ARCHANA

qq Ganeshji

Volume 29 January 2012 Number 1

D/FW HinduD/FW Temple Hindu Society “Ekta Mandir” Website: www.dfwhindutemple.org 1605 N. Britain Road, Irving TX 75061 Telephone: Metro (972) 445-3111, Fax: (972) 445-3100

Mailing Address: P.O. Box 154246 Irving, TX 75015-4246 9 Monthly Events 9 Every 6:00 PM Satyanarayan /Katha Every Pradosh 6:30 PM Puja & Abhishekam Every Shashti 6:30 PM Murugan Abhishekam Every Chaturthi 6:30 PM Abhishekam First Wednesday 10:30 AM Vitthala Abhishekam & Puja First Friday 10:00 AM Mahalakshmi Abhishekam First Friday 6:30 PM Abhishek BY Ilangai Thamizhar Group First Saturday 3:30 PM Amrit Vaani First Sunday 4:00 PM Puja- Group Second Saturday 10:00 AM Balaji Abhishekam ( /Chakratalwar ) Second Saturday 5:30 PM by Omkar Satsang Mandal Second Sunday 10:30 AM & 1:30 PM Arya Samaj Havan Third Thursday 10:00 AM Dattatreya Paduka Abhishek Third Friday 8:45 PM Durga Jagarta Third Saturday 4:00 PM Gita Reading-Gita Sanskar Third Saturday 6:30 PM Ayyappa Abhishekam & Puja Third Sunday 4:00 PM Gayatri Puja Fourth Friday 7:00 PM Naadha/Nrtya Upaasanaa ( with 15 Mins Break for aarati) Fourth Saturday 4:00 PM Sunder Kand Path 6:00 PM Bhajans by Sanatan Satsang Samaj Fourth Sunday 3:30 PM Arya Samaj Havan

GENERAL BODY MEETING NOTICE AND AGENDA ON PAGE 19.

Dear Devotees: , I am humbled and thankful to the Board of Trustee members for selecting me as the Chairman of the BOT. I seek to fulfill this great responsibility with your cooperation, support and blessings. I am looking forward to serve our Temple and the devotees to the best of my ability. We are proud to have an Excellent Board of Trustees and dedicated hard working Executive Committee team. This year we will be completing some of the various projects and focus on improving the community service. Your continuous Devotional support and Unity is greatly appreciated. May Goddess Mahalakashmi bless and guide us all. Best Wishes, Manoj Parikh Chairman, Board of Trustees

2 D/FW Society Message from the President Management

Dear Fellow Devotees, Board of Trustees Namaste to all of you. I feel very humble and privileged to be given the opportunity of serving Chairman our sacred temple and our community. I pray to God to help and guide Manoj Parikh 972-298-2011 me in my heart felt desire to serve the temple to the best of my ability. I thank Mr. Bhasy Nair, our past President, under whose leadership Secretary our temple progressed well. We were able to work as a team and Harshika Bhatt 972-462-1383 brought a number of diverse functions for the benefit of devotees of Members our “ Ekta Mandir “. Asha Ram 972-252-1500 As a result of the tremendous hard work of the members of the past Executive Committees, Board of Trustees and our numerous under Dr. N. K. Monga 214-368-8563 recognized volunteers our temple has grown tremendously. Our main Kanti Wani 817-608-0244 temple with deities attracting worshippers from all regions of India is Rajiv Gaind 972-392-7860 Unique. We have a dedicated team of priests from different parts of Sandhya Patel 972-506-9141 India to fulfill devotees religious needs. We have facilities that are S.P. Krishnamurthy 817-267-5505 popular center for marriages, Private Pujas and community events. Tushar Basu 817-354-6068 We have two full time and one part time Managers to support temple Vinoda Kumar 817-589-2517 operations and two full time housekeeping employees to keep the facility clean. Executive Committee Our school with over 800 students and the new building is something our community can be proud of. I like to recognize and thank more President than 100 volunteer teachers, Parents and Vidya Vikas administrators Anita Singhal 817-261-9174 for their dedication and hard work to keep this school one of the best one in the metroplex. Every Sunday, during school year, temple Vice President (I) becomes a centre for families to get together and spend entire day Khemchand Nangrani 972-742-5680 together. Parents take classes, learn , Art classes and take part in religious activities while their children learn religion, Vice President (II) language, Music, Dance and take SAT classes. I promise that we will Omana Nair 972-444-0662 work hard to improve the facilities and make it even more enticing for our students. The future of our beloved Mandir depends on our youths. Treasurer Their participation and involvement in the activities is a must for the Kumud Gupta 817-571-6945 long term future of our Mandir. Our Temple serves the best and freshly cooked Mahaprasad every Joint Treasurer Mukund Patel 214-357-2844 Sunday after Mahamangal Aarati at noon. I like to take this moment to thanks all those volunteers who help cook this Mahaprasad and serve Secretary more than 1000 devotees on regular Sundays and more than 5000 on special events. Swati Pandit 817-267-0264 On January 1st we started with Ganeshji’s Puja and Homam followed by Mahaprasad . More than 5000 devotees showed their true devotion Committee Members and generosity in celebrating New Year with us. I LIKE TO WISH ALL DEVOTEES A VERY HAPPY NEW YEAR. We also celebrated Vaikunta A. L. Somanath 817-545-3735 , Lohri, Andal Kalyanam and Makar Pujas. Some Anul Apte 817-919-2333 of the upcoming events are puja, , Bharat Patel 214-893-4139 Dahan, celebrations & Anand Bazaar, Chaitri ,Durga K. Bandar 214-295-7448 Jagran, - Kalyanam, Durgashtami Havan and Garba/Raas, Dilip Yadev 972-315-3339 Ramnavami celebration, Kavadi , Balaji Kalyanam and many more. Indiraben Shah 972-283-7955 We are planning to perform Shiva Sahasra Linga Mahotsavam during Kishor Fruitwala 972-234-1211 April 20th weekend. Please check the temple website Kundan Sharma 972-279-4134 www.dfwhindutemple.org, Archana magazine, posture boards and Mahalakshmi Shivkumar 972-814-4800 emails for upcoming events. MVL Prasad 469-464-7829 Temple operates on the generosity and cooperation of all of you. I look Pradeep Desai 972-393-9175 forward to working with all EC members, Trustees, Volunteers and our Prasanna Panicker 972-226-4277 devotees. If you have any suggestions or comments feel free to email Rajneesh Gupta 972-370-9493 me at [email protected]. Revathi Srinath 972-387-9248 Satyanarayana Bodla 817-571-4626 With best wishes Shakuntala Kalia 214-441-3227 Anita Singhal Sharad Sevak 972-255-7270 Swati Tripathy 940-382-7305 President, D/FW Hindu Temple Vinod Kumar 817-366-0641 3 D/FW HINDU TEMPLE SOCIETY 5 “Ekta Mandir” 5 CULTURAL HALL MURALS

