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Dharma Sandesh kÉqÉïxÉlSåzÉ a quarterly newsletter of Bharatiya Mandir, Middletown, NY

AÉ lÉÉå pÉSìÉÈ ¢üiÉuÉÉå rÉliÉÑ ÌuɵÉiÉÈ| Let noble thoughts come to us from everywhere. 1.89.1

bestows upon his devotees true knowledge, prosperity, lÉqÉxiÉå happiness and well-being. We also bring an article on (SåuÉÏ ÂÎYqÉhÉÏ), the consort of Lord Á – . We are fortunate to usher in the new issue and the queen of Dwaraka. of Bharatiya Mandir‟s quarterly newsletter “ Sandesh” amidst the string of festivals. We start Let us all pray to the Paramaatma (mÉUqÉÉiqÉÉ - Supreme September with Sri , the Lord) to shower His blessings upon all His children!! celebration of the birth of Lord Krishna, the Lord who constantly reminds us that He is always looking out Sincerely, for us. He will reincarnate every Yuga (era) to Your Editorial Board vanquish the evil forces, protect the good forces, and Email: [email protected] reinstate Dharma on this earth. Web: www.bharatiyamandir.org

Soon after, we will be celebrating Sri Ganesh

Chaturthee. The Lord of obstacles and the remover of xÉÑpÉÉÌwÉiÉÉ Subhaashitaa hindrances, the bestower of boons, and the easily appeased Lord Ganapati will be welcomed and In this section, we present a quotation and its worshipped with great pomp and devotion. interpretation/meaning.

Can you just imagine the joy and fervor that accompany the celebration of the Mother in xÉÑZÉÉjÉÏï irÉeÉiÉå ÌuɱÉÇ ÌuɱÉjÉÏï irÉeÉiÉå xÉÑZÉqÉç | all Her glory during Sri Devi ? With the xÉÑZÉÉÍjÉïlÉÈ MÑüiÉÉå ÌuÉ±É MÑüiÉÉå ÌuɱÉÍjÉïlÉÈ xÉÑZÉqÉç || beautiful colors of autumn all around us, nine nights (Navaratri) and ten days (Dussehra) of , , sukhaarthi-tyajate-vidyaam-vidyaarthi-tyajate-sukham singing, dancing and Raas to scintillating music sukhaarthinah-kuto-vidyaa-kuto-vidyaarthinah- should bring down the Heavens on this earth!! The sukham || (qÉÉÆ SÒaÉÉï) assumes the forms of (qÉWûÉMüÉsÉÏ), Mahalakshmi (qÉWûÉsɤqÉÏ) and People desiring luxury and comfort will have to Mahasaraswati (qÉWûÉxÉUxuÉiÉÏ) to accept the prayers and abandon education. People desiring an education (students) have to abandon luxury and comfort. How Puja of Her children and bless them with untold can education come to be for the ones always desiring happiness. comfort and how can comfort come to be for the ones

always desiring a good education? Soon after Navaratri comes Deepavali. With fondness, we remember the various types of fire crackers we A student has to work hard in order to get a good used to burst back home and the different sweets we education. If the student prefers comfort and luxury, used to enjoy for so many days!! By that time, we will then he/she will not be able to study well and come up be ready for winter and another issue of the in life. If the goal of the student is a good education, newsletter. then he/she must abandon the luxuries and comforts of

life and engage in serious and hard studies. Only then In this issue of Dharma Sandesh, we present an article will he/she be able to succeed. on Lord Ganapati, the elephant-faced Lord who Contributed by Dr. Narasim Banavara Dharma Sandesh Volume 2 Issue 2 Sep2010-Nov2010 Page-1 the honor of being adored and worshipped at the xÉÉD mÉëåUhÉÉ Baba’s Teachings beginning of any ritual or ceremony. People worship Lord Ganapati and pray to Him to remove any and all obstacles in their paths. Lord Ganapati is known as In this section, we present a teaching of Sri Sai Baba. Vighneshwara (ÌuÉblÉåµÉU - the Lord of Obstacles).

