Sri Swamiji in Baton Rouge - 8th Anniversary of Trinity Datta Temple

Pujya Sri Swamiji's much anticipated visit to the Baton Rouge Datta temple took place with the arrival of Sri Swamiji on 30th June 2005. Sri Swamiji had driven from Jackson in Mississippi to Baton Rouge in Louisiana. Being a Thursday, devotees were even more eager to have Guru Darshan on Guru Vaara (Thursday - Guru Day).The temple hall had been modified to accommodate more worshippers. The exterior of the building had been decorated keeping in mind the spiritual nature of the place.

Sri Swamiji then came to the main altar where Arati was performed to the Dattatreya and Anagha Devi, Maha Ganapathy and Shiva Lingam. Sadguru Pada Puja was performed. Sri Suri Duvvuri welcomed Sri Swamiji and said that words cannot explain the delight of the devotees to receive Sri Swamiji that too after year long construction which had delayed Sri Swamiji's earlier visit. Swami Manasa and Sri Swamiji spoke briefly and said that He was very happy to be back in Baton Rouge Datta temple and to see all the devotees. (click here for the text of the speech)

Later, the priests performed Punyahavachanam (purification Mantras) and the Guru Nilaya inauguration took place. Sri Swamiji first cut the ribbon at the entrance of the newly built Guru Nilayam adjacent to the temple. The decorations were tasteful and pleasing. Sri Swamiji then came to the kitchen and the traditional rite of boiling and spilling of milk was performed.

On 1st July morning, Pada Pujas were held. In the evening, Sri Swamiji came to Jayalakshmi Bhavan, the large prayer hall opposite the Datta temple. Sri Chakra Puja was performed by Sri Swamiji. Smt. Heera Duvvuri presented english Audio book of the famous epic Datta Darshanam penned by Sri Swamiji.

On 2nd morning after the Sri Chakra Puja, Sri Swamiji spoke and Blessed the audience. Sri Chundu Srinivas of New Jersey presented the DVD containing the live video of the music for meditation and healing concert held in New Jersey two years ago. Smt. Rosemary Nulty, who created the DVD was thanked.

At 5 PM, Sri Swamiji met devotees of Dallas and Houston and listened to their plans. In the evening, Sri Swamiji sang Bhajans and recited just composed Telugu poems. The Telugu audience went wild with laughter and happiness at the wit and dry humour contained in the poetry as well as the way in which Sri Swamiji narrated them.

On 3rd July, Sunday, Sri Swamiji performed Abhishekam to all the deities in the altar - Maha Ganapathy, Dattatreya, Anagha Devi & Shiva Lingam as it was the 8th anniversary day. Maha Ganapathy Homa was performed. Children recited Shata Shloki Ramayana during Sri Chakra Puja. Devotees who donated for the construction of Guru Nilaya and temple expansion were honoured.

The evening Bhajan session was lively and the Nama Sankeertana was powerful and thunderous. Devotees sang the names of the Gods and Goddess in great devotion and heart fully.

4th July, being Independence day in United States, Ekadasha Rudrabhisheka was performed to the Shiva Lingam in the temple. After the Sri Chakra Puja, Sri Swamiji spoke about the greater need for genuine patriotism. Devotees sang American national anthem and the Indian national anthem.

In the afternoon, Sri Swamiji visited a nearby bonsai nursery and the Bonsai artist of that place Mr. Guy Duidry of Northshore Bonsai. His devotion and dedication to Bonsai was inspiring. He recognised the greatness of Sri Swamiji visiting his bonsai nursery and mentioned it over and over. His specialised skill in artistic Bald cypress Bonsai was wonderful. Sri Swamiji spent over one hour in extreme heat and sultry climate and applauded Guy's skills.

Sri Swamiji left Baton Rouge on 5th July 2005 morning.

Sri Swamiji performs Abhishekam to Dattatreya and Anagha Devi
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The altar containing all three deities
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Sri Swamiji cuts ribbon and inaugurates Guru Nilayam.
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Children singing Shata Shloki Ramayana
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Release of New Jersey concert video DVD
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Sri. Subhash Kak, eminent Indologist from Louisiana with Sri Swamiji
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Evening Satsang
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Sri Daulat Stanki performs Arati to Sri Swamiji's louts feet
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One of the many young devotees to be blessed by Sri Swamiji
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Sri Swamiji leads the audience in chanting the national anthem on
American Independence day - 4th July
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Sri Swamiji with Guy of Northshore Bonsai near Baton Rouge. This special 100 year old tree is called twister and he has been artistically forming the shape of the tree
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