Temple’s Cultural Hall is a unique place. It is busy all year with multiple activities such as Spiritual discourses, Cultural program, Prayers and gatherings. On every Sunday, thousands of devotees are served with “Mahaprasad” in this hall. Last year the cultural Hall Mural project was completed. This hall has been decorated with the “Murals” depicting deities and events from Mythological and Epic subjects derived from “Shiv Puran”, Bhagwat Geeta “Bhagvatam” and “Ramayan”. The upper portion of the walls all around the cultural hall is painted with continuous series of 300ft. X 4ft. long mural. The area is divided in four sections of the wall: THE SOUTH HALL : Consists of 112 feet X 4 feet area of Murals, that illustrates images from “ ShivPuran”, “Bhagwat Geeta” and “Bhagwatam”. THE NORTH WALL : Has the length area of 112 feet X 4 feet. The entire wall surface is dedicated to the subject of “Ramayan” It begins with the 1st page of the “Ramayan” and ends at the image of “” listening to the glory of the “Ramayan” with devote attention. THE WEST WALL : Is the entrance to the Cultural Hall. The “Mural” continues above the entrance gates. The size of this portion is 60 feet X 4 feet. The images and forms are based and derived from the various images of the deities. THE STAGE SIDE : In the middle, is the wide stage. Various performers and the stage events take place there. On the both sides of the stage, are large panels of 8 feet X 4 feet size, with the paintings of the “Garuda” and “Hanuman” in celebration dance poses. We will continue the titles, contents and description of paintings in the next issue of Archana. If you like to sponsor any of these Murals please contact temple at 972-445-3111 or Anita Singhal @ [email protected].

4 D/FW HINDU TEMPLE SOCIETY 5 “Ekta Mandir” 5 Maha Shivaratri (Great night of Shiva) is celebrated with great devotion and religious passion by , in honor of Lord Shiva, one of the Hindu Gods forming the Trinity. The festival falls on the moonless, 13th or 14th night of the new moon ( Paksh) in the Hindu month of Maagha or Phalgun (in the month of February - March, according to the modern Calendar). On the festival of Maha Shivaratri, devotees observe day and night fast and worship Lord Shiva. Many interesting legends have been related to the festival. According to one of the most popular legends, Shivaratri is the wedding day of Lord Shiva and . It is also believed that Lord Shiva performed “Tandava”, the dance of the primal creation, preservation and destruction on this auspicious night of Shivaratri. According to another popular legend, described in , it was on Shivaratri that Lord Shiva manifested himself in the form of a Linga for the first time. Since then, the day is considered to be extremely auspicious by the devotees of Shiva. Tripundra refers to the three horizontal stripes of holy ash applied to the forehead by worshippers of Lord Shiva. These stripes symbolize spiritual knowledge, purity and penance, so they also represent the three eyes of Lord Shiva. Wearing a rosary made from the Rudraksha seed of the Rudraksha tree (said to have sprung from the tears of Lord Shiva) when worshipping Lord Shiva is ideal. Chanting the Rudram is considered very auspicious. Shiva devotees observe strict fast on Maha Shivaratri, with many people having only fruits and milk and some not even consuming a drop of water. Worshippers dutifully follow all the traditions and customs related to Shivaratri festival, as they strongly believe that sincere worship of Lord Shiva, on the auspicious day, releases a person of his sins and also liberates him from the cycle of birth and death. As Shiva is regarded as the ideal husband, unmarried women pray for a husband like Him, on Shivaratri. On the other hand, married women pray for the well being of their husbands, on this auspicious day. Shivratri Puja: On Maha Shivratri, devotees wake up early in the morning and take a bath. After wearing fresh clothes, they visit the nearest temple, to give ritual bath to the Shiva Lingam with cold water and Panchamruta (milk, curd, ghee, sugar and honey - symbols of sustenance) one after the other respectively, and anointing it with vermilion (kumkum) or white consecrated rice (Akshata) (symbols of fertility, or creation). The worship continues the whole day and beyond midnight. Devotees sing hymns and devotional songs, in praise of Lord Shiva. Puja at Home: Always remember that the origin of Shivratri is traced to a hunter who was an ardent Shiva Bhakta and in a critical situation he unknowingly washed a Shivalingam with his tears and unknowingly offered Bilva leaves. So what is important is devotion and not complicated rituals. Pray to an image, picture or idol of Shiva. Light a lamp. If you have a Shivalingam, bathe it with Panchamruta. Offer flowers and Bilva leaves. Recite Shiva prayers and Aarti or simply chant ‘ Namah Shivaya’. Many people fast for the entire day. But, due to health reasons, you can opt for a single vegetarian diet or fruit or juice diet. If you are under medications, don’t attempt to fast and take proper advice from your doctor. Remain silent and meditate. Time of Prayer: The entire day is dedicated to Lord Shiva. So you can start the prayers from the morning by visiting the temple. Most Shiva devotees start the prayers in the evening after 8pm and continue till 4am. The reason is that Lord Shiva is believed to have appeared during this period in a form that the human eye can accommodate. One can complete the Shivratri puja at about 5am. Perform bath and offer simple prayer and you can break your fast with the Prasad.

