Nada Mantapa gets new grand Piano & Sri Swamiji plays piano- 26 Dec 2009
Nada Mantapa got the Christmas gift of a grand concert piano made by Steinway & Sons. The Model D grand concert piano was received on 20th December and tuned by a specialist tuner on 24th December. The donors, Ashok and Kusum Patel of USA presented the Piano to Sadgurudeva on 26th December 2009 in Nada Mantapa.
Sri Swamiji played the piano for about one hour. It was a grand sight to see Sri Swamiji play solo on the Piano without any other accompanists.
Smt.Kusum Patel and Sri.Ashok Patel gift the Piano
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Sadgurudeva playing Piano on 26th December 2009
To see more photos of the event, click here
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Video of Christmas celebrations at Datta Peetham- 24 Dec 2009
His Holiness Sri Ganapathy Sachchidananda Swamiji, Pujya Datta Vijayananda Teertha Swamiji, Indian and foreign devotees celebrated Christmas festival in Mysore Ashrama in Universal Prayer Hall on 24th December 2009 at 7 PM. Pujya Bala Swamiji gave a message on this occassion. Angels sang carols. Antke Trilokavati narrated the story of Christ. Swami Manasa Datta translated it to Kannada language. He also dressed as Santa Claus and distributed sweets to children. A short video clipping of the program is posted on youtube. The link is here (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=djVWbIherm4
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year wishes to everyone
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Andhra Pradesh Tour of His Holiness Cancelled
His Holiness Sri Ganapathy Sachchidananda Swamiji's Andhra Pradesh tour from 29th December 2009 has been cancelled. The "New Year Darshana" will take place in Avadhoota Datta Peetha, Mysore on 1st January 2010.
Program after 1st January 2010 has not been confirmed.
Sri Guru Datta
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Governor of Karnataka, H.E.Hans Raj Bharadwaj visits Ashrama-23 Nov 2009
His Excellency Shri.Hans Raj Bharadwaj, Governor of Karnataka visited Ashrama on the evening of 23rd November. He took Darshana of Datta temple and spent 30 minutes with Sri Swamiji and discussed about various cultural programs of Datta Peetham. His wife and daughter accompanied him.
Karnataka Governor, H.E.Hans Raj Bharadwaj receives Puja Prasad from Pujya Sri Swamiji
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"Kannadave Sathya" musical evening in Nada Mantapa- 22 Nov 2009
Avadhoota Datta Peetham and Bangalore Doordarshan Kendra jointly hosted a "Kannadave Sathya" - a musical evening highlighting the high literary tradition of Kannada. Well known singer Dr.C.Ashwath and companions rendered the three hour long program from 4 PM onwards. Nada Mantapa was crowded with keen and enthusiastic audience. Dr.Ashwath sang some Bhajans of Sri Swamiji (Bhuvanagala Paalisuva Bhuvaneswari and Maateya Madilu). Sri Swamiji composed a new Kannada song during the program which was sung by Dr.Ashwath. The program was telecast live on Doordarshan Kendra - Bangalore's Chandana channel.
Kannadave Sathya program in Nada Mantapa. Both Pontiffs are on the left of the stage.
Subrahmanya Shashthi at Mysore Ashrama - 22 November 2009
On 22nd November, Subrahmanya Shashthi festival was observed. Early in the morning Sri Swamiji carried "Kaavadi" ( a balance on shoulders) and led more than 100 devotees who carried Kaavadi to the Subrahmanya Temple. There, Bala Swamiji performed detailed Abhisheka to Subrahmanya Homa. Sri Swamiji performed final Maha Mangalarati. Subrahmanya Homa was performed. In the evening, Rathotsava was taken out carrying the procession idol of Subrahmanya
Sri Swamiji carries Kaavadi - a balance with two earthen pots on either side. They hold Abhisheka material such as Milk, Curds, Ghee etc
Pujya Bala Swamiji performs turmeric water Abhisheka to Marakata Subrahmanya idol in Ashrama
Evening - oil lamps were lit in the Marakata Subrahmanya temple. The golden glow was mesmerizing.
