Ashrama activities and News - Jan 2002 to Dec 2002

On 16th December, several staff of the Indian Postal department were honored in Datta Peetham. Over 200 had come to participate in the event in which Datta Peetham honored Mrs.Meera Datta, post master general of the state of Karnataka. It is interesting to note that she was a humble volunteer in Mysore Ashrama in early seventies. She now heads the postal department in the state. She attributes her success to the lessons she learnt from Swamiji in those days of volunteer service. The poignant function struck chords of sweet memories to Swamiji who remembered His days in the department while working as EDDA (Extra Department Delivery Assistant) in Metagalli Post Office.

Swamiji fondly remembered Narasimha Iyengar, the post master of the office who had special affection for the young lad Satyanarayana. Recognizing the latent spiritual talents, he would exhort Satyanarayana to pursue the path of spirituality and give up the postal job. Narasimha Iyengar is no more today. Sri Swamiji in his speech which was full of wit, humor and emotion took the audience through an roller coaster ride of these feelings. Sri Swamiji disagreed with those who blame the postal department for postal delays saying people don't write addresses legibly and that sender's address should be written. Earlier, Mrs. Meera Datta was honored with Peetham honors. She presented to Sri Swamiji the state's first ever personalized postal stationary. The postal envelopes have a pre printed stamp of Dharma Dhwajam (Dharma stoopa in Mysore Ashrama) along with the Ashrama address. Saying that this was the first in the state, she then gave an amazing gift to Sri Swamiji. Hearts of devotees around jumped with joy as Sri Swamiji displayed it. It was a copy of the 1965 accounts book of Metagalli Post Office in which the salary payment to Sri Swamiji is recorded. The name is mentioned as "G.Satyanarayana Murthy" and the salary is ... imagine how much ??? Just Rupees.30/- and Rupees eight as cycle allowance. Sri Swamiji's duty was carrying around the mail from different post offices and as this required the maintenance of a cycle by the employee, the department gave a cycle allowance.

Sri Swamiji mentioned that while carrying the monthly salary back home to the house of Chikkamma (Swamiji's aunt who now lives in Ashrama), Sri Swamiji found a girl weeping and her father consoling her. Concerned, Sri Swamiji inquired the cause of the girl's grief as the father explained that because of his poverty, he had to deny the little girl's schooling as he did not have money for the school fees, books and the school uniform. This incident moved Sri Swamiji very much and Swamiji immediately removed the salary packet from the bag and gave it to the father urging him to send the little girl to school with that money. Swamiji came home and did not say a word about the incident. Chikkamma wanted to buy the monthly groceries and asked for the salary money. Swamiji absent mindedly mentioned that the salary packet was in the hand bag. Chikkamma proceeded to the bag and removed the salary packet and proudly praised the boy Swamiji for being so responsible in taking care of the family at such young age. Seeing her hold the salary packet, Swamiji remembered that he had already given it away to the little girl's education while coming home. It then dawned on Swamiji the the inner forces were indicating of the next steps to take. The very next year, Sri Swamiji established the Ashrama in its present place in Mysore.

Chikkamma who was seated in the audience was all smiles as Sri Swamiji recounted the story. Sri Raghu Rama Rao who worked in the same post office with Sri Swamiji was also honored. Sri Krishnappa, Swamiji's uncle and then a post master himself was the person responsible for urging Satyanarayana to join postal department. He too was honored and he gave a spirited speech. Swami Manasa Datta proposed vote of thanks. The three hour function had the sense of a good reunion vibes.

As Sri Swamiji walked to see the cleaned pond of Saptarshi Sarovara in Ashrama, Sri Swamiji mentioned that it looked great and immediately proceeded to have a quick swim. This suddeness casued great excitement.

After the morning Sri Chakra Puja on 14th December 2002 (Saturday), Sri Swamiji stirs the pot as he cooks porridge made from white Raagi grain (millet). The millet coming from Ashrama crop fields near Mysore is regulary used by Sri Swamiji who mentions about its great nutritional values.

On 14th December morning, Sri Swamiji visited the goat which
had given birth to twins and is patting her. Behind is the medow of grass
fed to the Ashrama cows.

