Pujya Sri Swamiji leads first anniversary celebrations of Dallas Hanuman temple - July 2016
First Anniversary Celebrations Karya Siddhi Hanuman Temple, Frisco
Day 1 on July 15, 2016
Parama Pujya Sri Swamiji arrived to a warm welcome at the Karya Siddhi Hanuman Temple (KSHT) amidst Vedic chants of the Priests and the enthusiastic ‘Jaya Guru Datta’ from all. Sri Swamiji blessed the purnahuti for the Ganapathy Homa and proceeded to the KSHT Library inauguration. Sri Swamiji named the library as ‘GSS Puttugam Library’ to the delight of all the library volunteers and room sponsors. The GSS Puttugam Library is an inviting room with bonsai plants upon the window sills, handcrafted cubby desk with computers to watch and listen to Sri Swamiji’s music, bhajans and spiritual discourses as well as comfortable chairs for devotees to leisurely peruse the array of Avadhoota Datta Peetham books in peace. Everyone is encouraged to visit this tranquil haven at the Temple.
Sri Swamiji greeted devotees and offered aarti to Sri Marakata Karya Siddhi Hanuman. Sri Swamiji was formally welcomed to the KSHT First Anniversary celebrations with 5 malas offerings by: DYC-USA (V.V. Prakasa Rao garu), KSHT (RK Vellanki, Jayesh Thakker, Dhanunjaya Naidu, Murali Tummala, and Sriram Cheruvu), Matru Mandala (Nandini Velagapudi garu), Yoga Sangeeta (Srinivas Chundu) and SGS Raga Sagara ( Ravi and Shanti Anupindi). V.V. Prakasa Rao garu gave the welcome address and invited Sri Swamiji to release the event souvenir and give His address upon this first anniversary.
The pinnacle of the evening was the special simultaneous release of 52 new albums by Nada Brahma Sri Swamiji on iTunes and Google Play stores. The albums are named for each 12 rasi (zodiac) sign, each 27 nakshatra (Hindu birth star), and each of the 13 pakshi (bird) that exist in the Hindu scriptures. The 5 minute compilation sample from all the albums was played and enjoyed by all. Following the evening aarti, Sri Swamiji delighted everyone by sitting on the stairs before Sri Karya Siddhi Hanuman in preparation for the Hanuman Chalisa Maha Yagna the next morning. Permitted to capture the unique photo opportunity, smart phones shot up in the air as devotees were told to take and share their photos widely on social media. It was a wonderful start to the KSHT First Anniversary celebrations. Temple aarti and mahaprasad concluded the evening program.
Sri Guru Datta
First Anniversary Celebrations Karya Siddhi Hanuman Temple, Frisco
Day 2 on July 16, 2016
The Karya Siddhi Hanuman Temple was beautifully decorated to celebrate the Hanuman Vishwa Shanti Yagna and Hanuman Chalisa parayana for 18 times led by HH Sri Swamiji on the morning of July 16. The Vishwa Shanti homa started early in the day in time for the parayana. Sri Swamiji completed abhisheka to Lord Karya Siddhi Hanuman and took His asana upon the stairs of the Hanuman shrine to begin the parayana with musical accompaniment by the parivaram. The hall was filled with devotees who were spiritedly chanting along! Sri Swamiji regaled the assembly with tales of Lord hanuman and the inner meanings within the Chalisa between the parayanas. Every time the crowd chanted jai jai jai Hanumāna gōsāyī, the hall became an undulating wave of orange as devotees waved small hanuman dwajas in praise of Sri Hanuman. The energy was electric and divinely charged at this event which commemorated the over 10 Billion chantings of the Hanuman Chalisa around the world since January 2015 when Sri Swamiji proclaimed that everyone should chant daily for the benefit of the world. Temple aarti and mahaprasad in the Jayalaskhmi Mata hall (JMH) concluded the morning program.
The evening program began with a bharatnatyam dance performance by Rashmi Sachidananda and Anagha Varsha as a prelude to the wonderful bhajan session by His Holiness. Garland offering was made by Padma Turk, JDRC. Sri Swamiji honored Sri Tiruvarur Vaidyanathan for his mridangam seva during Hanuman Chalisa parayana and the bhajans. The SGS Posts team release a t-shirt with the ‘Be Good, Do Good’ logo of the SGS Posts application and all were encouraged download the free app and benefit from its simply elegant messages. The evening program concluded with Temple aarti and mahaprasad was served in the JMH.
