Sri Swamiji in Andhra Pradesh, Report, Jan 2009

  • 05 Jan 2009 - 18 Jan 2009
  • Andhra Pradesh, India
Parent Link: Sri Swamiji Tours Andhra Pradesh, Dec 2008 - Jan 2009

REPORT

5th January 2009, Monday – Vijayawada

  • Sri Swamiji addressed the conference of Trustees in Coastal Region of Andhra Pradesh. He advised that the activities should be carried out to ensure compliance with the law of the land in letter and spirit.
  • Evening stay was at Jaya Durga Teertham.

6th January 2009, Tuesday – Jaya Durga Teertham 

  • Sri Chakra Puja on the banks of Krishna River. Recording for the series of short discourses (Duration 5 Min) for ETV (Kannada and Telugu) happened. Devotees can watch ETV Telugu at 6.05 AM for a short and effective message of Sri Swamiji on various aspects.
  • Shortly, Kannada version of the episodes would start.
  • Sri Swamiji explained about the New research book on Raga Ragini Nada Chikitsa

7th January 2009, Wednesday – Vijayawada

  • Uttara Dwara Darshanam, on the occasion of Vaikuntha Ekadashi (known as Mukkoti Ekadashi) was arranged in Kshipra Ganapati Temple. Beautifully decorated icon of Dattatreya was worshipped on the pedestal.
  • Samoohika Vishnu Sahasra Naama Parayanam was conducted.
  • Divya Nama Sankeertana in the evening. Sri Swamiji explained the specialty of Ekadashi, narrating the story of Ambareesha.

8th January 2009, Thursday – Eluru

  • Sri Chakra Puja in Eluru Ashrama
  • Release of booklet - Rama Lingeswara Satakam, written by Sri Rama Rao
  • Bhumi Puja for the new Building complex for staff quarters and pilgrim amenities

9th & 10th January 2009, Friday & Saturday – Peethapuram

  • Sri Chakra Puja in Sripadavallabha Anagha Datta Kshetram
  • Inauguration of New Yaga Shala on the occasion of 7th Brahmotsavam of the Temple
  • Ashta Siddhi Kalasha Pratishtha was performed on Saturday. This is a rare and unique event in known history. Eight Kalashas (Pots) made of precious stones were carved out to symbolise the 8 Siddhis (Attainment powers) of Lord Dattatreya. The consecration, added to the lustre of the Temple, which is called Anagha Datta Kshetram. Sri Swamiji stated that conducting Anagha Vratam in this Kshetram, at least once in life time, is a must for every devotee.
  • After visiting Kakinada, Raja Nagaram – Sri Swamiji reached Sri Datta Mukti Kshetram Rajamundry.
  • Sri Swamiji advised local devotees to set a target of 9 Crores of Datta Raksha Mantra in one year.
  • He wanted a Yagna to be conducted in this Kshetram for the welfare of the state, after Maha Shivaratri and blessed their efforts to complete the construction of a Pond (Pushkarini) for the conduct of Plavotsavam (raft festival).
  • Three students who completed Moolantam (Pre Degree Equivalent) of Yajurveda – Sri Garimella Rama Surya Subrahmanya Sarma, Kandukuri Purushottama Sarma and Kandukuri Venkata Bala Subrahmanya Sarma were blessed along with their teacher Sri TVS Raghavendra Avadhani at SGS Veda Pathasala, Peethapuram.

