Tour Report - 2

11th January 2007
Sri Swamiji has departed from Manginapudi Sri Datta Rameswara Kshetram at 9 AM and arrived at Guru Paduka Kshetram (Sri Ganapati Sachchidananda Ashrama) located at Pamarru Road in Gudivada. After Purnahuti, Kosta Jyoti and Palle Bata local news paper correspondents have read important articles of this commemorative issue. His Holiness has blessed the temple plans for construction of Ashta Lakshmi Temple in this Ashrama and proceeded to Kaikaluru Ashrama.

At Kaikaluru, "Sam Datta Natha Kshetram", Ganapati Homa was performed in the new Yagashala, followed by Srichakra Puja on the new stage. Addressing the devotees, Sri Swamiji confided that His ratings for any Ashrama/ Branch would be based on the basis of its programs/ Activities. {Though Construction of buildings is important for development, activities should be given more weight age.} Hence, members of Ashrama should concentrate on the conduct of spiritual programs such as discourses, Harikatha, Music, Charity services andRelief to Poor.

12th January 2007
In the morning Anniversary Abhishekam/ Puja was performed to Ganapati and Dattatreya. After Puja, Sri Swamiji spoke about life style anomalies. (Click here for the speech). His Holiness left Kaikaluru for Akiveedu Ashrama.

13th January 2007
Taila Abhishekam was performed to Viswambara Avadhoota Dattatreya Swamy in the morning. Members of Matru Mandali have performed Pada Puja near Jayalakshmi Mata Mandapam in the evening and offered various eatables/ sweets as part of Sankranti Festivities. The administration was toned up to conduct more and more service activities for the society.
After all the members and devotees have promised to involve themselves in the charitable and devotional programs at Ashrama; Sri Swamiji has asked Sri GSR Krishna Murty (Executive Trustee) to explain his first experiences with Sri Swamiji. In his speech Sri Krishna Murty has narrated that Sri Swamiji has sung one song for him in his dream "Dattundu Kala Lona Darsanambicche" (Gist of the song: Datta has appeared in my dream I am so captivated by the joy of Darshan and unable to determine whether this experience was real or mere dream. All the hands display whether various instruments/ weapons to ward off any evil design against me or evil thought within.) Next day, to his surprise a cassette containing this rendition by Swamiji at far off Vijayawada Ashrama was delivered to him by an unknown devotee from Vijayawada. Moved by this narration, all the devotees have requested Sri Swamiji to sing this song. At 9 PM, Sri Swamiji has relented finally to sung this bhajan sonorously to conlude the evening Satsang.

14th January 2007
Makara Sankranti, the harvest festival was celebrated with pomp. The Sun enters Makara Zodiac Sign on this day; hence this is called Makara Sankranti. As part of this, Sri Swamiji conducted Surya Namaskaram and Surya Homa. Sri Datta Vijayananda Teertha Swamy (Bala Swamy) has also attended this Sankranti Festival. During Srichakra Puja, Veda Mantras were recited by 8 Veda Scholars from Iragavaram village. Outgoing Priest Sri Surendra and new appointees Sri Ayyappa and Sri Sambasiva Rao were felicitated.
Members of Akiveedu Gnana Bodha Sabha have offered garlands and Vastram to Sri Bala Swamy on the occasion of His 30th Birth-Day. Sri Bala Swamy has explained the significance of the customs and meaning of Sankranti, as elucidated by Sri Swamiji in His message to Television Channels. Later, New Audio (CD) Albums were released.

The New CDs were:
1. Sri Krishna Jayam - 3 CD Album containing live recording of Kannada Bhajans, composed by Sri Swamiji, as sung to Him by Mata Jayalakshmi. The songs were sung by noted singers from Karnataka, Sri Puttur Narasimha Nayak, Sri. Shankar Shanbhag and Smt. Sangeeta Katti Kulkarni during Dattatreya Jayanti 2006.
2. Audio CD "Naadaanjaneya" contains 10 wonderful Hanuman Bhajans in Kannada language composed and sung by Pujya Sri Swamiji during the inauguration of Sri Karyasiddhi Mantapa in Bangalore Ashrama during November 2006. Sri. Jaitra Varanasi, had scored the background music for this album is also seen.
3. "Live in Machilipatnam" CD was also re-launched.
  Traditional Kushmanda Danam and Saligrama Danam were performed by devotees to Sadguru Deva.
In the evening, the bhajan session was very lively and charming. Members have thanked Sri Swamiji for giving the great opportunity of Sankranti to Akiveedu.

