AvadhootaDatta Peetham

Report of December 17
The Datta Jayanti festival commenced in Datta Peetham on 17th December 2002. This year has a special significance because of the new Datta Temple in the renovated Universal Prayer hall. The shining marble shrine of Kalagni Shamana Dattatreya looked resplendent in the prayer hall as Devotees chanted the morning Ashrama prayer. Sri Swamiji performed Sri Chakra Puja and then performed Pancha Amrita Abhisheka to Dattatreya. The sight of Sri Swamiji pouring milk on Dattatreya was divine and elevating.
Thereafter Sri Swamiji gave certificates to the successful examinees in Smartha (priest training) Examinations conducted in the past two days.
Russian devotees Uttama and others had translated the Datta Darshanam book in to Russian language. This book was released by Swami Chidatmananda of Chinmaya Mission, Hyderabad. It was announced that Sri Swamiji visited Russia in May 2000 and the devotees were requesting Sri Swamiji to visit again and as the group expanded, books were being translated in to Russian language. This is the first ever Russian publication of Datta Peetham.
Sri Swamiji blessed the Seva Karthas of the day with Prasadam.
Dattatreya’s idol was carried in procession (Pallakki Utsava) to Nada Mantapa. The idol was placed in the Mantapam and the Mantapotsavam was performed. Sri Swamiji arrived in Nada Mantapa. Dr.Ganesh gave a Carnatic Vocal concert. He sang many Bhajans of Sri Swamiji and the devotees enthusiastically applauded. He is the disciple of Late Maharajapuram Santhanam and had sung with him in Ashrama in 1992. Sri Swamiji spoke after the concert and said:
“Music is one of the greatest instruments to achieve concentration in meditation. Nada causes vibrations in the body. If you can utilize it properly, it heals the maladies. Then every cell in the body resonates and responds. This requires a melodious composition, interest and love on the composer or the singer is important. Your jerky interest in Yoga and music does not aid concentration in meditation. Love for music increases your capacity in concentration and Asana Siddhi (Squatting longer times on the floor). Many sleep during lengthy discourses or speeches. Concentration in sleep is not important. You may wonder why Sri Swamiji sits for so long. I sat because today the singer had the love for Swamiji. I felt it. Nada Mantapa has created Gandhrva Loka (celestial heaven). The latest cassette Tripura Vaibhavam has kindled great interest even in music stalwarts. Before its production Pashupathy of Madras went with the compositions to the well-known musician M.Bala Murali Krishna who expressed doubts about singing the same Bhajans Swamiji had already sung and a cassette made. He asked how could a musician improve it? Many great musicians have sung in it. The compositions are the rare Navavarana Kritis. Listening to it once gives you the merit of performance of Sri Chakra Puja. They are great compositions having Beejaksharas. Singing it properly is quite complicated even for scholars. Sri Swamiji’s compositions transcend barriers of language. Amba Bhavani, Pahi Pahi Gajanana are a few examples. The Bhajan “Datta Datta Anukondam” may sound simple but it’s meaning is profound. The Kavacha Manjari is really great and I am addicted to it. Shiva Kavacha is listened before going to bed. Ganesha Kavacha is good for travel. Datta Kavacha is good for critical situation. Passive listening is not the best option. You may listen while bathing or cooking or while sleeping. Also you can listen early in the morning. Philosophical teachings are a critical aspect of many Bhajans of Swamiji. The compositions range from the scholarly musicians to the common man. Music session in Ashrama is a lucky event for devotees. Swamiji will spend two hours with you. Moksha can come through selfless devotion, charity, Nada Upasana and social works. Nadopasana is the first step for meditation. It creates a calm and tranquil mind. You have to take small steps to reach the big final destination.
Jaya Guru Datta".
Dr. Ganesh and accompanying musicians were honored by Shyam Murthy of USA.
In the evening, Sri Swamiji sang some Bhajans and explained the meaning of some stanzas of Datta Stava.
After the Bhajan session was over, Sri Swamiji released a desktop calendar containing photos and messages of Sri Swamiji. Dr. Aruna Chandra Shekar, well-known cancer specialist of Madras had prepared it.
There after Sri Swamiji released a Book containing the text and meaning of all the Kavacha Mantras sung by Sri Swamiji. The meaning and text are there in English and Telugu. The book has two compact discs in it. It is a beautifully designed book. Sri Swamiji spoke about it and then blessed many people with it. There was a small lottery among those who had taken and Sri Swamiji drew the numbers and selected seven people who won.
At 9 PM Sri Swamiji came to Datta Temple and performed Kakada Arati to Lord Dattatreya. The only light in the hall was emanating from the oil lamps in the shrine and it lent a soft golden glow to the prayer hall and the marble temple and it was a spiritually elevating experience. Jaya Guru Datta.