Mrtyunjaya-maha-mantra, which is found in the Rudram, is said to eradicate diseases, pain, sufferings and death: Om Tryambakam Yajaamahe SugandhiM Pushti-vardhanam Urvaarukamiva Bandhanaan- Mrityor- muksheeyamaamRtaat- Om (for chanting Purpose only). Meaning: Om. O three-eyed one (Lord Shiva), we worship you, the One of sublime fragrance who is the source of all vitality, growth and splendor. Just as a ripe cucumber is plucked from its vine, May we transcend death and gain Immortality. Trayambak , is associated with this. It consists of an offering of drops of cow ghee on a fire, in a havan kund (sacrificial fire-pot), that uses ghee soaked cow dung or wood as fuel. During this procedure, a prayer is said, a swaha: Swaha Om Tryambakam Yajaamahe SugandhiM Pushti-vardhanam Urvaarukamiva Bandhanaan- MrityormuksheeyamaamRtaat - swaha

MONDAY, FEBRUARY 20, 2012 (MAHA SHIVARATRI DAY) 10:00 AM Shiv Abhishekam & Puja 6:30 PM Shiv Abhishekam & Puja 12 Noon Mahamangala Aarati 8:45 PM Aarati 9:00 PM - Midnight Bhajans SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 25, 2012

8:45 AM SRI MRTYUNJAYA HOMAM SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 26, 2012 (CELEBRATION) 10:30 AM Puja 12 Noon Aarati 5 D/FW HINDU TEMPLE SOCIETY 8 “Ekta Mandir” 8

Holi, the festival of Colors, is a religious spring festival celebrated by Hindus all over the world. The most celebrated Holi is in the Braj region, in locations connected to the Lord Krishna: Mathura, Vrindavan, Nandagaon, and Barsana. These places have become tourist destinations during the festive season of Holi. The main day, Holi, also known as Dhuli in Sanskrit, is celebrated by people throwing colored powder and colored water at each other. are lit on the eve of the festival, also known as (burning of Holika) or Chhoti Holi (little Holi). After doing holika dahan prayers are said and praise is offered. The bonfires are lit in memory of the miraculous escape that young Prahlad accomplished when Demoness Holika, sister of , carried him into the fire. Holika was burnt but Prahlad, a staunch devotee of god , escaped without any injuries due to his unshakable devotion. Holika Dahan is referred to as Dahanam in South India. Originally, Holi was a festival that commemorated good harvests and the fertile land. Hindus believe it is a time of enjoying spring’s abundant colors and saying farewell to winter. Furthermore, Holi celebrates many religious myths and legends.

Holi is celebrated at the end of the winter season on the last full moon day of the lunar month , which usually falls in the later part of February or March. At D/FW Hindu Temple we have several festive functions starting with Holika Dahan and a grand celebration with music on the ‘Holi’ day. ‘Anand Bazar’ is set up with an assortment of foods and activities. Colors are also available. The Temple’s Holi attracts a huge crowd and the atmosphere is filled with excitement and joy. The earliest textual reference to the celebration of Holi is found in the 7th century Sanskrit drama, Ratnavali. Certainly there are perennial rituals attached to Holi: the first is smearing of colored powder on each other, and throwing colored and scented water at each time. On the first day of this festival, Hindus participate in a public – “Holika Dahan”. Puja: Holi Pooja takes place a day or two before the Holi Festival on ‘Holika Dahan’. There is no special puja performed on the Holi day. This day is only meant for celebrations and play of colors. Holika Dahan is the major ritual performed at the time of Holi which is also considered an important Holi Puja. People light bonfires on the eve of Holi festival to celebrate the victory of ‘good’ over ‘evil’?

Holika Dahan On Wednesday, March 7, 2012 @ 7:00 PM

& Holi Celebration & Anand Bazaar On Sunday, March 11, 2012 6 @ 12:30 PM D/FW HINDU TEMPLE SOCIETY 8 “Ekta Mandir” 8 Cordially Invites You, Your Family & Friends to celebrate

Bhishma Ekadashi Feb 3rd., 2012 Vishnu Sahasranama Chanting 9:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.

Mahalakshmi Jayanti March 9th, 2012 Sahasranamam @ 6:00 PM

Purandara Dasa Day March 24th, 2012 8:30 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.

April 1, 2012 Thyagaraja Aradhana @ 10:00 a.m

Panguni Uthiram April 5th, 2012 Murugan Abhishek @ 6:30 p.m.

7 D/FW HINDU TEMPLE SOCIETY q “Ekta Mandir” q signifies the beginning of the New Year for the people of the Deccan region of India. The festival marks the New Year Day for people who follow the Indian Lunar Calendar (particular in South India) when the moon changes orbit. On Ugadi day, people wake up before the break of dawn and take a head bath after which they decorate the entrance of their homes with fresh mango leaves. The significance of tying mango leaves relates to a legend. It is said that Kartika and Ganesh, the two sons of Lord Siva and Parvathi were very fond of mangoes. As the legend goes Kartika exhorted people to tie green mango leaves to the doorway signifying a good crop and general well-being. People perform the ritualistic worship to God invoking his blessings before they start off with the New Year. They pray for their health, wealth, prosperity, and success in business. Ugadi is also the most auspicious time to start new ventures. The Telugu people celebrate the festival with great fanfare, gatherings of the extended family, and a sumptuous feast. The day, however begins with ritual showers followed by prayers and then the eating of Ugadi Pacchadi (chutney). The Ugadi Pacchadi (chutney) is made of neem buds or flowers, jaggery, raw mango chopped into small pieces, and tamarind juice. Each of the ingredients of the Ugadi Pachhadi has a significance: a combination of sweet, sour and bitter tastes. This mixture symbolizes the fact that life is a mixture of pleasure and pain, which should be accepted together and with equanimity. Gudhi Padwa (3/23/2012) is the Marathi name for the Hindu holiday of Shukla Pratipada. It is celebrated on the first day of the Chaitra month to mark the beginning of the Marathi New Year according to the lunisolar . The word padwa is derived from the Sanskrit word Pratipada or the first day of a lunar month i.e. first day after new moon day (). It is theorized that Padwa is the origin of the term “Pagwah”, a synonymous title used in Guyana and Trinidad for Holi. According to the Purana, this is the day on which Brahma created the world after the deluge and time began to tick from this day forth. On this day, the sun assumes a position above the point of intersection of the equator and the meridians. According to the Hindu calendar, this marks the commencement of the Vasanta ritu or the spring season. On Gudhi Padwa, a gudhi (green or yellow cloth) is found hanging out of a window tied to the tip of a long bamboo over which gathi (sugar crystals), neem leaves, a twig of mango leaves and a garland of red flowers is tied. A silver or copper pot is placed in the inverted position over it. This gudhi is then hoisted outside the house, in a window, terrace or a high place so that everybody can see it. The Gudhi is positioned on the right side of the main entrance of the house. The right side symbolizes active state of the soul. Other Hindu New Years celebrated at our temple are: 1. The Telugu / Kannada New Year on March 23rd 2012 2. North Indian () and Tamil Solar New Year on April 13th 2012 @ 6:30pm 3. Bengali New Year on April 14th 2012

