Karthika Deepotsava in Mysore Ashrama on 24th November 2008

Pujya Bala Swamiji visited the coveted "Gosai Ghat" - a spot on Kaveri river near Sri Rangapatna town for a early morning river bath. About 50 devotees accompanied to the river bath and were Blessed.

In the afternoon, Bala Swamiji visited the farm of Sheshadri and witnessed "Dhatri Havana" In a brief message he said that Dhatri Havana was our respect to Mother Earth - Dharti.

In the evening, being the last monday of the important and Shiva-Sacred Karthika month, Bala Swamiji performed Abhisheka to the Ekadasha Shiva Lingas in the Venkateswara temple. After arati to the Sachchidanandeshwara Shivalinga in prayer hall, Bala Swamiji arrived at the Poundareeka Ranga Sthala. Here, in the sprawling grounds, thousands of small oil lamps had been placed in the form of a giant Shiva Linga with the SGS mark in the middle.

Bala Swamiji lit the central lamp and devotees lit all other lamps. It was a golden glow to behold and feel the energy of Shiva.
watch the photos on

PHOTOS OF KARTHIKA DEEPA UTSAVA

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Ksheerabdi Dvadashi & Karthika Somavara Puja in Mysore Ashrama - 11 November 2008

Sri Swamiji pours Honey on the 11 crystal formations - Ekadha Shiva Lingas in the Sarvadhosha Hara Shivalinga shrine in Datta Venkateswara Kshetra, Mysore Ashrama
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The most sacred 11 Shivalingas representing the Ekadasha Rudra Shiva Lingas - Sarva Dosha Hara Shiva Temple
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Goose Berry (Nellikai - Amalaka) lamps bedeck the Audumbara tree next to Datta Temple in Mysore Ashrama as part of Ksheerabdi Dvadashi Festival. Sri Swamiji sat in front of the tree and received Deepa Daana from devotees.
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Puja to Sri Sachchidanandeshwara Shiva Linga on first Kartika monday - 3 November 2008

Parama Pujya Sri Swamiji worshipped Lord Sachchidanandeshwarain Mysore Ashrama on the first monday of
Kartika month - 3rd November 2008

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3rd Annual Bhajans Singing Competition among the Schools and Colleges of the 19 districts of Karnataka State

The 3rd Annual Bhajans Compettion finals were held at Mysore Ashrama on 1st and 2nd Novembver 2008. More than 600 students from 40 schools and colleges across 19 districts of Karnataka State participated. The participating schools were the District level toppers during the inter District competition held in tpast four months.

The raw talent and the enthusiastic participation of children in the program was the highlight of the event. Everyone applauded the effort of Datta Peetham to put the spark of divine energy (in the form of Bhajan singing and public program participation) in the hearts of these young souls.

Sri. Ramachandra Gowda, Hon'ble Medical Education Minister gave away the trophies in the divine presence of Pujya Sri Swamiji and Sri Bala Swamiji.

Canara Boys High School of Mangalore City won the School Level Competition

Government Junior College of Chikkaballapura town won the College Level Competition

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Ashrama conducts mass Dalit Marriages in Mysore.

On 17th October, Datta peetham conducted 24 marriages of Dalit Couples on the second anniversary of Devi Patladamma temple in Gandhi Nagar, Mysore. Pujya Sri Datta Vijayananda Teertha Swamiji presided over the function. Many leaders of Dalit community and Mysore were present and Blessed the newly wed. Todate Datta Peetham has conducted more than 400 such marriages.

Click here for photos

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Karnataka Chief Minister, Shri Yedyurappa visits Datta Peetham

Shri.B.S.Yedyurappa, Chief Minister of Karnataka, visited Avadhoota Datta Peetham on 25th September. He, family members, Smt.Shobha Karandlaje, Mysore district in charge Minister performed Navagraha Puja and sought Blessings of Sri Swamiji. In a brief speech, Shri.Yedyurappa spoke on the great cultural heritage of India and how divine persons had enriched it through the centuries.