Sri Sai Baba spoke thus – “Knowledge was compared Lord Ganapati is also the Lord of Learning, to light and ignorance to darkness by the ancients. Vid Knowledge and Wisdom. He is Siddhi-Buddhi-Priya is the root of the word . Vid means light, Ya (ÍxÉήoÉÑήÌmÉërÉ – Lord of Siddhi – achievement and means what. So, the meaning of the term „Vidya‟ is Buddhi – intellect). He is worshipped as the Lord of that which gives light. From this term, it is evident Letters in any ritual associated with learning, arts and that Vidya (knowledge of the Self) alone sciences. He is also the Lord of good fortune. People deserves to be known as Vidya, as it illumines our worship Lord Ganapati before undertaking any minds. Just as light and darkness cannot co-exist in venture – business, travel, job search, or any such the same place at the same time, Vidya and Avidya endeavor. It is strongly believed that if one worships (ignorance) cannot be together. So, when you journey Lord Ganapati at the beginning of one‟s undertaking, along the path of progress, you must purify your then one will attain success in that undertaking. Vidya.” - Vidya Vahini, Chapter 12.

In many images, Contributed by Dr. Vijaya Dasari one can see Lord Ganapati with Goddess ¥ÉÉlÉÌuÉWûÉU JnanaVihar a , the Goddess of Wealth, and In this section, we present articles on , Goddess , , , and related philosophy. , the Goddess of Learning. People worship Lord Ganapati Lord Ganapati in order to overcome obstacles in the path of good pÉaÉuÉÉlÉç aÉhÉmÉÌiÉ fortune and learning, and attain both wealth and knowledge. Lord Ganapati (pÉaÉuÉÉlÉç aÉhÉmÉÌiÉ), or (aÉhÉåzÉ), is one of the most popular, most easily recognizable, and Lord Ganapati is the son of Lord and . In most widely venerated in the Hindu tradition. fact, Lord Ganapati represents the primordial sound He is adored and worshipped by most , OM (Á). When (Energy – represented by irrespective of affiliations or denominations (Smartha, Goddess Parvati) and Shiva (Matter) meet, both Vaishnava, Shaiva, Shaaktha, or any other) all over Ganesha (Sound) and Skanda (Light) are born. The the world. latter (Skanda) is the second son of the Divine Couple and is also known as Subrahmanya, , Known by several Kumara or Murugan. names such as Gajaanana (aÉeÉÉlÉlÉ Story of Lord Ganapati’s birth: According to the - the elephant- , once Devi Parvati had to go for her faced One), ritual bath. The gates of her palace were always Lambodara guarded by Lord Shiva‟s attendants Nandi and (sÉqoÉÉåSU - the big- Bhringi. Devi Parvati‟s female attendants told her bellied One or the “Devi, these two guards are Lord Shiva‟s attendants. hanging-bellied You need to have a guard who is answerable to you, One), Vinayaka (ÌuÉlÉÉrÉMü - the Lord or Leader of the not to Lord Shiva. It is, after all, your palace. Devi Parvati thought about it and decided that they were World) and many other names, Lord Ganapati enjoys Dharma Sandesh Volume 2 Issue 2 Sep2010-Nov2010 Page-2 right. After all, Lord Shiva would walk into the palace The argument had turned into a full battle. Seeing the anytime He wished and Nandi and Bhringi would way in which the whole army of the Gods and Lord never stop Him. She decided that She should have Her Shiva‟s were attacking one boy, Devi Parvati privacy protected. and the other female who had arrived there began supplying Ganapati with weapons so that he Devi Parvati had applied turmeric and sandalwood could fight the army single-handedly. Ganapati drove paste on Her body before Her bath. Turmeric paste all the Gods back. forms an antiseptic for the body and sandalwood paste enhances beauty and radiance for the body. Devi Lord approached Lord Shiva and said, “this Parvati took some of the turmeric and sandalwood boy seems invincible. The only way to defeat him is paste from Her body and formed a human figure from by trickery.” Both the Gods agreed to trick Ganapati. that paste. Using Her divine powers She breathed life Lord Vishnu attacked Ganapati with His Sudarshana into that figure. The figure transformed into a radiant (discus) and Ganapati countered that with his young boy. He immediately bowed down to Devi Gada (mace). While this duel was going on, Lord Parvati and said, “You gave me life. You are my Shiva struck Ganapati with His Trishula (trident) mother. Order me. I will obey your order.” severing the boy‟s head and flinging it far, far away.

