AArsha Vani (Voice of Sanatana Dharma)

April 2016 Volume: 2 Issue: 03

“Durmukhi Nama Samvatsara Ugadi” Upcoming Pravachanams

‘‘The energies of Nature and Time are very minute and subtle embodiments. Date: Mar 28 – Apr 1, 2016 9AM & 4PM They are also form of Gods. Similarly, Day Topic: Siva Kalyanam – Siva of the week (Tithi) and Star (Nakshatra) Bhakti Vaibhavam have corresponding presiding deities. We Venue: Pravachana Mandapam, Sringeri Contact: PV Sasi Kumar Sarma 8886371773 need the grace of the presiding deities of ASV Prasad Sarma 9908233033

Time to enjoy the favors from the cosmos. Date: Apr 9-26, 2016 6:30PM Hence, our sages instituted this noble Topic: Srimad Sampoorna Ramayanam practice to worship these deities at the Venue: Kadapa turn of each time cycle. Though different Contact: K.Srinivasa Reddy 9440673829

methods such as Barhaspatya, (For details visit http://rushipeetham.org/ Event Calendar)

Sauramaana, Chaandramaana etc. are adopted across , people in , Maharashtra and Karnataka Traditions-Fulfilments adopt Chaandramaana. According to Chaandramaana, the first day in the month of Chaitra after the cycle of twelve months is the beginning of the New Year Scriptures prescribe the worship of termed as ‘Ugadi’. ‘Ugam’ literally means the movement of stars and ‘Adi’ is the ‘’ – Mother of the Universe - during beginning. Hence, ‘Ugadi’ is the beginning of the New Year based on the this Vasanta Navaratri. movement of the stars. It is also known as ‘Yugadi’ based on another interpretation, wherein a year with two ‘Ayanas’ (Uttaraayana and ‘ along with ’ – Dakshinaayana) is also known as ‘Yugam’. Even nature correlates with this This form is among many of Rama’s beginning exhibiting ‘new’ ness in Spring. Life is a mixture of good and bad within form as Rakshaka - the protector. the course of Time. Welcoming ‘Ugadi’ with good intentions, good thoughts and agrata: pruṣṭhataścaiva good actions leads to an auspicious continuation of the year. Partaking pārśvataścaiva mahābalau। traditional offering that contains all six tastes makes one aware about the ākarṇapūrṇa dhanvānau communion of different experiences in life. Since ancient times, India is endowed rakṣētāṁ rāma lakṣmaṇau॥ with great knowledge of astronomy and astrology facilitating thorough ‘In front, rear and on my sides, the Ones of great calculation of micro and macro time divisions. As per this knowledge, Tithi, strength and valor with their bows drawn to Nakshatra, Vaara, Karana and are created in almanac. It is customary for their full tightness in readiness, may that Rama Indians to recite the above five elements of almanac during worship every day. and Lakshmana defend me’. Mention of these especially on the first day of the year augurs welfare and prosperity. This propitious action is put into practice as ‘Panchanga Sravana’ i.e. Goddess Parvati was born to Mena devout listening of the almanac. Our sincere prayers on this ‘Durmukhi Ugadi’ to Devi and Himavanta on Chaitra Suddha the Lord Almighty day to inspire all of us that we should come out of nescience Ashtami. This day is also popularly and enjoy the pure bliss!” – Samavedam Shanmukha Sarma. known as Bhavani Ashtami or (Adapted from 'This is our Eternal Dharma')

