladies - Rs 2450 each. You can
sponsor the cost of one Sewing Machine or multiples thereof.Donations
Donations may be made by cheque or draft in favour of:
"Sri Kanchi Kamakoti Peetam Jagadguru Sankaracharya Vyasa Pooja SamithiCheques or drafts to be prepared in this name and sent to :
Mr. K. Ramachandran,
Manager
Sri Maha Paduka Mandapam
Off. Kanchi Kamakoti Peetam,
Vinayak Nagar,
Near Hare Krishna Temple,
Tirupati - 517 507
Andhra pradesh
Tel : 0877 2235482All donations to be made in Indian Rupees only. Clearly mark your
envelope with big bold letters "CHATURMASYAM"Overseas devotees who are desirous of making contributions in rupees or in foreign currencies may please draw their cheques in favour of Sri Kanchi Kamakoti Peetam Charitable Trust (Regd), authorised to receive ovesrseas remittances.
Devotees sending contributions by mail are requested to send details to chaturmasyam@kanchi-sathya.org. Those making cash contributions are requested to take cash receipts from the Manager at the venue.
Buses are being arranged to go to Kalavai for the benefit of devotees who are having problems finding public transportation.
Special Trips to Kalavai at nominal charges
Many events are taking place from 1st March to 10th March in Kalavai. Special trips to Kalavi are being organised at a nominal charges for the devotees. Individuals/ Devotee groups could take advantage of this. If a particular group/locality has 15 members, the van could pick up and drop the devotees at the same place.
For more details, Please contact Mr. Bharathidasan 9840400225 / Mr.Sathya 9444364212
Akila Bharatha Kanchi Kamakoti Peetam
Chennai team
Daily Prayer meeting and Dharsan of Sri Bala Periyava
Place : Sri Lakshmi Kamatchi Amman Temple,Kesava Puram, off Greenways road,
R.A.Puram.
Timings: Morning 7:00 am-7.30 am.
Evening 5:00 pm- 6.30 pm
Landmark: Near Andhra Hospital, Adyar
for further assistance: Call 9444364212
Kanchiforum launched
Devotees of the Peetham have started a new online forum called http://www.kanchiforum.org/
This web site contains online discussion forums to discuss the current events related to the Sri Shankaracharyas of the Sri Kanchi Kamakoti Peetham.
This web site has been created by and is maintained by a group of individuals located across the globe, in various countries outside India.
The objective of this forum is to link devotees from around the world, form a support group and also formulate action plans. It will also be a forum to exchange news about current events and about the Acharyas.
We encourage you to log in to this website, register and participate in this forum as a devotee.
"Kanchi Mutt Case - A Threat To Hinduism"
Speech by Dr. Subramanian Swamy in New Jersey on July 23, 2005
Dr. Swamy is currently touring the US. To get more information about his speech click here:
http://www.kanchiforum.org/forum/viewtopic.php?t=1108
EYE-CAMP TO BE HELD AT KALAVAI VRIDDASRAMAM
25 - 4- 2005
An eye-camp is being organised by Sri Sankara Eye Hospital, Pammal, Chennai at the Vruddasramam adjacent to the Kanchi Mutt in Kalavai
on the 25th of this month. The entire programme is being conducted free of cost for the patients. Those requiring further treatment will
also be taken to the hospital and given free treatment. The hospital will also bear the transportation and food costs for the patients.
SELF-EMPLOYMENT TRAINING PROGRAMME HELD IN KALAVAI
A Self-employment training camp was held at the home for the > physcially challenged run by Srimatam in Kalavai. In addition to the
inmates of the home, several other local villagers totalling about a hundred and fifty participated in the camp. Training was imparted in
making liquid soaps, rose water, agarbhatis, wax and mosquito repellant candles and several other items. The camp was conducted by
Mr. Varadarajan. The training as well as raw-materials were given free of cost. The all participants were also served food.
National Conference
Attack on Kanchipuram Shankar MathDeputy Speaker Hall & Ground
Constitution Club, Rafi Marg, New DelhiTuesday, 5th April, 2005
Inauguration Session Morning: 10.00 AM
Concluding Session Evening: 5.00 PM
CONCLUDING CEREMONY
Chief Guest:
Hon. Ashok Singhal
Hon. Uma Bharati
Shree Shankar Math Pratishtha Abhiyan Samiti
2502 A, Nalwa Gali, Pahadganj, New Delhi-110055
Telephone:9313354262, 9891587927
The planned campaign run in the recent past to tarnish the reputation of Kanchipuram Shankar Math situated in Tamilnadu has hurt people all over country. The Shankaracharya of Kanchipuram Math Shree Jayendra Saraswati Maharaj, Kanishtha Shankaracharya Shree Vijayendra Saraswati Maharaj and many other office bearers and devotees are being falsely blamed. The intellectuals and thinkers of the country are outraged and stunned by this assault on the symbols and foundations of Indian culture and dignity. In this connection, Shree Shankar Math Pratishtha Abhiyan Samiti is organising a national seminar on the topic " Attack on Kanchipuram Shankar Math: Direct and indirect ??" at Deputy Speaker Hall, Constitution Club, Rafi Marg, New Delhi at10.00 AM in the morning on 5th April 2005. On this occasion, many scholars such as the chancellor of Maharishi Dayanand Univarsity, Ajmer, Prof. Mohanlal Chheepa, Eminent legal expert Mr. M.N. Krishnamani, Dr. Fatima Shahnaz (PhD. French literature), famous historian Dr. Makkhan Lal and Mr. Harjeetsingh Grewal (BJP Punjab Gen. secretary) will express their views.The conference will conclude at Maidan, Constitution Club, Rafi Marg, New Delhi at 5.00 PM in the evening where many intellectuals from Delhi have been invited. Apart from other scholars, International working president of Vishwa Hindu Parishad, Hon. Shree Ashok Singhal, former chief minister of M.P. Sushree Uma Bharati, Former union minister Mr. Subramaniam Swamy, famous social worker Mr. V. Shankar, and convener of Bharat Tibet Sahyog Manch Dr. Kuldeep Chand Agnihottri will also speak and provide their guidance at the concluding session.
Yours Sincerely
Mohan Dhar Deewan
General Secretary
Shree Shankar Math Pratishtha Abhiyan Samit
A REPORT ON THE DHARMA SADAS CONDUCTED BY VIGIL
The dharmasadas in the sacred presence of Pujya Kanchi Acharya went off well with the blessings of the Acharya. Pujya Pejawara Swamiji of Udipi had also sent us all his ashirvachanam which gave the sadas an additional adornment. There were around 500 bhaktas (maybe a few more) present at the sadas. The six scholars who spoke about Guru bhakti in their respective traditions spoke with so much bhakti and authority that Pujya Kanchi Acharya was visibly moved.
Pujya Acharya had to stay on for nearly an hour after the sadas had concluded to give prasadam to all thedevotees. It was a beautiful sight, very elevating, very soul satisfying.
Jayanthi Celebrations at KALAVAI- 24 May 2005
The 68th Pontiff of Sri Kanchi Kamakoti Peetam, Sri Chandrasekarendra Saraswathi Mahaswamiji, born in 1894 in Villupuram, took Sanyasa at the age of 13 in KALAVAI TOWN. The 112th Jayanthi(Birth Anniversary) Celebrations of His Holiness will be held at Kalavai Sri Sankara Matam in the divine presence of Pujyasri Jayendra Saraswathi Sankaracharya Swamiji and Pujyasri Sankara Vijayendra Saraswathi Sankaracharya Swamiji on 24 May 2005. Several Village Bhajan Groups will participate and Bhajanajali Procession will be held in Kalavai Village. Devotees are invited to participate in the celebrations and receive Acharya's Blessings.
Narasimha Jayanthi - 22 May 2005
Brahma - Vishnu - Siva, the Trinity of Hindu Scriptures are responsible for the creation, preservation and destruction of the Universe in that order.When there is decline of righteousness (Dharma), in the Universe and the good people are put to trouble, Vishnu, the preserver incarnates to set right and uphold Dharma. The form of neither a man nor animal but a combination of both (ie) NaraSimha taken by Vishnu is the fourth in the Dasaavataras(10 Forms). Each incarnation of the Lord was for a specific purpose.That way, the ten incarnations teach us the righteous path of life.
The Narasimha Avatara declares the following.
God is omnipresent and omnipotent.
God will not let down those who have immense faith in him.
God will keep up the word, uttered by his devotee in the fond belief that it would be fulfilled by God.
God will always find a way to eliminate those who disobey the law of nature.
God hears our prayers and protects.Hiranyakasipu and Hiranyaksha were two demon brothers. Hiranyaksha was killed in an encounter with Vishnu in his previous incarnation of Varaha Avatara. Angered by the loss of his brother, Hiranyakasipu developed enmity against Lord Vishnu and announced that no one would utter the word of Vishnu in any form in his kingdom. He killed many sages and seers because of their worship of Vishnu.
Hiranya Kasipu had earned a boon from Brahma, the creator that he cannot be killed in any of the following ways.
He cannot be killed by any of the weapons.
He can neither be killed inside a house nor outside a house.
He can neither be killed by a man or animal. In addition of his not being killed by any Devas or Trimoorthy.
He can neither be killed in day time or night time.
He cannot be killed by blood coming out of the body.
He cannot be killed either on earth or on space.Because of this type of boon, none were able to kill him. With this over confidence he was threatening and conquering everyone.
Hiranyakasipu had a son named Prahladha. When Kayathu, wife of Hiranyakasipu was pregnant with Prahlada, Devendra took away Kayathu while Hiranya Kasipu was away. Devendra wanted to destroy both Kayathu and her child. Narada prevented Devendra from such an act and took Kayathu as a refuge in his Ashrama. During her pregnancy, she was brought up in an atmosphere of devotion and recitation of hymns on God. The child in the womb was influenced by the atmosphere and was born with devotion.
When the child grew, Prahlada was admitted to the school run by Hiranyakasipu where the students were taught to worship Hrianyakasipu instead of God Vishnu. Each student was compelled to recite as Hiranya Kasipaya Namaha. Prahlada rebelled and started chanting 'Om Namo Narayanaya' to the utter fear of his teachers. Coming to know that his own son had disobeyed him and was instigating other students to follow suit, Hiranyakasipu wanted to kill Prahlada and tried in vain by ordering him to be killed by noxious reptiles, throwing him in the sea, fire, before an elephant, rolling him from the mountain tops. Finally, he asked his wife Kayathu to administer poison. Prahlada, with unwavering belief and faith faced all the punishments and came out from all problems without any difficulty having been protected by Narayana in whom Prahlada had immense faith. Irritated and angered by the inability of others in killing his son, Hiranyakasipu himself challenged Prahlada to show him his staunch enemy in whom Prahlada deposes confidence. Prahlada said that Hari is omnipresent and can be seen anywhere. Hiranyakasipu asked whether Prahlada could show his enemy in the pillar in his Durbar Hall. Prahlada readily said that Hari is in the pillar too.
Prahlada said 'Narayana' is in the pillar and went on to say that he is in the word spoken by Hiranyakasipu too. Vexed with the words of his son, Hiranyakasipu attacked the pillar with his sword and out came a form with a ferocious head of a lion and strong and healthy body of a man. There was a severe fight going on between the two. At dusk, the lion man struck Hiranyakasipu down and dragged his body to the door steps.
Describing this scene in Srimad Bhaghavatham, Sage Vyasa says as follows.
"Sathyam Vidhathum Nija Brithya Bashitham
Vyapthim Cha Bootheshu Akileshu Cha Aathmana:
Adhrishyath Athyathbutha Roopam Udvahan
Sthambe Sabayam Na Mrigam Na Maanushami".
To make the words of his devotee servant's tone, all pervading the entire universe taking the form of which none has ever seen before and the form of wonder of wonders, in the Durbar hall neither an animal nor a man, god appeared.
The lion man kept the body of Hiranyakasipu on his lap thereby fulfilling the condition that he cannot be killed on earth or space. He tore the stomach with his nails and drank the blood gushing out. By this no weapons was used and there was no spill of blood. The body of Hiranyakasipu was on the lap of lion man who was seated on the door steps. This place was neither in side the house nor outside. When the body was cut open it was the dusk time which was neither day time nor night time. The lion man was a mixture of animal and man and hence was neither a full animal nor a full man by whom Hiranyakasipu could not have been killed.
God found loop-holes in all the boons Hiranyakasipu had obtained. He was thinking that he had obtained a boon which in reality meant to be immortality. But Hiranyakasipu could never think for a moment god is the personification of wisdom and intelligence and he could pick hole in any thing.
The ferociousness of the lion man even after the killing of Hiranya kasipu was so great that the whole three worlds were trembling with fear and none could pacify him. Even Mahalakshmi failed in her attempt. All thedevas requested Prahlada to approach the lion man and pacify. The young devotee Prahlada stood before Nrisimha fearlessly and sang in praise of him. Pleased with the prayer, Nrisimha became calm and made Prahlada the king.
This particular posture of Narasimha killing Hiranya Kasipu with sixteen hands each hand having a weapon and the hand raised up blessing Prahlada standing with hands folded before Nrisimha, can be seen at Srirangam just opposite the shrine of goddess Ranganayaki. This shrine is called Mettu Azhagiya Singar Sannadhi.
There is a legend about this sannadhi too. This sannadhi is located in a high place with steps to climb. Opposite to this shrine there is a Mandap called Ramayana Arangetra Mandapam. Kamba, the famous poet of Ramayana in Tamil language had to introduce his Ramayanam to the public to get their approval. The scholars of that place did not accord approval to the Kamba's Ramayanam because; Kamba had narrated the story of the killing of Hiranyakasipu by Vishnu as Nrisimha in his Ramayanam and this episode does not find a place in the original Ramayanam by Aadi Kavi Saint Valmiki. To the pleading of Kamba the scholars said that they would approve this Ramayanam only if Mettu Azhagiya Singar approves. When Kembu read the portion of Nrisimha killing Hiranyakasibu there was a heavy roar emanating from the shrine of Mettu Azhagiya Singar to the surprise of all. Taking this as sign of approval of Nrisimha, the scholars accorded sanction to Kamba Ramayanam.
Narasimha has played a great part in the life of Adi Sankara by entering the body of Padmapada, Sankara's disciple, and saving him from a Kapalika who was about to chop off Sankara's head. Adi Sankara has sung Slokas in praise of Lakshmi Narasimha - Lakshmi Narasimha Pancharatnam and Lakshmi Narasimha Karavalamba Stotram. In the Karavalmba Stotram, Adi Sankara praises the qualities of Nrisimha in the form of Lakshmi Nrisimha.
Lakshmi Pathe Kamala Natha Suresa Vishnu
Yagnesa Yagna Madhusoodhana Viswa Roopa|
Brahmanya Kesava Janardhana Vasudeva
Lakshmi Nrisimha Mama Dehi Karavalambam||
Narasimha Jayanthi falls in the Vaisaka Month(April- May) and is observed with devotional fervor in Sri Sankara Matam. Sri Narasimha Jayanthi falls on the 22nd of this month( May 2005), and in the evening before Sunset, special abhishekams will be performed to the vigraha of Narasimha. Special Prasadam of diluted butter milk (Neer More) Jaggary Water (Paanagam) and wet black gram ( Vada Paruppu) are offered to the Lord on the day. The portion of the Srimad Bhagavatam describing the avatara of Narasimha from the pillar and the destruction of Hiranyakasipu is chanted. Devotees observing the Narasimha Jayanthi with devotion and sincerity are blessed with prosperity.
Chennai Sadas on "Guru Mahima & Guru Bhakthi”
Conducted by VIGIL (A Public Opinion Forum)
In the Sacred Presence of
Pujya Sankaracharya
Sri Sri Sri Jayendra Saraswathi Swamigal
(Kanchi Kamakoti Peetham)and
Thavathiru Gautamapuri Adigalar
Karpanai Kalanjiyam Sivaprakasa Swamigal
(Veerasaiva Matham, Tiruvannamalai)for a Dharma Sadas on
GURU BHAKTI - GURU MAHIMA
in Hindu SampradayaVaishnava, Saiva, Veera Saiva, Madhwa, Jaina and Sikh
Anugraha Bhashanam by
Jagadguru Jayendra Saraswathi Swamigal
Thavathiru Gautamapuri AdigalarSampradaya/Speakers:
Veera Shaiva: Thavathiru Gautamapuri Adigalar
Shaiva: Sri Krishnamurthy Sastrigal (Snkara Matham)
Vaishnava: Sri Padur Rangarajachariar (S.V.Oriental
college, Tirupathi)
Madhwa: Dr A.P.Vijayendran (Chennai Raghavendra
Matham)
Jaina: Prof. Subhachandra (Mysore University)
Sikh: Dr. Jitendra Bajaj (Centre For Policy Studies)VENUE: THE MUSIC ACADEMY (MAIN HALL)
New No: 168, T.T.K.Road, Chennai-600 014TIME: 5-30 P.M. to 8-00 P.M.
DATE: Wednesday, 18th May, 2005
ALL ARE WELCOME
PLEASE COME IN LARGE NUMBERS TO SHOW THAT WE CARE
Namaste,
Radha Rajan
VIGIL PUBLIC OPINION FORUM
SRI GURUBHYO NAMAHA
Hara Hara Shankara Jaya Jaya ShankaraKANCHEE KAMAKOTI PEETAM – SANKARA MUTT
SRI KAMAKSHI BHAGAVAT PADAAL AASTHANAM
No. 33, Eswaran Koil Street
West Mambalam
Chennai – 600 033SRI KAMAKSHI MANDALI’S
KAMYARTHA HOMA CELEBRATIONS
With the Blessings of Goddess Sri Kamakshi and His Holiness Sri Sri Sri Acharyal, Kamyartha homams are to be conducted for 51 days from 25.06.2005 to 14-08-2005 at Sri Kanchi Kamakoti Peetam SANKARA MUTT, Sri Kamakshi Bhagavat Padaal Asthanam, West mambalam, Chennai. On those days concerts and upanyasams are to be held daily in the evenings.These Homams are conducted as a prayer to facilitate world peace, rain, to safeguard from earthquakes and for cheerful life.
The devotees are requested to donate liberally and be a part of the noble cause thereby attaining the blessings of Sri Kamakshi.
ProgrammeHomams at 7.00 AM to 11.30 AM
Date Day Details of the Homam
25.06.05 Saturday Chinthamani Mahaganapthy Homam
25.06.05 Saurday Sani Graha Homam (Evening)
26.06.05 Sunday Subramaniya Homam27.06.05 Monday Suria Graha Homam
28.06.05 Tuesday Chandra Graha Homam
29.06.05 Wednesday Budha Graha Homam
30.06.05 Thursday Guru Graha Homam
01.07.05 Friday Angaraha Graha Homam
02.07.05 Saturday Sani Graha Homam
03.07.05 Sunday Sukra Graha Homam04.07.05 Monday Raghu Graha Homam
05.07.05 Tuesday Kethu Graha Homam
06.07.05 Wednesday Medha Dakshinamurthy Homam
07.07.05 Thursday Bala Thirupura Sundari Homam
08.07.05 Friday Annapoorneshwari Homam
09.07.05 Saturday Aswarooda Homam
10.07.05 Sunday Maha Thirupura Sunadari Homam11.07.05 Monday Navakshari Homam
12.07.05 Tuesday Sudarshana Homam
13.07.05 Wednesday Swayamwara Parvathi Homam
14.07.05 Thursday Swarnakarshana Bhairava Homam
15.07.05 Friday Vaasthu Homam
16.07.05 Saturday Dhanvanthiri Homam
17.07.05 Sunday Bhavamana Homam18.07.05 Monday Manyu Suktha Homam
19.07.05 Tuesday Suriya Savithri Homam
20.07.05 Wednesday Iykkia Mathya Suktha Homam
21.07.05 Thursday Kartha Veeriyarjuna Homam
22.07.05 Friday Lakshmi Kubera Homam
23.07.05 Saturday Prathiyingara Homam
24.07.05 Sunday Veera Sarabheeswarar Homam25.07.05 Monday Soolini Dhurga Homam
26.07.05 Tuesday Maha Kali Homam
27.07.05 Wednesday Thara Homam
28.07.05 Thursday Sri Vidya Homam
29.07.05 Friday Sri Bhuvaneswari Homam
30.07.05 Satuday Thripura Bharavi Homam
31.07.05 Sunday Chinnamastha Homam01.08.05 Monday Dhoomavathy Homam
02.08.05 Tuesday Bhagalamughi Homam
03.08.05 Wednesday Kamalathmika Homam
04.08.05 Thursday Kala Bhairava Homam
05.08.05 Friday Bhagya Suktha Homam
06.08.05 Saturday Santhana Gopala Homam
07.08.05 Sunday Lalitha Sahasranama Homam08.08.05 Monday Subramanya Thrisathi Homam
09.08.05 Tuesday Nakshtra Homam
10.08.05 Wednesday Dharma Sastha Homam
11.08.05 Thursday Parjannya Homam
12.08.05 Friday Vaarahi Homam
13.08.05 Saturday Aayushya Homam
14.08.05 Sunday Nava Chandi Homam
14.08.05 Sunday Anjaneya Uthsavam (Evening)Note:-
Homa Sankalpam Rs. 101/-
Homa Rakshai Rs. 25/-
Homa Driviyas Rs. 501/-
Silver Doller Rs. 251/-
Vaidheega Sambhavanai Rs. 5001/-An Appeal:-
The devotees are requested to send the donations by MO. or Demand draft in favour of KAMAKSHI MANDALI.Sri Kamakshi Mandali Trustees
Ph. 5587 6145
Sri Jayendra Saraswathi Swamigal announces Adhi Shankarar Jayanthi festival
[Excerpts from: http://www.dinamalar.com ]
Kalavai: Adhi Shankarar Jayanthi is to be celebrated on the 13th May of this year. On account of this, the Kanchi Acharya has asked the devotees to write the Namavali Mantram 108 times and send it to the Kalavai Shankara Mutt.
In his announcement regarding this, the Kanchi Acharya Sri Jayendra Saraswathi Swamigal has recalled how Jagath Guru Sri Adhi Shankaracharya restored the ancient religion of Hinduism and the worship of Vigrahams. The Acharya also added that even the God’s grace can be obtained easily with the help of Guru. Devotion to Guru is an important aspect of everyone’s life.
The Acharya has asked the devotees to write the Mantra “Jaya Jaya Shankara, Hara Hara Shankara, Kamakoti Shankara, Kaaladi Shankara” 108 times and send it to the Kalavai Shankara Mutt (Address: Kanchi Kamakoti Peetham, Shankara Mutt, Kalavai, Vellore district-632506) by the 5th May 2004. The Acharya also added that a picture of Adhi Shankarar along with instructions for doing Pooja will be sent for the devotees who send the Namavali.
A REPORT ON THE DHARMA SADAS CONDUCTED BY VIGIL
The dharmasadas in the sacred presence of Pujya Kanchi Acharya went off well with the blessings of the Acharya. Pujya Pejawara Swamiji of Udipi had also sent us all his ashirvachanam which gave the sadas an additional adornment. There were around 500 bhaktas (maybe a few more) present at the sadas. The six scholars who spoke about Guru bhakti in their respective traditions spoke with so much bhakti and authority that Pujya Kanchi Acharya was visibly moved.
Pujya Acharya had to stay on for nearly an hour after the sadas had concluded to give prasadam to all thedevotees. It was a beautiful sight, very elevating, very soul satisfying.
Jayanthi Celebrations at KALAVAI- 24 May 2005
The 68th Pontiff of Sri Kanchi Kamakoti Peetam, Sri Chandrasekarendra Saraswathi Mahaswamiji, born in 1894 in Villupuram, took Sanyasa at the age of 13 in KALAVAI TOWN. The 112th Jayanthi(Birth Anniversary) Celebrations of His Holiness will be held at Kalavai Sri Sankara Matam in the divine presence of Pujyasri Jayendra Saraswathi Sankaracharya Swamiji and Pujyasri Sankara Vijayendra Saraswathi Sankaracharya Swamiji on 24 May 2005. Several Village Bhajan Groups will participate and Bhajanajali Procession will be held in Kalavai Village. Devotees are invited to participate in the celebrations and receive Acharya's Blessings.
Narasimha Jayanthi - 22 May 2005
Brahma - Vishnu - Siva, the Trinity of Hindu Scriptures are responsible for the creation, preservation and destruction of the Universe in that order.When there is decline of righteousness (Dharma), in the Universe and the good people are put to trouble, Vishnu, the preserver incarnates to set right and uphold Dharma. The form of neither a man nor animal but a combination of both (ie) NaraSimha taken by Vishnu is the fourth in the Dasaavataras(10 Forms). Each incarnation of the Lord was for a specific purpose.That way, the ten incarnations teach us the righteous path of life.
The Narasimha Avatara declares the following.
God is omnipresent and omnipotent.
God will not let down those who have immense faith in him.
God will keep up the word, uttered by his devotee in the fond belief that it would be fulfilled by God.
God will always find a way to eliminate those who disobey the law of nature.
God hears our prayers and protects.Hiranyakasipu and Hiranyaksha were two demon brothers. Hiranyaksha was killed in an encounter with Vishnu in his previous incarnation of Varaha Avatara. Angered by the loss of his brother, Hiranyakasipu developed enmity against Lord Vishnu and announced that no one would utter the word of Vishnu in any form in his kingdom. He killed many sages and seers because of their worship of Vishnu.
Hiranya Kasipu had earned a boon from Brahma, the creator that he cannot be killed in any of the following ways.
He cannot be killed by any of the weapons.
He can neither be killed inside a house nor outside a house.
He can neither be killed by a man or animal. In addition of his not being killed by any Devas or Trimoorthy.
He can neither be killed in day time or night time.
He cannot be killed by blood coming out of the body.
He cannot be killed either on earth or on space.Because of this type of boon, none were able to kill him. With this over confidence he was threatening and conquering everyone.
Hiranyakasipu had a son named Prahladha. When Kayathu, wife of Hiranyakasipu was pregnant with Prahlada, Devendra took away Kayathu while Hiranya Kasipu was away. Devendra wanted to destroy both Kayathu and her child. Narada prevented Devendra from such an act and took Kayathu as a refuge in his Ashrama. During her pregnancy, she was brought up in an atmosphere of devotion and recitation of hymns on God. The child in the womb was influenced by the atmosphere and was born with devotion.
