On 16th April 2010, Pujya Sri Swamiji flew from Raleigh to Baton Rouge via Atlanta. A short welcome function was held in the evening at Datta temple. Sri. Daulat Sthanki welcomed Sri Swamiji with Purnakumbha. Sri Swamiji performed Arati to Dattatreya-Anagha Devi, Ganapathy and Shivalinga.

Discourse of Sri Swamiji in Baton Rouge

Many are scared of Pralaya. Though it is senseless to worry about it, you should remember that it will one day certainly come. But Atman is indestructible. Like we shed old clothes, Atman too changes body.

In Ashrama Veda school, 8 year old kids chant Mantras from great books of Vedas. The Stava you chanted improve your memory. I don't generally recommend looking at books and chanting Mantras. I Am aghast that many devotees don't know Datta Stava by memory. They know, by memory, details of stock market, love letters, face book etc.

I urge you to learn the Stavas and Bhajans by memory. Once a week gather and practice chants. Chanting is a Yoga. It helps your sense organs. You should use sense organs to learn and to chant. The same chanting activity brings discipline in the sense organs. It may seem piquant. But it is true.

Sri Guru Datta

On 17th April, Saturday, Abhisheka was performed to all the deities in the temple. In the evening, Hamsanandi Raga Sagara, was held in Mc Alister auditorium in New Orleans. Kaliji gave the welcome speech. In the concert, Sri Swamiji played a new composition in Vijayanagari Raga, The “Hamsanandi Raga Sagara” comprised of three Ragas. Nartaki Raga (Bhajan: Bhavaya Chitte - fourth Navavarana Kriti). Second was Raga Dhenuka (Bhajan: Jaya Jaya Jaya Jaya - Jaya Devi), The third was Hamsanandi Raga (Bhajan – Palaya Mamiha – one of the greatest and most beloved melody from Sri Swamiji's creations). The happy tune in Rati Pati Priya was an impromptu and Sri Swamiji excelled at the development of Raga.

Sri Swamiji had played in the same hall once before during the epic Nada Prasara tour in 1993. Then too it was a special concert. This concert too was very special. The music that emanated from Sri Swamiji was one of the very best. New Orleans, famous for all the music it has contributed must have felt happy that Sri Sri Swamiji chose New Orleans for this concert. Laura Lalita Ates, Jennifer and the local Yoga groups were instrumental for the concert.

In the night, Sri Swamiji visited the home of Smt. Prabha and Sri. Surya Venkatesh, long-time devotees from Louisiana. He was the organiser of the 1993 concert. Sri. Pandit, a community leader was also there.

Sri Swamiji returned to Baton Rouge at 12.30 AM.

On Sunday, 18th April, Ganapathy Homa was performed. Sri Swamiji addressed the devotee group from Houston. Sri Swamiji visited the small green house of the temple and saw the Tulasi plants cultivated there. Sri Swamiji blessed Ishvari Chaitanya (Daria Woodside) and Mukunda Datta for the efforts. During Sri Chakra Puja, the Telugu Hanuman Chalisa, Gujarati Datta Bhavani were played.

With this the Baton Rouge Programs concluded.

Sri Guru Datta

Photos will be updated shortly

Earlier reports on Baton Rouge:

http://www.dattapeetham.com/india/tours/2002/usa2002/btr_aradhana/btr_aradhana.html

http://www.dattapeetham.com/india/tours/2002/usa2002/batonrouge/batonrouge.html

http://www.dattapeetham.com/india/tours/2008/usa2008/usa_speechs.html

http://www.dattapeetham.com/india/tours/2002/usa2002/speeches/batontouge_1_8_2002.html

http://www.dattapeetham.com/india/tours/2004/usa/usa_2004.html

http://www.dattapeetham.com/india/tours/2005/usa_june/batonrouge/batonrouge_speech.htm

http://www.dattapeetham.com/india/tours/2003/nada_prasara_2003/usa_np/baton_rouge/baton_rouge.html

http://www.dattapeetham.com/india/tours/2005/usa_june/batonrouge/batonrouge.htm

http://www.dattapeetham.com/india/tours/2007/usa/batonrouge.html

http://www.dattapeetham.com/india/tours/2009/usa2009/batonrouge/batonrouge.html

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