Friday, March 23th, 2012 9:30 A.M. - 10:30 A.M Venkateshwara/Vitthal-Rakhumai Abhishek Panchanga Shravanam 6:30 P.M. - 7:30 P.M. Vishnu Sahasranam Pathan Panchanga Shravanam Sunday, March 25th, 2012 10:00 A.M. - 11:15 A.M. Vishnu Sahasranam Pathan 11:15 A.M. - 11:30 A.M. Panchanga Shravanam 8 11:30 A.M. - 12:00 Noon Bhajans nD/FW HINDU TEMPLE SOCIETY n “Ekta Mandir” Cordially invites you, your family and friends to join us in the Celebration of On Saturday, March 24, 2012 Durga Jagran Place: Main Temple Hall Time: 9:00 pm

Durgashtami Havan Saturday, March 31, 2012 Place: Yagna Shala Time: 3:00 pm Chaitri Garba & Raas Place: Hindu Cultural Hall Time: 8:30 pm For more information, please call Temple at 972-445-3111 Those who want to participate in Havan please give your names by Saturday,March 24, 2012 9 D/FW HINDU TEMPLE SOCIETY m “Ekta Mandir” m Ram Navami is a Hindu festival, celebrating the birth of Lord Rama to King Dasharatha and Queen Kausalya of Ayodhya. Ram is the 7th incarnation of the Dashavatara of Vishnu. The marriage of Sita with Lord Rama was held on Margashirsha Shukla Panchami as per (This occasion is known as Seetha kalyanam). The SreeRama Navami festival falls in the Shukla Paksha on the Navami, the ninth day of the month of Chaitra in the Hindu calendar. Thus it is also known as Chaitra Masa Suklapaksha Navami, and marks the end of the nine-day Chaitra-Navratri celebrations. At some places the festival lasts the whole nine days of the Navratras, thus the period is called ‘Sri Rama Navratra’. It is marked by continuous recitals, Akhand Paath, mostly of the Ramacharitamanas, organized several days in advance to culminate on this day, with elaborate , and distribution of prasad after the puja and aarti. Images of infant form of Sri Rama are placed on cradles and rocked by devotees. Since Rama is the 7th incarnation of Vishnu having born at noon, temples and family shrines are elaborately decorated and traditional prayers are chanted together by the family in the morning. Also, at temples special havans are organized, along with Vedic chanting of Vedic mantras and offerings of fruits and flowers. Many followers mark this day by (fasting) through the day followed by feasting in the evening, or at the culmination of celebrations. In South India, in Bhadrachalam the day is also celebrated as the wedding anniversary of Sri Rama and his consort Sita. Sitarama Kalyanam, the ceremonial wedding ceremony of the celestial couple is held at temples throughout the south region, with great fanfare and accompanied by group chanting of name of Rama, where as the marriage is celebrated in Mithila and Ayodhya during another day on Vivaha Panchami as per Valmiki Ramayana. The important celebrations on this day take place at Ayodhya (Uttar Pradesh), Bhadrachalam (Andhra Pradesh) and Rameswaram (Tamil Nadu), thronged by thousands of devotees. Rathayatras, the chariot processions, also known as Shobha yatras of Rama, Sita, Lakshmana and Hanuman, are taken out at several places, including Ayodhya where thousands of people take a dip in the sacred river Sarayu. According to recent astrological studies, some consider Rama’s date of birth to be January 10, 5114 B.C. Puja: In South India devotees normally perform Kalyanotsavam (marriage celebration) with small deities of Rama and Sita in their homes, and at the end of the day the deity is taken to a procession on the streets. This day also marks the end of the nine-day utsava called Chaitra Navaratri (Maharashtra) or Vasanthothsava (Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh & Tamil Nadu) (festival of Spring), which starts with Gudhi Padwa (Maharashtra). For the occasion, Followers of fast or restrict themselves to a specific diet in accordance to Vedic . Vedic temples are decorated and readings of the Ramayana take place. Along with Sri Rama, people also worship Sita, Rama’s wife; Lakshmana, Rama’s brother; and Hanuman, an ardent devotee of Rama and the leader of his army in the battle against the Ravana. Sri is shared with Swaminarayan Jayanti, the birth of Swaminarayan, who was born in the village of Chhapaiya in the state of Uttar Pradesh.

Ram Navami, Akhand Ramayan, Sita-Ram Kalyanam & PROGRAM Saturday, March 31, 2012 Sunday, April 1, 2012

9:00 AM Akhand Ramayan Begins 10:00 AM Akhand Ramayan Ends 10:00 AM Sita-Ram Kalyanam 11:00 AM Ram Navami celebration 12:00 Noon Aarati

Friday, April 6, 2012 Saturday, April 14, 2012

8:00 PM Hanuman Jayanti Puja 9:00 AM Ashtottarashata (108) 10 Hanuman Chalisa Parayan D/FW HINDU TEMPLE SOCIETY 8 “Ekta Mandir” 8

Vallabhacharya was born on Shuklapaksha Chaitri Ekadashi in the year 1535 (Vikram Calendar) at Champaranya. Mother name was Illamma and father name was Lakshmana Bhatta. Vallabhacharya was a philosopher. He attained the “Acharya” designation after winning the famous debate of Brahmavad over Shankaras in the kingdom of Vijaynagar. Question was God (Brahma) is dualistic or non-dualistic. Vallabhacharya won the debate calling it non dualistic which is popularly known as Shuddha-advaita Brahmvad, means world () and soul is one with . There is no separate existence apart from Brahman. Vallabhacharya was a great Sanskrit scholar. He has written Vyas- Bhashya (Anu bhashya), Sutra bhashya, Bhagavat Tika Subodhini, Shodash granth ( we recite this at the temple during the celebration of Vallabhacharya Pragatya Mahotsava). Vallabhacharya propogated Pushtimarg-The Path of God’s grace- marg and gave one mantra at the time of Brahmasambanth “ Shri Krishna Sharanam Mama”. He had a darshan of Shrinathji which is a “Childhood Swarup of Lord Krishna” His followers worship Shrinathji. They have Vatsalya Bhavana for Lord Krishna-Love for Lord Krishna as a child. Shrinathji Haveli is at Nathdwara in Rajasthan-India.

