SriSri ChakraChakra The Source of the Cosmos

The Journal of the Sri Rajarajeswari Peetam, Rush, NY

Bl ossom 11 Pet a l 2 May 2007 Amritham ourourourour

Dear Devotees, thoughtsthoughtsthoughtsthoughts

This issue of the Sri is very dear our hearts for quite a few reasons. First of all, it commemorates the recent kumbhabhishekam at Devipuram from the vantage points of several visitors—many of whom are friends and regulars of our Rajarajeshwari temple in Rochester. Secondly, this is the first issue of the Sri Chakra for which Aiya has written an original article since our revival in 2005! Just think—it took two whole years to convince him to write! Fortunately, it didn’t take that much convincing for all the contributors who are featured in this issue. It’s the first truly international issue of the Sri Chakra, with generous contributions from devotees from Chennai to Holland. A kumbhabhishekam is the general term for the grand celebration and series of purification rituals that are done during the construction or major renovation of a temple. It’s traditionally performed every 12 years, at which time any repairs are also commissioned. Devipuram’s kumbhabhishekam marked its first 12-year period of existence and to re-energize the property as well as the murthis on the premises. “Kumbham” refers to a highest peak of the temple, which receives abhishekam at the culmination of the festival. A full kalasam, or many kalasa as is often the case, is charged with and pujas for several days. The kalasam can also hold the existing power of the mula murthi(s) at the temple. Sometimes, is only done to the kalasa until renovations are finished. On the final day of this observance, the murthi and/or the actual temple itself receive the of all the kalasa used throughout the festival—sometimes, it is arranged so that both abhisheka will happen simultaneously. The remaining water is sprinkled throughout the property. This pattern of events changes from temple to temple. The activities and methods of worship will definitely vary from temple to temple—for example, , homams, chanting, or any combination of pujas can be performed. But the one thing that always takes place at a proper kumbhabhishekam is the charging or re-charging of the deity and the surrounding environment. The Hindu belief is that it’s not just enough to build a temple; it must be maintained both physically and spiritually. This strict and regular maintenance schedule is a major reason why so many temples have lasted centuries and are still in use today, such as the Kamakshi temple in Kanchipuram, which is about 3,500 years old. Compare this to the state of ancient temples from Greece and Rome—which were built not even 2,000 years ago—that lie in ruins today. A kumbhabhishekam is also a community-building activity by its very nature—so many people are needed to co-ordinate the different parts that the event naturally draws hundreds of devotees who are connected to the temple. This was the case in Devipuram, which hosted and fed hundreds of people during the festival at the end of January and the beginning of February. The Sri Chakra would like to thank the guests who were also contributors to this issue—namely Aiya, Guruji, Ahalya and Sundara Arasaratnam, Gratuz Devanesan, Raj Jadon, Sangeetha Prakash Krishna, Sunandini Lakshminath, Dr. Devi Padmanaban, Frances Perera, Shyamala Ramaswamy, Soumitro Sengupta, Bill Thomas, and all the contributors to the Temple Lore section. A very special thanks goes out to Kathy Allen as our guest editor, whose stalwart efforts have made this issue what it is. As always, please send us your articles, pictures, questions and comments at [email protected]. Every e-mail will receive a response! Sri Gurubhyo Namaha! The Sri Chakra staff

2 Amritham MaMaMaMayyyy NewsletNewsletNewsletNewsletterterterter Since the last issue...

The beginning of February saw Beginning the Shiva Sahasranamavali, each Aiya and Amma in Devipuram of the shanku was carefully removed for the Maha Kumbhabhishekam shankus and given to devotees to pour to festival. Aiya returned home to set up from their hearts content. The water in Rochester for a few days after the the each shanku is considered as holy festival but then had to jet off shala to as the Ganga flowing from Shiva’s again to Arizona where he inside the matted locks. conducted a series of lectures. temple After the final arathi at 7 a.m., Before mid-February, he also devotees retired to the yajna shala traveled to the United Kingdom for maha prasadam. for four days to perform a series of pujas. Aiya came back in time for Shivarathri on Feb. 15 and remained in Rochester for most of the rest of the month. On Feb. 27, valampuri (right-handed) he left for Europe to consult with shankus to be poured on the Shiva a committee in Pfozheim, for abhishekam. Germany (about 125 km from Set up of the shankus took Frankfurt) whose devotees were volunteers almost 9 hours as each planning to build a temple. He shanku was filled with tulasi returned to North America on leaves, dharba, lotus petals, and One of the with naivedyam Mar. 3, and stayed in Rochester water mixed with 108 different for each pair of shankus until Mar. 18 when he taught his herbs. In the line of shankus Tamil New Year, Apr. 13 children’s class in Toronto. stretching from the by Abhi Somaskanda He attended a wedding in kundam in the yajna shala to the Nashville, Tennessee Mar. 25, but dvaja stambam inside the Festivities for the Tamil new then left four days later to sanctum, there were seven year began early morning, as the Germany again, for another different sections. In each section, new year dawned just after 1 a.m. session with the Pfozheim the shankus were shaped into the Aiya performed a small puja to committee. He returned to the amount of petals in the seven Ganapathi and Devi, and returned States on Apr. 4 and performed a chakras of the body , and at 8 a.m. to setu p for Dhani puja wedding in Rochester on Apr. 8. accompanied by the appropriate with offerings to Surya Narayana The weekend of Apr. 13 saw Aiya deity in the center. and Lakshmi. A pongal kalasam perform the dhani puja for Tamil Aiya began the puja at 6 p.m. was set up with two trays on New Year and a grand and devotees had the opportunity either side of jewelry, clothing, Pratyangira homam on Apr. 15. to perform abhishekam to the A tray of Sri Subbarao Kompella of three mula murthis and also to auspicious Devipuram visited the temple on perform bilva archana items that Apr. 21-22 to conduct a throughout the night. Volunteers was Navavarna puja class. The handed out bilva leaves to offered to remainder of April was filled devotees circumambulating the Maha with preparations for the 1008 shankus, and bilva was Lakshmi temple’s annual Pratishta festival offered at each of the seven in May. chakras as well as the mula sthanam. Past Month Events Once abhishekam and Maha Shivarathri, Feb. 15 alankaram concluded, the main by Abhi Somaskanda lingam was undressed again, and , rice, and several other This year’s Shivarathri was the shanku abhishekam auspicious items to be offered to celebrated in grand fashion as commenced. Accompanied by the Lakshmi for the new year. volunteers arranged 1008 chanting of the panch suktas and Once the milk in the kalasam