Asokashtami. Siva and Parvati worship is Vachanam prescribed in scriptures on this day. “rām nām mani dīp dharō jih dehari dwār| Tulsi bhītar bāhrō jo chāhasi ujiyār||” Per the aphorism of Dwardehili Deepa Nyaya, lamp is placed at the entrance of Recite this sloka while eating the the house to brighten both inside and outside. Sant Tulsidas advocated to place traditional Ugadi Pacchadi (recipe made the self-luminous gem lamp of ‘Rama’ on our tongue to remove both internal on Ugadi day with all the six flavors of as well as external ignorance and illumine both our mind and mundane. astringent, sweet, sour, salt, pungent — Tulsi Das, Author of Sri Rama Charita Manas. and bitter) – Bharateeyam tvāmaṣṭaśōka nārābhīṣṭa “ is a tremendous enlightening discovery. It was a scientific treatise on the madhumāsa samudbhava human physiology, a precise scientific description of how our body works, how our body nāsāmi śōka santaptāṁ evolves towards enlightenment." māṁ aśōkaṁ sadā kuru -Prof. Tony Nader, Disciple of Maharshi Mahesh .

Spiritual Quest (Answers by Sri Samavedam Shanmukha Sarma) Rama sending to forest is not easy to understand. Please elaborate subtleties in Rama’s Dharma in this aspect. “Actions of great souls are incomprehensible and profound. Sometimes, they may seem to be Adharma at macro level but are filled with nothing except Dharma at micro level. When two Dharmas clash in our life, it is very essential to achieve harmonious balance between both choosing the higher dharma and leaving the lower dharma temporarily. At this juncture of Rama’s life, there is clash between His dharma as a king and as a husband. To be a king, it is very essential to be of immaculate character. Though Rama is thoroughly aware that Sita is flawless despite the rumors, He chose to abandon Her to reinstate faith about His integrity and transparency among His subjects.”

‘Samarasya is Sanatana – Samanvaya is Bharateeyata’ © Samavedam Shanmukha Sarma

To obtain the grace of Sri Rama ... śrī rāma karṇāmr̥ taṁ ‘Sri in his composition ‘Evarikai Avataramettitivo’ gave all of us an easy formula to obtain the grace of Rama. He says ‘Veda Varnaneeyamau Naamamuto, Vidhi Rudradulaku Melmiyagu Rupamuto, Moda Sadanamagu Patu Caritamuto’ meaning Rama whose ‘Name’ is eternal and already existing in , ‘Form’ which is superior to and Siva and contemplated even by them, and ‘blissful story’ of his life laden with Dharma. Concentrating Manas (Mind), His form should be meditated. Using Vak (Speech), His name () should be chanted. His life should always be reminisced to fill all our Karma (actions) with Dharma. This explains how to dedicate all our three Karanas (instruments) towards the service of Rama.

1. Rama Nama (Name) - 1. The syllable ‘ma’ is vital for Siva mantra (na ma śi vā ya – without ‘ma’, it would be Na Sivaya). ‘ra’ is vital for Madhava mantra (namō nā rā ya ṇā ya – without ‘ra’, it would be Na Ayanaya). ‘rāma’ is the supreme union of this two essential syllables. 2. ‘rāma’ is the combination of three syllables – ‘Ra’, ‘A’ and ‘Ma’ denoting Fire, Sun & Moon respectively. As Lord said in , these three are the only sources of energy. Hence, ‘Rama’ is the only source of radiant energy in this universe. 3. ‘Rama’ is the Vedantic term for the ‘Self’ that exists as the consciousness within everyone. 4. ‘Rama’ is the ‘Supreme Brahman’ (Para Brahman) that is omniscient, omnipresent and omnipotent 5. Ritualistic worship of ‘Sri Chakra’ contains maṅgaḷaṁ kōsalēndrāya mahanīya guṇātmanē nine Avaranas grouped into three avaranas each signifying Fire, Sun, and cakravarti tanūjāya sārvabhaumāya maṅgaḷaṁ | Moon. Hence the popular derivation ‘śrī rāmō lalitāmbikā:’ 6. Continuous vēda vēdānta vēdyāya mēgha śyāmala mūrtayē recitation of ‘Rama’ mantra energizes the Fire, Sun & Moon ecosystem within punsāṁ mōhanarūpāya puṇyaślōkāya maṅgaḷaṁ| us and awakens ‘Kundalini’. 7. Lord Siva elucidated that ‘Ra’, ‘A’ and ‘Ma’ viśvāmitrāntaraṅgāya mithilā nagarī patē: denote Brahma, and Rudra. 8. ‘śvē mahimnē rājatē iti’ says Upanishad bhāgyānāṁ paripākāya bhavyarūpāya maṅgaḷaṁ| meaning that the Supreme Brahman is radiating effulgence under the pitr ̥ bhaktāya satataṁ bhrātr̥bhi: sahā sītayā influence of self-efficaciousness. Combining ‘Ma’ in Mahimne and ‘Ra’ in nanditākhila lōkāya rāmabhadrāya maṅgaḷaṁ | Rajate, ‘Rama’ denotes the self-luminous Supreme Self. 9. ‘Rama’ mantra is tvakta sākēta vāsāya citrakūṭa vihāriṇē ‘Taraka’ mantra. Chanting of ‘Rama’ mantra purifies both mind and body sēvyāya sarvayamināṁ dhīrōdāttāya maṅgaḷaṁ| transforming one into an exalted character and thereby transporting into a saumitriṇā ca jānakyā cāpabāṇāsi dhāriṇē higher plane of existence ultimately leading to self-realization. sansēvyāya sadā bhaktyā sānujāyāstu maṅgaḷaṁ |