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Shastra Vaakyaartha Sabha in Mysore Ashrama
Mysore Ashrama hosted a 3 day "Shastra Vaakyaartha Sabha" from the 21st November 2009. Erudite and front ranking National Scholars participated in the three day conference and debated and discussed on "Vedanta, Tarka, Nyaaya, Vyaakarana and Meemamsa" - hoary branches of the six Shastras. Coinciding with this event was the "Final Veda Exams" conducted by Ujjain based "Maharshi Saandeepani Rashtreeya Veda Vidya Pratishthan". Students from all south Indian states participated in this sixth year and final exams. This institute is the premier National institute of Government of India. The fact that they chose Datta Peetham as venue for their final exams reflected the Peetham's standing as a place of Vedic Excellence.
Pujya Sri Swamiji inaugurates "Shaastra Vaakyaartha Sabha" on 21st November 2009. The scholars from left are "Shastra Nidhi awardee Sri.Gopala Krishna Shastry, Pt.Mishra and Shastra Nidhi awardee Subrahmanya Salakshana Ghanapaathee".
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Chitrakoota Naaga Pratishtha in Mysore Ashrama - 9. 10 & 11 November 2009
On 11th morning, Sri Swamiji installed a very special Naga monument in Mysore Ashrama. Located in the backside Coconut garden, this Naga monument is called "Chitrakoota" because it is a stone home for Cobra snake. There is a small hole on the right of the monument for a snake to move in and out. Atop, a black granite stone idol of Naga was installed. 2 days of preparatory rites preceded the inauguration.
Sri Swamiji prays after the Naaga Pratishtha on 11th November 2009.
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Kannada Rajyotsava in Mysore Ashrama
On 10th November, Kannada Rajyotsava (Karnataka state formation day) was observed in Mysore Ashrama. On the occasion, Vid.Bhanuprakash Sharma of Sri Ranga Patna and Sri.Raghuram were honored.
Pt.Bhanuprakash Sharma, Sri.Raghuram receive awards from Pujya Sri Swamiji. Sri.Nagaraj, organizer looks.
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Special Events on 9.9.9 (9th September 2009)
On 9th September 2009, several special events took place. As can be seen from the date, it is a unique combination of 9.9.9 (9th day of 9th Month "September" in the year 9 "2009". At exactly 9 seconds past 9 minutes at 9 AM, Sri Swamiji was seated on the banks of Kaveri River in Sri Rangapatna and offered special prayers. Arriving at the river bank, Sri Swamiji waded in to the river and offered Arghya (water ablutions), a Saree to the presiding goddess of Kaveri river, a garland and finally a "Bagina" - auspicious materials placed in a bamboo plate - all for world peace. Returning from Kaveri river, Sri Swamiji offered prayers to the Navagraha deities in Sri Datta Venkateswara temple in Mysore Ashrama. Sri Swamiji visited all the shrines.. starting from the Dhwaja Shakha (flag post) to Maha Ganapathy, Padmavathy, Navagrahas, Homa, Shiva shrine, Subramanya, Datta Venkateswara and Bayalu Anjaneya. Sri Swamiji offered special prayers in the Navagraha shrine and offered Arati to all the nine idols.
In the evening, Sri Swamiji sang 9 Bhajans in recognition of the number "9". They were taken from the three specifically different periods of Sri Swamiji's Divya Nama Sankeertana history. They were
01. Pahi Pahi Gajanana, 02.Dattatreya Atreya Putra, 03.Jaya Jaya Vani, 04.Kalikam Kalikam, 05Nada Bhusha Nada Tosha, 06.Muruga Muruga Muttukumarane, 07.Marutiraaya Bala Bheema, 8. Mati Neene Nanna Gati Neene and 9. Edu Kondala Swamy Govinda.
at 9 Sec 9 Min 9 PM, Sri Swamiji launched the SGS Datta Seva Project to stream together devotee resources for a more financially sound Datta Peetham. A daily contribution of Rs.5 would entail everyone one to be part of the Datta Peetham and its social, educational and cultural works.
A photo Gallery - Click to see the photos of today
The following Bhajans sung today and a short video clipping of Sri Swamiji in Kaveri river is available in Datta Peetham's You tube website
The links are
Pahi Pahi Gajanana-http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_o1pmUN4mE4
Dattatreya Atreya Putra http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k00iiU1n_bk
Jaya Jaya Vani Saraswati http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Th83zwQCa0o
Muruga Muruga http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_b664ElGRaU
Kaveri River 9.9.9.http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h6b66aNkdXU
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Datta Peetham gifts one more temple in Dalit Colony, Mysore
Datta Peetham constructed a new Sri Devi Patladamma temple in Kudure Mala area of Mysore city. The temple was inaugurated on 2nd September 2009 by Sri Swamiji and many dignitories. This is the eleventh temple built by Datta Peetham in Dalit Areas. To mark the inauguration a mass marriage was conducted. 30 couple tied the wedding knot. Many people also took oath to give up alcohal and non- vegetarian food. More than 3000 people were fed with wedding food.
