To
conduct the above sessions, Pujya Sri Swamiji devoted 3 hours in the
morning and 3 hours in the evening consecutively for two days. It
was indeed a very fortunate and proud moment for all the children
who had the benefit of the counseling sessions.
Another
special dimension of the programmes was Music for Meditation and Healing
conducted by Sri Swamiji exclusively for the children students. Sri
Swamiji played different melodies based on different ragas and joyfully
explained to the listener students the value of these musical melodies
in improving one's ability to concentrate and also in enhancing one's
faculty to memorize.
Thus,
the week-long Vidyarthi Jnana Bodha Sabha camp concluded on Sunday,
20th May. Her Excellency Smt.Ramadevi, the Governor of Karnataka State
was invited to be the chief guest. Her Excellency expressed her happiness
and appreciation about the aims and objectives of the Vidyarthi Jnana
Bodha Sabha and thanked Sri Swamiji for having devised such a wonderful
camp for the sake of children.
G.Vijay, a young boy from Mysore, who was recently conferred the title
“Bala Shree” by the Government of India has also been selected
to attend the International Children Festival to be held in Istanbul.
As a token of encouragement to this talented boy, Sri Swamiji graciously
directed Sri Avadhoota Datta Peetham to sponsor the travel expenses
of the boy. Her Excellency the Governor handed over the letter of
sponsorship to the boy on behalf of Datta Peetham.
Veda
Examination
By the evening of 23rd May, Veda students from various places of India
reached Datta Peetham to appear for the annual Veda Examination being
held for the 8th consecutive year. On 24th Sri Swamiji inaugurated
the Veda Examinations after Srichakra Puja in the morning. During
the previous year, examinations in Rigveda, Krishna Yajurveda, Shukla
Yajurveda and Samaveda were held. This year, Atharvana Veda was also
included. Over 200 Veda students from several states of India participated.
As usual, expert scholars from different parts of India were invited
to officiate as examiners. The Veda examinations continued for three
days.
27th
May was the first day of the week-long birthday celebrations. The
conclusion function of the Veda examination was held in Nada Mantapam
in the morning. Vedic scholars and students assembled on the stage
and chanted Veda Mantras for nearly two hours.
In
His benedictory address, Sri Swamiji extolled the greatness of the
study of the Vedas. Sri Swamiji honoured the Veda scholars who had
officiated as examiners. After this, students who excelled in the
examinations were awarded certificates and cash prizes.
Sri
Swamiji also blessed the donors of the “Veda Promotion”
scheme with prasadam. Sri Swamiji again stressed that promotion of
the Vedas was everyone’s duty and urged the devotees to contribute
liberally for the noble cause.
On
25th, mass Upanayanam (initiation to Gayatri Mantra) was conducted
in which about 15 boys got initiation. Sri Mohan Kumar, a senior judge
in the High Court of Karnataka participated in today’s function.
Herbal Bath programme started on 21st and continued till the last
day of the celebrations. Several free health camps such as dental
camp, cardiac diseases camp, dermatology camp etc., were conducted
in the Peetham hospital.
On
26th May, a parade of the volunteers of Datta Peetham and its branches
was held in the evening. Sri Swamiji received the guard of honour.
In His speech, Sri Swamiji explained the various duties of Volunteers.
Sri R.Venkataraman, former President of India and the Chairman of
the celebrations committee was also present on the occasion. Sri Swamiji
blessed each volunteer with an alarm time-piece.
26th May is Sri Swamiji’s birthday according to the Gregorian
calendar. In the evening, “Datta Gatha” a wonderful ballet
based on Dattatreya was enacted by Sri Satyanarayana of Eluru and
his group. Sri R.Venkataraman and Sri Motilal Nayak, a senior judge
from Andhra Pradesh.
After
the show, Sri Swamiji cut the birthday cake and distributed to the
devotees.
Inauguration
of Birthday Celebrations
This
year birthday was celebrated from 27th May to 3rd June. Brahmotsavam
of Datta Venkateshwara that was also performed during this period
added grandeur to the celebrations.