11th January 2009, Sunday – Rajamundry

  • First Anniversary of new Temple of Dattatreya, Shiva, Ganapati and Maraka Guru Paduka was celebrated
  • Sri Datta Mukti Kshetram, caters to the needs of pilgrims coming for pilgrimage and offering respects to their ancestors
  • Discourse on principles of Philosophy (Brahma Sutra of Sage Vyasa) by Dr. Sripada Subrahmanya Sastry was enlightening. He explained the scheme of the sacred text and spoke on the first four principles called – Chatussutree.
  • Evening Discourse was on the banks of the River. Sri Swamiji sat before the icon of Sage Gautama (who is described in Mythology as the reason for the River Godavari)
  • Continuing the theme of morning discourse Sri Swamiji conducted a question and answer session on philosophy. Dr. Sripada Subrahmanya Sastry gave an short explanation about Viraama (recess).
  • Sri Swamiji subtly explained that Viraama is cession. It is the cessation of activities of sensory organs and limbs and the organs and mind should gradually stop indulgence in mundane activities. This would lead one to the Self within.
  • Later, continuing the session – Sri Swamiji enacted a set of innocent questions about Sri Swamiji’s mission and answered thru His disciple Vamshi Krishna Ghanapathi.
  • Being Poornima day, the Moon (who is said to shine brighter, whose view is said to be larger in this decade by astronomers) shone effulgently, while the Bhajan session was on. Datta Raksha Mantra was chanted by Sri Swamiji and devotees joined. It was a great Session, joined by devotees of all the Ashramas (established on the banks of Godavari, at Gowtami Ghat).
  • Sri Swamiji blessed a group of volunteers and scholars, who  promised to start work on Veda Nidhi Project to disseminate knowledge about the culture, tradition and philosophy of India.
  • The project will attempt to bring out a series of books, audio/ video albums, explaining the rational, significance and procedures of various aspects of the culture, rituals, tradition and philosophy of India.
  • It will be a team effort, comprising volunteers compiling questions about the culture, rituals, tradition and philosophy of India, from all sections (believers/ non-believers, enthusiasts, seekers) and forward the set of questions classifying the questions according to subject to the set of Pundits, working under the guidance and direction of Sri Swamiji.
  • Another aspect of the project includes providing information work on the language and scriptures.
  • Those who wish to associate and support may write to sgsvedanidhi@gmail.com

12th January 2009, Monday – Ankampalem, Badampudi, Gudivada & Manginapudi

  • Visit to Ankampalem Dattatreya Temple: A group of women led by octogenarian lady Smt. Kantipudi Mangayamma, had been inviting Sri Swamiji to bless the Temple. Such was their devotion, that they were never disheartened waiting for the last decade. They patiently waited for the visit and had been applying the Suktis published in Bhaktimala and several publication of Datta Peetham. The sayings of philosophy, devotion moved Sri Swamiji, who  sang Bhajans in the small temple and blessed.
  • Later, the lady explained her version of life and Sadguru. She likened Sri Swamiji to Maha Akaasha (Greater Ether) and devotees to Ghata Akaasha (ether in the pot/body). She took the words of Sri Swamiji literally, (when he said He would be present in the temple thru His subtle energy, but not with physical body) and explained her experiences. Sri Swamiji remarked that this type of devotion should be an example to Datta Devotees world wide.
  • First Anniversary of Sri Bala Subrahmanya Datta Kshetram, Badampudi (Near Tadepalli Gudem).
  • Sri Bala Swamiji performed morning Puja to Sri Subrahmanya Swamy.
  • Bhumi Puja was performed for Sarvottama Rural Medical Centre in Badam Pudi Ashrama.
  • Ongoing construction of Lakshmi Narayana Temple at Gudivada Ashrama was inspected by Sri Swamiji. He advised that small shrines of Datta and Ganapati shall be added to the Temple complex.
  • Reaching Manginapudi – Sri Datta Rameswaram on the banks of Eastern Sea (Bay of Bengal), Sri Swamiji was received by Trustees and devotees.
  • New Residence of Sri Muktevi Satya Narayana Acharya, Chief Priest of the Ashrama was blessed. (He was helped for rehabilitation by Datta Peetham last year).
  • Sri Swamiji appreciated the Annadanam project to provide food for the pilgrims to the Kshetram.

13th – 15th January 2009, (Tuesday – Thursday) - Machilipatnam
Makara Sankranti Celebrations & 32nd Birth Day of Sri Bala Swamy 
Silver Jubilee Celebrations of the First Program at Machilipatnam