15th January 2007
At 9 Am Sri Swamiji left to Bheemavaram Ashrama. Enroute to Bheemavaram He visited Cherukuvada (Village) Datta Paduka Kshetram. This trip to Bheemavaram witnessed special rituals Brahma Kalasa Abhishekam, Samprokshanam and Lakshmi Yagam on the completion of 12 years after consecration. Akella Venkata Narayana Murty and Sri Tadepalli Raghavendra Sarma along with other Veda scholars have conducted the programs.
Sri Swamiji has performed sacred Brahma Kalasa Abhishekam was performed to all the deities in Datta Rama Mandiram. Ganapati, Visweswara, Visalakshi, Ashta Lakshmi, "Pam" Dattanatha Dattatreya, Rama Parivar, Nagendra and Navagraha deities were consecrated in this Ashrama in 1993. A commemorative souvenir was also released on this occasion.
Many devotees have participated in the evening Satsang (Srichakra Puja, Bhajans) at local School. Many amateur poets have read out their poems in praise of Sri Swamiji. During the course of Srichakra Puja, Sri Mamidanna Venkatarao (Trustee of Bheemavam Ashrama) from the family of Ashrama site donors was asked by Sri Swamiji to speak about the development of this Ashrama and His experiences with Swamiji. Later, Sri Raja Gopal has given His welcome address on behalf of devotees. Sri Swamiji has sung Surya Bhajans and narrated the recent Australian Tour - Ayres Rock expedition. (With this Sankranti Celebrations in the region concluded.)

16th January 2007
After morning Puja at Ashta Lakshmi Temple, Sri Swamiji has launched the permanent Abhisheka Seva at the temple. He left Bheemavaram to Eluru via Narayanapuram.
In his impromptu message upon arrival, Sri Swamiji has advised people to mind their daily schedules and habits. He blessed the Kriya Yoga Students before performing Pavamana Homa Purnahuti. Sri Ratnakar Bhat has conducted this Homa.
The evening Satsang was held at Stadium. Sri Durga Das, Joint Collector, Sri Ambica Krishna (Former MLA and Industrialist), Usha Bala Krishna have participated. Sri Brij Gopal Lunani, Chairman of the reception committee and MD of Jute Mills has welcomed Sri Swamiji. Sri Vaddiparti Padmakar (Datta Peetha Asthana Vidwan and eminent poet) has recited poems in praise of Sri Swamiji.

17th January 2007
Srichakra Puja and Anjaneya Homa were important events for the morning. In the evening Bhajans were conducted at Stadium. Sri Swamiji has narrated the significance of Jwala Ji Sakti Peetham, in Himachal Pradesh and sung Jwalalanduna Janmamettina Telugu Bhajan. His Holiness has promised to give discourse on Anjaneya Charitra for one week and advised people to offer Purna Phalam more often for the fulfilment of their desires. Prior to Satsang, Sri Swamiji has visited the beautiful Ambika Temple, constructed by Ambika Darbaar Batti Group.

18th January 2007
Before departure from Eluru Ashrama Sri Swamiji has blessed the Wooden Trunk for the Dhwaja Stambha for this temple and also ordained a Raja Gopuram should also be constructed for this Temple.
Briefly halting at Badampudy village near Tadepalligudem, (to bless the ongoing construction of Sri Subrahmanya Datta Ashrama), Sri Swamiji exhorted that all the devotees should look for an opportunity to serve God. He said, "Sadguru cannot be trapped by exhibition of wealth, power and charity for publicity. However, complete surrender will convince the will of Sadguru. This is a place of extraordinary sculpture and good vibrations. Be a part of this sacred Ashrama."
Visit to Mandeswara Temple
We have heard of Shiva temples consecrated by many sages and deities. But the temple in Mandapalli (6 km from NH5, Ravulapalem) is very famous for alleviation of Graha Dosha, especially Shani Dosha. Lord Shani had installed this Shiva Lingam.
Manda in Samskruta means Slow. Shani limps or moves slowly, the mythology says. Hence, Shani is also called Manda. Named after him, this Shiva Temple on the banks of distributary of Godavari River, is known as Mandeswara Temple. Along with Mandeswara Temple, Nageswara (Shiva Lingam installed by Karkotaka - the serpent king), Venu Gopala Swamy Temples are located in this temple Complex.
Enroute to Rajamundry, Sri Swamiji has visited this tiny village, Mandapally. Swamy Pranavananda, a revered Saint of yesteryears, exponent of Srividya, Srichakra Upasaka and long time resident of Kailasa Manasa Sarovar had installed a beautiful Srichakra in this village. His Holiness had visited the Srichakra temple and visited Sri Mandeswara Swamy Temple and performed the tradition Taila Abhishekam to Sri Mandeswara Swamy.
In the evening, a warm reception was accorded in Sri Datta Mukti Kshetram (Sri Datta Temple Construction Site on the banks of sacred Godavari River), Goutami Ghat, Rajamundry by the Trustees. The Government has allotted a small site to the local trust for the establishment of a Datta Temple in this area. The clarion call of Sri Swamiji for early completion of the Temple had woken up the Datta Family members in Rajamundry area from deep slumber. The temple construction was supervised and donors were blessed by Sri Swamiji. He decided that Sphatika Shiva Lingam would be installed here in this Kshetram along with Dattatreya and Marakata Guru Paduka. He further decided that regular Ashrama programs such as bhajans, Puja, Homa, Yoga practice sessions would be supplemented by Teertha Vidhi facilities for visiting pilgrims.
It is a tradition to bathe in sacred rivers, whenever we visit the region and offer respects thru Teertha Sraaddham to ancestors and deceased parents/ relatives. Apart from this, we need to perform Special rites for those friends/ relatives who met unnatural death. Here trained priests would be deputed to cater to the needs of pilgrims.\