Devi Parvati was overjoyed. She brought nice silk When She heard of the boy‟s death, Devi Parvati clothes for Her son and dressed him. She adorned him became furious. Her anger knew no bounds and She with nice ornaments. She gave him lots of delicious got ready to destroy the entire universe as the snacks to eat. She then said to him, “Son, you guard Ferocious . Everybody was alarmed. The Gods my palace here. I am going for my ritual bath. Do not sent Sage as a messenger to pacify and allow anyone to come inside.” appease Devi Parvati.

Ganapati took a rod and stood guard at the gates of the Devi Parvati relented with two conditions – (1) that palace. Devi Parvati went inside for Her bath. After a Her son Ganapati be brought back to life, and (2) that little while, Lord Shiva arrived at the palace and he be made a God with all divine rights and privileges proceeded to go inside. Ganapati stopped Him. He that the other Gods enjoyed. Lord Shiva and the other said “you cannot go inside. My mother is taking Her Gods accepted the conditions. bath.” Ganapati‟s headless body was bathed and cleaned. But Lord Shiva said, “I am Shiva. I can go inside” and the head could not be found as it had been flung far, proceeded to go inside. Ganapati said, “I do not know far away and lost in the heat of the battle. So, Lord of any Shiva. It is my mother Parvati‟s order not to Shiva asked His attendants to go and bring the head of allow anyone inside.” Lord Shiva ignored Ganapati‟s the first living creature they saw lying down with its words and tried to walk inside, but Ganapati hit Him head turned to the north. The attendants went right with the rod in his hand. Lord Shiva became angry. away and found an elephant sleeping with its head to He ordered His attendants (called the Ganas) to the north. They cut its head remove the boy from the place. Lord Shiva‟s and brought it back to Lord attendants came to remove Ganapati from his post, but Shiva. then Ganapati beat all of them. Lord Shiva placed the Meanwhile, all the Gods and sages arrived there to see elephant‟s head on Ganapati‟s what the commotion was all about. Lord Shiva said to body and infused life into the Lord Brahma, “you try and pacify this boy”. Lord boy by doing Prana Brahma came forward to reason with Ganapati, but Pratishthapana (mÉëÉhÉ mÉëÌiɸÉmÉlÉ). since he did not know Lord Brahma, Ganapati thought Ganapati came back to life. that he was Lord Shiva‟s companion. So he tugged at Lord Brahma‟s beard and pulled some off. Lord Lord Shiva embraced Ganapati and accepted him as Brahma fled in pain. His son. He also granted the divine Godly status to Ganapati. He made Ganapati the leader and Lord of Dharma Sandesh Volume 2 Issue 2 Sep2010-Nov2010 Page-3 all His companions and attendants (the Ganas). The Ganapati Atharva-Sheersha further states that Ganapati thus got his name + Pati, meaning the Lord Ganapati is reddish (Raktam – U£üqÉç) in color. In Lord of the attendants of Lord Shiva. aÉhÉÉlÉÉqÉç mÉÌiÉÈ CÌiÉ some other texts, his color is given as reddish-brown aÉhÉmÉÌiÉÈ, (a compound word). The same meaning is ( - MüÌmÉsÉ). He has large fan-like ears derived for his name Ganesha = Gana + Isha, aÉhÉåzÉ = (Shoorpakarna – zÉÔmÉïMühÉï), he wears red clothes, is aÉhÉ + DzÉ, meaning Lord of the Ganas. smeared with red sandalwood paste and likes to be worshipped with red flowers. Furthermore, Lord Shiva decreed that Lord Ganapati would receive the first worship (AgraPuja – AaÉëmÉÔeÉÉ) Lord Ganapati has a serpent as his waist-belt. Some texts state that the serpent is also his sacred thread by each and every one in all the worlds when anyone would perform any ritual or ceremony. He stated that (Yagnopavitha – rÉ¥ÉÉåmÉuÉÏiÉ) across his torso over his unless Ganapati was propitiated first, worship to any left shoulder. He is therefore known as Naga- God would be useless. He stated, “you will be the Yagnopavithin (lÉÉaÉrÉ¥ÉÉåmÉuÉÏÌiÉlÉç). Lord of obstacles (Vighneshwara – ÌuÉblÉåµÉU). Become the remover of obstacles (Vighnaharta - ÌuÉblÉWûiÉÉï) for Each attribute of Lord Ganesha is rich in symbolism and is significant. There are many interpretations of those who pray to you with sincere devotion; become his attributes. Some of them are as follows: the creator of obstacles (Vighnakarta - ÌuÉblÉMüiÉÉï) for those who do not.” Elephant-Head – indicates auspiciousness, strength, fidelity, intelligence and There are other stories of the birth and rebirth of Lord discriminative power. A big head also Ganapati, but the version from the Shiva Purana indicates “think big”. remains the most popular. Large Ears – indicate the power to winnow out unwanted information and assimilate good Form of Lord Ganapati: Sri Ganapati Atharva- and useful information. They indicate wisdom Sheersha (´ÉÏ aÉhÉmÉÌiÉ AjÉuÉïzÉÏwÉÉåïmÉÌlÉwÉSè - an Upanishad and the importance of listening in the process extolling Lord Ganapati as the embodiment of the of attaining knowledge. They hear everything, Supreme Spirit Parabrahman) but retain only good information. states that Lord Ganapati has Small Eyes – indicate the need to concentrate an elephant face, a curved in order to gain knowledge. trunk (Vakratunda – uÉ¢üiÉÑhQû), Single Tusk – indicates that Lord Ganapati one tusk (Ekadanta – LMüSliÉ), can overcome all forms of dualism. It also a huge hanging belly indicates that one should always retain the (Lambodara – sÉqoÉÉåSU), and good and get rid of the bad in everything. four arms (Chaturhasta – Curved Trunk – indicates high efficiency and cÉiÉÑWïûxiÉ). He holds a noose adaptability. The elephant uses its trunk to pick up heavy logs of wood as well as small (Pasha – mÉÉzÉ) in his upper blades of grass. It uses its trunk to knock down left hand and a goad massive trees, and it uses the same trunk break (Ankusha – Aƒ¡ÓûzÉ) in the a hard coconut and eat the sweet kernel inside. upper right hand. In the lower This indicates the intellectual potential and left hand he holds a sweet – Modaka (qÉÉåSMü) (the Lord wisdom that is needed to adapt to changing is exhibiting his Varada (uÉUS qÉÑSìÉ) here), and circumstances and succeed in life. the fourth hand (lower right) is in the Abhaya Mudra Pasha (noose) – in Lord Ganapati‟s upper left hand indicates that worldly attachments and (ApÉrÉ qÉÑSìÉ) stating that he will protect his devotees. desires are the noose that bind us to sorrow He also has a mouse (Mooshaka or Aakhu) as his and to this Samsara (bondage of births and vehicle (Mooshakavahana – qÉÔwÉMüuÉÉWûlÉ) and as his rebirths). emblem on his flag (Mooshakadhwaja – qÉÔwÉMükuÉeÉ).

