Pujya Sri Swamiji in Kerala - 19, 20, 21 December 2008

Parama Pujya Sri Swamiji embarked upon the Winter Tour of 2008-09 with the state of Kerala. Traditionally, Kerala is fondly remembered by frequent visitors for its unique traditions, delicious dishes, Ayurvedic Curative therapies found to be effective for Bone related diseases, serene atmosphere, water ways, leisure boating, ancient temples among other vistas.

19th December 2008, Ashtami
Visit to Palghat Ayurvedic Hospital
The weather was very kind and added joy to the visual bliss. Sri Swamiji’s first engagement was a visit to Devi Krupa Ayurvedic Hospital in Palghat. It was nearly a decade, Sri Swamiji gave a promise to two young Medicine Students that He would visit this tradition centre of Ayurveda. The two students have become efficient Ayurveda Physicians under the able supervision and training of noted doyen of Ayurveda Medicine Dr. KBG Nair. His clinic at Mattu Manda, Palghat is functioning since many decades and their family was silently praying to Sri Swamiji to fulfil their wish of visiting this clinic.

Arriving at 1.15 PM, after a tiresome journey, Sri Swamiji blessed the clinic, which offers Pancha Karma treatment and rejuvenation therapy programs to patients and body conditioning camps to public. His Holiness blessed those two students, long time devotees Dr. Smita Nair and Dr. Anurag Talwar to spare their career and life in the service of Public and efficiently run this Devi Krupa Ayurveda Hospital. He further wished that devotees may make use of this traditional centre of Indian Therapy. Sri. NP Balachandran, local advocate and other physicians were blessed on this occasion.

Sri Datta Anjaneya Kshetram
After three and a half hour journey, Sri Swamiji reached Kerala Ashrama, situate at the banks of Purna River (known as Periyar locally). He was warmly welcomed in typical Kerala Tradition consisting of an Elephant (which is also part of the official emblem of the Government); Pancha Vaadyam (Incessant Beat of Chande Rhythm instruments) and lighting of oil lamps by ladies draped in auspicious white saree.

The welcome procession led His Holiness to Maha Ganapati, Sri Karyasiddhi Anjaneya and Siddaraaja Dattatreya Temples. Raja Alankara adorned to Dattatreya (a decoration befitting an emperor) was exemplary, which made Pujya Swamiji ecstatic. He explained that the bonhomie and perfect working understanding between the temple management (Trustees) and the priests Sri V Maruti Krishna, Ravi and Balaji is the precise reason behind such wonderful happenings. He further wished that all the Ashrama managements will emulate this example of Kerala Ashrama, in respecting the Archakas, take care of their well being and establish mutual trust to further the interests of devotees.

Sri Maruti, Pradhana Archaka (Chief priest) widely respected for his dedication and mastery in the Archana and Alankara to deities was blessed for his commitment. He has learned Malayam language and has taken upon the arduous task of translating many of Datta Peetham publications into Malayalam. Sri Swamiji appreciated the special relationship between the Priests and Trustees, who value the others’ contribution as indispensable and blessed for its continuance. Later, Pradhana Anaghasthami Vratam on the occasion of Margasira Bahula Ashtami was performed by Vamshi Krishna Ghanapathi and Parameswaran Iyer, executive Trustee, in which hundreds of devotees participated. Sri Padmanabhan, Rama Swamy Kannan, Setu Raman, Dr. Sridharan Vaidyar, Dr. Sai Kumar, Dr. NP Vijaya Lakshmi, Siva Kumar, Krishna Kumar, Narayanan and other members welcomed Sri Swamiji and entourage also comprising many devotees from foreign countries.

Sri Swamiji’s brief discourse
I am very happy to come back to my Ashrama after so many months, especially after Datta Jayanti and powerful Nava Graha Yagna. You all have been part of it. Now, I am giving you a special Raksha Mantra, which is useful for protection of one and all.
Om Aim Hreem Sreem Siva Raama Anagha Dattaaya Namaha
This Mantra has the rare combination for all that you need in life. Chant this mantra as much time as possible. You can use it in your bhajan sessions. You are conducting the programs, Bhajans and Satsang with perseverance. Continue the Seva. For next two days, we will start the Mantra Japa with a special procedure too. Take a morsel of raw (basmati) rice. Chant the Mantra 108 times, holding this sachet of rice. In the end, offer the same to Lord.
Jaya Guru Datta

20th December 2008
Morning Puja was performed in the shrine of Anjaneya, in which hundreds of people tied Poorna Phalam. Sri Mattanchery Viswanathan rendered a Vocal recital comprising many compositions of Sri Swamiji. In the evening, Sri Swamiji explained the importance of Raksha Mantra and asked the Kerala Bhajana Group to sing in varying speeds with slight modifications in the tunes.

Jaya Guru Datta