Sri Yedyurappa speaking in Universal Prayer Hall in Avadhoota Datta Peetham on 25th September 2008

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En mass GURU GITA chanting in Nada Mantapa, 21 September 2008

On 21st September 2008, Sunday, Mysore Ashrama witnessed the grand spectacle of more than 2300 women chanting all the verses of Guru Geeta. Pujya Sri Swamiji and Sri Bala Swamiji sat on the stage and listened to the chanting. It was a divine experience to hear the en masse chanting of Guru Gita in the same tune as sung by Sri Swamiji in the CD "Guru Gita" . While lighting the inauguration lamp, Sri Swamiji called Lohitesh, a young boy from Anantapur to join the inauguration act. Pujya Bala Swamiji spoke on the importance of Guru Gita and prayed Pujya Sri Swamiji to give discourses on this sacred text of Guru Gita. Member from more than 61 Matru Mandalis (Ladies clubs) of Mysore city participated in this event. Before the chanting started, Sri Swamiji offered Purnahuti to Ganapathy and Dattatreya Homa. The program was organised by Mysore Ashrama's Jayalakshmi Mata Matru Mandali led by Mrs.Pramila Aiyangar and others.

After the chant was over, Sri Swamiji sat in the Mantapa and spoke. In almost a choking voice, Sri Swamiji said that he felt as if Mother Goddess Parvati was chanting the Guru Gita verses to show Lord Shiva that she had indeed understood the teachings which Lord Shiva had bestowed on her.

Before entering the Mantapa, Sri Swamiji made a complete flat Namaskara on the stage.

Lunch was served to all.

Sri Swamiji, Bala Swamiji, Lohitesh, Mrs.Pramila Aiyangar and Dr.Mrs.Padma Murthy light the lamp

A section of the participants

Pujya Sri Swamiji and Sri Bala Swamiji listening to the chanting

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World's ONLY Sanskrit News Paper, "SUDHARMA", celebrates 39th Anniversary

Parama Pujya released a special souvenir on the occasion of the world's only Sanskrit news paper, SUDHARMA, celebrating its 39th anniversary. The program was held in Universal Prayer Hall. Sri Swamiji fondly remembered the founder of the paper, Late. Sri Varada Raja Iyengar. His son, Sampat Kumar is the present editor. Pujya Bala Swamiji, who made a speech in Sanskrit, emphasized the importance of Sanskrit in world heritage. Mysore Journalist association President, Shivakumar, MLC, Mrs.Leela, Judge Rajan and Sri Gangadhara Bhat participated as chief guests.

Pujya Bala Swamiji, His Holiness Sri Swamiji, Editor of Sudharma, Sri.Sampat Kumar, Smt.Leela, MLC, Sri Rajan & Sri Gangadhara Bhat

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Sri Swamiji releases Pujya Bala Swamiji's book on 1008 names of Lord Ganapathy
13 Sep 2008

The 1008 names of Ganapathy, called as Ganapathy Sahasra Nama, is very famous amongst the devotees of Ganesha. It is unique in many aspects. One of the main aspect is that it was composed by Lord Ganesha himself and he gave his own Sahasranama as upadesha to his father, Lord Shiva. Bhaskara Raya, an eminent pundit had written Sanskrit commentary on the Sahasranama. It is called as Bhaskara Raya's Khadyota Bhashya. Pujya Bala Swamiji has now translated this Sanskrit commentary to Kannada Language and the same has been published under the title "Sri Ganesha Sahasra nama Bhashyartha". Pujya Sri Swamiji released this 388 page book after the morning Puja on 13th September 2008. Recently on Ganapathy festival day, Ganesha Homa was performed while Bala Swamiji chanted the 1008 names of Ganesha. For details please write to Srinivas in Ashrama book stall. Email: ragaraginitrustmys@yahoo.co.in
or Srinivas, Book Stall, SGS Ashrama, Datta Nagar, Mysore 570025, India

