Today the programmes commenced with the daily Sri Chakra Puja. The priests
performed Pavamana Homa. Poornahuti was offered by Pujya Swamiji, who
explained the significance of the ritual as follows:
"I like the Pavamana Homa very much. By doing the ritual, one will
be blessed by Shiva. There are several types of Yajnas like Nama Yajna,
Jaya Yajna, Seva Yajna i.e., the pious deeds like singing divine names,
repetition of a sacred mantra, selfless service to mankind etc. Starting
with the worship of God with attributes, one gradually develops his
mind to meditate on God without attributes i.e. NIRGUNA. Only by pious
action (Sat Karma) one can get over the bondage due to the actions of
one’s past (of the present and previous births).
Sri Swamiji cautioned the devotees to have faith and devotion as also fear of sin. He said "There must be total dedication to one’s Guru in thought, word and deed. One must never be entangled in doubt. The Pavamana Homa purifies one’s heart. This is the last Pavamana Homa of this millennium. Pray to Shiva to improve your devotion to Swamiji, to forgive all your mistakes and to develop your understanding of Swamiji.
Thereafter,
Sri Datta was taken in procession to Nada Mantapa where pleasing Hindustani
vocal recital was rendered by Ms. Gangubhai Hangal of Dharwad (Karnataka)
In the afternoon, Her Excellency Dr. V.S.Ramadevi, the Governor of Karnataka
State visited Datta Peetham to have the blessings of Sri Swamiji. After
she had personal audience with His Holiness, she participated in the
Music for Healing and Meditation concert of Sri Swamiji at Nada Mantapam.
Earlier she released released the Hindi version of "Bhakti Mala",
"Datta Charitam", (audio cassette) a folk type story telling
(Burra Katha) by Nittila Shatrughna Rao and "Datta Jananam",
(audio cassette) Harikatha in Telugu by Sri Kommu Subramanya Vara Prasad.
Sri
Swamiji thrilled the audience with his divine music, both instrumental
and vocal. Regarding the song "Gouri Taye Sankara Jaye", Sri
Swamiji explained that "Chakravaka", the raga (tune) of the
song, has benefited thousands of devotees of their tension, anger and
insomnia. However, the effect of the Raga depends on the attitude of
the listener, he said. The concert concluded with the song "Raga
Ragini Devi Mangalam".
Today’s programmes concluded with Teppotsavam (raft festival) in the Saptarshi Teertha (water). Making nine rounds in the tank seated by the side of Datta on the raft, Sri Swamiji elucidated that the raft festival was not mere funny, joyous event. He said, "It has spiritual significance. This is the 7th and the last of the festivities conducted as service to God. The number ‘7’ indicates Sahasrara Chakra, which is the goal of one’s spiritual development. Hence everyone must pray to God to grant liberation from the cycle of births and deaths and if it were not possible, to have the firm connection with the Sadguru in the next birth too, to progress spiritually. The ecstatic programme had a grand finale by the chorus chanting of "Jaya Guru Datta" by the thousands of devotees.
Renowned Hindustani Vocalist Smt. Gangubhai Hanagal giving concert in Nada Mantapam
Governor
of Karnataka Her Excellency Dr. Rama Devi visited Datta Peetham and
participated in the Datta Jayanti celebrations.
H.E. Dr. Rama Devi, Governor of Karnataka released the Hindi version of "Bhakti Mala", "Datta Charitam", (audio cassette) a folk type story telling (Burra Katha) by Nittila Shatrughna Rao and "Datta Jananam", (audio cassette) Harikatha in Telugu by Sri Kommu Subramanya Vara Prasad.
Her Excellency releases the Hindi version of Bhakti Mala
Sri Swamiji uses crystal wand during the Music for Meditation and Healing concert in Nada Mantapam
In the
evening, Teppotsavam (Raft festival) took place in the Saptarshi Sarovara
(pond) in the Ashrama.
Sri Swamiji is sitting in the raft with the Palanquin containing the
idol of Dattatreya
The
Ananda Vimana Tower of Datta Venkateswara Temple illuminates in the
background
as Sri Swamiji is seated in the raft during Teppotsavam.