Those who participated included Dr.Ashwath, I.A.S, -Secretary, Woman & Child welfare department, Govt of Karnataka, Sri.Vasu- Former Mayor of Mysore, Sri Narendra Swamy-Minister of Woman and Childwelfare, Govt of Karnataka, Sri Swamiji, Sri.Srinivas Prasad,:MLA & Dalit Leader, Sri Narayan- Former Mayor and Sri.Manivannan I.A.S, Deputy Commissioner of Mysore District.
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Sri Swamiji calls on "Antarmana" Prasanna Sagarji - Renowned Jain Swamiji
On 2nd September evening, Sri Swamiji visited a Jain Swamiji - "Antarmana" Prasanna Sagar ji who is performing Chaturmasya program for four months in Mysore city. After a brief public appearance, where Prasanna Sagarji proclaimed " I am a Digambar Jain Swami. While I am outwardly Digambar, Sri Swamiji is inwardly Digambar. I can sense his total detachment to this material world while living in the same". Later both Swamiji met privately for over 30 minutes.
Sri Swamiji lights lamp to inaugurate discourse of Jain Swamiji - Antarmana Prasanna Sagar ji on 2nd September 2009
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Hanuman Worship in Mysore Ashrama on 1st September 2009
1st September turned out to be a special day of Hanuman prayers in Mysore Ashrama. Sri Swamiji visited all the shrines of Hanuman in Mysore Ashrama and offered prayers. In the evening, a slide show was presented depicting the specially commissioned paintings for each of the 40 stanzas of Hanuman Chalisa. These will be sent as Blessing email to the members of Hanuman Setubanda group.
After the Hanuman prayer works, Sri Swamiji visited the Ashrama's vegetable growing area and picked couple of pumpkins
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Chandi Homa in Mysore Ashrama on Ashadha Shukravara
Pujya Sri Datta Vijayananda Teertha Swamiji conducted Chandi Homa on 17th July 2009. This was the last Friday in the sacred and auspicious month of Ashadha.
Photos
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Pujya Bala Swamiji will perform "Chaturmasya Vrata" in Mysore Ashrama
Pujya Sri Datta Vijayananda Teertha Swamiji will observe Chaturmasya Vrata in Avadhoota Datta Peetham, Mysore Ashrama from Guru Purnima day onwards (7th July). Click here to download the program brochure. He will be delivering daily discourse on Bhagavatha Purana from 6.30 PM
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Report of 16th Annual Veda Examinations and Veda Sadas
(13 – 17 May 2009)
Avadhoota Datta Peetham, as part of its annual Veda Nidhi series of Programs, conducted the 16th Edition of Annual Veda Examinations from 13th to 17th May 2009. Examinations were conducted in all the four Vedas, in 6 Branches. The turn out of Veda examinees recorded its highest since inception. More than 121 Students were examined in annual exam category and 95 students appeared for certificate examinations. 60 meritorious students were awarded certificates in basic Moolantam category to Graduation level Kramantam to Post Graduation level of Ghanaantam.
14 erudite scholars, assisted by Ashrama Veda Teachers conducted the Veda Examinations for 5 days.
Veda Vidwat Pravardhaka Sabha
SGS Veda Sastra Parishat conducted the third annual convention of Veda Scholars. The Sadas was conducted in the traditional format, where pairs of Pundits recite Mantras, chosen from all the Vedas from morning to evening. This year, 67 scholars are honoured, on the occasion of 67th Birth Day Celebration of Pujya Swamiji.
Valedictory Function
The valedictory function was conducted on 17th May, Sunday in the august presence of Sri Swamiji and Sri Bala Swamy. His Holiness has blessed the plans to organise next year’s Silver Jubilee Celebrations of SGS Veda Pathasala (Flagship of Vedic Activities of Datta Peetham) in the year 2010.
Silver Jubilee of SGS Veda Pathasala
It is proposed to organise great sacrificial ritual such as Agnishtoma Yaaga (Soma Yaga), congregation of distinguished scholars, old teachers, alumni, awardees and all the certificate recipients from Datta Peetham; as part of the celebrations culminating in the Janmotsava of Sadguru Deva.
