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Home , Abhisheka, Ashta Lakshmi, Damaru, Japamala, Shankha

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

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

This month and next, we look forward to several lÉqÉxiÉå Namaste festivals and functions in addition to the ones mentioned above. We have the Gita Maha at Á – . We are excited to bring you the third issue the Mandir on December 19th. On December 27th is of our quarterly newsletter “Dharma Sandesh”. Vaikunta Ekadasi – the day on which Lord opens the doors of His inner sanctum Vaikunta to Winter is upon us already. Some days it is crisp; on everyone, including His enemies, if any. One school other days it is blustery. Some days it is sunny and of philosophy states that the - the bright; other days are grey and gloomy. As usual, conversation between Lord and at the winter brings with it a mixed bag of treats and beginning of Kurukshetra War is said to have troubles. For most children, school is almost over and occurred on this day. they are looking forward to a few days of carefree playing and enjoying the holidays. At the same time, We also look forward to the harvest festival Pongal / this is the time for children (and adults) to fall sick Lohri / Makara Sankranti on January 14-15. This is with the cold and/or flu. With the H1N1 virus making the time of E¨ÉUÉrÉhÉ mÉÑhrÉMüÉsÉ – Uttarayana Punya Kala its rounds, we advise all people to take adequate – when the Sun changes to a northerly direction. Kite precautions to keep yourselves, your family members flying is a favorite sport in associated with this and others safe and healthy. day. This is also the time for us to give thanks to the Lord for having graced us with bountiful harvests – To help people with health-related and other issues, a sugarcane, wheat, rice, jaggery, sesame and peanuts, volunteer Community Support Group has been started among others. under the auspices of the Mandir. More information about the group can be found in the xÉqÉÉcÉÉU (Temple Let us welcome the New Year 2010 with much hope, News) section. enthusiasm, sincerity and commitment to helping fellow human beings. And let us all pray to the Lord We are also proud to announce that some devotees are for everything He provides us throughout the year. interested in sponsoring this newsletter every quarter. Sri Maneesh and Dr. Michelle Arora of Madison, WI Sincerely, have generously sponsored the printing of copies of this issue of Dharma Sandesh. We call upon devotees Your Editorial Board to sponsor printing of copies of future issues of this quarterly newsletter. Devotees may note that all the writing of the content and editing of the newsletter are xÉÑpÉÉÌwÉiÉÉ Subhaashitaa strictly voluntary. In this section, we present a quotation and its In this issue of Dharma Sandesh, we have articles on interpretation/meaning. Lord and on the Karthigai festival. Datta Jayanthi – the day on which Lord Dattatreya mÉUÉåmÉMüÉUÉrÉ TüsÉÎliÉ uÉפÉÉÈ mÉUÉåmÉMüÉUÉrÉ uÉWûÎliÉ lÉ±È | incarnated on this earth – occurs this year on mÉUÉåmÉMüÉUÉrÉ SÒWûÎliÉ aÉÉuÉÈ mÉUÉåmÉMüÉUÉrÉ CSqÉç zÉUÏUqÉç || December 1. The Karthigai festival also occurs on the same day this year.

Dharma Sandesh Volume 1 Issue 3 Dec2009-Feb2010 Page-1 paropakaaraaya-phalanti-vrukshaaha- paropakaaraaya –vahanti-nadyah | paropakaaraaya-duhanti-gaavah- JnanaVihara paropakaaraaya-idam-sariram|| ¥ÉÉlÉÌuÉWûÉU

Trees bear fruit for the benefit of others. Rivers flow In this section, we present articles on , for the benefit of others. Cows give for the , , , and related philosophy. benefit of others. Similarly, this human body and this life have been given to us to be useful and beneficial Article 1 – Lord Dattatreya for others. Trees do not eat their own fruits. They produce fruits Lord Dattatreya (S¨ÉɧÉårÉ) is known as Gurudeva Datta. only to feed and do good to other creatures. Rivers He is the of all . He is the Supreme Guru. provide thousands of creatures with life-saving water. As an incarnation of the Paramaatma or Supreme They do not drink even a drop of their own waters. Spirit, Lord Dattatreya came down to earth to spread Cows produce milk to provide nourishment for the universality of true religion. He descended on this several creatures. They do not drink their own milk. earth to establish (xÉirÉ - the universal truth), Rta Human beings should learn from this. They should ( - the cosmic order), and Dharma ( - the stop being selfish and looking after their own interests GiÉ kÉqÉï always. Instead, they should try to do some good and perennial principles) in all their entirety. help others. This precious human life and this human body have been given by the Lord to us not for self- Lord Dattatreya is an ancient incarnation of the promotion but for helping other creatures. Trinity -Vishnu-. He is a complete and Contributed by Dr. Narasim Banavara perfect manifestation of the three primordial energies and the three primary Gunas (qualities) of Sattva (positivity, goodness and wholesomeness), Rajas (passion, energy and movement), and Tamas xÉÉD mÉëåUhÉÉ Baba’s Teachings (negativity, lethargy, darkness and ignorance). He encompasses all these Gunas and, at the same time, In this section, we present a teaching of Sri Sai Baba. transcends all these Gunas.