3 Amritham

spilled over, everyone present purnahuthi was placed into the carrying of the Utsa Ganapathi offered a handful of rice into the fire. murthi around the temple, while pot and Aiya performed a short All devotees had a chance to eat Saturday will start with a puja to the kalasm. Following the the left over palaharams after the Chandi homam at 5 a.m. and end puja, Aiya gave everyone present homam. with the pulling of the chariot at “kai visesham,” an offering of a night. The temple’s children will dollar to all devotees as the Devi’s Navavarna Puja Workshop, plan and execute Sunday night’s first of the new year. Apr. 21-22 Dattatreya celebration, shortly by Kamya Ramaswamy before the festival flag comes This workshop was conducted in down. All are invited and the library room of the temple over welcomed. two days by Sri Subbarao Kompella, the peetadhipathi of Poornima, July 29 Devipuram. A 30-year veteran of by Kamya Ramaswamy Sri Chakra puja, he has been teaching the process for decades Each year, Aiya chooses a and this was his first time group of students to implement conducting a class at the Guru Poornima the following Rajarajeswari Peetam. Sri year. This year, that group is the As the kalasam spilled over, devotees Subbarao went through the steps team from Syracuse, NY. Several offered handfuls of rice of the puja on Saturday and meetings will be scheduled largely used Sunday as a day for throughout the next few months Prathyangira Homam, Apr. 15 review and questions. The and all are encouraged to by Abhi Somaskanda students went over several participate. For the second year, the temple mantras, yantras and rituals hosted its annual Maha within the Navavarna puja In Three Months throughout the weekend. Prathyangira homam the day The next issue of the after the Tamil new year. Again, Sri Chakra Magazine devotees were allowed to sponsor Chitra Poornima, May 1 Devi willing, the next issue of a bakshanam to be offered into the by Kamya Ramaswamy the Sri Chakra Magazine will be homam. Because of weather This was the day on which up on the temple’s website complications, this year’s homam (www.srividya.org) at the took place indoors. people who have lost their mothers may offer tarpanam for her beginning of August 2007. Over 34 different types of This issue will come along in palaharams were offered to Maha soul. This day only needs to be observed for a person’s late the middle of the summer and Prathyangira as Her mula will be the first time there will was chanted for more than two mother if, for whatever reason, not be a theme or feature section hours. Devotees lined up at the that person missed offering tarpanam on her actual day of to the magazine. Articles, poems, passing. Several devotees stories, and the like about any registered with the temple to spiritual topic are welcomed and sponsor the puja, which was led will be accepted. by Aiya. They performed the puja The Sri Chakra is looking for themselves in the yajnashala and devotees to help out this issue by then made the offerings at the end contributing stories, pictures, to their late mothers. poems, experiences or anything at all by July 9th. Please e-mail Upcoming Events us at [email protected] May Festival (Pratistha), with your submissions, as well Aiya and the sponsors offer chili into May 18-20 as your comments on this issue. the homam as a devotee adds a by Kamya Ramaswamy Sri Gurubhyo Namaha! handful of palaharam. This will be the ninth Vayu konam and offered the anniversary of the Rajarajeswari bakshanams into the homam after Peetam, and it will be celebrated each recitation of the mantra. with great pomp as usual. The please check the Aiya and the sponsors offered Friday will be devoted to website, Prathyangira Devi’s favorite, dry Ganapathi, Saturday to Devi and www.srividya.org, for chilis, by the basket. After all the Sunday to the Guru. Friday bakshanams were given, the evening will see the ceremonial more festival pictures!

4 The Sri Rajarajeswari Peetam ~ 6980 East River Road ~ Rush, NY 14543 ~ Phone: (585) 533 - 1970 Amritham

part 2

“Paiya” in Tamil means, little boy. Nicky During the Thiruvempavai festival, the and Aiya temple was graced with a surprise visit met by someone who had known Aiya again during his university years. Frances after Perera (or Nicky as we now know her) more was best friends with Aiya when they than 30 both attended Colombo University in years the late 1960s. While visiting her children in Mississauga this Christmas, she called the temple to reconnect with her old friend. The Sri Chakra had an intimate chat with her about Aiya, then and now. Here is the second half of that conversation.

