REPORT
The arrival was delayed by over 14 hours. The flight from Mumbai to Mauritius was delayed and Sri Swamiji, to the joy of Mumbaikers stayed in the Guru Nilaya in Mumbai on the 31st August night. Earlier Leaving Vijayawada on the morning of 31st, Sri Swamiji had transited in Hyderabad and visited Thursday Satsang in the information center in Begumpet, Hyderabad. Hundreds of devotees rejoiced to see Sri Swamiji walk in while the Satsang was going on. It was as if Sri Swamiji had walked out of the Large life size photo kept in the altar there.
Sri Swamiji addressed them and said that it was their Satsang energy that had compelled Sri Swamiji to visit them.
Arriving in Mauritius on the 1st September 2006 at 7.30 PM, Sri Swamiji was received by the airport by Sri Anil Kumar Bachoo, Minister for environment and Speaker of the National Assembley, Mr. Kailas Purryag Rajkeswur, Sri. Umapathy Swami, Chief Priest of the Adi Parashakti Temple in Chembel.
2 Sep 2006- Saturday
In the morning, Sri Swamiji visited the Meenakshi Sundareswarar Temple in Port Louis, the capital city. It is astonishing to note that more than 400 temples dot this beautiful island nation. This temple is supposedly the first one built. Sri Swamiji was warmly received and Sri Swamiji offered prayers to Mother Goddess. Later Sri Swamiji visited the nearby Meenakshi old age home where elders are cared for. The volunteers of the home listened to Sri Swamiji’s message urging them to be affectionate to the elders.
Morning Sri Chakra Puja was in the Andhra Maha Sabha. Upon arrival we were received by Ramadas Yellaiah, President of the Sabha. Sri Swamiji first visited the Venkateswara Temple in the premises. Sri Sanjeeva Appadu, Telugu broadcaster in Mauritius who had earlier interviewed Sri Swamiji several times on Live Radio was also there. He showed the efforts he has put in painting on Peepal leaves Sri Yellaiah gave a welcome Speech in which he expressed the happiness of Indians in Mauritius over Sri Swamiji’s visit.
After Puja, Bhajans were sung by devotees. Sri Swamiji spoke
At 3 PM, yes 3 PM, Music for meditation and Healing concert was held in the Indira Gandhi Centre for Indian Culture (IGCIC). The 800 seat auditorium was full and more than 1000 persons were accommodated in the foyer, and passage. Chairs and large video screens were put to compensate their disappointment.
Sri Swamiji was accompanied on the violin by Dr.L.Subramaniam and Jaitra, Mani on Keyboard, Shankar Ramesh on Mridangam and Srinivas (professor of vocal in the IGCIC) on Tabla. The concert was telecast live on Mauritius Broadcasting Corporation (MBC). The concert was inaugurated by lighting of lamp by four ladies. Sri Anil Kumar Bachoo, Minister for environment and Speaker of the National Assembly, Mr. Kailas Purryag Rajkeswur offered garland and Vastra to Pujya Sri Swamiji. Sri Prasad of Datta Peetham gave introduction about the music of Sri Swamiji.
Sri Swamiji chose Saptashvarudham (Sarasangi Raga) as the main healing Raga of the concert. The two hour concert was a new experience for the Mauritians and they all happily sailed in the musical voyage.
Later in the evening Sri Swamiji visited Maratha Mandir. The Maharashtra People living in Mauritius have kept Ganesha and Datta traditions in the spiritual life. Sri Dowlutrao Gangaram and others welcomed. Sri Swamiji spoke on the Datta Tattva in Maharashtra and explained meaning of several Abhangs in which Nama Sankeertan’s (singing divine names) importance is highlighted. The members of the Mandir sang Bhajans and performed Arati.
3 Sep 2006- Sunday
In the morning Pujya Swamiji visited Venkateswara temple in the wonderful natural settings of Lallaura region. The grand setting of the temple in pictursque setting of the temple in green lands with mountain background was uplifting.
From there Sri Swamiji went to the Arul Tharum Kali Parashakti Peedam in Chebel region. The grand temple on the sea shore was a sight to behold. Sri Swamiji offered prayers in the altars of Parashakti, Ganapathy, Sapta Marukas and Dhandayudhapani. Later Sri Chakra Puja was performed. After Puja, Sri Swamiji sang Bhajans. Saptra Matruka Krupashraye was a special Bhajan.
In the evening Sri Swamiji visited the Human Service Trust. The Trust is actively involved in doing many humanitarian projects. The discourse encouraged the members to keep up their zeal and zest. Mr.Bhujavaan and other members received Blessings from Sri Swamiji.
4 Sep 2006- Monday
The morning was a unique experience of under the sea walk on the eastern shore. The rich ocean life and the quietude under the sea was silencing. Later in the afternoon Sri Swamiji gave Darshan to Deputy Prime Minister Sri Dr The Hon Ahmed Rashid Beebeejaun.
Evening Bhajans was in the Divine life society. This was the last public engagement in this visit. Sri Swamiji spoke about Swami Venkateshananda (founder of the society) and his visit to Mysore Ashrama in the late seventies and his invitation to Sri Swamiji to visit Mauritius and South Africa. Sri Swamiji said that Divine energies of the Saintly souls linger on earth for a very long time and the energy of Swami Venkateshananda pervaded the divine life society.
In the end of the program, Sri Ravin Bacchoo, DDG, MBC, Mauritius proposed vote of thanks speech. He expressed the gratefulness of Mauritians to Pujya Swamiji for chosing to visit them.
5 Sep 2006- Tuesday
Sri Swamiji visited the state house and met the President The Rt. Hon. Sir Anerood Jagnauth for about half hour.
Pujya Sri Swamiji travelled to Antananarivo in Madagascar at 11.30 AM and arrived there at 12.30 PM and was received by the leaders of the Indian community.