On 14th December (Friday),Sri Swamiji inaugurated new steps in front of the Datta Venkateswara Temple. There are seven stone steps now symbolic of the seven hills of Tirumala. Sri Swamiji arrived at 7.30 AM and wrapped his head in a white clothe which he usually does before the weekly Friday Abhishekam. After the Purnahuti of the Ganapati Homam, Sri Swamiji came to the main entrance of the temple and stood before the new steps and offered prayers looking at the Lord Venkateswara statue inside. Nobody was permitted to be inside the temple. Sri Swamiji then sprinkled water on the steps and broke coconut on each step and performed Namaskaram to each step. He did it to all the seven steps. Sri Swamiji later remarked that people in ancient times used to climb by foot the seven hills to reach the shrine of the Lord Srinivasa in Tirupati. The new steps numbering seven symbolizes the seven hills and as you climb up the seven steps, the feeling of climbing the seven hills came to me said Sri Swamiji.

Sri Swamiji sprang a surprise on the Malaysian devotees by visiting them on the 30th November. Arriving in the morning, Sri Swamiji proceeded to the Ashrama and spoke about the devotion and its importance in maintaining devotional atmosphere to get the grace and visits of Sri Swamiji. In the evening, Sri Swamiji was the chief guest at Dewan Civic centre where a Bharatanatyam dance program was held by Gayatri Ramesh and Sharmala Narasimhan, in aid of the building fund of Gnana Bodha Sabha. The program was called Samarpana and one of the items that was presented was "Namah Parvati Pataye" - Bhajan sang by Sri Swamiji in the album Nama Sankeertana.

On 1st December (Sunday) Puja and Homa were held in Ashrama premises. Sri Swamiji spoke on the internal spiritual development in line with the actual development of Ashrama premises. The project to expand the Ashrama was launched and completed. Sri Swamiji left Malaysia in the evening at 5 PM and traveled in the new KLIA express train from city centre to the new Kuala Lumpur Airport.

Sri Swamiji performed Shiva Puja on Monday the 25th November. This Lunar month is very special for Shiva worship and Ashrama has been following the tradition by offering special prayers and Pujas to the Sachchidanandeswara Shiva Linga, The Visweswara Linga and the New Ekadasha Shiva Linga temple in Datta Venkateswara Kshetra. Sri Swamiji performed the morning Sri Chakra Puja in front of the Sachchidanandeswara Shiva Linga. Later Sri Swamiji planted a goose berry (Aamalaka) plant near the Audumbara tree besides the old Datta temple.

Sri Swamiji pours water on the just planted Gooseberry tree(Aamalaka or Nellikaayi)
25 Nov 2002 - 9 AM

Being the month of Kaartika, Dhatri Vruksha (Gooseberry tree) and Tulasi plant puja was performed in Ashrama. Sri Swamiji was present and many devotees offered Nellikaayi Deepa(Gooseberry lamps) to Sri Swamiji. Sri Swamiji spoke then and mentioned that we offer light on this day to remove our darkness of ignorance and to offer better worlds to our fore fathers (Pitru Devathas). Sri Swamiji commented that the devotees in Mysore Ashrama were Blessed because Sri Swamiji was to be in Malaysia and he had cancelled his visit and had stayed back.

Sri Swamiji said that till 60th birthday Sri Swamiji's programs were very disciplined and orderly and planned early. But from now to the year 2006, the programs will get changed in the last minute or get cancelled. (Organizers Note).

Sri Swamiji said that the tradition sought people to care for the nature and to assist the eco system. That is the reason for respecting the trees in this festival. Like Shiva is for Bilva tree, Like Dattatreya for Audumbara tree, Krishna and Narayana reside in the goose berry tree, Said Sri Swamiji.

Aamalaka Deepa (Gooseberry lamps) shine as Sri Swamiji speaks
24 Nov 2002 (Sunday) 7.30 PM

Sri Swamiji performs Abhisheka to Lord Dattatreya in Kalagni Shamana Datta temple

Sri Swamiji performed many Abhisheka ms to the Dattatreya in the Datta temple in prayer hall, Mysore Ashrama. Starting immediately after Sri Chakra Puja in the morning, Sri Swamiji spent over one hour performing the Abhisheka.
click here to see the wonderful photos.

