SriSri ChakraChakra The Source of the Cosmos The Journal of the Sri Rajarajeswari Peetam, Rush, NY

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September 2008 Photo courtesy Kathy Allen Trees please! OurOurOur ThoughtThoughtThoughtThought s s s s

Dear Devotees, If ever there was reassurance and/or absolute proof that a celestial power does indeed exist, it’s the overwhelming size and brilliance of all things that are not manmade. It’s everything from a family of slugs sitting on the temple house steps first thing in the morning, to the rustle of the wind across the back field in the middle of the night. We usually group all these occurrences together in convenient words such as “nature” or “the environment,” and too often think of them as things that are just there. They’re not really relevant to our daily lives in comparison to going to work, cleaning the house, doing the laundry, feeding the kids and squeezing in a little puja… the thing known as “nature” simply sits there in the background of our lives. It’s really too bad that too few of us realize how just observing the physical world around us will tell us endless things about our internal worlds, and eventually offer insights into the astral world. Loving a plant or a tree isn’t much different than loving a dog or cat; it simply requires a higher level of sensitivity and the refusal to take one’s physical world for granted. Not noticing Devi’s gifts around us reminds me of a funny scene I once saw on a TV show called Joan of Arcadia, about a teenaged girl who had regular conversations with God. When she first started to see God coming to her in the forms of different animals and people she asked Him to show her a miracle. God, in the form of a young man, pointed to a tree. Joan said, “That’s not a miracle, it’s a tree!” to which God replied, “I’d like you see you make one.” Seeing everyday objects as pieces of divinity is a true gift. More importantly, it’s a gift that you don’t need to be born with, and can easily develop by focusing your mind. To see the miraculous spirit of a tree or a creek and to be able to identify with it as an extension of yourself and the Mother is a great leap forward in spiritual progress—it is the same as witnessing the untouched evidence of Devi’s grace and Her creative force on this Earth. When the weather is warm, we all like to go outside and eat our lunches on the Ganapathi deck, but how many people go there during the day (or to Kashi for that matter) and really sit in silence when there’s no one else around? Not enough. Some of the few who do pay a visit usually only stay for a few minutes, which is a shame because they miss the chance to see and hear things that are truly divine. Aparna Hasling, who temple regulars lovingly call “the crazy tree lady,” has turned this process of observing and appreciating nature into an art form. Her connection to the environment is no less powerful or beautiful than that of a mother’s connection to her newborn child. Aiya has even said her work with the temple property translates into spiritual benefits, as “the shovel is her udhrini and the wheel-barrow is her pancha-patram.” As you’ll read in this issue, Aparna has recently alerted several people (including Aiya) about the veritable flow of a tree’s blood through its veins. The lucky few who went with her and Aiya down to the temple’s wetlands saw and heard for themselves how holy the Earth can be in its natural state. Spending some time sitting amid the trees is not only a return to our basis as a species, but also an exercise in appreciating the long journeys each of souls have made. Because, as the Nayanmar Maanickavasagar wrote in the Shivapuranam, all of us have been blades of grass, shrubs and trees, even before we had animal cells. In that light, connecting to the divine outdoors is nothing more than simultaneously viewing a plethora of different steps in the path of the Atma.