Vallabhacharya Jayanti April 3rd, 2012 Vallabhacharya Pragatya Mahotsav celebration on April 8th, 2012 at 10:00 am

Kavadi Celebration Program: Saturday, April 7th, 2012

Kavadi Puja & Parikrama 8:45 am 10:00 AM 4 Subramanya/ 9 Abhishekam 9:30 am-10:30 am Alankar,Archana, Bhajans 10:30 am-noon Mahamangal Aarati Noon

Tamil New Year Program: Friday, April 13th, 2012

Ganesha puja & Panchanga Patanam 6:30 pm-7:30 pm Mahamangal Aarati Noon 11 ”NAMASKAR” - Meaning and Benefits?

The word ‘Namaskar’ is derived from the root ‘namaha’, which means paying obeisance (Namaskar) or salutation. From Science of Justice - ‘Namaha’ is a physical action expressing that ‘you are superior to me in all qualities and in every way’..

Worldly Benefits - By doing Namaskar to a deity or a Saint, unknowingly their virtues and capabilities are impressed upon our minds. Consequently we start emulating them, thus changing ourselves for the better.

Spiritual Benefits - Increase in humility and reduction of ego / Enhancement in the spiritual emotion of surrender and gratitude / Gaining the Sattva component and faster spiritual progress. We receive the highest amount of Sattva component from the posture (mudra) of Namaskar. By doing Namaskar to Deities or Saints we receive subtle frequencies emitted by them, e.g. frequencies of Sattva or Bliss.

How does one do Namaskar to an individual of the same age group? When meeting someone of the same age-group do Namaskar by joining the fingers and placing tips of the thumbs on the Anahat chakra (at the centre of the chest). This type of Namaskarincreases the spiritual emotion of humility in the embodied soul. Sattva frequencies from the universe are attracted by the fingers (which act as an antenna) and are then transmitted to the entire body through the thumbs which have awakened the Anahat chakra. This activates the soul energy of the embodied soul. In addition, by doing Namaskar in this manner to each other, frequencies of blessings are also transmitted.

What is correct method & science of doing Namaskar to God?

A. ‘While paying obeisance to God, bring the palms together. 1. The fingers should be held loose (not straight and rigid) while joining the hands or palms. 2. The fingers should be kept close to each other without leaving any space between them. 3. The fingers should be kept away from the thumbs. 4. The inner portion of the palms should not touch each other and there should be some space between them.

Note: The stage of awakening of spiritual emotion (Bhav) is important to the seeker at the primary level. Hence, for awakening spiritual emotion (Bhav), he should keep space in between the joined hands, whereas a seeker who is at the advanced level should refrain from leaving such space in between the palms to awaken the unexpressed spiritual emotion (Bhav).

B. After joining the hands one should bow and bring the head forward..

C. While tilting the headforward, one should place the thumbs at the mid-brow region, i.e. at the point between the eyebrows and try to concentrate on the feet of the Deity.

D. After that, instead of bringing the folded hands down immediately, they should be placed on the mid-chest region for a minute in such way that the wrists touch the chest; then only should the hands be brought down.

12 Underlying Science in this action

A. The fingers should not be stiff while bringing the palms together because this will lead to a decrease in Sattva component from the vital and mental sheaths and thus increase the raja component in them. By keeping the fingers relaxed, the subtlest Sattva component will get activated. With the strength of this energy, embodied souls are able to fight powerful distressing energies.

B. In the Namaskar posture, the joined fingers act as an antenna to assimilate the Chaitanya (Divine consciousness) or the Energy transmitted by a Deity. While joining the palms, the fingers must touch each other because leaving space between the fingers will result in accumulation of energy in that space. This energy will be immediately transmitted in various directions; therefore the seeker’s body will lose the benefit of this potent energy.

C. About the space to be maintained between the palms: For a seeker at the primary level, it is advisable to leave space between the palms; it is not necessary for a seeker at an advanced level to leave space between the palms.

D. After joining the palms, bow a little. This posture puts pressure on the navel and activates the five vital energies situated there. Activation of these vital energies in the body makes it sensitive to accepting sattvik frequencies. This later awakens the ‘Atma shakti’ (i.e. soul energy of an embodied soul). And later, Bhav is awakened. This enables the body to accept in large measures the Chaitanya emitted by the Deity.

E. Touch the thumbs to the mid-brow region. This posture awakens the Bhav of surrender in an embodied soul, and in turn activates the appropriate subtle frequencies of Deities from the Universe. They enter through the ’Adnya chakra’ (Sixth of the 7 chakras in the Kundalini) of the embodied soul and settle in the space parallel to it at the back interior of the head. In this space the openings to all the three channels converge; namely, the Moon, the Central and the Sun channels. Due to the movement of these subtler frequencies in this space, the Central Channel is activated. Consequently it facilitates the speedy transmission of these frequencies throughout the body, leading to purification of both the gross and subtle bodies at the same time.

F. After doing Namaskar, to completely imbibe the Chaitanya of the Deity (that has entered the hands by now), instead of bringing the folded hands down immediately, place them on the mid-chest region in such a way that the wrists touch the chest.

The ‘Anahat chakra’ is located at the centre of the chest. Akin to the Adnya chakra, the activity of the Anahat chakra is also to absorb the Sattva frequencies. By touching the wrists to the chest, the Anahat chakra is activated and it helps in absorbing more of the Sattva component.

Effect of this Posture By doing Namaskar in this manner, the Deity’s Chaitanya is absorbed to a greater extent by the body, as compared to other methods of doing Namaskar. This gives maximum distress to negative energies. The negative energies that have manifested in a person are unable to touch their thumbs at the mid- brow region in Namaskar. (The negative energies are subtle. But at times they enter an individual’s body and manifest it. - Editor)’

Q. What is the reason for not wrapping a cloth around the neck while performing circumambulation, doing Namaskar, ritualistic worship, sacrificial fires, chanting and while visiting Guru and deities?

A. When a cloth is wrapped around the neck, it does not activate the Vishuddha chakra (in the throat region) and hence an individual gets less benefit of the Sattva component.

