AvadhootaDatta Peetham

 

 

 

 

Sri Swamiji arrived in Dallas in the evening from London. Later that day, Pujya Sri Swamiji visited the shrines in the temple, while devotees sang Bhajans. A garland was offered to Sri Swamiji. As a silent teacher, Sri Swamiji graced the devotees with His presence and asked devotees to meditate silently. Later, Sri Swamiji asked them to chant Datta Stavam and Hanuman Chalisa once. He blessed the children with chocolate, and then patiently blessed all devotees with maha darshan.

 

 

Sri Swamiji was welcomed to the Karya Siddhi Hanuman temple by Veda Ghosha by KSHT Priests, dhol, and the KSHT Band with Scouts Marching. Pujya Swamiji visited all of the deities and tied a Thoram thread on a pillar already bulging with devotees' prayers. Scouts offered a grand flag ceremony in front of Sri Swamiji and swiftly saluted their Guru. KSHT temple trustees offered a welcome garland to Sri Swamiji, followed by a garland offering by the board of Datta Yoga Center. Then under the direction of Guru Srimati Lipsa Vijay of the Sanskrithi Academy of Performing Arts, a beautiful Mohiniattam presentation entitled Guru Samarpan was offered by the following artists: Lipsa Vijay, Sithara Rahul, Shari Krishna Girija, Raji Satish, Anitha Karthi, Merin Prince, Rajetha Blan, roopa Shenoy, Henna Vinod, Sreedevi Shankar, Shinu Sreejith. This was followed by a Kuchipudi dance performance by Kumari Manasa Kollapaneni to Madhava Panchakam, under the direction of Guru Smt. Padma Sonti of Kuchipudi Kalakshetra. Sri Swamiji then blessed the performers, and their Gurus and Arati was offered by Matru Mandali. This was followed by the welcome speech offered by Datta Peetha Asthana Vidvan Sri Raveendra Boggaram, who spoke on the greatness of Sri Swamiji and his many initiatives and activities, His commitment to helping all beings become their best selves, His nature as an Avadhoota, and that He is God in the form of human, among other eye-opening points. This energetic welcome address was followed by many releases. The first was Sri Rama Smaranam pen-drive of Bhajans written and composed by Sri Swamiji on May 26, 2023. It was offered by ***.Kumuda Parcha & Dinakara Parcha. The Annadanam team then offered that evening’s Annadanam to be blessed by Sri Swamiji. This was followed by the releases of Jayalakshmi Mata Prakrti Products, Prana Nada Raga Sagara T-shirt, and the Guru Guha Raga Sagara T-shirt. The Sundara Kanda and Soundarya Lahari teams then offered vastrams to Sri Swamiji preceding their Samarpanas later that week. Sri. Sirisha Ragathi and several youths then offered SGS Posts Digital Frames to Sri Swamiji, containing over 2000 SGS Posts. The proceeds will support the tribal school in Ahobilam, Andhra Pradesh. All should download the free SGS Posts app. Bhajans Babies is a free Youtube channel that shares Sri Swamiji Bhajans through animated stories for everyone to enjoy especially the babies. The Bhajan Babies team released a Krishna t-shirt, vastram, children’s story book, children’s activity book, posters, puzzle, and stickers. A KSHT logo t-shirt, chakra mala, and bracelet used for meditation/Datta Kriya Yoga was then offered to Sri Swamiji. Sri Swamiji then blessed devotees with Anugraha Bhashana. He emphasized the importance of donating towards supporting parking expenses, fasting, restraining the senses, and curtailing our desires. He spoke on the importance of having constant devotion, gaining knowledge, and seeking permanent happiness. The five fingers connect to the five elements; yoga helps to balance those elements. The body itself is a whole world, that we may travel inward and explore. Sri Swamiji instructed devotees to practice Kriya Yoga, meditate for 40 minutes a day, and practice Mauna both internally and externally. We should store and conserve our energy. Sri Swamiji said that it is a miracle that he came to Dallas, given His contraction of Dengue fever a month ago. It is a testament to his boundless love. Sri Swamiji then gave chocolate to the children.