When the child grew, Prahlada was admitted to the school run by Hiranyakasipu where the students were taught to worship Hrianyakasipu instead of God Vishnu. Each student was compelled to recite as Hiranya Kasipaya Namaha. Prahlada rebelled and started chanting 'Om Namo Narayanaya' to the utter fear of his teachers. Coming to know that his own son had disobeyed him and was instigating other students to follow suit, Hiranyakasipu wanted to kill Prahlada and tried in vain by ordering him to be killed by noxious reptiles, throwing him in the sea, fire, before an elephant, rolling him from the mountain tops. Finally, he asked his wife Kayathu to administer poison. Prahlada, with unwavering belief and faith faced all the punishments and came out from all problems without any difficulty having been protected by Narayana in whom Prahlada had immense faith. Irritated and angered by the inability of others in killing his son, Hiranyakasipu himself challenged Prahlada to show him his staunch enemy in whom Prahlada deposes confidence. Prahlada said that Hari is omnipresent and can be seen anywhere. Hiranyakasipu asked whether Prahlada could show his enemy in the pillar in his Durbar Hall. Prahlada readily said that Hari is in the pillar too.
Prahlada said 'Narayana' is in the pillar and went on to say that he is in the word spoken by Hiranyakasipu too. Vexed with the words of his son, Hiranyakasipu attacked the pillar with his sword and out came a form with a ferocious head of a lion and strong and healthy body of a man. There was a severe fight going on between the two. At dusk, the lion man struck Hiranyakasipu down and dragged his body to the door steps.
Describing this scene in Srimad Bhaghavatham, Sage Vyasa says as follows.
"Sathyam Vidhathum Nija Brithya Bashitham
Vyapthim Cha Bootheshu Akileshu Cha Aathmana:
Adhrishyath Athyathbutha Roopam Udvahan
Sthambe Sabayam Na Mrigam Na Maanushami".
To make the words of his devotee servant's tone, all pervading the entire universe taking the form of which none has ever seen before and the form of wonder of wonders, in the Durbar hall neither an animal nor a man, god appeared.
The lion man kept the body of Hiranyakasipu on his lap thereby fulfilling the condition that he cannot be killed on earth or space. He tore the stomach with his nails and drank the blood gushing out. By this no weapons was used and there was no spill of blood. The body of Hiranyakasipu was on the lap of lion man who was seated on the door steps. This place was neither in side the house nor outside. When the body was cut open it was the dusk time which was neither day time nor night time. The lion man was a mixture of animal and man and hence was neither a full animal nor a full man by whom Hiranyakasipu could not have been killed.
God found loop-holes in all the boons Hiranyakasipu had obtained. He was thinking that he had obtained a boon which in reality meant to be immortality. But Hiranyakasipu could never think for a moment god is the personification of wisdom and intelligence and he could pick hole in any thing.
The ferociousness of the lion man even after the killing of Hiranya kasipu was so great that the whole three worlds were trembling with fear and none could pacify him. Even Mahalakshmi failed in her attempt. All thedevas requested Prahlada to approach the lion man and pacify. The young devotee Prahlada stood before Nrisimha fearlessly and sang in praise of him. Pleased with the prayer, Nrisimha became calm and made Prahlada the king.
This particular posture of Narasimha killing Hiranya Kasipu with sixteen hands each hand having a weapon and the hand raised up blessing Prahlada standing with hands folded before Nrisimha, can be seen at Srirangam just opposite the shrine of goddess Ranganayaki. This shrine is called Mettu Azhagiya Singar Sannadhi.
There is a legend about this sannadhi too. This sannadhi is located in a high place with steps to climb. Opposite to this shrine there is a Mandap called Ramayana Arangetra Mandapam. Kamba, the famous poet of Ramayana in Tamil language had to introduce his Ramayanam to the public to get their approval. The scholars of that place did not accord approval to the Kamba's Ramayanam because; Kamba had narrated the story of the killing of Hiranyakasipu by Vishnu as Nrisimha in his Ramayanam and this episode does not find a place in the original Ramayanam by Aadi Kavi Saint Valmiki. To the pleading of Kamba the scholars said that they would approve this Ramayanam only if Mettu Azhagiya Singar approves. When Kembu read the portion of Nrisimha killing Hiranyakasibu there was a heavy roar emanating from the shrine of Mettu Azhagiya Singar to the surprise of all. Taking this as sign of approval of Nrisimha, the scholars accorded sanction to Kamba Ramayanam.
Narasimha has played a great part in the life of Adi Sankara by entering the body of Padmapada, Sankara's disciple, and saving him from a Kapalika who was about to chop off Sankara's head. Adi Sankara has sung Slokas in praise of Lakshmi Narasimha - Lakshmi Narasimha Pancharatnam and Lakshmi Narasimha Karavalamba Stotram. In the Karavalmba Stotram, Adi Sankara praises the qualities of Nrisimha in the form of Lakshmi Nrisimha.
Lakshmi Pathe Kamala Natha Suresa Vishnu
Yagnesa Yagna Madhusoodhana Viswa Roopa|
Brahmanya Kesava Janardhana Vasudeva
Lakshmi Nrisimha Mama Dehi Karavalambam||
Narasimha Jayanthi falls in the Vaisaka Month(April- May) and is observed with devotional fervor in Sri Sankara Matam. Sri Narasimha Jayanthi falls on the 22nd of this month( May 2005), and in the evening before Sunset, special abhishekams will be performed to the vigraha of Narasimha. Special Prasadam of diluted butter milk (Neer More) Jaggary Water (Paanagam) and wet black gram ( Vada Paruppu) are offered to the Lord on the day. The portion of the Srimad Bhagavatam describing the avatara of Narasimha from the pillar and the destruction of Hiranyakasipu is chanted. Devotees observing the Narasimha Jayanthi with devotion and sincerity are blessed with prosperity.
EYE-CAMP TO BE HELD AT KALAVAI VRIDDASRAMAM
25 - 4- 2005
An eye-camp is being organised by Sri Sankara Eye Hospital, Pammal, Chennai at the Vruddasramam adjacent to the Kanchi Mutt in Kalavai
on the 25th of this month. The entire programme is being conducted free of cost for the patients. Those requiring further treatment will
also be taken to the hospital and given free treatment. The hospital will also bear the transportation and food costs for the patients.
SELF-EMPLOYMENT TRAINING PROGRAMME HELD IN KALAVAI
A Self-employment training camp was held at the home for the > physcially challenged run by Srimatam in Kalavai. In addition to the
inmates of the home, several other local villagers totalling about a hundred and fifty participated in the camp. Training was imparted in
making liquid soaps, rose water, agarbhatis, wax and mosquito repellant candles and several other items. The camp was conducted by
Mr. Varadarajan. The training as well as raw-materials were given free of cost. The all participants were also served food.
National Conference
Attack on Kanchipuram Shankar MathDeputy Speaker Hall & Ground
Constitution Club, Rafi Marg, New DelhiTuesday, 5th April, 2005
Inauguration Session Morning: 10.00 AM
Concluding Session Evening: 5.00 PM
CONCLUDING CEREMONY
Chief Guest:
Hon. Ashok Singhal
Hon. Uma Bharati
Shree Shankar Math Pratishtha Abhiyan Samiti
2502 A, Nalwa Gali, Pahadganj, New Delhi-110055
Telephone:9313354262, 9891587927
The planned campaign run in the recent past to tarnish the reputation of Kanchipuram Shankar Math situated in Tamilnadu has hurt people all over country. The Shankaracharya of Kanchipuram Math Shree Jayendra Saraswati Maharaj, Kanishtha Shankaracharya Shree Vijayendra Saraswati Maharaj and many other office bearers and devotees are being falsely blamed. The intellectuals and thinkers of the country are outraged and stunned by this assault on the symbols and foundations of Indian culture and dignity. In this connection, Shree Shankar Math Pratishtha Abhiyan Samiti is organising a national seminar on the topic " Attack on Kanchipuram Shankar Math: Direct and indirect ??" at Deputy Speaker Hall, Constitution Club, Rafi Marg, New Delhi at10.00 AM in the morning on 5th April 2005. On this occasion, many scholars such as the chancellor of Maharishi Dayanand Univarsity, Ajmer, Prof. Mohanlal Chheepa, Eminent legal expert Mr. M.N. Krishnamani, Dr. Fatima Shahnaz (PhD. French literature), famous historian Dr. Makkhan Lal and Mr. Harjeetsingh Grewal (BJP Punjab Gen. secretary) will express their views.The conference will conclude at Maidan, Constitution Club, Rafi Marg, New Delhi at 5.00 PM in the evening where many intellectuals from Delhi have been invited. Apart from other scholars, International working president of Vishwa Hindu Parishad, Hon. Shree Ashok Singhal, former chief minister of M.P. Sushree Uma Bharati, Former union minister Mr. Subramaniam Swamy, famous social worker Mr. V. Shankar, and convener of Bharat Tibet Sahyog Manch Dr. Kuldeep Chand Agnihottri will also speak and provide their guidance at the concluding session.
Yours Sincerely
Mohan Dhar Deewan
General Secretary
Shree Shankar Math Pratishtha Abhiyan Samiti
Rama Navami and Vasantha Navarathri Poojas at Kalavai for nine days
[ Excerpts from: http://www.dailythanthi.com ]
Sri Rama Navami and Vasantha Navarathri poojas are to be conducted by the Kanchi Acharya Sri Jayendra Saraswathi Swamigal at Kalavai for nine days. The poojas will start on April 9th and will be conducted for nine continuous days by the Acharya himself.
The press release from Kalavai Mutt regarding this:
The Kanchi Kamakoti Peethathipathi Sri Jayendra Saraswathi Swamigal will conduct the ‘Sri Rama Navami pooja’ and ‘Vasantha Navarathri pooja’ starting on April 9th till April 17th at the Kalavai Ashram.
In this regard, the devotees were requested to write specific slokas from the Kambha Ramayanam in a post card and send it to the Kalavai Mutt.
The slokas to be written are:1) The sloka from ‘Thiru Mudi Sootum Padalam’ (Sri Rama Pattabishekam) chapter that starts with “Ariyanai Hanuman thaanga” (Sri Hanuman supporting the throne).
2) The sloka from the same chapter that starts with “Mandhira Kizhavar Suttra”.The address to which the post card needs to be send is: Sri Kamakoti Peetham, Brindhavanam, Kalavai, Velore District – 632506.
All the devotees who send the post cards will be sent the Kumkumam and Prasadhams from the Pooja.
In the press release, the Acharya also blessed all the devotees and asked them to spend their time in Dharmic and devotional activities.
A brief report on "The Campaign for Dharma" event in Mumbai [ Krishnan ]
The first Campaign For Dharma Event in Mumbai was highly successful. Scores of people visited our stall on the Shivrathri day. Hundreds of people signed in affirmation of their solidarity with the Kanchi Kamakoti Peetam.
I saw many non-south Indians visiting the stall, touching the feet of our Gurus displayed there and praying. On some occasions during the day, I saw ladies going emotional, standing in front of the big poster of Sri Jayendra Swamigal , praying with tears flowing from their eyes. A number of police personnel on duty visited our stall and expressed solidarity by signing. A police officer was describing with emotion, his meeting years ago with “Swamiji” (Sri Jayendra Swamigal ) at Dharavi (World’s largest slum) in Mumbai. He also enquired about HIS health now.
We distributed Campaign for Dharma handouts in Hindi and English, Kanchi-Sathya digest, and various other related material made available to us .
A very good event in terms of dissemination of information to the general public.
In the morning, on behalf of Kanchi Mutt, a Shawl was presented to Guruji Sri Sri Ravishankar on the stage, watched by nearly one lac of Devotees. Guruji also accepted Kamakshi Prasad (Kumkum and akshath) and a folder specially made for the occasion, containing Kanchi-sathya Digest. The devotees cheered when he announced that “Kamakshi Prasad has come”.
With the divine blessings of Veda Matha - The Universal Protector and blessings of His Holiness Acharyas "INDIA CULTURE HERITAGE TRUST" (ICHT) is conducting a RIG VEDA GHANA PARAYANAM, FOUR LAKHS MODHAKA YAGNAM to Lord Maha Ganapathi and CHATURVEDOPASANA for 43 days from 27th Feb to 10th April at Shree Vittal Mandir Sector 6 R.K. Puram New Delhi - 22, India. I must say here that the Veda Pandithas are also taken part to form ICHT.
The Rig Veda Ghana Parayanam and 4 Lakhs Modhaka Yagnam will be performed by Vedic scholars from all across India. Many devotees from all over the country would take part in this propitious event. Annadanam would also be performed for over 10,000 people.The thrust of this programme is to help & develop the skills acquired by young Ganapatigals, who have learnt Vedas in the traditional way & see that everyone concerned and interested in Veda Parayanam gets an occasion to participate and listens to Ghana Parayanams, an occasion which we hope will enhance vedic knowledge and invoke divine blessings.
Vedas are the very breath of god and continuous recitation of the Vedas adds to the positive vibrations present in the atmosphere around us. The continuous recitation of the Vedas leads to a balanced environment which enables not only mankind but all life forms to prosper. This trust was set up with the mission to create an environment which would facilitate recitation of the Vedas 365 days a year. This auspicious event would commence with the Ghanaparayanam mentioned above.
Therefore needless to say that paying obeisance to the event and recites would bring immense gains to all those participating in this Maha Yagnam. Please consider this as a personal invitation to one and all and seek the blessings of universal protector Veda Matha and Lord Maha Ganapathi.
It is out of necessity and with all humility we are constrained to encroach up on the budgeting of this event. The Trust having taken shape in the last couple of months, being nascent, needs to be helped in the furtherance of the programmes & it would be out of place to mention that the budget is around Rs.20 lakhs. No one individual would cope-up with this huge sum of money & hence it is decided to make public appeal, partially to those of having strong feeling about propagating Vedas for common good, to offer their best contributions by way of Drafts/ Cheques or Cash or in Kind. And for your kind information the budget includes Sambhavana for 12 persons for Ghana Parayanam (Rs.6 Lakhs). The Trust earnestly appeals to all devotees to contribute their mite and make this event a successful one.
Namaskaram
V. Srinivasan
India Cultural Heritage Trust
62/1, 1st Floor, Deshram Building, Munirka, New Delhi- 110 067
For further details contact: +91 98181 44430, +9192132 30198
email: aswathraman@hotmail.com; veppra@gmail.com; vk.srinivasan@yahoo.com
All are welcome and requested to participate
"Fasting and Prayer meet"
Venue: Valluvar Kottam,Chennai
Date : 13th March, 2005
Time : 9:30 A.M. – 4:30 P.M.
Speakers : Ms.Chadralekha, I.A.S., Mr.L.Ganesan(B.J.P), Mr.H.Raja,(B.J.P),
Mr.A.B.V.S.Manian (V.H.P), Mr.Rajamanidhar, Lawyer,
Ms. Bhavatharani, Lawyer.Meeting organised by : Shri Akila Bharatha Kanchi Kamakoti Peetam Devotees
Forum,Chennai with V.H.P (Ladies wing)
Campaign for Dharma
Signature Campaign to show solidarity with Sri Kanchi Kamakoti Peetam
Venue: MMRDA Grounds, Bandra-Kurla Complex, Bandra East, Mumbai.
Date: Tuesday, 8th March 2005
Time: 8 am to 9 pm Full Day
Stall : SP 45-46Please inform all your friends and relatives in and around Mumbai to visit….
ALL ARE WELCOME TO ATTEND AND PARTICIPATE
Group Prayer Meeting
Date : 27/2/05
Venue :Lakshmi Kamatchi Amman Koil, off Greenways Road, R.A.PURAM
Time : 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm
Discussion meeting of Volunteers
Date : 27/2/05
Venue : 25 Salier Lane, near Mandaveli Bus Stand, Mandaveli, Chennai 600 028.
Time : 4:00 pm to 6:00 pmAkila Bharatha Kanchi Kamakoti Peetam Devotees Forum
Thiruvannamalai - Girivalam - Once again!!!!!!
The Signature campaign was launched in Thiruvannamalai "Giripradhakshina" last fullmoon. Last time it was 10,000 Signatures and to the team's surprise this time during "Giripradhakshina", the signature camapign collected 20,000 Signatures in 5 hours. The major observations are:
a) The people still carry the hurt feelings in them.
b) The signature campaign gives them an opportunity to vent their feelings.
c) Few who have signed earlier refreshes this and further acknowledges to assist in the campaign.
d) Signature campaign being simple gets the message across and brings in enough support.
e) We were welcomed this time by local people & local hotel staff and lot of support were provided to the team!!!!
f) There have been requests for the team to come to different districts and launch the same in their areas. That includes Tanjore, Chidambaram, Kumbakonnam, Mayavaram, Guruvayur etc.
g) As more and more people join in, it becomes an extended family of devotees who feel deeply in their hearts about the injustice caused to the Acharyas of Kanchi mutt.
To contine the programme successfully further, The team is looking in for individual support, organisational support and sponsorship support at all levels.
With best regards
Banner team
9444364212
RSS is having a meeting on 18 February.
Location: Music Academy, Chennai
Time: 6:30 pm
Attendees are requested to be seated 15 minutes in advance.
The RSS Chief Mr.K.S.Sudarshan will address the gathering.
Meeting: Banner Signature Campaign
A meeting is being scheduled to discuss operational strategies in carrying out the "Signature on the Banner" campaign programme intensely in Chennai and rest of Tamil Nadu.
Time: From 3:00 pm to 4:00 pm
Place: Lakshmi Amman koil off Greenways road, R.A.Puram, Mandaveli, Chennai 600028
A prayer meeting is also scheduled between 4:00 pm and 6 pm in the same place.
Signature on the Banner
The organisers of “Akila Bharatha Shri Kanchi Kamakoti Peetam Devotees Forum" in a meeting at "Sankaralayam" Chetpet, Chennai have come out with a unique campaign that:
• Would enable people of all sections to express their solidarity against the Acharyas’ arrests.
• Would establish contact with concerned people, strengthen Hindu unity and mobilise people, who were hitherto unorganised.
• Would show the strength of our unity to the community at large.The campaign that was introduced is "Signature on the Banner"
Banners with the image of our three Acharyas will be printed on a material along with words like "Truth alone will triumph". These banners would be placed in many locations. Whoever wishes to support it would sign on the banner, express their solidarity and establish a point of contact with this organisation.The program has been launched in a meeting and all who attended signed it. It was inaugurated by Shri Swami of Gosala, West Mambalam, Sankara Mutt, Chennai It was then signed by the Chief Guest, Shri Ram Gopalan, Hindu Munani and Shri. Manian, VHP. All the participants, numbering 400-500, have also signed it.
The Next Step:
The participants wanted to do this in their own localities. It could be in temples, schools, hospitals, offices, residential colonies, marriages and at other events. About 50 banners were distributed within 10 minutes of announcement and there was a further request for 500 banners! Those who collect these banners were expected to get signatures from more people on their own and hand over the same to the organisers of this campaign.What will be done with the Signatures on the Banner?
The team expects to collect a few lakh signatures in Chennai alone and at least a million signatures in Tamil Nadu (of course, with sincere efforts from all sections of the community.) After collecting these signatures, it would be counted and suitably displayed to show the unity of the Hindus against Acharya’s arrest. The larger the numbers, the better. The strength of people will be reinforced and it will be made apparent that the arrest does not have the support of the common man. The team will also be communicating through a website, newly launched, and called "actfordharma.org".The expectation:
The team is looking for volunteer support, financial support and other organisational support. You may contact the team at banner@actfordharma.org
SRI SANKARA MATTHAM
MATUNGA BOMBAY 400019PROTEST MEETING
A PROTEST MEETING HAS BEEN CONVENED JOINTLY BY ALL THE RELIGIOUS AND CULTURAL INSTITUTIONS OF MUMBAI, TO CONDEMN THE SUDDEN ARREST OF HIS HOLINESS SRI SRI VIJENDRA SARASWATHI SWAMIJI ON WEDNESSDAY THE 12TH JANUARY 2005 AT 7 PM AT THE MATTHAM PREMISES { TEMPLE MAIN HALL}.
ALL DEVOTEES ARE HERE BY REQUESTED TO GATHER IN LARGE NUMBERS AND DISPLAY OUR SOLIDARITY AGAINST THE ARREST.
MASS PRAYER MEETING ON THURSDAY 06/01/2005
SRI KANCHI KAMAKOTI PEETAM DEVOTEES AT ALWARPET, ABHIRAMAPURAM & MYLOPORE -
ABOUT 200 IN NOS.- ARE CONDUCTING A SPECIAL PRAYER MEETING AT SRI SHIRDI
SAIBHABHA TEMPLE, MYLOPORE ON THURSDAY-06/01/05 FROM 9.30 A.M. FOR ABOUT
TWO HOURS- CHANTING VISHNU SAHASRA NAMAM, EIGHTH SLOKA OF SOUNDARYA LAHIRI &
A SLOKA FROM SUDARSANA SAHASRANAMAM FOR THE SUCCESS OF OUR PETITION AT
SUPREME COURT COMING UP FOR HEARING ON THAT DAY FROM 10A.M. & SUCCESFUL
CONDUCT OF PARAMACHARYAL'S ARADHANA AT KANCHEEPURM ON FRIDAY THE 7 th. INST.
ALL THE CHENNAI DEVOTEES ARE WELCOME TO JOIN IN THIS MASS PRAYER IN LARGE
NOS.
REQUEST FROM M.R.SRINIVASAN-PH: 2498 3303
CHANDI HOMAM
Dec 18th, Saturday 3.30 PM to 8.00 PM at both locations:
Shiva-Vishnu Temple, Livermore, CA, USA and
Sunnyvale Hindu Temple, Sunnyvale, CA, USABay Area Kanchi Kamakoti devotees are inviting you and your family to attend Chandi Homam for the safety, health, and early release of HH Jayendra Saraswathi Sankaracharya of Kanchi Kamakoti Peetam at both Livermore and Sunnyvale Hindu temples on Dec 18 Saturday – 3:30 to 8pm.
Devotees are requested to bring flowers, fruits and Ghee for the Homam. Please attend the Chandi Homam at either one of these temple locations.
Sunnyvale Hindu Temple
Shiva-Vishnu Temple
420-450 Persian Drive 1232 Arrowhead Ave.
Sunnyvale, CA 94089Livermore, CA 94551
(408)734- 4554 (925) 449 6255
We Kanchi Kamakoti Peetam devotees, are doing Chandi Homam on 18th December in two of the Bay Area temples (Siva-Vishnu temple @ Livermore) and Sunnyvale Hindu Temple for Acharya's release and speedy justice.
Sincerely,
Ashok Subramaniam
Om Sri Gurubyo Namah
POOJA/HOMA SCHEDULE
“Parithranaya Sadhunam Vinashayacha
Dhushkrutham Dharmasamsthapanarthaya Sambhavami Yuge Yuge”The following poojas/homas will be held at 11812-13 Avenue,
Edmonton , Alberta , Canada , for Acharyal’s release and speedy justice.1) 21 December, 2004 (Tuesday): Vaikunda Ekadhasi (Vishnu Sahasranama), Sudharshana Homa .
2) December 23, 2004 (Thursday ): Pradhosham (Rudhrabishegam, Shiva Sahasranama, Bhilva Sthothram, Sri Chakra pooja).
3) December 26, 2004 (Sunday): Ardhra Dharshanam (Rudhrabishegam, Shiva Sahasranama, Bhilva Sthothram, Sri Chakra pooja).
4) December 30, 2004 (Thursday): Sankada Hara Chathurthy (Rudrabishegam, Ganesha Sahasranama and Thrisathi, Sri Chakra pooja)
5) January 7, 2005 (Friday): Pradhosham (Rudhrabishegam, Shiva Sahasranama, Bhilva Sthothram, Sri Chakra pooja).
6) January 13, 2005 (Thursday): Chathurthy (Rudrabishegam, Ganesha Sahasranama and Thrisathi, Sri Chakra pooja)
7) January 14, 2005 (Friday): Mahara Shankaranthi (Surya Narayana Sahasranama and Sri Chakra Pooja).
In addition, Dhanur Masa (Margazhi) pooja will be performed every day early morning with Vedic chanting, beginning December 15, 2004.
All are welcome. Timings Vary. RSVP (433-3595).
Vedic Chanting, Panchayadhana Homa, Sudharshana Homa (in which all can participate) and Mass Japa are planned at Hindu
Temple ( Edmonton , Canada ) on 16 th January, 2005. Details will be announced later.Dr. S. Jayaraman, Edmonton .
AKHILA BHARATHA KANCHI KAMAKOTI PERAVAI
will conduct a
"UPAVAS and PRAYER" meeting
of all Kanchi Kamakoti Women devotees
at
Valluvar Kottam, CHENNAI
on
December 19th, Sunday from 10 am to 5 pm
For people in groups of 15 or more, to and from transportation will be arranged on request.
The 4th Mahaswami Sangeethanjali and the 7th Sri. Chandrasekharedra Saraswathi National Eminence Award are being held as planned on 10th & 11th of December 2004 at the Shanmukhananda Hall, Mumbai.
Dr. L. M. Singhvi eminent jury and former High Commissioner to UK presides over the function on December 11, 2004
Click here to see the detailed programme
Federation of Kanchi Dist Village Welfare Associations (Grama Nala Sangams)
Kanchi Sankaracharya motivated the villagers to form Grama Nala Sangams (GNS) to take care of the village needs. There are 46 GNS all over Kanchi District. The Projects under taken & executed by the villagers include 1. Temple renovation 2. Temple tank cleaning. 3. Road (Giri valam) formation 4. Balwadi infrastructure 5. School furnitures & Computers 6. Training for Women's Self Help Groups. 7. Organic farming training 8. Medical camps.
He first started the Koottu Prarthanai for the welfare of the village on the Pradhosham day. The first such joint prayer was held at Acharapakkam. The villagers wanted the temple to be renovated. He lead the prayer & believe it, with in 8 months time the Kumbabhishekam was performed with a total expenditure of Rs. 1.5 Crore . All sections of people participated in completing this stupandous job.
This Koou Prarthanai has become a habit for the villagers to receive the Divine grace. Now the time has come to repay for the Good things HH Acharya has done to us in all these years.
On 9th December 2004, on the Pradhosham day in all the temples during the Pradhosha pooja, Koottu Prarthani will be conducted. OM NAMASHIVAYA chanting will reverberate in all the temples . This Prarthanai will definitely invoke the divine grace & our Acharya will come out from all these cooked up cases. The evil forces will be destroyed.