  • Machilipatnam quietly scored in many aspects and activities in the past few years. To reward their efforts, Sri Swamiji celebrated Sankranti in SGS Datta Ashramam, Machilipatnam. Four Units affiliated to Sri Swamiji are functioning in this town.
  1. Manginpudi – Sri Datta Rameswara Kshetram
  2. Buttaipeta – Sri Datta Ashramam
  3. Khojjillipeta - Sri Rajarajeswari Annapoorna Vruddha Ashramam
  4. Bacchupeta – Sri Lakshmi Hayagreeva Temple and Agama Pathasala run by Vaikhanasa Mandali, pioneered by Great Devotee Late Sri Vedantam Ananta Padmanabha Acharya.
  • Sri Swamiji brought Guru Paduka of Sri Narasimha Saraswaty to this place and consecrated at this Ashrama. What started as a small effort by a motley group of poor devotees had transformed as a leading spiritual institution in the entire area for its multifarious activities in 25 Years.
  • Morning programs Homa, Sri Chakra Puja and discourses were conducted at TTD Kalyana Mandapam and evening Bhajan Session was at Hindu College Grounds.
  • Navagraha Homa, Surya Homa and Surya Namaskara were important Puja activities.
  • During morning Puja, Kumari Sri Vani rendered a melodious vocal concert.
  • On Sankranti day, on the occasion of his 32nd Birth Day, Sri Bala Swamiji offered Pada Puja to Sri Swamiji.
  • In His message, Sri Swamiji spoke about the change in nature (both in and out) and the process of observation.
  • Postal Department, Andhra Pradesh Circle released a special Cover and cancellation to commemorate the 25th Anniversary Celebrations.
  • On the last day, old group of organisers were honoured and Asthana Vidwan and singer Sri Hari Sankara Sastry sung a song in praise of Sadguru and Aatma Tattwa. Sri Kuchibhatla Chandra Sekhara Sarma, another poet and senior devotee read out beautiful poems in praise of two seers.
  • Sri Swamiji was at His eloquent best in the discourse about Datta Raksha Mantra. The Mantra was described in 3 parts. (Om Aim Hreem Shreem – Part 1; Shiva Raama – Part 2; Anagha Dattaaya Namah – Part 3).
  • The Bhajans and story were compiled in a MP3 CD and released in Gandi Gunta. Please write to Mysore Ashrama for a copy of the Audio CD Discourse in Telugu. (Earlier Raksha Mantram – shorter version was released on the first day of this year.)

16th January 2009, Friday – Gandigunta

  • Gandigunta – Datta Digambara Kshetram witnessed its 18th anniversary with much fanfare.
  • Ksheera Abhishekam and Annadanam were performed.
  • Sri Swamiji inaugurated the first floor Hall in Anagha Lakshmi Sadanam. Sri Swamiji named it Sobhanadri Hall, after the name of the main donor Sri Vadde Sobhanadreeswara Rao. (He is a former agriculture minister and philanthropist).
  • Sri Chakra Puja was performed in the new Hall.
  • In the evening, Sri Kirit Patel of Baton Rouge was honoured. MLC Sri Rajendra Prasad Yelamachili visited.
  • Devotees vowed to complete the construction of the Community hall by fully furnishing it and providing all required amenities including air conditioning. Matru Mandali arranged Dolotsavam to Sadguru Deva.
  • In His message to TV Channels, Sri Swamiji wished that Devotees live peacefully without getting disturbed. When referred to an incident, when a small pig is making round around a temple for the past few weeks, Sri Swamiji pointed towards the Samskara (Remembrance about previous births and resultant effects on the minds) of all creatures. He drew the attention of public to various stories in Mythology, where each being experiences various stages of enlightenment during many cycles of life. People may think it is all fantasy. But, God causes such incidents to prove the point.
  • Bhagavad Geeta says, that there is no reason for worry for a Saadhaka (seeker indulging in Spiritual Practice) even if he/ she dies amidst his practice. The state of consciousness continues in the next birth, He explained.

17th – 18th January 2009, Saturday & Sunday – Nuziveedu

  • Inauguration of New Block of Guru Nilayam for Sri Swamiji. Smt. Mandava Rama Devi and Venkataramayya family was the main donor for the construction.
  • Anagha Vratam and Vastu Homa were performed on this occasion.
  • Ksheera Abhishekam and Taila Abhishekam were performed by Sri Bala Swamy to Lord Deva Deva Dattatreya Swamy as part of 19th Anniversary programs.
  • Kriya Yoga introductory classes were conducted.
  • On Sunday, eminent poet Sri Vaddiparti Padmakar conducted a literary event – Ashta Avadhaana. In this process the scholar is given short time to compose poems instantaneously on eight subjects ranging from mythology, contemporary issues, Deities, Epics, Guru, Romance, Drama etc. In order to test the patience and concentration of the poet and to entertain the public, another speaker will draw the attention of the poet to mundane and irrelevant issues.
  • Sri Padmakar, a scholar and poet in three languages Samskruta, Telugu and Hindi effectively handled the questions/ problems posed to him and churned out wonderful poems.
  • Sri Swamiji concluded the programs with His delightful Bhajans.

Jaya Guru Datta

With this, the first leg of this year’s winter tour ended for the historic 100th Foreign Trip to Singapore. 

Report by Vamshi Krishna Ghanapathi

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