Sri Gurubhyo Namaha! The Sri Chakra staff

2 Trees please! SeptSeptSept ember ember ember NewslNewslNewsl et et etterterter by Kamya Ramaswamy

Since the last issue... dance number that featured the temple girls and which was organized by Devi Suhir. A malar (which is now on the temple’s The first week of June was rife talented young man named website) was also released, and with preparations for the Kowmaran the night concluded with dinner. wedding of Abhi and Muralee, Ranjitanathan. which happened without a hitch During a on June 6. Later that same month, single Aiya performed a performance, sashtiabhapurthi, and then he debuted headed off to Arizona for a couple his skills in of days at the beginning of July. both On the 9th, Aiya spoke at the Bharatanatyam India Community Camp (ICC), and playing and some of those kids visited the the Rajarajeswari Peetam a few days mrudangam! Aiya and Amma watched an elaborate Guru Poornima programme, later. After Aiya spoke there A series of complete with a dance session put together by Devi Suhir and the again at the end of July, a second pujas and temple girls. Photos by Suhir Ponncchamy. batch of kids came to our temple different on the 29th. lectures made up the rest of Vibhuti Shaivite Immersion After Aadi Amavasya on July Amma and Aiya’s itinerary in (camp), August 2-9 31, the temple’s Vibhuti Shaivite Vancouver. Immersion took place from A few hours after their return August 2 to the 9th. Aadi Puram flight landed back in Rochester, Devi graced a whopping 95 kids also happened during that same Aiya and Amma headed straight with the chance to attend camp week, and Sri for the temple, where he this year, with some coming from Shangaranarayanan of the performed the wedding of as far away as Europe! The new Matangi peetam in Chennai Amma’s brother, Saddanathan. cabin was used for the first time presided over a Chandi homam to house most of them. with Aiya on that day. The week included art, bhajans, August 15 marked Varalakshmi Past Events stories, an outdoor activity day, vratam day, and Aiya led several question time with Aiya, simultaneous pujas at the temple chanting, and for the first time Guru Poornima, July 17 that evening. Four days later, he ever, Bharatanatyam lessons. and Amma left for England for one By the end of the week, all the week, where Aiya performed a This year marked the first time children had learned Purusha wedding as well as a Gowri puja. Guru Poornima was celebrated in Suktam, and were initiated into Immediately upon returning the new auditorium hall. Aiya the Chandi and Annapurna mula from Britain, Amma and Aiya left and Amma were welcomed in the mantras by Aiya. town again to fly to Vancouver, mid-afternoon, and the festivities British Columbia. There, they included their guru puja, their visited two temples—one where devotees’ puja to them, and their Aadi Puram, August 3 the main deity was Murugan, and meeting and greeting all the another where the deity was students who came from far and This festival marks the day that Durga. wide for this special day. The Devi first became a woman, and it Also in B.C., Aiya presided over evening even held a unique treat was made doubly special this the arangetram of a multi- for all comers—a Bharatanatyam year by its coinciding with camp,

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as well as a Chandi homam and Upcoming Events Parvati observed severe the exalted presence of Sri penances to merge with Shiva. Shangaranarayanan. The last day is always Ganesha Chaturthi, Sept. 3 Aiya and Sri celebrated on a grand scale, with Shangaranarayanan told those Although this a final puja done to Lord assembled year’s Ardhanareeshwara, complete about the Chaturthi puja with the festival kalasam circling efficacy of the will fall on a the temple. Prasadam and a new, gleaming Wednesday, the sharadu (thread to be worn on the silver rk and srk temple hopes as wrist) will be given to each (see page 10) many people as woman who sponsored the puja. that were used possible will for the first time attend the in that day’s festivities. Skanda Shashti, Nov. 3 homam. Later, Typically, Devi received celebrating Muruga and his consorts are abhishekam, Aiya holds up the jewel-studded srk as Ganesha on given abhishekam and puja on alankaram and Sri Shangaranarayana talks about it this day each of the six days of this naivedyam, involves a festival. The last day on Nov. 3 thereby concluding the festival. Vancha-kalpa Ganapathi homam will see their procession, final with 1008 laddus or modakams abhishekam and alankaram, and offered into the fire. The Utsa the slaying of Surapadman. Varalakshmi Vratham, August Ganapathi murthi will also be 15 carried around in procession with In Three Months Siddhalakshmi beside him. Later, The temple was aglow with the the sponsors will carry the festival married ladies who visited this kalasam around, and the day will Devi willing, the next issue of evening, as well as the deepams conclude with the alankaram of the Sri Chakra Magazine will be that were at the centre of their the Lord. up on the temple’s website puja sets. (www.srividya.org) at the Aiya walked them all through beginning of December 2008. the puja to Sri Vara Mahalakshmi Sharada Navarathri, Sept. 29- This magazine cannot keep and volunteers helped throughout Oct. 11 publishing without by making sure everyone had all contributions from devotees! the items they needed. Aiya has already announced that Articles, poems, stories, and the The end of this evening saw the theme for Navarathri this year like about any spiritual topic are Aiya make a very special will probably be Kubera homams welcomed. announcement—the engagement on each day. However, there is Please e-mail us with your of Gratus Devanesan and Suba always a chance this may change. feedback about this issue at Jeyaratnam, who will be married Every day of the festival will [email protected] by at the temple next year! definitely include a full kalasa- November 9 or talk to Abhi or sthapanam, homam and Kamya at the temple. We want to alankaram for Devi in the morning, hear from you! as well as a Navavarna puja in the Sri Gurubhyo Namaha! Devi was evening. Every third night, Utsa invoked into Rajarajeshwari will go around the a large A big thank-you to this issue’sss temple as Durga, Lakshmi and deepam, Saraswati, respectively. The last volunteers: Aiya; Kathy Allen; and Aiya did puja to Her two days will consist of the water- Corinne Dempsey; Gratus in the cutting ceremony and Kulurthi. Devanesan; Cristina, Nando and centre of Laxmi Diaz; Suba Jeyaratnam; the yajnashala. Kedaragowri vratham, Oct. 28 Ap a r na Hasling; Suhir Photo by Ponncchamy; Sr i S. Suba Kedaragowri vratham begins on Jeyaratnam. the day when Navarathri officially Sh a n gggaranarayyyanan; Dr. A. ends—Vijayadasami. Married Somaskanda; Vimalan Anand women may observe this three- Soth in a th a n ; Sh iva n i Sr ith a r a n week vow for the well-bring of their husbands, the same way that and Anita Uthayakumaran.