The list of villages where the Koottu Prarthanai will be held are :
Acharapakkam, Malaikoil,Thirumukkadu, Ayakkunam, Sothupakkam, Thirukazhukundram, Kadalure gramam, Adayalacheri, Thattampattu, PVKalathur, Thiruporur, Illalur, Kattur, Kayar, Madaiyathur, Kundrathur, Nallur, Ezhichoor, Manampathi, Thirupulivanam, Iyampettai- walajabad, Aalathurai, Kavenipakkam, Kovalam & 23 Amman temples in various colonies.
We request all the temple dharmakarthas to perform Pradhosha Koottu Prarthanai in their temples all over Tamil nadu for the welfare of Swamigal & hence the whole Tamil Nadu.
OM NAMASIVAYA.
Rajesh.................President, Federation of Kanchi Dist GNS.
I have been reading with amazement the manner in which Tamil Nadu Government has been imprisoning people under the Goondas Act, especially those accused in the various cases connected with Kanchi Mutt. I am not a lawyer by profession. However, I am positive that this act cannot be applied at anybody's will and pleasure. There has to be specific circumstances which warrant application of this act. The circumstances have got to be compelling and based on evidence.
I wonder why nobody has thought of filing a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) in the Supreme Court against indiscriminate application of Goondas Act to arrest suspects. It is quite obvious that Tamil Nadu Government feels that the normal rules available for holding accused in jail are insufficient in this case. This is probably because of the intrinsic weakness of their case. I am positive that if Supreme Court is approached, there could be a solution to this.
It is very obvious TN Govt have crossed all boundaries of decency and legality in the manner in which they have handled this case. It should be a matter of concern for all right thinking and freedom loving people regardless of their religious affiliations. In fact, I see lot of similarity between the conduct of TN Govt in this case with the Central Govt under Mrs. Gandhi during Emergency. It is quite wrong for people to remain unconcerned at what is happening.
N S Vijayraghavan
Hong Kong
I was recently going through the letter written by Mr. Farokh Marat from France to the BBC on its programme 'View from India'(Aired on 28.01.05). I was really touched by this letter, more so as this was written by a person of the Muslim faith. This only reinforced my long held faith that all differences of religion, caste, creed etc. are only superficial. A spiritual person really transcends the boundaries of religion and learns to see the Divine in all. I doubt if this letter could have been written in a better way by anybody else.
At the same time I am so ashamed of people like the Editor -in Chief of Outlook Magazine as well as the reputed organisations such as BBC for airing such shoddy programmes and feeding the public with ' lies and calumnies’, as Mr. Marat has rightly pointed out in his letter. Of course, in the present case against Jayendra Saraswathi Swamigal, it is really of no consequence what is said in the press or the printed media. Most of his followers know he is innocent and, know he will be acquitted and his full honour and reputation will not only restored but enhanced. The Shankara Matt will regain its reputation and glory and will continue with its good work.
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Hinduism has passed through several challenges in its long history. It has weathered all this in the past. I have no doubt that it will survive the present situation also. Looking at the positive side, this episode will perhaps be instrumental in unifying the Hindu Community and refocus its priorities to suits the present needs.N S Vijayraghavan, Hong Kong
One is not surprised with the BBC's efforts to malign India. Many times, I have felt same way as Farokh Merat did about BBC. BBC as well as some western press and electronic media always miss no chance in maligning India's image. The reason for their behaviour is not understandable. I feel that they still feel very bad about giving India its deserving freedom.
By perpetually maligning India, they want to drain its confidence in its progress. A person or a group of person can never progress and move forward if they are not proud of their heritage and tradition. This aspect of our people's confidence is being killed by the western media and also some Indian media, who are probably stooges of the western media. The western media have been creating a poor image of our country, especially Hindu Religion, on a global scale but so far they have not succeeded fully. This is a war from within. One should be very cautious about this type of war which is more dangerous than the physical war on our country's boundaries.
Muthuraman
Mr. S in his ' Letter of Faith ' ( Homepage of Kanchi-sathya.org on 5/2/ 05 ) has put into words exactly what I feel. I appreciate the devotee who wrote this letter. I request you to always keep this letter on your homepage & not remove it. It helps strengthen our faith.
Faith in The Acharyas of Kanchi Mutt was inculcated to me from childhood by my parents, who have unquestioning devotion to HH Shankaracharyas. They continued this effort with my daughter too. We have been living in Singapore for the last 6 years, but we visit the Mutt whenever we come to India on vacation. My daughter sang before HH Jayendra Saraswathi Swamigal, who gave her the book 'Shankarar Endra Sangeetham' , which is our prized possession. My mother always reads us passages from Dhaivathin Kural & other books written by The Paramacharya, which has strengthened our devotion. I have personally witnessed the blessings we have received from the Acharyas in times of need. I strongly believe that HH The Shankaracharyas walking on the path Of Adi Shankara, chosen & tutored by the Paramacharya, can never think, let alone do any harm to anyone.
Faith inculcated in me has helped me remain steadfast in my devotion in spite of so much negative propaganda by the media. I appreciate all the articles that appear on the Kanchi-Satya website. Whenever I feel disturbed, I log on to the website & read the articles again & again, which gives me a lot of solace.
We should continue the efforts of our parents in inculcating the same devotion to the Matham& the Acharyas in our children. The next generation should also understand the glory of the 2500 year old institution. As the writer said, it is very difficult in this modern age to sustain faith in children. With education, children want things to be presented logically. They do not accept things unquestioningly. With the tremendous influence that the media has on young minds, its negative coverage could result in young minds losing faith in the Acharyas. It is our duty to somehow sustain this faith in the tender minds of children Towards this, this website is a big help. I narrate the different articles in it to my daughter.
My daughter has heard so many stories of the Lord coming to the aid of his devotees, be it Lord Krishna, Lord Shiva or Ambal. I keep telling her of the numerous puja & prayer session being conducted for HH Shankaracharyas. She asks me why God does not come now to help us. Is it not time for some miracle to happen to help us? I keep reassuring her that things will get alright, we should continue to pray .
Just as Ambal came to the aid of her devotee Abhirami Pattar, she will somehow help & prove that the charges against HH are all false .
If SP Premkumar feels that The Lord will bless the charge sheet that he kept at His Feet he is sadly mistaken. I strongly feel that the same Lord, to whom we pray day & night will help us in exonerating all the charges against the Acharyas and restore the glory of the 2500 year old Matt .
Thank You very much for putting up this website. Reading about the feelings & experiences of like-minded devotees is very comforting during this disturbing period.
Jaya Jaya Shankara , Hara Hara Shankara !
Chandra Prasad, Singapore.
I have come to US from Bangalore for a short stay. I read with lot interest and appreciation the letters written by Shri Valmiki P.Ragunathan on The Kanchi Acharyas' cases. In fact, I could say that his views are precisely the same as that of many of the Indian communities living in US. His suggestion of fund raising to conduct the court cases of Shri. Sundaresa
Iyer and Viswanatha Iyer needs immediate attention. I am sure that the Mutt's lawyers have been/shall be taking care of their cases also.These two persons despite being very aged have steadfastly resisted the police attempt/bait to turn them approvers thus demonstrating their guru bhakthi. Hats off to them and their families.We salute them most
reverentially.J.Ramadoss
New Jersey,US
While talking or writing about this issue, one particular mistake is inadvertently committed by many people. There is a tendency to say that Hindus are generally a peaceful, non-violent people and so we have not taken to the streets in violent riots to protest the action against the Gurus. All Hindus are not necessarily peaceful or non-violent all the time as can be seen from the Anti-Sikh riots in Delhi in 1984, or the Gujarat riots recently or the mass violence that gets unleashed in Tamil Nadu whenever some politicians are in some sort of trouble. It is the quality of leadership which decides how people behave.
I quote from Shri Farokh Merat's protest letter to BBC to show it in proper perspective:"The average Hindus have once again shown themselves to be a peaceful and dignified people. One of the dearest icons of their faith has been dragged in the gutter, humiliated, drugged in jail to confess, mediatically crucified. And yet his people have not taken to the streets, have not rioted, have not burnt buses. Sri Jayandra Saraswati has told his followers: 'I want everyone to hold their peace and be patient. Have faith that truth
and dharma will prevail'.The followers of spiritual leaders as well as the followers of political leaders and criminal thugs are both Hindus. However, "Yathaa raja Thathaa Praja." Therein lies the difference.Jaya Jaya Sankara Hara Hara Sankara. Jai Gurudev.
S.G.V.Mani
It was interesting to read the letter under the "You said it" column by Mr. Farokh Merat. It was a most cogent and interesting letter which needs to be published in all the major newspapers. What are you waiting for?
We need help from such people, whose clarity on this issue is remarkable.
It is also necessary to ensure the BBC takes note of this letter and makes an impartial judgment after going through your website. They should also publicly apoligise for airing such blasphemous views.
By allowing the editor of Outlook Magazine to air his views, The BBC has hurt the sentiments of millions of followers of our guru, Sri Jayendra Saraswathi Swamigal, Sri Vijayendra Saraswathi Swamigal and the Muttam .
Something needs to be done to stop the witch-hunting orchestrated by the Jayalalitha Government and the Police Department. The views of silent supporters do not seem to be heard except through your web sites and through people like Mr. Merat.
We were expecting a fitting reply from the likes of Mr. Gurumurthy for the manner in which Jayalalitha’s Government had replied to the notice issued by NHRC. It is also necessary to take out all the good points from your websites and other newspapers like the "Pioneer" and present the case to the lawyers appearing for His Holiness and the Kanchi Mattam.
The Government has been saying that the Acharyas should be sent out of the four southern states, less they tamper with the evidence. In fact, the case should be viewed the other way round. The Government should not been allowed to handle this case any further. If the cases against Jayalalitha can be transferred outside the State of Tamil Nadu then these cases should also be transferred for the very same reasons.
You need to give more publicity for your website to enable more people to watch the same.
Ravi Shankar
OBJECT(ION): B.B.C. Radio 4 program, “View from India,” broadcast first on Friday, 28 January 2005 and rebroadcast on Sunday, 31 January 2005 at 8.50 a.m. Click here to read the article
In this current circus being played out by the police and the administration against the Acharyas and the Matham, there is a lot of collateral damage done. My heart goes out to Shri Sundaresa Iyer and Shri Kaladi Vishwanatha Iyer, and their families. Sundaresa Iyer has also been booked under the dreaded Goodas Act, which gives an authoritarian right to the government to hold him for upto 1 year without any plea for bail!!
I suggest we start a drive to gather enough funds for vigorous legal defense of these two individuals who have served the matham for so long with unflinching devotion and loyalty.
Who better to help and support than these two individuals?
Valmiki P. Raghunathan
Atlanta, Georgia, USA.
Corruption in judicial process should be avoided at all costs.
The absolute last bastion of public trust is the institution of Justice. This is the institution of last resort for people who are oppressed by corruption in political, administrative and law-enforcement leadership.
I am deeply concerned to read recent newspaper reports that the Kanchipuram Judicial Magistrate Court - I has been non-responsive to the defence lawyers' pleas for documentation and information they are entitled to under the laws of the country. Certain documents have been filed by the prosecution in the Sankararaman murder case, and the defence lawyers are entitled to get copies of statements purportedly given by their clients under Section 161 of IPC. Newsreports suggest that the Court has been non-responsive to the defence lawyers' requests for such documentation and information, and this delay is resulting in imparing the defence lawyers' capability to defend their clients effectively.
If newspaper reports are indeed true, the law is certainly not taking its own course!!
This is a matter of grave concern. Such overt corruption in judicial process will corrode the fundamental respect people have for law and justice. It is important that concerned higher court officials (whoever has jurisdiction over this issue) look into this issue immediately, order a public inquiry, and resolve the matter without any delay.
Valmiki P. Raghunathan
Atlanta, Georgia, USA
Bala Periaval
by SarathiThe persecuters and the press have been throwing a lot of mud. So much in fact, that even the faithful are dazed, if not blinded.
Of and on, some mention or other has come of Ponpadi. This is a lovely agricultural area, which Mahaperiyava Himself has visited. There is a nice Mahishasuramardini temple in a village a few kms in the interior. Many years ago, when the place was being dug for laying railway lines, the statue of the Goddess was found buried underground. The people went for guidance to Mahaperiyava, who gave them detailed directions on the temple to be built there, and subsequently visited it Himself for the sacred
consecration ceremony.It is to this temple that Bala Periyaval likes to go to when he is here.
To my knowledge, off and on when Bala Periyaval is in the region, and feels like taking off from the mileu for some solitude and penance, he would come here. Almost always, a group of school and college students would accompany him. Once there were a set of IIT students. Bala Periyaval had asked them to learn about the farming practices and report to him every day on what they had observed and learnt. He himself would spend the day in penance and Parayanam of scriptures. I was told of an instance when he was sitiing on a rock and doing parayanam of Ramayana for many hours continuously, with a group of young students sitting nearby. As they watched in silence, he suddenly got up and walked away calmly. Surprised, the students looked around and spotted a full grown King Cobra that was swiftly slithering towards the rock.
There was this instance when he and a group of devotees decided to go visit a practically inaccessible temple - near a waterfalls that was deep in the interiors. Starting off from Ponpadi, they reached a place beyond which the roads were not motorable at all. They walked it from thereon. They walked for more than five hours in the hot sun. Bala Periyaval was barefoot and he walked on disregarding the cuts that bled. The devotees were alarmed, and worried - for they knew that Periyaval (Acharya Jayendra Sarawati) would take them to task for subjecting Bala Periyaval to such hardship. They pleaded with Bala Periyava to return, but he walked on, cheerfully.
They reached the temple by evening. An old sadhu was staying there. He had a dog as companion. One of the devotees who went there mentioned that when the sadhu did the deeparadhana, the dog said "Om". You may choose to disbelieve it. But the person who told me this swore that it was so. They stayed the night at the temple - taking a dip in the waterfalls every half an hour to escape the oppressive heat and humidity.
When they woke up early morning, they found that Bala Periyaval was not to be seen. He had apparently left on his own. Accompanied by the dog. Stopping at villages on the way, he made his way back to Ponpadi by a different route. The devotees went back the way they came, to find that Bala Periyava had reached several hours earlier! When asked, he apparently said that the dog knew a short cut and had led him back!
Bala Periyaval, like all our sages, likes open spaces, fields, and quietness of the countryside. He loses himself when he does Chandramoulishwara pooja. It is a sight to see the temple elephant when the gaja pooja is done, when the acharya and the elephant gaze at each other.
It is indeed one of the saddest days in the history of India, that the Pontiffs have to face such forces of darkness.
But light will prevail. Lord Krishna's parents were in penitentiary for many years. And then He was born.
Our Acharyas are guardians of Sanatana Dharma. They will emerge victorious.
For Yato Dharma:, Tato Krishna:, Yata: Krishna:, Tata: Jaya:Where there is Dharma, there is Krishna!
Where there is Krishna, there is Victory.Jaya Jaya Shankara! Hara Hara Shankara!
Jaya Jaya Shankara! Hara Hara Shankara!
PARITRANAYA SADHUNAAM
We stand before thee, My Lord!
As did Draupadi, with folded hands.
Hands folded above the head,
With abandoned ego and surrendered minds.
You promised us once, My Lord!
Of destroying the sinful.
Thus protecting the righteous,
At testing times when dharma needs to unfurl.“TO PROTECT THE RIGHTEOUS AND DESTROY THE SINFUL,
TO REINSTATE MORALS, SHALL I BE BORN AGAIN AND AGAIN,”We cry before thee, My Lord!
As did Gajendra, at top of the voices.
Voices crying for protection,
In belief of thy appearance to destroy the vices.
You promised us once, My Lord!
To be born again in this world.
Thus shall redeem the mankind
From sins of denial, deception and dishonesty.“TO PROTECT THE RIGHTEOUS AND DESTROY THE SINFUL,
TO REINSTATE MORALS, SHALL I BE BORN AGAIN AND AGAIN,”We pray before thee, My Lord!
As did Prahalada, with ultimate faith.
The faith that would undo all wrongs,
With commitment that bears the root & cause of dharma.
You promised us once, My Lord!
To be saviour of your servants.
Bless the good at times of anguish,
Onto regain trust in thee, thy ways and prayers.“TO PROTECT THE RIGHTEOUS AND DESTROY THE SINFUL,
TO REINSTATE MORALS, SHALL I BE BORN AGAIN AND AGAIN,”We fall before thee, My Lord!
As a devotee and completely surrender.
Surrender that is unqualified,
At thy lotus feet and pray for benevolence and compassion.
Promise us NOW My Lord,
Thy trial shan’t be prolonging henceforth.
With belief, faith and trust,
So goes the chant, NARAYANA, NARAYANA, NARAYANA!
______________________
Ashwin Kumar Iyer
I belong to the Sringeri mutt. Sringeri and Kanchi mutts were against each other in the recent past. Nevertheless, I was pained to see the way Kanchi Swamigal was arrested and confined. Day in and day out canards are planted in print and visual media about this noble soul. It is really very painful. Here many of us, although not belonging to Kanchi mutt are praying for the early acquittal of Sri. Swamigal. We wish to see him resuming his daily routine at Kanchipuram at the earliest possible time. Stories about so- called confessions, merciless lies by notorious anti-brahmin writer Anuradha Ramanan – all these disturb our peace of mind. We have performed Sahasra Gayathri Japam many times for the early acquittal of Swamigal. and I appeal to every brahmin following the path of Sanathana Dharma to do Sahasra Gayathri Japam daily for this cause. All this apart, I wish to request the present day mutts to keep their flocks in age old traditions that have been upheld for centuries. Although mutt is not an idea conceived in any smrithi, it still has weight since this was an idea conceived by no less a soul than Adi Shankaracharya. Adi Acharyal conceived this idea for the purpose of protecting our dharma. The mutts were expected to be flag bearers of Veda rakshanam. Their main role, as I humbly understand, was protection of age old vedas, upanishads and smrithis. Not so long ago, vaidhika mutts in South India engaged exclusively in the pursuit of these great noble tasks. I remember having read in "Deivathin Kural" that Peria Periyava having wished that brahmins come forward to study vedas. When brahmins discussed with him about the reservation regime, he smilingly told them it was but a disguised blessing from God which would turn desperate brahmins to vedic education. That was his conviction about the age old tradition.
Our traditional way is to encourage brahmins generation after generation to heed the path of dharma. To encourage brahmins generations after generations to dedicate themselves in the study of Vedas. It would be not simply for the benefit of the mutt concerned or the brahmin community concerned or the Hindu community concerned but for the welfare of the entire human race as such. I am confident that the most powerful way to achieve this goal to motivate our fellow brethern in performance of nithyakarma, Gayathri and re-dedicate themselves to studying the Vedas.Radhe Krishna.
Shri. Krishna Kumar
The Srirangam temple has the "than-thiru meni" Ramanujar Shrine plus a sannadhi for "Thulikka Naachiaar" installed by the Great Ramanujar. No one can ever deny that Srirangam temple is the most Revered in Tamil Nadu today.
In the Arunachaleswarar Hills at Tiruvannamalai there are many small temples built over the mortal remains of"Siddhars"; similarly, after Jothi Ramalinga Adigalaar Merged in the form of a "Jothi" in the Vadalur temple, it has grown in importance from its previous ranking. The Melmaruvathur Adi Parasakthi Temple, it is said, has come over the mortal remains of a Siddhar. These are additonal facts to what Mr.Narendar P. Chandrasekar(SUNY, USA) has already detailed.
Chinnathamby
I am shocked to see the report of the state secretary regarding the mutt. In this I would like to quote various instances:
1. The Srirangam temple has the "than-thiru meni" Ramanujar Shrine. When Ramanujar attained mukthi, he was mummified and is placed in the Srirangam temple. So is Srirangam a temple, a pyramid, a burial place or a mortuary?
2. Thiruvatriyour swamy temple is over the samadhi of Pattinathar
3. St. Peter's Square and Santhome Cathedral are built over relics of disciples of Christ.
4. How about Prophet Mohammed's tomb in Medina?!Narendar P. Chandrasekar
SUNY, USA
Traditions about Samadhi Sthala
There is a Sanskrit Shloka:
" yateenaam brahmanishtaanaam samaadhi: yatra vaa bhavEt
tat punyam paavanam jyotih sadaiva paridrushyatE"
" The samadhis of Sanyasis, Brahmanishtas, wherever they are, is holy, pure, and is a radiance that is visible forever".
Thus it is that some of the holiest places of worship are all built on samadhi sthalas of saints.
For instance:
- Brindavana of Sri Raghavendra in Mantralayam,
- Vidya Sankara temple at Sringeri, which is built on samadhi of Jagadguru Shankaracharya Sri Vidya Shankara Theertha
- Seshadri Swamigal at Tiruvannamalai
- Shantananda Swamigal at Salem
- Jnaneshwar Maharaj at Alandi
- Shirdi Sai Baba, at Sirdi
- Sadasiva Brahmendra at Nerur
- Pattinathar at Tiruvitriyur
- Mother Azagammal and Sri Ramana Maharshi at Tiruvannamalai
Or take the Belur Math of Sri Ramakrishna Mission - which also houses rooms, museum as well. This is one of the holiest places of pilgrimage, for it houses the places where Holy Mother Sarada Devi was cremated, as also seven of Sri Ramakrisna's direct disciples. Temples have been built on the very spot where Holy Mother was cremated. Temples have also been built on the spot where Swami Vivekananda was cremated, and where Sri Brahmananda was cremated.
This is a tradition that is followed by other relegions as well. There is the Durgah of Sufi saint
Khwaja Moinuddin Chishti in Ajmer and Hazrat Khwaja Nizamuddin Aulia at Delhi etc. There is the St Thomas church in Chennai.
Surely all these are hallowed places of worship. The Sun needs no proof.
Praying for peace,
Parthasarathi
So far no one has dared to say a word about Mahaperiaval. But the Counsel for Government has refered to the immortal Mahaperiaval as a simple “BODY” only shows his ignorance and arrogance. “Vinasakale Vibharida bhuddi”.
Hay Paramamacharya, Now you must take over the case. Prove to the world that you are trikala gyani and successors selected by you would never ever do any thing like this.
Gurave Charanam.
Jaya Jaya Sankara Hara Hara Sankara.
K Natarajan
Gurubhyo Namah
I was aghast to read that the petitioner has declared that Kanchi Mutt is not a place of worship.
How can the petitioner decide whether the Mutt is a place of worship or not?
To say that the Paramachrya is “buried” there is blasphemous. To a large section of the Hindu society, it is Brindavanam, the SAMADHI of Mahaperiyava
Does the petitioner therefore mean that Mantralaya is not a place of Worship?
Pujyashree Raghavendra Swamigal sammadhi is there! Would they consider that a burial ground?!!!
A large section of the society believes that Adi Shankara attained siddhi at Kamakshi Amman Temple, does it mean that Kamakshi Amman Temple is a burial ground?
Bogar is attained siddhi at Palani. Does it mean that Palani is a burial ground?
There are scores of other temples where many sages have attained Siddhi. Does it mean all these temples are burial grounds??
I guess the petitioner has no idea of a burial place and a samadhi. He has hurt the sentiments of millions of devotees of Mahaperiyava and the Kanchi Mutt worldwide by calling it a graveyard. What the petitioner has said is blasphemous.
Hara hara shankara jaya jaya shankara
Meenakshi
This is a message given by Kanchi Mahaperiyava Paramacharya
"In all that you do, let love be the sole motive. Any deed must be with reference to another: Action implies the acted-upon as much as the agent. Let action be out of love. I am not here referring to the Gandhian gospel of ahimsa. There may be situations, which demand violent action. Punishment, for instance, may be necessary. Even wars may have to be waged. But whatever be the nature of the action, the agent must act out of love. Passions such as desire and hatred, anger and malice, must be totally eschewed. If love becomes the guiding principle of all deeds, then most of the ills of the world will vanish. This you may carry with you as the message of the sages and saints of India", His Holiness added.
For a saint who had nothing in his heart other than love for humanity, His samadhi is much more than a temple. There have been very few people in the past who had that kind of love for humanity. It is sad that the State Chief Secretary has referred to him as a 'body'. It is a shame that people from Tamil Nadu are speaking like this when they had the good fortune to see a person whom they could emulate in thought and character.
Lakshminarasimhan
Taiwan (ROC)
Rejection of Bala Periyavaal's bail plea:
Rejecting the bail plea, the Sessions Court Judge G.M.Akbar Ali said, "When saints and godmen are under clouds of suspicion, the equality of law and equal protection of law does not vary from person to person". Continuing his statement, the judge says, "Even Sita had to enter fire to prove her chastity'', and for good measure added, "this court honestly believes that Sita alone can emerge unscathed".
I wonder what he means by this. Is the learned judge saying that the prosecution is absolved from proving guilt, and now the accused have to prove their innocence, and until such innocence is proven, they are presumed guilty?
I thought that in civilized societies, one is innocent UNTIL proven guilty, and it is for the police and the prosecution to present clear evidence and prove that one is indeed guilty as charged.
Every day presents another strange twist. I think we are now in it for the long haul!!
Valmiki
-----------
Valmiki P. Raghunathan
Atlanta, Georgia, USA
On the reply of the TN Government challenging the NHRC’s notice:
"Belittling the immortality of ‘Sri Paramacharya’ as a mere ‘body’ will haunt the government forever."
Ram Seshan
Banners for Dharma!
If you think only brahmins are most affected by Kanchi Acharya's arrest, then you are mistaken.If you think only the affluent people are affected, then you are mistaken.
If you think the younger lot appreciates the arrest, You are mistaken.
Read the report to know more about the happenings in " Thiruvannamalai:"
A team of 10 members (5 ladies age group of 40+ and 5 younger age groups) have launched this campaign in Thiruvannmalai Girivalam ( a communion of few lakhs of religious aspirants during full moon evening / night) They got atleast 10,000 signatures on 50 small banners and 2 big banners in two hours flat.Unbelievable!!!!!! and around 300 signatories from various parts of TN wanting to do this in their area and have promised to collect signatures ranging from few hundreds to few thousands!!!!!!!!!!.