Dharma Sandesh Volume 2 Issue 2 Sep2010-Nov2010 Page-4 Ankusha (goad) – in Lord Ganapati‟s upper The mouse is also voracious by nature. It is shown right hand indicates the need to prod human sitting next to a plate of Modakas, but it is not eating beings towards spirituality and the path of the Modakas. It is holding a piece of the Modaka in its righteousness and truth. With this goad, Lord hand and it is looking towards Lord Ganapati as if it is Ganesha can both repel and strike obstacles. asking permission from the Lord to eat the Modaka. Modaka – in Lord Ganesha‟s lower left hand This represents the mind that has been completely is symbolic of the sweetness of the realized subordinated to the superior power of the intellect. inner self. On the path of spirituality and enlightenment, the human being strives all Lord Ganesha is usually represented with fours arms along. Once he/she realizes the true self signifying divinity. In some instances, however, he is (Paramaatma), then that person is in true bliss. represented with six arms, eight arms, ten arms, Abhaya Mudra – Lord Ganapati exhibits the twelve arms, or even fourteen arms, each hand Abhaya Mudra in his lower right hand carrying a symbol that is different from the symbols in symbolizing protection, refuge and blessings the other hands, for a total of fifty-seven different for his devotees. symbols, according to research scholars. Large Stomach – Lord Ganapati‟s large and hanging belly (stomach) signifies the bounty Similarly, in some images, the Lord is represented of nature and equanimity, the ability of with five faces, especially in the form of Ganesha to swallow the sorrows of the world Ganapati (WåûUqoÉ aÉhÉmÉÌiÉ). and protect the world. It also indicates that one should equally accept and swallow both the Names of Lord Ganapati: There are numerous good and bad in life. names to extol Lord Ganapati. He is worshipped with Position of his legs – one leg of Lord Ganesha twelve names (Dwadasha Nama), sixteen names is resting on the ground and another leg is (Shodasha Nama), one hundred and eight names raised symbolizing the importance of living (Ashtottara Shata Nama) and one thousand names and participating in the material world as well (). The most common sixteen names of as in the spiritual world, the ability of being in the Lord are as follows: the world without being of the world. Sumukha – xÉÑqÉÑZÉ - Auspicious-faced Lord Lord Ganapati has Ekadanta – LMüSliÉ - One-tusked Lord a mouse for his Kapila – MüÌmÉsÉ - Reddish-brown Lord vehicle as well as his emblem on his Gajakarnaka – aÉeÉMühÉïMü - Elephant-eared Lord flag. It seems Lambodara – sÉqoÉÉåSU - Hanging-bellied Lord strange that the Vikata – ÌuÉMüOû - Gigantic Lord (also Lord with jovial big Lord Ganesha disposition) has such a small Vighnaraja – ÌuÉblÉUÉeÉ - Lord of Obstacles animal as his vehicle. But the Ganadhipa – aÉhÉÉÍkÉmÉ - Leader of the Ganas small mouse has Dhumraketu – kÉÔqÉëMåüiÉÑ - Smoke-hued Lord deep symbolism. Ganaadhyakhsa – aÉhÉÉkrÉ¤É - Lord of the Ganas For one, the Phaalachandra – TüÉsÉcÉlSì - Moon-crested Lord mouse represents aÉeÉÉlÉlÉ - the ego, the mind Gajanana – Elephant-faced Lord with all its desires, and the pride of the individual. Vakratunda – uÉ¢üiÉÑlQû - Curved-trunked Lord Lord Ganesha, riding atop the mouse, becomes the Shoorpakarna – zÉÔmÉïMühÉï - Large-fan-eared Lord Master (not the slave) of these tendencies, thus Heramba – WåûUqoÉ - Mother‟s Beloved Son indicating the power that intellect and discriminative Skandapurvaja – xMülSmÉÔuÉïeÉ - Elder brother of faculties have over the mind. Skanda (Lord Subrahmanya)