19th January 2007
Srichakra Puja was conducted at 12 Noon in Sri Guru Datta Paduka Ksehtram (Rajamundry Ashrama) in Chakradwarabandham Village near Rajamundry. Sri Swamiji has announced that Annapoorneswari Temple would be built at this Ashrama on the lines of famous Annapoorneswari Temple at Horanadu, Karnataka. Godavari Delta is renowned as Annapoorna of Andhra Pradesh. There is no known Annapoorneswari Temple in this stretch. Consecration and worship at this temple would bolster this fame with copious rain fall and good harvest, Sri Swamiji opined.
He said, "Today was Mouni Amavasya, a great day for those who perform penance and to observe silence, which helps look inwards for God. Lakhs of people converge in Triveni Sangama in Prayaga for ablutions at Ganga & Yamuna. Here devotees are bathing in the divine nectar of Guru Upadesham.
     Taapatrayagni Taptaanam Sraantanaam Praanima Ume,
     Gurureva Paraa Gangaa, Tasmai Sree Gurave Namaha. - Guru Gita"
Earlier in the day, Sri Swamiji visited Komaripalem and Rajanagaram villages to bless devotees. He asked devotees to visit Rajamundry Ashrama on every Poornima to perform Anagha Vratam and Guru Puja.

20th January 2007
Early in the morning, Sri Swamiji visited Pulagurta village. Ganapati Homa was performed. The devotees have impressed Sadguru Deva with their discipline. In His message, Sri Swamiji has blessed the volunteers and members who are extending their continuous service and permitted them to build one small Paduka shrine, as remembrance of this visit.
Later at Polamuru Village near Ananparti, (where His Holiness has consecrated Poorna Dattatreya Swamy last year) Sri Swamiji blessed the doctors rendering service at SGS Rural Health centre, run by Buddhavarapu Charitable Trust. Daily Free Clinic is run here at this village. He had blessed the plans for renovation of Village Tank, Mid-day meal plan, Vocational Training for unemployed youth.
At 1 PM, Sri Swamiji arrived at Sripadavallabha Anagha Datta Kshetram, Pithapuram. A new pilgrim amenity complex, named Sri Ganapati Sachchidananda Bhavanam, constructed by Sri Jayalakshmi Mata Nitya Annadana Trust was inaugurated by Sri Swamiji. This visit to Pithapuram was marked by the 5th Annual Brahmotsavam of the Temple and Commencement of the work for the Historic Pushkarini (Pond) at the Temple.
In the evening, artists from International Kuchipudi Dance Training Centre, Visakhapatnam have performed. After Srichakra Puja, cordial welcome was accorded by Sri Gopala Krishna, ZP Chairman; Sri Ramana Murty IPS (Dharmakarta of the temple); Municipal Chairperson Smt. Rajeswari and local judge and counsellors. Sri Rani Subbayya Deeskhitulu of Mysore Ashrama has recited few poems on Sri Swamiji. The dignitaries had spoken on this occasion, extolling the magnanimous presence of Sri Swamiji. Later Sri Vedula Achyuta Rama Rao, Trustee had spoken about His experience with Sri Swamiji.