Pujya Sri Swamiji released the book "Sri Ganesha Sahasranama Bhashyartha" Kannada translation by Bala Swamiji of Bhaskara Raya's Khadyotha Bhashya on the 1008 names of Lord Ganesha

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Textile Mill Employees receive Govt Funds in Nada Mantapa
13 Sep 2008

Thousands of former textile mill workers who worked in KR Mills, Mysore, Sujatha Textiles, Nanjangud & Dunford Fabrics, Nanjangud received financial rehabilitation funds from Government of India on 13th September 2008. The function was held in Nada Mantapa in Mysore Ashrama. Sri Swamiji inaugurated the program and in his speech recollected his days as student where he also worked in a small loom which supplied thread to KR Mills. The loom on which Sri Swamiji worked on is kept as a exhibit in Mysore Ashrama. Sri Swamiji showed his right hand little finger which is a little crooked because of a minor accident in the loom when the finger was jammed.

The function in Nada Mantapa on 13 September 2008

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Sri Venkateshwara Alankara for Sri Karyasiddhi Hanuman
in Bangalore Ashrama - 30 August 2008

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10th Anniversary of Sri Balamuri Vidya Ganapati Temple at Ramanagara -
Pujya Sri Swamiji performs Abhisheka

Parama Pujya Sri Swamiji visited the town of Ramanagara, 60 kilometres form Bangalore, to participate in the 10th Anniversary celebrations of Sri Balamuri Vidya Ganapati Temple. After performing Abhishekam to Lord Ganapati, Pujya Sri Swamiji participated in a function arranged in front of the temple. Sri Swamiji delivered a wonderful discourse on the occasion. Click here for the speech.

Sri Swamiji performing Abhisheka to Sri Balamuri Vidya Ganapati in Ramanagara

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Swami Narahari Teertha - A Photo Memory- 08-08-08

Swami Narahari Teertha was the ascetic name (Sannyasa) of Late Sri Narasimha Shastry, father of Pujya Sri Swamiji. On the Aradhana day (memorial day), falling on the special date - 08-08-08, we present a photo memory to the great and noble soul. In the last decade of His life, Swami Narahari Teertha continuously chanted the Narasimha Mantra and offered all the merits of those countless chanting to Sri Swamiji. To witness the father and son was a rare and wondrous spectacle. So little was said but so much felt. Link to the photos

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Saundarya Lahari Parayana - 15 June 2008

More than 2000 ladies from Mysore chanted the famous "Saundarya Lahari" shlokas of Adi Shankara. The program was held in Nada Mantapa on 15th June 2008. Pujya Datta Vijayananda Teertha Swamiji and Pujya Gangadhareshwara Swamiji of Sonda Swarnavalli Matha attended the programs.

Pujya Swamijis listen to the Saundarya Lahari Shlokas chanting by more than 2000 ladies

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Sadguru Puja by Pujya Datta Vijayananda Teertha Swamiji in Mysore Ashrama - 14 June 2008

Pujya Bala Swamiji performed Sadguru Puja on 14th June 2008, Jyeshtha Shuddha Ekadashi day, the Birth day of Pujya Sri Swamiji. The Puja place was decorated with Sri Swamiji's photo on a decorated swing decorated with flowers from Ashrama gardens.

Pujya Bala Swamiji performs Arati to Sadgurudeva on Jyeshtha Shukla Ekadashi - Birthday

15th Annual Veda Examinations in Datta Peetham 17-21 May 2008

Datta Peetham hosted the 15th annual Veda Examinations in all the four Vedas , viz. Rig Veda, Yajur Veda, Sama Veda and Atharva Veda. 174 students participated in the annual exercise which started on 17th May and concluded on 21st May. As part of the Veda Nidhi programs, a two day symposium on "digital Standards for Vedic Characters" and a three day Ishti Homas were held. Ishtis are the highest form of Homas for a domestic householder. For the examinations students from 9 states of India participated.