 

 

In the evening, Sri Swamiji performed Sri Chakra pooja as musicians and students from the Dallas-Fort Worth area offered "Sri Guru Deva Datta Samarpana", a rendering of Sri Swamiji's compositions in the Carnatic style. The offering was coordinated by Guru Sri Narasimha Kikkeri (violin), and led by various local Gurus including Guru Sri Venkataraman Subramaniam, Guru Smt. Savitha Namaduri, Guru Smt. Sarada Karthik, Guru Smt. Nandita Padmanabhan, and Guru Smt. Madhavi Attaluri. The instrumentalists included Guru Sri Narasima Kikkeri (violin), Guru Smt. Vasundhara Kikkeri (veena), Guru Sri Sastry Vedam (veena), Guru Sri Raju Balan (mrdangam), and Guru Sri Gautam Narasimha Prasad (flute), in addition to several young instrumentalists. Sri Swamiji listened intently to the offering and blessed the gurus leading the offering and all participants. The Annadanam team also offered that evening's Annadanam to Sri Swamiji. Following this, the parking team and employee services team at the temple offered malas at Sri Swamiji. Sri Swamiji then spoke on the value of Bhajans, which convey great lessons and philosophies from scriptures. In the past, they were propagated by great musicians and devotees. He emphasized the importance of always being happy and not worrying too much about worldly problems and children. Sri Swamiji also highlighted the importance of raising children properly and non-violence to Hindu Dharma. Studying meanings of Gita Shlokas and visiting Sri Swamiji should be done willingly, not out of obligation. Sri Swamiji encouraged everyone to listen to Bhajans and listen to the Bhajan Babies channel, as we are all His babies. We must destroy our egos and prostrate and surrender to God. We keep taking births due to our Karma, and have devotion towards certain deities based on that Karma. Instead of allowing our minds to be occupied with negative thoughts and vices, we must oust demons in our minds, and allow space for deities to enter our minds. Sri Swamiji then gave chocolates to the children.

 

To celebrate American Independence Day, the BSA KSHT Scouts Troop conducted a flag ceremony. Sri Swamiji hoisted the American, Texas, and Karya Siddhi Hanuman Temple flags to the top of each flagpole. The American and Indian national anthems were also sung with gusto. This was followed by the inauguration of the new Yaga Shala in the new large sheds, Sri Swamiji offered Purnahuti of first Ganapathy Homa in the Yagashala while Bhagavad Gita students chanted a few chapters of the Gita.

 

The Sampurna Sundara Kanda Parayana also began in the morning in the temple hall, continued throughout the day, and was completed during Sri Chakra Puja in the evening. In the middle of the day, just in time for both of the "tvamasvin karya niryoge..." Shlokas which appear in Sundara Kanda, Sri Swamiji graced the Parayana, listening intently, showering flowers on the participants, and chanting along. After the conclusion of the Parayana during Sri Chakra Puja in the evening, Dr.Shiva led the audience with Datta Kriya Yoga exercise.

 

80 students participated in the Sundara Kanda Parayana of all 68 sargas, containing 2,885 Shlokas, taught by Datta Peetha Asthana Vidvan Sri Raveendra Boggaram. Sri Raveendra Boggaram and Sundara Kandam team then sought Sri Swamiji's blessings and offered a betel leaf garland and Vada Mala. Sri Swamiji then patiently presented each of the chanters with a certificate. Three students received a medal for memorizing a portion of the Sundara Kanda. 2 students, Ayush Datta Javvadi and Ananya Sankaran, memorized 500 Shlokas, and the youngest student, Manoo Ayyalasomayajula at 8 years old, memorized 15 sargas (800 Shlokas). All 80 students were also presented with a certificate from Sri Swamiji's hands. Sri Swamiji then blessed the Maha Prasadam for that evening. The Hundi management team, followed by the Audio/Visual Media Team then offered garlands to Sri Swamiji. Smt. Janani Raman from Chicago then spoke on the Bhajan Babies YouTube channel, and special opportunities to sponsor videos and support their mission. Names of sponsors will be included in videos moving forward, and anyone who sponsors a video will have their name and picture included so that Sri Swamiji may bless then. For those that sponsor 10 videos, Sri Swamiji will record a personalized short video message blessing that family on each of the 10 videos that they sponsor. Sri Swamiji encouraged devotees to take advantage of the countless activities taking place at the temple. He emphasized the universal value of scriptures such as Mahabharata, Ramayana, and Bhagavad Gita. He described Himself as a kind of priest, connecting devotees to God. Sri Swamiji spoke on how the temple is maintained by the collective efforts and devotion of devotees. He expressed his pride for generational devotees, of diverse backgrounds. Sri Swamiji has always traveled, since childhood, seeing people and imparting divine knowledge. Sri Swamiji, with immense compassion, traveled to the United States for the Bhagavad Gita program in Chicago, despite not feeling well. Sri Swamiji called the Karya Siddhi Hanuman temple His house, and devotees, His relatives. Sri Swamiji said He saw Hanuman around the temple, as a result of the Sundara Kanda Parayana. Sri Swamiji said to keep the temple in your heart and feel the energy. He again emphasized that being a "Hindu" means to be distant from violence, no matter what one's religion is. Sri Swamiji encouraged devotees to take advantage of his presence and concluded by blessing the world and with a prayer to Hanumanta. 