The
inaugural function was held at 6 p.m. on 27th. The priests of Datta
Venkateshwara Temple assembled on the stage in Nada Mantapam and performed
special Pujas to the Utsava Idol. Sri Swamiji arrived amidst the chanting
of the sacred Veda Mantras. He was accompanied by the guests of the
evening, Sri Jayendra Puri Swamiji and Sri Rajeshwarananda Puri Swamiji
of Kailasa Ashrama, who had come as the representatives of Sri Tiruchi
Swamigal.
Sri
Swamiji, Sri Jayendra Puri Swamiji, Sri Rajeshwarananda Swamiji, Sri
R.Venkataraman, Sri Motilal Nayak (Judge, High Court of Andhra Pradesh)
and Sri A.Ramadas (legislator from Mysore) were seated on the stage.
Sri
Bala Swami, accompanied by the priests of Sri Datta Venkateshwara
Temple, tied the Deeksha Kankanam (sacred thread) of Brahmotsavam
celebrations to Sri Swamiji’s wrist.
In
his spirited inaugural speech, Sri R.Venkataraman, the chairman of
the celebrations committee praised the multifarious activities of
Sri Swamiji. He said that he was closely associated with several religious
and spiritual organizations and among all such organizations, Datta
Peetham, under the able guidance of Sri Swamiji appealed the most
to him because Sri Swamiji’s multifaceted abilities, dedication
and service outlook.
After
the inaugural speech, the dignitaries who had seated on the stage
joined together in lighting the lamp in Sri Swamiji’s presence
to mark the inauguration of the celebrations.
Sri Jayendra Puri Swamiji offered the presents specially sent by Sri
Tiruchi Swamigal, who could not attend the function due to unavoidable
circumstances. After this, the other dignitaries offered their respects
to Sri Swamiji.
Sri
A.Ramadas, member of the legislative assembly, who spoke on the occasion,
said that the famous Nastrodamus had predicted that after 2010 A.D.,
a powerful and great man from South India would succeed in establishing
world peace. Sri Ramadas said that it was his personal opinion that
this great man was none other than Sri Swamiji himself.
Sri
Motilal Nayak, in his speech expressed anguish at the fact that evil
qualities such as intolerance and arrogance had been afflicting the
society. He said that it was personalities like Sri Swamiji who could
find remedies to eradicate such evil forces and expressed his admiration
for the various socially beneficial activities undertaken by Sri Swamiji.
Sri
Jayendra Puri Swamiji, in his speech extolled the virtue of service
to humanity and quoted profusely from various scriptures in his scholarly
speech. He said that Sri Swamiji was amidst us because of His compassion
for the society, or else, He could have happily stayed in the sacred
Himalayas, immersed in divine bliss. “The very fact that he has
chosen to live amidst the society to help the people was a testimony
to His magnanimity,” said Sri Jayendra Puri Swamiji.
Sri
Swamiji, in His benedictory speech, called upon the devotees to imbibe
the valuable words of the previous speakers and urged that everyone
should draw inspiration just as medicinal plants draw divine energy
from the moon and the stars. Sri Swamiji also said that the devotees
should develop service mentality and see that the fruits of wisdom
are used for the betterment of the society, just as the medicinal
plants part with the divine energy they draw from the heavenly bodies.
After
the inaugural function, Sri Swamiji released the special Agarbattis
manufactured by Raga Ragini Trust.
28-5-2001,
Monday
Srichakra Puja and Homa were performed in the morning. Sri Vishwanath,
Hon’ble Minister for Education of Karnataka came to participate
in the morning function and sought Sri Swamiji’s blessings. Sarpadosha
Puja was performed in the prayer hall at 7 a.m. (this special programme
was conducted for three days).
Sri Swamiji conducted Divya Nama Sankeertana from 10 a.m. to 12 noon.
In the afternoons, Sri Nittala Shatrughna Rao and his troupe performed
“Burra Katha” based on Sri Swamiji’s biography everyday.
Bhajan and sports competitions were held between 3 p.m. and 4 p.m.
everyday till the 30th.
Shanti Kalyana celebrations were held in Datta Venkateshwara temple
in the evening.
Hindustani Vocal concert by Gundecha Brothers was held in Nada Mantapa
late in the evening.
29-5-2001,
Tuesday
After Srichakra Puja in the morning, Sri Brahmanandam, the secretary
of the Dhrama Prachara wing of Tirupati Tirumala Temples offered respects
to Sri Swamiji on behalf of the Temple and sought Sri Swamiji’s
blessings. Later Sri Brahmanandam gave a discourse on religion.
