Pujya
Sri Swamiji delivering the Benedictory Address on the auspicious Ramanavami
Festival on Wednesday , April 12, 2000. The festival was conducted in
the serene
atmosphere of the Jaya Durga Teertham, Ashrama situated on the banks of
Krishna river.
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Pujya Swamiji giving Puja Prasad to thousands of people who devoutly
participated in the Rama Navami festival.
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The
Divine Feet
(click here for larger image)
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Sadguru
Pada - Padukas
(click here for larger image)
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Lotus
Feet
(click here for larger
image)
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The tranquil Krishna river flows through Jaya Durga Teertham
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Pujya Swamiji gazes at the waters of Krishna river
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Sri Swamiji in a reflective mood...
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Sri Swamiji on Bhavani Island
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R E P OR T
On 10th April, Sri Swamiji departed from Kama Reddy early in the morning for Vijayawada. The travel to Vijayawada, 360 km from Kama Reddy had many unscheduled stops en route, at Tadbund Anjaneya Swamy Temple, in the heart of Hyderabad, Sri Kshipra Ganapati Kshetram (Ashrama branch) in Vijayawada, Sri Datta Rameswaram (Ashrama Branch) in Manginapoodi, a beach side hamlet in Coastal Andhra Pradesh, Sri Atrivarada Dattatreya Kshetram in Machilipatnam, Datta Digambara Kshetram in Gandigunta.
The huge crowd gladdened by the surprise visit, warmly received Sri Swamiji at all these places. These visits were also marked by review of construction activities of Sri Rajarajeswari Temple in Vijayawada, inauguration of Goshala (Cattle shed) in Datta Rameswaram, Benedictory address in Machilipatnam Ashram. The dayıs hectic schedule and travel of nearly 500 km ended at Sri Jaya Durga Teertham, Ashrama Branch on the banks of mighty Krishna river. As Sri Swamiji had made a Sankalpam to perform Sri Rama Navami Celebrations on the banks of Holy River Krishna, the programs were conducted here.
On 11th April, Sri Swamiji had personally blessed each devotee, whoever was present. In the evening, His Holiness accompanied by a few devotees visited Bhavani Island.
12th
April was Sri Rama Navami day.
The importance of this festival to Datta Devotees was doubled by the mystifying
presence of His Holiness. Thousands of people thronged Jaya Durga Teertham
to witness Sri Swamiji performing Sri Chakra Puja, Rama Taraka Homa (this
dayıs main Homa) and Sri Sita Rama Kalyanam (divine marriage of Sita
and Rama). After morningıs Archana, His Holiness offered Purnahuti for
Rama Taraka Homa. Before commencing Kalyanam, Sri Swamiji narrated the
Tattva of Rama and Sita and answered the self- posed riddles of Ramayana.
Sri Sitarama Kalyanam, that followed was the main event for the day.
The magnificently decorated stage was adorned by the life size wooden statues of Rama, Sita, Lakshmana and Anjaneya. Sri Vishnubhatla Subrahmanya Sastry, an eminent Scholar and Sri Betavolu Rama Brahmam were the commentators for the ceremony. Accompanied by chanting of hymns, Sri Swamiji tied the nuptial knot to Sita Devi on behalf of Rama at half past 12 noon, the prescribed time for conducting Kalyanam and offered pearls and Akshata to the deities.
In the evening, Dolotsavam by devotees to Sri Swamiji was the finale to the dayıs colorful programmes. His Holiness left to Chennai by night train to bless the Devotees on the eve of Vishu, Tamil New Yearıs day.
Jaya Guru Datta