The weeklong
preliminary rituals connected to the consecration today approached the
completion stage on 23-6-99.
At 11.15
a.m., Sri Swamiji performed Yantra Pratishtha (Yantra a diagram of
triangles and seed letters etched on copper plate, Pratishtha installation)
of Venkateshwara, Padmavati, Ganapati, Dhanvantari and Navagragha idols.
While the idols were actually being fixed in their respective places
using Ashta Bandhana (a special type of glue prepared on the spot which
hardens within minutes), Sri Swamiji proceeded to the stage in Garuda
Mantapa, where the public function in connection with the consecration
rituals was to take place.
Along
with Sri Swamiji, the following dignitaries were seated on the stage:
Sri R. Venkataraman, the chairman of the Kumbhabhisheka Committee and
the former President of India, Smt. Ramadevi, the Hon¹ble Governor of
the state of Himachal Pradesh, Sri Ramamurthy, the Hon¹ble Chief Justice
of Delhi High Court, Sri Y.Bhaskara Rao, the Hon¹ble Chief Justice of
Karnataka High Court, Dr.Subba Rao, the Executive Officer of Tirumala
Tirupati Devasthanams.
The Chief
Priest of Tirupati Temple, along with a group of priests came on to
the stage and offered the Shesha Vastra of Lord Venkateshwara to Sri
Swamiji. A group of priests form Melukote (a Vaishnavite pilgrimage
place in Karnataka) also offered Shesha Vastram.
In His
benedictory address, Sri Swamiji narrated the chain of events that took
place during the past three decades that eventually culminated in the
construction of Venkateshwara Temple. He pointed out that although Datta
Peetham was engaged in some social service activities, the main aim
was to cause spiritual awakening. He expressed anguish about the so
called leaders who disregard the interests of the society and cause
turmoil in the country and stressed the importance of the responsibility
of every citizen in choosing a good leader.
Sri Swamiji
graciously declared that the fund collected on this auspicious day of
consecration would be donated to the relief operations in the troubled
Kargil Sector. As a first installment, Sri Swamiji handed over a cheque
for Rs.1,00,000=00. The cheque was handed over by the Hon¹ble Governor
of Himachal Pradesh to Sri R.Venkataraman. (this cheque was later handed
over the Hon¹ble Prime Minister, Sri A.B.Vajpeyee by Sri R.Venkataraman
in Delhi).
After
this, Sri Swamiji broke open a Laddu, which was offered to Him by the
priests of Tirupati and from within it, took out a gold chain. He blessed
Smt.Ramadevi with the chain amidst applause by the huge crowd.
After the
function, Sri Swamiji, wearing special robes and holding the Kalasha
above His head, ascended the shrine of the temple and performed Kumbhabhisheka
to all the domes. While the Kumbhabhisheka was going on, the devotees
witnessed white eagles circling in the sky above the temple. Earlier,
during Yantra Pratishtha, a circle appeared around the sun in the form
of Sudarshana Chakra. Over 20000 devotees who had gathered there witnessed
this. Beams of light traveled from this circle towards the temple shrine.
What was even more astonishing was the appearance of a star within that
circle. (Photograph of this phenomenon has been given in this issue).
After
Kumbhabhisheka, Sri Swamiji delivered benedictory address from atop
the temple. Message from above "May righteousness emerge victorious.
May Truth emerge victorious. Datta Venkateshwara has been now consecrated
in this state of Karnataka. A place of pilgrimage has been established.
This will remain as long as the sun and the moon exist. May Lord Datta
Venkateshwara destroy diseases and difficulties. He will ensure showering
of Datta¹s grace as well as peace and harmony. The Lord has descended
here to protect the world. By having the Darshan of Datta Venkateshwara,
Yogic bliss can be attained. This form of the Lord is the fusion of
Yoga, Bhoga (prosperity, enjoyment) and Tyaga (renunciation, detachment)
aspects. To receive His blessings, we must tread the path of Dharma.
The difficulty in Kargil is going to end soon. Peace will prevail. Love
will spread everywhere. Good traditions will prevail. Be respectful
to the Gurus who teach the path of Dharma. Some unmanifest energy is
guiding us. Let us all pray to that energy to bestow auspiciousness,
peace and happiness. Jaya Guru Datta."
After the
Kumbhabhisheka, other rituals like Kalanyasa (charging the idols with
special Mantras to invoke divinity) took place.
At 5 p.m.,
Sri Swamiji performed the first Poojas to the deities and offered Maha
Mangalarati.
At 7 p.m.,
the first Kalyana Seva (enactment of the marriage of Venkatesha and
Padmavati) was performed. Sri Rama Brahma, a professor from Telugu University
gave a colourful commentary of this event. After this, Sri Swamiji blessed
with special Vastrams, those involved in the construction of the Temple.
24-6-99
Today being
the birthday of Sri Swamiji according to Hindu Calendar, Pratyaksha
Guru Pooja was arranged.
