Sri Swamiji in Datta Kshetra Yatra, Sri Datta Paduka Kshetra, Rajamundry and Vizag, 21 - 24 Jan 2003
Datta Kshetra Yatra - Rajamundry, Andhra Pradesh
Sri Datta Paduka Kshetra
Pujya Swamiji, arrived in Rajamundry at 8.30 PM on 21st January 2003. He visited the houses of 12 Devotees and paid a surprise visit to Sri Dattatreya Veda Vidya Guru Kulam run by Sri Gullapalli Seetaramachandra Ghanapathi, an ardent devotee and Veda Scholar in the region. The School was founded in 2000 by the blessings of Sri Swamiji.
At 4 PM Pujya Swamiji, has arrived in Rajamundry Ashrama (Sri Datta Paduka Kshetram) and was received by all the Trustees and devotees. School Children and Veda scholars joined the Welcome Ceremony.
During an address to the doctors of the local chapter of IMA (Indian Medical Association), His Holiness has exhorted the medical fraternity to make use of the Ashrama premises (Clinic) to render service to rural masses. Responding to Sri Swamiji’s appeal, Chairman of GSL Academy of Medical Sciences Dr.Ganni Bhaskara Rao promised to depute a specialist Doctor for service in Ashrama daily and other doctors promised to join the service.
Later in the ensuing Trust meeting, several land mark decisions were made.Few Important decisions:
- A New Datta Temple will be constructed on the banks of Godavari River on the new site, to be allotted to Ashrama by Government.
- Annadanam and emergency medical facilities will be provided to pilgrims visiting Rajamundry for the forthcoming Godavari Pushkaram (30th July – 10 August 2003). Arrangements for Rituals will be made during this sacred period.
- Marakata Stone Guru Padukas will be installed at this place.
- As this Ashrama is located on the National Highway Rajamundry to Visakhapatnam, and is close to Rajamundry Air Port, facilities should be provided to visiting devotees to stay in Ashrama premises.
In the evening, Sri Chakra Puja was performed. In the Swagata Sabha, Datta Peetha Asthana Vidwan and noted scholar Dr. Betavolu Ramabrahmam welcomed Pujya Swamiji and explained the significance of this visit and impact on the devotees. All the members of the Trust and Matrumandali, Rajamundry Mayor Sri MS Chakravarti and Kovvuru MLA GS Raju offered Garlands. Sri Swamiji inaugurated the Nitya Puja Scheme and the target was completed in 2 days.
On 22nd January, Pujya Swamiji enjoyed a pleasant morning Walk in the serene roads in the locality. Sri Chakra Puja and Maharudra Homa followed. At 3 PM, Pujya Swamiji visited 750 beds Super Specialty Hospital of GSL Academy of Medical Sciences near Ashrama, before proceeding to Dhavaleswaram. In Dhavaleswaram (4 km from Rajamundry), Dr. Ganti Kalyana Sharma, an Ayurvedic physician donated 1000 Square Yards in the banks of Godavari River to Datta Peetham. Pujya Swamiji was pleased at the sight of this farm. This is similar to Jaya Durga Teertham at the banks of Krishna River, near Vijayawada. Sri Swamiji instructed the members to build a Ghat before the upcoming Godavari Pushkaram festival in July when millions of people come to the banks of the Godavari river for a holy dip.
In the evening, an impressive gathering at TTD Kalyana Mandapam listened to spirited and soul stirring Bhajans of Pujya Swamiji. Elucidating the 60th Birthday Message song of Sri Swamiji, Dr. Ramabrahmam explained the greatness of lyrics aspect of Sri Swamiji’s personality and opined that if there could be scope for something called Global Anthem this song would definitely fit the slot, with its message relevant to all the citizens of the world.
On 23rd January, Pujya Swamiji visited the sacred Temple at Annavaram. Pujya Swamiji was ceremoniously received by the Executive Officer,Veda Scholars and Trustees of the Temple. Pujya Swamiji performed Puja to Sri Veera Venkata Satyanarayana Swamy in the Sanctum Sanctorum for about 20 minutes. Later speaking to press Sri Swamiji said, He offered prayers to the God for the welfare of Priests and staff of the Temple and for the alleviation of hardships of devotees. He also called for better propagation of the significance of this Temple atop Ratnagiri hill range and in other states, where devotees perform Satyanarayana Vratam regularly.
After Bhiksha in Sabbavaram, in the house of Sri B Rambabu, Pujya Swamiji arrived in the port city of Visakhapatnam and visited the houses of few devotees. In the evening, a mammoth crowd has congregated at Gurazada Kala Kshetram to witness the evening program. Pujya Swamiji was welcomed by Sri MSRK Murthy, Vice President of the Board of Trustees and Seetamma of Matrumandali. Datta Peetha Bandhu (Title conferred in Shashtipoorti Celebrations), Sri Vemakoti Krishna Yaji, spoke about his association with Sri Swamiji, and narrated Pujya Swamiji’s compassion towards his disciples. Chief Commissioner of Income Tax participated in the function. Dr. G Bhagya Rao, welcomed the gathering and spoke about the activities of the Trust. Dr.Betavolu conducted the proceedings. Pujya Swamiji was at his musical and spiritual best that evening. He spoke eloquently about Yoga, and sang Aim Hreem Sreem in Latanta Priya Raga. He followed it up with the Global Message Song, which was played in Speakers simultaneously. Later Pujya Swamiji, explained about the deaf and dumb school started in Bangalore Ashrama and promised to conduct a Charity concert for the noble cause in November 2003 in Visakhapatnam. Later Sri Ganapati Sachchidananda Datta Gnana Bodha Sabha Trust – Visakhapatnam donated a purse of Rs. 1 Lakh to Sri Swamiji towards the Hospital Fund of Avadhoota Datta Peetham and members of Matru Mandali offered a Vastram. Dr. S Narahari, Trustee proposed vote of thanks.
On 24th January 2003, Pujya Swamiji blessed the Host committee and reconstituted the Board of Trustees and constituted a working committee to assist the Trust in its activities. Dr. G Bhagya Rao was appointed as executive trustee in the place of Bhaskara Rao, who was nominated as president of working committee. After visiting 2 houses, Pujya Swamiji performed Sri Chakra Puja in the house of Sri MSRK Murthy and left for Sreekakulam.
