Krishna Pushkaram
4th & 5th September 2004

 
4th September 2004 - Saturday

His Holiness Sri Swamiji arrived in Vijayawada Airport at 11.40 AM on 4th September. He was warmly received by Trustees of the Ashrama, led by Sri Kolli Gopala Krishnayya and Chairman of the Urban Development Authority Sri Malladi Vishnu. After Darshanam at Patamata Ashrama in Vijayawada, Sri Swamiji started to the venue of Krishna Pushkaram programs, Sri Jaya Durga Teertham, located on the banks of River Krishna in Undavalli Village, Guntur District.

At Jaya Durga Teertham Ashrama, His Holiness was accorded a ceremonious welcome by Sri Dasari Jaganmohana Rao, Administrator of the Ashrama, Team of Ritwiks, scholars led by Sri Vamshi Krishna Ghanapathi, Team of Sri Datta Humane Services Volunteers led by Sri Narayana Rao in a happy and festive atmosphere. The newly laid Concrete Road, sponsored by Zilla Parishat of Guntur District was inaugurated by Pujya Swamiji. Inauguration of newly constructed Guru Nilayam ensued. This new Guru Nilayam, constructed by Sri Hari Gopal Lunani of Eluru, has given a new face to the picturesque Ashrama. Sri Swamiji proceeded to the renovated Old Bathing Ghat (Jaya Durga Teertham) and sprinkled the holy water. The scene reminded us a famous sequence, as if the River is welcoming Pujya Guru Deva with stretched hands, with the rise of sudden waves.

In the Welcome Function, President of the Local Grama Panchayat Smt. Radha Kumari praised Sri Swamiji’s mission. She added that hitherto unknown Undavalli has shot into prominence, with Sri Swamiji’s presence. Local Devotee Sri Bose Reddy, Inspector Sri Suryanarayana Reddy and Sri T Krishna Prasad offered Vastram to Sri Swamiji. In His benedictory speech, Pujya Swamiji has explained the significance of this River, this period and this visit. He has read 2 Bhajans, extolling Krishna River, as detailed in the mythology.

The evening program ended with the Puja to Krishna River, which is a daily procedure.

5th September 2004    Sunday
 
State Government Minister Sri Koneru Ranga Rao, Vijayawada MP & Lanco Group Chairman Sri Lagadapati Raja Gopal, VGTM UDA Chairman Malladi Vishnu had visited Ashrama in the morning.

In a media Conference before Pushkara Snanam, Sri Swamiji spoke at length about the Krishna Pushkaram significance and the medicinal values of the River Waters. When a journalist said that “attempts to support age old beliefs with the crutches of scientific parameters are deplorable”, He asserted that we are merely adding another dimension to the age old tradition, not trying to validate with any theory or adding  anything new. He urged all to develop and strengthen Devotion.

At 9 AM, He took the holy dip – Pushkara Snanam amidst Vedic Chanting and floated on the water in various Yogic postures. (Amazed by this rare sight, many news papers have published the photos). Ashrama was jam packed with thousands of Datta Devotees along with general Pushkaram Pilgrims waiting to have a glimpse of Guru Deva. After Sri Chakra Puja, an audio cassette - “Pushkara Nadam”, was released by Sri Ranga Prasada Rao, Additional Superintendent of Police, in Charge of Pushkaram duties in the locality. To commemorate this Krishna Pushkaram, Young Devotees had prayed to Sri Swamiji to come out with a new and novel concept. Hence this audio cassette is a combination of various songs, penned and sung by Sri Swamiji, in 4 languages. To add voltage and hype to these songs, Sri Mani Sharma, one of the stalwart Music Directors in South Indian Movies was drafted. He has composed music and has also donated 2000 cassettes to Ashrama as a tribute to Sri Swamiji. Speaking on the occasion, Sri Swamiji narrated the idea behind the cassette and also elaborated the significance and connection between River Krishna and Dattatreya. A special edition of Kotta Darbar (Telugu Magazine) of Eluru was also released before Purnahuti for Pavamana Homa. Donor for the New Ghat Guru Teertham Sri Atluri Sivarama Krishna Prasad was blessed.

In the evening session, Poornahuti for the day’s Homa in Nine Homa Kundas related to Lalita Maha Yagam was offered. The day’s programs concluded with the ceremonial Nadee (river) Puja. Hymns comprising 4 Vedas, Upanishad, Shastra, Purana and Musical Notes were rendered. More than 600 devotees performed rites to their deceased parents, as advised by Pujya Swamiji.

 

Pujya Sri Swamiji unveils the plaque during the inauguration of the newly laid road leading to Jaya Durga Teertha.

Sri Swamiji entering Ashrama after inaugurating the new Road

Inauguration of the new Guru Nilayam. Sri. Lunani of Eluru, who was instrumental in the construction is seen on the right (orange shirt)

The river side view of the Guru Nilayam

Parama Pujya Sri Swamiji taking the sacred Pushkara bath

Yoga Prakriya

Prokshanam

Offering Purnahuti for Pavamana Homa

Devotees watch the Purnahuti

Release of the audio cassette "Pushkara Nadam". Parama Pujya Sri Swamiji has sung seven wonderful Bhajans in this album. The background score for this album has been done by renowned music director Sri Mani Sharma (white dress) and his wife, who are seen on the right. Sri Ranga Prasada Rao, Additional Superintendent of Police, in Charge of Pushkaram duties is seen on the left.

Sri Swamiji holds the cassette

Sri Swamiji performing Krishna river Puja in the Jaipur Style Mandapam. The Marvelous view of Guru Nilayam in the background.

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