13 Yoga and Health

Hari Om! This era of scientific and technological advances has made man highly sensitive and creative. Further automation and computerization has added great speed to the life. In the search of happiness, we are propelled by desires to increase daily living standard by acquiring more and more comfort giving objects and sensual pleasures. We are always on the lookout for new restaurants to visit, new clothes to buy or that shiny new thing such as a cell phone, computers, and electronic gadgets to own. Brain researchers have found that modern Science has helped to develop the left lobe of human’s brain (which represents intellect) more than the Right lobe which is the seat of emotions and creativity. This lop sided growth, the experts believe is at the root of the modern ailments, increasing unrest and decreasing quality of life. Therefore harnessing the right lobe of the brain has become very necessary. Bhakti-Yoga aims to fill the need. Bhakti-Yoga is made out of two words-Bhakti meaning supreme, deep rooted, ever flowing love with total surrender. Surrender of oneself and one’s ego at the feet of Lord. In this state, the Bhakta experiences on an ecstatic bliss. The meaning of the word Yoga is the union of “Head” “Heart” and “Hands reflected by alignment of thoughts, feelings and actions. is thus a science of emotion and devotion. What are Emotions? Emotions are powerful thoughts that control our behavior. The word “Emotion” arises from a Greek word “E-movera” which means stir up. Pondering over a thought again and again gives rise to emotions. These intense thoughts trigger the centers of emotions in the right brain and in Hypothalamus. This discharges nerve impulses that activate the sympathetic nervous system and also releases hormones that are transmitted through the blood stream. This in turn sets off a series of chain reactions which result in widespread physiological changes and emotions are thus felt all over the body. The effects of which are tears in the eyes, choking of the throat, rushing of blood in the face etc. At their termination the nervous system returns to normal. Emotions are therefore the balancing strings between health and disease. When one surrenders oneself at feet of the Lord with these pure positive emotions of supreme love, joy, selflessness and total surrender and tune the center of emotion in the right brain resulting in release of endorphins which act as pain killers or natural opioids. This way negative emotions are diverted and positive emotions are cultured and channelized. Sustained negative emotions like anger, jealousy, frustration and depression also have direct effect on the nervous system, endocrine system and skeletal muscles, and produce profound changes in the body resulting in psychosomatic disorders. So it is extremely important to control emotions to prevent diseases.

14 Shri Narada muni has gifted the humanity with Bhakti which direct us progress on the path of devotion. He tells us to serve the Lord whole heartedly, with supreme love and total surrender. Some may offer, leaves, flowers, pooja or abhishek, some may chant sukta, , or mantra. Some may sing bhajans or devotional songs. It is singing with “Bhava” that matters more than mere words, in tuning the heart strings towards self-elevating “Bhakti Bhava”. Sing loudly with a group, let your heart melt, let tears roll down your cheeks freely. Let go all your feelings without inhibition. You feel light in the head; your emotional suppression diminishes, diffuses and vanishes like cloud before the Sun. The gloom of unknown sorrow changes into a bright gleam of joy. The world appears to be a better place. This is the elixir of happiness (of emotion culturing) our “Saints” have been wanting us to drink in a way that will bring serenity to us in accepting things we cannot change, courage in changing the things we can and the wisdom in knowing the difference. In Shrimad Bhagvad Gita, Lord Shree Krishna is constantly promising us that a devotee who is free of desires, anger, ego, hatred, jealousy and greed and who is steadfast in surrendering his mind and intellect to “ME’ is “MY” favorite devotee of God. With the beginning of the New Year let us all make a resolution to become Lord Shree Krishna’s true devotee. Hari OM! Mrs Sarita Gaitonde Yoga Teacher* (* She has been teaching Yoga in our temple for the last 4 years)

Gayatri Havan Sunday, April 15, 2012 9:15 a.m. - 10:00 a.m. Bhajans 10:00 a.m. - Noon Havan Tuesday, April 24, 2012 Dattatreya Abhishek @ 11:00 a.m. Jayanti Puja Saturday, April 28, 2012 @ 10:00 a.m. Narsimha Jayanti May 4th, 2012 @ 9:30 a.m. 15 9D/FW Hindu Temple Vidya Vikas Corner 9 Classes resumed on Jan 8, 2012 after the winter break. We are very excited about the Vidya Vikas Fund Raiser Dinner in which the children of Vidya Vikas will showcase their talents. We are requesting all parents to support this whole heartedly. If you are able to help with sponsorship for the program, please email [email protected]. Registration for the 2012-2013 school year will begin 1st week of April. Check out our website www.vidyavikas.kattare.com for the online Registration starting in April 2012. Vidya Vikas offers the following classes for Children and Adults every SUNDAY Religion Classes - for children ages 4 to 18 For ages 5 and above we offer the below mentioned classes Language Classes in Bengali, Gujarati, Hindi, Kannada, Marathi, Oriya, Sanskrit, Tamil and Telugu. Other Classes -Tabla, Harmonium, Keyboard, Geeta Chanting, Bhajan, Dance, Art and SAT For Adults Yoga, Bhajan, Geeta and Upanishad classes D/FW Hindu Temple Youth Group

The Year 2012 was kicked off with a New Leadership team.

The Car Wash in September was great fun as always. We put together a dance for the Volunteer Dinner at the temple in December which was enjoyable. Our end of the year Service Project – the food and clothes drive, to benefit the Bhutanese people, had a very good response. Thank you to all who contributed. We were also able to make a contribution of Food items from the collection, to the local Salvation Army which is right around the corner from our Temple. If you are 10 years or older, come check us out at our monthly meeting which is usually the 1st Sunday of the month at the Youth Center. Or send us an email at [email protected]. We would love to have your participation !! SHIVA SAHASRA LINGA MAHOTSAVAM

Friday, April 20th, 2012 6:00 pm Ganesh Puja, Sankalpam Sahasra linga Shodasa Aavarana Puja 8:30 pm Aarati Saturday, April 21st, 2012 8:45 am Mahanyaasam Ekaadasa , Abhishekam 12:30 pm Aarati Sunday, April 22nd, 2012 8:45 am Rudram Homam, Vasordhharaa, Abhishekam Alankaara, Archana, Acharya Sambhaavanaa Ritwik (Rudram chanters) Sambhaavanaa

16 12:30 pm Shivji Aarati, Mahamangala Aarati D/FW HINDU TEMPLE SOCIETY “Ekta Mandir”