Dharma Sandesh Volume 2 Issue 2 Sep2010-Nov2010 Page-5 The Mudgala Purana describes thirty-two forms of , the Lord realized the enormity of the Lord Ganapati. Some of the common forms are Bala task and the inadequacy of an ordinary pen. So he Ganapati (Lord as a baby), Natya Ganapati (the broke his own tusk and used it as a pen). This dancing Lord), Dhundi Ganapati or Dhundi Vinayaka indicates that no sacrifice is too big in the pursuit of (the Lord most knowledge. sought after), Maha-Ganapati Lord Ganapati remains forever the most popular and (the Great Lord) most approachable God for all Hindus. He is thus a and Sankatahara uniting factor for all. Let us all pray to Lord Ganapati Ganapati (the to remove obstacles in our respective paths to dispeller of knowledge, prosperity and happiness. troubles). Sources: Sri Ganesha Puranam; Sri Shiva Puranam; Sri Ganapati Atharvasheersha; www.wikipedia.org; The Ganapati www.crystalinks.com; www.godandguru.com/shiv- Atharva Sheersha puran/index.html; and other sources. extols Lord Contributed by Dr. Narasim Banavara Ganapati as the Supreme Lord Consorts of Lord – Part 2 (Paramaatma) and the primordial Everyone in the Hindu Religion worships Lord sound OM (Á). It Vishnu by one name or another, like Vishnu, Krishna, also states that Lord Ganesha resides in the human , , Venkateshwara, and so on. With being in the Mulaadhaara Chakra (qÉÔsÉÉkÉÉU cÉ¢ü). This every name and incarnation, He has a consort by a chakra is at the base of the spine and is the basis of all different name. There is a mythological story behind the other of life. Lord Ganapati holds, each one of them. In each issue, I will try to give you supports, and guides all the other chakras, thus a bird‟s eye view of these stories. governing the forces that propel the wheel of life. This chakra is also associated with conservation, survival, RUKMINI procreation and well-being of the individual. Devi Rukmini (SåuÉÏ ÂÎYqÉhÉÏ) is believed to be the incarnation of Sri Lakshmi in Sri Krishnavatara – Association with Mahabharata: When Maharshi when Lord Vishnu incarnated as Sri Krishna. She bore Veda wanted to write the Mahabharata, he all the divine qualities of Sri Lakshmi in human form. looked for a suitable scribe to write down the epic as he dictated it. Unable to find someone suitable to Rukmini was born as the daughter of King write it, he prayed to Lord Brahma, who appeared and of . Rukmini had seen Lord Krishna when suggested that Vyasa pray to Lord Ganapati for that they were both very young. She was so enamored by job as he was most suitable. Vyasa prayed to Lord Lord Krishna‟s grace and beauty that she started Ganapati who agreed to write the epic for him on the imagining herself condition that Vyasa recite the poem without any to be his wife. interruptions. If he paused, then Lord Ganapati would She was also stop writing. Veda Vyasa agreed, but put another extremely condition that Lord Ganapati should understand every devoted to Lord word of every verse before writing. Krishna. She dreamt of Him all Thus, the recitation and the writing of the day and all night. Mahabharata began. In the rush of writing fast, Lord Bishmaka and his Ganapati‟s pen broke. In order not to interrupt the wife also wanted Krishna to be their son-in-law. writing, the Lord broke off his own tusk, made it into a pen, and continued writing (another text states that King Bishmaka had a son by name . He had when Vyasa asked Lord Ganapati to write the been a great friend of King , the former king of . As Krishna had killed Kamsa earlier, Rukmi Dharma Sandesh Volume 2 Issue 2 Sep2010-Nov2010 Page-6 had begun to hate Krishna. He wanted Rukmini to It is said that the messenger who took Rukmini‟s letter marry , the son of his friend and a very to Krishna was born as Vadiraja Thirtha in the year powerful king . Rukmi persuaded his father 1480. He has been described as a great in the to give Rukmini in marriage to Shishupala, and King Madhwa tradition. He has written Rukminisa Vijaya – Bishmaka reluctantly agreed. a famous work of 1240 verses in 19 chapters describing the love and devotion of Rukmini for Lord Rukmini was totally against this marriage. But her Krishna. In , Rukmini Kalyanam (marriage brother