In addition, Silver Jubilee series of Original Veda Texts and several other “Know thy culture” series of booklets are proposed to be published, using the customised Script technology, developed by Veda Vibhaga. (Sri Swamiji has further suggested that 100 members, contributing Rs.10,000 each could support the next year’s program.)
Conclusion
It is a matter of great pride that the examination system prevalent in Datta Peetham has assumed an important slot in the field of Vedic Education. The organising team constituted by Sri Swamiji has successfully organised the program. His Holiness has blessed all the Veda Nidhi Members, Donors and Patrons, whose continuous generous support made this event a success.
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Sri Swamiji visits new Jain Temple and Kanyaka Prameshwari Temple on Asoka Road-4 May
His Holiness Sri Swamiji visited the almost completed Jain Temple on the 4th May 2009. This temple which would be consecrated on the 7th May 2009, belongs to the Shvetambar sect of the Jains. Before going there, Sri Swamiji called on Sant Sureeshvar ji at Jain Samaj and invited him to stay in Mysore Ashrama on his travel to Madurai by walk.
Later Sri Swamiji visited the annual festival at the Kanyaka Parameshwari temple and offered prayers to the sanctum of Satyanaraya Swami, Padmavathy Devi and Kanyaka Parameshwari temple. The mostly Vaishya Community audience were celebrating the festival with Dhatri Homa. Sri Swamiji later Blessed four members of the community who had offered valuable services to community.
Pujya Sri Swamiji visited this "Shri Suvidhanatha Bhagavan Shri Rajendra Shvetambara Mandir"
Sri Swamij gives awards of Arya Vaishya Mandali to : From Left: Putti Srinivas, K.Dinesh Babu and Lakshmi Dinesh. Member of the Committee Sri K.N.Gupa is to the extreme right.
Jain Swamiji, "Rahtra Sant" His Holiness Sureeshvar ji visits Datta Peetham
His Holiness Sri Sureeshvar Swamiji, a renowned Jain Swamiji from Kheda, Madhya Pradesh visited Datta Peetham on 18th April 2009. He was received by Pujya Sri Swamiji at Datta Temple. Both Their Holinesses graced the Devotees with short discourse. Later the visiting Swamiji toured Datta Peetham and rested, before walking back to his place in Mysore city. It should be mentioned here that The Jain Swamiji, like most in his clan, walk all their lives. They never board a motor vehicle. He is in Mysore to install a Jain temple on 7th May and he left Ashrama promising to come on 7th evening to halt the night in Ashrama. On 8th he would walk all the way to Madurai and reach on 15th May. Video of Jain Swamiji's speech is on Datta Peetham's Youtube channel.
Acharya Sureeshvarji Swamiji seated to the left of Sri Swamiji. Click on the image for larger image (1.7 mb)
Panaromic Photo from Shivaratri Night
This is the southern view of the Poundareeka Ranga Sthala. The extreme right is the stage where Sri Swamiji is singing Bhajans. In the far center is the Shiva Linga where the Pujas are taking place. Click on the photo for a large size image of this photo (opens in a new window). Photo Courtesy - Rajesh
10th Standard (class) students seek Blessings
On 9th March 2009, all the students of 10th standard in SGSVS (Sri Ganapathy Sachchidananda Vidya Samsthe) Higher Primary School took Blessings of Sri Swamiji for the upcoming 10th standard Public examinations. They later took Annadana lunch in Ashrama.
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Dalit Marriages and inauguration of temple in Gandhinagar, Dalit colony
Avadhoota Datta Peetham financially assisted reconstruction of "Doddamma Tayi Patladamma Devi" temple in Gandhi Nagar's Dalit colony. The three day inauguration rituals concluded with Purnahuti of Homas and Puja to the deity. On this auspicious occassion, 15 pairs of Dalits entered in to wedlock in the divine presence of Sri Swamiji and local leaders. The marriage costss too were sponsored by Datta Peetham. The program was held on 9th March 2009 at 11 AM
More photos can be viewed here
Sri.R.Visweswaran plays Veena for Sri Swamiji
On 7th March 2009, Sri. R.Visweswaran, noted musicologist, composer and Veena player of the legendary Mysore Bani style called on Sri Swamiji and played two compositions of his in Ragas Bindumalini and Bageshvari. Sri Swamiji appreciated the Mysore style of play and the musical dedication of this eighty year old musician of great caliber
Inauguration of Kalyana Bhavana in Mysore city
Sri Swamiji lights a lamp to inaugurate "Kalyana Bhavana" built by Brahmana Dharma Sahaya Sabha. Others seen from left are : Sri Ramdas, MLA, HH Bhashyam Swamiji of Yoga Narasimha Temple, Mysore, HH Vagisha Teertha Swamiji of Parakala Matha, Mysore, HH Viswesha Teertha Swamiji of Pejavara Matha, Udupi and legendary screen star of Karnataka, Sri. Vishnuvardhan
Legendary Kannada cinema hero, Vishnuvardhan visited Ashrama on 5th March 2009 and sought Blessings. He recalled his frequent visits to Ashrama in the seventies.