Nicky : I called the temple from Oman, before we came to Canada), and they told me he’s away in India but he’ll be back on the 20th (of December). I came here on the 16th and was biding my time. On the 22nd I called and the me that he was a rioter and that gone to Zambia but he had come same person answered the phone. Shaku (Amma) was the one who back to visit in ’74… Saru was He came on the line and I said, got him to go to Mataji. They got only two years old. They were “Haran this is Nikki,” and there married in 1970 or ’71 I think. He there, and I left my husband now was silence. Then he said, “Oh my arranged a bus for my whole in the car and ran in to see them. God, is it really you?” I was just family to come to the wedding Haran said that the guy in the car jumping for joy on my end. He because we were like family to is the one I’ll get married to. sent Pravin to get me and all the him; he called my mom ‘amma’ way to the temple Pravin was and my father ‘aiya.’ SC: We all see Aiya as someone asking me questions about Haran. special who can see other things And then he said, “You know SC: So that was after you all and predict other things. What something? All this time Aiya was finished university? are some things that made him telling us it took him 60 years to more human? get to where he is… but he knew N: I quit after he left! I never and could do all of these things finished. He said, “You idiot, if I N: He was an absolute when he was younger than I am was there I would have made you prankster. now!” finish.” I told my children that if I hadn’t quit they wouldn’t be SC: Still is today. Sri Chakra: I’m thinking the same there, I would never have met my thing right now! I’m so behind husband and I probably would N: You just couldn’t help but compared to where he was then! have moved to Australia and laugh when you were with him. married a white guy or I’ll tell you what he did to us, my N: He must have started when something. You know, Haran told girlfriend and myself, when he he was 20 or even less. What he my friend, Prabha, that she would brought Shaku for the first time told you guys is that it took him marry a white guy. She’s a (to Columbo). He used to write 60 years for him to get to where Sinhalese Buddhist and she these books—these 40-page he is, but he never told anybody thought she would never do that, booklets, when it was full he used how young he was when he but today she’s married to a white to book-post it to Shaku in Jaffna. started. Before that he knew there guy! He sat us down and told us Shaku was something there, but he was When I just started going out was coming and she didn’t one of these rioting kids—he told with my husband, Haran had understand English, and asked us

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if we would take care of her. So we to do but we never talked about said sure, no problem. We cut one anything. But it feels like we have class and took her to the canteen. caught up. It’s strange. We were pointing to different I didn’t know I was initiated into things and asking if she wanted anything, I just knew I was close tea, if we could buy anything for to him. And I still don’t her… she was so calm and so understand what he has done. quiet, as if she really didn’t Everyone else around there, like understand. And we bought her Pravin and Kathy and Aparna, tea and cake. they all understood what it meant There was this trellis to one side to be initiated... and I was asking and we could see Haran standing if they could explain it to me. I like behind it and peeking at us. I what Haran preaches, that caught him grinning and I whichever religion you are, you thought, “Oh, there’s something just want to go to God, that’s it. I up here.” So I looked at Shaku and e-mailed him yesterday asking asked her, “Shaku, you him what I’m supposed to be understand English, don’t you?” doing—I have the feeling there’s And she said, “Yeah, I understand something I’m supposed to be English.” We told her to wait there doing, but I don’t know what it is. for us, and we chased Haran He said I will know it when I have around the campus but never to know it. caught him.

SC: Was that special relationship there between Aiya and anyone else in your group of friends?

N: It was mostly me. I asked him why is that I seemed to get the most benefit out of his company out of all of us, and he said I was the most open. And that I was willing to accept anything, which surprised a lot of people; me being a devout Catholic. Whatever it is, Haran—I don’t see him as a Hindu priest, I see him as a good, devout, honest person. I could relate him to Christ or something like that. It’s not that I think he’s Christ, but he’s pretty close.

SC: It sounds like he was very much back then the way he is now.

N: Absolutely! I didn’t see much change; I think he has got more powers now. Then he had to concentrate a little harder to help some others. He told me this time when I saw him that he had initiated me; I had no idea. But this time I said I would never lose him again. I wrote to him in Zambia in ’77, and now 29 years later I found him. We told each other we had so much catching up

6 Amritham PART 1 636363 NaNaNayyyanmarsanmarsanmars Thiruneelakanthan

by Gratuz Devanesan may 2007

Thiruneelakanthan is a common name for Lord Shiva abided in her heart and that at that moment Shiva, who having drunk the poison, ended up with she had said “us” as supposed to “me,” he felt that a blue (neela) throat (kanthan). Whatever the Lord Shiva himself had send him this message. He esoteric meaning of that story, we do learn and looked at her and immediately took a new resolve. understand that Lord Shiva separated the poison He promised that from this day forward, a female from ambrosia in a fluid that contained both—and would not be able to entice him even in his dreams. maybe that he can do similar things for us. He promised that he would put away his lust and Once there lived a devotee of Lord Shiva in touch no other female, including his wife. Chidambaram who always kept Lord Shiva in his Having taken that resolve he did not consider the heart. He was a potter by profession and as a service difficulties involved, considering that his wife was to Lord Shiva he would offer his services freely for still very young and beautiful and his emotions had all those who bowed down to Lord Shiva. He was in the past always drawn him near her. He took this gifted with an exceedingly beautiful wife, whose resolve with steady fate in the Lord and his wife physical beauty was only exceeded by her kindness accepted this promise. and her love for Lord Shiva. Lord Shiva forever From that day on they lived a loving platonic abided in her heart and her mind forever dwelled on relationship, with love flowing from their hearts and the feet of the Lord. The potter devotee lived a happy minds, but never extending as far as physical life with his wife. His wife being exceedingly sensuality. The years based by, and their skins beautiful, and the potter being quite virile, they wrinkled, their bodies tired but their resolve never enjoyed the sensual side of married life. wavered. One day the potter devotee glanced upon a Many years later, the potter devotee having gown prostitute who, for whatever reason enticed him and quite old saw a sage very near his home. He walked though he had a much more beautiful wife at home, over and asked the sage what service he could he wondered if maybe he could not try his luck here provide him. The sage looked at the devotee and also. His wife in the moment of ecstatic pleasure simply said the he should hold onto this special would call him “Thiruneelakanthan” –that loving begging bowl of his until he would retrieve it from remark going to his head, he convinced himself that him at a later time. The devotee, not suspecting he too could separate the poison and enjoy the anything, took the bowl and promised that he would prostitute without any real negative effects. keep it safe. It had been Lord Shiva who had come in Going home, having a loving truthful relationship this manner but the devotee did not even imagine with his wife, he saw no real reason to keep it from that Lord Shiva would have come to him in person. her. His wife was understandably extremely At night Lord Shiva came back as a robber and disappointed. Moreover, the potter devotee thought stealthily stole away the bowl. In the morning Lord it would even be possible to visit the prostitute Shiva returned as the sage and asked for his begging again—which his wife immediately forbade. He tried bowl back. to bring down her anger with kind words and The devotee looked in the place where he had put gestures but she held on to her anger and it, and not finding it there looked through his entire disappointment—after all she was a loyal and loving house and the surrounding area. However, he could wife, who happily did all her duties. not find the bowl. He came back and told the old sage As he approached her to hug her, in an effort to that he did not know what had happened and that calm her and convince her she said, “How dare you he would replace the bowl with a new one, even if it touch us! Thiruneelakanthan!” He knew that Lord has to be a golden one. The sage refused all such

