AvadhootaDatta Peetham

 

Sri Datta Humane Services - the volunteer corp dedicated to the service to Sri Swamiji and Ashramas and social related programs in India - had the unique opportunity for 600 selected volunteers to spend three days with Pujya Sri Swamiji in the famous pilgrimage town of Bhadrachalam in Andhra Prasesh, south India. Sri Swamiji left Mysore on the 18th December 2006 and spent a night in Bangalore Ashrama and on 19th, Sri Swamiji flew to Hyderabad and then drove to Bhadrachalam. On 20th, The camp was inaugurated at 9 AM after Sri Chakra Puja. The volunteers, who generally spend time attending to the needs of pilgrims and devotees, were on the other side - witnessing programs as devotees do. It was a moving sight to see 600 uniform clad volunteers sitting in attendance for Sri Chakra Puja. After the the inauguration , Sri Swamiji visited the famous Bhadrachala Sri Rama temple and offered prayers. The lord, called Vaikuntha Rama, is four handed (very unique for a Rama statue) and holds bow & arrow. The idols of Sita and Lakshmana flank the main idol of Lord Rama. Sri Swamiji then visited the Andal temple and then the museum housing the ornaments made for Lord Rama by his devotee, Rama Dasu. Rama Dasu immortolised the pilgrim town he built amidst all odds and with great punishment he had to suffer as a consequence.

 

 

Later, Sri Swamiji inaugurated VAGGEYAKAROTSAVA - a literary and music festival honoring the various composers who had sung devotional songs on Bhadrachala Sri Rama.

 

Later, on the same day, Sri Swamiji held Bhajana Antyakshari with volunteers. The Kadri music band also joined, adding zing to the excitement. In the evening, Sri Swamiji sang Bhajans. Catering arrangements had been made exceptionally well.

 

On 21st, Sri Swamiji took to Godavari river, where 10 boats (called as Lanchee in the area) took the entire group down the Godavari river. The spectacular sights of the region was breathtaking. The area is part of the Dandakaaranya of Ramayana fame. It is believed that it was in this area (called Parnashaala) where Lord Ram and Sita along with Lakshmana lived in a hut, the place where Sita sighted the golden deer, Where Lakshmana drew his Lakshman Rekha, the spot where Sita was abducted by Ravana. To be in the area, which was central part of Ramayana, was very emotional. The place is inhabited sparsely by tribals, who lead a very very simple life on the banks of the huge but slow moving Godavari. The river is central to the life system there. The boats traveled in the area of Papidi Kondalu (also known as Paapi Kondalu).

 

The group returned to Bhadrachalam in the evening.

 

On 22nd morning, after Sri Chakra Puja, all volunteers had the opportunity to come in groups and offer Pranams to Sri Swamiji. Sri Swamiji gave them memento to remember this unique event and Blessed each group. In the evening, Sri Swamiji led a procession of volunteers chanting "Jaya Jaya Rama - Jaya Sri Rama" to a Pandal. Here the temple authorities had created a spectacular event for the release of the first ever pictorial story book on Bhadrachala Rama Dasu. The volunteer camp had the most memorable ending possible: Sri Swamiji partook in the dinner along with 600 volunteers. With this first ever volunteer retreat camp concluded.