 

The children then received chocolates from Sri Swamiji, while Sri Neval Chatelal engaged the crowd in Bhajans.

 

 

In the evening, Sri Swamiji performed Sri Chakra Puja. The Sangeeta Seva was offered first by ***. Namrata Boggaram (flute) and then by Chi. Dinakara Datta Parcha (keyboard) and Chi. Chidatma Datta Chaganti (mrdangam) together. This was followed by an offering of Rama Bhajans by the KSHT Satsangh group. While the Bhajan group sang Arati for Sri Rama, Sri Swamiji performed arati. Dr.Shiva led devotees in a Pranayama exercise. The Annadanam team then sought blessings from Sri Swamiji, followed by the gardening team, who offered a mala made of 16 different kinds of leaves. The Bhagavad Gita evaluator teachers then offered a garland to Sri Swamiji. This was followed by a presentation by the Community Services team on temple efforts to engage with and serve the local community. Sri Swamiji then blessed backpacks to be donated to students in need in the local school district.

 

Sri Swamiji, after months of not singing due to Dengue fever, conducted a divine Bhajans session. Sri Swamiji spoke on the universal importance of following Dharma: truth, non-violence, vegetarian diet, respecting elders and teachers, and feeding the hungry. He emphasized feeding the Jeevatma with spiritual practice, versus enabling the Buddhi to commit sins. Sins move quickly, while the Jeevatma is slow, but the better we do, the faster the speed. He explained and illustrated the nuances of Dharma. For example, the King Dileepa, who was born in Sri Rama’s lineage prayed to God for children and was granted a cow to look after and graze himself. Once, while grazing, the king fell asleep, and the cow entered a tiger’s cave. As the tiger was about to eat the cow, the king interjected and offered himself to the tiger. The tiger was actually Indra.  Parents must be respected and never harmed; Guru must never be disrespected or doubted. We must do whatever He says; we must follow Dharma at any cost. Sri Swamiji explained the meaning of Bhajans Enta Bhagyame Talli and Lagoniya Paya with detail and spoke how Bhajans are able to heal the body, through the swallowing of saliva, which becomes like nectar after chanting the names of God. The children then received chocolates.

 

 

In the morning, Sri Swamiji performed Sri Chakra Puja inside the Karya Siddhi Hanuman shrine, followed by a beautiful Abhishekam to Hanuman. Sri Swamiji performed Vishesha Abhisheka, Archana & Puja to new Puja Murtui of Hanuman that will be receiving the Pujas by devotees at the entrance of the shrine. Sangeeta Seva was offered by the Hanuman Chalisa team, Samoohika Gala Samarpana Bhajans, and a veena performance offered by Kumari Sreeramaa Sreedhara. Sri Sireesh Poondla and Dr.Shiva led devotees in Datta Kriya Yoga. The Samoohika Gala Samarpana, crowd control, and Laddoo, and betel leaf mala teams also offered Malas to Sri Swamiji. A few youth, Sanjeev Datta Kollapaneni, Sanjeeva Datta Vellanki, Hrishi Datta Terlapu, and Sanjit Datta Akula, offered a special SGS Posts Mala containing 1,010 handwritten SGS Posts supported by devotees. The proceeds are donated towards the planned SGS Auditorium in Hyderabad. Representatives from Hanuman Datta Yoga Center (Houston), Jayalakshmi Datta Yoga Center (Maryland), SGS Datta Yoga Center (New Jersey), Guru Guha Raga Sagara Team, and Datta Temple and Hall of Trinity (Baton Rouge) made offerings to Sri Swamiji and invited Pujya Swamiji to their centers. Sri Swamiji then spoke on the importance of being careful while driving and avoiding if possible and to not be negligent about gas, fire near nylon saris, safety, health, etc. Appji members should take advantage of Appji and use it properly. Those who brought flowers for Sri Swamiji then sought blessings.

