OM NAMO BHAGAVATE PANDURANGAYA BALAJI VANI Volume 11, Issue 10 October, 2017

HARI OM

In Month of September Navaraatri Puja was carried out with great devotion in the Balaji Matha Temple at San Jose, headed by Peethadhipati Swami Narayananda.

All of these nine days Sri Sri Parayan and Chandi Hom (fire ritual) was conducted in the temple premises by Swami Narayananda. Devotees were graced with Darshan of Maa Durga, Maha- and Kanyaka Parameshwari in different attires. Sometimes she was Devi, appeasing the hunger of this Universe. Regally outfitted as Sri Sri Parambhattarika Lalita--Sundari, Mother blessed Her devotees with Bhukti (satisfaction) and Mukti (salvation). Maa Siddhidaatri was venerated with Phoolangi seva (decoration of flowers) gracing the devotees with blissful happiness. Every evening prayers were conducted by Swamiji, with devotees chanting Mother's glory. This was accompanied by Kumari Ka - Puja (prayers to the living Goddess in the female child). Then the devotees enjoyed the performances of various local talents, of all age groups, and ended each festival day with preetibhoj. Swami Nityananda assisted in all the Poojas & Alankar.

On September 30th, Vijaya Dashami, the concluding day of the puja, Swami Sri Durga Devi Pullangi Seva at Balaji Temple. Narayananda led the devotees into praying to the Mother Goddess as Maha-

Kaali (Power of Universal Knowledge Tatvagnan-), Maha-Lakshmi (Power of Soul : Sadatmak-Shakti) and Maha- (Power of Mind : SARVADĀ STHĀPANAṂ BUDDHEḤ ŚUDDHE BRAHMAṆI SARVADĀ | Chit-Shakti), seeking Her everlasting love and blessings. Swamiji prayed to TATSAMĀDHĀNAMITYUKTAṂ NA TU CITTASYA LĀLANAM || 26 || the Goddess of learning, Maha-Saraswati, to bless the children and others in their endeavors. He explained why we, children of the Universal Mother, Not the mere indulgence of thought (in curiosity) but the should pray to Her, Who in these three forms is the prevalent "World constant concentration of the intellect (or the affirming faculty) Sustaining Energy". For, She is the unabiding force that steers the inert on the ever-pure Brahman, is what is called Samādhāna or self- mass of all that makes this Universe, come alive. Maa Saraswati through settledness. Her benevolence energizes our mental prowess; then acquiring the blessings of Maa Kaali enables us to contemplate the reason behind the existence of AHAṂKĀRĀDIDEHĀNTĀN BANDHĀNAJÑĀNAKALPITĀN | this world. When these exercises come to fruition, then Maa Lakshmi fills SVASVARŪPĀVABODHENA MOKTUMICCHĀ MUMUKṢUTĀ || 27 || the aspirant’s existence with bliss. Sumangali-Puja was conducted on this day. This is a prayer specifically conducted by and for all married women Mumukṣutā or yearning for Freedom is the desire to free oneself, present, as Mother Goddess is present on this earth in this form too. by realising one’s true nature, from all bondages from that of egoism to that of the body – bondages superimposed by Swamiji spoke about the significance of and the Nava-Durga Ignorance. (nine manifestations of Maha Shakti Maa) that we pray to during these

Navaraatri (stretch of nine days). First as , she is revered as the

daughter of the King of mountains, Himavan. Second, She is , the ascetic virgin. Third as , She carries the Moon on Her bell-shaped crown. Fourth, She is , referring to Her as the Mother of this Universe. Fifth, is the Mother of Lord , the commander of the army of Gods. Sixth, She blesses us as , the daughter of Sage Katyayan. Seventh, Kaalraatri is the fierce manifestation of MahaKaali, destroying the darkness of ignorance. Eighth, as serene , She is effulgent MahaLakshmi. Ninth manifestation Siddhidaatri, is MahaSaraswati, when the grace of the Almighty Mother blesses us with the benevolent culmination of all universal achievements (Siddhis). Swamiji also spoke to the devotees about the significance of our heritage of Sanatan Hindu Dharma. He asked the devotees to follow our age old heritage of with honesty and pride.