The detailed reports a) The team don't have any contact base in TVM. They want to experiment this campaign plan and want to see the public opinion and support. For the team TVM (thiruvannamali)is a new place and they were in thedark.
b) On their way to TVM (thiruvannamali) the team wanted to have their evening coffee. The signature campaign started there. They
initiated the process and signature from this hotel where they were having their snacks and coffee. To the team surprise everybody
signed it. The signatories includes the owner, the cook, the bearer and the cleaning boys. It was more surprising that the customers to these hotel also signed it. The hotel requested that the team leave banners with them, They would in turn get more signatures and
would send that to Chennai by courier (at their own cost).c) In TVM The team met few locals accidentally. The locals were from the political parties which is in favour of the arrest in the TN scene. But the party men were more positive and supported the team activity in whole and they were the very first signatories in TVM. They really took care of the team and supported to the core in giving ideas and in their heart, they are all against Kanchi Acharya's arrest.
d) The team set out its banner near Ramana Ashram in the well lit area and It obtained more than 10,000 signatures with a
volunteer base of just 10.e) All kinds of communities / castes /age groups /both men and women who came for girivalam on the road side have signed it.
f) The signatories includes few muslims
g) Few even prayed there for Acharya's early release.
h) Mostly people have shared the same thought that its a bashing on Hinduism and its good that somebody organising a signature campaign like this and around 300 volunteered to do this in their areas and left their address for further action.
i) The team collected the signatures in 50 small banners and 2 big banners. When this got exhausted, The team as a backup also had white cloths, Even that was exhausted. The team have to wind up the campaign for want of materials as all the banners got exhausted.
j) Usually we think what elder ladies can do?? But one would be surprised to see the amount of conviction these ladies have. They
were continuously shouting with sayings like "To uphold dharma one should sign" "to save Hinduism one should sign " "to save India one should sign" "To show Hindu unity one should sign". Even after continuous shouting the ladies were not exhausted. The whole team were not exhausted.k) the other volunteers were busy in explaining the arrest and the facts behind and establishes the point of contact by issuing
handbills with details of the team and collected the signatures on the campaign.l) only few reluctant to sign it.
Summary of this happenings : The response is enormous. As organisers they were only 10. With just 10 people if they could
some 10,000 signatures in short span of time. If the team is provided with 100 volunteers and adequate material probably they
would have obtained few lakhs signatures in just two hours.Learnings : The whole of TN in its heart feel depressed about the arrest? And are willing to be part of the larger group and network.
Do we have a organisation / network that would channelise their energies? Do we have strategies to bring them together? If we could bring people together for this cause, It is sure that, the whole group would fight any cause that affects Hindu religious or HINDUS.
If you want to support this you may send your mail to banner@actfordharma.org
On this Republic Day, let us reflect on the ideals enshrined in our Constitution !!
On this Republic Day, the President and Prime Minister of India, and the Governors and Chief Ministers of all the States will raise the flag and participate in the festivities that are ritually conducted every year since the proclamation of India as a ‘Republic’ 55 years ago. The citizens of the country – adults and children alike - will enjoy the day off from the routine at work and school. I wonder how many (the so-called leaders included) will truly reflect the ideals embellished in our Constitution (http://indiacode.nic.in/coiweb/welcome.html).India’s constitution, that our elected leaders have pledged to uphold, clearly states, in the preamble –
“We, the people of India, having solembly resolved to constitute India into a sovereign socialist secular democratic republic and to secure to all its citizens:
JUSTICE, social, economic and political;
LIBERTY of thought, expression, belief, faith and worship;
EQUALITY of status and of opportunity;
and to promote among them all,
FRATERNITY assuring the dignity of the individual and the unity and integrity of the Nation.
… and goes on to the details of this solemn undertaking.
It is important for our elected and appointed leaders, the police administration, members of the judiciary reflect on this and consider if they have acted true to their pledge to uphold this Constitution.
They have to consider this in the light of the sordid behavior of the police, prosecuting officials, administration, media, and the judiciary. More importantly, the people have to reflect on how their leaders have behaved and take appropriate action in choosing and retaining such leaders.
Has JUSTICE been served effectively by trumped up charges, shoddy and abominable investigation techniques, selective releases and leaks of information and video images and failure to show either motive or evidence? Hasn’t the law been violated when bank accounts are surreptiously frozen? Hasn’t JUSTICE been undermined by so-called confessions forced by torture and illegal detentions?
Has LIBERTY of thought, expression, belief, faith and worship been served by harassing devotees of the matham and issuing senseless summons to members of the press (S.Gurumurthy of New India Press) and to those who oppose state action (S.Vendantam, International Vice President of VHP)?
Has EQUALITY been ensured by the overt haste and eagerness shown in booking the Acharyas in the Sankararaman murder case and by engulfing the Acharya and the matham in all kinds of unrelated issues?
Has FRATERNITY been served in ensuring the dignity of the individual and the unity of the nation? How is the dignity of the individual (and the institution headed by that individual) assured when the selective and doctored parts of video tapes taken during police custody are released? How is the dignity of the individual assured when the prosecuting attorney screams that our Acharya is a ‘most undeserving criminal’ even when a chargesheet has not been filed? How is the dignity of the individual assured when the prosecuting ‘senior learned’ counsel Tulsi lies outright in the court of law that the Acharya has confessed to the crime? How is the dignity of the individual assured when the case is sensationalized by playing the sex-card? when summons are issued to unrelated parties like actresses, lady devotees (like Usha), and selective press leaks are made about women being involved? How is “Unity and Integrity of the Nation” served by Tulsi when he says, “To them, a Brahmin is above the law” (little did he realize that the Acharya is not a Brahmin – the Acharya has given up everything – including his identity - to serve the cause of humanity). How is the cause of FRATERNITY and JUSTICE upheld when the police trample on the sentiments of the devotees, enter the Matham with booted and armed policement, not give lawyers unhindered access, and literally haul our Bala Periyavaa?
In the face of this audacious affront to our Constitution, our leaders have remained silent. The devotees are watching helplessly. The Acharyas and the Matham – whose legacy goes back is 2500 years old and traced directly to Adi Sankara, are patiently and non-violently waiting for justice to be served.
And, as we celebrate this Republic Day, isn’t this an appropriate occasion for us to reflect upon the ideals enshrined in our Constitution? How are we going to serve the causes so eloquently written in that document? How are we going to protect it? How are we going to ensure that our elected leaders are going to live by and uphold the Constitution?
Think about it.
Valmiki P. Raghunathan
Atlanta, Georgia, USA
Face it and fix this Auto-Immune- Disease!
If a person has an auto-immune disease, the body's immune system mistakenly attacks itself, targeting the cells, tissues, and organs of a person's own body. Now, the police, politicians, and various courts are supposed to keep the country in a healthy shape, immune from many kinds of subversive, intrusive, virus and bacterial attacks. Don't all these show that the country is having an unfortunate fever? India needs some steady medicine from the saner section of police, politicians, and courts. After all, come on! all the people of the Indian subcontinent are of the same race!
Subramanian S, United States
It is said that any new activity should not be pursued within Rahu Kaalam. The fear is that the new activity will face hurdles due to the inauspicious time when it was started. His Holiness Sri Jayendra Saraswathi Swamigal requested the Sessions Court Judge to post his decision on the bail application of His Holiness in the Sankaraman murder case after the Rahu Kaalam period. The Judge, ignoring the request of His Holiness, posted his decision refusing bail to His Holiness during the Rahu Kaalam period for that day. Obviously, this decision of the Judge was going to face hurdles. The refusal to grant bail by the Sessions Court Judge was overturned by the Supreme Court.
We are, but instruments of a larger design. I hope the Judge has realized his own folly. Dr. Jayendra Ramesan
New Jersey, USA
My beloved devotees:
Don't lose heart! Things are already happening that foretell the demise of this ridiculous case. Let me explain:
The head of the SIT went and prayed to a particular idol, who, he said, "stood as a witness to this whole affair. It is now between the Acharya and God, and he (Premkumar,) is only an instrument in all this". Let us look at this police officer who is carrying out his 'secular duties.’ Is this a 'secular' act? Does this not show prejudice, in the form of trying to influence scores of religious folks to form an opinion on this case based on religious sentiments? If the SIT wanted 'God's blessings' could it not have done so privately? What was then the motive to publicise prayers offered to a Hindu God before submitting a charge sheet to a court? Ask yourself a simple question: Why would the police who swore to uphold the law irrespective of the religion of the person involved, behave this way? The simple answer again is this: this is not about a crime - this is about creating sentiments in the public to hang the alleged culprit, without any proof.
By the way, when the Acharya requested the judge’s decision be given after Rahu kalam, the court cited the 'secular' nature of the court and rejected his request. Shouldn't the court now reject the charge sheet on the basis of it having been offered for blessing at a Hindu shrine in contrast to the 'secular' values of the government? How can the judiciary in Tamil Nadu condone this?
I challenge every thinking Indian to look at this act without prejudice! It is high time that the people of all colour and religion wake up to understand that the folks in power believe that the public is unthinking.
Are we a nation of laws or of despots? Even if any of my entreaties are not answered, which, I think will not be, we still have the truth on our side.
Let us rejoice. Because by this act alone, the SIT has demonstrated their ineptitude and prejudice!
Ram Seshadri
Dallas
Be a Philosopher but be still a man!
I remember that earlier in November, when Acharyal wanted the judge to issue certain orders after the “Ragu Kalam” the investigating team and KTR Tulsi were very insistent upon disrespecting the simple request of the Seer and even ridiculed that there is nothing like Ragu Kalam etc. If I remember correctly, they issued orders six or seven minutes before the end of Ragu Kalam. They could have waited for a few more minutes at that time, as a courtesy for the individual (Acharyal).
Now, why would the same group of people wait for the Ragu Kaalam to be over and do special prayers at the Perumal Temple etc. before filing the charge sheet?
Is this not tantamount to a violation of basic human rights?
I remember that some (Chinese) philosopher once stated – “be a philosopher, but amidst your philosophy be still a man!”B. S. Mani,
Hinsdale IL, USA
“ The Needhi Devata in the court with a weighing scale is not an old paper merchant! Her scales will tilt easily in favour of Dharma even if you had just one line of truth. She is not going to be impressed with your case just because you have 1873 pages in the charge sheet. Weighty arguments, not the weight of the charge sheet in kilograms!”
RS
“We are not alone”
The contents of the web site and the postings by the bhaktas of the
mutt are so heartening in this hour of crisis for the mutt and our
Periyavaas.I was frustrated and burning inside at the shameless injustice and
atrocities against our dear Periyavaas and at the heartless maligning of
our Periyavaa's name by the media. It was at that time that I stumbled
across the Kanchi Sathya web site. I cannot tell in words the joy
I experienced on seeing a group of people like me... deeply hurt...
anguished.. expressing affection and support towards our Periyavaas and
our mutt.It gave me so much solace and peace of mind that we have people like
us grouped together.. united for the common cause of justice and
righteousness. I referred this web site to my relatives and friends who are
supporters of the mutt..The support from this forum has given me the inner strength to
overcome these temporary challenges with courage.... to keep silent
when stupid people outside enjoy gossiping on this issue.. and derive
a cheap pleasure out of it. (These people anyways are not open to learning
the facts..it seems more like they have been waiting for this to
happen so that they can happily malign the mutt).I have found out that the best way to tackle these people is to avoid
retorting..I divert the topic immediately.. I do not fight with
them.. nor do I let them keep on talking.. I divert the topic without
even their noticing it..When we elucidate strong inner confidence and courage, it
communicates that we don't even want to convince them or get
their approval, they are disappointed and shut their mouths.
(When we fight with pigs, we get dirty and the pigs love it!!).I would like to share my experience with the bhaktas reading this.. I
have found in this crisis that praying and chanting of
slokas as suggested by Periyavaa and the mutt's website, gives much strength, courage and the knowledge deep inside that Truth will finally win.
I would urge that the more all of us pray, the more we are contributing directly to Periyavaa's well-being.I would thank from the bottom of my heart all the people who are
behind this web site. to have served the mutt at a crucial juncture
and more than that, helped all bhakthas like us to get a feeling that
'we are not alone' by providing a platform to voice our feelings..
I don't find words to thank the organisers again..Thanks a lot..With sincere prayers and heart-felt wishes for all those supporting this cause,
Sivapriya Chandrasekaran,
Bangalore.
The case finally reached the highest judicial authority. Even the most cursory of purviews have proven the case to be one ridden with lacunae and fictitious, purported evidence. The Supreme Court has asked to pinpoint the alleged 'evidence' and bail was granted.
That the whole issue is a tear in the souls of his devotees is one fact everyone concurs; what is more menacing in this morass is the total alienation of everything sacred to a democracy.
The law holds everyone innocent until proven otherwise. What did we see here? The public prosecutor giving televised interviews on what he claimed was 'clinching evidence’. How can a denizen purporting to uphold the law stoop to such a low as to influence the public's emotions?
Then, the shockingly irresponsible and sensationalized reporting by the media which seemed to have very adroitly focused on the 'links' to the unsavory elements that the seer was purported to have had while totally omitting the regenerative work spearheaded by him in various fields.
We were witness to many women crawling out of the woodwork and grabbing their share of the sensation quota by besmirching a great guru's character. Where are the televised interviews of thousands of lady folk who have been recipients of countless blessings and guidance from this guru?
.
The sordid history of the officer in charge of the investigation is known to one and all. His rather hasty transfer has left even the skeptics wondering. Is there any more proof needed that this case will probably go down in the annals of legal history as the most doctored and manipulated?
What faith do we have left in this world's greatest democracy? If this is the way a matthaadheesh can be victimised, where is the hope for all of us? This is the autocratic misuse of power and position at its nadir and it chills my spine to even think that we are deluding ourselves to be living in a democracy.
Incidentally, I am very happy that no special privileges were accorded to Periava.Guess why? Tomorrow, when our Guru triumphantly returns nobody can say that the law had been manipulated or that he took refuge in his special status to arm-twist.
Like another bhakta had correctly pointed out, facts are stubborn things. They refuse to go away. These very same facts will highlight the absolute lack of anything concrete to convict Periava and it will hopefully put an end to this political tantrum.
The hasty arrest of Balaperiava is proof enough of a nervous government skittishly trying to implicate and implant evidence where none is evidently available. This arrest has shown the world conclusively, rather "clinchingly' , as the authorities in T.N are fond of using, that madam CM is in a desperate bid to desecrate the mutt's reputation and her "operation vendetta" is slowly and surely showing that there is much more than that meets the eye.
I take this opportunity to thank citizens from other faiths for having expressed their shock and angst proving that this is a FIGHT FOR FAITH and I am extremely proud of my community for holding their peace and for not allowing themselves to use this issue to degenerate into violence and falling prey to the oft witnessed rage that a situation of this sensitivity can often provoke.
Let me finish on a lighter note....maybe, it is the thairsadam that has given us this sang-froid.
Please continue with your prayers as this fight for faith slowly spirals to a climax. Be with your Guru in thoughts, actions and deeds.
Jayashri,Mumbai
I am anguished beyond words with the treatment of our Guru by the TN Police and the Jayalalitha's Government. Let us pause for a minute and ask ourselves whether the current regime in Tamil Nadu would have dared attack the Mutt and the Periaval if our beloved Maha Acharya was alive today.
The simple answer to this question is a resounding 'YES!' Because, these cases are not about the sanctity of religion or the innocence of a saint! They are about destroying 2500 year old traditions so that the current Government can take over an old institution with impunity. This is about people in power teaching 'insignificant' minorities the 'realities' of political and judicial life in Tamil Nadu
Do the police think that the Mutt Manager and the accountant are stupid enough to flagrantly pay off the 'alleged murderers'? If they wanted to pay off someone, wouldn't it be cleaner and easier if they had contracted a 'third party?’ If I were the Mutt official and had perpetrated this crime, I would have done everything in my power not to involve the Mutt in any way. Are these administrative folks at the Mutt so stupid, are they not working there because of their faith in the teachings of the Mutt?
Does this whole picture make any sense to you? Then why does this make sense to SIT? With all that has been revealed in the Sankararaman’s case so far, is it possible that our Mutt is in anyway involved?
Knowing the traditions of the Mutt, I can only say 'no, it is not possible'.
Knowing the sweet nature of our current Periaval, I can only say 'no, it is not possible'.
Knowing the character of our Bala Periava, I can only say 'no, it is not possible'.Ram Seshadri, Dallas
I read with interest the updates on Kanchi Satya on the controversy the mutt is embroiled in.
I entirely agree with Valmiki's comments. I too had the fortune of my wedding blessed by all the Periavas and had many opportunities over these years to interact with both the Periavas closely.
The very idea of Periavas being involved in anything like is preposterous!! In all my interaction over the last 14 years, never let me repeat never, have I seen them utter a harsh word leave alone the idea of orchestrating a murder. On the contrary, I have personally witnessed stories of how Pudu Periava has helped few of my close family members from crisis situations in their families.
They use the language of love, not violence to find solutions. All their conversations are about how to protect the vedas, prevent conversions and help the poor.
I attended an award function in Mumbai where Sushil Kumar Shinde, Ex-CM of Maharastra commented the following:
"Jeyendra Saraswathi Samigal is the first and only Shankaracharya to enter his Dalit village 40 years ago. . .His commitment to Dalit upliftment is unparrelled amongst religious heads.He is not just a religious head but reformer as well."
Now let the world be the judge of Jaya's actions.
G Suresh
Mumbai
An Appeal
Yesterday I was fortunate enough to have Darshan of Swamiji at Kalavai. I feel the real problem the mutt is facing is the financial crunch.The advocates of the mutt have to settle this issue besides other cases at the earliest otherwise it would become extremely difficult to make payments to the several employees of various organizations of the mutt towards the end of this month, as expressed by a senior employeee of the mutt.
I appeal to all the devotees to visit the mutt,make generous contributions and thus help in overcoming this crisis which is the need of the hour .JAMUNA
Our Bhakti has not wavered"
I was (note the past tense) not a 'devotee' (in the strict sense of the term) of the mutt before November 11, 2004. I belong to a traditional brahmin family, and my parents and my grandparents were involved in varying degrees with the mutt. The first and only time I visited the mutt was in 1989 prior to my arranged marriage, when my brother took me there to get the Acharyas' blessings. My wife's family is devoted to the mutt much more strongly, with easily evident love and respect for the Paramacharya, Periyavaa and BalaPeriyavaa. They were overjoyed when the Acharyas blessed the wedding invitation and the Paramacharya gave a full coconut (naar thengai) to my mother-in-law in consent and blessing. We put the standard statement on my wedding invitations (from both the groom and the bride's sides) - that the wedding was taking place under the authority and with the blessings of the Acharyas. Other than that, my connection with the mutt was the occassional "Kanchi Bhajans" - where I would go to meet long-lost friends and enjoy the sumptuous prasadam feast.
I had clearly under-estimated the very deep connection that has been forged over generations and centuries between us and the mutt. The smiling and loving gaze of the Paramacharya has had its subterranean impact.
Since, 11/11, I think of the Acharya and the Mutt daily - 24x7, literally every waking minute. I wake up suddenly at least twice at nights, around 1:00 am and again around 4:00 am (US-EST) to check on updates on the Acharya and the Mutt. I have developed a deep sense of foreboding and grief - not much different from what I felt immediately after my father's death in 1980. I anguish when one more Mutt functionary is arrested on non-existent evidence and flimsy grounds. I flinch when I read the state attorneys and Tulsi issue outrageous comments about our Acharyas. My anger rises when I see SP Premkumar desecrate the sanctity of the Mutt by taking in booted policemen into the Mutt to arrest our BalaPeriyavaa. I cry when I see Periyavaa in those doctored videos being shamelessly telecast by Sun TV.
I feel good when our side scores a point here and a point there. I rejoiced when I read the Andhra High Court's judgement by Justice Reddy. I jumped with joy - at 1:00 am US-EST - when my Treo 600 flashed the news of the Supreme Court's judgement granting bail to Periyavaa. I am happy to see devotees making a beeline to the Kalavai Mutt. I felt particularly good when I read that Rajnikant visited the mutt and sought the blessings of the Acharya. Such dogged belief is what is required to show the other side that their innuendos have had no impact on us.
I tell my wife - "when we visit Chennai this summer, the first thing in my agenda is to visit the mutt, get the darshan of the Periyavaa and the BalaPeriyavaa, and spend a day there". My 9-year old daughter has a lot of questions, and I am hoping the visit and the glimpse of the Dharmagurus will answer those questions.
I also tell my fellow Indians here - brace yourself for more lashing from the oppressive state machinery, which is clearly rattled by the turn of events in the last two weeks, and will do its utmost to land some punishing blows. But, I am now confident that we will prevail at the end.
I have a message to the oppressive government, police and prosecution - "We have unflinching devotion to the mutt and the Acharyas. Our bhakthi has not wavered - in fact, it has only strengthened with every blow you think you are landing"
Valmiki
Atlanta, GA, USA.
Will Jayalalithaa practice what she preaches?
Chief Minister Jayalalitha has stated that the Kanchi Kamakoti Peetathipathi H.H Sri Jayendra Saraswathi Swamigal should be banished from Southern India because of her apprehension that he might meddle with the witnesses and evidence in the ongoing investigation against him & the mutt, and that his very presence will dampen the spirits of the mutt workers.
If that is indeed the case, wouldn't similar logic apply against her in the case of disproportionate wealth against her. Should'nt she give up her Chief Ministership, and banish herself from TamilNadu & South India, because she might meddle with the witnesses and evidence in the case against her, and because her very presence will dampen the spirits of those who are going to testify against her?
While she is at it, she should also banish her trusted officer, Premkumar, the Superintendent of Police who is leading this witch-hunt, that is masquerading as an investigation. Cyanide, as Premkumar is affectionately called in police circles for his third-degree investigation techniques, is himself embroiled in a few criminal cases. Banish him too for he too will meddle with witnesses and evidence.
What is good for the goose is good for the gander, right?
Valmiki
-----------
Valmiki P. Raghunathan
Alpharetta, USA.
Dear Devotees:
At the request of Prof. A.V. Raghunath of Kanchi Kamakoti Seva Foundation, forwarding an email received from him which is self explanatory. Lot of devotees have expressed the same sentiment after their return to USA by paying a visit to Sri Matam at this critical time. Depending upon where you live, please either pay a visit to Sri Matam at Kanchipuram to show our support and respect to our Acharyas, by taking part in the 11th Aradhana of H.H. Sri Maha Swamigal and Shanti Prayer for Tsunami victims that are taking place in Sri Matam or at a place near you either in India or abroad.
Please visit http://www.kksfusa.org/11thAradhanaNJ.htm to see the details for NJ or visit http://www.kksfusa.org for other centers. Please also be on the look out for the special advertisement that is coming out this weekend in leading Indian newspapers like Urban Indian, India Abroad, Indian Express etc. across USA, which is brought out by devotees alongwith an appeal for Tsunami victimsHara Hara Sankara! Jaya Jaya Sankara
‘Kalavai – so dear to Sri. Mahaperiyavaal’ – by K. Guruvayurappan
Click here to download [.doc]
" Dear Friends,Yesterday ( Sunday, Jan. 2, 2005) I visited Kanchi and I was one among several people waiting to see H.H. Sri Ilaya Priyaval. Though the crowd is reduced, life is as usual. There is no panic, no fear, no tears and no police. There was puja by Swamigal and bhajans by devotees. Our Swamigal is well poised and is optimistic of tommorrow.
Coward devotees die many times before their death, the valiant devotee taste it but once. ( This quote is from William Shakespeare. If this is harsh or counter productive, delete it) Please forward this message to all your contacts in and around Kanchi and encourage them to visit the Mutt.
Sincerely,
A.V.Raghunath"
No bars can shackle the Jagadguru
No bars or shackles can imprison the Jagadguru
Nor can the dungeons imprison his universal auraNo matter where our Periyava
His true abode is in the hearts of His devotees.Jayashree Gomathakrishna, USA
Her devotion & bhakthi lead Jayashree Gomathakrishna, USA, to create a portatrait of the Acharya. This is the first portrait she has ever painted. She has imagined Sri Periaval in the Vellore cell. In the painting, the dark walls depicting our dark times and the divine light that bathes our Guru is Kamakshi's grace.
To see the portrait click here
To see a close up and witness the compassion & grace of the Acharya’s eyes, click here
Let us fold our hands in prayer
Nature's annihilating fury has been brought home to all of us this past week as never before as we all watched the tsunamis devour, destroy and decimate our world. As I witnessed this like all of you, I had a sudden epiphany.
I have no doubt in my mind that our Periayava would have foreseen this impending carnage. I know that this great Jagadguru has perhaps shouldered the worst of it and has prayed to prevent the world from toppling on it's axis as the US geological survey has said that the whole Earth is shuddering on it's axis as a result of that great oceanic quake. The arrest was a precursor to a series of unusual and upsetting happenings.
We need to join our hands in prayer for His safe return because the whole world needs a seer like Him. Let the New Year ring in our Guru's triumph over these malicious accusations and let our Guru continue with the Jagadhodharana work that has become the hallmark of our great mutt.
A very happy new calendar year to all the members of the Kamakoti family and please pray hard for all those who have been affected by this cosmic fury because only prayer can provide us with answers to many of the perplexing happenings and can give us the calm and quiet from within to battle against odds.
Jayashri, Mumbai.
Facts are stubborn things. They do not cease to exist because they are ignored - Aldous Huxley
Today is Dec 15, 2004. The shocking deed of the TN government in taking Sri Sankaracharya Jayendra Saraswathi Swamigal into judicial custody was perpetrated on Nov 11, 2004. It has been 34 days now. It is time to internalize a few points.
1. The claim about having clinching evidence: The police claimed it. The prosecutor claimed it. Even the chief minister claimed it in the Legislative Assembly. A large majority of people in this country held their breath, and suspended their disbelief. After all, no one would dare arrest a person of such eminence as the Kanchi Sankaracharya without having 'clinching evidence', so they said. 34 days have gone by. No sign of clinching evidence. No sign of anything that would even fall in the category of credible, let alone clinching, evidence. Witnesses, who were coerced, have recanted. Allegations of mobile phone calls, cash transfers and confession statements have not just receded. They have imploded under the weight of their own untruth. We are waiting, Mr. Tulsi, for your next trick. It is time to put up or shut up. The fuse has been lit. And, the count down has started.
2. Let the law take its own course: Every person worth his proverbial salt said this. Well, the law has taken its own course for 34 days. What do we have? First, we have a judge who refused bail to the Acharya, taking refuge under a circumstantially unique edict of the Supreme court in the Pappu Yadav case. Whether this is obfuscation of the law or incompetence, the bail proceedings in the Supreme Court will clarify for us.
Second, Mr. Tulsi put his 'legal' skills on show, with his increasingly infamous declaration of a 'confession', to bolster his faltering claim of 'clinching evidence'. Any self-respecting counsel practicing law would immediately agree with the legal inadmissibility of such evidence. The 'senior' counsel from the Delhi court declared this in open court playing to the twin galleries of an insecure judge's psyche and a frenzied media. Clearly, the law did not take its course here. Whether the senior counsel for the government will be disbarred for his unethical conduct, only time will tell.