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

VVVVibutibutibutibut hi hi hi hi ‘08! ‘08! ‘08! ‘08! The Shaivite Immersion Experience

by Shivani Sritharan

Each year, the first week of August gives me something to look forward to—camp. The Vibhuti Saivaite Immersion provides endless experiences of excitement and enlightenment. Over the course of the week, we were exposed to a whole new world of opportunities. As CITs (Counselors-in-Training), we took on greater responsibilities than campers as we attempted to learn exactly what it takes to be a counselor. In addition, we took it upon ourselves to complete three projects: a new bench on the edge of the parking lot, a pathway around the Parasurama Lingam and a tree planting. A major obstacle we overcame as a group was moving the boulder which was in the way of building our bench. We were determined to move this boulder with our own hands. Although seemingly impossible at first, with the help of some great teamwork, we were successful in moving the giant rock. Not only did this bring the group closer together, it also symbolized our ability to overcome any obstacle as long as we try. The CITs learned to work together as one, solid, unified group. Rather Clockwise from above: The CITs got their than finding these as hard tasks, we actually found ourselves wanting hands dirty under Path uncle’s dedicated to complete them. It was a time for us to have fun while working on a supervision; Pravin anna got the gang ready common goal. Many of the things involved in our projects were new to to move the giant boulder in their way; the us, but each day we learned and helped others learn. beautiful finished product was ready for By the end of the week, we had planted a tree, made a pathway and “CIT”-ting on before the week was over. had built a big bench. We also found ourselves enjoying camp more and Page 5-6 photos courtesy of Kathy Allen. more as the days went by. We typically spent our mornings learning to

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chant the Purusha Suktam while Aiya taught us about Sri Ramana Maharishi, the Shiva Puranam and more. This year, from boys to girls, and campers to counselors, everyone at camp learned Bharathanatyam. While some found themselves discovering their hidden talent for the art and others found it to be a rigorous workout, we all had a lot of fun doing it. However, the dancing didn’t stop there. Bhajans were a popular event at camp. With the melody of the bhajans and the beating of the tablas and mridangams, everyone was on their feet dancing the night away. Another favourite was the evening we all did Holi, as the entire crowd was coloured from head to toe after having been hit with colourful powder. Whether it was sports, chanting, art or bhajans, everything at camp this year was amazing. Most importantly we all felt comfortable in the temple environment and had a great time learning new things about both religion and ourselves. As the week came to an end, it left nearly everyone wishing it had lasted longer. The experience of being at camp is unlike any other. We can all look back on this experience fondly after having learned new things, made great friends and made wonderful memories.

Clockwise from bottom left: The CITs pose in front of the Parasurama lingam where they built a new pathway; Sahana anoints the tree in the centre of the new CIT bench; the CITs with their newly planted tree; the camp kids got to sit in on the Chandi homam on Aadi Puram day; Nemili (age 9-12) kids painted a Ganapathi mural in sections of one square foot each that Priyanga akka and Anita akka later put together; Madhurai (age 13-15) did a Shiva mural during art class; the CITs painted their own camp banner.

