27th June to 2nd July
The five day visit to Baton Rouge, from 27th June to 2nd July was eventful.
Pujya Sri Swamiji conducted "Journey to Self", a basic Vedanta
course in Telugu language for three days. More than 150 participants enjoyed
the simple and enlightening method of Sri Swamiji's speeches on the basics
of Vedanta. The course was from 30th June to 2nd July with two sessions
of three hours a day. Pujya Sri Swamiji's ability of mixing simple life
truths, humor, Bhajan singing, cajoling and scolding drove home the teachings
of Vedanta.
This visit of Sri Swamiji was the first after the Indianisation of the temple had been completed. So, an air of curiosity and expectation pervaded as Sri Swamiji first arrived in the temple. Sri Swamiji was pleased with the works done and appreciated the efforts of the Datta Yoga Center members. On the date of arrival, 27th June 2000, Dr. Prakash Rao, in his welcome speech spoke at length on the significance of the name of Sri Swamiji. (Click here to see the full speech of Dr. Prakash Rao).
On Sunday the 2nd July, Sri Swamiji performed Sri Chakra Puja and then cut a cake to symbolize the 58th Birthday celebrations in USA. Then Sri Swamiji materialized Vibhooti from a flower garland given on that occasion and asked all chronically ill patients to consume a small portion of the materialized Vibhooti. Then Sri Swamiji arrived in the Datta Temple and performed the Abhishekam of Dattatreya and Anagha Devi, Ganapati and Shiva. Sri Swamiji Blessed those present on that occasion.
In the evening of 2nd, Satsang was conducted in the Jayalakshmi Hall.
Jaya Guru Datta
Photos of the events in Baton Rouge.......
The
Temple name Board
Meeting
of Datta Yoga Center in progress. In the background the newly added
Mantapam to the deities can be seen.
Vedanta Class
Listeners of the Vedanta course
Sri Swamiji cuts cake to symbolically celebrate 58th Birthday
in Baton Rouge
The
third Anniversary of Datta temple. Sri Swamiji performs
Milk Abhishekam to Datta and Anagha idols.
The ornately decorated Maha Ganapathy idol
Sri Chakra Puja
The
Indianised Baton Rouge Datta Temple housing the shrines of
Maha Ganapathy, Dattatreya and Anagha Devi and Shiva Lingam.