41 persons received certificates for total completions of Vedic study in either Rig Veda, Yajur Veda, Sama Veda and Atharva Veda.

69 received certificates in Yajur Veda Khanda Pareeksha
3 received certificates for Shukla Yajurveda Kanva Shakha
9 received certificates fin Sama Veda Khanda Pareeksha
1 person received certificate on Atharva Veda
20 received certificates for study in Rig Veda
26 examinees did not succeed.
3 students appeared for Krishna Yajurveda Ghana Exam (Masters degree equivalent) and all passed in Uttama Grade.

The examiners are from the most reputed senior scholars from across India and follow stringent guidelines in the examination.

Sri. D. Sreerama Sharma from , Varanasi, a child prodigy who
has completed Krishna Yajurveda Kramanta (graduation) at the age of 12

Inauguration of Tamboora meditation centre in Rudrapatna

Sri Swamiji visited Rudrapatna village, 2 hours drive from Mysore, on 18th May 2008 to inaugurate 50 feet tall Tamboora statue. This Tamboora houses Sapta Swara idols in its base. This concept is the brain child of R.K. Padmanabha, one of the most eminent Carnatic Vocalist in Karnataka state. Rudra Patna is well known for its erstwhile grandeur as a centre of culture and place for eminent musicians. Vidwan R.K. Padmanabha hails from this village and the letter R in his initial stands for Rudrapatna. On the day of inauguration, seven scholars from the field of literature, arts, music, dance & drama were honoured. These seven represented the seven musical notes. Sri Swamiji,upon arrival, was taken around the village in a procession. Going around the village was a nostalgic experience as it provided a window in to the life of a village where life has stood still from the 1900s.

Sri Swamiji in his speech lauded the efforts of R.K. Padmanabha to bring culture and musical festival back to his birth village. Sri Swamiji announced that on 26th May 2008 (Sri Swamiji's 66th Birthday), Vid. Padmanabha would be honoured. with the title "Raga Prayoga Chakravarthi". More than 2000 people attended the program.

Visit to Asha Kirana HIV hospital

On 18th May, Sri Swamiji visited Asha Kirana charitable hospital, a charity outfit well known for providing free care and treatment to HIV infected patients. Sri Swamiji inaugurated the new out patient division building. Sri Swamiji announced that Datta Peetham would donate an ambulance to the hospital as well as providing music system to play healing music to the patients. Well known HVV treatment doctors, Dr.Manniar and Dr.Gilada from Mumbai attended. Asha Kirana is a project founded by Dr.Mothi, Pediatric Doctor of Mysore.
The news paper "Star of Mysore" reported on the event thus:

Swamiji donates Ambulance to Asha Kirana Hospital as his birthday gift.

Mysore, May 18 (BRS)- The new building of Bhagavan Mahaveer Jain OPD Block and Vocational Training Centre was opened at Asha Kirana Charitable Hospital in Hebbal Industrial Area here yesterday by Sri Ganapati Sachchidananda Swamiji.

Speaking after felicitating the donors, the Swamiji said that God had created the physician to rid the people of their bodily aches and diseases. In that sense, the doctor represented a demi-God in our life, the Swamiji observed while paying tributes to the medical profession.

Giving a call to the people not to be scared of deadly diseases like HIV and AIDS, the Swamiji reminded that in the past tuberculosis and leprosy too were considered deadly without any medicine. But today medicines have been found out for these diseases and nobody dies due to tuberculosis or leprosy. Similarly soon medicines will be found out for curing HIV and AIDS also. Therefore, Swamiji said, the inmates of the hospital which is exclusive meant for HIV / AIDS patients, need not be disheartened. With the advances made in the field of medicine it is possible to save people from the scourge of HIV / AIDS, Swamiji said.