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I think the error happened “How about Haran?” cousin Mother showed us the way there, because my Sri Lankan relatives Tony asked. “Did you tell him She also showed us that we all referred to the Sri Vidya that my sister went to same needed to have a bit more respect. Temple as the “Rochester college in Jaffna?” We said we did, We did not realize that a Temple.” Nando and I were but it was strange that he didn’t procession (outdoors) was looking for a Hindu temple when seem to acknowledge anything underway and Aiya kindly asked we moved to New York State. but just nodded. But we still did us to remove our shoes and then Our cousin Tony said, “Oh, you not realize that we had gone to She pulled us in to the temple must go to the Rochester the wrong temple. with an embrace that never Temple—it’s wonderful. Mrs. ended. Sabaratnam is in charge of just Now, this is the temple to about everything and the priest which we belong. We did not went to school with my sister in realize that sometimes Ma Devi Jaffna.” tests Her devotees. She And so we Googled “Hindu tested us in a very subtle Temple of Rochester” and way. We have been in even brought our nephew TheTheTheThe financial difficulty for a from Mexico to see it. We while with not one but found a temple located in two houses to sell in Pittsford, a suburb of today’s diminishing Rochester. We went in LongLongLongLong real estate market. We the temple and the first kept asking Ma Devi thing that struck us to help us see the was the emptiness. houses. Then I read We began to ask some JourJourJourJour ney ney ney ney somewhere that we young girls if they must never give knew Mrs. commands and we Sabaratnam but they changed the prayer all gave us blank HomeHomeHomeHome to say “Please, Ma stares. Devi—lead us out of So then we this darkness as a approached the priest One family’s path to Mother leads a and asked him whether helpless child to he knew our cousin Tony light.” Suddenly we and his sister in Jaffna. the SVTS temple sold one house, which The priest truly must not helped us immensely pay have wanted to disappoint by Cristina, Nando and Laxmi Diaz off the bills of the other. us, so he just nodded. Also, we both had Our nephew from Mexico vivid dreams in which Ma (who had never been to a Hindu Devi was telling us to move to temple in his life) said, “So, this is either Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania what a Hindu temple is like?” We or Houston, Texas. And both couldn’t explain it to him, but we Nando and I felt a bit places seemed quite logical— said, “Well, this is one Hindu disillusioned—not to say that better paying jobs, more temple and each temple is they were not gracious at that opportunities for our daughter to different.” It was a nice way of temple… they were, but it wasn’t learn Indian classical dance and explaining to him that we didn’t the Sri Lankan warmth we are singing… but these were both just feel the normal warmth of a used to. tests to see where our loyalty lies. Hindu temple. But of course, Ma Devi knew We also realized that She never Much later, we chatted with our where we must go. We were wanted us to move away—it was cousin Tony, who asked us how thinking once again of going to a test of loyalty, and we have we liked the Rochester temple. temple but a feeling deep inside decided with all our hearts to stay “Isn’t it wonderful?” he asked. We (which we now know was the where we are and remain with couldn’t truly use the adjective Divine Mother calling us) told us the Sri Vidya Temple. We want to “wonderful”—it was just to Google “Hindu Temple NY continue to appreciate the stories alright. “And did they all State.” It was then that we saw of Aiya and love of Amma, the know Mrs. Sabaratnam?” he Rush, NY. We did not know warmth that is an integral part of asked. “You know, that’s a really where Rush was, but on the map Sri Vidya Temple and, most strange thing,” we said. “No one it certainly looked closer than importantly to trust Ma Devi just seemed to know of her.” Rochester. When the Divine to lead us out of darkness.

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tttt iiiiii rrr aaaatt sss PPP hhhh aaaa PP mu s i c r e v i e w ttt CCCC nnn rrr ttt oooonncccc eee by Dr. A. Somaskanda

The 2008 grand and festive the audience spellbound for hours “Chaithanyananda Natha annual Prathistapana Utsavam at by their virtuosity. The concert Saraswathi” in Raga Bageshri, Sri Rajarajeswari peetam saw the format was decidedly more extolling Goddess Rajarajeswari, return of the prodigious Carnatic informal and interactive, Chaithanyananda and vocalists Shashikiran and Ganesh accommodating a number of Gnanamba. It was a deeply who gave a thrilling bravura requests from the audience. moving panegyric rhapsody and performance on May 17th. The Staunch devotees of their guru a delightful musical piece, jointly newly constructed hall that can Chaithanyananda (Aiya), and his composed by Suhir Ponnuchamy, easily seat upwards of 400 people self-effacing consort Gnanamba, Ravikiran, and Shashikiran. To was the venue for this concert. the duo averred that the entire date, I have not heard any Endowed with intricately concert would be dedicated to varnams in Raga Bageshri. It was layered and textured Devi and their beloved Aiya and a measure of their virtuosity that compositional voices that meld in Amma. As is the norm in most they could tweak and manipulate harmony and pirouette across the Carnatic concerts, they a raga that does not readily lend tenor, baritone and bass ranges commenced their recital with an itself to elaborate alapana and with effortless ease, the duo held elegant varnam swaraprasthara, into a very impressive varnam. Next was a liltingly cadent composition in Raga Nattai, “Anantha Narthana Ganapathi” by Oothukadu Venkata Subbaiyar. Nattai, a sampoorna audava raga usually sung at the beginning of the concert, creates a highly charged musical ambience and triggers frissons of delight in ceaseless waves.

The Carnatic singers Shashikiran and Ganesh in the middle of their performance at the temple on May 17th. The concert took place in the new auditorium.

