Ashrama activities and News - Jan 2001 to Dec 2001

The board of the new expanded post office in Ashrama. Notice the new PIN code (zip code) which has changed from 570004 to 570025.

Sri Swamiji receives the first post (mail) from the post man after inaugurating the post office.

The newly expanded and renovated post office in Ashrama was inauguratedby Sri Swamiji on 27th December 2001. The ZIP (Pin code) code of Ashrama has changed from 570004 to 570025. Sri Swamiji also receoved the first batch of post from the post man. The new post office will be a delvery office which brings with it a host of services. Sri Swamii while speaking on the occassion remembered his days as a postman and said that he was still a post man but carrying spiritual news from people to God and that there was no possibility for a promotion.

Vaikuntha Ekadashi in Datta Venkateswara Temple

The Vaikumtha Dwaram (northern door) of the Datta Venkateswara temple which was opened at 5 AM on 26th December. Thousands of devotees thronged the temple for Darshan on this special day.

Sri Swamiji stands along with the Datta Venkateswara procession statue after the early morning Pujas.

Christmas in Ashrama

Sri Swamiji stands next to the Christmas tree on Christmas evening.

Smarta Examination in Datta Peetham - Dec 24, 2001

Examinations in Smarta (priestly training) commenced in Ashrama on Monday, 24th December in the evening in the Datta Temple.

Srinivas, a student undergoing priestly training in Mysore Ashrama attends the examinations as Sri Swamiji looks on.

Sri Swamiji discusses with Sri Kuppa Krishna Murthy, the proposed meditation hall in the existing Datta temple. He is the author of Sri Swamiji's life story and the editor of Bhaktimala.

Sri Swamiji in Malaysia Dec 19 to 21, 2001

Sri Swamiji visited Malaysia for two days from 19th to 21st of December 2001. Arriving on the morning of the 19th, Sri Swamiji proceeded to Port Dickson , a sea side town. That evening a welcome reception was held. Mr.Doraimaniam, welcoming Sri Swamiji, thanked profusely for gracing Malaysia and Blessing the Malaysian devotees three times in this year. Sri Swamiji in the benedictory address cautioned devotees not to be spiritual to attain material benefits. Stressing the point that one get get only what one deserves in the view of the creator, Sri Swamiji advised people to correct their own lives before commenting on or correcting others. On 20th, Sri Swamiji went to the sea on the morning and devotees performed Puja. Sri Swamiji in the speech said that sea bath should be done only at prescribed times and not whenever one wishes to. Sri Swamiji said that the man's energy field and the ocean's energy filed should not clash and that man would be harmed if he over bathed in sea. Thereafter Sri Swamiji took bath in the sea and sprinkled sea water on the 400 devotees who took bath with Sri Swamiji. Thereafter Sri Swamiji visited the house of a devotee in Seremban and arrived in Kuala Lumpur Ashrama at noon. That evening Sri Swamiji performed Sri Chakra Puja. On 21st Sri Swamiji performed Puja in the morning and in the ensuing discourse, Sri Swamiji said that the harm which the internal enemies of Arishadvarga causes is far dangerous than the dangers of external enemies. Sri Swamiji said that the internal enemies are like snakes living in snake pit for a long time. One has to intelligently drive out the snakes by pouring water in to the snake pit. That water is called Jnana or knowledge and Sadguru Kripa - said Sri Swamiji. In the evening Sri Swamiji visited the Raja Rajeshwari temple and left to KLIA airport to leave for Bangalore. Sri Swamiji arrived in Mysore Ashrama at 9.30 AM on 22nd December.

Ifthihaar in Mysore Ashrama - Dec 14, 2001

Sri Swamiji hosted Iftaar party to the Moslems on 14th December. This was the second year where such historical event where a Moslem festival was held in a Hindu Ashrama. More than 700 Moslems came. They broke their fast in this holy month of Ramadan and offered Namaaz prayers. Sri Swamiji too joined the moslems in offering Namaaz prayers,. Kneeling on the ground while the deputy Sir Khaji chanted prayers, Sri Swamiji offered Namaaz with all. Two young boys offered the recitation of holy Koran. Swami Manasa Datta gave welcome speech and he extolled that it was time where people of different faiths attended each other's festivals. He said that everyone was there to partake in the garden of Love grown by Swamiji. Dr.Sheikh Ali, noted historian and former vice chancellor of Mangalore university spoke on the importance of Ramadan festival. Dr.Khudratulla, Deputy Khaji of Mysore spoke on the greatness of Swamiji in inviting the Moslems and giving them feast. Sri Ramdas, MLA spoke on the importance of universal brotherhood especially in India where different communities co existed for centuries. Sri Swamiji speaking in the end said that he was happy that Moslems came for the Iftaar held in Ashrama and that goes to show that the communities indeed loved each other. Sri Swamiji said that Data Peetham's character was its universal outlook. Sri Swamiji conveyed wishes and greetings to the Moslems for the holy Ramadan festival. Then a feast was arranged for all.