3. We, the people: We should be proud of ourselves. A questionable deed has been pevrpetrated. Not a single life was lost. Not even a fly was harmed. Thousands of prayers have been said. Even more tears have been shed. But, we maintained dignity and calm in the face of inexplicable hostility. We have held our faith. We have turned the other cheek. And now, the hand that slapped is hurting. Blessed indeed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth.
4. 'Truth is the best vindication against slander': Abraham Lincoln hit the bull's eye when he said this. The malicious media campaign to impugn the fair name of the Acharya reached feverish heights in the last 34 days. In fact, it went to such extremes that the Kanchi Matham had to release a full page clearing up the falsehoods. No one is above the law. And most importantly, no one is above the truth. Satyameva Jayate. We are about to find out on whose side the truth lies. Don't hold your breath any more. It should be obvious by now.
5. Moral victories: Let's track the scorecard for the last 34 days.
First round: Arrest of his holiness was perpetrated. No violence. No resistance. TN govt - 0, we, the people - 1
Second round: Key witnesses recant. Other 'evidence' has disappeared. Nothing left to speak of. TN govt - 0, we, the people - 2
Third round: 34 days have gone by. The case has not gone to trial yet in spite of 'clinching evidence' at arrest. Tn govt - 0, we, the people - 3
Fourth round prediction: Supreme court grants unconditional bail to HH Sri. Sankaracharya. TN govt - 0, we, the people 4
How many more rounds will it take for the chief minister to realize the folly of her ways, and apologize to the people and the Acharya. After all, we are all human. It is never too late to seek repentance. Repent while you may. For, when divine retribution comes, it will be swift and merciless.
Enam-aapatsu krcchresu kaantaa-resu bhayesu ca
kirttayan purusha ha kaschinnaavasidati RaaghavaTranslation: No individual who holds his faith/devotion in great difficulties and in times of great peril will ever come to grief, O scion of Raghu
From Aadhitya Hridhayam
K.R.Chandrasekharan
Chennai600041
Let the Mutt emerge as tempered steel from this fire of doubt, defamation & degradation
I have been visiting the kanchi mutt from my childhood days and have been the recipient of many anugrahams from this great guru. These past few weeks have truly been an unbearable ordeal for his numerous bhaktaas…. The feeling of nameless fear ,the disbelief, the shock of seeing the press come up with utter drivel ,the planned assault on the mutt’s integrity has left us all reeling!!I have a few thoughts to share ….
I firmly believe that pudu periyaval as He is fondly called, is one person who has exemplified the word spiritual leader in the truest sense of the term. He has understood the changing needs of our terrifyingly complex times and has risen to this need with a clarion call and has dynamically taken our mutt’s activities into areas of social, educational and economic regeneration In my mind ,such a move calls for great vision and a deep commitment on his part to give the mutt a new dynamic and forceful identity.
For a devotee living in the 21st century,the mutt today offers a range of activities and causes to allign ourselves to . As to the allegations that the mutt is flush with funds ,I have only thing to say…. The brahmin community today is a well to do one. Some of us are third or fourth generation income earners and most of us have at least one sibling or child earning abroad and this economic wellbeing will automatically reflect in the causes we believe in and support .
We live in a very complex and troubled world today and in this world our periaval is showing us causes and activities that are not only religion oriented but also upliftment oriented and this gives devotees like me and I’m sure countless others a sense of purpose, a sense of feel good and the effects and ramifications of these activities and schemes will be observed and spoken about long after our times.
I have no doubt that He has swallowed the poison arising out of a great churning in our country. We are all indeed lucky to have known and experienced the blessings of this great messiah during our times.
Let us all in the kamakoti umbrella unite as one and pray for our guru’s safe return and also pray for own good because the malefic after shocks of imprisoning a choice son of the goddess Kamakshi has to be borne by our nation. To Periava,it truly does not matter where he stays or how he lives. It will affect all of us and it is this certainty that terrifies me.When divine retribution happpens and I have no doubt that it will, our whole country will have to pay a very heavy and crippling price for this dastardly act
Let this unpalatable, yet apparently deemed by destiny, turmoil purge the mutt of it’s doubters and detractors and let the mutt emerge as tempered steel from this fire of doubt,defamation and degradation. Satyameyva Jayatey! Guru Sakshat Parabrahma!!Shri Guruvey Namaha!Om namo Gurubhyoh Namaha!
Jayashri, Mumbai
We feel proud to be His Devotees
Bringing Down the Greatness – T Jayaraman
Emergency in TN by Janaki M (click here for article)
By God's grace I expect HH Sri Jayendra Saraswati Swamigal to celebrate Makara Sankaranti in the Kanchi Mutt
You must be aware of the Supreme Court order in the Bail plea's
Do not get carried by newspaper reports who caption it as" seer does not get respite" or "SC declines interim bail" etc. etc.
The positive aspect of the order is the Supreme has directed the TN Govt. to produce all relevant material of the Sankararaman murder case on Jan 6th.
This in effect I feel is a virtual transfer of the case outside the TN.
ON that day SC will see through all the glitches and patches in the police case and I am almost sure the entire police case/s will crack.
Please rest assured that God will set right everything for all of you and for all of us.
With regards
V. Krishnan
Letter to Anuradha Ramanan by Mr. C V Srinivasan of Chennai
Balamurali & The Kanchi Award
(There is an erroneous impression created by press reports that Sri Balamurali Krishna Rejected the Sri. Jayendra Saraswati National Eminence Award. On the contrary being a keen devotee of the Acharya he said that he would wait to receive the award from His Holiness himself. In view of his suggestion the occasion was converted a concert instead. The following mail from Mr. A. Seshan clarifies the situation!)
Subject: Disinformation of the media
Sir - I have seen the website kanchi-satya and also the full-page write-up of the Kanchi Mutt in the Mumbai edition of The Times of India today. They have been done well to disabuse the minds of the public of the canard being passed around by the media.
An instance of the disinformation campaign of the press is the following report on the first page under the "News Digest" column of The Times of India:
"Balamurali rejects award: Carnatic music doyen M Balamurali Krishna, a follower of the Kanchi seer, on Sunday refused to accept the Sri Jayendra Saraswati National Eminence Award in the absence of the pontiff who has been in judicial custody for about a month in connection with a murder case."
The report gives the reader the impression that the musician 'refused' to receive the award because it is tainted. I attended the music concert of his at the Shanmukhananda Fine Arts and Sangeetha Sabha on the 5th instant. He said that he had advised the organisers of the Award function to postpone it. It was a correct attitude on his part as it saved the organsiers of embarrassment. But there is a whale of a difference between what he said and what appears in the press with its overtones.
The only silver lining for believers in Mahaperiaval is that as one, who knew the past, the present and the future, he could not have chosen as his successor someone capable of committing a crime.
Yours faithfully
A. Seshan
Would you accept food from a stranger?
We are warned not to accept food from a stranger during train travel. We are worried that it may have tranquilizers to put us to sleep and they could rob us. While travelling by air you are told not to accept any packets or covers from strangers. We follow all these instructions meticulously, because we don’t want to be behind bars if there were contraband stuff in those packets.
Yet when our own Guru who we know for several decades now, tells us not to trust the media propaganda, we find it difficult to follow his advice.
The mind is a monkey. It will keep jumping to irrelevant malicious stuff that will corrupt our thinking and belief. It sows the virus of doubt and starts demolishing our foundation. Like a computer virus, it will spread fast and finally it will render our minds useless. And indeed destroy our entire community of devotees.
This is precisely what they want. Shake the trust, make us falter in our faith and finally be derailed completely.
Just stay away from all the muck, even if it is in your favourite newspaper, magazine or TV Channel. All the material are put together by juvenile correspondents who are there, to out do their own fraternity. In the process, they resort to all methods. They have no clue as to what the impact of their writing could be on society.
Just grit your teeth, and hang on. Do not for a moment let go of your faith. That is your umbilical chord to sanity.
- A devotee, who is pained by some of our own people begin to waver in their thinking
Who can win against us? - by Sai RamA day witnessing joy and colours,
flowers of happiness blossoming,
Suddenly, everything overshadowed,
By a cloud of conspiracy
A black mark in Indian history,
Conspirators no longer a mystery,
Protests becoming ubiquitous,
Conspirators words incongrous,
With their attempts failing,
Resulting in adversaries ravening,
Revealing sinister designs,
Demonstrations becoming relentless,
Leaving foes clueless,
Noose around their necks tightening,
YES! they have dug their graves,
Tide of support gaining strength,
Disproving theories put forward,
With the blessings of MAHA PERIYAVAAL,
VICTORY is SYNONYMOUS to the PERIYAVAAL,
Devotees never forget,
WITH MAHA PERIYAVAAL ABOVE US
WHO CAN EVER WIN AGAINST US ???JAYA JAYA SHANKARA,HARA HARA SHANKARA!!!
His place in the hearts of spiritual lovers as Jagadguru is eternal [download .doc file]
Verses on Periyavaal by Ms. Bhuvana who made a film on Him sometime ago
Our great Guru is already a prisoner in the minds of crores of his devotees. Vellore Central Prison has become a Punnia Poomi for the devotees of our Great Guru. He should not seek bail at all. Let him be there till the Court itself becomes convinced that there is no charge against him and release him on its own. we pray, that day should come soon. The temple in Vellore Fort was without a Daiety for generations. Now the Daiety at the Fort Temple wants the company of our Great Guru with him. Who can change the will of the Almighty??? Baktha Ramadas was imprisoned for how many years. We visit that Punnia Boomi till today. We will visit this punnia Boomi in future. Jai Jai Shankara Hara Hara Sankara!!!!
- K. Raman
Lies told 100 times by 100 people cannot become true. For the few unethical media players and the hungry public, it was a perfect demand – supply process for the last few days. What a great combination it has been. A venomous government, a blind folded police force, uncontrollable media and gossip mongering public – What more does anyone need to create a sensation. A chewing gum chewed longer will first lose taste and chewed even longer would result in pain. Many third rated magazines would have made a fortune out of these 5 days false drama.
The Mutt did the right thing by silently observing the entire developments and allowing the dust to settle down. The sensation that was created and the kind of loose talks that were floating around had started coming down on its own. What the conspirators thought would be a major achievement for them boomeranged on them and is now all set to put them in trouble. The very fact that the Mutt did not go around in panic asking for support itself is a very clear sign of its innocence. All speculative questions are getting answered by itself and the questions that are put now back by the people to the police and the Government need to be answered.
- Sridhar Ranganathan.
Sri Krishna The Murderer
I see a similarity between the Acharya’s case and the murder allegation against Sri Krishna Bhagavan in “Syamanthka Mani” incident. When Satrajith did severe penance to Lord Surya. Lord Surya blessed him and gave him an ornament that has a rare stone named Syamanthaka. Who ever the wears the ornament is there will be blessed with prosperity, but the person has to be very clean and pure. If the wearer of the ornament commits does anything impure he will be killed.
Hearing the prosperity of Satrajith, Lord Krishna asked him to give the garland to the King, so that the people will benefit. But Satrajith refused and he alleged to people that Krishna is trying to steal the Syamanthaka mani.
Prasenan, the brother of Satrajith loaned the ornament from his brother and went to hunting. He committed a sin act during the hunting and as a result of that a lion killed him.
While not seeing Prasenan for a very long time Satrajith started accusing Krishna of killing his brother and stealing the Syamanthaka. People of Dwaraka started believing that and started accusing Krishna. As a child he used steal butter and milk, now he has grown up and had become a killer. People forgot all the good deeds of Krishna.
As eventually Krishna and Sita came out of all allegations, our Acharya will also come out of this “Agni Pareeksha ”
- Mahadeva Sarma
Clarification
Police says that they have taken custody of Mr. Kathiravan before His Holiness Sri. Sri. Sri. Jayendra Saraswati Swamigal's arrest and taken confession and on his statement only police arrested His Holiness Sri. Sri. Sri. Jayendra Saraswati Swamigal. But as per Media (both in Paper and T.V.) Mr. Kathiravan surrendered at Alandur Court after His Holiness Sri. Sri. Sri. Jayendra Saraswati Swamigal's arrest. Which is correct?
- BALAKRISHNAN
Scrap SUN TV!
As an immediate measure, all the true devotees of the MUTT should cancel their subscription for SUN TV, as a sign of registering our protest for the way the TV is throwing mud on the Acharya! Thank you!
- Anbudan, Sankarkumar
Five Point Programme
I have been one of the ardent devotees of the Kanchi Mutt since the times of paramacharya. I continue to be a devotee and have the highest respects for the Acharyaas Pudu Periyava and Baala Periyavaa, and am currently campaigning amongst my friends to adopt the following 5 point program
1. In your day to day prayer please spend a minute in front of God, praying for speedy resolution of the current issue.
2. When you go to the temple, please include Periyavaa in your sankalpam.
3. Do not read, discuss or pass on reports that come from the media – they are all foisted and only adds to the current confusion. This is evident from the fact that one contradicts the other and, even worse, they contradict with themselves.
4. If possible, visit the Mutt and ask your relatives in India to visit the mutt to show our solidarity.
5. Pass this message to those who you think are being influenced – pass it on in any case to atleast 10 other people.
with Pranams
- Krishnan Sugavanam
The following is from an unknown origin and for your consideration. Thank You.
The barbarians are again at the gate.
Now is the time for you to arise and awake.
Cast away your differences. Calm your mind.
Erase any and all your doubts.
For now is the time for you to act.
First it was Ayodhya. Then it was Mathura. Then Kasi.
Away went the peacock throne and then the Kohinoor.
Now it is Kanchi. Next may be Sringeri and then Puttapurthi?
| We lost the battle. We lost our wealth.
We must not lose this war on our faith.
The barbarians are again at the gate.
For the real enemy is within the walls.
Inaction. Indifference. Apathy. Ego. Greed.
They are all synonymous with death.
What can I do you ask?
Avoid the speculators like the plague.
Don’t give speculations any place
Stand by your faith. Firm and Tall.|
Stand behind the Seer. Sure and strong.
The Seer spread our faith, east and west.
The Seer provided health, for the poor and the Dalit.
The Seer enlightened the lives of the crores.
No wonder, his enemies are many.
For the barbarians to win, the weak must be weak,
And the dalit must be dalit. The poor must be poor.
Stand behind the Seer. Sure and strong
Stand by the Dharma. Firm and Tall
Do your duty and leave the rest to Him.
Hinduism needs you now more than you know.- Anonymous
"I support the basic principle that everyone is equal before law. But why is there one treatment for a Laloo Prasad Yadav and another for a Jayendra Saraswati ?"
– T.V.R. Shenoy, Eminent Journalist – 17.11.2004
"TN Govt. won’t take over Kanchi Mutt. We do not have any sort of such plan. The government has high regard for 2500 year old institutions. The mutt should continue its tradition of preserving Hindu religion."
- J. Jayalalitha, T.N. Legislative Assembly – 17.11.2004.
"It is surprising that when you have tainted persons and criminals who are let free, a religious leader commanding the respect of millions of people is being dealt with in an undignified manner. The arrest of Swamiji is politically motivated"
– Vidhyaranya Bharati, Junior Pontiff of Srimad Jagadguru Sri Kudali Sringeri Sankaracharya Maha Samsthanam – Deccan Herald.
" It is not correct to say that we had a role. To say the least, it is not our concern"
– Manmohan Singh, Prime Minister – Times of India – 15.11.2004"The decision to arrest the seer by Tamil Nadu Government appeared to have been in haste or taken under pressure"
– BJP President, L.K. Advani at Amritsar on 14.11.2004."The BJP is shocked. The arrest has surprised the nation and the party. If his presence was required for an inquiry, was the arrest necessary ?"
– Arun Jaitley, BJP Spokesman – 12.11.2004.
"It is a sad news for the country. It is a blow to the existence and ideology of Hindus. The very existence of Hindus is at stake. Who will be responsible for the humiliation meted out to the pontiff if he is exonerated tomorrow ?"
– Nischalananda Saraswati, the Sankaracharya of Puri – 12.11.2004
"We are extremely shocked over the action of the TN Police and we strongly condemn it"
– Gangadarendra Saraswati Swami of Swarnahalli Samasthana of Karnataka at Sankara Mattam, Matunga, Mumbai – 13.11.2004." I strongly condemn the action. The Sankara Mutt is a 2500 year old institution. No Shankaracharya would commit a murder in the garbhagriha"
– Ashok Sampath, President, Hindu Makkal Kakshi, Chennai – 12.11.2004." Shankaracharya was a “law-abiding citizen” and he would have been available for interrogation at any time. There was a warrant against Imam Bukhari of Delhi in the Kerala High Court for the last 15 years, but no policeman had arrested him. A Dalit leader in Tamil Nadu had been charge sheeted in two murder cases and there were arrest warrants against him, but the Tamil Nadu police had not yet arrested him. Why then did they arrest our Shankaracharya at night, and when he was on tour ?"
– Ashok Sampath, President, Hindu Makkal Katchi – 12.11.2004." Can the Pope be arrested from the Church of England ? Why was the Shankaracharya arrested from Andhra Pradesh, a Congress-ruled State ? Why was he arrested in midnight ? And why was his arrest made on Diwali Day, the most auspicious Hindu festival ? For the past 15 days pressure was being built on Tamil Nadu Chief Minister, Jayalalitha to arrest the seer “as part of Congress conspiracy”
– Praveen Togadia, International Secretary of Vishwa Hindu Parishad – 12.11.2004" The news of his arrest is shocking. It is time we understand that religion and secular state are different entities and should remain separate. Godman should remain above politics"
– Former Cabinet Secretary, T.S.R. Subramaniam – 12.11.2004." I feel sorrow over the manner in which the Shankaracharya of the Kanchi Mutt was arrested, but refused to say comment on allegations of conspiracy and political motive behind the arrest. I really do not understand what is behind all this. I do not see any reason. I have absolutely no idea"
– Hindu Munnani Leader, Ram Gopalan – 12.11.2004." On Kanchi Seer’s Arrest – Dr. Subramaniam Swamy, Janata Party President. Condemning DMK for “expressing glee in such a serious manner”, the arrest and remand of Kanchi Seer Jayendra Saraswathi was “clearly premature”. While no one was above the law, the Supreme Court had repeatedly held that the authority of the police to effect arrest on receipt of information of a commission of a cognizable offence, “should be exercised with great care and only when necessary for furtherance of the investigation."
“Since it is not the police’s prima facie case that Shankaracharya committed the murder but only that he conspired to abet it”. The arrest and remand of the Seer was a “Make or Break Test” for Jayalalitha Government in Tamil Nadu, it was also “incomprehensible why Shankaracharya had to be arrested on Deepavali Eve” while on a visit to another State”. “Therefore, if later Shankaracharya is acquitted by court, then this arrest will not only be a reckless infringement of his personal liberty, but also an unforgivable affront to the Hindu Community."
"Condemning Karunanidhi for his statement, he sought to know whether the DMK chief would also support the extradition and arrest of LTTE Supremo V. Prabhakaran, “held guilty by the Supreme Court” in the Rajiv Gandhi assassination case – 15.11.2004
" Today is court holiday, still a special treatment has been given to him. There is a limit for special treatments. He is the most undeserving criminal deserving no special treatment. We are also devotees of the Mutt. We respect the seat but not the individual who is occupying it"
– Mr. K. Duraiswamy, Public Prosecutor – 13.11.2004"Shocking & solid information on Kanchi Seer, Jayendra Saraswati’s link with hirelings and associates engaged to murder a temple official Sankararaman"
– J. Jayalalitha, T.N. Legislative Assembly – 17.11.2004" Junior Sankaracharya of Kanchi Mutt, Sankara Vijayendra Saraswati would take over the reins of the Kanchi Kamakoti Peetam, if necessary."
- Swami Swaroopananda Saraswati of Sharada Peetam, Vishakapatnam – Deccan Herald, 14.11.2004"If a virtuous woman commits mistakes, she can get a pardon by taking a holy bath in the Ganges, but if the Ganges itself commits a mistake, where does one go for pardon ? There should be a law to ensure only virtuous persons become saints."
– M. Karunanidhi, DMK President – 12.11.2004.
" I feel the police and the government would not have taken action against him unless they had clinching evidence. I don’t think they would have proceeded on mere suspicion or allegations because he is a very important person, representing the sentiments of crores of people. In any case, I don’t see this creating any great political impact"
– Cho Ramaswamy, Political Analyst and Editor of Political Magazine, Thuglaq – 12.11.2004.
- A Chance Encounter...Kathiravan in police custody
- Beware of Nocturnal Raids
- Arrest of Shri Vijayendrar - Contempt of Court?
- You cell can be cloned
- PK & JJ have a little Tete-a-tete
- Tuesday, January 11, 2005 "Police surrounded him tightly, trampling on his sandals"
- Our New Temple
- Q & A with Shri KrishnaKumar – Counsel for Sankaracharya
- ‘The Shortest week of the year’ by Lakshmi Chittur [download .doc]
- ‘Great Speech by Charlie Chaplin’
- The story of another Arrested Pujjya Shankaracharya during British Raj By Krishnanand Sagar
- ‘Cho answers. Selected Q&A from Thuglak issue dated 5-1-2005’
- Velur Prison turns into a garden of devotion
- Appu’s Interrogation [download .doc]
- Thuglak issue dated 29-12-2004 Selected Questions & Answers
- Views of Lawyers: Individual rights must be respected during interrogation (Tamil)
[Wanted: English Translation for posting on site]- Views of Lawyers :Anuradha Ramanan’s issue irrelevant & mischievous (Tamil)
[Wanted: English Translation for posting on site]- ”There is an alarming news in the Dinamalar of date. It says that His Holiness is living amongst snakes and a cobra of 5ft was spotted in the cell adjacent to that of His Holiness. This is very disturbing and it should be brought to the notice of authorities. I am attaching an English translation of the same. ”
- N. Subramaniam, Chennai
- How to handle rumour mongers, doubters & cynics by Lakshmi Chittur, USA
- Anuradha Ramana at the Kanchi Kamakoti Sankara Medical Trust 20th Anniversary
- Keen eye on Gold Accounting: what happened to balance 14.861 kgs?
- Feel the Pulse
- Anuradha Ramanan: Questions about her statement : from Raman D, posted at Kanchi-sathya.org
- A true test of faith
Arrest of Shri Vijayendrar - Contempt of Court?
I want to raise an issue about the arrest of Shri Vijayendrar. The Supreme Court has laid down that the grounds based on which Shri Jayendrar was arrested is flimsy and insufficient to keep him arrested and has granted him bail. Unless the State Government has fresh evidence and grounds to arrest Shri Vijayendrar, it may be said that they rely on the same evidences that they held against Shri Jayendrar which is now known as insufficient. And hence, should it not be said that this arrest is also invalid? Further, if they have relied on the same evidences that the Supreme Court held as insufficient, will not arresting another person under the same set of evidences amount to contempt of the Supreme Court? Will it not amount to mocking the Supreme Court? Does this not mean challenging the Supreme Court that even if they release Shri Jayendrar, the State Government will find ways to satisfy its vendetta?
Also how can the State Government enquire into the financial transactions of the mutt, say, the accounting of gold under this case? Even, for argument's sake, if it is assumed that there are irregularities, this may corroborate what Shankarraman has said in his letter and may give a motive but not prove the case. The mutt's financial transactions can be checked by the act which granted it trust / society status (Co-operative Societies Act, I guess, it must be) or by the HR & CE. What locus standi does the police have to check the financial transactions of the mutt under the present case?
The Jayalalitha Government and the team headed by Premkumar are acting in a very vindictive manner. Decency and fair play cannot be expected of them. It is obvious that they will do anything to sully the name of the mutt and the gurus. The case must be transferred out of Tamil Nadu and to the CBI. Why is no one demanding that of the Supreme Court or the Central Government?
R.Geetha
PK & JJ have a little Tete-a-tete:
http://www.dinamalar.com/2005jan11/imp40.asp
SP Premkumar held consultations with CM Jayalalitha just before Vijayendrar Swamigal’s arrest. Premkumar and Jayalalitha had face to face consultations in Kanchipuram. Jayalalitha made a round trip to Kanchipuram around 3 pm. As she got ready to return on a helicopter kept ready on Pacchayappan College Grounds, before leaving, she called Premkumar, who was standing there, forward and they spoke privately for 3 minutes. SP Premkumar and the Chief Minister were said to discuss the arrest of Vijayendrar Swamigal. As soon as the CM left, Premkumar, along with an entire police squadron, went to arrest Vijayendrar Swamigal. It is said Premkumar effected Vijayendrar Swamigal’s arrest on Jayalalitha’s orders.
"Police surrounded him tightly, trampling on his sandals"
...the deserted sandals were picked up tearfully by Sankaramatam devotees
http://www.dinamalar.com/2005jan11/imp41.asp
Headline News (Jan 11, 2005)
Kanchipuram – The sandals considered sacred by Sankaramatam devotees were left discarded.
Sankaramatam devotees touch their eyes reverently to both Sankaracharyas’ footwear. According to tradition, both [the Sankaracharyas] wear wooden sandals.
When police arrested Vijayendra Saraswati Swamigal, he was wearing this wooden footwear. When he left the court to alight the police van, he had left his sandals at the threshold of the court entrance.
Usually, when the [Sankaracharyas] leave their footwear, devotees take them into their hands with great devotion. As Vijayendrar Swamigal climbed into the van, police surrounded him tightly, trampling on His sandals. From the van, Vijayendrar Swamigal called out for someone to take the sandals, but none of them paid attention. The van took off. After everyone dispersed, the deserted sandals were picked up tearfully by Sankaramatam devotees.
The Show must go on?
http://www.dinamalar.com/2005jan11/imp50.asp
Headline News
When will the next drama debut? – Our Special Correspondent
After 60 days of prison life, Jayendrar Swamigal was granted bail. Even so, before he leaves prison itself, some other case may be registered against him and he may be arrested again, say police sources.
Police vehemently declared that they arrested Jayendrar Swamigal on solid, unshakeable evidence. CM Jayalalitha also said this in the [Tamil Nadu State] Assembly. The State Prosecution made the same claim before the Supreme Court.
At this stage, the Supreme Court granted bail. Not because Jayendrar Swamigal is 70 years old, with health problems or because he is Madaadipathi [the Head] of an ancient Math with a rich heritage. They granted bail saying that ‘the evidences against Jayendrar Swamigal have no basis in reason’.
This is a big blow to the police case. It has become an ‘ego’ issue for the Tamil Nadu government.
