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As the construction of the Venkateshwara Temple Complex approached completion, Sri Swamiji became increasingly absorbed in the project. Upon His return to Ashram on 1st April after the successful completion of programs in Nadupalani (Tamilnadu), Sri Swamiji’s visit to the construction site became more and more frequent. During these frequent visits, Sri Swamiji gave invaluable suggestions to the engineers, architects and other workers.
Although
fully absorbed in Temple construction activity, Sri Swamiji took some
time off to perform the anniversary of His Divine Mother Mata Jayalakshmi.
On 19th April, Sri Swamiji left for Jayalakshmipuram, a village near Anantapur.
On 20th April, the ceremonies were observed in a befitting manner. Sri
Swamiji returned to Mysore the very next day and once again became actively
involved in the Temple work. Visit to Malaysia The devotees in Malaysia had with great difficulty bought a piece of land for the Datta Yoga Centre there. Before they could undertake any activity in this new place, they wanted Sri Swamiji to bless the place with His presence. They started pressing Sri Swamiji to pay a visit. Even though very busy in supervising the construction work, Sri Swamiji consented to pay a short visit to Malaysia because He did not want to disappoint the devotees there. Thus, on 29-4-99, Sri Swamiji left for Malaysia and blessed the new place and gave suitable instructions to take up construction work. Sri Swamiji returned to Mysore on 7-5-99 after a brief stop over in Singapore.
Sri Swamiji spent the rest of May in the Ashrama itself, once again fully involved in the Venkateshwara Temple Complex construction. May being holiday time for most schools, many student volunteers started coming to Mysore Ashrama to volunteer help for the forthcoming celebrations. A special camp called ‘Vidyarthi Jnana Bodha Sabha’ was conducted from 15-5-99 to 29-5-99. Children were divided in to different age groups and special training was imparted to them regarding discipline, righteousness and moral conduct. Training in Bhajan singing and chanting Stotras was also imparted.
In order to fulfil the long-standing request of Mysore devotees, Sri Swamiji consented to conduct a week-long discourse on Datta Darshana. The auditorium of the famous Jaganmohan Palace situated in the heart of the city was selected as the venue. Thousands of devotees and general public participated in the discourses conducted every day evening. On the concluding day, a booklet narrating the sixteen incarnations of Lord Dattatreya was distributed to all.
The annual Veda Examinations commenced on 6-6-99 after the morning Srichakra Pooja in the divine presence of Sri Swamiji. Vedic Scholars from different parts of India were invited to officiate as examiners. Over 150 students from four states participated in the examinations held on 6,7 and 8th June. In the concluding day (9th June), Sri Swamiji blessed the successful students with merit certificates and cash prizes. Speaking on this occasion, Sri Swamiji said: Studying
the Vedas is a Sadhana in itself "Students
from different places are here. More and more students must come. The
students should develop interest and enthusiasm towards the Veda examinations.
"A person
who seeks Mukti (liberation), does not need examination by others. He
should test himself. A person seeking Vritti (career), will need examination
by others. The uniqueness of Vedic learning is that it is conducive to
Vritti (career) as well as Nivritti (retirement, detachment). Therefore,
one should not take up Vedic learning for the sake of career only. The
more important objective, i.e., Nivritti should always be kept in mind. "Nowadays,
everyone wants to study computer science for their career. Earning money
is not everything. By pursuing the path of Pravritti (progress), one can
achieve fame and happiness. On the other hand, study of Vedas in the right
perspective will bestow both Vritti and Mukti. All of you should bear
this in mind always. "Vedic learning is not easy. It comes only on account of your own Punya or as a fruit of the merit earned by your parents and ancestors. You are learning the Vedas now because you desired for it in some past life. You should try to consolidate. You should chant Gayatri Mantra to improve the power of retention. You must perform Sandhyavandana three times everyday. Just as breathing is important for life, Sandhyavandana and Agni Karya (daily fire ritual performed by Brahmacharis) is important for Veda students. Due to vicissitudes and tribulations of time, this practice has been forgotten by some. This is not condonable. By doing these daily rituals, you will become brilliant. The mind is like a computer. What stimulates it to function is the Gayatri Mantra. Regular practice of Sandhyavandana and chanting of Gayatri Mantra will benefit not only you, but also your parents and teachers.
Whirlwind
Visit to London Amidst His busy schedule, Sri Swamiji received an invitation from the devotees in London, who had acquired a property worth millions of rupees for the Datta Yoga Centre in U.K. It was the earnest desire of the devotees of UK that Swamiji sanctify this place by setting His sacred feet there. Sri Swamiji did not disappoint them. On 10th June, Sri Swamiji left Mysore and reached London on the 11th. The next day, i.e., on 12-6-99, Sri Swamiji performed Srichakra Pooja in the new premises. On 13th, Sri Swamiji was back in Mysore Ashrama! This is an example of how Sri Swamiji will respond if the devotees act with sincerity and commitment. By the time Sri Swamiji returned to Mysore, preparations for the forthcoming celebrations were in full swing. On 14-6-99, thread ceremony was conducted to 14 Brahmacharins. Sarpashanti rituals took place on 16,17 and 18th June.
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