Historic Occasion on 8th December 2001. Sri Swamiji on 8th afternoon at 12.30 PM laid the foundation stone for the new Datta Temple in the Ashrama Prayer hall. The existing temple would be relocated to more prominent place in the Universal Prayer hall. The Prayer hall is undergoing a tremendous interior decor change. The existing Sachchidanandeswara Shiva Lingam will have a separate temple on the south of the prayer hall. The new marble Datta temple will come in the place where Homa pit existed. Sri Chakra Puja will be in the same place. New Homa Kunda will be built on the place where Shiva Lingam existed. All the works are expected to be completed by June 2002 in time for Sri Swamiji's 60th Birthday celebrations. Donations for this Historic project are welcome. Please send contributions by Bank Checks favoring "Avadhoota Datta Peetham Trust- Mysore" and post them to "Manager, Avadhoota Datta Peetham, Sri Ganapati Sachchidananda Ashrama, Datta Nagar, Mysore - 570004, India.

Sri Swamiji visits Dodda Tayamma Temple in Datta Nagar

Sri Swamiji visited the Dodda Tayamma temple in Datta Nagar, the residential locality opposite Mysore Ashrama and attended the Temple anniversary. Swami Manasa Datta Pada Renu had performed their anniversary rituals.

Sri Swamiji on 3rd December evening visited Suttur Math, a religious institution near Ashrama and spent a few hours with the pontiff Sri Desikendra Swamiji. Sri Swamiji was relaxed and went around the campus and liked the environs of the Ashrama.

Sri Swamiji returned to Mysore on the 28th November. A reception was held in Sri Swamiji honor on the return from the 57th foreign tour. It was held on 2nd November in Nada Mantapa. Sri Manasa Datta gave details of the tour and Sri Swamiji Blessed the gathering. Smt.Rani Satish, Minister for culture and Kannada of Karnataka Government was the chief guest. High light of the programme was the honoring of Sultanum, a Moslem girl of Ashram school who won the first prize in the Neeti mala recitation competition held in the school premises. 18 different schools participated and this lucky girl won the first prize. She excelled in the melodious rendering of the Sanskrit shlokas of Neeti Mala and gave well appreciated explanation of those Shlokas. Sri Swamiji blessed her with ear rings. In the evening, Vana Bhojana (picnic in Ashrama Gardens) were held for everyone.

Sri Swamiji performs Deepavali festival

Deepavali – the Festival of Lights was celebrated in the Ashrama in the divine presence of Parama Pujya Sri Swamiji. Hundreds of devotees participated in the celebrations. To begin with, Pujya Sri Swamiji Himself performed puja to Mother Goddess Dhanalakshmi. The elaborateness and the sacred grandeur of the puja brought to one’s reminiscence the great Navaratri Pujas which had concluded just a few weeks ago.

In His message, Pujya Sri Swamiji, while touching upon several Puranic legends associated with the celebrations, gave a very absorbing spiritual interpretation of Deepavali. He said “ Deepa means light, and Avali means a row. Deepavali therefore signifies a ‘row of light’ implying thereby that, let there be uninterrupted flow of light so that darkness is completely wiped off”. Pujya Sri Swamiji referred to darkness in terms of clouding or covering of mind with evil thoughts. In this context He said “ Only the ‘Light’ of divine knowledge can remove this darkness. It is towards this purpose and intent that Deepavali festival should be celebrated.
Pujya Sri Swamiji, explaining a further more, compared ‘darkness’ to the mind and ‘light’ to the pure intellect and said “Deepavali signifies a union, a harmony of mind and intellect. The Atman i.e. the Self is Light. This Light is covered by propensities of mind (darkness). Let the Light of the Self drive out darkness and let everyone on this earth experience peace, harmony and happiness.