Sri Swamiji
arrived in Nada Mantapa and ascended the silver throne amidst the rapturous
applause of the devotees. Sri Swamiji¹s disciples performed an elaborate
Pada Pooja. Smt and Sri Nageshwara Rao from Hyderabad offered golden
Padukas to Sri Swamiji.
Earlier,
Sri Swamiji performed Poornahuti of Mrityunjaya Homa and Ayushya Homa
in the Venkatachalpati Yagashala situated in the northern portion of
Nada Mantapa.
The Chief
Guests of the day, Sri Giridhar Gomango, the Hon¹ble Chief Minister
of the state of Orissa and Sri R.Venkataraman, the former President
of India spoke on the occasion. After this, Sri Swamiji blessed the
devotees with His benedictory address. "Wonders of a Holy Master", a
book containing the divine experiences of the devotees of North America
with Sri Swamiji was released by Sri Swamiji Himself.
Sri Giridhar
Gomango released the 3-VCD album containing the feature film ŒDatta
Darshanamu¹ and the Ashram documentary ŒShanti Brahma¹. ŒDatta Venkata¹,
an audiocassette containing compositions on Lord Venkateshwara sung
by Sri Swamiji was released. The second volume of ŒDaiva Vakku¹ the
Tamil translation of Godword-II and the English translation of Anaghashtami
Vrata were also released.
After
this, Sri Giridhar Gomango inaugurated the ŒLakshminarasimha Samudaya
Bhavana¹, a new community hall by unveiling the plaque.
In the
evening, Sri Venkateshwara Kalyana was performed in the Garuda Mantapa.
After this, the devotees of Patancheru performed Tulabhara of Sri Swamiji
in silver. While this was going on, two renowned poets Sri Ramabrahma
and Sri Nagaphani Sharma sang wonderful poems in praise of Sri Swamiji.
25-6-99
Today was
the first Friday after the temple consecration. Sri Swamiji performed
abhishekam with milk and other fragrant substances to Lord Venkateshwara
exactly as it is done in Tirupati. After this, special Kunkum worship
was performed to Goddess Padmavati. Lotus flowers were made to float
in the open water canal around the temple while Padmavati Pooja was
going on.
On 25th
and 26th, Bhajan competitions took place in the afternoon. On 25th,
Sri Mani Sharma and his group gave a melodious rendering of devotional
songs under the direction of Veturi Sundara Rama Murthy, a renowned
Telugu lyricist.
26-6-99
Today¹s
evening saw Pandit Bhimsen Joshi and Vidwan Dr.Balamurali Krishna, two
of the greatest living legends in the field of music performing in tandem
in the Nada Mantapa.
The huge
auditorium was overflowing with music lovers. Outside the Nada Mantapa,
closed circuit televisions were arranged so that everyone could see
the memorable programme. More than 20000 people had gathered in the
Ashrama to listen to the great maestros in action.
The duo
began the concert with elaborate rendering of Kalyani Raga. The entire
concert lasted for three hours and towards the end, Dr.Balamurali Krishna
sang a self-composed song on Poojya Sri Swamiji. Sri Ravi (violin),
Sri K.V.Prasad (mridangam), Sri Sudhir Nayak (harmonium) and Sri Ravindra
Yavagal (tabala) provided instrumental support. The chairman of the
celebrations committee, Sri R.Venkataraman, felicitated the artists
on behalf of Datta Peetham.
Jnana Bodha
Sabha Conference Earlier in the day, a conference of All India Jnana
Bodha Sabhas and International Datta Yoga Centres was held in the sprawling
Garuda Mantapa, in which more than 50 centres submitted their annual
reports and audited statements of account.
Sri R.Venkataraman
was the chief guest for today¹s conference. Sri Swamiji gave some important
general directions to be followed by all the Sabhas concerning their
activities during the forthcoming year.
Special
Instructions to Jnana Bodha Sabhas
"I have
gone through the reports of all the Sabhas. Some centres are functioning
well. But they have not got their accounts properly audited. This is
not agreeable to me. I do not like such centres. Although you are the
donors, it is your duty to maintain proper accounts. Datta Peetham has
grown. We are answerable to the government. We must submit audited accounts.
Therefore, every Sabha should ensure that they get their accounts audited.
Those who do not do this will be de-recognized. I will not visit such
centres in future. There are some important aspects that need to be
followed by all:
1. Young
people should be encouraged in every Sabha. They should be trained in
conducting various activities.
2. Make
proper arrangements so that atleast one office bearer of every centre
attends important function held in Mysore Ashrama.
3. Every
Sabha should actively participate in the Birthday Celebrations
4. Several
Danas (free distribution of different items) are being done regularly
in the Ashrama. Participate in them by sending food grains, clothing,
etc.
5. A
number of devotees used to keep aside a fistful of rice every day and
send it to Mysore Ashram every now and then. This is a good practice.
Every one should do it.
6. Every
family should subscribe for Bhakti Mala. Ensure that children read Bhakti
Mala regularly.
7. Whenever
possible, arrange Yoga Camps and Vedanta Camps by Swamiji in your place.