Sri Guru Datta
First Anniversary Celebrations Karya Siddhi Hanuman Temple, Frisco
Day 3 on July 17, 2016
The morning of the Srimad Bhagavad Gita Sampoorna Parayana Maha Yagna had finally arrived. Sri Gopala Babu garu, external judge for the SGS Annual Gita competitions in USA, presented the welcoming garland. Sri Swamiji performed aarti to the children and blessed them before they began this special parayana session. Over 40 children chanted the entire Bhagavad Gita before HH Sri Swamiji and a main hall filled with special invitees and devotees. The audience was enthralled watching the children, ages 8 to 18, clearly chant the sacred Sanskrit verses of the Bhagavad Gita from memory. The event was broadcast live on various Indian channels and streamed over the internet as well. Sri Swamiji remained present and engaged repeatedly with the children to encourage and energize them. Upon chanting the end of chapter 18, the entire hall rose up in a rousing, sustained standing ovation and showered blessings upon the children for their humble tribute to their beloved Sadguru. There wasn’t a dry eye in the room and all the hearts had simple melted listening to the Sri Krishna’s Gita. The energy was palpable. Even the youngest child present sensed that something amazing had just been done! The children concluded the performance by chanting Gita Mahatymam, Gita Saara (composed by HH Sri Swamiji for the second annual Gita Global Conference 2004). Sri Swamiji’s compassion was evident to all as He stayed for the entire program which lasted for over 5 hours. Sri Swamiji performed aarti to the children and blessed them once again.
Following the Sampoorna Bhagavad Gita parayana, the winners for the SGS Annual Gita competition for chapter 14 were announced by Sri Gopala Babu garu. The winners received prizes directly from Sri Swamiji.
The divine program concluded with Gita aarti sung by the children and mahaprasad was served in the Jayalakshmi Mata Hall.
--
The evening program started with Sri Chakra puja by Sri Swamiji during which the KSHT Annual Bhajan contest winners and runners-up from all age groups offered Sangeeta seva. Welcome garland was offered by Rick and Susan Meera Smith. Bhajan contest winners received prizes from Sri Swamiji. Releases for the evening included the Bhagavad Gita Maha Yagna scrapbook, SGS Birds Paraside website and an annual adopt a bird sponsorship program. Sri Swamiji gave a wonderful, humor filled speech and also instructed all devotees learn to chant and memorize the Shatashloki Ramayama, Guru Gita, Vanara Gita, Sri Vishnu Sahasranamam, Sri Lalita Sahasranama and Bhaghavad Gita (adults need not memorize the Bhagavad Gita but should know how chant it properly). A Gaja Mala was offered by Marella and Nimmagadda families. The evening program concluded with Temple aarti and mahaprasad was served in the JMH.
Sri Guru Datta
First Anniversary Celebrations Karya Siddhi Hanuman Temple, Frisco
Day 4 on July 18, 2016
This evening’s program started auspiciously with Sri Chakra puja by Sri Swamiji. Sangeeta seva was offered by Esha Basoor accompanied by Jay Kumar on violin and Jay Appaji on mridangam followed by SGS Annual Chapter 14 winners. Rudra Homa was performed. Sri Welcome garland was offered by Dinesh Stanki and Ramanik Moda. SGS International Vedic Association Committee members (Ravi Venkataraman, Drs. Lakshmi & Veerayya Perni, B Rama Murty, Sriram Cheruvu, Dr. Garimella Subrahmanya Prasad, Prof Phani Tej Adidam, Chandra Chaganti, Murali Murthy and Anil Thridandipan) received blessings from Sri Swamiji.
Sri Swamiji selected five winners from all those who downloaded all 52 simultaneously released albums who were: Hira Duvvuri, Vasumathi Parthasarathy, Kalyan Valiveti, Rao Bulusu and Sanjeev Anand. Each received iTunes cards to be used for future downloads of Sri Swamiji’s music. Sri Swamiji signed both the iTunes cards and the raffle papers with the winners’ names to keep as treasured mementos. Aarti and mahaprasad dinner concluded the program.
Sri Guru Datta
First Anniversary Celebrations Karya Siddhi Hanuman Temple, Frisco
Day 5 on July 19, 2016: Guru Purnima and Dr. L. S. Subramaniam Concert!
The celebrations of the auspicious Guru Purnima started with Pavamana Homa followed by Abhisheka to Sri Karya Siddhi Hanuman and Sri Chakra puja by Sri Swamiji. Dallas music seva group offered Guru Gita as sangeeta seva during the puja. Pratayaksha pada puja was performed by H. V. Prasad on behalf of all Datta devotees worldwide. Welcoming garland was offered by Annadaan and Parking teams. Special releases for the day included: Sri Swamiji’s Life History in Spanish by Hector Ruiz and Hanuman Vilasa DVD release of the excellent 3 day discourses conducted during the 2015 Mandala puja at KSHT.
