Dattatreya Guru Paduka Pratishtha at Sahyadri Datta Ashrama - Mumbai
21 to 23 March 2009

An important event in the annals of Datta Peetham, is the founding of Sahyadri Datta Ashrama, on the outskirts of Mumbai.

Maahuripura Bhikshasee Sahya Shaayee Digambarah!
As per this verse of Dattatreya Vajra Kavacham, Lord Datta dwells in the western mountain rage of Sahyadri (spread over Konkan Coast of Maharashtra and Karnataka). It was decided by Sri Swamiji to establish an Ashrama at Chinchwan Village, near Panvel (off – Mumbai Goa Highway) in Raigadh District of Maharashtra.

As directed by Sri Swamiji, Sri MVK Rao, supported by Dr.C Prakash and other devotees initially rendered very good service in the construction of Prayer Hall. Later the completion work was assigned to local Trust, Sri Ganapati Sachchidananda Datta Gnana Bodha Sabha Mumbai Trust®. The Trustees and members, led by Sri Jayant Lapsia, Ms Annapoorna Kashyap, VR Mohan, Soma Sekhar, Agnihotri, Viswanathan and other members rendered fine service to accomplish the first phase of construction and the inauguration programs.

21st March 2009
The auspicious day in Mumbai started with the grand entry of Parama Pujya Sri Ganapati Sachchidananda Swamiji at 6 pm with Maharastrian style traditional welcome (by Chembur Solapur Bhajan Mandal with their Haalagi and Lezim style of dance) at the entrance. Upon arrival, Sri Swamiji inaugurated the prayer hall amidst Rigveda Chants by Pundits from Pune. In presence of Sri Swamiji, the environment was charged with divinity and the fortunate Datta Devotees got an opportunity to spend some precious time with Sri Swamiji at the prayer hall.

In the evening, Paduka Pratishtha rituals (Kalasha Sthapana, Abhisheka Sukta Parayanam, Pavamana Sukta, Purusha Sukta Chants) were performed by Scholars led by Sri Dattatreya Panduranga Navathe Guruji of Pune.

At 7.15 PM welcome function was conducted in the newly acquired adjacent plot. A grand stage with elaborate seating was arranged. Swagata Sabha commenced with dance recital by Bharata Natyam danseuse Smt. Jayashri Rajagopal and her disciples, followed by recital of Swaminatha Sachchidananda song by Members of Mumbai GBS. In his message, Sri Swamiji made it clear that schedules drawn up by man are fine for planning. However, it is for God to dispose our proposals. Hence, we have to patiently wait for the appropriate time for things to happen. No amount of worry, efforts can realise the results, he added. He commended the efforts of Maharashtra devotees, in the service of Sahyadri Datta Ashrama.

22nd March – Phalguna Krishna Ekadashi
In the morning, Dattatreya Homa and Navagraha Homa were performed in the new Prayer Hall by Rigveda Pundits and Ganapati Homa was performed in the new site. After Sri Chakra Puja, all the donors were blessed. Matru Mandali members rendered Parayanam of Sri Guru Geeta in unison. Sri Swamiji blessed the contractor, Sri Ravi Chourage of Turmale Village and blessed the organisers of Special Training school of Spastic Children, run by Brahmanand Pratishthan, with a cheque of Rs. 5,000/-.

Lord Dattatreya Guru Paduka was consecrated in the new Prayer Hall at 12.45 PM and Sri Swamiji outlined the importance of Guru in one’s life. He hoped that the stress-prone Mumbai citizens and other devotees will make use of this tranquil Ashrama. Marathi Bhajans were sung melodiously by Ladies from Mumbai.

Later, Sri Dagar (Dhrupad Singing Fame) has received blessings of Sri Swamiji and rendered a couplet on Lord Ganesh. Additional District Judge Sri Kale, was also accorded Peetham honours. Later, first ever Divya Nama Sankeertana was conducted by Sri Swamiji in Mumbai Ashrama.

23rd March 2009, Monday
After Sri Chakra Puja and Paduka Puja by devotees Sri Swamiji returned to Deonar Guru Nilayam.
On 24th March 2009, Sri Swamiji left to Hyderabad for Yugadi Programs.

Sahyadri Datta Ashrama, Mumbai, Maharashtra

Inauguration of Prayer Hall

Sri Chakra Pujya by Pujya Sri Swamiji

Devotees witnessing the Puja

Lord Dattatreya Guru Paduka consecration in the new Prayer Hall at 12.45 pm by Parama Pujya Sri Swamiji

Devotees watching the consecration of Guru Datta Paduka in the prayer hall

Guru Datta Paduka at Sahyadri Datta Ashrama

Matru Mandali members rendered Parayanam of Sri Guru Geeta

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