7 Amritham

offers, demanding that he should have his original in the Lord and jump with his wife. All these years bowl returned to him. The sage took this whole he did not tell anyone of the promise he had made so thing to the priest of Chidambaram, for he said only many years ago, and he felt only troubled by they could pass proper judgment. breaking that promise and not by the fact that he The priest heard the case, and the pleadings of the had to jump into a well. devotee, but decided that the sage was right and he He went home contemplating the whole thing and needed his bowl returned. The devotee did not have returned with his wife; instead of holding her hand the bowl and had no idea what to do. The sage, who they both held a stick of bamboo. Once in front of the was of course Lord Shiva in disguise, offered a priest of Thillai he explained to all the promise he compromise. He told the potter to take his first born had taken many years ago and jumped into the well, and jump into a well. The devotee explained that he expecting to die. had no offspring, but did not elaborate on why. The However, the very moment he jumped, the water sage then said he should take his wife’s hand and rose and lifted him up, transforming him and his jump and if he was telling the truth surely nothing wife to a youthful age. The very same time the sage will happen. disappeared and the Lord of Thillai appeared near The devotee now felt that there was a slight the horizon, sitting on his bull and accompanied by problem as he had made the promise never to touch his loving consort. The Lord proclaimed that the any female, including his wife. Nonetheless, he potter couple was truly great for conquering the five thought that to clear his name he should have faith

Thiruneelakanthan Nayanar

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then there’s no one there and then SC: What do you see when you the person actually comes along. Temple look at an aura and how is it an It’s kind of seeing things a few invasion of privacy? things earlier. These things just LoreLore get you slightly confused. Devotee: Because what you see I’ve realized that all of these is… For example, one time I looked things, there’s no point looking for The stories of the devotees at at Aiya’s aura. Now, for Aiya, he’s it… I don’t even bother with it the Sri Rajarajeswari protected by his Guru Paduka now. There’s no point in trying to Peetam create the very and the fact that he’s said it for so understand what She has planned essence of the temple’s soul. long… I cannot take a lock on the for you. She’ll let whatever Aiya has verified all these colour of Aiya’s aura because it happens happen. tales for their authenticity, keeps shifting. However, when and he urges devotees to Aiya was in union with Devi, …to be continued next issue share their experiences for during a time when he was doing bhajans, I could see this golden the benefit of future sphere that encompassed him. generations. All identities will When Aiya refers to an aura, be kept in the strictest he’s referring to the predominant confidentiality unless chakra that you’re at in this otherwise informed. moment in time, which varies with the colours. For me, what I Last year, the Sri Chakra was able to see is the electro-magnetic field interview an upasaka who had around a person, which extends recently received diksha and was on to about three feet or so. Or at a trip to Rochester. He told the times it might be jagged or it magazine about his spiritual might change depending on the experiences and some of the lessons condition of the person. he has learned from Aiya and Devi. I think it’s an invasion of This month, the Sri Chakra features privacy because if I see someone’s the thrid in four parts of that aura, I can see a person and I can interview. tell whether or not they’re a Sri Vidya upasaka without asking them. Because the colour of their Sri Chakra: When you say you aura would appear a certain way see things, or someone comes and to me. Or I could see if this person tells you something (like was a Kali worshipper or Saraswati did), does that happen something else, or what has within your head? Or is it an happened to them. external experience that happens I don’t think a person should be outside of your body? able to have that unless they’ve reached a certain level. Now, I Devotee: From the way that wouldn’t talk to people about Aiya has explained it to me, it’s (other people’s auras), but I don’t occurring on a different plain, so think it’s right for me to use it. I’m deep in my japam. But even Like with any siddhi, Devi will now I can see external things… it’s keep you at arm’s length if you use like, I would look at something them because you’ll start getting and at the same time I could see enamoured with them and also and overlay type of thing. It’s the they’re a horrible distraction to same sort of thing with auras. I have. can look at a person, and with my eyes closed I could still see their SC: Are you at the point where aura. So what I’m saying is that you have attained any siddhis? you’re looking at a person with your eyes and then you’re looking Devotee: Little things. I’ve had at them with your mind as well. pre-cognitions. When I’ve been in Now I don’t look at people’s auras japam at times, I would think a normally, because I think it’s an person has already walked up to invasion of privacy. me and I’ll open up my eyes. But

