Ashram Life
ASHRAM LIFE
Sri Ganapathy Sachchidananda Avadhoota Datta Peetham, situated in the tranquil city of Mysore, offers an exceptional spiritual experience. Upon arrival, visitors are enveloped in a serene and pure atmosphere, resonating with the soothing chants of Vedic hymns. This environment profoundly impacts the heart, inviting deeper states of peace and relaxation. Above all, it provides a spiritual calm, allowing moments of tranquility to permeate one's life. Visitors are encouraged to join a guided tour through the Ashram to fully immerse themselves in its serene ambiance.
Daily Worship and Activities: The Ashram provides numerous opportunities for visitors to engage in daily religious activities. Every morning, one can participate in and sponsor various rituals such as Sri Chakra Puja, Homa, and Tailabhishekam, seeking divine blessings. After the Sri Chakra Pooja, traditional Teertha (holy water) is offered. Devotees gathered at the Universal Prayer Hall practice Datta Kriya Yoga involving Pranayama or a Mudra after the Sri Chakra Pooja.
As bhajan singing is one of the main methods that Sri Swamiji propagates, Sri Swamiji has made Divya Naama Sankeertana a daily aspect of Ashram life. Bhajan sessions occur every evening for at least one and half hours. These sessions are conducted by both Sri Swamiji as well as elder members of the Ashram. On Sundays large numbers of devotees come from great distances to sing with Sri Swamiji. Devotees of Sri Swamiji gather in Satsang groups all over the world to sing his bhajans. Many devotees experience that this is one of the best ways to feel His divine presence in their hearts.
Major Festivals: The Ashram celebrates several major festivals, each imbued with unique cultural and spiritual significance. Maha Shivaratri, Sri Swamiji's Birthday, Navaratri, and Datta Jayanti are the most auspicious events. These festivals, occurring annually on dates determined by the Hindu astrological calendar, offer a unique blend of Vedic rituals, classical music, dance, and traditional drama. The integration of these art forms creates a holistic act of worship, reconnecting the myriad arts of India with their Vedic cultural roots.
Maha Shivaratri: Maha Shivaratri Festival is celebrated at Avadhoota Datta Peetham, Mysuru with great fanfare. On the day before Shivaratri, Sri Venkatamakhin Memorial and Sri Tyagaraja Swamy Aradhana are conducted, wherein mass singing of Tyagaraja Pancharatna compositions are sung as a tribute to the legendary musicians. On Maha Shivaratri day, the Birthday celebrations of Puttu Gam, Sri Swamiji's digital messenger, are celebrated in Nada Mantapa. The Shivaratri evening commences with the Rudra Abhishekam to Sri Sachchidanandeshwara Shiva Lingam by Sri Swamiji, followed by Sahasra Kalasha Abhishekam by the devotees. The Ashram reverberates with the chants of Rudra Prashna Veda Mantras by the priests and the Namah Shivaya chants by the devotees, while eleven different decorations are adorned to Lord Sachchidanandeshwara. Several musicians offer their Sangeeta Seva until late night, as devotees keep vigil doing Jaagarana. At 3 AM, Sri Swamiji gives His nectarine discourse on Shiva and leads the Divya Nama Sankeertana. Around 6 AM, Sri Swamiji offers Maha Mangala Arati to Sri Sachchidanandeshwara, concluding the Shivaratri festivities.
Sri Swamiji's Birthday: Thousands of devotees gather every year to partake in the Birthday Celebrations of Sri Swamiji on May 26. Sri Balaswamiji performs Pratyaksha Paada Pooja to Sri Swamiji with utmost devotion and reverence. Every year, as part of the social activities of Avadhoota Datta Peetham, Sri Swamiji distributes wheelchairs, crutches, walkers, walking sticks, standing frames and other support equipment to the phyically challenged persons of the society. Annadaana to the needy is also undertaken on a large scale during the celebrations. Upon completion of the rituals for the day, each and every devotee is bestowed with the unique opportunity to offer prayers in person and receive blessings from Sri Swamiji.
Navaratri: The nine-day Navaratri festival, held in September or October, is dedicated to the worship of the Mother Goddess. Sri Swamiji honors Mother Goddess Raja Rajeshwari through the sacred Nava Avarana Puja. The day begins around 8 AM with a procession from Datta Temple to Nada Mantapa, where Sri Swamiji and Sri Balaswamiji carry the idol of the Mother Goddess. The procession features drummers and mantra chanting. Upon reaching Nada Mantapa, Sri Swamiji performs Kumari Puja (worshipping girl children from age 1 to 16) , Sri Chakra Puja, Nava Avarana Puja, and Devi Homa, accompanied by music concerts by renowned musicians. The day concludes with Abhishekam, Alamkara, Maha Mangalarati, and Avadhana Sevas, followed by sacred Vedic chants and Devi bhajans sung by Sri Swamiji. The programs wrap up around 8:30 PM.
Datta Jayanti: The three-day Datta Jayanti festival in December marks the incarnation day of Adi Guru Dattatreya and is a significant event at Datta Peetham. Daily programs include Abhisheka to the Dattatreya idol in the Universal Prayer Hall, memorial services, bhajans, and Shastra Sadas for scholars. This festival is a profound celebration of devotion and scholarship. Devotees also get the unique opportunity of doing oil ablutions to the Moola virat (main deity) of Datta Peetham, which happens only during Datta Jayanti day in the year.
Broader Role of Datta Peetham: Beyond religious services, Datta Peetham plays a vital role in the social, cultural, and spiritual life of the community. The Ashram's programs and activities aim to enrich human life, embracing India's cultural, religious, and spiritual heritage without discrimination of caste, color, or religion. The Ashram conducts Yoga camps, music concerts for meditation and healing, debates, seminars, and sports events for all age groups. It also runs social welfare programs, offering medical assistance and educational services through its institutions and training camps for students.
A transformative experience: A visit to the Ashram and participation in its diverse programs promise to instill new hope, enhance confidence, and bring a refreshing sense of peace. This soul-touching experience often leads to a significant shift in consciousness, guiding individuals toward true knowledge and self-discovery.
In summary, life at Sri Ganapathy Sachchidananda Avadhoota Datta Peetham is a harmonious blend of spiritual, cultural, and social activities, all aimed at fostering personal growth and community well-being.