 

In the evening was the Prana Nada Raga Sagara, Sri Swamiji's 317th Music for Meditation and Healing Session. Audience members received a crystal pebbele, betel leaf, and water. All proceeds would go towards the restoration of Shukavana. Tim Konganda, the architect of the Karya Siddhi Hanuman temple offered a garland to Sri Swamiji.

 

At the end of the session, a Vastram and commemorative plaque and were offered to Sri Swamiji. Datta Peetha Asthana Vidvan Sri Satyam Upadrashta and Sri Satish Kodeboyina honored the artists: Sri Mysore Chandan Kumar (flute), Sri Jaitra Varanasi (violin), Sri Varun Ramgoolie (support keyboard), Sri Rudrapatna Shankar Ramesh (mrdangam), Sri Amarnath Maharaj (tabla), and and Sri Jayadatta Gandluru (drumpad). They each received a commemorative memento. Kumari Mounika Kalidindi accompanied on support violin. Sri Swamiji spoke on experiencing everything as Nada, and spending time in nature to experience sounds. The backdrop resembled a night sky, full of twinkling stars, and dozens of candles adorned the stage. The audience basked in a music Abhishekam The following ragas were played:

 

Rushyaketupriya - Pravasvarupam

Hindola - Jivake Jivanu

Chakravakam - Gauri Taye

Kancanangi – Jayati Jayati Shivakumaro Jayati

Sama - Raga Ragini Devi Mangalam

 

Sri Swamiji again reminded everyone to wear seatbelts, even in the back of the car and not to get distracted with eating or drinking while driving.

 

 

In the morning was a Soundarya Lahari Parayana, by 60 memorizers and dozens of fluent readers during Sri Swamiji's Sri Chakra Puja. The participants created a sea of yellow and red across the hall. Sri Swamiji showered flowers on the memorizers and was immensely pleased. With a bright white flower tucked into the back of his hair, Sri Swamiji resembled Mother Goddess Herself. The Annadanam team offered MahaPrasadam to Sri Swamiji. The Soundarya Lahari Team offered a sari to Sri Swamiji hand-painted with all of the Shlokas from 103, which will be used to adorn Sri Raja Rajesvari Devi Murti in Mysore Ashrama. Shlokas were sponsored by various Soundarya Lahari students. The musicians accompanying the Parayana offered a garland to Sri Swamiji. After this, a coin mala with a Soundarya Lahari Sloka printed on each coin was presented to Sri Swamiji. Sri Swamiji said he offered Abhishekam through his joyous tears to Mother Goddess, Sri Chakraarchana Devi. Sri Swamiji graciously and patiently presented each of the memorizers with a medal and certificate and blessed the certificates for the fluent readers. Sri Swamiji then gave the "sapaata bhaksha" naivedyam offering to all of the memorizers from His own hand. Some Sundarakanda participants from the earlier program also received their certificates. Datta Peetha Asthana Vidvan Sri Raveendra Boggaram, who taught Soundarya Lahari to the participants, and the Soundarya Lahari team, offered a mala, kiritam, pancabana, and sugar cane to Sri Swamiji. The KSHT Telephone Seva Group/Hotline Team and IT Team offered malas to Sri Swamiji. Sri Swamiji also presented Yoga Teacher Training Certificates to the graduates who had completed the training and examination. California Bay Area devotees offered a garland and invitation to Sri Swamiji for the Mantra Nada Raga Sagara Music for Meditation Healing Session. Sri Dashavatara Venkateshwar Swami Temple plans for Tracy, California were presented and Sri Swamiji spoke on the same. Sri Swamiji also spoke on the nature and many forms of an Avadhoota. Sri Swamiji then blessed devotees with Darshan.

 