21st January 2007
Today was the final day of the 3 day Brahmotsavam of the temple. At 10 AM Sri Swamiji has symbolically started the work for Pushkarini (Ceremonial Temple Pond) at Ashrama and performed Taila Abhishekam to Anagha Datta Swamy. Thousands of devotees had the rare privilege to offer Taila Abhishekam to Lord Datta.
In the evening, Burra Katha (Ancient folk art of story narration) was conducted by Sri Nittala Satrughna Rao and Family. Sri Swamiji had given a rare clue to myriad problems faced by devotees across the globe. In a short but very effective speech, Sri Swamiji had given a questionnaire to provoke thoughts in the minds of devotees. (Click here for the text of the speech). Sri Swamiji's speech was followed by a skit by Sri N Ramesh of Mummidivaram. Sri Satyaranayana Sastry, Ashrama Sanskrit Teacher had recited few Poems praising Sri Swamiji.
Sri Swamiji had entrusted to devotees and public the job of writing the holy name "Sri Datta" and thus ensuring the early completion of the Pushkarini Project.

22nd January 2007
Sreekakulam was the last town in this leg of Andhra Tour as per schedule. Sri Swamiji had reached "Chim" Dattanatha Kshetra at 5 PM. In the welcome function, Sri K Yerram Naidu -MP, Sri Vishnu IAS - District Collector, Smt. Padmavati - Municipal Chair Person, Sri Narayana Murty - District Judge and Smt. Varada Saroja - Former legislator and one of the founding members of local Ashrama have participated. During Srichakra Puja students from Maitreya School had presented classical dance to the tune of Bhajans of His Holiness. Later Prizes were given to the winners of the inaugural Inter School Music Competition.
Sri Swamiji had blessed the tribal community folk artists, called Chenchus with Shalws. He had also spoken in length about the association He had in His early life. The Folk musicians had presented tribal music instruments for display at Datta Peetham, along with their traditional attire.
This evening Bhajan session was tremendous. Devotees had listened to each song and word of Sri Swamiji with rapt attention and requested him to visit Sreekakulam again for longer duration.

24th January 2007
The schedule of Sri Swamiji was to arrive in Mysore to attend Atirudra Yaga, (A great ritual with chanting and Homa with Rudra Mantras) conducted in Mysore for the first time in recent past. However, due to bad weather Visakhapatnam airport was not functional. Hence, Sri Swamiji has decided to drive down to Vijayawada to conduct the next day's Ratha Saptami morning rituals.
Before departure from Sreekakulam, He advised the volunteers to be vigilant about bad habits in life. In His message His Holiness had administered a oath of dedication and sincerity by corps of volunteers.

25th January 2007
At 6.40 AM Sri Swamiji had commenced Surya Puja on the occasion of Ratha Saptami. This day is also observed as Remembrance day of Sri Surappa Poundareeka Yaji, fore father of Sri Swamiji. The rituals commenced amidst chants of Aditya Hrudaya Stotram (sacred hymns in praise of Sun God; given to Lord Rama by legendary Sage Agastya), Vedic Hymns and Surya Kavacham.
Clad in red robes, Sri Swamiji had offered Arghyam and other Worship according to the procedure enshrined in Padma Puranam. He later spoke about the importance of Surya Aradhana and Namaskara in our daily life. Surya Homa was performed by noted scholar of Vijayawada Sri Kambhampati Nageswara Avadhani, for which Purnahuti was offered by His Holiness.
On this auspicious occasion, Bhumi Puja was performed for the proposed construction of New Building housing Charitable Hospital and Priest quarters; and renovation of Varaha Narasimha Kalyana Mandapam at Vijayawada Ashrama.
Before departure to Mysore, Sri Swamiji visited unique Pancha Paduka Mandiram at Gannavaram Ashrama. After a long journey by air and road, His Holiness has arrived in Datta Peetham at 9.30 PM to give Darshan to hundreds of devotees yearning for His presence. In His message, Sri Swamiji has explained the concept of Surya Graha/ Koti Surya and actual Surya. When you pray to Surya, you worship the all pervading Antaryami, who dwells in the physical Ball of Energy called Surya Gola. These Surya Golas are countless. The word Koti (Crore) is just a term to denote large number.
When you worship Datta Idol, you say - I am worshipping Datta. Actually you do not mean to say that this stone piece alone is Datta. Datta is here and there. His presence is realised by us thru invocation. Similarly, this Surya Bimba - which we see every day is a symbol of the eternal Surya. Hence, the stotra says
"Dhyeyassadaa Savitru Mandalamadhyavartee"

Jaya Guru Datta
Compiled by Vamshi Krishna Ghanapathi

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