OM NAMO BHAGAVATE PANDURANGAYA BALAJI VANI Volume 6, Issue 4 October 2012 Hari OM

Lord is worshipped before one begins anything new in life. He is also called Vigneshwara, the word “Vigna” means “obstacles” and he is the lord for removing obstacles. The birth of Lord Ganesha is celebrated as Vinayaka Chavithi. Using turmeric paste, Goddess Parvathi created Lord Ganesha as her loyal son and protector. Lord , not knowing the truth got furious with Lord Ganesha when he was not let to enter his own house. Furious Lord Shiva lost his patience and severed Lord Ganesha’s head killing him instantly. When Goddess Parvathi heard of this, she threatened to destroy the entire creation. Lord Shiva understood what had happened, ordered Lord to get the head of first animal he encounters facing north. Lord Brahma returned with the head of a powerful elephant. Lord Shiva placed it on Lord Ganesha, breathed new life into him and announced him as his son as well. He also declared Lord Ganesha to be the foremost of all gods and leader of all ganas (being of life) and hence the name ‘Ganapathi’. This year Diwali Mahalakhsmi Vinayaka Chavithi was observed on 19th of September. Devotees all over the world get Lord Ganesha’s idol made

out of clay, perform and offer Lord Ganesha’s favorite Blessedness, eternal peace, Arising from perfect modak as prasadam. On the day of Ananta Chaturdasi, they freedom, is the highest conception of religion immerse Lord Ganesha into water. Lord Ganesha’s idol in underlying all the ideas of God in Vedanta absolutely our Balaji Temple arrived and installation was done on this free existence, not bound by anything, no change, no auspicious day 3 years back. Wherever they are in the world, nature, nothing that can produce a change in Him. This same freedom is in you and in me and is the only the Hindus celebrate Vinayaka Chavithi due to their love and real freedom. devotion to the Lord. - Ibid p 337 Sri nama sankirtana, a hymn portraying through different names of Lord Rama was observed on Sunday, the 9th. Whenever Lord Rama’s name is recited, his most devoted disciple Lord comes and sits to listen the sankirtana. Our devotees recited Hanuman Chalisa 108 times and sang bhajans. Abhishekam was performed to Goddess MahaLakshmi, Sri Hanuman and Sri Vasavi matha this month. Pradosham, observed the 13th day of a fortnight occurs twice every month in Hindu calendar. This month, Pradosham was observed on Sep13 and Sep27.

Along with spirituality, giving importance to one’s health is also significant. To enable this, a Bi-weekly free medical checkup camp is setup at the temple. Temple devotees Dr. Sadhana Sonti and Dr. Ashok Kumar provided the service.

Swamiji Anandanatha, Swamiji Anubhavananda & Manoj

MONTHLY EVENTS REGULAR ACTIVITIES Temple Timings October 3rd, Wednesday On Weekends, open all day from 7:30 AM to 9:00 PM Sankata hara Chaturthi 7:00 PM Monday through Friday, open from 7:30 AM to 1:00 PM and 4:00 to 9:00 PM October 6th, Saturday

Sri Balaji Suprabatham & Abhishekam 8:30 AM Daily Puja & Aarti

October 7th, Sunday Morning 8:00 AM Sri Ramanama Sankirtana 7:00 PM Afternoon 12:30 PM Evening 8:00 PM October 11th, Thursday Every Monday Ekadasi Sri Shirdi Sai Baba Pooja & Aarthi 7:00 PM Rudrabhishekam (Shiva Puja) 7:00 PM October 12th, Friday Pradosham Sri Rudrabhishekam 5:30 PM Every Tuesday Hanumanji Puja 7:00 PM October 14th, Sunday Amavasya Shiva Pooja 7:00 PM Every Wednesday

October 15th Monday to October 22nd, Monday Sahastrinama Stotram 7:30 PM

Navaratri, Lalitha, Kumari Ka, Vasavi, 6:00 PM Every Thursday , Pooja, Pullangai seva, Shaka Shri Sai Bhajans 7:30 PM Amabar Seva, Vastra Alankaram & Pasupu Alankaram Every Friday October 23rd, Tuesday Santoshi Mata Puja 7:00 PM Chandi Homa 9:00 AM Lakshmi Puja, Lalitha Stotram & Mahaprasadam Sri Durga Abhishekam 6:00 PM Every Saturday October 24th, Wednesday Sri Venkateshwara 8:00 AM Navaratri Poornahooti Pooja 8:00 AM Suprabhatam Seva & Vishnu Stotram

October 25th, Thursday Every Sunday Ekadasi Sri Shirdi Sai Baba Pooja & Aarthi 7:00 PM Yoga & Childrens class by Pushpa Dhar 11:00 AM October 26th, Friday Bhajans, Puja & Aarti 7:00 PM Pradosham Sri Rudrabhishekam 5:30 PM Every Sankasthahara Chaturthi October 27th, Saturday Sri Ganesha Puja 7:00 PM Poornima, Special Sri Balaji Abhishekam & Every Purnima Sri Satyanaryana Pooja 6:00 PM Sri Satyanarayana Puja 6:30 PM

Third Thursday of every month Vedic Anna Dana for India

OUR PURPOSE The purpose of Balaji Temple is to form a Hindu Temple and Vedic Cultural Center on the Peninsula in the heart of Silicon Valley where people can come together to study and worship, regardless of our different backgrounds. Our aim is to promote the feeling of universal love and unity among all people. We will share the ancient wisdom of the and the (sacred texts of India) with individuals of all ages and backgrounds. We will celebrate the One Truth behind all religions: that God is One and in all of us. Our worship services are free and open to all who wish to celebrate with us. All are welcome.

BALAJI TEMPLE, 5004 N. First Street, San Jose CA 95002 PO Box 1146, Alviso, CA 95002 Ph. #: (408) 203-1036 or (408) 956-9050 Email: [email protected] http://www.balajitemple.net Non-Profit Organization

Walnut picking day by Devotees