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Following a pleasing kriti “Arula and has played in several places surprise. Having come into Vendum” in Saramathy raga by in the US and abroad. In addition prominence through the Dandapani Desikar, the duo sang a to performing with Shashikiran compositions of Saint Thyagaraja, Kamakshi Navavarna Kriti, and Ganesh today, she has this upanga raga admits of “Sakala Loka Nayaki,” in Raga accompanied other famed artists enchanting sallies of tristhayi Arabhi, by Oothukadu Venkata such as the flutist Shashank and swara sancharas. Kavi. A popular Janya raga, Dr. N. Ramani. HK Narasimmamoorthy on the Arabhi is an Audava Sampoorana In this concert, I think the violin was graceful in his bowing raga with Ri, Ma, Dha as the Jeeva group’s rendition of the “Maname and provided excellent but and Raga chaya swaras. The Ganamum Maravade” by unobtrusive support to the architecture of the Navavarna Papanasam Sivan in Raga musicians. His swara ripostes Kriti is incredibly complex and Bhimplas lost some of its luster and solo versions were very well dauntingly elaborate, requiring due to their choice of a slower executed. Percussive support by superior vocal culture and tempo (vilambita kala). Most the budding prodigy Rajna virtuosity possible only for the musicians that I have listened to, Swaminathan was a stand-out all most accomplished artistes. I render it in a much faster, stirring the way. think the duo more than proved tempo. their mettle in this beautiful Their essay of the very popular rendition. “Bho Shambo” by Dayananda Clockwise from bottom left: Rajna For the ragam, thana, pallavi Saraswati in Raga Revati and Swaminathan is among only a (RTP), they chose Raga Saraswati “Nagumomu” by Thyagaraja in handful of female mridangam and the composition was in praise Abheri, was outstanding. Their artists in the world; the full group of, and dedicated to, Sri Thillana in Raga Bhindu Malini plays in the concert hall; Rajarajeswari and by Ravikiran was a delightful Shashikiran and Ganesh later Chaitanyananda. Lasting close to perform the jadhi before Devi’s 70 minutes, this composition chariot makes its procession. entailed a spirited exploration of the dizzying labyrinths of this ornate raga strewn with sizzling prathyahata gamakas. RTP also gave scope for a brilliant thaniavarthanam by the teenage mridangam prodigy Rajna Swaminathan. The 17-year-old from Maryland is the student of Sri Umayalpuram K. Sivaraman, and the only female percussionist to share the stage with him. She is also one of few female mrudangam players in the world,

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TheTheThe Rk Rk Rk and and and Srk: Srk: Srk: I I I nt nt nt eract eract eract i i i on on on & & & I I I nt nt nt egr egr egr at at at i i i on on on by Sri S. Shangaranarayanan Aiya gets The use of the Rk in any yagna feeling of separation sets in. But ready for the has a specific purpose. Generally, by Nandi’s offering his own final purnahuti rks are made from Athi, Pala, breathing to the Lord, he always of the Chandi homam, Arasu and Purasu, which are all remains in continuous soul-to- where a milk bearing trees. Different soul contact with the Lord. continuous measurements are prescribed for 4. The Lord out of his stream of different types of rks. compassion, always accepts the ghee is For the first time ever, a rk made breathing of Nandi and takes it as required to in pure silver and studded with an offering without any motives pour out of the gems, was used in the Chandi or expectations. He merges the Rk, through Homam held at the Rajarajeswari same with His own soul and the mouth of Peetam on Aug. 3, 2008. breathes back to Nandi. This Nandi. The mouth is designed with the process is called interaction. face of a gaja (elephant), yazhi or 5. By this process of exchange of Nandi, as one might desire. The breathing, the Lord and Nandi Nandi face is the most becomes one. That is why Bhagwan, with Chandra and appropriate one, because it has its everyone visiting Kailas, Surya inscribed on his forehead, own inherent values and irrespective of status, is expected representing the Ida and Pingala communicates the means and to take the permission of Nandi to naadis. These details are used for methods to merge with the visit Lord Shiva. Shiva is in turn interaction and integration in the Ultimate God. Below are some of latent energy and always in process of offering one’s soul the salient points one should communion with Nandi (breathing) to the Lord (Guru) and ponder and try to become a Nandi Bhagwan. It is therefore ordained the hamsa mantra “Ham” and in respect of interaction for that this state of “Being” and “Saha” are inscribed as such. integration with the Lord. “Becoming” should not be When Nandi breathes out, the 1. The breathing of Nandi is disturbed by anyone, unless sound of “Ham” emanates and very powerful and soothing to the Nandi Bhagwan wishes so. when he inhales the sound of Lord. It is always continuous, 6. The Rk is also designed to “Saha” emanates—it represents soft, melodious, and purely filled allow the ghee to flow when “I” and “you” became “we” with the power of all aksharas continuously as “dhara,” which is and we become “I.” The devotee (letters/sounds). pleasing to the Lord. What always becomes the Lord by this 2. Nandi offers his breathing to further testifies to the process of process of merger. Lord Shiva and Parvathi seated interaction for integration, is the 8. Furthermore, the 51 matruka on a jula (swing), always facing fact that the sacred fire where aksharas which are the total the Lord, and by the force of its God is invoked in havan (yajna) combination of all the mantras in breathing the jula is made to go also becomes God itself. The the universe, are also inscribed on forward and backward. homam therefore sheds its the body of the Rk, and represent 3. When the jula comes forward identity as a carrier—this is why the fact that Nandi Bhagwan is an there is a feeling of nearness and the flow of ghee is continuous, as epitome of all mantras and his when its goes backward the is one’s breathing. entire body always vibrates with 7. Keeping all these factors in ecstasy. In other words, Nandi mind the Rk has been designed Bhagawan always offers all the with the lovely face of Nandi mantras and its results to Lord Shiva and His consort. 9. To enhance the beauty of the Rk it is studded with selected gems to represent the pancha boothas (the five elements). It is to be acknowledged by everyone, that but for the blessings of Haranji, this could not have become a reality. Loka Samasta Sukhino Bhavanthu.