Adi Shankaracharya Jayanti is the birth anniversary of Jagad Guru Adi Shankaracharya, which falls on the panchami day (5th day) of the bright half of the Vaisakha month, according to South Indian Hindu Calendar. While in the north India, Adi Sankaracharya Jayanthi is celebrated on the tenth day. In 2012, Adi Shankaracharya Jayanti is celebrated on 26th April 2012. Adi Shankaracharya, also known as Sankara Bhagavatpad Acarya, was born in the 8th century AD at Kaladi in Kerala. is the greatest Hindu saint and Indian philosopher who consolidated the doctrine of Advaita . Adi Shankara’s teachings were mainly based on Advaita (Nondualism) – or the unity of Brahman and the soul. Adi Sankaracharya is also regarded as an incarnation of Lord Shiva, who took the avatar to teach and guide the Hindu religion and had a profound influence on the growth of Hinduism at a time when chaos, superstition and bigotry was rampant. Adi Shankara learned all of the scriptures and traveled through out India to help Hinduism regain strength and restore the study of the and other ancient scriptures. Adi Shankaracharya Jayanti is regarded as Philosopher’s Day and teachings of Adi Sankaracharya’s principles will be conducted at Adi Shankaracharya . Adi Sankara Jayanthi is a great occasion for Hindu devotees to chant Adi Shankaracharya , meditate, and study Adi Sankara’s great works and realize the principles of .

Shri Aadi Shankaracharya Jayanti Thursday, April 26, 2012 Shiva Abhishekam 6.30pm-7.30pm Chanting stotras and Bhajans 7.45pm-8.30pm ( All devotees are encouraged to participate in Bhajans and Chanting Stotras)

Sri Srinivasa Kalyanam, the celestial wedding ritual is performed byTirumala Devasthanams (TTD). The divine wedding of Lord Balaji and his consorts Sridevi and Bhoodevi is one of the most famous rituals at the Tirupati Temple. Srivari Kalyanam is now being organized in different cities around India for pilgrims who are unable to travel to Tirupati. In Sriniivasa Kalyanotsavam, the utsava or idol of Lord Balaji is the bridegroom and his consorts Sridevi and Bhoodevi are the brides in the celestial wedding. The rituals followed in the divine marriage ceremony are similar to those observed during Hindu marriages. On this auspicious occasion, it is sacred and celestial if one can perform the Venkatadri Samam Sthanam Brahmande or paricipate in the Kalyanotsavam of the Lord Venkateswara Swamy and also read the episode of Srinivasa Kalyanam. It is said that where Venkateswara Mahatyam is read/ heard, there, one would have good longevity, good health and good prosperity and finally that will lead to salvation.

Srinivasa (Balaji) Kalyanam Saturday, May 12th, 2012

7:30am - 9:00am Suprabhatam/ Balaji Abhishek 9:00am - 10:00am Procession 10:00am - 12:30pm Kalyanam 12:30pm Mahamangal Arati 17 PLEASE TUNE IN D/FW Hindu Temple Radio Program on AM 700

Every Saturday from 4 PM to 5 PM, the D/FW Hindu Temple is hosting our own radio program at 700 AM Radio Station. In addition to having Bhajans and information about the Temple and the Temple activities and upcoming programs, the objective is to open up a new media of communication between the Devotees in the Metroplex and the religious scholars and Pundits from far and near, who will be participating in this program. Please tune into AM700 from 4 to 5 PM every Saturday. Remember to provide us your feedback and valuable suggestions for improvement. If any of you like to sponsor the Radio Program for 30 min or 1hr. please email @ [email protected]. D/FW Temple thanks all those who have sponsored the Radio-Archana program for the past several months. Please contact the Temple to sponsor the program to celebrate the birthdays or anniversaries or other special occasions of your dear ones. Every Sunday at 12 noon, Temple Aarati LIVE on FM 104.9 Temple greatly appreciates Radio FUNASIA’s Community involvement and the sponsorship for relay of Temple AARATI LIVE every Sunday at 12:00 Noon. For more information, please call Temple or Radio FUNASIA at 972-235-5555.

North Texas Indian Physicians’ Charitable Foundation

MEDICAL CLINIC

With the Support of the D/FW Hindu Temple Society CLINIC DATES: 1st AND 3rd SUNDAY ( CLOSED ON LONG WEEKENDS) TIME: 10:00 AM TO 11:30 AM (Registration & Checking) FOR FURTHER INFORMATION PLEASE CALL CLINIC @ 972-870-9500 ON SPECIFIED DAYS. PLACE: 1706 NORTH BRITAIN RD., IRVING, TX. 75061 ( ACROSS FROM D/FW HINDU TEMPLE )

Annual Statement of Temple Donations

Due to increasing administrative and mailing cost, we are going to send your annual donation statement via electronic mail. If we do not have your email address, we will send the annual statement via US mail to those who have donated $500 or more. If you would like to receive your statement via email, please send the request to: [email protected]

Thank You. Temple Management

18 GENERAL BODY MEETING As per constitutional requirement, the General Body Meeting of the D/FW Hindu Temple Society is scheduled for Sunday, March 4 , 2012, at 1:00 P.M. in the Youth Center. All Founder, Life, and Regular Members of the Society are requested to attend this meeting. Please consider this a personal invitation. AGENDA 1. Prayer and approval of the minutes of the Annual GB Meeting held on 12-11-2011 2. Welcome by President Anita Singhal 3. 2011 Financial and /Audit Report 4. Appointment of external auditor for 2012 5. Discussion on any new Items / Proposals 6. Vote of thanks by Chairman /BOT Manoj Parikh 7. Adjourn Anita Singhal President, D/FW Hindu Temple Society

TITHI PROGRAM Under the Archana/Tithi Program, with a one time donation of $500.00, devotees can have Archana performed for the Deity of their choice once a year for Birthday, Anniversary or Punya-tithi of their loved ones. Please contact Temple Manager or email to us at [email protected] for more information.