After the Dhan Lakshmi Puja in the evening, Sri Swamiji came out and performed Dhana Lakshmi Puja. One rupee coin was given to every one as souvenir. There after, Sri Swamiji came to Poundareeka Ranga Sthala where Ashrama Veda boys fired crackers and Sri Swamiji too joined them in lighting the fire crackers.

Sri Swamiji arrived in Singapore on September 24th morning. This sudden visit was due to the prayerful remodeling / Datta Temple shifting work in Mysore. Sri Swamiji will be resting and will return to Mysore mid next week. Enroute, Sri Swamiji was in Madras Ashrama on the evening of 23rd. In the speech there Sri Swamiji said that the leaders of the people should lead Dharmic way of life for people to be expected to live in Dharmic manner. Sri Swamiji continued saying when Adharma increases, nature retaliates by giving less rains etc.

September 7, 2001 - Sri G.S.Seetharam, President of Datta Gnana Bodha Sabha Trust and a Trustee of Ashrama for over three decades died this morning in Mysore. He was 72 years old. He was the teacher of Sri Swamiji when Swamiji was studying in matriculation school in Mysore (Sri Swamiji was 12 years old). Having known Sri Swamiji since then, He became a devotee and selflessly served Sri Swamiji's mission in various capacities. He was one of the confidents of Sri Swamiji and was instrumental in realisation of many projects in Ashrama.

Fondly called as Sitaram Master (teacher Sitaram), he was loved by all for his friendly attitude. He had a large circle of friends and was respected in Mysore. Sri Swamiji prayed Dattatreya to bless the departed soul and give strength to Late Sitaram's family members to bear the irreplaceable loss.

Red Eye Ivan Hoe, once dubbed as the Beetles of Scandinavia performed on the evening of Indian independence (August 15 ) in Nada Mantapa in the divine presence of His Holiness Sri Swamiji. It was the first concert of their Indan tour organised by Lakshminarayana Global Music Festival's year 2001 festival. Karsten Vogel, Ole Fick, Kim Menzer, Thomas Manzer and Louis Vinding performed in the concert. The versatile Kim Menzer sang and played flute, Dijeridoo, Pan flute, mouth horn and Trombone. Karsten played keyboards and played saxophone. His lively and inspirational playing was appreciated by Sri Swamiji. Thomas played on the drums while Ole Fick played lead guitar and sang. Louis Vinding played bass guitar. After the concert, they were honored with Mysore Peta (hat) which was extensively used by the erstwhile Maharajas of Mysore.

Sri Swamiji and Dr.L.Subramaniam with the Musicians after the honor ceremony.
They are wearing the traditional Mysore peta (head gear)

Pujya Sri Swamiji attended the Sunday Tailabhishekam of Lord Dattatreya in Datta temple. Sri Swamiji gave Darshan to thousands of devotees. In the evening, Sri Swamiji met the members of Vijayawada Matru Mandali. They were given Blessings for their proposal to conduct the Pancha Koti Kumkumarchana (Fifty million chantings of Lalitha Sahasra Naama) It will happen from 14th August and conclude on the day of Ganapathy festival. The worshipping and prayers will be done in Vijayawada Ashrama. Later in the day, Sri Swamiji spoke on telephone and addressed all the devotees attending the Puja and Homa held in Dusseldorf. Sri Swamiji expressed happiness that devotees still attended the programmes in Germany inspite of Sri Swamiji not attending due to the accident and surgery. Sri Swamiji invited all to come and attend the Navaratri celebrations. Sri Swamiji then listened to the chanting of Guru Gita by the devotees assembled in Germany and seemed very happy.

DOWNLOADS

On the Datta Peetham web site, there is a new page called "Downloads" available from the pull down menu in the left of the page. Here you will find all the downloadable files on the Datta Peetham web site. They contain audio files of new Bhajans from recent years available in three formats (Quick Time, Real and MP3), Some video clippings and important Ashrama prayers in PDF format. Click here to go to the "DOWN LOADS" page

25th July 2001

Sri Swamiji attended on 25th July, the Friday Abhishekam in the Datta Venkateshwara Temple at 9 AM. As the priests performed the ritual weekly bath to the beautiful and huge Datta Venkateshwara idol, Sri Swamiji sat in a corner and watched the Abhishekam.