The Lord’s Name Lord Dattatreya is an , the Supreme The Lord's name is like a mountain of sugar. Philosopher and ever-anchored in Spirit. He is Approach that mountain, have faith in it, taste it Avadhuta, he who has shaken off from himself all anywhere, everywhere and experience that joy. The worldly feelings and obligations. He is dispassionate highest devotee is the one who ever revels in that joy, and detached from the worldly goings-on and assumes others there are who live besides the mountain the form of a total and supreme recluse. enjoying for sometime the bliss of constant remembrance of the Lord and at other times, Lord Dattatreya experiencing the objects of the world. There are also incarnated on this others who take shelter at the foot of the mountain earth as the son of the of the Lord’ name when calamity hits them and move great sage Maharshi far away from it when the crisis is over. The highest Atri and his wife, the types of devotees are those who steadily cling to the lady Anasuya. path of devotion and enjoy bliss throughout their “Datta” = “given” and lives. Realize that the purpose of human birth is to “Aatreya = “son of reach God through worship (at home, work, Temple) Atri”. Therefore, helping mankind. All experience, all knowledge, all “Datta + Aatreya” actions should be directed towards goal. The New means “given as the Year is the perfect time to begin this. God bless. son of Atri”.

Sai Inspires, 11/10/09 from Prashanti Nilayam The Shaandilya Upanishad (3.2) states: What is the Contributed by Dr. Vijaya Dasari reason for the Supreme Lord to be referred to as Dharma Sandesh Volume 1 Issue 3 Dec2009-Feb2010 Page-2 Dattatreya? There has to be a reason. The great time – past, present and future. The Lord uses the Maharshi Atri performed severe penance to appease Chakra to destroy the karmic bonds of His devotees. the Supreme Lord and beget a son. Pleased with the Maharshi’s penance, the radiant and illustrious The (drum) is used to awaken those souls Supreme Lord, out of His own accord, donated who are still sleeping in the slumber of ignorance. The Himself to Maharshi Atri as the fruit of the sage’s Trishula (trident) indicates that Lord Dattatreya has austere penance. That emerged as a son to transcended the three Gunas of Sattva, Rajas and Maharshi Atri and his wife Anasuya. That is why the Tamas and He uses the Trishula to vanquish the ego Supreme Lord is known by the name of Dattatreya. and ignorance of all creatures.