2. Rama Rupa (Form) - ‘ramanīyatvāt rāma’ – That which always transforms daṇḍakāraṇya vāsāya khaṇḍita amara śatravē into higher state of ever refreshing beauty and is an embodiment of bliss is gr̥dhra rājāya bhaktāya muktidāyāstu maṅgaḷaṁ|

‘Rama’. In Ramayana, sage describes Rama’s physical beauty sādaraṁ śabarī datta phalamūlabhilāṣiṇē repeatedly. Not only humans and demons were charmed, even beasts and saulabhya paripūrṇāya sattvōdriktāya maṅgaḷaṁ | birds derived indescribable happiness seeing Rama as explained in ‘punsāṁ hanumatsamavētāya harīśābhīṣṭadāyinē mōhana rūpāya’. ‘punsāṁ’ connotes all living creatures. describes vāli pramathanāyāstu mahā dhīrāya maṅgaḷaṁ|

Rama as ‘sarva satva manōhara:’. While going to , Sage Viswamitra had śrīmatē raghuvīrāya sētūllaṅghita sindhavē very hard time cajoling the wildlife accompanying Rama to return into the jita rākṣasa rājāya raṇa dhīrāya maṅgaḷaṁ | forest. Valmiki says ‘rūpudārya guṇai: punsāṁ dr̥ṣṭi cittāpahāriṇaṁ’ – With āsādya nagarīṁ divyaṁ abhiṣiktāya sītayā His Form and abundance of good qualities, He is grasping the attention and rājādhirāja rājāya rāmabhadrāya maṅgaḷaṁ | mind of everyone. vibhīṣaṇa kr̥tē prītyā viśvābhīṣṭa pradāyinē 3. Rama Charita (Life) - Mareecha said, ‘rāmō vigrahavān dharma:’ means jānakī prāṇanāthāya sadā rāmāya maṅgaḷaṁ |

Rama is an embodiment of Dharma. His exemplary character, ready obedience The above slokas from Adi Sankara’s ‘Sri Rama towards parents and elders, sacrifice for brothers, utmost respect for wife, Karnamrutam’ are called 'Mangala Charana' dedication for subjects, consideration for even enemies, resolute stand for slokas. These slokas are shortened narration of Ramayana. truth and Dharma and above all, unconditional love for all beings – If we can imbibe and implement at least one of these virtues, Rama shall surely bless -Samavedam Shanmukha Sarma. us with everything here and hereafter’. -Samavedam Shanmukha Sarma (Adapted from ‘Sri Rama Karnamrutam’ discourse)