9 Amritham

YAYA DEVIDEVI SARVASARVA BHUTESHUBHUTESHU PRITIPRITI RUPENARUPENA SAMSTITHA,SAMSTITHA,

NAMASTASYAI,NAMASTASYAI, NAMASTASYAI,NAMASTASYAI, NAMASTASYAI,NAMASTASYAI, NAMONAMO NAMAHNAMAH

10 Amritham DevipDevipDevipuramuramuram kumbhabhishekkumbhabhishekkumbhabhishekDevipDevipDevipuramuramuramamamamam

by Chaitanyanandanatha Saraswathi

Over the last weekend in chanting of vedic mantras and they had an audience with Guruji January the Sri Meru Temple in Chatra. and Ammah and later made their Devipuram saw the twelfth year Notable attendees included way to the temple. They spent a “Punarutharana” almost 40 devotees from the good two hours at the peetam and kumbhabhishekam being famous Nemili Sri Bala left after dinner. There were performed. Quite a few devotees Thripurasundari Peetam, led by excellent arrangements made for from the Sri Rajarajeswari the food, a team of expert cooks Peetam in Rochester, NY were were there preparing tasty, there. Almost 20 people were nutritious and timely meals for there from the USA and Canada, those people attending. observing and participating in the The pratishtapana homa and festivities. There was Suhir, Devi, kumbhabhishekam ceremonies Jayadeva, Thuriamba, were led by a senior Sri Vidya Parameswari Teacher, Raj Jadon, upasaka and a number of his Ravi and Rani, Venu and disciples. There were a thousand Kanakeswari, Madhuri and her kalasas installed by these men sister, Santoshi Ma, Sundara, and they performed Veda Ahalya, and Amma and myself parayana, while Surya attending the festivities. namaskaram, Sahasralinga, The arrangements at Devipuram Mahalingarchana and Mahanyasa were handled by a host of people purvaka Rudrabhishekam were including Dattatreyananda, Sri performed daily. Guruji Subbarao (the newly installed personally led the daily Sri Peetadhipathi at Devipuram) Chakra Pujas to the 108 purna Guruji’s daughters Ananta, Radha mahamerus sponsored by various and Rama and her husband Aiya leading a Maha Prathyangira people. This was always the Prabhakar. Several dignitaries homam in Kamakhya Peetam highlight of the day. The suvasinis that included Sri Peetadhipathi Nemili Sri from Hyderabad led the daily Lalithananda and other senior Sri Ezhilmani and his wife Smt. chantings of Soundarya Lahari Vidya upasakas attended. They Nagalakshmi. They were properly and Sri Lalita Sahasranamam. were all received with due respect received at the entrance and In the evenings there were with Purna Kumbham and the conducted to the temple where musical performances from

11 Amritham

homam was performed, Rochester style and was very well received with Guruji gracefully in attendance. On the final day Guruji, Ammah, his children, The New Peetadhipathi Sri Subbarao, his wife, Amma and I were in the yajnashala for the purnahuthi of the Pratishtapana homam followed by kumbhabhishekam performed by the chief ritvik, Guruji, Sri Subbarao, Swami Lalitananda, another senior Sri Vidya Upasaka and myself. Everyone who had sponsored one of the thousand kalasa then got an opportunity to carry the kalasa

various artistes from Chennai and Vizakapatnam. Notable among them were the much beloved and wildly popular nadaswaram duo of Kalai mamani Sheik Subhani and Kalaimamani Mehboob Kalishabhi. They were no strangers to the attendees from the USA and Canada. They accompanied Sri Ganesh, Smt. Gnanapurani and I when we sang bhajans on the second day of the ceremonies. Sri Premasagar and Sathiawathi, the longtime devotees of Guruji from Chembur Mumbai, who are living in Devipuram, made sure Guruji and Guruji Amma were properly looked after and were not overstressed during the themselves to the top, and Sri festivities. Subbarao and the chief Ritvik In the mornings, of the days I performed the abhishekam for was there, I led anushtanas at the them. Kamakhya peetham, the The festivities ended leaving all powerhouse of the complex. There those who attended with a feeling were daily Sri Sukta Vidhana of fulfillment and belonging. pujas and a Maha Pratyangira homam performed with Guruji’s three daughters in attendance. The early morning pujas were clockwise from top left: Aiya and heavily attended. On the third Amma leading a Maha Shodasi day at Guruji’s request a homa homam; The gang from America and kundam was constructed at the Canada hanging out with Aiya and Easanya side of the Maha Meru. Amma; Aiya and Amma with Nemili At Guruji’s request I led a Maha Ezhilmani and his wife, Smt. Shodasi Homam for the devotees Nagalakshmi. who were there, in particular for a devotee based in New Delhi, who had sponsored it. This