10 Ghee pours in a unbroken stream from the jewel-studded Rk, which is designed with Nandi’s face because it is the form that is most appropriate for the worship of Lord Shiva and Devi. Photos by Vimalan Anand Sothinathan. Trees please!

636363 NaNaNayyyyanmarsanmarsanmars Thirukuripputhondar Nayanmar september 2008 by Gratuz Devanesan

“On a really clean table cloth, the Thirukuripputhondar, however, time went on and nothing but smallest speck of dirt annoys the eye.” pleaded with him, that he would rain was seen, soon tears formed In Kanchi once lived a not only clean this garment, but on his eyes and he began crying washerman of great devotion to also that he would have it ready about the solemn promise he had Siva, called Thirukuripputhondar. before sunset. given a poor Shiva-bhakta, which Sri G. Vanmikanathan points out Shiva reluctantly relinquished he could no longer uphold. All he that, “Pride in craftsmanship is one the garment, having obtained could see in his mind was the thing, vanity in one’s craftsmanship is Thondar’s word that it would be Shiva-bhakta, who told him that another.” It would seem that returned to him, cleaned and the cold would hurt his old bones, Thirukuripputhondar, during the dried later that same day. and all he could feel was extreme years of his excellent service as a Thondar then went off with sadness for having disappointed washerman, had developed a great haste to the washing ghat. this bhakta so deeply. sense of vanity about his skills. He washed it, beat the dirt out of Meanwhile, the sun had set, Shiva, ever watchful of his it and was about to begin the although the rain did not subside devotees, saw that this would second round of washing, when and Thondar lost all hope. He most surely be an obstacle to clouds filled the sky. Thondar declared, “On this stony slab on realization and decided it was looked at the sky and saw the which I smite the clothes to rid them of time for an intervention. clouds fill the blue sky, and he their dirt, my head I shall smite to During a severe cold season, began to fear the he would not be smithereens.” Shiva approached, disguised as a able to uphold his word. No As he was about to hit his head poor man in a very dirty garment. sooner had the clouds approached against the rock the rain shower Seeing the touch of sacred ash did the rain begin. transformed into a shower of smeared atop his forehead, Still he hoped that the unceasing flowers, while the Lord riding on Thirukuripputhondar rain may stop, the clouds clear the Bull ever accompanied by the immediately approached, hands and the sun appear again – but as Mother of the Universe, stood folded, head lowered out of above him. Thondar, eyes respect and love, hoping in tears, joined palms and that he could do this Shiva- worshipped him dearly. bhakta a service by The Lord spoke: “We washing his garment the have made known your way only he could do. status to the three worlds; Shiva, always playing his from now on do you role ever so well, hesitated, unpartingly dwell in the claiming that the extreme age-old eternal world.” cold would not be a good Having said this, the time for him to be separated Lord vanished into from his garment. He Ekambaram. And so, further claimed that he was Thirukuripputhondar’s getting old and that this vanity was slain, leaving garment was absolutely nothing but a spotless necessary for his health. devotee.