RAMA –THE ’SUVRATA’ Explaining ‘Suvrata’ (He who takes good vows) Nama in Vishnu Sahsara Nama, Sri Adi Shankara referred to Sri Rama raising to defend . When Vibhishana came to Rama for refuge, Rama consulted Sugreeva, , , Neela,

Angada etc., for Vibhishana is from the enemy camp, and moreover ’s brother. Sugreeva said that kinsman of Ravana cannot be trusted. Others also expressed similar sentiments. But, Rama said -

sakr̥ dēva prapannāya tava asmi iti ca yācatē। abhayaṁ sarva bhūtēbhyō dadāmi ētad vrataṁ mama । - Ramayana: 6.18.33 "He who seeks refuge in Me just once, telling me that ‘I am yours', I shall give him assurance of safety against all types of beings. This is My solemn pledge."

Also, He added, “O, Sugreeva, Let him either be Vibhishana or even Ravana himself; I shall give an assurance of safety once they surrender to Me.” In , bhūtēbhyō - means ‘from all beings’ and also ‘to all beings’. ‘sakr̥ dēva ‘means ‘just once’. If one whole heartedly surrenders to Rama just once, He protects us forever from all calamities.

‘ Samarasya is Sanatana – Samanvaya is Bharateeyata’ © Samavedam Shanmukha Sarma

Rama Mantra “Saratara Upanishad mentions that ‘Rama’ mantra is the quintessence of all the seven crore . Mantra treatises mention many forms of ‘Rama’ mantra such as ‘rāma’, ‘ śrī rāma’, ‘ śrī rāmāya nama:’, ‘ śrī rāma rāma rāma’, ‘śrī rāma jaya rāma jaya jaya rāma’ etc. ‘śrī rāma jaya rāma jaya jaya rāma’ is Trayodasa Akshari Maha Mantra. Sri Samartha Ramadas initiated Chatrapati Sivaji with this mantra whose unparalleled victorious saga needs no special mention. In this mantra, ‘Jaya’ is combined with ‘Rama’. In Sundarakanda, Hanuman says ‘Jayatyati Balo Rama:’ meaning Rama, the ever victorious and successful. But, what is success or victory? To achieve more accolades, earn more money, get onto higher position, subduing all opponents, name, fame… Ancient sages defined ‘Jaya’ very distinctly. Achieving Dharma, Artha, Kama and Moksha is success. Acting in haste to attain Artha and Kama without Dharma is like building house without foundation. Spirituality is nothing but to tune the lifestyle based on these objectives for the fulfillment of life. Reciting this mantra bestows dharmic victory. ‘śrī rāma rāma rāmēti ramē rāmē manōramē। sahasra nāma tattulya rāma nāma varānanē॥‘ Above sloka is very popular. Lord Siva said this to Parvati that He derives eternal bliss always contemplating upon ‘Rama’, which is equal to one thousand names of Vishnu. Lord called upon Parvati as ‘Varaanane’ and ‘Manorame’ meaning ‘One whose face is beautiful’ and ‘One who is close to His heart’ applying feminine gender vocative case. But, in Sanskrit these two words are also masculine gender locative case meaning ‘One who has beautiful face’ and ‘One who gives bliss’. Hence, the above sloka means that whoever contemplates upon the beautiful faced Rama gets eternal bliss. This sloka contains Rama’s form (Varanane) and tattvam (Manorame). ‘rāmāya rāmabhadrāya rāmacandrāya vēdasē। raghunāthāya nāthāya sītāyā: patayē nama:॥ ’ This is another Maha Mantra. ‘Rama’ occurs three times in this mantra. One of the mantras in Rig Veda is ‘bhadrō bhadraya sakāmānā āgāt’ meaning ‘Bhadra went to forest along with Bhadra’. Vedas propounded Rama as ‘Bhadra’ i.e. one who provides protection, benevolence, auspices, welfare etc. Ramabhadra’s nature and effect are ‘Bhadra’. Valmiki describes Rama as ‘candrakantānanaṁ rāmaṁ atīva priya darśanaṁ’ meaning Rama is as pleasant and soothing as moon to one and all. Sixteen qualities described about Rama are the sixteen Kalas (facets) of Ramachandra. Meditation of Ramachandra removes all afflictions and gives peace. ‘Vedhase’ means the creator. He incarnated as ‘Raghunathaya’ i.e. lord in the clan of Raghu. But, He is ‘Nathaya’, the Lord of the entire universe and the Lord of ‘Sita’. ‘āpadā mapa hartāraṁ dātāraṁ sarva sampadāṁ। lōkābhi rāmaṁ śrī rāmaṁ bhūyō bhūyō namāmyahaṁ॥’ This is another Maha mantra. ‘Salutations to Rama again and again, one who is worshipped by everyone and removes all hurdles and grants all riches”. -Samavedam Shanmukha Sarma. UJJAIN KUMBHAMELA APRIL 22 – MAY 21, 2016 Ujjain has special place both spiritually and historically. Spiritually, this place is both Jyotirlinga (Mahaa Kaala) and Peetha (Mahaa Kaali). Avanti Khanda in Skanda Purana narrates that Siva conquered Tripurasuras at this place. also mention that emanation of planet Mars happened at this place. Historically, this place has been ruled over by one of the greatest emperors of India King Vikramaditya, on whose name a new era called the ‘Vikram Samvat’ is in vogue. Puranas mention that Gods also participate in this ‘Kumbha Mela’. Ablutions in river Kshipra during this auspicious time not only confers multi-fold spiritual merits, but also bestows unlimited mundane comforts. Congregation of devotees from different faiths such as Saiva, Vaishnava, Shakti, Datta, Jain, Buddha, Sikh etc. in this ‘Maha Kumbha Mela’ is monumental testimony to Bharat’s culture and traditions that demonstrate the ‘Unity in Diversity’ leading to national integration. rāmacandra prabhū! Major Festivals ‘Though Ramayana is our national heritage, my Ugadi – Apr 8, 2016 family has special relationship with Ramayana. My  Vasanta Navaratri begins from this day. grandfather Brahmasri Appala Narasimha Sastry  Worship of family deities, listening to Panchangam. garu is devotee of Sri Rama. My father authored Ramayana titled ‘Sri Madabhishtada Ramayanam’. Sri Panchami – Apr 11, 2016 Then, why Ramayana again? ‘To express devotion of  Worship Goddess . myself and pay off the debt of ’, said Sri  Meditate Mahanagas ‘ananta, vāsukī, Vishwanatha Satyanarayana garu. Many Sanskrit takṣaka, karkōṭaka, śaṅkha, kuḷika, padma, mahāpadma’ and offer . writers said that every other subject rates only Sri Rama Navami - Apr 15, 2016 second to Rama. ‘For the bliss of the soul’ , said Tulsidas. Ultimately, it is for the upliftment of the ‘Self’. At a mundane level, Sri  Fasting or eating only one time  Offer Arghya (water) mixed with Krovvidi Sri Rama Narasimha Rao garu, a great Rama devotee inspired me to write sandalwood powder and Akshata to ‘Sataka’ on Sri Rama titled ‘Sri Ramachandra Prabhu’. In brief, this is ‘Ramayana in Rama reciting sloka concise’ written by me. Multiple facets of Sri Rama are elucidated in this Sataka ‘daśānana vathārthāya dharma from the viewpoints of Dharma (Righteous conduct), Upasana (Devotion and sansthāpanāya ca। Worship) and Tattva (Philosophy)’. dānavānāṁ vināśāya ca paritrāṇāya reṇḍē reṇḍagu cinni yakṣaramulē līlan jagambanta tā sādhūnāṁ jātō rāma svayaṁ hari: । paṇḍen sarva jananta raṅga haramai, bhāṣā prapan̄cambunan gr̥hāṇa arghyaṁ mayā dattaṁ niṇḍēnnī śubha śabdamē, sahajamaunē yātmakī pēru, bra - bhatr̥bhi sahitō anagha: ||’