The form of Lord Dattatreya The (rosary) is symbolic of yogic energy and prosperity. While the Lord uses the Japamala to Symbolically, Lord Dattatreya is depicted with three liberate one soul after another when that soul heads, six arms, and standing under an Audumbara contemplates on Him with true devotion, it is also an (fig) tree. He is surrounded by a cow and four dogs, indication for devotees to constantly chant the Lord’s who are his constant companions. In His hands He name in order to seek emancipation from this illusory holds a (), Chakra (discus), Damaru world. The (water bowl) holds the nectar (drum), Trishula (trident), JapaMala (rosary), and of pure wisdom with which the Lord revives the souls Kamandalu (water bowl). He wears His hair in matted thirsty for knowledge, liberating them from the locks and wears a tiger-skin as His only garment. His endless cycle of births and deaths. body is smeared with Bhasma (holy ash). The cow represents Kamadhenu, the all-wish- The three heads of Lord Dattatreya represent the three fulfilling celestial cow and the Audumbara tree primordial energies of iÉåeÉxÉç - Tejas (brightness, represents -Vriksha, the all-wish fulfilling illumination, knowledge and fiery energy representing celestial tree. Both these elements grant true devotees fulfilment of all their wishes and desires. Lord Lord Brahma), AÉåeÉxÉç - Ojas (lustre, vigour, vitality Dattatreya is always found under the shade of the and action representing Lord Vishnu), and iÉmÉxÉç - Audumbara tree (religious austerity, stringency of penance, next to the divine severe and sacred learning representing Kamadhenu. The Lord Shiva). The three heads also represent the xÉ×̹ four dogs (Srishti - creative energies), ÎxjÉÌiÉ (Sthithi - sustaining surrounding Lord energies) and sÉrÉ (Laya - annihilating energies) Dattatreya associated with the Trinity – Lord Brahma, Lord represent the four Vishnu and Lord Shiva respectively. Vedas – Rig Veda, Yajur Lord Dattatreya holds the Shankha and Chakra Veda, Sama representing the aspects of Lord Vishnu, the Damaru Veda and and Trishula representing the aspects of Lord Shiva, Atharva Veda – and the Japamala and Kamandalu representing the watchdogs of the aspects of Lord Brahma. Ultimate Truth and the repositories of The Shankha (conch) is used to sound the (OM) – Á Spiritual the primordial sound and the first word of the Hindu Wisdom. scriptures. The rotating Chakra (discus) is a round circle with no beginning and no end, and like the The tiger skin symbolizes potential energy. Lord universe it is constantly moving and in a state of flux. Dattatreya, wearing a tiger skin, illustrates the idea Holding the discus in His hand, Lord Dattatreya is the that He is the source of the creative energy that controller of time though He is beyond the cycles of remains in potential form during the dissolution of the universe. Of His own divine will, the Lord activates Dharma Sandesh Volume 1 Issue 3 Dec2009-Feb2010 Page-3 the potential form of the creative energy to project the righteousness), fasting, devotion to God, undertaking universe in endless cycles. pilgrimages, reading of holy and sacred scriptures, breathing exercises, and other such religious practices Lord Dattatreya is ÌSaÉqoÉU - Digambara – the one with are meant to purify the heart. Once the heart is an unclad body. The unclad body symbolizes the purified and remains constantly pure, then the transcendental aspect of the Lord. Since most things uninterrupted darshan (vision) of the Supreme Self is reduce to ashes when burned, ashes symbolize the possible. physical universe. The ashes on the unclad body of the Lord signify that Dattatreya is the source of the entire Constant chanting of the Lord’s name, studies of the universe that emanates from Him, but He transcends sacred scriptures and pilgrimages all inspire people the physical phenomena and is not affected by it. and create a strong determination and faith in them to see and realise God. Ultimately, it is the faith and true Lord Dattatreya is the master of . The three knowledge that brings about the realization of the matted locks on the head of the Lord convey the idea Absolute Truth. The Avadhuta Gita contains this that integration of the physical, mental and spiritual knowledge in its purest form. energies is the ideal of yoga. Lord Dattatreya’s primary teaching was God- Lord Dattatreya is glorified as the upholder of consciousness. One must eternally strive to achieve it. Dharma. The Sattvata Samhita (12.109-114) states: Until one realises God and becomes one in God- He is -, the form which personifies consciousness, one must not give up, one must not spiritual wisdom. He directs men and Gods along the stop or break one’s efforts in this path of realization. path of spiritual progress. And He protects the Vedas There should not be any doubt about the divinity of and regulates the conduct of people. the Supreme Spirit. Faith and true knowledge are the means to achieving this realization. The philosophy and teachings of Lord Dattatreya The primary tenets of the Dattatreya tradition thus are: Lord Dattatreya was a great philosopher. He had 1. Everyone should know oneself first and one several esteemed disciples, including Lord should know one’s reality, which is God. Parashurama (the sixth incarnation of Lord Vishnu), 2. One should realize the relationship between Patanjali (the author of the Yoga ) and the God, man and creation, and the underlying thousand-armed Kartaveerya Arjuna, the king of the kinship, unity and oneness of these three entities. Yadus. is immanent and the all-pervading reality in all matter. It is the origin, support and The Markandeya Purana states that Lord Dattatreya sustenance of all. taught Patanjali the Ashtanga Yoga (the eightfold path 3. To obtain this vision and discern this Truth, of Yoga). Patanjali later coded the works into the one should conquer one’s ego through Yoga and Yoga Sutras. renunciation. 