Today is the Poornima (full moon day) of the month of Margashira. This is the date on which Datta incarnated as Kalagni Shamana Datta, the deity of the Datta Peetham. The special significance of today is the Moola Virat idol of Datta worshipped by Swamiji in Gurunilayam was offered the morning Puja during Sri Chakra Puja. After Ganapati Homa, Sri Swamiji lighted the Vishnu Deepam in the prayer hall.
Tailabhishekam
(the auspicious bath with oil) was performed to Kalagni Shamana Datta
(in Datta temple) by Swamiji himself. Hundreds of devotees participated
in the ritual. The priests of the Ashrama performed Anagha Ashthami
Puja in the prayer hall. In his message Sri Swamiji explained the purpose
of human life which is to progress from darkness of ignorance to the
light of spiritual knowledge. He blessed the devotees in their endeavour
in this aspect.
Devotees
of the Ashrama performed Akanda Divya Nama Sankeertana (singing divine
names) from dawn till dusk.
In
the evening Ustad Amjad Ali Khan and his son Ustad Aman Ali Khan rendered
excellent Sarod recital of Hindustani classical music. Sri Vijay Ghate
gave a fine support on Tabala.
Datta Jayanti celebrations concluded today with the chorus singing of
all the seven songs of Kakada Arati, which was offered by Sri Swamiji
to Moola Virat Dattatreya idol in the prayer hall.
In the morning, Pujya Swamiji performed Puja to the Mula Virat Dattatreya
Anagha Vratam being performed on the auspicious Datta Jayanti Day
Public participation in the Anagha Vratam programme
Pujya Swamiji releasing the quarterly journal in Malayalam language - "Bhakti Mala"
In the evening, Sarod maestro Ustad Amjad Ali Khan and his son gave a scintillating Hindustani classical concert
Ustad Amjad Ali Khan
Pujya Swamiji performed the Kagada Arati in the presence Mula Virat Dattatreya idol
Kagada Arati
A slow shutter speed photo of the Kagadarati
Dasoham (mass feeding) was done as part of the Jayanti celebrations