Bangalore Ashrama witnessed a lively and lovely Birthday celebration of Sri Swamiji on 7th June 2009.

After Sri Chakra Puja and Ganapathy Homa, Sri Swamiji was facilitated by Sri Ramachandra Gowda, Minister for Medical Education, Government of Karnataka. Bangalore Ashrama gifted stipends to eight rural children from Doddalahalli Village and Sogala village. Two deaf children of SGS Vagdevi School were gifted hearing aid.

Sri B. Krishna Bhat, the vice president of Bangalore Ashrama performed Dattatreya Paduka Puja to the newly introduced Paduka arrangement. Sri Swamiji too participated in the Puja of the Padukas.

In the evening, Sri. Yeddyurappa, Hon'ble Chief Minister of Karnataka state called on Sri Swamiji and offered Birthday greetings. The Chief Minister had the Darshan of Sri Karyasiddhi Hanuman and tied the Poornaphala.

At 6 pm, 67 ladies sat in a pre-arranged seats and chanted Ganesha Sahasranama.

Well known Violinists Ganesh and Kumaresh (of Brahma albums fame) gave a one hour violin concert of Sri Swamiji's Bhajans. The main item of the concert was "Jyoti Veligindi" in Pantuvarali Raga. Sri Swamiji invited them to come and perform during the Hanuman Music Festival planned in Trinidad in 2010. A large cake was cut while the musicians played "Happy Birthday" tune.

While the grand and unforgettable celebrations in Hyderabad is comparable to a large forest with tall trees, programs in Bangalore could be compared to the Bonsai garden in Ashrama. Small and beautiful.

Sri Guru Datta

Sri Chakra Puja by Pujya Sri Swamiji

Donation of hearing aids to SGS Vagdevi school children as part of Sri Swamiji's 67th Birthday Celebrations in the presence of Sri Ramachandra Gowda, Minister for Medical Education, Government of Karnataka

The beautiful Karyasiddhi Mantapa in Bangalore Ashrama

Sri B. Krishna Bhat, the vice president of Bangalore Ashrama along with his wife performed Dattatreya Paduka Puja

Sri Swamiji performing Paduka Puja. In the background is the huge idol of Lord Vishnu in Vishwarupa form.

Devotees witnessing the sacred Paduka Puja

Sister John Britto greeting Sri Swamiji on His Birthday

Pujya Sri Swamiji along the the team of IT professionals who arranged the
Meditation music concert on 6th June 2009

Sri. Yeddyurappa, Hon'ble Chief Minister of Karnataka state tying the
Poornaphala after having the Darshan of Sri Karyasiddhi Hanuman

Later, the Chief Minister had the audience of Sri Swamiji

Chanting of Ganesha Sahasranama by 67 women

Sri. Ganesh and Sri. Kumaresh gave a pleasing violin recital of Sri Swamiji's compositions

Sri Swamiji cuts the birthday cake as the musicians sing and play "Happy Birthday"

The Sumeru Mantapa in Bangalore Ashrama brightly lit by the full moon

*********