The Kerala student who died in mysterious circumstances and Thirukushtiyoor Madhavan cases are under Special Police jurisdiction. It is said Jayendrar Swamigal may be arrested in one or the other of these cases either after he is released or even before he is released on bail.
After Jayendrar Swamigal was arrested, police made a series of allegations against him. They also spread nasty rumors involving women. It has been proven that all these rumors were fabricated.
Vijayendrar Swamigal has been arrested yesterday. What sort of slanderous rumors will be spread about him, only time will tell.
Monday, January 10, 2005
Arrest or Illegal Detention? Dinamani reports: You decide
Tuesday, January 11, 2005 00:00 IST
Sankarraman Murder Case: Vijayendrar Swamigal’s sudden arrest
Kanchipuram, Jan.11:
A few hours after the Supreme Court delivered its judgment granting Jayendrar Swamigal bail in the Sankarraman murder case, [police] burst into the Math and arrested Vijayendrar Swamigal.
Vardaraja Perumal Temple manager Sankarraman met a violent end on September 3rd of last year. Jayendrar Swamigal was arrested in this case last Nov 11 in the dead of night [midnight] in Andhra Pradesh.
Since then, he has been in Velur Central Prison. In this case, Vijayendrar Swamigal’s younger brother Raghu, Math manager Sundaresa Iyer, Appu [alledged to have hired the killers], contractor Ravi Subramaniam – in all, 24 people have been arrested.
Other than these, accountant Kaaladi Viswanathan was arrested for falsifying Math accounts.
….[High Court denied Jayendra Swamigal bail in the murder case, but allowed bail in the assault on Radhakrishnan. Supreme Court overturned the High Court to grant bail on Monday, Jan 10, 2005]
After the Supreme Court granted bail, there was lively excitement at the Math. Bail documents did not arrive till the evening. The Math was packed with devotees.
Suddenly, 3 police vans and several jeeps with at least 50 police [Zee TV reported over 250, armed to the hilt, with at least a hundred firearms] suddenly drove up. Bringing all these were District SP Premkumar, along with Additional SP Shaktivel and DSP Rajamani.
Police [fully armed] completely surrounded the Mutt. SP Premkumar and senior officials entered the Math and threw out the devotees who were inside.
Hearing that police were laying siege on the Math, attorneys Y Thiagarajan, KS Chellappa, A Shanmugan, Revathy and SaiNath came to the Math. Only after intense argument with the police [officers surrounding the Math] could they [ie attorneys for Vijayendrar Swamigal] manage to get in.
Vijayendrar Swamigal Arrested – After 40 minutes, with Premkumar walking out in front, police brought Vijayendrar Swamigal out. The van he usually uses was waiting for him in front of the Math.
Lament – As Vijayendra Swamigal was leaving the Mutt, devotees were crying out “Periyavaar! Periyavaar!” Some others were raising slogans of “Hara Hara Shankara, Jaya Jaya Shankara!”
Police shut the door of the Math on devotees, preventing them from following.
Forest Bungalow – With sirens sounding, police cars sped off towards the Forest Bungalow. Journalists and photographers were following them. [Vijayendrar Swamigal] was brought straight to the bungalow.
It is not known under which sections he was arrested. [This is as of Midnight on Jan 11, IST or Jan 10 afternoon in the US. Police are supposed to inform you of the charges at the time of arrest]. This created a big stir in Kanchipuram.
[Zee News (Hindi) aired a clip showing that the Math Attorney Y. Thiagarajan said to reporters on the scene that the police had not said what charges Vijayendrar Swamigal was arrested on. In other words, after impeding access to his attorneys, the police failed to inform not only Swamigal but also his attorneys of the charges against him.
The Zee News clip also showed the excessive use of force that is described in the above press account. Police officers jostled Math visitors, forcing their way in, grabbing people who were simply standing there, shoving old men and women alike.]
His Holiness kept in snake infested cell
Reference: News report in page 13, right hand top side two columns of Dinamalar, 15.12.04 Chennai Edition.
“Living in the midst of snakes”
Vellore , Dec 14:
JAYENDRAR HAS BEEN LIVING IN THE MIDST OF SNAKES.
Jayendrar, arrested in the case of murder of Sankaraman, has been jailed in the males section of Vellore Central Jail.
The C Block in which Jayendrar is lodged in a secluded place. Near this a drainage runs. The C Block was vacant for quite some months. This was cleaned in a hurry on arrival of Jayendrar.
The prison wardens report that because of the drainage surrounding the cell and because of the jungle like thorny bush around the cell this place is infested with snakes. Reports say that snakes are found even in the day time and in the night it is worst.
There are six rooms in this cell. All the other rooms except that of Jayendrar
are vacant. A cobra of 5 feet length was spotted a few days back in the room adjacent to that of Jayendrar.
This was spotted by the night wardens and they called others who killed the snake. It was buried there itself on the orders of authorities.
There are a lot of snakes around the cell and the wardens are worried that Jayendrar is staying amongst the snakes.
How to Handle rumours mongers, doubters & cynics by Lakshmi Chittur, USA
It is hard trying to maintain a normal life while worrying about Periaval and His safety. Harder still is dealing with people who accost you with their comments. Here are some helpful ways in dealing with such rumor mongers:
Primary guidelines:
1. Stay cool: Losing your temper makes you lose control of the situation.
2. Ask the person what he/she thinks of the situation. If he/she thinks the rumor is true…ask “why do you think this way?”
3. Explain why you disagree. Be brief. The longer you talk the more defensive you will seem.
4. The odds that this person will be converted to your point of view are against you. This is because people listen to information that agrees with biases they already have. However, keeping quiet or avoiding the person is counter productive to your self esteem and to the good name of our muttam.
5. Keep a positive frame of mind and think of what you can do to be useful to Periaval…say the Bandhi mochana stotram, and spread the positive word. Your attitude counts!
Some questions/comments and suggested responses:
1. Muttam’s good name is gone (sic)
Response: Not at all. Why do you say so? Why should the name of a 2500 year old muttam be tarnished because of lies told by a few and believed by many?
1A All the papers are writing rubbish about the Muttam, this would have never happened in Maha Periaval’s time
Response: Yes there is an attempt by the media to sensationalize and cash in. But when the truth comes out, these stories will vanish.
1. Even the judge says that he is guilty and refused bail. If he were not guilty, bail would have been given.
Response: No he has said that if the evidence were true, he would be guilty. The evidence has not been examined yet and is not true. Not one single piece of evidence has been shown.
1. What makes you so sure that Perival is innocent?
Response: Why do you think He is guilty? He has said that He is innocent. He has said that He does not trust the police. To me, His word is enough. If someone accused your son/wife/ of murder and they denied it, who would you believe? And this is not just anyone. It is my Guru.
1. There are so many incidents…Shankararaman’s death, Radhakrishnan’s assault…there are too many coincidences…you cannot explain it away.
Response: Yes there a man died, another was assaulted. Why should you believe that they had no other enemies? Why should Periaval order them dead? I cannot speculate who did this…but if you stop thinking that Periaval did it, then many other ideas can come to mind.
1. Periaval has changed the nature of the muttam. It is this interest in non-religious things that has resulted in undesirable elements entering the muttam and spoiling its name. Money has become all important.
Response: Don’t confuse your personal grievances with the serious charge our Guru is facing. It does not matter what your philosophical differences are with Periaval. He has not condoned illegal activities for money and is pure and blemish-less.
1. All this is because of Periaval’s interest in politics.
Response: Periaval will work with anybody to further the cause of Hinduism. He is not political. But yes, the current political climate has trapped a great saint.
1. We need to go back to the old ways of the mutt.
Response: If Maha Periaval, with his gnyana drishti felt that way, he would not have appointed Periaval the successor.
Here is the text of a mail from T. K. Bhanu from Chennai, dated 4/12/2004
“It was on 21st March 2004, that Smt. Anuradha Ramanan spoke to a gathering of 250 persons at the Sree Ratnagiriswarar Temple during the 20th Anniversary of Kanchi Kamakoti Sankara Medical Trust.
During the course of her speech she said ‘I was paralysed and bed ridden and could not walk. It was the anugraham of the Kanchi Sankara Madam and blessings of Sri Acharya that I was completely cured. I came today to express this especially to you all’
It was therefore shocking that the same lady made wild and scadelous allegations against our Guru Sri. Jayendra Saraswathy during a speech she read out in the TV interview.
People who know her, say that she utters lies many times and is always in need of money. We can guess the reason for her reprehensible act.”
Click here to see a copy of the invitation card for the function with her name on it.
Here is the text of a mail from T. K. Bhanu from Chennai, dated 4/12/2004
“It was on 21st March 2004, that Smt. Anuradha Ramanan spoke to a gathering of 250 persons at the Sree Ratnagiriswarar Temple during the 20th Anniversary of Kanchi Kamakoti Sankara Medical Trust.
During the course of her speech she said ‘I was paralysed and bed ridden and could not walk. It was the anugraham of the Kanchi Sankara Madam and blessings of Sri Acharya that I was completely cured. I came today to express this especially to you all’
It was therefore shocking that the same lady made wild and scadelous allegations against our Guru Sri. Jayendra Saraswathy during a speech she read out in the TV interview.
People who know her, say that she utters lies many times and is always in need of money. We can guess the reason for her reprehensible act.”
Click here to see a copy of the invitation card for the function with her name on it.
Keen eye on Gold Accounting: what happened to balance 14.861 kgs?
The charge by Sankara Raman that 100 kgs of gold were imported to make a gold chariot for Kanchi Kamakshi deity. and only 35 kgs were used while the remaining went missing, was re-iterated by the police in the high court for probe.
Here are the facts.
Sri. Adi Sankarar Swarna Vimana Trust with registered office at VHS Campus, Chennai 600 113 was entrusted with the Gold cladding work of Sri Adi Sankarar Vimanam, Sri Kamakshi Ambal Vimanam and Simha Vahanam. The board of trustees of this trust comprised of eminent persons. The gold cladding work was done on copper sections by the conventional methods of beating gold strips into foils and pasting the gold foils over mercury base, heating and polishing. The entire gold plating work was completed and handed over to the authorities of Sri Kamakshi Ambal Devasthanam, Kanchipuram as per the details given below.
The trust imported 85.31 kgs of Gold (and not 100 kgs as alleged) comprising of Gold bars 71.31 kgs, Biscuits 14.00 kgs.
This was used as follows:
1. Sri Adi Sankarar Vimanam 21.875 kgs
2. Sri Kamakshi Ambal Vimanam - upper portion 5.996 kgs
3. Sri Kamakshi Ambal Vimanam - lower portion 41.411 kgs
4. Sri Kamakshi Ambal Kavacham 7.495 kgs
5. Rajagopuram Kalasam 3.932 kgs
6. Simha Vahanam 4.430 kgs
Total 85.139 kgs
The balance gold of 171 gms has been duly accounted.
The full description of the various kanikkais together with the receipt numbers are recorded in the register maintained by the temple trust. These accounts have been verified by the HR&CE department of the government from time to time.
Feel the Pulse
The police claim of 900 pulse units for calls:
If it is a BSNL phone: 1 pulse unit = 3 minutes, therefore 2700 minutes - more than a day.
If it is a mobile with pulse unit = 1 minute: 900 pulse units = 900 minutes = 15 hours
If it is a BSNL mobile: with pulse rate of 15 secs: 900 pulse units = 225 minutes = ~4 hours
Do they police think that the public will simply swallow anything they dish out?
Thanks and regards,
K Gopalakrishna
Anuradha Ramanan: Questions about her statement : from Raman D, posted at Kanchi-sathya.org
1. The photo of Shri. Jayandra Saraswathi Swamigal.
During her press release to Jaya TV, if anyone had watched the scenes carefully, would see the Photo of Shri. Jayandra Saraswathi Swamigal in her house.
Our question is, when a person has misbehaved with a lady, does that lady have his photo in her house ? (may be she would have forgot to remove that as she was more curious in making a sensational senseless statement and also Jaya TV didnt care to note this, as they were curious to get a sensational news as instructed by their Senseless Owner (madam)
2. Apology letter
Anuradha says Swamigal wrote a apology letter and send thro' a person and it was taken back by that person latter.
Our question is, does a person of his profile after having committed such an act (as alleged by her), will apologies that too in written.
When the letter was brought to her, she could have held that letter with her & immediately complained to police. Why she didn;t do so? Why she sent back the letter. This only doubts whether there was a letter of such kind as stated by her.
3. Personal apology :
She said that Swamiji subseqent to the letter, wants to personally apologies for the act and requested her to meet her.
Our question is, does any good charactered lady would go to meet the same person who misbehaved just to take apology.
4. VIP Lady
She stated that when she went to meet Swamiji to take his apology, there was a VIP lady, whom Swamiji was shouting.
Our question is, do you think a person of such status would take apology in front of 3rd person. ?
The above statement only shows that she is bluntly lying.
The above statement made by her only shows what a characterless women she should be that her husband left her long ago, suspecting her character (as stated by Anuradha ramanan in her autobiography in Anandha Vikadan weekly tamil magazine).
A true test of faith
Hello,
I'm not beliver of GOD. But I believe in good people
who are doing social service. I consider them as equal
to my parents.I don't know about ADI Shankaracharya. But I heard lot
of good things about this current Shankaracharya. He
has done lot of good social service and has spend the
money in useful ways for good cause. Created
educational institutions, started spreading the
awareness of education, free social service medical
assistance to required people etc. I beleive some
fraction of poor people are getting such free service.
This is a job of Govt. but they are not caring.Honesty comes out publicly, we see GOD thro' good
people. He has already proved and is still proving it.Regards
K. Usmile Ibrahim.
Kaliyug or Thretayug?
The honourable judge invoking Sita's fire ordeal would have been applicable in Thretayuga when the accused was required to prove his innocence. We are living in Kalyug and in India.
The fundamental principle of jurisprudence is that the person accused is considered innocent till proved guilty. Therefore, a doubt arises whether the honourable judge is living in Thretayug or in Kalyug and in India where, under the Constitution of India, he has taken oath of office.
I consider this a miscarriage of justice for a judge, while delivering judgment, should exhort an accused to prove his innocence. This needs to be taken cognisance of by the High Court and Supreme Court.
V Govindan
The best of the South?
I was browsing www.newindpress.com for the latest news, and saw the title - "Best of South", with the following news items listed under it -
BEST OF SOUTH
• 'Kanchi Mutt is not a place of worship'
• Yasser Arafat is CPM's new poster boy
• Aim at his wife, shoots her sister
• MLA murder: CBI starts investigation
• NHRC notice on Kanchi Mutt cases stayed
Don't you think a more appropriate title would have been "Worst of South?"
Valmiki P. Raghunathan, Atlanta, USA
.
- "If the mutt is not a place of worship, then what is the jurisdiction of the HR&CE? "
" The TN Govt. has argued that the Mutt is not a temple or a religious place in the normal sense. If that be so what is the jurisdiction of HR&CE which is worried about inactivity of the Mutt and is recommending take over of the Mutt?
Can some one explain as to when an institution comes under the jurisdiction of the HR&CE dept of the Govt. in Tamil Nadu."
S.Lakshminarayanan.
A Devotee
- Excerpts from The Crucifixion of Jayendra Saraswathi [download .doc]
- "Why has the media not publicized this judgement?" [download .doc]
- The real story about what happened in the Supreme Court on January 6th, 7th and 10th
- Bias in reporting? Compare the two reports below and judge for yourself
1. The Daily Pioneer: http://www.dailypioneer.com
With the counsel for Kanchi Shankaracharya, who is seeking bail in the Sankararaman murder case, seeking to point out contradictions in the evidence cited against the seer, the Supreme Court on Thursday asked the Tamil Nadu police to "pin-point" evidence linking him to the crime.
A bench comprising Chief Justice RC Lahoti, Justice GP Mathur and Justice PP Naolekar, after hearing Shankaracharya's counsel Fali S Nariman, asked the prosecution counsel KTS Tulsi to "pinpoint the evidence against the accused without dwelling too much into the motive behind the crime."
This observation came after Mr Nariman punched holes in the prosecution theory by saying that the much-tomtomed evidence about a huge amount of money being withdrawn from the ICICI Bank at Kancheepuram by the Mutt at the behest of the seer for payment to the assailants was nothing but a figment of imagination of the police.
He said no money was ever withdrawn from the bank and realising this the prosecution was now saying that the money amounting to Rs 50 lakh was obtained from sale of a land.
Mr Nariman said this money could not have been paid to assailants in September as a the Mutt manager had stated before a court that the money received from sale of land was deposited in a bank in May last year, much before the murder of Sankararaman.
Mr Tulsi cited 39 letters written by Sankararaman "exposing the maladministration at the Mutt and the illegal activity of Shankaracharya" and said this continuous campaign by him was the reason behind the seer hatching a conspiracy to eliminate the deceased.
The court, finding that the prosecution was not pinpointing the evidence against Shankaracharya, had to ask the counsel three times that "what are the specific pieces of evidence against the Shankaracharya. Let us pinpoint the evidence. What is the grave motive for commission of crime?"
Mr Tulsi pointed out that Sankararaman had grave differences with functioning of the mutt and the activities of the Shankaracharya and had written 39 letters levelling allegations against the seer to various authorities including the Commissioner of Charity.
The court said it was understandable to take note of the prosecution's theory that those letters could provide evidence for motive but asked if anything was done pursuant to these letters either by the Mutt or Shankaracharya against Sankararaman.
The Tamil Nadu police didn't have any evidence to cite about the reactionary measures either from the Mutt or the Shankaracharya.
2. The Hindu Print edition...a far cry from Hindu online breaking news, using PTI inputs... : http://www.hindu.com
Arguments to continue today in Kanchi Acharya case
By J. Venkatesan
NEW DELHI, JAN. 6. F.S. Nariman, senior counsel for the Kanchi Sankaracharya, Sri Jayendra Saraswathi, today asserted that the prosecution had been changing its stand in the High Court and the Supreme Court in regard to vital aspects of the Sankararaman murder case in which the Acharya was arrested on November 11, 2004.
When the matter was taken up today by a three-Judge Bench, comprising the Chief Justice R.C. Lahoti, Justice G.P. Mathur and Justice P.P. Naolekar, he said that earlier the case of the investigating agency was that the money was withdrawn from the ICICI Bank to pay the assailants. But now in the counter-affidavit, it was mentioned that the money was paid out of Rs. 50 lakhs which the Acharya had received as earnest money on April 30, 2004 for sale of some Mutt property. This amount had been deposited by the Manager, Sundaresa Iyer, in the bank on May 7, 2004. There was no evidence to prove that the assailants were paid from this amount nor any recovery had been made from the killers as alleged.
Citing several judgments, including the one by the Privy Council, Mr. Nariman said the sole evidence on the basis of which the Acharya had been charged in the case was the statement of a co-accused, which had no sanctity in law unless backed by other evidence.
"Acharya had a role"
To a question from the Bench to K.T.S. Tulsi, senior counsel for the Tamil Nadu Government, whether there was any evidence apart from the motive arising from the letters written by the deceased, Mr. Tulsi replied that the prosecution had direct evidence linking the Acharya to the conspiracy to kill Sankararaman, Manager of Sri Varadarajaperumal temple in Kancheepuram. He said the Acharya alone had the motive to kill Sankararaman and his participation in the conspiracy had been corroborated by the co-accused.
He said that in a conspiracy case, judicial confession of co-accused was admissible in evidence. Opposing the bail, he said several of the witnesses in the case were employees of the Kanchi Sankara Mutt and if the Acharya was released on bail, these witnesses would not be able to depose against him.
Mr. Tulsi said that if the Tamil Nadu police had failed to arrest the Acharya, he would have fled to a foreign country as detailed flight plans were prepared and even a helicopter was kept ready. Explaining how the evidence was tampered with, he said that by engineering a fake surrender of five persons in the case by making payments, the Acharya had attempted to dislodge and misdirect the investigation.
At this stage of bail, he said, the court need not go deep into the evidence collected by the police so far. On the controversy over the amount of Rs. 50 lakhs, Mr. Tulsi said the accounts of the Mutt appeared to have been tampered with subsequent to the order passed by the apex court on December 17 last and the police were yet to find out the truth. But he denied that the amount was deposited in the bank on May 7, 2004 as claimed by Sundaresa Iyer. Mr. Nariman will make his reply tomorrow
- ANURADHA RAMANAN'S CHARGES: TOTALLY BASELESS, FABRICATED AND FRAUDULENT
First. Her charges are completely untrue and baseless. The Mutt is in consultation with its legal counsel for initiating criminal action against her immediately.
Why has she raised this issue after 12 long years?
Is it not incredible that a writer with the power of the pen in her hand, (who writes copiously in several publications regularly including her biography) chooses not to wield it when she needs it most? She claims to have spoken to a senior police officer and yet does not file even a written complaint, much less an FIR. (We have unconfirmed reports that the police officer who is now stationed in Goa, has denied this incident totally.We will share more details on receipt).
Why is she choosing this moment now? Who has instigated & why? One wonders.Today’s issue of Malai Murasu (1-12-2004) carries an interesting rebuttal from Ms. Mythili Raghavan, an ADMK functionary. She is the lady who is supposed to have accompanied Ms Anuaradha Ramanan to meet His Holiness. Ms. Raghavan points out that the writer has written a series of biographical sketches about prominent people for 27 long weeks. Topping it all was the one on His Holiness. Ms Raghavan says that whatever Anuaradha Ramanan has claimed is ‘fraudulent and a total lie’
(Poi & Pithalattam!). She wonders about the calibre of some one who writes a positive biographical sketch and subsequently levels such serious charges against the very same person.
- SANKARARAMAN'S LAST LETTER
All letters written by Sankararaman to HH is not privy between them. They were endorsed to Chief Minister, M. Karunanidhi, HRCE Department and about 200 prominent devotees of the Mutt.... Read more
MISCELLANEOUS ARCHIVE
113th Jayanthi celebrations of Maha Periyava in Washington DC
Jayanthi Celebrations in Accra, Ghana
HINDUISM TODAY
TALK ByDr. Subramanian Swamy, Professor of Economics, Harvard University
On Saturday, 16 Jul 2005 – 11:30 AM@ Sri Siva Vishnu Temple Auditorium
SSVT, 6905 Cipriano Road, Lanham MD 20706
Talk => 11:30 AM – 12:15 PM: Q&A => 12:15 PM – 01:15 PMEvent Co-sponsored by KKSF - Washington, DC
For Further details, Contact
? Angarai Venkat Subramanian : 301-552-5026 : vsubramanian@angarai-intl.com
? Dr. D. Sundararaman, KKSF : 301-937-3083 : www.kksfusa.org
Om Sri Gurubhyo Namaha
Hara Hara Sankara! Jaya Jaya Sankara!
H.H. Sri Perivaa Sri Jayendra Saraswathi Swamigal’s
71st Jayanthi Celebrations
ON
Saturday – July 23, 2005
AT
Auditorium of Sri Venkateswara Temple, Bridgewater, NJ
8.00 A.M. Guru Vandanam, Swasthi Vachanam, Sri Maha Ganapathi Pooja
Sri Maha Ganapathi Homam, Ayushya Homam, Mruthyunjaya Homam and Avahanthi HomamPaduka Puja to the Holy Padukas of H.H. Sri Maha Perivaa followed by Ashtottara Archana to Lord Shiva, Sri Kamakshi Amman, Sri Adi Sankara, H.H. Sri Maha Perivaa Sri Chandrasekarendra Saraswathi Swamigal and to H.H. Sri Perivaa Sri Jayendra Saraswathi Swamigal
Mangala Harati and Offering of Prasadams from Sri Matam
“ Kanchi Mutt Case –A Threat to Hinduism”
Talk by Dr. Subramanian Swamy
For details of the Speaker and a list of other cities hosting his talk across USA, please visit http://www.kksfusa.org
12.00 Noon to 12.30 P.M. Distribution of Lunch Prasadams12.30 P.M. to 1.30 P.M. Question and Answer session with Dr. Subramanian Swamy
8th ANUSHAM POOJAI AT ABUDHABI
DATE : 20-06-05, Monday
TIME : 8.00 PM TO 9.30 PM.
VENUE : Residence of Mr. S. BalasubramanianFlat NO. 906, 9TH FloorAbdullah Salmeen Trading Building/Trans Island Grocery Electra Najda Crossing Opposite Green House Trading of Najda Street
RES ; 02 6763341, MOBILE : 050 6112908Please make it convenient to attend the pooja and please confirm
Sri Sankara Bhagavathpada Prathimin Consecrated at Vishnu Siva Mandir
Canberra
Visnu Siva Mandir, Mawson, Canberra
Sri Bhagavathpada Sankara Jayanthi was celebrated on 12th June 2005 at the temple from 10 am to 1 pm. On 11th June 2005 from 6:30 p m to 9 pm, Smt. Hemalatha Ganesan’s carnatic music concert was the special occasion and 100 devotees attended. Earlier at 4:30 pm there was a workshop co-ordinated by Smt.Ragini Santhanam a local music teacher.On 12th June, after Vigneswara Puja and Siva Ashtithra Puja to Gowri Sametha Kailasanathar. With Swasthi Wachakam, Sri Adi Sankara Puja was commenced followed by Veda Parayanam. The devotees recited Sri Rudram, Chamakam, Purusha Suktham, Narayana Suktham, Gurga Suktham, Sri Suktham and Seekshavalli. There was a brief talk on Bhajagovindam by Brahmasri Sundaram Iyer followed by a Bhajan Session.
The Prathima of Adi Sankara consecrated at the temple during Sankara Jayanti last year is shown here.
Prasadam received from Kanchi Srimatam was distributed. With mahaprasadam the function was concluded
H.H. Sri Maha Perivaa's Jayanthi was celebrated for the first time in Tampa, Florida with a homam and Puja. The picture of H.H. Sri Maha Swamigal was taken around the block by Sri Gangadharan and family. This is the first time this has been done in the US
....
Abu Dhabhi Jayanthi celebrations
. ...
....
By the Grace of God and with Acharyals' blessings, 112th Jayanthi of Mahaperiyaval was celebrated at Balasubramanian's residence,Abudhabi on 23rd May'05. Sri.Venkat Mama performed the pooja.
S. Balasubramanian
Sri Gurumurthy in the United States
Kanchi Kamakoti Seva Foundation volunteers privately met Sri S. Gurumurthy, an eminent Journalist from Chennai on June 8th at Ramada Inn, North Brunswick, NJ and had a lively discussion of the present status in India and particularly in Tamil Nadu. They are thankful that he took some time to answer the questions posed by Kanchi devotees in a private setting. Sri Gurumurthy later gave an excellent talk about India and the global economy to an admiring audience of over a hundred people. It was very inspiring to hear his views that India was dismissed many years back by many foreign nations yet she came back to contribute a lot towards the development of both the self and the world economy, all by following our own wonderful civilization and culture. He stressed the fact many times that the success of India until now is because it has followed Dharma.