In the evening Dr. Panishree Pydimarry gave a presentation on "Heart Health, Stress Management & Yoga." The Bookstore Team and Cleaning Team then offered garlands to Sri Swamiji. Then, under the direction of Trinidad’s Sri Neval Chatelal, a special, first-of-its-kind A Capella (voices alone mimicking the sounds of instruments) performance of Sri Swamiji's composition "Sarvam Khalvidam Brahma" was performed by a group of young singers. This was followed by a tranquil Bhajan session by Datta Prabhu Sri Swamiji. Sri Swamiji illustrated why we should never delay donations with a story from the Mahabharatam: A brahmin asks Dharmaraja if he can provide some money to help complete the his daughter's wedding the next morning. Because it is sinful to donate during sunset, Dharmaraja said he will donate tomorrow morning. The daughter’s wedding was the following day before sunrise; it was the brahmin’s Dharma to get her married then, but Dharmaraja refused to bend on his Dharma (rule of not donating at sunset). The brahmin threatened to give up his life, as he had to complete the wedding. Bhima then came with celebratory dress and weapons. Dharmaraja didn’t understand why Bhima came with dress & weapons meant only for Celebrations. Bhima says it was because his brother, Dharmaraja, knows for sure that will be alive the next day and Bhima was happy about this. Dharmaraja then sought forgiveness, as nobody knows how long they will live, and donated immediately to the marriage of Brahmin’s daughter. Bhima helped him understand this. It is Dharma to help others. The Brahmin was actually Indra. Dharma is situational. For example, rivers should not be touched or bathed in at sunset. However, if a child was drawing in the river at that time, that child must be saved. Don’t postpone good actions; save a life no matter what. Later in the Bhajan session, Sri Swamiji spoke on the vast amount of Devi Bhajans He has composed. During Navaratri each year, Sri Swamiji expresses each Avarana for each day through His compositions. Since Nava Avarana Puja is hard for everyone to do, these Mantras are given to us by Sri Swamiji in the form of His Bhajans. Memorizing or studying the Navaratri Bhajans is akin to doing Sri Chakra Puja. Sri Swamiji also said that singing the Bhajan “Sripura Sripura” (Bhajan ID: 559) once gives the merit of chanting Lalitha Sahsranamam 1 crore times. Sri Swamiji also said that chanting Hanuman's name makes our difficulties disappear. Praying to Shiva helps not only our own spiritual pursuits but saves the whole world. Praying to Shiva makes Rama happy, and Hanuman too.  Shiva has no form; he is the whole sky; he is everywhere. Rama and Shiva meditate on each other. Sri Swamiji led devotees in the blissful chanting of Omkara, as it makes Shiva happy. Sri Swamiji called it “Prana Nada.” All the Omkaras merged into one massive, reverberating Omkara. Sri Swamiji also spoke on Puri Jagannatha, and the beauty of the way Naivedya is offered to and enjoyed by Jagannatha Swami - mixing all the items together as one.

 

 

In the evening, Sri Swamiji performed Sri Chakra Puja, while the SGS Bhajans USA group, taught by Datta Peetha Asthana Vidhushi Dr. Seshulatha Viswanath of Hyderabad, sang a melodious set of Sri Swamiji’s Bhajans adorned by Alapanas, Swaras, and instrumental music. After Sri Chakra Puja, Sri Swamiji asked them to sing the Bhajan “Bhavayami Bahulavam” once again. Annadanam was offered to Sri Swamiji for His blessings. Vidvan Sri Jaitra Varanasi, who guided the students for the presentation, and coordinator Prabha Ghantasala, offered a garland to Sri Swamiji and sought blessings. This was followed by a series of performances by the KSHT Bala Datta Students. First was a sweet dance to Sri Swamij’s composition Yamuna Tat Par, by the young Bala Bhagavatam Students, taught by Smt. Sashirekha Rubeshkumar and Sri Pavan Thakkar. Sri Swamiji endearingly mimicked the children’s dance positions. Next, the students of the Hanuman Charitra class, taught by Sri Sathish Burgadda and Smt. Neetal Desai, chanted the Sundara Kanda Shodashi Shlokas, a set of 16 Shlokas from the Sundara Kanda from memory. Finally, was an engaging presentation by Gujarati students entitled “Gujarat Darshan”, showcasing to the audience about various aspects of Gujarat, from dance to wildlife to food. They were taught by Sri Shivan Gora, and Sri Dheeren Parmar. Finally, was a thrilling Tenali Raman skit by the young Telugu class students, taught by Smt. Deepti Veerappaneni and Smt. Ramya Avaluri,in which the characters had to solve a mystery. Students of the Sacchidananda Vijayam class had also prepared trifold boards on Sri Swamiji’s 12 directives and ways He uplifts humanity. Smt. Jahnavi Jayanthi then spoke on the Bala Datta program and a video showcasing the Bala Datta classes was presented. Sri Jayesh Thakker then spoke on the restoration project for the Lila Vishvambara Datta Kshetra in Surat, Gujarat, fondly referred to as the Laal Datta Mandir. The Bala Datta Team then offered a garland to Sri Swamiji. Sri Swamiji then spoke on expansion plans for the temple such as the auditorium,  newVenkateshwara Swami shrine in Hanuman temple, Bala Datta classrooms, and hall expansion. Sri Swamiji said to cut out unnecessary expenses and not buy items that are not needed, just because they are on sale, and instead donate towards these projects. Whenever you have a temptation, instead set that money aside for donations. Members of the Celestial Message Troupe and Parivaram were then honored by Datta Peetha Asthana Vidvan Sri Satyam Upadrashta. Guru Dakshina was then offered by senior devotees. KSHT Trustees also offered a garland to Sri Swamiji. This was followed by the bittersweet Dolotsavam - little did the devotees know that they would get another divine week with Sri Swamiji in Dallas! After Arati, Datta Peetha Veda Vidvan Vamsi Krishna Ganapathy was awarded sambhavana. After this, an announcement was made about the Sri Annamacharya Sankeertanotsavam organized by Silicon Andhra, to take place later in August. At the end of the program, Sri Swamiji cut a special cake celebrating KSHT Bala Datta’s 21st anniversary.