Guru Poornima Message of Sri Swamiji
Dallas 19 July 2016
Datta Gayatri Mantra is good for us. Short cut for each deity is expressed thru Mantras. Saves were generous in providing solutions to mankind which is afflicted with many issues such as short span of life, passion for children, wealth etc.
Children born out of lust lead to lust. At last after few years in the Samsaara, we should refer to the state of detachment.
Vyasa, the great sage gave some glimpses of wisdom.
Reproduction of progeny, wealth has become the focus of our life.
Disrespect towards parents, elders and scriptures is a sort of freedom people are comfortable with.
Dhyaayato Vishayaan Pumsah .... Buddhi Naashat Pranashyati.
Sri Krishna has given the road map of destruction. It all starts with the passion for comforts. We have innumerable causes cited to be arrogant and proud. Affluence, Girl Friends, Boy Friends, Clubs, Eateries and travel to nefarious places - all these experiences have started to become the coveted phases of life instead of bringing shame.
People are only happy with conjugal life. Later they feel engaged with worries and get habituated with quarrels all the time. In this business of life, do you ever get an occasion to check your mind.
Marriage is not an offence. Progeny is not a fault. Buying house is not bad. But lack of contentment is bad.
Understand the purpose of life by understanding the meaning of Guru Gita and Bhagavad Gita. I have given many speeches in many languages with many quotations. The gist of the world and the secret of emancipation is well laid out in Guru Gita.
Many times you need not discuss spirituality with any one. Just observe the meaning of the great texts in solitude. You will benefit a lot.
Many saints and scholars have composed many commentaries for these two texts. The style and tempo might vary but the essence remains the same.
Path of Guru Datta is not new. It is eternal. I have not founded this. The Guru Pantheon is observed since time immemorial. Take the examples of Kartaveerya, Parashu Rama, Alarka.
Datta has different tricks for each. It is secretive than many secrets. He punished and graced many.
If you analyse, every word from the mouth of Guru is precious on this Guru Poornima. Secure it in the vault of mind safely.
This is a day of excuse. Excuse from other works and get excused from your mistakes, because you will be again on the path of correction.
Wasting the great opportunity of being in the vicinity of Sri Swamiji is a blunder in life. Guru has many ways of engaging you. Some times it is thru Speech, tap on the head, pat on the shoulder, granting the wish of touching his feet. Each of them have different virtues.
Each of them are different for different persons. Be content with what you get and aspire for betterment.
If you don't follow the words, then the opportunity is lost. Your children have better Samskaara. They heed to each word of Sadguru, saying Tataji has instructed.
In a way, they are better than you. Learn those good traits of them. Disregarding distractions, body pains with the avenue of Affection towards Guru, they are getting better by treading the path of Dharma.
Though some might deviate, you should take the current example. Raising children is becoming hazardous and difficult for many.
Similarly, your Guru also gets tense in bringing you people up in the life. Your wavering and deviation is a cause of concern to Guru.
Be careful. Support this temple which has become a focal centre for Sri Swamji's activities. This Guru Poornima event is a very god occasion.
Plans for the upcoming kitchen expansion project were shared and support sought from all devotees. Sri Swamiji blessed bricks to be placed at the future Kitchen site. Aarti and mahaprasad concluded the event.
The evening program had devotees excited to witness the wonderful solo concert by Sri Dr. L. Subramaniam. The hall was filled with devotees and music lovers who remained mesmerized throughout the excellent performance. Aarti and mahaprasad concluded the event.
First Anniversary Celebrations Karya Siddhi Hanuman Temple, Frisco
Day 6 on July 20, 2016: Kitchen Groundbreaking
The groundbreaking for the expanded kitchen project which will better serve the annadaan and canteen needs of the community was performed this morning by the Temple priests with Sri Swamiji’s blessings. Aarti and mahaprasad concluded the event.
The celestial troupe led a riveting bhajans session for the evening program. Aarti and mahaprasad concluded the event.
First Anniversary Celebrations Karya Siddhi Hanuman Temple, Frisco
Day 7 on July 21, 2016
The evening program started with Sri Chakra puja with Sangeeta seva offered by Sri Vishal Sapuram on chitraveena accompanied by Raja Bala on mridangam. Dattatreya Moola Mantra Homa was performed.
KSHT Youth group presented a special video to Sri Swamiji which shared their learnings and experiences with the youth group. The Bhagavad Gita Maha Yagna showcased three kids (Chy. Sreeram Ayyalavarapu, Chy. Akshar Chunduri and Chy. Dattanand Cheruvu) who when asked a chapter & sloka number by audience members were able to chant the associated sloka and vice-versa. Sri Swamiji blessed the youth with His divine loving kiss and embrace and also promised them a trip to Kurushetra along with at least another 18 other Gita Mahayagna kids and families during the winter holidays in America (the last two weeks in December 2016). Aarti and mahaprasad concluded the event.