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Arriving in Devipuram on the Aiya, Guruji, eve of Maha Kumbhabhishekham and felt like a huge family reunion, Guruji with Sahasrakshi’s children Amma arriving from around the world. I immediately felt swept away by loving smiles. As soon as I got down from the car, I ran to Guruji and Guruji Amma’s house to offer pranaams. Sitting and chatting with Guruji was Yanamandra Venugopala Shastry, the acharya who was to lead the four day function. Right away I noticed the same sparkling, loving eyes of Devi. Throughout the festival he was a bright light embodying Devi’s love. As he lead a team of ritviks in front of the Yagna Shala, their chanting voices harmonized with the pujas simultaneously occurring in the Sri Meru temple, Kamakhya and Shivalayam. watched from the ground as water flowed off the temple some Could we be in Lokam? It they climbed up 60 feet, to the devotees held empty bottles to felt like Chintamani Grihantasta. top of the bindu, above collect the tirtham and others Each day was a full feast of Sahasrakshi’s sahasrara and simply stood under the offerings: divine pujas, chanting, poured the first of 1,000 downpour and let it drench their music, friendship-new and old, kalasams which would soak the souls. Sacred birds flew chatting, sharing food and temple and all the devotees in overhead, circling the temple, as relaxing in the cashew groves, all showers of bliss for the next devotees spiraled up the Sri Meru, amidst the divine company of several hours. The words which chanting while carrying the clay true Mahatmas. best describe the experience of kalasams on their heads, rising to On the final day, which this culminating puja are reach the bindu. Nothing could coincided with magha masam Amrita Ananda, as if the Guru be greater than sharing the divine pournima, we spent a full physically manifested his true occasion with your Guru morning with beautiful pujas and form and showered all with Parampara, as our Sri and then gathered in the yagna shala and divine love. After Parama Gurus bestowed full for the maha purnahuthi. Once four days of charging the blessings on the occasion. I will the maha purnahuthi had been atmosphere and the 1,000 never forget the ecstatic, crazy, offered, Guruji and Guruji Amma kalasams, the flow of water blissful look on Aiya’s face as he climbed the spiral stairs of the Sri pouring over the Sri Meru sat with Guruji and Guruji Meru temple accompanied by a temple was an ecstatic Amma witnessing the great small group of devotees and outpouring of bliss. As the event. priests. Thousands of devotees TheTheTheThe divinity divinity divinity divinityby Kathy (Thuriamba) Allen of of of of Devi’sDevi’sDevi’sDevi’s home home home home

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It is an understatement to say peetadhipathi of Nemili Bala simultaneously reminding me of that Devipuram is a beautiful Tripurasundari Peetam, and his the timeless eternal relevance of place. It is a place that embodies family. Once couldn’t have wished Devipuram and Guruji’s vision. the beauty of the Goddess, both for a better divine constellation. When the abhishekam ceremony physically and spiritually. I spent The events of the festival were was done by Guruji and Amma, I two weeks in that paradise structured in such a way that the saw three eagles (Garuda) in the during the Maha Kumbhabhishekam ritual and spiritual activities (like sky circling over the temple dome. festival. It is Devi’s own Palace Of puja, homam etc) were scheduled for TheThe Essence Essence of of MahaMaha by Sangeetha Prakash Krishna KKumbhabhishekumbhabhishekamam

Splendor (manidweepam). I finally the mornings, while the In South Indian temple tradition, had taken my much-dreamed-of afternoons and evenings were for such a presence of the eagles vacation in paradise and got to relaxing and socializing within during a kumbhabhishekam spend time with Mother at Her the temple complex. We had ceremony is considered highly place. world-class carnatic music concerts auspicious. It is believed that the Before the festival started, all on all five evenings of the festival. presence of such garudas is a the deities in the temple complex, It certainly felt like we had reassuring visible symbol of the including all the Khadgamala gathered in the Mother’s home to sacred presence of the gods, , Devis, were freshly garlanded, celebrate Her presence. sages, siddhas and yoginis and they looked enchantingly Celebrating thus, the day of the assembled to witness and to bless beautiful. The whole place looked grand-finale arrived. It was the such a highly powerful ritual, and colorfully decked and freshly day of ritual climax. After the offer their whole-hearted well- painted. Devotees had gathered ceremonial completion (purnahuti) wishes to the temple. from many countries and from of the homam, Guruji and Amma I joined other devotees in many parts of India. Getting to proceeded to the top of the temple wholeheartedly praying that know them, living with them, structure to perform the Devipuram, always and forever sharing our experiences, mahakumbhabhishekam—the remains a vital resource for recounting our stories, was a ceremonial bathing of the Sri tantric Sri Vidya worship of Devi, memorable experience. Even Meru Temple. I too, along with all for all our future generations. while I was there, I remember other devotees, had the When Guruji did the abhishekam, I thinking that these were some of opportunity to carry the sacred had this refrain on my lips - my best days. kalasam (pot) of water to the “pallaandu, pallaandu, I had the opportunity to spend temple dome. It was a rare once- pallaayirathaandu, pala koti time with Guruji and Amma, to in-a-lifetime opportunity for us to nooraayiram.” It is a Tamil share in their simple lives, and do so. devotional song that is sung bask in their love and affection. I was moved to tears when I saw during a blessing, and roughly Aiya and Amma from the Guruji at the top of the temple translates as, “May the blessings Rochester peetam were there for gopuram (dome), who had climbed be showered for many years, the festival. While Amma made there with considerable difficulty, many years, many thousand her loving presence felt, Aiya over the makeshift stairs. He years, many ten million hundred regaled us with his mesmerizing performed the abhishekam to the Sri thousand years...” stories and anecdotes laced with Meru Temple. It was a magical After all, that is what a divine wisdom. and powerful moment, as the first mahakumbhabhishekam is in its As if the collective power of kalasam of water was poured over essence—it is a collective prayer, a Guruji/Amma and Aiya/Amma the temple spire. That tiny wholehearted blessing, a spiritual were not enough, we also had moment in time will stay frozen reaffirmation and a timely other spiritual dignitaries visit in my memories. For me, it reassurance that the symbol and Devipuram during the festival. symbolizes the culmination of a legacy of the shakti peetam One notable presence was the festival in a small slice of time, yet (Devipuram) will live on forever!