was adamant for the marriage. So the marriage of Rukmini) is a very famous dance-drama. was arranged against Rukmini‟s wishes. Her only Sources: Sri , Srimad Bhagavatam, and recourse was to write to her beloved Krishna. So she Krishnavatara by K.M.Munshi wrote a letter to Krishna lamenting about her Contributed by Dr. Padma Sundaram. forthcoming wedding and sent it through a trusted messenger. When Krishna read the letter full of love xÉqÉÉcÉÉU Community News and devotion, he wrote back to her promising to save her from the marriage. Krishna wrote in the letter that he would take her away from the temple where Kid’s and Senior’s Summer Weekend Camp Rukmini went to pray daily. Kids‟ Camp is one of the most widely anticipated Lord Krishna devised a plan so that he would not have events of the year. This year‟s camp on August 21 and to take the blame for kidnapping Rukmini. He went 22 was coordinated by volunteers and students. Their to Vidarbha alone in a and asked his elder purpose was to engage the young children with brother to bring his army towards Vidarbha. religious and cultural values. Thirty campers ranging As Rukmini was coming out of the temple Krishna in age from 6 to 16 collected under one roof. appeared in his chariot. He then asked Rukmini to get on the chariot and drive away. For onlookers it As always, this year‟s camp seemed as if Rukmini was driving and she went with was packed with exciting Krishna on her own accord. indoor activities, outdoor games and religion classes. Meanwhile, the news of Krishna taking Rukmini away Campers were introduced to reached Crown Prince Rukmi. He came with his army all the deities in the temple. to fight Krishna. Of course, he was defeated by They recited shlokas and bhajans. They participated in Krishna. When Krishna was about to kill him, two-days of fun-filled activities like arts and crafts, Rukmini pleaded with him to spare her brother‟s life. coloring contest, religion BINGO, musical chairs, Krishna took Kho-kho, steal-the-bear, and many outdoor games. pity on him and Additionally, they enjoyed delicious breakfast, snacks spared him. and lunch donated by many volunteers. After a few days, Krishna This year, along with children, the first Golden Camp and Rukmini for seniors was held. Each senior was responsible for were married in 4 to 5 kids. The interaction between the grandmothers Dwaraka with and the children was amazing. Language was never a all pomp and barrier. Some children took it upon themselves to glory. Rukmini was Krishna‟s favorite wife and the translate for them. Together they practiced the Indian queen of Dwaraka. national anthem, played religious BINGO and shared their hobbies and interests. It is said in Skanda Purana that Rukmini was to Dwaraka what was to . There is a On both days, the golden campers performed modified temple for Lord Krishna and Rukmini in Pandarapur and participated in arts and crafts, coloring in the state of . There Lord Krishna is in contest and in Raas-garba. They learned about healthy the form of Vitthala (Vittobha). diet habits from registered dietician Damini Radhakrishnan. They also had an opportunity to write Dharma Sandesh Volume 2 Issue 2 Sep2010-Nov2010 Page-7 a letter to their children/grandchildren in English, something they always Some Upcoming Special Mandir Events: wanted to do, but couldn‟t. Watching Sri Krishna Thursday, Sept 2 seniors write with Janmashtami enthusiasm got some Sri Nand Mahotsav Monday, Sept 6 adult volunteers teary- Sri Ganesh Chaturthee Sunday, Sept 12 eyed. Seniors were Pitru Paksh (Shraadh) Thursday, Sept 23 to overjoyed with the Thursday, Oct 7 camp and are looking forward to next year. Sri Devi Navaratri Friday, Oct 8 to Sunday, Oct 17 At end of the second day, a short demonstration was Sri Devi Ghata Sthapan Friday, Oct 8 presented for the parents, who also joined the Dandia Raas. The camp concluded with a pizza and soda Raas Garba Saturday, Oct 9 party for children and parents. Overall, the two-day Navachandi Saturday, Oct 16 camp was a grand success for all children and adults. Mata ki Chowki Sunday, Oct 17 Submitted by Priti Shah Vijaya Dashami Sunday, Oct 17 (Dussehra or Dasara) Children’s Classes at the Mandir Sharad Friday, Oct 22