hmaṁḍambantaṭa niṇḍu brahmamidi'rāmā'! rāmacandra prabhū Chaitra Pournima– Apr 22, 2016 Every language contains ‘Rama’. This does not belong to one country or one  Giving colorful clothes in charity. religion. ‘Rama’ means bliss. Is there anyone who does not want bliss? ‘Rama’  Siva Parvati kalyanam for progeny. King also means the Infinite Self that is omnipresent within everyone and everywhere. Dasaratha performed this kalyanam on In fact, ‘Rama’ is the Supreme Parabrahman. The very word ‘Brahma’ contains this day after performing Putrakameshti ‘Rama’. -Samavedam Shanmukha Sarma. and was blessed with Rama.

‘Samarasya is Sanatana – Samanvaya is Bharateeyata’ © Samavedam Shanmukha Sarma

śiva jñānaṁ – Samavedam Shanmukha Sarma.

2. nirmala bhāsita śōbhita liṅgaṁ Part 6

1 Because, this real essential nature does not get entangled in the transformations of this universe and remains as the pure consciousness, this is ‘Nirmala Bhaasita Sobhitam’. It is beyond illusion (Maya) filled with three qualities and hence it is ‘pure’ (Nirmala). Upanishad mentions …‘tasya bhāsā sarvamidaṁ vibhāti’. ‘bhāsita’ here means the self-effulgent luminosity that illuminates even Sun and other light sources. This is ‘Chit’ i.e. consciousness. Because It is the real embodiment of happiness, it is ‘Sobhitam’ (grandeur). One who experiences this become one with real infinite bliss, where in there are neither births nor deaths or sorrows. That is ‘Kaivalya’ (liberation).

Hence - 3. janmaja du:kha vināśaka liṅgaṁ He is the embodiment of Sat-Chit-Ananda (Truth-Existence- Bliss), who absorbs the mundane afflictions. That is the ‘Supreme Brahman’ (Para Brahman) mentioned in the Vedas as ‘Tat’. This is always serene, benevolent and pure. Hence, Sadasivam – ‘tatpraṇamāmi sadāśiva liṅgaṁ’ Following is the hymn extolled by Brahma and Murari in praise of this Maha Linga - namō niṣkala rūpāya namō niṣkala tējasē। namassakala nāthāya namastē sakalātmanē॥ namaḥ praṇava vācyāya nama: praṇava liṅginē। namaḥ srṣṭ̥ yādi kartrē nama: pan̄ca mukhāyatē॥ pan̄ca brahma svarūpāya pan̄ca kr̥tyāyatē nama: | Ātmanē brahmaṇē tubhyamananta guṇa śaktiyē॥ sakalākala rūpāya śambhavē guravē nama: || (To be continued…)

Announcements

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Brahmasri Samavedam Shanmukha Sarma garu 2016 USA tour - June 2 2016 to August 10 2016.

For details contact USA Coordinator Sri Dr.Ravi Jandhyala - (949) 307-6457; [email protected] J u n e 3 - 9: Dallas, TX J u n e 1 1 - 12: Moline, I L June 15 - 17: Columbus, OH June 18 - 19: Cleveland, OH

June 24-26: Toronto, CA June 30: New Jerse y J u l y 8 - 13: Detroit, M I July 15 - 17: Pittsburgh, PA

July 19 -22: Raleigh, N C July 23-24: Charlotte, NC July 26 -29: Boston, M A July 30 -31: Connecticut