ay Sri Swamiji visited Mekedatu on 29th June evening and stayed there for one night. Walking half way to the Brahma Kunda, Sri Swamiji then bathed in river Kaveri. There were warm showers (rain) when Sri Swamiji was bathing in the river. Then Sri Swamiji gave Mantra Upadesha to Krishna Maharaj of Trinidad. Bhajans were sung in the evening. On 30th morning, Heera and Suri Duvvuri of Baton Rouge, USA who had been on pilgrimage to Mount Kailas and Lake Manas Sarovar. They washed the Holy feet of Sri Swamiji in Manasa Sarovara water and the same was distributed as Teertham to those present. Then they presented to Sri Swamiji a rare Rudraksha formation. There are Eka Mukhi (one faced), Dwi Mukhi (two faced), Tri Mukhi (three faced) and a joint Brahma, Vishnu and Shiva Rudraksha (Three rudrakshas naturally joined). All these in a single small branch of a Rudraksha tree. Sri Swamiji marveled at the unique creation.

On 26th May (Saturday), Birthday of Pujya Swamiji according to Gregorian calendar, a Ballet was held in the Nada Mantapa. The theme of the Ballet was "Datta Darshanam". Sri Satyanarayana of Eluru gave a splendid display in the part of "Anasuya Mata". The 25 member group's performance was well appreciated. Justice Motilal Naik of Andhra Pradesh High Court honored the artists.

As it was the Birthday of Sri Swamiji (DOB 26. May 1942), a cake was cut while devotees chanted the popular song "It's a happy happy happy day".

On Thursday the 24th May, Sri Swamiji inaugurated the eighth annual Veda examinations conducted by Datta Peetham. This year's new feature is the starting of examinations in Atharva Veda. As in previous years, Rigveda, Yajur Veda and Sama Veda exams. too were conducted. Sri Swamiji lauded the dedication with which the scholars were training the students and Blessed the function.

Sri Swamiji addresses the Veda Examination Students and Veda Scholars on 24 May 2001

Datta Peetha Veda School's Prakhya Raghava Shiva Subramanya Sharma faces the Taittireeya Krishna Yajurveda Examination.
The examiners are
From left to right - Sri Hari Veera Bhadra Ghanapathi (Teacher in Ashrama Veda school) , Sri P.Shankara Narayana Bhat from Tirupati, Sri Ariyur S.Rama Ghanapathi form Banares, Sri Gullapalli Venkata Narayana Ghanapathi of Vijayawada.

The fourth Vidyarthi Gnana Bodha Sabha (Student conference) was conducted in Ashrama from 13th to 20 the May.

Click here for report and Photos

Sri Swamiji returned to India from the African nations tour of Zambia, Zimbabwe and South Africa. Sri Swamiji arrived in Bangalore at 11 Am on the 11th May 2001.

Sri Swamiji has canceled the proposed tour of USA in the month of July. However, the visits to Germany and Switzerland will take place.

Sri Swamiji visited Malaysia from 27th March to 5th April and gave a Music for Meditation and Healing concert in the Dewan Civic auditorium on 31st March 2001. Sri Rama Navami was celebrated in Kuala Lumpur Ashrama on 2nd April 2001.

Click here for report and photos

Pujya Sri Swamiji visited the famous pilgrimage town of Udupi in Karnataka, where the propunder of Dwaita Philosophy, Sri Madhwacharya established the famous temple of Lord Krishna.

Click here for the report and photos.

Sri Swamiji visited Acharpakkam village and stayed in the Ashrama where he inaugurated a meditation hall and also performed the Kumbhabhishekam of a 2000 year old ancient Shiva Temple in the village. The Shankaracharyas of Kanchi Math also participated.

click here for repot and photos

New Shiva Lingam in Mysore Ashrama - 8th February 2001
Gafoor Khan, a well known gemologist of Mysore ciyt presented to Sri Swamiji a rare Shiva Lingam which was formed out of a rare combination of semi precious stones. The Shiva Lingam has a pedestal made in Green Aventurine. Sri Swamiji placed Shiva Yantra in the pedestal and installed the Lingam in the pedestal.

On 7th February 2001, Sri Swamiji was in T.Narsipur, the sacred site famous for the confluence of river Kaveri with River Kapila and Sphatica Sarivara (an underground current) as the Kaveri river Kumbha Mela was held there.
Click here for photos and the important speech of Sri Swamiji there.