Showering praises on the Jain community, the Swamiji remarked that members of the community were generosity personified.

He described Dr. S.N. Mothi, the moving spirit behind the hospital project and a Trustee of the Asha Kirana Charitable Trust, as a model for those who were prepared to devote their life for the cause of people's welfare. His healing words would drive away the fear in the minds of sufferers, the Swamiji observed, adding that fear accounted for half the suffering.

Music therapy was an effective palliative to many incurable diseases, the Swamiji said, disclosing that the technique experimented by him successfully was in use in many medical institutions around the world.

He announced that he would develop a specific music therapy for application in Asha Kirana Hospital.

He desired that the hospital consider Datta Peetha Ashram founded by him as its working partner and announced the gift of an ambulance to the hospital in a week's time.

Dr. Mothi welcomed. K.B. Ganapathy, Editor, Star of Mysore was the chief guest. Chairman of Indian AIDS Society Dr. J.K. Maniar also addressed the gathering. Trustees Hemachandra Jain, Dr. I.S. Gilada were present and also spoke on the occasion. Dr. Mahesh Kumar, a Trustee, proposed the vote of thanks. Trustee K.S. Guru Raja, compered the programme. Trustees Raian F. Irani, R. Sukumar and Paramjit Singh were also present.

Located on the outskirts of the city in Hebbal Industrial Area close to J.K. Radial Tyre Factory, Asha Kirana Charitable Hospital has been offering subsidised HIV testing and free anti-retroviral therapy to children with AIDS.

The Trust has been conducting awareness camps in schools, colleges, nursing institutions and selected rural areas imparting knowledge about the disease claiming thousands of lives every year. Asha Kirana, started as a counseling-cum-care centre for HIV-affected in 1997, became a full-fledged hospital by 2004."

Sri Swamiji walks out of the new OPD block of Asha Kirana Hospital. The building was named as
"Bhagawan Mahaveer Jain OPD Block"

Narasimha Jayanti in Mysore Ashrama

On 16,17 & 18 May, Narasimha Jayanti festival was celebrated in Mysore Ashrama. Sri Swamiji performed Pujas to the ancient Narasimha idol in the Narasimha shrine next to universal prayer hall. Narasimha was the family deity of Sri Swamiji's father's lineage. Narasimha Saligrama is a important Saligrama carried with Sri Swamiji in all his tours.



Bala Swamiji performs Abhisheka to Lakshmi Narasimha idol in Mysore Ashrama on 17th May 2008

Jayalakshmi Mata Jayanti in Mysore Ashrama

On 9th May 2008, A small festival was observed in Mysore Ashrama to observe the Jayanti day of Mata Jayalakshmi and Adi Shankara. 7 married women, representing "Sapta Matrukas" were given auspicious and sacred gifts.
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Sri Swamiji in Trinidad for Hanuman Heritage Festival - 10th April 2008

Sri Swamiji arrived in Port of Spain at 4 Pm on 10th April 2008. Sri Swamiji was reverentially received in Airport by Swamy Brahma Deo Upadyay, Trustees and devotees. While driving to Ashrama, Sri Swamiji received welcome program on Radio FM 103.1 . It was a wonderful surprise. The Ashrama in Carapichaima wore a festive look. After Darshana of temples, Sri Swamiji blessed the audience and retired.
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Sri Swamiji in London - 9th April 2008

Sri Swamiji made one night stop over in London en route to Trinidad on 9th April 2009. Sri Swamiji visited the Datta Yoga Centre in Beech road and saw the new Guru Nilaya house which has been recently purchased. It is adjacent to the Datta Yoga Center. More than 300 devotees took Darshana of Sri Swamiji. During the evening program, the new CD "Graha Stuti" was played. Sri Swamiji spoke briefly and Blessed all.

Sri Swamiji continues the journey to Trinidad on 10th April. Hanuman Heritage Festival is planned in the Datta Yoga Centre, Trinidad from 13th to 20th April.