Sri Swamiji in USA, Baton Rouge, 11 - 16 Aug 2007
Sri Swamiji made a surprise visit to Datta Temple and Hall of Trinity, Baton Rouge from August 10 – 15. It was a special treat to the North American devotees who had already had an opportunity to get darshan in Canada and at the Datta Retreat Center earlier, but also to those who were unable to see Him previously. In fact, Swamiji’s surprise visit marked the 10th anniversary celebrations of the Datta Temple, and was such a joy, and blessing to have the presence of Sri Swamiji to celebrate this mile marker.
On August 10th Sri Swamiji landed in Baton Rouge around noon time. He was received with Poorna Kumbha amidst the chanting of Veda Mantras by the priests in to Datta Temple and also the chanting of Datta Sthava by a large group of devotees who came from different cities. He sat for few minutes and said that the devotees’ good karma that brought Him to USA . He also said that he came all the way to bless those who could not attend his Canada program. It is very rare indeed to have Darshan of him without his parivaram and without a major pre-planned program, almost like a private visit. Devotees had chance to speak to him, were able to see him closely, touch his holy feet, hear his divine voice, experience many wonderful things ... no way to put them in words. The feeling of closeness the devotees felt toward Sri Swamiji in Baton Rouge is impossible in India.
During His four-day long stay in Baton Rouge, Swamiji gave talks and performed pujas daily, including Sri Chakra puja, Anaghavratam, Rudrabhishekam, and Ganapathy Homa. Sri Swamiji gave a lecture on Vairagya. He mentioned about Smasaana Vairagya – the people feel dispassionate toward life whenever a relative dies. Puranic Vairagya is experienced whenever we read about the great saints and how they reach higher levels of spirituality. Prasudhi Vairagya is experienced by women right they deliver a baby.
Sri Swamiji had given innumerable instructions during the visit, like talking in mother tongue at home, asking each one us to do everything, before commenting on the partner (wife or Husband), calling Sri Swamiji to your heart, instead of your home, listen to Guru Gita or Swamiji's life history all your doubts, confusions, problems will go away and you will get you answer just by listening them. He repeatedly mentioned that all the families should teach their children their mother tongue. He chastised Telugu people severely for forgetting Telugu and not teaching their children.
Sri Swamiji said that he was very happy to see so many devotees during his visit to Canada and the United States. Although, part of Swamiji’s message to devotees was that He did not want everyone requesting a visit to their hometown and their homes. While, it is courteous to invite His Holiness to their homes, it would serve the larger good to come and attend functions at a public arena, which would allow more people to interact with Swamiji. “Don’t call me to visit your house. Each and everyone’s request to Swamiji was ‘come to my house, come to my house.’ Instead of inviting me to your house, pray to Swamiji for his blessings. Devotees should realize that I am always with them irrespective of whether I visit their houses or not,” he noted.
Sri Swamiji asked devotees to attend 2008 Guru Purnima celebrations in New Jersey. Each and every devotee from across the United States should support the devotees in New Jersey.
Functions at the Temple: The arrangements and the puja's at the temple were done very well in such a short notice. We are all blessed to be present, in presence of his holiness Sri Sri Sri Ganapati Sachchidananda Swamiji and see and participate in all the puja's done at the temple. Datta Temple performed Lalitha Sahasranama Puja on Friday, Rudrabhishekam on Saturday, Datta Abhishekam and Maha Ganapathi Homa on Sunday, Sri Satynarayana Vratham on Monday; and Shiva Abhishekam and Hanuman Puja on Tuesday. Sri Swamiji himself did Abhishekam to Shiva Linga as Hanuman Chalisa, Hanuman Ashtottaranama and Datta Bhaavani were played. All the functions went exceptionally well and we are fortunate to have Sri Sankaramanchi and Sri Sastry there to conduct the puja's, homa's and abhishekam's.
Nada Katha Sudha: During His Baton Rouge visit, Sri Swamiji's life history in Audio play, done by Hira Duvvuri and the troupe, was re-released in BR. Sri Swamiji very happy about it and he said ' those who have participated in this project are Dhanyulu'.
40th Wedding Anniversaries: Sri Swamiji blessed Suri and Hira Duvvuri on the celebration of their 40th wedding anniversary. Similarly Sri Swamiji also blessed Daulath and Vijay Sthanki on their wedding anniversary.
Marakata Hanuman Temple and Meditation Hall in Dallas
Sri Swamiji met with Dallas and Houston Satsangh groups on Saturday evening. Sri Swamiji said that for the last five days the thought of building a new Temple in Dallas was coming to His mind. He instructed them to look for 5-7 acres of land and that He wants to send Marakata Hunuman. Sri Swamiji wanted to have few Permanent members who would take the responsibility to buy the land. A Core group of people will meet frequently and look at all the available options to buy the land.
Brownell Memorial Park: On 12th (Sunday) Sri Swamiji went to see a beautiful Brownell Memorial Park in Morgan city which is about 75 mile distance from Baton Rouge. It is a beautiful park with lots of trees, plants, flowers, creepers, elephant ears, swamps, etc. The main attraction of the park is a 106 feet high The Carillon Tower with 61 bells that chime every 30 minutes. These bells, which are made with pure bronze, are suspended in a steel frame and can be played. Sri Swamiji climbed 106 steps to the top of the tower and played the bells.
On August 15, Swamiji left for London to participate in the Bhagavat Gita conference.