4. The Guru’s grace is indispensable. One has to Lord Dattatreya wrote the Avadhuta Gita, a text of surrender oneself totally and unreservedly at the eight chapters on the Advaita (non-dualistic) Vedanta feet of the Guru. His grace awakens Jnana (philosophy). Lord Dattatreya sang this Gita (knowledge) by which one can recognize the spontaneously after purifying Himself in meditation reality of Brahman, which is the real Self of all and becoming absorbed in the uninterrupted bliss of beings. Brahman (Supreme Consciousness). The Avadhuta In addition, one should: Gita guides one to seek God and immerse oneself in 1. Have purity of thought, word and deed. God-consciousness. It is the highest knowledge on the 2. Chant the Lord’s name and meditate on it. Self and is meant for the seekers of self-realisation. 3. Have compassion and love for all beings. 4. Render selfless service at the feet of the Guru The aim of life is to realize the Absolute Truth and to and surrender completely and unconditionally. be eternally free. Purification of the heart is essential to this realization. Practice of Dharma (duty, virtue, Dharma Sandesh Volume 1 Issue 3 Dec2009-Feb2010 Page-4 In the Srimad , the Supreme Lord At this point Lord Shiva, in His embodiment of Light Krishna narrates the above to His disciple Uddhava. (Jyothi), came out of the river. After that, Lord Shiva The primary teaching that arises from this discourse is is supposed to have gone to Thiruvannamalai in Tamil God-consciousness. One must always fix his mind on Nadu and graced His devotees on the Full-Moon day God, meditate on Brahman, and not let anything or in Karthigai month. This is the reason that Light or anyone lead him astray from that path. One should be Jyothi, which is a form of Lord Shiva, is worshipped. completely detached from all worldly things and this physical body. Such a man is truly liberated and truly Lord Murugan is also worshipped on that day. Lord happy. Murugan is said to have come from the of Lord Shiva as six sparks in a lake called Saravana Sources: Shandilya Upanishad, Sri Markandeya Poigai. Then, Parvathi put the six sparks together Purana, Sri Guru Charitra. into a boy and thus he came to be known as Contributed by Dr. Narasim Banavara Shanmugan (six-faced). He is said to have been taken care of by six maidens called the Krithika girls. Hence Article 2 – Karthigai Festival/Sarvalaya Deepam he came to be called Karthikeyan (child of the Krithikas). This festival is celebrated mainly in in . It is a festival of lights. As is the theme of There was a demon king by the name of Tripurasuran. all festivals this one also celebrates the victory of He was troubling all the Good over Evil. Devas and humans. He had a boon that he It is the oldest festival in Tamil Nadu. One of the could be killed only if oldest literatures in Tamil called Tolkappiam dating someone kills him back to 2000-2500 B.C. mentions the significance and through all the three background of this festival. There are several stories, forts he had built but I will mention a couple of them that have a around him. On this realistic note. They are mentioned in our mythology. Karthigai Purnima day, Lord Shiva killed The festival falls on the Purnima day (full moon) in him with his Trishoola the Tamil month of (trident spear) which Karthigai. The story pierced all the three goes like this – Lord forts. So, this is a day Shiva once asked Lord to celebrate the victory Vishnu and Lord of good over evil. On Brahma to find His this day there will be a huge torch lit on top of head and feet and went Thiruvannamalai which will be visible for miles!!!! into the river. Lord This is called Sarvalaya Deepam. Brahma took the form of a fish and Lord The day before Karthigai Deepam is called Vishnu Vishnu took the form Deepam. Every household will light lamps called of a boar and went Ahal. These are made of earth [mud/clay] or brass. looking. Later on, Lord There is also a lamp where a lady is holding an ahal in Vishnu accepted defeat her hand. We do Pooja for the Jyothi, Lord Shiva and and said he could not Lord Shanmugan. This festival is celebrated with find Lord Shiva’s feet. gusto in Tamil Nadu where people have lamps all But Lord Brahma said that he had found Lord around the house on compound walls and in the Shiva’s head, which was not true. So Lord Shiva got middle of the in front of their houses. Of angry and cursed Lord Brahma saying that there will course there is a festive meal!!!!!! be no place for him in a Shiva temple. But Lord Vishnu would be there. Contributed by Dr. Padma Sundaram