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GG A A R R D D E E N N

The end of summer marks a special time at the temple that not a lot of people know about—harvest time. There’s a patch of land right beside the temple house that has a wealth of hidden treasures, a few of which are pictured on the opposite page. All of these containers of cherry and plum tomatoes were picked over a period of just two days! Our squashes and pumpkins grow as large and ripe as can be found in any supermarket or farm. And as you can see, Devi’s bell peppers, green chilis and capsicums can grow past the length of an average adult’s hand. Shiva akka is the one who does the bulk of the work in the garden’s regular upkeep. Most of the veggies on the next page were picked at the end of August. Later in the fall, we’ll be going back for the spinach, collards, pumpkins, squash and eggplants. Not to mention waaaay more tomatoes and peppers!

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MelMel odyody andandandand HarHarHar mony mony mony inininin NaNaNaturetureture

by Anita Uthayakumaran

demarcated trail, the sides of which were lined up with colossal pine trees that seemed to be saluting us in an honor guard formation as we briskly forest on the outskirts of our marched past. But that didn’t Temple property. last long—there were those Yet, none of us were quite little shrubs to jump over that prepared for what we were to brought out the innate child in experience on that quiet Friday all of us! There were those afternoon in July. It was on a drooping little branches of It is an open secret among totally different plane! That is the trees that were ready to smack those of us who make up the day Aparna Akka took us all, us in the back if we didn’t talk community of Temple including Aiya, on a trip of to them the way Aparna Akka volunteers that Aparna Akka exploration (or should I call it a did! is someone totally wedded to pilgrimage!) through the length We walked and walked, we the splendour of nature. We and breadth of the property. turned right and walked, we all understand very well her The enthusiasm was boundless. turned left and walked, and total devotion to the trees and And why not? We were all going then we walked and we shrubs and birds and bees. I to meet the trees that talk to us (at continued to walk. But then have always listened with least, that is what they were again, it wasn’t a typical amazement and amusement supposed to do in the parlance of boring walk at all. We had to a few of her stories about Aparna Akka). Little Dhanya who those mosquitoes singing in hearing the tree-sap flowing isn’t even five years old yet was our ears and telling us little up and down the tree trunk holding my hand fast. I could things about caring and and many other ones in the detect the same enthusiasm and sharing. There were those similar vein; and I have expectation brimming in her eyes little insects under the grass admired the way she as was the case with everyone and under the shrubs trying to describes the symphony of else. warn us in their chirpy voice music arising from the The trip started auspiciously not to trust the cunning multitude of trees in that enough through a well- mosquitoes!

14 Trees please!

Most of the people on Aparna’s nature walk had never visited the temple wetlands before, even after years of coming to the temple. The walk was both fun and educational for all. Thanks to Corinne Dempsey for these photos.

All along, there was plenty to see, there was plenty to enjoy, there was plenty to grasp and we were picking up plenty by way of the rudiments of that language— yes, that language Aparna Akka uses in her everyday conversation with nature, which we were prepared to learn now for the first time. Finally, we reached the wetlands. It was indeed a sight to behold! So green and so fresh! Finally, I began to understand what keeps Aparna Akka ticking! Now that we were at the place where we were supposed to be, Aparna Akka went up to a tree, soothingly petted it and put her ear against the moist bark. As of Aparna Akka, water and her face radiated with a smile, we dissolved minerals travel up a tree could figure out that something through something called the lively was happening inside that xylem. Dissolved food substances, tree! Then she stared straight which take the form of sugary present at the temple, her heart into our expectant eyes and fluids, travel down a tree through and soul had been left behind in invited us all to experience the the phloem. Even little Dhanya the wetlands—and who can same! was very busy listening to the blame her? It’s not everyday that The next thing I noticed was trees. Admiring all that was a young child will have the that everyone had already fallen around us, I was wondering how chance to listen to the trees and into a nice little queue. There we we were able to ignore so much hear the life running through were—for the next little while— for so long. them. As for me, I was awestruck tapping the trees and hearing the Finally we all returned to the by all that I had been witnessing juice of life running up and down Temple with our Dhanya in the all around me; and I am sure that the xylem and phloem. For the lead. Her eyes were filled with by the end of the day, all of us had information of those who may amazement. I could swear that developed a new respect for the not yet be initiated into the world even though she was physically splendor of nature.