KKSF wishes to use this opportunity to once again thank Sri Gurumurthy for spending time with them and for his excellent speech about India.
VISHNU SIVA MANDIR, MAWSON, CANBERRA,
AUSTRALIASri Sankara Jayanthi Celebrations
Venue: Vishnu Siva Mandir , Mawson, Canberra, Australia
Date : 12th June, 2005 (10 a m to 1.30 p m)Programme:
Vinayaka Puja
Swasthivachakam
Adi Sankara Guru puja
Veda Parayanam
Adi Sankara Sthothras (Musical rendition)
Talk by Brahmasri Sundaram Iyer: Bhajagovindam
Children’s programme
Bhajanai
Arathi
Pushpanjali
LunchPlease visit “Kanchi Kamakoti Dharma “Prachara Pradarsanam (Exhibition)”
Sri Sankara Heritage, Sydney, Australia
(Acharya Kainkarya Sabha – Forum for service to Spiritual Guru)
Sri Sankarajayanthi celebrations.
On 15th May 2005 at about 9.30 a m after Vigneswara Puja, Avahanthi Homam and Rudrabhishekam to Lord Chandramouleeswara was performed at Sri Venkateswara Temple, Helensburgh, NSW 2058. Quite a number of devotees chanted Sri Rudram during the Abhishekam. After the puja, Yajur Veda Ganapatam was chanted as well as Tevaram. There was earlierPrakara Pradikshnam with Nathaswaram.
Then Adi Sankara Gurupuja was conducted in all its sacredness. Group recital of Thotakashtam followed.
Sankara Vijayam – Mohamudgara Dance Drama by children was quite exhilarating. Bhajagovindam was the backdrop and three artists performed the dance bringing out superbly the import of every stanza. Smt. Hamsa Venkat choreographed the dance.
All the children (with their innocence) excelled each other in attracting the appreciative attention and interest of the audience. Some of the depiction in the life of Adi Sankara was quite movingly projected.
Sthothranjali to Adi Sankara by the musicians intertwined with three fine pieces if Dance was tabled. A newly composed Krithi with the blessings of Periava ( message reached just in time) was sung by Smt. Hemalatha Ganesan (AIR Artist). The Krithi “ Namaami Bhagavathpada Sankaram” extolled the glory of Adi Sankara. Each and every rendition of Sthothras as well as the scintillating Bharatha Natyam pieces vied with each other for excellence. The devotees were all in praise of every item of the programme.
About 400 devotees attended the function. Maha Prasadam was provided to all.
The exhibition “Pradarsan by Kanchi Mutt” within the temple premises was got up very elegantly. Sizable people showed interest and got the leaf lets. The religious and social service by Kanchi Mutt was spot lighted prominently. For organizing this Pradarsan we appreciate the efforts that Shri Krishnan from Mumbai in sending the attractive and informative posters and also for the interest he has taken to get the blessings of Acharyal.
An informative Souvenir adorning with the picture of Adi Sankara worshiping Lord Venkateswara (sent by Acharyal)was got up on the occasion.
Sri Gurubhyo Namaha
The 112th Jayanthi of H.H. Sri Maha Perivaa was celebrated in a grand style by devotees under the auspicies of Kanchi Kamakoti Seva Foundation, on May
28, at the Bridgewater Temple in New Jersey. Paduka Puja was performed in the morning followed by a violin concert in the evening by Lalgudi Sri GJR Krishnan and Lalgudi Smt. Vijayalakshmi. "The Vedas" book was released to benefit the Mani Mantapam project. The function was very well attended.
The concert was clearly a music connoisseur's delight. It was four and a half hours of a musical feast including some rarer compositions of Thyagarja
(Santhamulekha in Saama and Enati Nomu Bhalamo in Bhairavi). The program itself covered a wide panorama
of compositions and composers to satisfy everyone in the audience. Thyagaraja's Saama raga kriti, Dikshitar's majestic and leisurely Sri Subramanyaya
Namaste (in Kambhoji) and Arul Seyyavendum of Koteeswara Iyer in Rasikapriya stood out in particular. The RTP in Ranjani, with a Pallavi composed by Krishnan himself was a delight. Maitreem Bhajatha (composed by Maha Periyava) was naturally to be expected and delivered with finesse. The dessert was actually two Thillanas, one in the rarer Pahadi raga and the second in Misra Mand (both composed by Lalgudi Jayaraman). It was a violin
duet by the Lalgudi siblings, but, musically, it was a concert of twins in perfect unison producing enchanted melodies during the eveningOptimum accompaniment is a pre-requisite for a successful concert. Both Neyveli Venkatesh
(Mridangam) and Tirupanitura Radhakrishnan (Ghatam) laid a great laya framework for a better enjoyment of
the music. It was obvious that the unspoken communication among these artists weaved a musical web
in which the audience could rest and enjoy. Sri Maha Periyava could only having been smiling from above with his blessings.
The 112th Jayanthi celebrations of Sri Sri Sri Chandrasekarendra Saraswathi
Swamigal will be conducted at"SANKARA-PRADOSH" at 18317 Bankston Place, Tampa, Florida 33647
on Saturday 28th May, 2005 from 8.00am onwards.The program includes
Ayushya Homam
Avahanthi Homam
Rudra Abhishekam
Rudra Trischathi Archana
Ekaadasa Rudra Paarayanam
Mangala Arthiwith
SWAMI PURAPPADU around the community.
Kanchi Matam Prasadam Distribution to devotees.
Devotees from Tampa, Florida
Maha Swamigal's 112th Jayanthi celebrated with pomp and piety in Atlanta !!
On Saturday May 21st, members of the Atlanta/US community celebrated the 112th Jayanthi of Maha Swamigal at the Hindu Temple of Atlanta. Over 100 families attended the ceremony that began promptly at 5 am and went on past noon. Pomp, piety and silent determination marked the occasion. Udayalur Sri Kalyanaraman, who was in town for the Radha Kalyanam program, participated and sang praises of Sri Chandrasekarendra Saraswathi Swamigal. A special announcement was made requesting generous financial contribution towards "Campaign for Dharma"; we are gratified that several families responded promptly to that appeal.
Sri Kalyanaraman's troupe performed a 3-day Radha Kalyanam Program in Atlanta. The program was organized by Smt. Latha and Sri. Ganeshan. Sri Kalyanaraman punctuated the 3-day program with frequent references to Maha Swamigal's grace, and how he and others have been blessed by Maha Swamigal and the Matham. His soulful rendering of songs and emotional references to the blessings he has received by the Swamigal and the Matham brought tears to an enchanted audience.
We feel blessed to have participated in both events over the past weekend in Atlanta. We thank the organizers of both events.
Valmiki P. Raghunathan, Atlanta, USA.
SHANKARA BHAJAN ON
Saturday, May 28th, 2005With the Blessings of Sri Kanchi Kamakoti Peetadhipathi
His Holiness Sri Jayendra Saraswathi Swamigal and
His Holiness Sri Sankara Vijayendra Saraswathi SwamigalVenue
Malathy & Venkatesh’s residence Phoenix, AZ
Phone: 623-376-6019
Address: 6420 West Molly Lane, Phoenix AZ 85085Please RSVP by calling 623-376-6019 or by email: gvenkatesh@hotmail.com
4:30 PM – 6:30 PM
Sri. Maha Periyavaa Archana
Shankara Bhajan
Mangala Harati
Distribution of Prasadams from Sri Matam
ALL DEVOTEES ARE INVITED TO PARTICIPATE IN THIS HOLY EVENT AND RECEIVE THE ANUGRAHAM OF THEIR HOLINESS ACHARYAS
For additional Information Please contact
Malathy , Venkatesh at 623-376-6019 / Ramesh , Jayashree at 480-782-7815
Please visit
Kanchi-Sathya: Your source for Authentic Information
Kanchi Sankara Kamakoti Sankara
Kedara Sankara Kailasa Sankara
Vaikasi Vishakam celebrations/112th Jayanthi celebrations of His Holiness PujyaSri Chandrasekharendra Saraswathi Mahaswamigal
We are pleased to invite you, your families and friends to the following two programs at the residence of Partha & Sheetala, Flat No 25,2nd floor, Fakhroo Bldg No 1638, Road 2120, Area 321, Hoora (Contact 17712787 or 39258385) - :
1.Vaikasi Vishagam -Pournami : Monday, 23 May 2005
Morning: 6 AM to 8 AM - Abhishekam and Nithya Puja to Goddess Lalithambal
Evening:
7 PM to 7.30 PM - Talk on Lord Muruga by Prasanga Chakravarthi Shri S.Radhakrishnan .
7.30 PM - 8.30 PM - Rendering of Kamalamba Navavarnam by Mrs Indu Suresh followed by lighting of laksha deepam and Aarti.
2.Sri Kanchi Maha Swamigal Jayanthi celebrations - Tuesday, 24 May 2005
Morning: 5 AM to 8 AM - Rudrabishekam, Upanishad Parayanam and Paaduka Puja
This will be followed by Bhagvad Gita chanting for which timings may be confirmed from Mrs Sheetala Parthasarathy
Evening:
7.30 PM to 8.30 PM - Upanyasam on Sri Kanchi Maha Swamigal by Prasanga Chakravarthi Shri S.Radhakrishnan
All are cordially invited to attend the two day celebrations. Kindly inform and bring in as many family members/ friends as possible.
Devotees interested in making prasadam are requested to contact Mrs. Sheetala Parthasarathy (17712787).
7th ANUSHAM POOJAI & 112th JAYANTHI OF HH MAHAPERIYAVAL at ABU DHABI
DATE : 23-05-05, MONDAY
TIME : 8.00 PM TO 9.30 PM.
VENUE : RESIDENCE OF MR.S.BALASUBRAMANIAN
FLAT NO. 906, 9TH FLOOR
ABDULLAH SALMEEN TRADING BUILDING / TRANS ISLAND GROCERY
ELECTRA - NAJDA CROSSING
OPP. TO GREEN HOUSE TRADING OF NAJDA STREET
RES ; 02 6763341
MOBILE : 050 6112908
PLEASE MAKE IT CONVENIENT TO ATTEND THE PUJA & PLEASE CONFIRM.
THE SOUTH INDIAN EDUCATION SOCIETY
Sri Chandrasekarendra Saraswati Vidyapuram, Nerul, Navi Mumbai 400 076.
Tel.: 56161642 / 27706120. Fax: 2770 8379
DECENNARY CELEBRATIONS OF NERUL CAMPUS
22ND May 2005 to 29th May 2005
PROGRAMME
22.05.2005, Sunday,Swati
Maha Ganapati Homam, Sri Navagraha Homam, Sahasra Chandi Commences, Chandi Homam, Maharudram Commences
23.05.2005, Monday, Vishakam
Maharudra Parayanam, Sahasra Chandi Parayana Homam
24.05.2005, Tuesday, Anusham
Maharudra Poornahuti Vasodhara,
112th Jayanti of Mahaswami of Kanchi Pujyasri Chandrasekarendra Saraswati Swamigal, Sahasra Chandi Parayanam, Homam
25.05.2005, Wednesday,Kettai
Sahasra Chandi Japam, Homam
Dwajasthamba Pratistha Ceremonies Commence
Puja, Japam, Homam, Poornahuti
26.05.2005,Thursday, Moolam
Sri Bhakta Aanjaneya Dwajasthamba Pratishtha, Mahaabhishekam,
Inauguration of the main gates of the campus.
Sahasra Chandi Japam, Homam
27.05.2005, Friday, Pooradam
Sahasra Chandi Japam, Homam
28.05.2005, Saturday, Uthradam
Sahasra Chandi Japam, Homam
Maha Suryanamaskaram
29.05.2005, Sunday, Thiruvonam
Sahasra Chandi Japam, Homam
Mahapoornahuti, Deeparadhana Abhisekam
112th Jayanthi of Kanchi Shree Mahaswamigal
http://www.dinamani.comChennai,May 17:
The 112th Jayanthi of HH Shree Chandrasekara Saraswathi Swamigal will be
celebrated from Wednesday, May 18th to Friday, May 27th.
The daily schedule is as follows:
Location: Ayodhya Mandapam, West Mambalam
10:00 am: Homam
6:00 pm: Music Concerts
7.30 pm: UpanyasamOn the Jayanthi day (May 24th), in addition to the daily schedule, Shree Avahanthi Homam and Ayushya Homam will be performed in the morning. There will also be a Pushpa Ratham procession in the evening.
Jayanthi Celebrations of SAGE OF KANCHI at Mumbai
VEDA VYASAYA NAMAHA SRI GURUBHYO NAMAHAVEDA RAKSHANA NIDHI TRUST (Regd.)
As you are aware, the VEDA RAKSHANA NIDHI TRUST, sponsored and nurtured by H.H.Sage Of Kanchi ( KANCHI MAHASWAMIJI) has been rendering valuable service in the cause of the Vedas for the last four decades.
The trust has been successfully implementing all the schemes of the Trust – adding more Patasalas to its incentive scheme, opening of new Gurukula Patasalas and admitting more Vidyarthis under the Hereditary Niyamadhayana Vidyarthi Rakshana Scheme. The guidelines propounded by Pujyashri Mahaswamigal, the sponsor, mentor and guide for the functioning of the Trust are being faithfully followed.
The devotees of the Trust, especially in Mumbai and suburbs, have contributed to the efforts of the Trust from its inception and are glad to associate themselves with gratitude and devotion to the Great Acharya, who was responsible for the reawakening and creation of awareness of our rich culture handed over to us through the Vedas.
The Jayanthi Celebrations of the Sage of Kanchi this year has been programmed to be held at AHOBILA MUTT on Tuesday, the 24th May, 2005 with Havans, Veda Parayana and Pada Pooja.
We would request you to attend the functions and be blessed by the VEDA MATA and HIS HOLINESS IN HIS ADHISTANA at Kanchi.
We remain yours in the service of Vedas.
Mumbai Devotees of Veda Rakshana Nidhi Trust.VEDOKHILO DHARMA MOOLAM
Om Sri Gurubhyo Namaha
Hara Hara Sankara Jaya Jaya Sankara • Kanchi Sankara Kamakoti SankaraSri Kanchi Kamakoti Peetam
His Holiness Sri Chandrasekarendra Saraswathi Mahaswamigal
112th Jayanthi Mahotsavam with
Ashtotthara shatha kalashabhishekamSaturday, May 21st 2005
5:00 AM – 1:00 PMHindu Temple Of Atlanta,Riverdale GA
Celebrated with the Blessings of
Sri Kanchi Kamakoti PeetaDhipathi
H.H.Sri Jayendra Saraswathi Swamigal and
H.H.Sri Sankara Vijayendra Saraswathi SwamigalSwasthi Vachakam
Ganapathi Pooja
Kalasha Pooja
Sankalpam
Ganapathi Homam
Aavahanthi Homam
Sudharshana Homam
Mahanyasa Parayanam
Ekadasha Rudrabhisekham
Sree Rudra Homam
Poornahuthi & Vasodhdhara
Sri Adi Sankara Archana
Sri Mahaswamigal Ashtothara Archana
Maha Arathi and Manthra Pushpam
Distribution of Prasadams from Sri Matam
ALL DEVOTEES ARE INVITED TO PARTICIPATE
IN THIS HOLY EVENT AND
RECEIVE THE BLESSINGS OF
THEIR HOLINESS ACHARYAS(The Hindu Temple of Atlanta, Riverdale, GA: 770 -907 7102)
(For additional information please contact: Narayanan 770 813 9728 Sundar 678 417 6144 Venkateswaran 770 496 0628)
112th Jayanthi of Paramacharya celebrated with great success in Flushing, NY
On Sunday, May 8, 2005 KKSF in collaboration with the Hindu Temple, NY celebrated 112th Jayanthi of Paramacharya at Queens NY featuring the concert of TM Krishna & party. The auditorium was packed for the concert.
TM Krishna sang a Ragam, Tanam & Pallavi on Paramacharya " Narayana Smarana Krutha Chandrasekara Guro, Jaya Vijaya Nutha " in raga Keeravani. Keeravani was one of the favourite ragas of Paramacharya. At the conclusion of the concert, TM Krishna sang "Maithreem Bhajatha", composed by Paramacharya. During the rendition of this krithi, all the audience stood up and sang along with TM Krishna.
Dr. Raghunath gave the vote of thanks touching on all the main points - including TM Krishna's Guru Bakthi and honoured the artists with the Shawls and Prasadams.
KKSF had compiled a 2-page souvenir about Paramacharya's teachings, and flyers on Pidi Arisi scheme and Campaign for Dharma. They had decorated the auditorium with life size posters of all the Acharyas.
Om Namashivayah.
We are pleased to invite you, your families and friends to Sankara Jayanthi celebrations on Friday, 13 May 2005 at the residence of Lata and Krithivasan ,Villa No 4, Bldg 3183, Road 2755, Block 327, Bahrain. (Tele: 17716508 /mobile 9629528).
The program is as follows:
Morning 5.00 am onwards
Ekadasa Rudram
Sookthangal ParayanamTrishathi Archana
Upanishad Parayanam
Aarti
8.30 AM to 9.00 AM: Discourse on ADI SANKARA by PRASANGA CHAKRAVARTHI Shri S.Radhakrishnan .
Soundarya Lahari (Ladies are requested to reconfirm the exact start time from Lata Krithivasan (17716508) or Lata Anand (17729381)
Each and every one of you is cordially invited. Also please inform and bring in as many family members/ friends as possible. Devotees interested in making Prasadam may please contact Lata Krithivasan (17716508).
Om Namashivayah.Ohm Shri Gurubhyo Namaha
Celebrations of the Jayanthis
of
Sri Adisankara and Sri Kanchi MahaswamigalSunday, May 22, 2005
at
Sri Siva Vishnu Temple Auditorium
Lanham, MarylandPROGRAM
3PM-4:45 PM
Swasthi , Vigneswara Puja,
MahaSwamigal Paduka Puja,
Ashtotra Archanas to Sri Siva,
Sri Kamakshi, Sri Adi Sankara, Sri MahaSwamigal and
Sri Jayendra Saraswati Swamigal,
Maha Arati, Mantra Pushpam and Thotakashtakam.
5 PM A grand Veena concert
Srimathi Pushpa Kashinath
accompanied on Mrudangam by
Sri Anoor R. Dattatreya Sharma
(Visiting artists from Bangalore)
7PM: DinnerAll are cordially invited. Admission is free.
Contacts:Chandramouli(301-838-0254), Chellappa(301-294-6486)
Parthasarathy(703-385-3577), Sarma(703-793-3077), KKSF &
Sundararaman(301-937-3083), Venkatgopalan(703-803-8841), Venkatraman(301-983-8870).
HARA HARA SANKARA JAYA JAYA SANKARA HARA HARA SANKARA
Adi Sankara Jayanthi
and
112th Jayanthi of Jeevan Muktha and Parabrahmaswaroopi
The 68th Acharya of Sri Kanchi Kamakoti Peetam
Sri Sri Sri Chandrasekharendra Saraswathi MahaswamigalWill be Celebrated
ON
May 21st, 2005With the Blessings of Sri Kanchi Kamakoti Peetadhipathi
H.H.Sri Jayendra Saraswathi Swamigal and H.H.Sri Sankara Vijayendra Saraswathi SwamigalALL DEVOTEES ARE INVITED TO PARTICIPATE IN THIS HOLY EVENT
AND RECEIVE THE ANUGRAHAM OF THEIR HOLINESS ACHARYAS
AT
Jayashree & Ramesh’s residence - Phone: 480-782-7815
2413 W. Spruce Drive Chandler, AZ 85248 email: ramesh_jayashree@cox.net10:31 AM – 1:00 PM
Ganesha Puja
Guru Namaskarams
Purushasuktha Vidhana Puja
Rudra Abhisekham
Upanishad Parayanam
Sri Adi Sankara and Sri. Maha Periyavaa Archana
Maha Arathi and Manthra Pushpam
Distribution of Prasadams from SRI. MATAM1:15 PM Lunch
HARA HARA SANKARA • JAYA JAYA SANKARA KANCHI SANKARA • KAMAKOTI SANKARA
For additional information please contact Jayashree / Ramesh (480-782-7815) (ramesh_jayashree@cox.net)
Om Sri Gurubhyo Namaha
Jaya Jaya Sankara! Hara Hara Sankara!
112th Jayanthi Celebrations of
H.H. Sri Chandrasekarendra Saraswathi Maha Swamigal
Saturday, May 28, 2005 (Memorial Weekend)Old Sannidhi Hall – Bridgewater Temple, NJ
Program10:31A.M. Guru Vandanam, Swasti Vachanam
Sri Maha Ganapati Puja
Ashtottara archana to Lord Shiva, Sri Kamakshi, & Sri Sankara
Paduka Puja to the Holy Padukas of Sri H.H. Maha Perivaa &
H.H. Sri Perivaa Sri Jayendra Saraswathi Swamigal
Mangala Arati
Offering of Holy Prasadams from Sri Matam followed by Lunch Prasadam
4.00 P.M. Violin Concert – Lalgudi Sri GJR Krishnan, Lalgudi Smt. Vijayalakshmi and Party
( Download Details )
The Michigan awareness campaign went very well. It was held at the local Canton Hindu Temple where Thygaraja Aradhana was celebrated. Over 300 people (including children) attended the aradhana. We had both our Periyava's pictures and the laptop had 50th year peetarohana video playing. We collected about 80 signatures and there was absolutely no confrontations or debates. We gave handouts and people were very receptive. We are very thankful to the temple committee and the organisers.
Hara Hara Sankara, Jaya Jaya Sankara
Hema and
Sundar Ramanatha
OM
Sri Gurubhyo NamahaSRI SANKARA HERITAGE, SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA
(Acharya Kainkarya Sabha – Forum for Service to Spiritual Guru)All are cordially invited with family and friends to participate in the Sankara Jayanthi celebrations at Sri Venkateswara Temple, Helensburgh, NSW on Sunday 15th May 2005 between 8.30 a m and 12.30 p m and receive divine blessings and Acharyals’Anugraham
Programme
Vigneswara Puja
Avahanthi Homam
Rudrabhishekam & Puja
Veda Parayanam
Sankara Bhagavathpada Guru Puja
Kanchi Acharyal Anugraha Bhashanam
Music Recital of Adi Sankara Sthothras
Sankara Geethanjali by local Mucians
Dance Drama Sankara Vijayam
Pushpanjali
Prasadam
Please Visit Kanchi Kamakoti Peeta Dharma Prachara Exhibition at the Temple
Pranams to Acharyas.
We celebrated 'akanda Ram nama sangeerthan' since 7 am to 6 pm in the Hindu Monostery temple in Accra yesterday. Aprat from chanting 'Ramanamam' we chanted Rudram, Chamakam, Vishnu Sahasranamam and other stotras during the day. More than 100 devotees, mostly Ghanians, participated in it. They also observed fasting till the evening and the celebrations ended with 'annadhanam' organised by me and another Indian devotee.
Praying for the blessings of Periva and Bala Periva.
R.Ravindran,
Tema, Ghana
SRI SANKARA HERITAGE, SYDNEY
(Acharya Kainkarya Sabha - Forum for service to Spiritual Guru)Weekly Prayer and Sri Ramanavami Celebration
About eighty devotees attended the Weekly Prayer on Saturday evening, 16th April 2005. This was a special occasion when Sri Ramanavami pooja was also conducted.
The function commenced with Pooja and Rama Janana Sarga Parayanam. Laghu Sampradaya Bhajan followed this. Thodiamangalam, Guru Dhyanam, Ashtapadi, Krishna Leela Tharangini, Bhagavatha Kirthanas, Abhung, Arathi and Upacharam songs were rendered, joined by the audience.
With the recital of Vishnusahasranamam by the devotees praying for Kanchi Acharyals the function was concluded.
OM
Sri Sankara Heritage
ACHARYA KAINKARYA SABHA - SYDNEY
(SYDNEY FORUM FOR SERVICE TO SPIRITUAL GURU)Weekly Prayer Meeting & Sri Ramanavami
Venue: Girls Guide Hall, Plympton Road, Carling ford, NSW 2118, Australia.
(Opposite to North Carling ford Post Office)Date: 16th April, 2005 Saturday
Time: 3.30 p m to 6.30 p mProgram
Om (3)
Ramanavami Pooja
Sampradaya Bhajan and Namasankirthanam
By
Sri. Lakshminarasimhan, Dr. M S Ramanathan, Smt. Hemalatha Ganesan and other Musicians
Vishnusahasranamam, Bandhimochana Sthuthi, Mruthunjaya JapamDeepa Aradhanai
PrasadamHara Hara Sankara Hara Hara Sankara Hara Hara Sankara Hara hara Sankara Hara Hara…
This is a special event. Sampradaya Tradition of Bhajan is unique and highly inspiring due its absorbing devotional content.Thodiamangalam, Ashtapadi, Abhang, Keerthanas of saintly gurus with intermittent deepa aradhanai as prescribed by the paddathi are the highlights. We cordially invite all the devotees to participate in the Namasankeerthanam and get divine blessing. This event is an attempt (though not as elaborately as is done in India by expert Bhagavathars) under the guidance
Of Sri.Lakshminarasimhan who is on a visit to Sydney. He is a devoted musician and an artist with extra-ordinary skill, technique and proficiency in playing Harmonium.Adi Sankara lays great emphasis on the Bhajan and Namasankeerthanam as a royal path of devotion acclaimed in Sanathana Dharma. H H Sri Jayendra Saraswathi Swamigal has recently issued a message that Bhajan Mandalis in all places should be organized and devotional prayers offered on week ends regularly to bring in the “sacred” as a part of our “secular” life and pass on the human values to posterity. Sankara Heritage would like to bring such events regularly conducted with the help of our highly talented local musicians and devotees.
Ohm Shri Gurubhyo Namaha
The 36th Jayanthi Celebration of Sri Sankara Vijayendra Saraswathi Swamigal,Junior Sankaracharya of Kanchi Kamakoti PeetamSunday, March 27, 2005
at
Sri Siva Vishnu Temple, Lanham, MarylandPROGRAM
9:15 AM - 11:15 AM: At the Homa Kundam Hall
Ganapathi Homam and Ayushya Homam
SWASTHI VACHANAM
MahaSwamigal Paduka Puja
Ashtotra Archanas to Sri Siva,
Sri Kamakshi, Sri Adi Sankara, Sri MahaSwamigal and
Sri Jayendra Saraswathi Swamigal,
Maha Arati, Mantra Pushpam and Thotakashtakam.