Dharma Sandesh Volume 1 Issue 3 Dec2009-Feb2010 Page-5 honest and uttered from depths of experience. He pÉÉUiÉÏrÉ qÉWûÉlÉ urÉÌ£üiuÉ Great started visiting Ramakrishna frequently. Characters of India During the course of five years of his training under Sri Ramakrishna, Narendra was transformed from a In this section, we present a brief story about a great restless, puzzled, impatient youth to a mature man character / personality from India, from both ancient who was ready to renounce everything for the sake of and modern times. God-realization. After the death of Sri Ramakrishna in Vivekananda August 1886, Narendra and a core group of Ramakrishna's disciples took vows to become monks Swami Vivekananda was born on January 12th 1863 and renounce all material things. as Narendranath Dutta (Narendra) in Calcutta. Swami Vivekananda is known as the greatest philosopher and Swami Vivekananda was the first Indian to address spiritual leader of the 20th century for his fearless the world at the World Parliament of Religions in courage, positive impression upon youth, broad Chicago, Illinois in 1893. His moving speech started outlook to social problems, and his learned interest in with the words "Sisters and brothers of America". Vedanta philosophy. Swami Vivekananda earned wild applause for beginning his address with these famous words, and In 1879, Narendra entered the Presidency College in he is perhaps best remembered as the man who "stole Calcutta for higher studies. After one year, he joined the show" at the event. the Scottish Church College, Calcutta and studied philosophy. During the course he studied western Swami Vivekananda's arrival in the USA has been logic, western philosophy and history of European identified by many to mark the beginning of western nations. interest in Hinduism as a vital religious and philosophical tradition. He started Vedantic centers in There he started to New York City and London, lectured at major raise questions universities and generally kindled western interest in about God. This Hinduism. After four years of touring and lecturing in made him relate the West, he came with the Brahma back to India in the Samaj, an important year 1897. religious movement of the time. But the Swami Vivekananda Samaj's passed away in 1902. congregational His institution is now prayers and one of the largest devotional songs monastic orders of could not satisfy Hindu society in Narendra's interest India, and carries on to understand God. He would ask leaders of Brahma both missionary and Samaj whether they have seen God. He never got a philanthropic work. satisfying answer. It was during this time that he came The mission to know about Sri Ramakrishna Paramahamsa of emphasizes rendering Dakshineswar. welfare services undertaken with a spiritual outlook. It is an institution Narendra met Ramakrishna for the first time in which provides spiritual and moral lessons as well as November 1881. He also asked Ramakrishna whether modern education to the future generations of India. he had seen God. Ramakrishna’s immediate answer Sources: www.famous-india.com was, "Yes, I have seen God, just as I see you here, only in a more clear sense." Narendra was astounded Contributed by Ms. Tina Sodha and puzzled. He could feel that the man's words were Dharma Sandesh Volume 1 Issue 3 Dec2009-Feb2010 Page-6 by Mount Kisco Music Group of Westchester, NY. xÉqÉÉcÉÉU Temple News This event was attended by more than 200 community members. As usual, there was daily Garba in the temple from 19th September to 26th of September. In this section, news on recent and future major temple and community events are reported. On Saturday, Sep 26th, Mata Ki Community Support Group Chowki was held. We had a guest We are pleased to announce the initiation of a singer, community support group under the umbrella of India Mrs. Rekha Dhull Temple Foundation of Catskill Region, Inc. from Jalandhar, India, who This group has been formed keeping in mind the enhanced the singing and enthusiasm of all devotees changing needs of our community. We, as the Indian tremendously. The attendance was full-house. Vijay Community, have a cohesive group of members who Dashmi was celebrated on September 30th. are known to come together at times of need to support and help each other. However, our October: community is growing and new people have been Karva-Chauth was observed on the 7th of October. moving into our geographic area. Our ethnic needs at Approximately 70 people attended. More than thirty different stages of life are varied and include married women observed the Vrat. emotional, health-related and other issues. Sometimes Sri Pooja and Diwali were celebrated on one can use some guidance or consultation on the 17th. There were more than 50 families performing personal issues by providers who are familiar and Sri Lakshmi sensitive to our cultural issues. Pooja with Punditji. Keeping these factors in mind, a small support group has been formed. The goal of the group is to offer Annakut with information, resources for emotional and physical Chhappan health care and support/feedback to anyone who was approaches a member of the group. No records will be celebrated on kept and all information will be kept confidential. the 18th. This is There are no restrictions or membership dues. It is the annual absolutely free for our community. Anyone willing to event which has an involvement of pretty much all the join this Support Group in the spirit of service and devotees in the form of the variety of foods offered to confidentiality may contact any one of the following: Sri Bhagwan Ji. Next day, on the 19th, we welcomed Raj Arora, Om Arora (845-692-0467) the Hindu New Year. Traditionally, businessmen Vijaya Dasari (845-294-0867) begin their new Geeta Desai (845-342-9247) books for an Saroj Goyal (845-782-3440) auspicious and Baby Ramachandran (845-294-9243) prosperous New Simi Raman (845-283-2624) Year. Pratibha Shah (845-294-0972) Contributed by Mr. Om Arora. November: was Highlights of the Mandir Celebrations in celebrated on the September, October and November 2009 1st of the month. There were more than sixty devotees in attendance. September: This was followed by another Mata Ki Chowki on On the occasion of Navaratri, the annual GARBA the 7th. Again many devotees were present and music and dance was held with live music provided Dharma Sandesh Volume 1 Issue 3 Dec2009-Feb2010 Page-7 enjoyed the nectar of listening and participating in WEEKLY POOJA SCHEDULE singing Mata Ke Bhajan. SRI RUDRAASHTAKAM, SRI 6:30 MONDAY LINGAASHTKAM, Akhand Ramayan Paathh was held under the P.M. SRI SHIV CHALEESA guidance of Swami 5:00 TUESDAY SUNDAR KANDAA Sri Madan Ji. P.M Recitation was SRI RAM STUTI, 6:30 preceded by Sri Ram TUESDAY CHALEESA, SANKAT P.M. Pooja and Hanuman MOCHAN,HANUMAN ASHTAK SRI VISHNU SAHASRANAMA, 6:30 Chalisa. The 24-hour WEDNESDAY continuous reading SRI STOTRAM P.M. 6.30 was accomplished by THURSDAY SAI BHAJAN P.M. the participation of SRI SAPTASHATI 6:30 many devotees. The FRIDAY STOTRAM P.M. event was concluded with Arati and Prasad on the SRI LAKSHMI SAHASRANAMA 22nd of November. Saturday & Sunday Weekend Special Programs SRI VENKATESHWARA 10:30 Sri Satya Sai Baba’s birthday was celebrated on the SATURDAY 23rd of this month. All Sai Baba devotees sang and SUPRABHATAM A.M. enjoyed the Prasad at the end. 12:00 SATURDAY AARATI 7:00 P.M Under Dr. Pratibha Shah’s leadership and other SRI GANAPATHI & 10:30 volunteers, the soup kitchen lunch was served at the SUNDAY th (ON EVERY SUNDAY) A.M. Grace Episcopal Church on the 4 of November, 2009 12:00 to more than 125 people. SUNDAY AARATI 7:00 Contributed by Mrs. Raj Arora P.M 1ST SUNDAY OF 11:00 VEDIC HAVAN & BHAJAN MONTH A.M 2ND SUNDAY OF 11:00 Write to Us SRI ABHISHEKA & PUJA ÍsÉÎZÉL MONTH A.M RD 3 SUNDAY OF SRI KRISHNA ABHISHEKA & 11:00 We invite your comments, questions and other MONTH PUJA A.M feedback. We will attempt to publish as many letters 4TH SUNDAY OF 11:00 NAVAGRAHA as possible in every issue of the newsletter. MONTH A.M

