Mandala Puja events in Frisco Hanuman temple - 30 August 2015
The epic 48 days stay of Parama Pujya Sri Swamiji in Frisco, Dallas concluded with Mandala Puja to the Hanuman and other deities on 30th August 2015. On this day, the first ever Venkatamakhi Ardhana & Thyagarajan Aradhana was done in the new Hanuman temple. Dozens of devotee musicians and those around the area led by Vid.Venkatraman and Vid.Poovalur Srinivasan sang in chorus “Sri Gananatha” of Sri.Purandaradasa, the “Ghana Pancha Ratna” Kritis of Sri.Thyagaraja and “Rasaakhya” - a Saurashtra Raga “Lakshana Geeta” of Venkatamakhi”. The stage was decorated with large portraits of Sri.Thyagaraja & Sri.Venkatamakhi. After the singing, Pujya Sri Swamiji performed Arati to the two music legends.
As part of Mandala Puja, “Devata Homa” was performed in the morning, Sri Swamiji performed the final “Homa Ahuti” while the priests chanted Chamaka Prashna Mantras. Pujya Sri Swamiji offered final Poornahuti and carried the Homa Kalasha to the Hanuman shrine. Other Kalashas were carried by priests to the other five shrines. Pujya Sri Swamiji performed the Mandalabhisheka with the Homa Kalasha followed by first ever Panchamruta Abhisheka and Moolika Abhisheka to the green stone Karya Siddhi Hanuman. As milk, curds, ghee, honey and sugar was poured over, Hanuman Murti shone is brilliant colors. Thousands witnessed this blessed moment.
As Hanuman Ashtottara was chanted, Pujya Swamiji performed Archana with Hanuman Raksha threads, Thora threads, flowers, betel leaves, Banana, Tulasi, Bilva & Sindhoora. Maha Mangalarati was performed to Marakata Karya Siddhi Hanuman. Pujya Sri Swamiji led the devotees to have Darshana of Vimana Hanuman. The Sindhoora color Hanuman Murti from the old Hanuman cultural center is now placed in the western side of the new tower over the new Hanuman temple.
Annadanam was performed.
In the evening, a warm and heart felt send off function was organized. Dr. Prakasa Rao gave a emotional speech profusely thanking for envisioning the grand Hanuman temple, rallying devotees to build it and performing the Kumbhabhishekam and staying for 48 days for Mandala Puja. Four young dancers performed Bharata Natyam to “Jagadanandakaaraka”, a Pancha Ratna Kriti of Sri.Thyagaraja. A video of the activities of temple inauguration and Mandala Puja was screened by the media team. The short video highlighted the amazing range of activities Pujya Sri Swamiji led in the new Hanuman temple. The temple committee offered garland and praams to Pujya Swamiji. A celebratory & thank you cake was cut by Gurudeva. As Sri Swamiji sat in the decorated swing, Sri.Mani sang a Dola song. Pujya Swamiji was taken to Guru Nilayam with a procession and singing and dancing. The epic 48 days of Sri Swamiji’s stay and the historic Hanuman temple were etched in history.