Hari Om

Pitadhipathi Narayananda Swamiji blessing performers.

MONTHLY EVENTS REGULAR ACTIVITIES

st October 1 , Sunday TEMPLE OPEN Panduranga Abhishekam 11:00 AM WEEKDAYS 7:30 AM TO 1:00 PM & 4:00 PM to 8.30 PM October 2nd, Monday WEEKENDS SAT-SUN 7:30 AM to 8:30 PM Pradosham Pooja 5:30 PM

October 4th, Wednesday Daily Puja & Aarti Poornima Satyanarayana Pooja 6:30 PM Morning 8:00 AM Afternoon 12:30 PM th October 7 , Saturday Evening 8:00 PM Subramanya Abishekam 6:30 PM

October 8th, Sunday Every Monday Karva chowth 6:00 PM Rudrabhishekam (Shiva Puja) 6:00 PM Sankata Hara Chaturthi, Abishekam 7:00 PM Every Tuesday October 9th, Monday Hanumanji Puja 6:00 PM Stotram 12:00 PM

October 12th, Thursday Every Wednesday Sai Baba Abishekam 6:30 PM Vishnu Stotram 6:00 PM

October 14th, Saturday Sundarakanda Chalisa, Abishekam 5:00 PM Every Thursday

th Sri Sai Bhajans 7:30 PM October 15 , Sunday Sai Baba Abishekam 11:00 AM Every Friday October 16th, Monday Santoshi Mata Puja 7:00 PM Pradosham Shiva Pooja 5:30 PM Lakshmi Puja, Lalitha Stotram & Mahaprasadam

October 17th Tuesday Dhanteras Pooja 7:00 PM Every Saturday Sri Venkateshwara Suprabhatam Seva 8:00 AM th October 18 , Wednesday & Vishnu Stotram Diwali – , MahaLakshmi Abhishekam 6:00 PM

October 22nd, Sunday Every Sunday Bajans, Satsang by N. Swamiji 11:00 AM Yoga & Children’s class by Pushpa Dhar 9:30 AM Bhajans, Puja & Aarti 7:00 PM October 24th, Tuesday

Hanuman Chalisa 7:30 PM Every Sankasthahara Chaturthi October 25th, Wednesday Sri Ganesha Puja 7:00 PM Skanda Sasti Subramanya Abishekam 6:30 PM

October 27th, Friday Every Purnima Balaji Guru Vandana, Mahalakshmi Abhishekam 6:30 PM Sri Satyanarayana Puja 6:30 PM

th October 28 , Saturday Every Amavasya Balaji Guru Vandana, Balaji 108 kalasha Abhishekam Siva Pooja check website for time October 29th, Sunday 108 kalasha Satyanarayana Pooja 10:30 AM Third Thursday of every month

October 30th, Monday Vedic Anna Dana for Panduranga Abhishekam 6:30 PM

October 31st, Tuesday Tulasi vivaha Pooja 7:00 PM

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. Construction at 5004 N. First Street, P.O. Box 1146, San Jose, CA 95002 for landscaping and building will begin soon. Please donate generously to expedite this good cause.

BALAJI MATHA BOARD MEMBERS President Sri N. Swamiji (408) 203-1036 Secretary S (408) 718-3655 Treasurer Babu. D (408) 242-8278 BALAJI TEMPLE, 5004 N. 1st Street , San Jose, CA 95002 (408) 203-1036 / (408) 956-9050 Email: [email protected] http://www.balajitemple.net http://www.balajimatha.org Non-Profit Organization.

Peethadhipati Narayananda swamiji blessing Sumanglis on Vijaya Dasami day.