Sri Siva 6905 Cipriano Road, Lanham MD 20706 Tel: (301) 552-3335 Fax: (301) 552-1204 E-Mail: [email protected] Web Site: https://www.ssvt.org Newsletter Vol 30, No. 8 August 2021 COVID-19 Temple Operations: As of publication, normal temple hours have resumed. Wearing face masks, and maintaining 6-feet distance, remain in place. Devotee pre-registration is no longer required. The Temple Kitchen is open. More information on Page 3. Bhagawati (During Kataka Month) 12:30 pm Yajamana Aasheervachanam, Thiruvidhi Utsavam Friday, July 16 to Sunday, August 15, 2021 Sponsorship: Entire Vishnu Pavitrotsavam - $61; One Day - $31 marks the southern Rig transition of the Sun for a period of six months. These six months are said Saturday, August 21, 2021 to be the night time for the Gods and There will only be one batch of Rig Upaakarma starting at 9:00 Goddesses. The first of these six Hindu AM, and will conclude with and Aasheervaadam months is especially important for Suggested Donation (including Acharya Sambhaavana): the worship of (the Universal Brahmacharis: $5; Newly initiated Brahmacharis: $25; Everyone Mother). Bhagawati Seva, which is the else: $11 worship of Devi in the Tantric tradition, will be performed daily from Yajur Upakarma July 16 to August 15 at 7:15 PM. All Saturday, August 21, 2021 devotees are encouraged to participate Yajur Upakarma batches will begin at 7:30 am; with the last batch through Lalitha Sahasaranama recita- starting at 10:00 am. Homa will start at 11:00 am followed by tion, Devi Stotram, and Devi Nam- Aasheervaadam. Veda Aarambham (beginning the study of the askaaram. ), and Tarpanam (propitating the Sages who handed Sponsorship: Entire Bhagawati Seva - $501; All Friday down the Vedas to future generations) are the most important aspects of any Upakarma Devotees are requested to avail of the pujas during Kataka month - $101; One Day - $31 facilities and resources provided by the temple in performing this Aadi Pooram (Kataka Purva Phalguni) important ritual. Suggested Donation (including Acharya Sambhaavana): Tuesday, August 10, 2021 Brahmacharis: $5; Newly initiated Brahmacharis: $25; Everyone 9:30 am Parvathi , Decoration with Bangles, Archana, else: $11 Deeparadhana 10:30 am Abhisheka, Thiruppaavai Seva Kaalam, Godha 2021 Stuti, Archana, Deeparadhana Saturday, August 21, 2021 7:00 pm Lalitha Sahasranama Parayana Onam (Sravana in ) is also the day of Vamana Jayanti. It is 8:00 pm Sri Andal on that day that Lord Vishnu took the form of a dwarf (Vamana) to suppress the ego of an otherwise good and popular king Ma- Sponsorship: $31 habali (Grandson of Prahalada). The king loved his subjects very much and asked the Lord to allow him to visit his subjects once a Vishnu Pavitrotsavam year on that day. This day is celebrated in Kerala as the return of Thursday, August 19 to Saturday, August 21, 2021 their favorite king. Homes are beautifully decorated and there is Pavitrotsavam is an annual ritual performed in Vishnu an ambience of festivity everywhere in anticipation of the Return (that follow the Paancharaatra Aagama or the Vaikaanasa Aag- of the King. Boat races, floral decorations, cultural performances ama) to make up for the acts of omission and commission in the like MohiniAattam, , Chaakiyaar Koothu, and music temple rituals during the course of the year. At the conclusion of concerts are common during this festival. Some communities this three-day ritual, Pavitram (Holy thread) that has been offered consider this to be the beginning of a new year. Temples in Kerala to the Lord is distributed as Prasadam to the sponsors. have