Thursday, 4 June 2009

The last day of the 67th Birthday celebrations was brimming with activities and devotion.

Early in the morning, Sri Swamiji went around the Ashrama and decided the location and planned an open air stage. Senior members of Ashrama accompanied Sri Swamiji on the inspection tour.

At 9 AM, Sri Bala Swamiji performed Sri Chakra Puja.

At 10 AM, Sri Swamiji offered Purnahuti of Chandi Homa as the enraged flames from the Homa Kunda welcomed the Purnahuti basket containing sacred spiritual materials. Sevakartas were given Chandi homa Prasad by Sri Swamiji.

At 11 AM, the annual Gnana Bodha Sabha Conference commenced in the sprawling prayer hall where all the Trustees of various Ashrama seated sequentially. Sri Kolli Gopala Krishnaiah, the senior most Trustee of the Ashrams in Andhra Pradesh (Vijayawada) lit the inauguration lamp. Sri Swamiji released the annual activity digest produced by Datta Peetham. The book notes in detail the charitable, social, Yogic, Educational and Religious activities done by Datta Peetham, its branches and the Ashramas all over India. Sri Siddartha, the compiler offered the books to Sri Swamiji.

Sri Swamiji in the message to the Trustees of Gnana Bodha Sabhas exhorted them to spread the knowledge of Kriya Yoga to general public. Sri Swamiji asked the Trustees to rise hand and take oath to personally offer physical Seva in their Ashramas and keep the premises clean and tidy.
Later, Ashrama wise trustees came in a queue and offered their audited annual accounts and activity reports.

It was announced that Sri Swamiji would conduct a three day lecture in Banares (Varanasi) on 3,4, 5 and 6 November 2009. The subject of the lecture would be Kashi Khanda (story of the Banares / Kashi / Varanasi). The Vishwa Shanti Jana Samrakshana Maha Yajna would be held in Manginapodi Ashrama (Datta Rameshwara Kshetra) on 10, 11 & 12 January 2010. (instead of the program being held in Mysore during Datta Jayanti.)
At 4.30 Veda Sadas began and scholars from Hyderabad city recited Vedic texts for 3 hours. Later they were honored by devotees.

At 7 PM, Sri Swamiji sat on a decorated swing while members of the Sri Datta Humane Services (SDHS) volunteers filed along offering flowers and respects. Sri Swamiji spoke on the special quality of the Bhajan "Ilalo Kalalo" in Raga Vanaspati which was played by Sri Swamiji in the concert in Interlaken in 2007 (the music is on the audio CD "Live in Interlaken". Sri Swamiji remembered the services of Krishna Joe Stick for Healing music concerts and album recordings. He was called on the stage and honored by Sri Swamiji. Earlier, Sri Kuppa Krishna Murthy gave a somber and detailed explanation of the Bhajan's philosophical strains.

While the Swing program was going on, Sri Mani, Mahesh, Jaitra of Mysore Ashrama Bhajan troupe gave soul stirring renditions of such old classics as "Swaminatha Sachchidananda", "Sachchidananda Sadguru Tande" etc.,

At 9 PM, a unique laser show was presented as the grand finale program. colorful and powerful laser beams danced across the length and breadth of the huge prayer hall. The tight story line tracing the life of Sri Swamiji and his activities were well designed by the laser development team and Ashrama members.
A fireworks show drew curtain on the three day Birthday Celebrations at Hyderabad Ashrama.
Kudos to the team of volunteers who shouldered the responsibility of the huge event held outside Mysore for the second time only. (the only time when Sri Swamiji's Birthday celebrations was held outside was in 1993 in Trinidad). With clock work precision, humility, dedication and a gritty attitude, the team rose tall and reflected the ingenuity of Sri Swamiji's devotees.

The Ashrama wore a festive look for the three days. Several large photo boards were planted on either side of the long stretch from main road to Ashrama entrance, told the story of Sri Swamiji and Datta Peetham. Inside Ashrama, illuminated slides from "Bala Sachchidananda" the children story book on Sri Swamiji's life educated children. Tasty meals for thousands and thousands of people and the orderly serving of the food was much appreciated. The Prayer Hall was thoughtfully and colourfully decorated. Four large video screens fitted to the roof beamed the programs live to the audience in the far end of the hall.

An unforgettable experience indeed.

As the volunteers cheered............. "Jai Ho - Appaji"

Sri Swamiji travels to Bangalore on 5th June 2009.

 

All India Gnana Bodha Sabha Conference
Pujya Sri Swamiji releases the annual activity digest published by Datta Peetham
This almanac lists the activities of Datta Peetham, its branches and other Ashramas in India

Conference participants take oath to do physical service in Ashramas in order to keep the premises clean

Parama Pujya Sri Swamiji exhorted the Gnana Bodha Sabhas to actively promote Kriya Yoga

Members of Hyderabad Ashrama offer annual accounts of the year 2008-09

Sri Swamiji blesses Sri. Swaminatha Ghanapathi, Chennai, with "Ghana Acharya" award. Doyen of Ghanapatha &
Datta Peetham Asthana Sri. Gullapalli Venkata Narayana Ghanapathi is seated next to Sri Swamiji

Veda Sadas was organised in the evening with 67 scholars honoured by Datta Peetham

After the Veda Sadas at 8 pm, the song "Ilalo Kalalo" from "Nada Sagara - Live in Interlaken" audio CD was played.
Pujya Sri Swamiji meditated during the 30 minute song.

Pushparchana - flowers Archana was performed to Pujya Sri Swamiji by the members of Hyderabad Ashrama

More than 1000 volunteers of Sri Datta Humane Services (SDHS) came in a orderly queue and offered
their respects to Pujya Sadgurudeva

Sri Swamiji cuts the cake offered by SDHS volunteers

At 9 pm, a well conceived laser show was organised depicting the life story of Sri Swamiji

The moon smiles at the fireworks display

Happy Birthday Swamiji

om aim hreem shreem shiva rama anagha dattaya namaha