Special
Abhishekam to Goddess Padmavati and Kalyanotsava were held in Datta
Venkateshwara Temple. In the evening, Lakshmi Homa and Vahanotsava
were performed.
Sri
Swamiji sang bhajans in Nada Mantapam in the morning. In the evening,
there was a Santoor concert by Pandit Brij Bhushan.
30-5-2001,
Wednesday
The chief priests of Goda Devi Temple of Srililli Puttur offered their
Temple honours to Sri Swamiji after Sri Chakra Puja in the morning.
Sri Ranganatha Deekshit, a noted Agama scholar conducted the Deeksha
ceremony in connection with the consecration of the “Sarva Doshahara
Shivalingam” temple in the Datta Venkateshwara temple complex.
The consecration ceremony continued for three days.
In
the morning, Sri Swamiji released a book titled “Sri Krishna
Chandrodaya” written by Sri Utpala Satyanarayanacharya, who is
a recipient of Datta Peetha Asthana Vidwan title. “Moksha Maalikaa”,
a book containing spiritual aphorisms in Telugu, written by Sri Kalluri
Sriramulu was also released. A small booklet in Kannada entitled “Shanti
Dhama”, containing a brief introduction to Ashrama and Sri Swamiji,
written by Sri
Nagaraj was also released.
Sri
Swamiji conducted Divya Nama Sankeertana at 10 a.m.
Sudarshana
Homa was performed in Datta Venkateshwara Temple. In the evening,
a procession with special chariots of Venkateshwara Temple was taken
out. Sri Swamiji was seated in the main chariot.
In the evening, a grand Shehnai concert was conducted by the world-renowned
Ustad Bismillah Khan.
31-5-2001,
Thursday
After Srichakra Puja in the morning, the chief priests of Subramanya
Temple of Palani and Sri Nanjundeshwara Temple of Nanjangud offered
the Temple honours to Sri Swamiji and sought his blessings.
At
11 a.m., the annual conference of Datta Jnana Bodha Sabhas of India
and International Dattatreya Yoga Centres began under the chairmanship
of Pujya Sri Swamiji. A comprehensive annual report book containing
the activities of various branches, brought out for the first time
was released by Pujya Sri Swamiji. This annual report was published
by Bhakti Mala Trust. Sri Shivaraj Patil, Justice of Supreme Court
of India participated in this session. In the afternoon, the second
session of the conference was held. Sri Swamiji personally accepted
the reports of activities and financial statements submitted by the
office bearers of various branches.
In
the Datta Venkateshwara Temple, special Pujas to Lord Dhanvantari
were offered. Dhanvantari Homa was also performed. In the evening,
Pallakki Utsava (palanquin festival) and Teppotsava (raft festival)
were performed.
1-6-2001,
Friday
Priests from Avinasheshwara Temple, Kalikamba Temple and Guruvayoorappan
Temple came and offered temple honours to Sri Swamiji.
Being
a Friday, Sri Swamiji performed Abhishekam to Lord Datta Venkateshwara
in the morning and offered Purnahuti of Shanti Homa. With this, the
Brahmotsava celebrations concluded. The consecration rituals connected
with the installation of Sarva Doshahara Shivalinga had also reached
the final stages. SriSwamiji
performed the consecration rites and at 12 noon, ascended the top
of the temple to perform
Kumbhabhishekam
(photo on the front cover).
The final session of the Conference was held at 4 p.m. in Nada Mantapam.
This session was dedicated to the discussion regarding the celebration
of Sri Swamiji’s 60th birthday in 2002. Sri R.Venkataraman, the
president of the celebrations committee, Sri Ayyappan of Hongkong,
Sri Gopalan of Chennai, Sri KuppaKrishna
Murthy, Sri Bala Swami, Sri Kalyanadas of Hyderabad participated in
the discussions and gave valuable suggestions.
Finally,
Sri Swamiji gave a final shape to the plan by incorporating the suggestions
of all the speakers. The session concluded with the proposal of vote
of thanks by Prof.Krishan Kumar.
At 8.30 p.m., a special conference of doctors was held in the Universal
Prayer Hall. Sri Swamiji addressed the congregation of doctors and
explained in detail the method of music healing.