Suggested Donations For Priest Services For Puja Services at Home or Temple, please contact the Temple Office at Metro (972) 445-3111 Archana $ 11.00 Satynarayana Puja $51.00*** Archana (Sahasranama) $ 51.00*** Shraaddha (Haranya) $75.00 Abhishekam (Sponsored) $ 51.00*** Shraaddha (Tarapan) $31.00 Abhishekam (Temple Scheduled) $ 31.00 Thread Ceremony $151.00 Havan (Private Sponsored) $151.00 Upanayana at Home $200.00 Havan (Temple Scheduled $101.00 Puja $35.00 Hair Offering (Mundan) $51.00 Wedding (In Temple) $401.00* Kalyana Utsavam in Temple $151.00 Wedding (Outside) $501.00** Namkaran (Naming Ceremony) $51.00 Sunday Mahaprasad sponsor $301.00

* Includes use of Yajnashala for the duration of wedding. ** One Pre-wedding Puja included. *** One family or individual (Private Puja) is $101.00 Advance payment required for all pujas outside Temple. Maximum 4 hours for outside pujas, other than weddings. Suggested donations for all puja services performed at home is $151.00

FACILITY RENTAL CHARGES Cultural Multipurpose Youth Time Yagnasala Class Rooms Center Facility (new) Center 8:00 am to 4:00 pm $700.00 $500.00 $400.00 $400.00 $40.00 8:00 am to midnight $1,200.00 $900.00 $651 for both per hour 6:00 pm to midnight $900.00 $650.00 These available during Temple Hours only

Kitchen Use Charges Cooking $300.00 Kitchen available only with Hall Rental. Warming $150.00 Service charge of $200.00 for cleaning mandatory. Cancellation fees applicable, check with Manager for details. 25% deposit at the time of booking, balance One Week before the use of facility updated Sept 2011 19 Irving, Texas Irving, 75015-4246 D/FW Hindu Temple Society P.O.154246 Box 5 “ Ekta Mandir ” 5 We cordially invite you to the following temple programs (monthly events are on page 2)

Day Date Time Events

Wednesday Feb 1st 6:30pm Thai Krittikai-Murugan Abhishek Friday Feb 3rd 9am-6pm Bhishma Ekadashi-Sahasranam chanting Sunday Feb 5th 6:30pm Pradosham-Shiv Puja Monday Feb 6th 6:30pm Thai Pusam Tuesday Feb 7th 6:00pm Satyanarayan Puja Tuesday Feb 7th 7:45pm Jagannath Puja Friday Feb 10th 6:30pm Sankarhara Chaturthi-Ganesh Abhishek Saturday Feb 18th 1pm-5pm Naadhopaasanaa-Shloka Competition Sunday Feb 19th 6:30pm Pradosham-Shiv Puja Monday Feb 20th 10:00am Mahashivratri-Shiv Abhishek & Puja 6:00pm Mahashivratri-Shiv Abhishek & Puja 9pm-Midnight Bhajans Friday Feb 24th 7:00pm Shiv Nrtyopasana Saturday Feb 25th 8:45am Maha Mrtyunjaya Homam Sunday Feb 26th 10:30am Mahashivratri Celebration Monday Feb 27th 6:30pm Shashti Puja Saturday March 3rd 12:30pm Jagannath Puja Sunday March 4th 1:00pm General Body Meeting Tuesday March 6th 6:30pm Pradosham-Shiv Puja Wednesday March 7th 7:00pm Holika Dahan Thursday March 8th 6:00pm Satyanarayan Puja Thursday March 8th 7:45pm Jagannath Puja Friday March 9th 6:00pm Lakshmi Jayanti Saturday March 10th 6:30pm Sankarhara Chaturthi-Ganesh Abhishek Sunday March 11th 12:30pm Holi Celebration & Anand Bazaar Tuesday March 13th 8:00pm Karadayan Nombu Monday March 19th 6:30pm Pradosham-Shiv Puja Friday March 23rd 9:30am Ugadi-Gudhi Padwa-Balaji Abhishek Friday March 23rd 6:30pm Ugadi –Gudhi Padwa Puja Saturday March 24th 8:30am5pm Day-Naadhopaasanaa Saturday March 24th 9:00pm Durga Jagran Sunday March 25th 10:00am Ugadi Celebration Wednesday March 28th 6:00pm Shashthi Puja Saturday March 31st 9:00am Ramnavami-Akhand Ramayan begins Saturday March 31st 10:00am Sita-Ram Kalyanam Saturday March 31st 3:00pm Durgashtami Havan Saturday March 31st 8:30pm Garba/Raas Sunday April 1st 10:00am Akhand Ramayan ends Sunday April 1st 10:00am Aradhana Wednesday April 4th 6:30pm Pradosham-Shiv Puja Thursday April 5th 6:30 pm Panguni Uthiram-Murugan Abhishek Friday April 6th 6:00pm Satyanarayan Puja Friday April 6th 8:00pm Hanuman Jayanti Puja Saturday April 7th 8:45am Kavadi Sunday April 8th 10:00am Vallabhacharya Pragatya Mahotsav Monday April 9h 6:30pm Sankarhara Chaturthi-Ganesh Abhishek Friday April 13th 6:30pm Tamil New Year-Puja Friday April 13th 7:45pm -Jagannath Puja Saturday April 14th 9:00am Ashtottarashata Hanuman Chalisa Parayan Saturday April 14th 6:15pm -Ayyappa Puja Wednesday April 18th 6:30pm Pradosham-Shiv Puja Saturday April 21st 1:00pm Naadhopaasanaa Tuesday April 24th 11:00am Akshaya Tritiya-Dattatreya Abhishek Tuesday April 24th 6:30pm Jagannath Puja Thursday April 26th 6:30pm Shankaracharya Jayanti Puja Friday April 27th 6:30pm Shashti Puja Saturday April 28th 10:00am Basava Jayanti Sunday April 29th 3:00pm Shrinathji Aradhana Thursday May 3rd 6:30pm Pradosham-Shiv Puja Friday May 4th 9:30am Narsimha Jayanti Sunday May 6th 6:00pm Satyanarayan Puja Tuesday May 8th 6:30pm Sankarhara Chaturthi-Ganesh Abhishek Saturday May 12th 7:00am Balaji Kalyanam Sunday May 13th 9:30am Walkathon & Picnic Tuesday May 15th 6:00pm Hanuman Jayanti Wednesday May 16th 7:45pm Jagannath Puja Friday May 18th 6:30pm Pradosham-Shiv Puja Saturday May 19th 8:45am Naadhopaasanaa-Papanasam Sivan Day

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US Postage Paid Postage US Permit No. 217 No. Permit Sunday May 20 9:00am Naadhopaasanaa-Papanasam Sivan Day Org Non-Profit Saturday May 26th 6:00pm Shashti Puja ,Teaxas Irving For Information Please call Temple at 972-445-3111 For event details, fliers and temple calendar please visit our web-site at dfwhindutemple.org