First Anniversary Celebrations Karya Siddhi Hanuman Temple, Frisco
Day 8 on July 22, 2016: Ashada Shukravara
The morning program included Sri Chakra puja by Sri Swamiji with Sangeeta seva by Sri Jaitra Varanasi’s US based students. The orchestra styled performance included violins, flutes, Oboes with interspersed vocals and offered a melding of eastern and western music styles. All the Temple priests and employees were honored.
In the evening, Sri Swamiji led rousing bhajans that lifted everyone’s spirits! Chandi Navarna Mantra Homa was also performed.
Aarti and mahaprasad concluded both sessions.
First Anniversary Celebrations Karya Siddhi Hanuman Temple, Frisco
Day 9 on July 23, 2016: KSHT Anniversary
The KSHT first anniversary of the historic Kumbhabhisheka day started with Hanuman Homa. The Hanuman shrine was completely bedecked in garlands of alternating betel and mango leaves and was a beautiful green jewel reminiscent of the Marakata murti within the sactum sactorum. Sri Swamiji performed Abhisheka with silver kalashas to Sri Marakata Karya Siddhi Hanuman followed by the Sri Chakra puja. Sangeeta Seva included Trishati Bhajans offered by Dallas based children taught by Sri Mani Namasimham and Smt. Madhavi Attaluri. Sri Srinivasa Kalyanam was performed with TTD Utsav murti during which sangeeta seva was offered by Sri Parupali Ranganath supported by S. Venkat Raman on violin and Balu R. Kurup on mridangam.
Sri Swamiji later released a Blu Ray Video disc covering the Kumbhabhishekam & 40 day Mandala Puja programs of Karya Siddhi Hanuman from last year. A short trailer of the video was shown,
Sri Swamiji also released audio discs of continous Bhagavad Gita Chanting by Sri.Vamshi Krishna Ghanapathi. Both the blu ray & gita audio are available at KSHT Book shop & online.
The Mayor Pro Tem Will Sowell read an official City of Frisco proclamation that declared July 23, 2016 as Sri Srinivasa Kalyana Day and urged the Indian population to engage more with the local city and schools via various volunteering opportunities.
The date for the first ever KSHT Fundraising banquet was announced as September 17, 2016!
Everyone received darshan and TTD Kalyana prasads laddoos. Aarti and mahaprasad concluded the morning program.
---
The evening program was the much awaited Pavanaja Raga Sagara Music for Healing and Meditation concert. Local Frisco officials and leaders attended and were honored by Sri Swamiji who encouraged the Temple to engage with the local city and organizations. Aarti and mahaprasad concluded the program.
Sri Guru Datta
First Anniversary Celebrations Karya Siddhi Hanuman Temple, Frisco
Day 10 on July 24, 2016: Celebrations Conclude
The final day of the 10 day First anniversary celebrations started with Sri Chakra Puja with sangeeta seva by local musicians from all over the Dallas-Fort Worth music community. The items chosen for presentation were Sri Purandarada’s Pillari geethams (Malahari), Sri Venkatamakhi's lakshana geethams (Sourashtram and Kamboji) , Sri Swamiji's swarakshara and swaradevatha krithis (Sindhu Bhairavi and Karaharapriya), 3 of Sri Thyagaraja’s utsava sampradaya krithis (Bowli, Kurinji and Madhyamavathi), and Sriragam Pancharathanam (Endaro mahanubhavulu) with mangalam in Saama ragam.
Sri Swamiji launched the Raja Gopura comstruction project for the Hanuman temple. Devotees eagerly participated the fund rising event. Devotees were blessed to learn that Sri Swamiji would personally give prasada to each of the MahaGanapthy homa sponsors. Aarti and mahaprasad concluded the morning program.
---
The evening program started with Kuchipudi dance performance by Sri KV Satyanarayana group. The welcome garland was offered by the crowd control and marketing teams. A new website, sgsDigitaStore.com, was released and will house all of Sri Swamiji’s videos in an easily accessible manner with content available by subscription. The pinnacle of the evening was the melodious and stirring bhajans by Parama Pujya Sri Swamiji. A huge cake in the shape of the United States to commemorate Sri Swamiji’s 40 years of US tours was cut by Sri Swmaiji amidst devotee requests for many more decades of US darshan. The program concluded with Dolotsava seva, aarti and mahaprasad.
Sri Guru Datta
