Sri Swamiji in Canada, Installation of Dattatreya and Anagha Devi idols, 18 - 26 Jul 2006
Sri Swamiji in Canada
Dattatreya and Anagha Devi idols installed
Jaya Guru Datta
Sri Swamiji visited Canada as part of this year's Nada Prasara tour.
Arriving in Ottawa on the 18th July, Sri Swamiji performed Puja and sang Bhajans in a public hall. Hundreds participated.
On 19th July, an interesting conversation between Sri Swamiji and the audience of Sri Chakra Puja in the home of Sri Jayaraman developed. Sri Swamiji visited Muruga temple in Montreal on the 19th July. Sri Swamiji had earlier visited the temple in 1996. The temple has been expanded and new temple tower, Antaralaya and Sannidhis have been added. Sri Swamiji performed Arati to the Muruga and remembered the Mysore Ashrama Muruga shrine. Bhajans and speech ensued.
On 20th July, Thursday, Sri Swamiji took train from Ottawa to Toronto. The four hour train ride was picturesque with changing landscapes and Lake Ontario's Darshan.
That evening Sri Swamiji visited our Datta Yoga Center in Brampton area. As it was Thursday, Guru Puja was held. After Sri Chakra Puja, Sri Swamiji went to the newly installed Dattatreya and Anagha Devi idols. Sri Swamiji performed Arati to the idols. Then Raga Sagara DVD, Hyderabad's music for meditation and healing video was watched.
Friday evening Bhajans were held. Before Bhajans Sri Swamiji lectured for a while. Earlier the new resident priest of Canada center, Bhanu Prakash had performed Abhisheka to Lord Dattatreya.
Saturday was Shani Trayodashi - a special day for Shani Graha (saturn god). Shani Puja was performed. Devotees offered Tila (gingely seeds) as Danam (offering). Shani Ashtottara, Shlokas were chanted. Shani Homa was performed. Sri Swamiji spoke about the misconception in public mind about the ill effects of the generally benevolent planet.
In the evening, Music for Meditation and Healing concert was held. Sri Swamiji sang a special composition on Shani Graha and developed Raga on the synthesizer.
On 23rd July 2006, Sunday, Maha Ganapathy Homa and Sri Chakra Puja took place. Sri Swamiji conducted en masse OM chanting and breathing exercises.
Swami Chidatmananda of Hyderabad Chinmaya Mission, Kali Ray of Tri Yoga, Babaji from Orlando, Florida and Datta Yogi Raja from Chicago participated in all the programs on all days. Member of Parliaments attended the programs.
In the evening, a boat cruise on Lake Ontario with devotees singing Bhajans and Keyboard trio of Ashok Yankaran, Sheetal and Sharma Ramdular developed in to a lively music session. Sri Swamiji conducted Bhajans Antakshari.
On 24th morning Sri Swamiji visited the center again for Darshan of Datta and Anagha Devi. Sri Swamiji met with the committee members of Datta Yoga Center who apprised Sri Swamiji about the activities. Though the center is relatively small compared to other centers, its activities have a wide range. They conduct Satsang every Sunday, Carnatic music classes, Mridangam training class, Kriya Yoga Class, Hatha Yoga Class and a superb satsang group who sing Bhajans very evocatively, melodiously and with lots of gusto. Sri Swamiji remarked that other centers should at least expand to other activities and start regular classes in Kriya Yoga, Hatha Yoga and music. In the evening Sri Swamiji left for London, arriving on 25th morning.
At Darshan program in Wembley, London on 26th July, Sri Swamiji cautioned devotees to heed to the speeches, discourses and messages of Sri Swamiji and grasp the meaning.
Sri Swamiji traveled to Delhi and thence to Haridwar on 27th July 2006 morning, concluding this epic 81st foreign tour - touching the hearts of thousands and bringing joy and peace in them. Amen - Jaya Guru Datta