 

No programs occurred on this day.

 

Devotees were thrilled to have a bonus darshan of Sri Swamiji, and welcomed Him with Rama Bhajans from Sri Swamiji’s new album, Sri Rama Smarana. A few important announcements were then made: Sri Swamiji’s Music for Meditation Healing in Houston was canceled due to the hurricane Beryl and His Dallas visit was further extended. In addition, Sri Swamiji’s 30,000th day of Avatara since 1942, was to be celebrated on Sunday, July 14th in Dallas. Out of His infinite compassion, Sri Swamiji added an additional solo session the morning following the Guru Guha Raga Sagara planned in Tennessee named as Varam Dehi Raga Sagara. The funds will go towards the refurbishment of Shukavana. This is the first time since 1993 that Sri Swamiji has performed two sessions in the same venue on consecutive days. Temple trustees then offered the planned festivities for the 30,000th day of Sri Swamiji’s avatara and then announced the same. Sri Swamiji then blessed devotees with Anugraha Bhashana. Sri Swamiji instructed everyone to learn Lalita Sahasranama, Vishnu Sahasranamam, Guru Gita, Shatashloki Ramayana, Kanakadhara Stuti, Shivananda Lahari, and Bhaja Govindam. All of these impart the Advaita Siddhanta and teach dispassion, which has come from Sri Sankara Bhagavadpada. We are in the Advaita line; all Gods are one. Visiting the Moksha Puris, pilgrimage sites, and the 16 Datta Kshetras is very important. Every India visit should include such a trip. Kasi is very important and will never be destroyed; all deities are there. Those that understand this greatness hope to spend their final moments there. In Uttar Pradesh, Bhagavatam is widely studied, including by young listeners. We can listen to Krishna’s glories endlessly. Sri Swamiji also expressed that He would like to hold a Bhagavata Saptaham in KSHT; Hanuman loves it. Great devotees like Mira Bai, Namadev, Tyagaraja, and Muttuswamy Dikshitar shared Bhagavatam through their music. Shiva and Vishnu are not different; Sri Sankara showed that putting one deity over another was incorrect. He defined the Shanmathas and hence called Shanmata Sthapanacharya. Everyone should worship their deities without putting down others. Sri Swamiji also spoke on the greatness of Sri Shankara Bhagavatpada, that He should be revered and worshiped. Sri Sankara, an incarnation of Shiva, traveled extensively and spread the message of unity, doing penance at a young age in the Himalayas. He brought many Stotras & Vedantic texts to us and demystified Vyasa Maharishi’s works. Guided by Devi, He established 4 Peethas. He is behind Sri Swamiji’s compositions like Pahi Pahi Gajanana and Krishna Vishnum. Sri Swamiji said that the Dallas devotees’ devotion bound him there for a few more days! The children received chocolates.

 

No programs occurred on this day.