2-6-2001,
Saturday
Today being Jyeshtha Shuddha Ekadashi, was the birthday of Sri Swamiji
as per Hindu calendar. After Srichakra Puja and Homa in the morning,
Sri Swamiji cut a huge cake.
After
this, “Sanjeevini”, a fully equipped ambulance van was donated
to the Police department of Mandya District. This van will be used
to shift the accident victims to the hospital. Sri Swamiji also distributed
several articles to the physically handicapped poor persons. They
included tricycles, wheel chairs, sewing machines, calipers etc. A
donation of Rs.52, 000 was made by Sri Swamiji as sponsorship fund
to help G.Vijay, a talented young boy to attend the International
Children’s Festival in Istanbul.
Later,
Sri Swamiji ascended the Audumbara Throne placed on the stage in Nada
Mantapa. Sri Bala Swami and Sri H.V.Prasad performed Pratyaksha Pada
Puja to Sri Swamiji. The golden crown was offered by Sri Dasari Jaganmohana
Rao of Vijayawada. The students of Datta Peetha Veda School sonorously
chanted mantras. After the Pratyaksha Pada Puja, Sri Swamiji symbolically
performed ‘Bhoomi Puja’ of the Ayurvedic Hospital proposed
to be constructed in Datta Peetham. Earth form the construction site
was brought to Sri Swamiji for blessings. Sri Swamiji took out the
sandalwood paste from his feet and drew ‘OM’ in Sanskrit
on the stone to mark the foundation stone laying ceremony.
After
this, Sri Swamiji signed a proclamation containing the guidelines
for running Datta Peetham in the future. Sri Swamiji called some devotees
on to the stage and in their presence, handed the copy of the document
to Sri Bala Swami.
The
following publications were released on the occasion:
1. Ganga Sannidhi Shivaratri: - A video cassette containing the Shivaratri
celebrations in Haridwar.
2. Sachchidananda Kritimani Mala: - A book in Tamil containing musical
notations of 100 selected Bhajans of Sri Swamiji.
3. Ashrama Daily Prayer book in Tamil
4. Daiva Vakku, a book in Tamil containing Sri Swamiji’s discourses.
In the evening, there was a Ghazal concert by Ustad Gulam Ali.
3-6-2001,
Sunday
After Srichakra Puja, hundreds of devotees came forward and announced
their commitments for Annadanam for the 60th Birthday Celebrations
of Sri Swamiji.
It
was the last day of this year’s birthday celebrations. At 11
a.m., Sri Swamiji entered Nada Mantapam amidst the chanting of the
Veda Mantras and ascended the Audumbara Silver Throne. Sri R.Venkataraman
offered the golden crown.
As
per the tradition of Datta Peetham, various scholars belonging to
different fields were conferred titles.
The
recipients this year were:
1.
Sri P.S.Ananta Narayana Somayaji of Mushiri, Tamil Nadu - Veda Nidhi
2. Sri K.G.Subbaraya Sharma of Bangalore - Shastra Nidhi
3. Sri Palghat Raghu - Nada Nidhi
4. Sri P.K. Venkataramaiah of Bangalore - Asthana Vidwan
After
the titles were conferred, Sri R.Venkataraman said that the 60th birthday
of Sri Swamiji should be celebrated in a befitting manner and urged
the devotees to contribute liberally for this.
Sri Swamiji, in His benedictory address said that serving the poor
and the downtrodden in the society was the best form of Guru Seva.
Thousands
of devotees lined up to greet Sri Swamiji on His birthday, to make
their offerings and to receive the blessings. The offering programme
went on till 4.30 p.m.
Sri
H.D.Deve Gowda, former Prime Minister of India came to have Sri Swamiji’s
Darshan and blessings.
At 7.30 p.m., Sri Swamiji conducted a wonderful ‘Music for Meditation
& Healing’ concert in Nada Mantapa.
Sri
Venkatarami Reddy, the Chief Justice of Karnataka High Court lighted
the lamp to inaugurate the concert. Stalwarts of music like Dr.L.Subramaniam
and Sri Palghat Raghu also joined Sri Swamiji in the concert. The
concert went on for several hours.
With
this, the 59th birthday celebrations concluded.