Prasadam distribution11:30 AM - 12:30 PM: In front of Sri Siva Shrine
KAMAKSHI KALYANAM
LUNCH: Devotees may buy lunch from the Temple cafeteria.
Contacts: vgopalan@cybsol.com, dsunda@comcast.net, sarma.sarma@verzon.net, malathip@cox.net,ksvenkatraman@worldnet.att.net, KKSF:301-937-3083
HARA HARA SANKARA JAYA JAYA SANKARA
The Mumbai event…How it all happened
KrishnanI was in my early twenties when my sister got married in 1978. It was a three-day wedding. Since there was no out-sourcing then, the girl’s people would have to do the entire running around.
Though the preparations went on for many days before the wedding, the 3 days of the wedding was a real nightmare(so I thought then, but not any more). My father, to cut costs, would buy less of various things from the list given by the chief cook, Sastry and various others, including the dowri list.
The night before the wedding, things would unravel one by one. The cook would ask for the 5 kg of sugar which was lesser than what he specified, the pandal guy was short of some bamboo sticks, etc. etc. To top it all, the Sambandi’s son-in-law’s Uncle’s second cousin had a severe headache and he would want Amrutanjan. He would not use Aspro or Anacin which I could have found in some lady’s handbag.
At 10 in the night, the most respected group of the other side would not have dinner till we got the Amrutanjan. I ran around the whole town and finally went to a shopkeeper’s house, made him open his shop and got the Amrutanjan before we started having the dinner at 11:30. By then, since the food had gone cold, they wanted at least fresh-cooked rice ( no re-heating the existing stuff). They were very considerate that they did not ask for the entire thing to be cooked fresh.
Next day at 8 am they found one brass vessel missing in the dowri-items. Vessel shops don’t open before 11 am. I had to hide somewhere before someone found me and kicked me out to get a ‘kesari uruli’(brass vessel to make kesari).
At the end of all these, I would not know whether I ate anything, whether I slept at all, whether I had bath– no one also bothered. So, after the 3 day wedding I slept for 24 hours, and my parents were very appreciative. Everybody enjoyed the wedding – so they all said – they did not ask me since my opinion did not matter.
I recollected the above when we wound up our Kanchi stall on Tuesday, 8th night at 10.
On an impulse, I decided that I should put up a Kanchi stall at the Art Of Living Mahasatsang. This was on Sunday, 27th Feb. Art Of Living offices were closed since it was a Sunday. The next day, I spoke to at least 10 people of that organization at various places before I finally contacted the right man. But it took till Wednesday evening before it was cleared by Guruji Sri Sri. By then, I got a go-ahead from Bala Perivaa through my sister in Chennai. I think Uma of Chennai also helped. So I paid Rs.10,000 and booked a 10 feet by 10 feet stall. I met some senior people of the Mutt in Mumbai on Thursday, the 3rd, to take it forward.
Mr. S, a senior ad-creative professional and a staunch Perivaa devotee, met me and heard me out. He possibly thought ( I have not checked with him since) I was mad. Without knowing what to do, this guy booked a stall- so he thought. He checked me out by saying 10X10 would not be sufficient. Why not 2 stalls combined? Within the next half hour, that was organized. Now Mr. S became serious. We were fortunate to locate a printer who had done a lot of work on Perivaa’s pictures. On Friday, we planned to meet at the stall location to decide what to do and how to go about. We called the Printer as well.
At 3 pm on Friday , the project team was formed:
Project Director : Yours truly
Project Consultant: Mr. S
Project Manager : Mrs. Vardhini
Team Members : M/s Ramnath, Hemant, Santosh, Gopi, Ganesan
Volunteers at the stall (to be decided later)At 5 in the evening(Friday), the Director, Consultant and the Manager met the printer and outlined the items required:
1. Center Poster of Adi sankara & Perivaa (7x5 feet)
2. Posters of Maha perivaa and Bala perivaa on both sides (5x3 feet)
3. 2 posters for the side panels (perivaa with children) 7X4 feet
4. 10 other posters 3X2 feet
5. 2 Stall banners (Kanchi Peetam) in English and Hindi 2X10 feet
6. A press kit in an appropriate folder
7. Printed material in English and Hindi
8. Signature campaign sheets
9. Campaign for Dharma Hundis
10. Books on Kanchi Mutt/ Perivaa for displayOn Saturday and the whole of Sunday, the fight between the Printer and the Project Manager was continuous:
- Incorrect pictures
- Wrong size
- Typographical mistakes
- Hand-out material not finalized
- Hindi matter was not finalized
- Folder sizing and colour not correctFinally, at 11 am on Monday, all the drafts were approved for final print.
Tuesday was the D-day. At 8 PM on Monday, nothing was ready, including the stall. The printer called at 8:30 and promised delivery at 11 am the following day! For the first time since the project took off, I lost my cool on him and told him that I was calling off and Perivaa won’t forgive him. He then promised delivery in the next 4 hours! The entire project team was at the stall from 8 pm.
The first lot of banners came well past midnight, but without the expert who would fix it on the panels. With great difficulty, the guys fixed one poster. By now, the Satsang switched off the power in the entire ground(to save on power), except a small lamp. We could see nothing We brought one of our cars near the stall and used the car’s headlight to throw some light. Now, the size of the posters….. they were mostly different from the initial plan. The printer goofed, but there was no time to blame him! We re-organised the layout of the stall.
Other material came one by one. By the time we finished decorating the stall, it was 4am.
But the handouts and signature stationery had not arrived.Some of the team members stayed back and some went home. At 6am, Guruji Sri Sri’s program started. At 8am, I was escorted to the huge stage where I presented the shawl to Guruji Sri Sri.
By 8:30, people started visiting our stall. Except for one English handout, we did not have anything else to give the visitors. Finally all the printed material landed by 10.
People continuously visited our stall from then on, except sometime during lunch time and a short period when there was rain(shower?). Four of the posters got spoiled because of the rain and the printer did a marvelous job of reprinting them and delivering within 2 hours.
In addition to the Project team, the Stall was managed by the following volunteers.
1. Mr. PV Krishna
2. Mr. Krishnamurthi
3. Mrs. Sudha Rajagopalan
4. Mrs. Vijayalakshmi Sridhar
5. Ms. Pavitra Sridhar
6. Mr. RajagopalanIn the afternoon, Mr. PV Krishna brought snacks and coffee from his house which was highly appreciated. Mr. Krishnamurthi became an excellent salesman, ‘selling’ to many visitors, the idea of “why one should show solidarity with the Mutt”. Mrs. Sridhar and her daughter Pavitra gave excellent support. Mrs Sudha spent almost 10 hours in the stall, mostly standing, in spite of her fasting for Shivrathri. Mrs. Vardhini, the Project Manager spent more than 12 hours. She was the backbone of the entire event. No words could fully express her commitment to make this event a success.
There were also a lot of well wishers I have not named, who helped and supported this event whole-heartedly.
My daughter’s board exams were on, and so both my wife and the daughter could not make it to the stall. But without their moral support, this was not possible.
My sincere thanks to the entire TEAM for making this event happen. Finally, I thank my sister and her people for the experience they provided years ago, to organize an event like this.
About the costs…
Stall fees: Rs. 20,000
Posters: Rs. 26,500
Printed Material: Rs. 7,500
Transportation & other miscellaneous: Rs. 1,000
Total expenses: Rs. 55,000If you feel you want to be part of this experience at least by sharing a part of the expenses, you are welcome.
Hara Hara Sankara
Sri Gurbhyo Namaha
Devotees in Sydney are having a weekly prayer sathsang on every Saturday from
6 p.m to 7.p.m. We regularly recite Vishnusahasranamam, Skandar Sashti Kavacham, Sri Hanuman Chaleesa, Bandhi Mochana Sthothram, Sloka 8 of Soundrya Lahari and Mruthyujaya Manthram and conclude with Arathi.
On 12th March Saturday we have planned to conduct the 36th Jayanthi of Bala Periava and below is the programme invitation.
WEEKLY PRAYER MEETING AND 36TH JAYANTHI OF SRI VIJAYENDRA SARASWATHI SWAMIGAL.
VENUE: GIRLS GUIDE HALL, PLYMPTON ROAD, CARLINGFORD NSW 2118 (OPPOSITE TO CARLINGFORD NORTH POST OFFICE)
DATE: 12TH MARCH, 2005, SATURDAY
TIME: 5.30 PM TO 8 PM
PROGRAMME
SRI GURUBHYO NAMAHA
VINAYAKA POOJA
GURU POOJA ( SRI BAGHAVATHPADA ASHTOTHRAM)
VEDAPARAYANAM
VISHNUSAHASRANAMAM
VEDAPARAYANAM
ANUGRAHA BHASHANAM OF ACHARYAL
MUSICAL PRAYER BY SMT. HEMALATHA GANESAN
BHAJAN LEAD BY SRI NARASIMHAN
SOUND AND LIGHT PRESENTATION:
FIFTY YEARS OF LIGHT: SRI JAYENDRA SARASWATHI SWAMIGAL
PRASADAM
ALL ARE WELCOME
Hara Hara Sankara Jaya Jaya Sankara
THE 36th JAYANTHI OF HIS HOLINESS JAGADGURU PUJYASRI
SRI SRI SRI SHANKARA VIJAYENDRA SARASWATHI SWAMIGAL
OF KANCHI KAMAKOTI PEETAM
ON
Sunday, March 6th, 2005,
at
Usha & Venkat’s residence
(3413 Falkirk Place NE, Atlanta, GA 30345 Phone: 770-496-0628 Email:ushaven@bellsouth.net)
With the Blessings of Sri Kanchi Kamakoti Peetadhipathi
H.H.Sri Jayendra Saraswathi Swamigal and H.H.Sri Sankara Vijayendra Saraswathi Swamigal
ALL DEVOTEES ARE INVITED TO PARTICIPATE IN THIS HOLY EVENT
and RECEIVE THE ANUGRAHAM OF THEIR HOLINESS ACHARYAS
3:00 PM – 4:30 PM
GANAPATHI SUKTHAM
GURU NAMASKARAMS
GURU SUKTHAMRUDRA ABHISHEKAM
UPANISHAD PARAYANAM
GANA PARAYANAM
5:30 – 6:30 PM
SHANKARA BHAJAN
THE 36th JAYANTHI OF
HIS HOLINESS BALA PERIAVAL
JAGADGURU PUJYASRI
SRI SRI SRI SHANKARA VIJAYENDRA SARASWATHI SWAMIGAL
OF KANCHI KAMAKOTI PEETAM
CELEBRATED
With the Blessings of Sri Kanchi Kamakoti Peetadhipathi
H.H.Sri Jayendra Saraswathi Swamigal and H.H.Sri Sankara Vijayendra Saraswathi SwamigalON
Saturday, March 5th, 2005AT
Subha & Srini’s residence
(19911, N. 63rd Drive, Glendale AZ 85308 Phone: 623-572-5363 Email:kcheenu@hotmail.com)
ALL DEVOTEES ARE INVITED TO PARTICIPATE IN THIS HOLY EVENT
and RECEIVE THE ANUGRAHAM OF THEIR HOLINESS ACHARYAS
3:00 PM – 4:00 PM
GANAPATHI SUKTHAM
GURU NAMASKARAMS
GURU SUKTHAM
RUDRAM AND CHAMAKA PARAYANAM
UPANISHAD PARAYANAM4:15 – 6:00 PM
SHANKARA BHAJAN
For Additional Information Please contact
Subha / Srini @ 623-572-5363 or Ramesh /Jayashree @ 480-782-7815
Hara Hara Sankara Jaya Jaya Sankara
Kanchi Sankara Kamakoti Sankara
Om Sri Gurubhyo NamahaHara Hara Sankara! Jaya Jaya Sankara!
H.H. Sri Bala Perivaa Sri Sankara Vijayendra Saraswathi Swamigal’s
36th Jayanthi Celebrations
ON
Saturday – March 12, 2005
ATOld Sannidhi Hall of Sri Venkateswara Temple, Bridgewater, NJ
8.45 A.M. Guru Vandanam, Swasthi Vachanam, Sri Maha Ganapathi Pooja
Sri Maha Ganapathi Homam, Ayushya Homam, Mruthyunjaya Homam and Avahanthi Homam
Paduka Puja to the Holy Padukas of H.H. Sri Maha Perivaa with Rudra, Chamaka Parayanam followed by Ashtottara Archana to Lord Shiva, Sri Kamakshi Amman, Sri Adi Sankara, H.H. Sri Maha Perivaa Sri Chandrasekarendra Saraswathi Swamigal and to H.H. Sri Perivaa Sri Jayendra Saraswathi Swamigal
Mangala Harati and Distribution of Prasadams from Sri Matam
Distribution of Lunch Prasadams
Devotees are kindly requested to attend the function with family and friends and get the Blessings of Perivaas.
Prayer Meeting on 13/02/2005
This is to keep you informed that the following group prayers were conducted in Bahrain for the welfare of our Acharya, HH Periaval.
19 Nov 2004 - Ekadasa Rudrabhishekam - 5.30 AM onwards
23 Nov 2004 - Soundarya Lahari Parayanam - 10 AM onwards
3 Dec 2004 - Devi Mahatmyam chanting -2 PM onwards
18 Dec 2004 - Chanting of Hanuman Chalisa, 100 times
All the above prayers were well attended. Also individual prayers in addition to the above group prayers continue in earnest .
Namaskarams
Ananth
Om Sri Gurubhyo Namaha
Jaya Jaya Sankara! Hara Hara Sankara!
PRAYER MEETING AND SUDHARSHANA HOMA
“Parithranaya Sadhunam Vinashayacha Dhushkrutham, Dharma samsthapanarthaya Sambhavami Yuge Yuge”
“For the protection of the good, for the destruction of the wicked and for the establishment of righteousness, I am born from age to age” - Bhagavad Gita (4.8)
The devotees of Kanchi Kamakoti Sankaracharya, in association with Hindu Temple of Edmonton, are conducting a prayer meet to seek Divine Intervention so that the Kanchi Mutt could overcome its present crisis. You are cordially invited with family and friends to participate in this event.
When: January 16, 2005; Time: 9.30 am to 12 noon.
Where: Hindu Temple, 14225-133 Avenue, Edmonton, Canada.
Program: i) Vedic Chanting (Sri Rudram, Chamakam, Purusha Sooktham, Vishnu Sooktham, Sri Sooktham, Durga Sooktham): 9.30 to 10.15 am.
ii) Panchayathana Homa and Sri Sudharshana Homa: 10.15 to 11.30 am.
iii) Talk by: Sri Kaliaji: Kanchi Mutt and Services, Present Crisis;
Acharya Dwivedi, Chief Priest, Hindu Temple: 11.30 to 11.45 am.
iv) Aarthi: 12 noon
Dr. S. Jayaraman,
Phone: 780-433-3595,
Organizer.
‘Prayer to Mahaswamigal’- This prayer is from the Muscat devotees.
’Edmonton Prayer Meeting’
A prayer meeting was held In Edmonton, Alberta, Canada for Peace in the World and to pray to God to alleviate the sufferings of Sri Jayendra Saraswathi Swmigal on Sunday 19th December at 821, 112 B street, at 10 A.M.
Maha Ganapathy Pooja and group chantings of Gayathri Mantra, Durga Sthuti, Narasimha Gayathri and Sudarshana Gayathri formed the first part of the program.
The chantings were followed by a Discourse on “Dharma” by Swami Brahmanishtananda Saraswathi of Brahma Vidya Guru Kulam, Edmonton, Alberta. About 20 devotees attended the pooja and the meeting.
N.S.Srinivasan
Canada
Devotees of Sankaracharya of Kanchi Kamakoti Peetam have decided to conduct weekly Bajan every Friday at 7.30 P.M. at Vaishno Devi Temple at Oakville, Ontario, Canada praying for the release of our beloved Acharya from the kaaraagriham. Please join in this collective prayer.
The Bajans conducted on the 10th Dec and the 17th Dec were particpated by large number of Devotees.
Krishna Sastri,
Oakville, Ontario, Canada
Sri Sankara Mattham, Matunga, Bombay 400 019
On Sunday 5.12.2004 NRISIMHA MAHAMANTRA JAPA HOMAM was held at Sri Sankara Mattham Matunga .
It was done with at most sincerity, dignity and devotion which have come to be the hallmark of Sankara Mattham Matunga. Devotees were most touched by the show of solidarity through the Japam & Homam.
Soon after the Poornahuthi there was optimism in the air that things will turn around soon.
Many devotees recalled with fondness the several visits of His Holiness to the Mattham in the recent times.
A Devotee
SRI SANKARA MATTHAM
MATUNGA BOMBAY 400019
On 5.12.2004 { SUNDAY }
NRISIMHA MAHAMANTRA JAPA HOMAM
{ FOR THE WELFARE, BENEFIT AND WELLBEING OF HUMANITY }
7.45 AM - SANKALPAM
8.00AM TO 12.30 PM - JAPAM/HOMAM/ POORNAHUTHI
12.30 PM - MAHA DEEPARADHANAI
ALL DEVOTEES ARE REQUESTED TO PARTICIPATE IN THIS SACRED YAGNA AND BECOME THE RECIPIENTS OF THE BLESSINGS OF SRI NARASIMHA MOORTHY, WHO IS NONE OTHER THAN LORD NARAYANA HIMSELF, THE DESTROYER OF EVIL AND PROTECTOR OF DHARMA.
RECITATION OF VISHNU SAHASRANAMAM WILL ALSO BE DONE BY DEVOTEES AS MASS PRAYERS ON THIS OCCASION.
Dear Sirs,
Kindly arrange to post this announcement at the earliest:
Tomorrow being Kartika Somavaram- Monday, special Pujas and Rudrabhishekam will be performed to Lord Chandramouleeswara by HH Pujyasri Sankara Vijayendra Saraswathi Swamiji at Srimatam, Kanchipuram. His Holiness advises all devotees to observe fast coinciding with this holy day, and praying for the health and early release of His Holiness Jagadguru Pujyasri Jayendra Saraswathi Sankaracharya Swamiji.
Regards,
Vasanth
Sent: Saturday, November 27, 2004 11:15 AM
Subject: News below may be used for publishing in the new website.News below may be used for publishing in the new website.
To pray for the safe return of His Holiness Pujyasri Jayendra Saraswathi Swamiji to Sri Matam and for speedy justice, we are organizing Sudharsana Homam at Hare Krishna Temple in Dallas on Sunday, 11/28/2004 at 08:30AM. We request the devotees to particpate and pray for a speedy closure to this ordeal that His Holiness is going through.
When :
28th Nov 2004 at 08:30AM
Where :
ISKCON of Dallas
5430 Gurley Ave
Dallas, TX 75223
USA
Phone: (214) 827-6330 / 6333
Devotees are requested to bring flowers and fruits for the Pooja.
Date 1.12.2004 HON SECRETARY
Sent: Saturday, November 27, 2004 11:29 AM
Subject: May be featured as news itemLaksha Deepam for Jayendrar release
NT Bureau
Chennai, Nov 26:
A total of 5,000 lamps were lit at the Vedanta Desikar's Devasthanam at Chitrakulam, Mylapore, 23 November by followers of Kanchi Seer Sri Jayendra Saraswathi praying for his release. The lamps were arranged on huge kolams drawn in the main hall. The event was opened to all irrespective of age, sex, religion caste and creed.
Narayana Bhattar says the Paramacharya has said that lighting the lamp during the month of Karthigai fervently had the capacity to fulfil one's wishes. Any amount of lamps exceeding 100 is called Laksha Deepam.
The lamps were lit at 5.45 pm and continued till 8.45 p.m. The devotees stayed there, constantly filling the lamps with oil to keep it burning till night, says Vanaja who is participating in the exercise.
This ceremony is expected to continue till Bharani Deepam.
Laksha Deepam for Jayendrar release
NT Bureau
Chennai, Nov 26:
A total of 5,000 lamps were lit at the Vedanta Desikar's Devasthanam at Chitrakulam, Mylapore, 23 November by followers of Kanchi Seer Sri Jayendra Saraswathi praying for his release. The lamps were arranged on huge kolams drawn in the main hall. The event was opened to all irrespective of age, sex, religion caste and creed.
Narayana Bhattar says the Paramacharya has said that lighting the lamp during the month of Karthigai fervently had the capacity to fulfil one's wishes. Any amount of lamps exceeding 100 is called Laksha Deepam.
The lamps were lit at 5.45 pm and continued till 8.45 p.m. The devotees stayed there, constantly filling the lamps with oil to keep it burning till night, says Vanaja who is participating in the exercise.
This ceremony is expected to continue till Bharani Deepam.
In this difficult times, I do everyday parayanam of " Devi Mahatmiyam " and observe upavas every night for the well being of Mutt and His Holiness Sri Jayendra Saraswathi Swamigal.
May Chandramouleeswara, Tripurasundari and Paramacharya show light and wisdom to all.
R Karthikeyan
Republic of Maldives
Please advise the devotees of Shankaracharya to chant the Ganesh Kavach 21 times praying for the early release of the Acharya.
Regards,
S.Sundararaman,
Bangalore - 560025
This is in response to the general request in the "Miscellaneous Section" of the Kanch-Satya.org website, for information on prayer meetings held . I would like to inform that :
1) A special prayer meeting was held at Richmond Hill Hindu Temple (popularly called "Ganesh Temple"), located at 10865 Bayview Avenue, Richmond Hill, Ontario-L4S 1M1. It was held on 21st November (Sunday) from 4.30pm to 6.30pm. It was attended by our group of 15 members. Prayers offered included chanting of Sri Rudram and Chamakam (once), Bandi Mochana Stothram (3 times) and Sri Sudarshana Moola Manthram (108 times)
2) Another special prayer meeting is to be held at the same venue on 25th November at 6.30pm by the same gathering.
Thanking you
Sincerely yours
Natarajan Ramesh Iyer, MBA,CPA,CMA,CFM,CWA
Ontario - M1C 5C6
Canada
We have performed Navagraha Havan, Veda Parayanam for the welfare of His Holiness and early release at Ved Bhavan, Kolkata. We have launched signature campain which will be submitted to President of India.
Regards,
R. Balasubramanian (Balu)
Myself, Sai Venu Gopal, would like to request the Mutt to include a prayer in the list of japams to be done for the early closure of this unfortunate episode. The mantram "Kreem BagaLaaya namaha" can be considered to be included in the list of prayers that everyone should be doing. Personally, I've been doing this since 11th. If this can be put up in the notice and circulated to everyone, it can do lot of good for people who can't sit and prayer. This mantram can surely be recited by lot of working people who can't keep aside specific time frame for reciting Vishnu Sahasranamam, etc.
Yours Sincierely,
Sai Venu Gopal
Peaceful Protest Demonstration before Indian Consulate - New York City
Peaceful Protest in Washington DC
Protests in NY against Kanchi seer's arrest
Press Trust of India
Posted online: Wednesday, December 01, 2004 at 1714 hours ISTNew York, December 1: Expressing "outrage" over the arrest of Kanchi Sankaracharya Jayendra Sarswathi, several Hindu religious and political organisations and the Sikh Sangat of America held a demonstration near the Indian consulate in New York demanding the seer's release.
" Hindus believe that the arrest of the Sankaracharya is motivated by a sinister design to demoralise them in general and to frighten and terrorise seers into submission," the demonstrators told reporters on Tuesday during the two-hour protest.The demonstration was led by Vishwa Hindu Parishad of America and 'friends of BJP'. In a memorandum addressed to consul general Pramathesh Rath, the demonstrators said Hindus in America are "deeply disturbed and shocked" at the "disrespectful and legally suspect" manner in which Jayendra Saraswathi was summarily arrested and remanded to prison.
Swamiji's arrest, it said, is symptomatic of a "multi-pronged attack" soon to spread against potentially all Hindu leaders espousing the cause of Hindutva.
"This is a sinister attempt to frighten and terrorise other Hindu pontiffs into submission," it added.
The manner in which the Tamil Nadu police and the public prosecutor have tried to portray the Sankaracharya as a "professional killer" smacks of political partisanship. It said.
http://www.expressindia.com/fullstory.php?newsid=39084
PROTEST DEMONSTRATION IN NEW YORK ON TUESDAY, NOV. 30TH
H.H SHANKARACHARYA SHRI JAYENDRA SARASWATHI SWAMIGAL
“POLITICAL RECOGNITION” for 50 YEARS OF Selfless Service???
? A great pillar of peace Shri Shankaracharya Jayendra Saraswathi was arrested on Nov 11, on the holy DIWALI Day in connection with a “murder” case.
? Kanchi Mutt, which was founded by the great sage Adi Shankara 2500 years back, has given spiritual solace to millions in the recent years irrespective of their religion.
? Shri Jayendra Saraswathi’s popularity has grown by leaps and bounds for his phenomenal contribution to less privileged in the Indian society (http://www.kanchi-sathya.org/links.htm).
? Many of the contemporary spiritual giants from India have felt the Shankaracharya’s INNOCENCE in this murder case and severely condemned the arrest.
Political Motivation
The arrest is clearly politically motivated and shrewdly ‘fabricated’ by malicious forces against the Acharya of Kanchi Sankara mutt
The evidence of such a deadly fabrication is out today
http://www.newindpress.com/Newsitems.asp?ID=IEH20041125101450&Title=Top+Stories&Topic=-97&
The afore-mentioned ‘malicious forces’ are running thousand miles today to cover their involvement in the ‘false implication’
Today there is no freedom of expression for people regarding this issue due to forceful suppression of any form of opposition….
May we appeal to all your heart and conscience for a moment…!
> Will you believe if someone makes a false claim that your parent/guardian is a criminal…?
> Will you keep quiet if your innocent kith and kin is being harassed inside the prison for NO FAULT of theirs..?
> Don’t we all have a great sense of belongingness to our immediate community and its lofty spiritual principles?
> Don’t we have the responsibility to stand up against forces that have dared to damage our spiritual identities?
You can make a difference to truth and justice in your motherland …without moving out of your comfortable couches HERE AND NOW.!
1. Express your concerns and contempt thru an online petition appealing to the Honorable President and Prime Minister of India by just clicking on http://www.petitiononline.com/dharma1
2. Voice your sincere feelings LOUD AND CLEAR through the URL’s given here.
www.kanchi-sathya.org ; www.rightliving.net
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