14 Amritham sss ll lll ofofofof Hundreds of people descended on Devipuram for the Maha Kumbhabhishekam in Jan/Feb 2007.iiii The people below were kindKKK enoughumbhabhishekumbhabhishekumbhabhishek to shareii amamam their thoughts and experiences during the event with those who could not be there. ·The onlooker cannot miss thecccbeauty with every twilight and Lost the weed of need at grandeur of the Meru Temple. He dawn and taste its lusciousness. Arunachalam (She) was at the Meru Temple, Let the surrounding intoxicate Drowned totally in the Absolute dressed in white, radiating like the every cell in your body while Contentedness moonlight and enjoying the you melt away into the timeless Permeating every cell was the presence of His (Her) children. warpee sleeping in this Mother’s inexplicable Sweetness Guruji Amma greeted everyone e womb.ee It was enchanting and ee Defeating my human will while with her most inviting smile while electrifying. feeling the “SHE” all the volunteers and workers It is a place where time or Now, nothing ever matters as to embraced everyone with motherly thoughts do not dwell. Nothing how things will be gentleness and endearing smiles. matters anymore.ssss This cannot be Without the grace of my Gurus Devipuram pulsated with a painted on a canvas by an artist, where I will be unique energy throughout the nor can any vocabulary convey Without adoring Her feet there Maha Kumbhabhishekam. Ecstasy its spirit. It is an experience that is no life for me sprints through your spine will remain in one’s soul through Everything She is to me witnessing Sahasrakshi revealing eternity. Nothing will bother what come Herself as Ganapathi, Meenakshi Ahalya Arasaratnam maybe and Varahi. How fortunate we No more need I have, now no were to have both Gurus and fear I have Patnis in one sacred, esoteric place. ·I was a child playing in the The Guru’s Grace is protecting Wherever Aiya and Amma went, Mother’s lap all the “we.” they magnetically drew crowd like Cherishing every moment Anonymous bees to honey. Kamakya Peetam nourishing Her sap echoed with Aiya’s mesmeric Floating in the boundless chants. In the early morning, smothering love from Kanchi ·In my moments with divine Guruji’s chants in a soft, tender Kamakshi Mother, I asked her “when would voice exuded life in every particle Déjà vu inspiration tearing my I see you next?” She replied, “My and granule while the homams heart at Madhurai Meenakshi sweet child look into the eyes of conducted by Aiya resonated in the The playful little Girl, giggling every devotee and you will see me air with invigorating energy. From and ruling my life at there.” young to the old, trees to the birds, Kanyakumari Guruji inanimate to animate were Trotted along to enjoy the pregnant with vitality. divine Grace at Pillaiyar Pathi ·After Guruji had performed Like a lotus in a pond, the Meru Went in search to experience the abhishekam of the kumbham Temple blossoms in the midst of a the Maha Senathipathi he came down and sat before the lustrous cashew plantation. Stay Bounded by the harnessing Sri Meru temple with Amma to atop the Shivalayam and feel Her energy in Swami Malai giving blessings to the people. A exuberance all around you. Marvel Proceeded to rejoice the few volunteers and I formed a the beauty of the breast-like spearheaded divine force of human chain around him so that mountains, witness the cloud Thiruperungkunram the oxygen supply to Guruji and impregnate the valleys, listen to the Bathing in the twenty two Amma does not get compromised distant chants, laughs and cries, let wells for penance at due to the large crowd. There was Her wrap your body with a calm Rameshwaram a long queue of people waiting to breeze and warm your skin with The shiver of bliss and losing touch his feet. A few of them gentle rays, admire the unfolding myself at Chidambaram where taking a longer time and