MONTHLY POOJA qÉÎlSU ÌuÉwÉrÉ Temple Information PURNIMA: Every Full Moon Day – Sri Satya Pooja and Katha

SHIVRATREE (MONTHLY): Sri Shiv Abhishek 6 P.M. Temple Address: Bharatiya Mandir Community members can reach Punditji by calling: 733-8170 347 Bloomingburg Road, Middletown, NY 10940 (R) or 591-4510 (Cell) or 361-3055 (Mandir) for Special Pooja. Temple Website: http://bharatiyamandir.org/ Temple Phone Number: 845-361-3055 Our newsletter is called “Dharma Sandesh” Temple Hours: (kÉqÉïxÉlSåzÉ). “Dharma”, in simple terms, refers to , Tue, Wed, Fri – 10:00 am -11:00 am and 5:00 righteousness, conduct, a sense of duty, virtue, and the pm - 8:00 pm ultimate truth. “Sandesh” means a message or news. Thu – 5:00 pm - 7:00 pm So, Dharma Sandesh refers to a message of Dharma. Sat, Sun & Holidays – 10:00 am - 1:00 pm and 2:00

pm - 8:00 pm Dharma Sandesh Newsletter Editorial Board: Aarati (daily) – 7:00 pm Mr. Om Arora Aarati (weekends) – 12:00 noon and 7:00 pm Dr. Narasimhaswamy (Narasim) Banavara Ms. Tina Sodha Dharma Sandesh Volume 1 Issue 3 Dec2009-Feb2010 Page-8