Sri Swamiji in Jackson, Mississippi

ARTICLE IN CLARION LEDGER NEWS PAPER- CLICK HERE

Jaya Guru Datta

Sadguru Sri Swamiji arrived in Jackson on 27th June 2005 (Monday). This is second visit to Sri Swamiji to Jackson after the first visit in 1993.

There was a devotional reception to Sri Swamiji in the residence of Dr.Prakasa Rao who is the head of the sociology department in the Jackson State University. He has been rendering service to Sri Swamiji for the past many years. Sri Swamiji performed the traditional Sri Chakra Puja in the house. Sri Swamiji said "I am happy to be here again in Jackson which is purely a will of Almighty". I had not planned it to be here. Yet Datta Blessings have to reach many people in this area. "
That evening, the Prashna Ganapathy idol, part of the Puja Samputa (puja idols) carried on the tour was specially worshipped with Milk Abhishekam while chanting the sacred Ganapathy Atharva Sheersha Mantras - 21 times. The same was repeated next morning. The idol was immersed in milk the entire night.

On 28th morning, the committee members of the Hindu Temple society of Mississippi, headed by its Chairman Mr.Som Budhiraj, Secretary Guru Mukh Lakhmani,and others member of Indianisation committee met Sri Swamiji. They had long discussions on the plans to construct a new temple and the Vastu aspects of the new construction. Sri Swamiji has delegated Subramanya Sthapathy ( of Trinidad Hanuman fame) , well known temple architect to Jackson to plan the new temple.

That evening Sri Swamiji performed the ground breaking ceremony for new Lord Venkateswara Shrine. Sitting in front of the existing temple, Sri Swamiji performed Puja to the bricks which were later put in a pit and cement poured over it. All members of the temple committee , the priest and the Sthapathy performed Puja. Sri Swamiji then presented a Vastu Yantram to the temple for worship.

Sri Swamiji then visited the various shrines in the temple and offered prayers. After the Sri Chakra Puja and in the welcome function there after, Sri Som Budhiraj gave a welcome speech. Sri Swamiji Blessed with a short discourse.

On 29th evening, Swami Manasa, Prasad and Mahesh performed detailed Abhishekam to the Venkateswara idol. After the Sri Chakra Puja, Sri Swamiji came to the shrine and performed Maha Mangala Arati. It was a beautiful sight to watch.

Sri Swamiji then sang several Bhajans which brought devotional atmosphere to the entire place.

On 30th morning, Puja and Homa were held in the residence of Dr.Prakasa Rao. The Rao family performed Pada Puja to Sri Swamiji as it was a Thursday. Dr.Rao presented a proclamation from the Ridgeland city Mayor - welcoming Sri Swamiji.

That afternoon, Sri Swamiji traveled to Baton Rouge.

Members of Hindu Temple Society of Mississippi meet Sri Swamiji on 28 June 2005
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Sri Swamiji Blessed bricks during the Bhumi Puja for the new temple
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Sri Subramanya Sthapathy places bricks in the pit
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The old temple on the back ground. Bhumi Puja in progress
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Sri Swamiji performs Arati to the Lord Venkateswara
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Bhajans by Sri Swamiji. Background is the photo of the Mysore Datta Temple
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Prashna Ganapathy idol after Puja
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