 

 

 

Celebrations for Sri Swamji’s 30,000th day of Avatara kicked off with Sri Swamiji performing arati to Karya Siddhi Hanuman, who was beautifully adorned with a vajra kavacam and surrounded by betel leaves. Sri Swamiji also tied a toram thread. Prior to Sri Swamiji’s arrival, priests performed abhisheka to all the detities and a Sri Ashtottara Shata Modaka Maha GanapathyHoma took place. During Sri Chakra Puja, devotees under the guidance of Smt. Madhavi Attaluri, chanted Shatashloki Ramayanam and Vanara Gita, based on Sri Swamiji’s instructions from a previous day’s discourse. Following Sri Chakra Puja, Dr. Shiva led devotees in Datta Kriya Yoga. A special decoration displayed the number “30,000” on a life-size scale. The Karya Siddhi Hanuman Temple trustees offered a garland of 300 lotuses. A poem celebrating Sri Swamiji’s 30,000 days was then read, followed by a video showcasing photographs throughout Sri Swamiji’s avatara. Devotees offered a minutes-long round of applause to Sri Swamiji. Sri Swamiji then blessed devotees with anugraha bhashana. He spoke on Sri Swamiji’s “chutuka sahityam” limerick book which conveys important advice and knowledge in 2-3 lines. Sri Swamiji encouraged developing reading as a habit and cautioned to avoid spending excessive time on devices and taking photographs constantly. He spoke on the importance of enjoying nature with our eyes, rather than through our camera lenses. Sri Swamiji said not to take photos with Him unless instructed to do so and to experience Sri Swamiji in the moment. Sri Swamiji said that every day, every moment is a birthday - when we are with Swamiji, when we are offering service and helping others, when we enquire about our parents, and when we sleep and wake up the next day and see each other. Sri Swamiji then explained a beautiful Telugu chutuka, about the Owl’s inability to see in the daytime. In His explanation, Sri Swamiji said not to worry about not having friends. You yourself can be your own friend; good friends are- God, Swamiji, music, spiritual friends, Soundarya Lahari, Keertans, school work. Sri Swamiji said, not having physical friends allows you to work on all the homework that Swamiji has given. Many angels are there, if we pray, they will come and help us be happy. Sri Swamiji said to discover our own inner light, instead of looking for it outside of ourselves. Sri Swamiji’s teachings and good knowledge charge your inner battery. Sri Swamiji said that spiritual eagerness must be present to attain jnana. Sri Swamiji narrated a story about an “old young-boy” (appears old in age, but in fact does not have wisdom) who told his Guru that he wanted to transform like Buddha at once. Sri Swamiji used this story to explain that we cannot try to be like someone else, but instead must seek to develop the unique nature that God has granted to each of us. This is another chutuka. Instead of asking to be like others, we should pray thus “Please give me energy and help my inner light shine”. Guru guides you to illuminate in your unique way. We must each be ourselves, instead of trying to be like others. Sri Swamiji illustrated this with the example of a person that could imitate countless animal noises, but in the end, could not remember what his original voice sounded like. Sri Swamiji said to always be content and keep trying to speak to Him through His photo. 

 

After Gurudeva’s anugraha bhashana, the temple chanting group, which organizes Hanuman Chalisa and Lalita Sahasranamam, the front desk team, and the puja team offered garlands to Sri Swamji. Sri Swamiji blessed devotees with the remaining copies of the “Chutuku Sahityam” book from His own hands. On this special occasion, there was also a 30,000 almond samarpana that devotees could participate in. Sri Swamiji then gave darshan to devotees and also blessed each devotee with almonds from His hand.

 

In the evening, there was a beautiful flute concert by Vid. Mysore Chandan Kumar, accompanied by Vid. Narasimha Kikkeri (violin), Vid. Rudrapatna Shankar Ramesh (mrdangam), and Vid. Amarnath Maharaj (tabla). The Marketing & Advertising Team, Cultural Team, and Safety & Emergency Team sought blessings from Sri Swamiji. Temple trustees also offered a garland and special plaque to Sri Swamiji to celebrate the 30,000th day of Sri Swamiji’s Avatara. This was followed by a cake cutting, decorated to resemble Sri Swamiji’s birthplace (Brahmakundam in Mekedatu, Karnataka, India). For the grand finale of the celebrations, Sri Swamiji and all devotees gathered on the temple lawn for a mesmerizing drone show. The drones created images of Dattatreya, Sri Swamiji, “Happy 30,000 Days, Dearest Appaji”, “We love you”, and “Datta Tataji Ki Jai” in sync with Sri Swamiji’s compositions and music inspired by Him.

 

On Monday 15th July, Sri Swamiji travelled from McKinney, Dallas to Dupage, Chicago for Bhagavad-Gita & Guru Purnima programs organized by Trinity DYC, Krishna Datta Hanuman Temple & SGS Gita Foundation.