Some parents have expressed their desire to Tuesday, Oct 26

resume the Children‟s Sunday School. At this Deepavali (Sri Maha Friday, Nov 5

time we are asking the parents to sign up if they )

think their children may join. The classes will be Nutan Varsh Sunday, Nov 7 open to children from age 7 to 17. Younger

children will also be considered if one of the Sri Tulasi Vivah Sunday, Nov 21

parents will stay with the child till he/she is used

to the program. Classes will be held every other Shradhaanjali ´É®ÉgeÉsÉÏ week. The day and time of the classes will be

decided with the consent of parents. With deepest sadness and heartfelt grief, we

inform the community of the untimely demise of

A meeting of the interested parents will be held our close friend, Mr. Atulbhai Shah, on Monday,

on Sunday, September 12, 2010 at 2 pm August 2, 2010, in Ahmedabad, India. Atulbhai

(immediately after the Sri Ganesh Chaturthee was one of the trustee members of India Temple

celebrations). If for any reason you cannot attend Foundation. He will be missed by one and all.

the meeting and are interested in the children‟s May God bestow eternal peace to the departed

classes, please call Om Arora at 692-0467 or call soul and grant courage to the family to bear this

the Mandir at 361-3055. irreparable loss. – India Temple Foundation, Inc.

Geeta Study Group Our quarterly newsletter is called “Dharma Bharatiya Mandir is planning to start Geeta Sandesh” (kÉqÉïxÉlSåzÉ). “Dharma”, in simple Study Group soon. If you are interested please terms, refers to righteousness, conduct, a sense of call the Temple at 361-3055 or email at duty, virtue, and the ultimate truth. “Sandesh” [email protected] and someone will means a message or news. So, Dharma Sandesh get in touch with you. refers to a message of Dharma.

Dr. Satish Rohatgi has generously sponsored the printing of copies of this issue of Dharma Sandesh. Dharma Sandesh Newsletter Editorial Board: Mr. Om Arora Devotees may note that all the writing of the content Dr. Narasimhaswamy (Narasim) Banavara and the editing of the newsletter are strictly voluntary. Mrs. Tina Sodha

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