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trying to talk to him while getting breeze, the devotees were all filled very sick half way through the his blessings. with goodness and love, the function. I was not the only one Suddenly two more guest young pundits (ritviks) chanted including Guruji. Even with all peetadhipathis came and sat next like thunder to provoke the gods this going on I felt it was only to Guruji and Amma and started to shower their blessings. Each because of the Devi’s blessings and to bless people who prostrated. day of the celebration was grace that I was even there. This This was further delaying the different, aside from the regular function was a crowning queue. So a few of us were pujas, devotees could participate achievement for Guruji and ushering the people to make it in numerous activities such as Ammah. With the release of faster, as each one of them homans, cleaning and sponsoring Guruji’s new Merus, I eagerly prostrated separately before four pujas. purchased a five-inch version to Gurus. We stopped people from In the evening, a variety of take home. It was great seeing having too many words with special singers would come to pay Haran and Amma and so many of them and prevented people who their respects to Devi and sing Her the Rochester crowd as well as had darshan to stand around glory. The ultimate joy was to see making many new friends. Guruji. The prime screamer was Aiya and Amma grace us all by My powerful experience me saying please don’t being able to attend the happened the day after the overcrowd, please make it faster, celebration, but more function, when I was allowed to please don’t talk now, etc. Guruji importantly, it was the sit in the Sahasrakshi Meru called me closer and said with his indescribable joy that Guruji temple alone by myself inside usual smile, “It is okay, now there expressed on seeing Aiya and with the gate closed. I was sitting are two queues! Why do you Amma that filled our hearts and and talking with the Devi from hasten them; see the people in one gave him strength. As the my heart when I heard a women’s queue are all standing in the sun, celebrations ended on the fourth anklet jingle in my ear. I tried to first make them to come under the day with the commencement of see if someone was there outside. I shade.” the abhishekam from the highest could not see; I was sitting too far While reciting the LS mantra– point of the main temple by our to the right. When I heard it again, Avyaja karuna moorthi–in my gurus, we all regained our this time I got up, and outside was opinion and experience refers to spiritual strength by drenching a beautiful young lady in a golden the unusually benevolent Guruji, ourselves into the abhishekam sari. as he usually usual walks his water that trickled down to the She was motioning with her talks and spreads ripples of temple floor, while eagles hand towards the inside of the Karunya Rasa. acknowledged and celebrated the temple, I said do you wish to do Sunandini Lakshminath successful event. namaskara to the Devi and she Raj Jadon did not speak, but kept moving her hand towards me to the ·Devipuram truly is a place ground. I opened the gate and she that defines solitude, as it is ·Most of the old crowd in prostrated before Devi. Without cradled deep within a valley Rochester remembers me I’m sure; even thinking and as though some surround by giant hills that I was present at the first one had taken control of me, I took guard against the encroachment Kumbhabhishekham at some kumkum, touched it to the of civilization, where time has no Devipuram 12 years earlier and Meru, Shiva’s feet, and the Devi’s significance, where Devi’s grace when I heard that this was jewelry and placed this on the and love flows in abundance. On happening again, I felt I needed to young woman’s forehead. arrival you feel like you have be there for this even though it When I did this, some tears reached your spiritual home, as was happening at a most rolled from her eyes and this must the warm fresh air caresses your inconvenient have been something very special body like a mother affectionately time with very little time to to her. I thought this was strange cradles her child after a lengthy prepare. that she was all alone. I left absence. After a very difficult trip getting shortly after and I did not see her By attending the to Devipuram, I was finally there. anywhere outside. I thought was Mahakumbhabhishekam we were Everyone was very busy she real, but I knew this all able to quench our spiritual preparing for this and I told experience was very special, desires and fulfill our inner Guruji that I would like to do moving and real for me, as it was spiritual quest as the guru’s grace photography for this function. for that young woman. I will oozed profusely. During the four And he gave me this always remember that for the days of celebration, the land responsibility, so that was my moment that Devi and I shared graced use with its beauty from part to help out during this time. those blessings. dawn to dusk, the winds caressed Well, it was not easy; I was Bill Thomas us all with her gentle motherly having back trouble and even got

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·It was the last day of the As we were just done with Kumbhabhishekam at draping of three sarees as one on Devipuram. The day’s activities the mother, we heard the door were not clear to me. All I knew open. Guruji, Amma, and the was that the sacred energized main priest walked in with the water in the 1000 kalasams that kalasams. The ritviks underwent days of constant accompanying them were chanting with various powerful chanting loudly, and then I saw mantras was about to be Aiya, Amma and Subbarao jostle generously offered to the their way through inside. They all Kumbham that sits on top of the took turns in doing the Meru Nilayam temple. Devotees prokshanam for the Devi with the were scattered all over the place energized kalasam water. Later, and there was no sight of the they headed to the pinnacle of the Rochester group. I found myself Meru temple, to pour the kalasam walking aimlessly. Suddenly I water on the kumbham. The rest remembered that the offering of of us stayed back in the sanctum the 1000 gold coin mala was to complete the alankaram. We scheduled for that day. adorned her with made I rushed to the Sahasrakshi of different sizes and flowers and goddess who sits on the bindu of She looked beautiful. the Meru temple. There I met with Suddenly, drops of water were Prema aunty, Tejasvi, and Vijaya dripping from the sanctum roof. all disciples of Guruji engaged in We soon realized that it was the sorting out the garlands for the kalasam water that was being alankaram. The young boy poured on top of the kumbham. assigned for the Devi’s We all acknowledged the fact that alankarams, for all the days was the mother was showering her also there. I expressed my Grace to us in this form. Outside appreciation for his devoted, the sanctum, devotees made a artistic and creative touch to the beeline to offer the kalasams. A different alankarams of the Devi. ladder was laid to get to the top of The mother was dressed up as the kumbham. Only few people Ganesha, Shyma and Varahi in were allowed to climb on it due to the past days and today it was practicality issues. going to be Lalitha. As I was helping with the Before I could plunge into a technicalities of adorning the kasu volley of questions, Prema aunty malai for the Devi, Guruji’s pulled me aside and asked me to brother-in-law walked inside and help with the sorting of the asked the few of us if we would decoration articles. I could see like to offer a kalasam. We all that they were all pressed for time jumped with joy. I picked up a and orderly completion of the kalasam from a devotee and alankaram before the arrival of climbed up the not-too-steady Guruji to do the prokshanam ladder. I did not care. I reached the with the kalasam water. I top and gave the kalasam to watched the young boy applying Subbarao, who was engaged in paste to the Devi’s diligently pouring the water from face with intense concentration the kalasa offered to him. I saw and devotion. Something told me Rema (Guruji’s daughter) sitting that he was going through some right near the kumbham, journey doing it, for every move drenched in water smiling at me. appeared to be dictated by the Someone asked me if I wanted to Mother. Meanwhile, the jostling sit there. All this was so crowd had gathered outside the unexpected that for a moment I Sahasrakshi sanctum door, could not collect myself. I came anxiously trying to get a glimpse down to the sanctum and made of the Devi. We all took turns to my humble pranams to my Guru hold the sanctum door tight. lineage and the Mother. Dr. Devi Padmanaban

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SrSr i i G G u u r r u bhy bhy o o NN a a ma ma h h

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