15 Trees please!

NaNaNature’sture’sture’s ChoirChoirChoir The Navarath-tree Miracle

by Aparna Hasling

While researching the 2004 Navarathri malar, I discovered a link between Sri Vidya and Nature. I started to appreciate the sacred act of identifying and collecting plants for ritual use. And when I finished the malar and offered it at Aiya’s feet, he informed me that Mother was pleased and I would experience divine consciousness through the trees. It was at that time that I became affectionately known as the crazy tree lady. I often skipped puja and explored the 64 acres of temple property, climbed trees, followed the creek, identified invasive species, tracked deer prints in the snow, and sat meditating near fox holes. When I learned that the temple owned a state-protected forested/ meadow wetland, I blazed a trail through the spruce forest, the land linking the temple grasslands to the wetlands, and I visited there in all seasons, to photograph and observe. The These pictures of the temple wetlands were taken by Aparna during colder weather, when the trees had already exfoliated and the grass had lost its cattail and sounds of the aspen colour. But those who visit the area in the spring and summer will see trees led me step by step. I lost nothing but acres of greenery. Photos by Aparna Hasling. my way in a field of goldenrod and brush, and I imagined being an explorer like Lewis and Clark before civilized man obliterated hugged more trees, I took time to grove of red and silver maples, the untouched forests of America. listen, waiting to hear their ironwoods and swamp oaks. I sat But eventually, the Devi led me to rhythmic life-affirming sound. I on a fallen snag, comforted by the the singing trees. asked many people about their green blanket of shrubs and “Have you even gone outside experiences with trees, and only a starred into a small pond of after a rainstorm to hear water handful confirmed it was possible stagnant water. I did not see flow up through the roots of a to hear the sap without a Blanding turtles or tree?” When my physical mother stethoscope. salamanders… but I did hear my asked me this question, I was not So one sunny afternoon, after a first tree grumble. It was like sure if such a thing were possible, rainstorm during Navarathri water running through large or if this was just another one of 2006, I journeyed to the wetlands. pipes. her idiosyncrasies. But as I I leaned against a tall tree, in a

16 Trees please!

The Devi was they were ALL singing! I was standing in the middle respectful of the habitats revealing the pulsating of nature’s symphony! This was my Navarathri of unseen creatures. Stay life of nature in the epiphany! Just at that moment I heard the sound of on the trail and beware of abandoned jungle, the conch announcing the end of the puja, I ran back poison ivy. Try not to proof that trees are to the temple to share my discovery. walk through the living beings, and their But for some reason, it took another year for me to wetlands unnecessarily— heartbeat is not so clear the trail enough for others to follow. And it the weight of our feet secret after all. wasn’t until the weekend after Guru Poornima 2008 destroys the magic, and Biologically, it is that Aiya and a group of devotees finally heard this there is danger of getting difficult for the tall for themselves and realized that my tree whispering stuck in the mud. slender trees to live in gift was not unique after all. They were awed. Aiya Let this space be an the standing water of was excited. Hearing the vibrant flow and the feeling extension of the temple, a wetlands. And so after the vibration of the flow is a unique experience. traditional sacred grove. a rainstorm, they must While many people may theoretically understand Let the trees initiate you work overtime to bring the function of the xylem and phloem (see the bottom into the rhythm of nutrients up the trunk of Anita’s article on page 13), it is a natural wonder nature, and allow their and dry some of the which must be heard firsthand to fathom the wisdom to influence you water. But under the implications of the living nature. A tree is not an as you make daily choices right circumstances, inanimate block of wood; it is living tissue. The in the world regarding this photosynthetic ground we walk upon is not impenetrably dense; it is food, shelter, travel and process creates a the foundation of our existence, constantly giving up commerce. It is all symphony of sound. minerals needed to sustain life. Our own physical connected. Sri Vidya is At first I thought it body is not solid; it is mostly water, part of a cosmic the knowledge that unites was a fluke to hear it in pulsating vibration—and Mother Nature is in charge the heavens and the just one tree, but with of it all. earth—and teaches us to incredible excitement I Aiya says that if you meditate on this sound, you live in harmony with jumped from one tree to can go more deeply within. And so with this nature. Walk gently on the next, pressing my spiritual encouragement, we invite you to walk to the earth, honor the trees, ear against each tree— the wetlands. However, when you arrive, please be and smile.

An aerial view of much of the temple property, including parts of the wetland area and how to get there:

1. Temple 2. Ganapati deck 3. Bhairava tree 4. Kashi 5. Pratyangira homam pit 6. Entrance to trail 7. Meadow wetlands (no need to walk through there) 8. Entrance to forested wetlands and SINGING TREES 9. Wetlands pond (only partially on temple property — telephone lines are property line) 10. Highest peak on property for great view 11. Railroad creek

17 Trees please!

Sri Gurubhyo Namaha

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