Make use of Swamiji in a proper way. Listen carefully to Vedanta teachings.
Do not misuse Swamiji by always asking about materialistic desires.
8. Try
to get every book, cassette and other things that are released from
the Ashram. Keep them in your homes. They will be of great use in future.
9. Ensure
that your children too become devotees of Lord Dattatreya. Bring them
to Swamiji as often as possible. Encourage them to actively participate
in Ashram activities.
10.
Carry out propaganda about Lord Dattatreya and Datta Venkateshwara.
11.
You may find some shortcomings in some areas in the functioning of the
Ashrama. Mere observation will not help. You must take concrete steps
to rectify them thinking that this is your home. Do not waste time in
giving suggestions. Do it yourself. For example, if a tap is leaking,
do not start giving suggestions about it could have been prevented.
Do not make big plans. All that you have to do is a small repair. Do
it yourself or get it done.
12.
Cultivate and nurture patriotism. Do whatever you can for the motherland.
13.
Follow the path of Dharma. Make it a point to watch such TV channels
that telecast religious and spiritual programmes.
14.
There is a Dhyana Shloka (meditation verse) about Swamiji. Everyone
should chant it everyday. It should be learnt by heart. If you meditate
by chanting this verse, I will appear in your meditation. You will be
able to see me between your eyebrows. This is the special blessing of
this birthday. Sabhas which have Swamiji¹s Padukas should get this Shloka
painted in bold letters.
Gurupaduka
Dhyana
Sri
bhooyutassrhee hari chihnitaabhyam
Agastya rekhaadibhiranchitaabhyam
Nigoodha beejaakshara mudritaabhyam
Namo namassadguru paadukaabhyam
In those
feet, there are the sacred lines of Sridevi (mother goddess), Bhoodevi
(mother earth) and Sri Hari (lord Vishnu). There is the line of sage
Agastya too. In addition to these, there are some hidden and secret
seed letters. I prostrate to such a sacred pair of feet of Sadguru.
27-6-99
A grand
function was arranged on this last day of the 57th Birthday Celebrations.
Sri Swamiji
entered Nada Mantapa at 11 a.m. and ascended the 16-foot Audumbara throne.
On behalf of Datta Peetham., Smt and Sri Ayyappan presented a gem studded
golden crown to Sri Swamiji.
Sri R.Venkataraman,
the chairman of the celebrations committee offered the first garland
to Sri Swamiji. Sri Kalmankar (speaker of Karnataka Assembly), Sri Yanamala
Ramakrishnudu (speaker of A.P. Assembly), Sri C.V.P.Shastry (Chief Justice,
A.P.High court), Sri Mohan Kumar (Chief Justice, Karnataka High Court)
were seated on the stage.
As per
the tradition of Datta Peetham, three scholars were felicitated during
the Birthday of Sri Swamiji. Veda Brahma Sri E.J.Kumara Swamy Deekshitar
of Tamilnadu was conferred the title ŒVeda Nidhi¹, while Vidwan R.K.Srikantha,
a renowned Carnatic Vocalist was bestowed ŒNada Nidhi¹ title. Brahmasri
Soori Ramakoti Shastri received ŒShastra Nidhi¹ title from Sri Swamiji.
All the three scholars were seated on the right hand side of Sri Swamiji
on the stage.
The function
began with Vedic Chanting. The three scholars who were felicitated were
given a citation and a cash award of Rs.25,000/- each by Sri Swamiji.
Sri Kalmankar released the Kannada translation of the abridged form
of Sri Swamiji¹s biography. Sri Y.Ramakrishnudu released the audiocassette
ŒGuru Mahima Gaan¹, a collection of Bhajans on Sri Swamiji sung by
Sri Krishan Kumar. The devotees of Canada have sponsored this cassette.
Sri Mohan Kumar released the Marathi translation of ŒAnaghashtami Vrata¹
brought out by devotees from Pune.
After this,
devotees who had come from different parts of India and abroad offered
their respects and gifts to Sri Swamiji on the occasion of His birthday.
This offering activity continued until 4 p.m.
In the
evening, Sri Swamiji gave a scintillating Bhajan programme in Garuda
Mantapa. Sri Karaikudi Mani, the famous Mridangam player, accompanied.
After the
Bhajan session, Sri Swamiji Himself distributed prizes to the winners
of 6th, 7th and 8th quiz competitions based on ŒKatha Sagara¹ TV programme
of Sri Swamiji telecast by Gemini TV channel. Prizes were also distributed
to the winners of Bhajan competitions. Sri Swamiji announced that He
would be observing ŒMouna¹ (silence) till the Mandalabhishekam on 1st
August. Sri Swamiji granted permission to the devotees to return to
their respective places. Sri Swamiji announced that He would be personally
performing Pooja everyday in the temple till the Mandala Deeksha was
over.
Thus concluded
the 11 day long celebrations of Sri Swamiji¹s birthday and the consecration
of Datta Venkateshwara Temple.
Jaya
Guru Datta