Chief Minister of Karnataka inaugurates "Ra Ma Shankara Kutira" in Mysore Ashrama
Shri.B.S.Yedyurappa, Chief Minister of Karnataka, visited Avadhoota Datta Peetham on 4th March 2009 and inaugurated the newly built
Kitchen Complex, "Ra Ma Shankara Kutira". He was accompanied by Smt.Shobha Karandlaje, Mysore district in charge Minister , Sri. Vijay Shankar, MP and Sri. Ramadas, MLA.
Shri.B.S.Yedyurappa performing Arati to Annapurna Devi and Mata Jayalakshmi inside the kitchen.
Later, the Chief Minister and his colleagues had dinner in the new dining hall.
Front view of the Newly built Ra Ma Shankara Kuteera - Kitchen and Dormitory complex
18 Feet tall monolith Datta statue placed in Ganagapura Ashrama
On 12th February 2009 the tall stone Datta statue was hoisted above the Dattatreya temple under construction in Ganagapura Ashrama. The idol was previously standing in Mysore Ashrama near the main entrance ( near the inner Ashrama road to Sri Datta Venkateswara temple). Pujya Bala Swamiji presided over the installation program and placed a copper Yantra under the statue. This tall idol will reflect as the temple tower instead of the regular Gopuram design of a traditional temple tower.
Brahmotsavam in Dharmavaram Ashrama
Pujya Bala Swamiji conducted Brahmotsavam of the Venkateswara Temple in Dharmavaram Ashrama on 6th February 2009
New Post Office in Jayalakshmipuram inaugurated
Pujya Bala Swamiji inaugurated a new Sub Post Office in Jayalakshmipuram on 5th February 2009 . Sri Sudhakar, Post Master General was present on this occasion.
Rousing Reception for Sri Swamiji's arrival from 100th foreign Tour
Mysore Ashrama accorded a rousing reception to Pujya Sri Swamiji on 27th January 2007. Sri Swamiji was returning from His 100th foreign tour. This historic tour enshrined Sri Swamiji's music in the Esplanade concert Hall, the iconic concert hall in Singapore. Pujya Bala Swamiji, Sri Audikeshavulu, Chairman of Tirumala Tirupati Temples and devotees accorded a warm and reverential welcome to Sri Swamiji. In the evening, a program was held in Prayer hall. Swami Manasa Datta explained about Sri Swamiji's foreign tours and their effect of Sri Swamiji on the people there.
Sri.R.Venkatraman, former President of India and Chairman of Ashrama celebrations committee expired today. In his memory, a three minute silence was observed. Sri Swamiji in his speech paid glowing tributes to Sri.R.Venkatraman's personality.
Sri Swamiji spoke about Singapore concert and said that this visit was historic in more than one way. It also projected Sri Swamiji's musical personality and the cultural side of Sri Swamiji.
Sri Bala Swamiji climbs 3600 steps to reach Tirumala
Sri Datta Vijayananda Teertha Swamiji (Bala Swamiji) on 7th january 2009 observed Vaikuntha Ekadashi in Mysore Ashrama.
The next day, on 8th January, Sri Bala Swamiji left from Mysore to Tirupati to have the darshan of Lord Venkateshwara. At 4 pm in the evening He started the journey of climbing the Tirumala hill from Alipiri with a troupe of nearly 70 devotees. During the journey, Sri Bala Swamiji had the darshan of all the temples that came in the way. While climbing, Sri Swamiji chanted the Nama Smarana of Lord Venkateshwara all along. After a five hour journey, He reached Tirumala and gave 15 minutes discourse to the devotees in the Asthana Mantapam. Later, Sri Bala Swamiji had the darshan of Lord Venkateshwara. All the devotees also had the darshan. It was a divine experience to all the devotees.