Sri Swamiji visited the famous pilgrimage towns of Dharma Sthala and Kukke Subramanya. Arriving in Dharma Sthala on the 22nd, Sri Swamiji had the Darshan of Manjunatheshwara (Shiva) for about 30 minutes. It was a vow which Sri Swamiji had taken after the accident last year. Sri Swamiji remembered his earlier visits to the temple. Earlier in the day the Dharmadhikari of Dharmasthala, Dr.Veerendra Heggade met Sri Swamiji and discussed about the various projects the temple has undertaken in recent times. The next day, Sri Swamiji visited Kukke Subramanya temple en route to Mysore. Sri Swamiji arrived in Mysore on the 23th November at 3 PM.

Sri Swamiji visited Swami Manasa ina Bangalore Hospital and Blessed him. Swami Manasa went through a surgical procedure and is consalvancing in a private nursing home. Swami Manasa was cheerful and active. Most of the time he was discussing about the Hanuman project in Trinidad which he wa closely involved with. Swamiji spent over one hour with him.

Swami Manasa's brother, a surgeon, Dr.Venkatesh was present and explained to Sri Swamiji about the wonderful recovery of Swami Manasa.

Swami Manasa remembered the cautions and advises Sri Swamiji was tendering to be careful about health and not to get too stressed.

On 15th November 2002, Sri Swamiji visited Hunsur town and K.R.Nagar town. A old temple was renovated and built by Ashrama as part of the 60th Birthday celebrations.

Drive to Mekedatu and on the14th Kilometer stone you will find lush green rice fields that grow rice and vegetables, flowers and herbs for Ashrama use. Sri Swamiji remembers the farmer heritage from his early times and still takes very keen interest in the bio farming method that He encourages us to use. Click on the link below and go with Sri Swamiji to the farm.

Sri Swamiji with Bone and Nerve

Dogs have been an regular sight in Ashrama since early 1970s. Now it is the reign of Bone and Nerve. Arriving in Ashrama soon after the accident last year, they have given Sri Swamiji enjoyable company for over one year. It is interesting that they have a complete vegetables and fruits diet and have been sticklers to that time honored diet with great passion and vigor. Enjoy the photos of Sri Swamiji feeding them. . Click below on the link.

Renowned and acclaimed film maker Sri.G.V.Iyer, who has won accolades for directing Sanskrit films like Shankaracharya and Bhagavadgita among others has been reading the Ramayana story to Pujya Swamiji. Ramayana and its correlation to the Yogic sciences is the next film planned by the 87 years old yet energetic award winning film director.

13th November 2002 - Sri G.V.Iyer reads the Ramayana script as Pujya Swamiji intently listens. Also present was Sri Kuppa Krishna Murthy, the trustee of Datta Peetham in charge of the Educational activities.

Swami Manasa (Radhanna) returned to Mysore Ashrama on the 11th November. On the 12th, presented to Pujya Swamiji the latest photos and reports about the Karya Siddhi Hanuman project in Trinidad Ashrama. He is presently undergoing medical treatments in Bangalore.

Swami Manasa and Vishnu Deo Naraine apprise Sri Swamiji about the Hanuman project in Trinidad Ashrama on 12th November 2002 at Mysore Ashrama.

After the recently concluded Birthday celebrations, many attendees were stunned by the gardens and greenery in Ashrama. We are presenting a few photos of the beautiful gardens. Click here for photos

Sri Swamiji visited Mekedatu on 5th and 6th July. This was the first tour of Sri Swamiji after the 60th Birthday celebrations. Free clothes were given away to the villagers and Sri Swamiji spent the evening on top of the Guru Nilayam gazing at the hills around and the Venus star that appeared on the Horizon.

Though Sri Swamiji suddenly left for Mysore in the evening, Sri Swamiji returned to Mekedatu Ashrama after about 20 minutes.