A u g u s t 2 - 9 : M a r y l a n d For pravachanam details visit http://saamavedam.org/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=34&Itemid=80

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‘HINDU DHARMA HAS TAUGHT WORLD THE ESSENCE OF HUMANITY’ SPIRITUAL SHANMUKHA SHARMA GARU

Tirupati 14 March 2016: Renowned spiritual scholar and Guru Brahmasri Samavedam Shanmukha Sharma advocated that it is the Hindu Dharma which has taught the world ages ago the quintessence of human values and righteous way of living through its eternal principles. During this three day Pravachana program on ‘Hindu Dharma Svarupamu, Svabhavamu, and Prabhavamu’ (Form, Nature and Influence of Hindu Dharma) in Mahati auditorium on Monday evening, he asserted that Hindu Dharma is the most ancient Dharma in the world. “Our Dharma gave definite purpose of life and definition of success. It emphasized on success with Dharma. Our Sages gave the world Ayurveda, Yoga and many other important essentials to lead a healthy and noble life. All our Puranas, Ithihasas etc. taught the righteousway of living. Many of the hidden secrets and best practices of these sciences are so intertwined into our daily lives by our ancestors now that we do not even recognize their significance. The credit of pioneering an overall unified healthy and robust society goes to our Sanatana Dharma”, he emphasized. Many dignitaries including Hindu Dharma Prachara Parishad Secretary Dr Prayaga Ramakrishna garu was also present on the occasion. By TTD News On 14 Mar, 2016 At 08:04 PM

‘Samarasya is Sanatana – Samanvaya is Bharateeyata’ © Samavedam Shanmukha Sarma March 2016 Events

Rushipeetham Puraskaram ‘Rushipeetham Puraskaram’ is awarded to those who imbibe and rejuvenate Sanatana Dharma dedicating their entire lives to practice and mentor others living by example. This ‘Puraskaram’ is not only to recognize those individuals for their colossal contributions in their chosen field, but also to infuse spirit of confidence and pride in all those who practice Sanatana Dharma. Previous recipients of this prestigious award include Sri Malladi Chandrasekhara Sastry garu, Sri Pullela Sri Ramachandrudu garu, Sri Dorbhala Vishwanatha Sarma garu among others. This year renowned sculptor Shilpa Sastra Chakravarthi Padmasri S.M. Ganapathy Sthapathi is awarded this Puraskaram on March 18, 2016 at . Sri Ganapathy Sthapathy’s contribution to the field of Sculpture needs no elaboration. Many temples all over the world are constructed under his direct supervision. His involvement in redesigning the Mani Mandapam at Tirumala, Sri Badarinath temple, and many other ancient temples in India is unparalleled. The gigantic Buddha idol conjoining Hyderabad & Secunderabad, historic idols on tank bund road etc. reflect his thorough comprehension of history. Blending the science of Sculpture (Shilpa) with aesthetics while strictly adhering to the traditions and scriptures has been the hallmark of all his works. His humility and devotion to his Guru Sri Sri Sri Chandrasekhara Paramacharya is experienced by all around him. Chief Guest Sri PVRK Prasad garu recollected many fond reminiscences of Sri Ganapathy Sthapati. Brahmasri Samavedam garu told the audience about Sri Sthapathy’s unfathomable knowledge of Shilpa Sastra and resolute faith in his Guru. He said that Sthapathy garu who is working with indomitable spirit and energy at the age of 86 is sure to inspire all the youth. ‘Rushipeetham Visishta Sanchika 2016’ and ‘This is Our Eternal Dharma’ were inaugurated by Sri PVRK Prasad garu and Dr. Ravi Jandhyala garu respectively.

‘Samarasya is Sanatana – Samanvaya is Bharateeyata’ © Samavedam Shanmukha Sarma

Sri Guruvugaru at Kurukshetram

Sri Guruvugaru at Kurnool

Sri Guruvugaru at ‘Alampur Jogulamba’ Temple

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