Next day Sri Swamiji gave permission for the building of a proper dining hall and kitchen and also to re construct the hall in front of the Datta temple which presently is in a dilapidated situation.

Naga (Snake) Pratishtha and Naga Mandala Puja was conducted in Mysore Ashrama for three days from May 27. This is very popular in the coastal regions of Karnataka.

Pujya Sri Swamiji performing Arati to Lakshmi Narasimha idol in Ashrama during Lakshmi Narasimha Jayanti

Veda exams were conducted in Ashrama from May 22 to May 26, 2002. More than 170 students from all over the country appeared for the exams in all the four Vedas.

Pujya Sri Swamiji blessing the 60 couples during the Mass Marriage ceremony held in the Harijan community in Mysore to mark the 60th Birthday celebrations of Sadgurudeva.

On the auspicious Rama Navami Day, 21st April 2002, and at the auspicious time of 11.20 AM, Sri Swamiji installed the Datta idol from the Datta temple in Mysore
Ashrama in the new temple that has been built in the Centre of the prayer hall.
Click here for photos and report

Reinstallation of Datta idol in Mysore Ashrama commences on 17th April.

The Datta idol in Mysore Ashrama temple will be reinstalled in a new shrine on 21st April 2002. The rituals connected with this program commenced on the morning of 17th April 2002. Click here to see the photographs. Very Rare Photographs

Sri Bharati Teertha Maha Swamiji, Shankaracharya of Sringeri Sharada Math visits Ashrama and inaugurates Sama Veda School

Sri Swamiji visited Dattapeetham on 2nd April 2002 for over two hours. He visited many places of Ashrama and gave a illuminating speech and Blessed the devotees.
CLICK HERE for the extensive report and rare photos

Sri Swamiji visits Trayambakeshwar Temple in Nasik

Sri Swamiji arrived in Nasik and visited the famous Trayambakeshwara Shiva Temple on 1st March 2002.
CLICK HERE for extensive report and rare photos.

Sri Swamiji arrives in Goa

Sri Swamiji arrived in Goa on the afternoon of 26th February. That evening Sri Swamiji visited Mangaon (south of Maharastra state) village, the birth place of Swami Vasudevananda Saraswati (popularly known as Tembe Maharaj) who popularised the now well known Datta Stava. He is considered as an Avatar of Dattatreya and lived in the middle of 19th century.

Sri Swamiji gave a music for meditation and healing concert in Peethapuram on Sunday the 24th February. Over 40,000 people had assembled two hours before and the rural population had a scintillating experience of spiritual music. Sri Swamiji played the Raga Chakravaka (Bhajan Gauri Taaye ) and Raga Hamsa Nandi (Bhajan Paalaya Maamiha). While percussion ensemble played their solo parts, Sri Swamiji went around the mammoth audience with the crystal wand.

Sri Swamiji inaugurates Datta and Anagha Temple in Peethapuram

Sri Swamiji inaugurated Datta Temple in Peethapuram at 12.15 PM on 22nd February 2002. More than 25,000 people witnessed the historic occasion as Sri Swamiji poured sacred water over the temple tower. Speaking from the platform on the tall tower, Sri Swamiji chanted victory to righteousness and said that the dream of the villagers of Peethapuram had come true with the Datta Temple coming in the town where the Dattatreya incarnate Sri Pada Vallabha lived and preached centuries ago. Along with the Datta idol, Anagha Devi also was installed in the same temple. There is also a Ganapati Shrine, Puruhutika Devi (the presiding deity of Peethapuram village) and a Navagraha shrine were inaugurated.

The beautiful temple has a front hall which is little larger than the Datta Venkata hall in Mysore. The interiors of the temple has been tasteful decorated. The Datta Anagha Shrine is in the center and Ganapati Shrine on the left and Puruhutika shrine on the right. Navagraha shrine is in outside the temple. In front of the main entrance if the temple is a tall stone pillar called Datta Stupa.

A huge hall has been erected outside the temple for Pujas and Bhajans which can also house more than ten thousand people.

Click here for Photos and report

Sri Swamiji in Oceania - Jan 2002

See the beautiful photos of Sri Swamiji visiting Valcanoes. Click here