special pujas on this day. Thursday, August 19, 2021 10:00 am Purvanga Puja, Ananthapadmanabha Abhisheka, 5:00 pm Anugnay, Viswaksena Aaradhana, Punyahavachanam, Vishnu Sahasranama, Archana, Deeparadhana Rakshabandanam, Mritsangrahanam, Ankurarpanam, Due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, Onam Feast is canceled Aradhanam, Mangalashasanam, Theerthaprasadam Sponsorship: $31 Friday, August 20, 2021 Sri Janmashtami 9:00 am Chathusthana Archanam, Havanam, Prayaschitha Homam, Pavithrachayadivasam, Poornahuthi, Sunday, August 29, 2021 Theerthaprasadha Goshti Religious festivites for the birthday of Lord Krishna start with Krishna Moola Homa. The first phase of the evening/ 5:00 pm Vishnusahasranama Parayanam, Homam, Poornahuthi, (Continued on page 4 - see ) Mangalashasanam, Theerthaprasadha Goshti Saturday, August 21, 2021 Inside our August 2021 Newsletter: 9:00 am Suprabatham, Aaradhana, Homam, Navakalasa ■ Annual/Lifetime Puja Sponsorship - page 2 Abhishekam to Utsava Venkateshwara, Alankaram, ■ Garden Committe Updates - page 4 and 11 Mahapoornahuthi, Saathumurai ■ Education Committee: Help Manage Anxiety - page 12

1 RELIGIOUS CALENDAR (Visit our website for Livestream Schedule) Mon 23 7:00 PM Siva Abhisheka - Somavar August 2021 Tue 24 RAGHAVENDRA SWAMY ARADHANA Sun 1 10:00 AM Utsava Subrahmanya Abhisheka - Krittika Wed 25 9:30 AM Homa - Sankatahara Chaturthi Tue 3 10:00 AM Krishna Abhisheka - 7:00 PM Ganesha Abhisheka - Sankatahara Chaturthi 6:00 PM Ananthapadmanabha Abhisheka - Fri 27 10:00 AM Abhisheka Thu 5 7:00 PM Siva Abhisheka - Pradosham Sat 28 10:00 AM Subrahmanya Abhisheka - Shashti Fri 6 10:00 AM Mahalakshmi Abhisheka Sun 29 SRI KRISHNA JANMASTAMI - SEE DETAILS 10:00 AM Sri Abhisheka - Punarvasu 10:00 AM Utsava Subrahmanya Abhisheka - Krittika Sat 7 6:00 PM Srinivasa Kalyanam Mon 30 SRI KRISHNA JAYANTI - SEE DETAILS Mon 9 7:00 PM Siva Abhisheka - Shravana Somavar 7:00 PM Siva Abhisheka - Shravana Somavar Tue 10 AADI POORAM DAY - SEE DETAILS September 2021 Wed 11 9:30 AM Ganesha Homa - Chaturthi Thu 2 10:00 AM Sri Rama Abhisheka - Punarvasu 10:00 AM Ayyappa Puja - Uttara Phalguni 7:00 PM Ananthapadmanabha Abhisheka - Ekadashi 10:30 AM Ganesha Abhisheka - Chaturthi Fri 3 10:00 AM Mahalakshmi Abhisheka Thu 12 11:00 AM Abhisheka - Garuda Sat 4 RAGHAVENDRA SWAMY ARADHANA CELEBRATION 7:00 PM Aadi Shankara Puja - Shukla Panchami - SEE DETAILS Fri 13 10:00 AM Sarada Abhisheka 3:15 PM Siva Abhisheka - Sani Mahapradosham 10:00 AM Subrahmanya Abhisheka - Shashti 6:00 PM Srinivasa Kalyanam Sat 14 9:30 AM Sudarshana / Narasimha Homa - Swathi Sun 5 BYOG - SEE DETAILS 5:00 PM Sudarshana / Yoga Narasimha Abhisheka - Swathi Mon 6 6:00 PM Siva Abhisheka - Poorva Phalguni Sun 15 10:00 AM Ayyappa Puja Rest of September in September Newsletter 10:00 AM Utsava Subrahmanya Abhisheka - Vishakha 7:15 PM DAILY BHAGAVATI SEVA CONCLUDES WEEKLY ABHISHEKAS Mon 16 7:00 PM Siva Abhisheka - Shravana Somavar Monday: 9:30 AM Ganesha, Sri Rama Wed 18 10:00 AM Anjaneya Abhisheka - Mula Tuesday: 9:30 AM Durga, Anjaneya 7:00 PM Ananthapadmanabha Abhisheka - Ekadashi Wednesday: 9:30 AM Andal, Sarada, Thu 19 7:00 PM Siva Abhisheka - Pradosham Thursday: 9:30 AM Krishna, Subrahmanya VISHNU PAVITROTSAVAM BEGINS - SEE DETAILS Friday: 9:30 AM Mahalakshmi, , Sudarsana/Yoga Narasimha Fri 20 10:00 AM Parvathi Abhisheka Saturday: 10:15 AM 10:00 AM Abhisheka 7:00 PM VARALAKSHMI PUJA DAILY ABHISHEKAS Sat 21 RIG AND YAJUR UPAKARMA - SEE DETAILS Daily: 9:30 AM Ayyappa, Ananthapadmanabha VISHNU PAVITROTSAVAM CONCLUDES 10:00 AM Siva ONAM - SEE DETAILS 10:00 AM Utsava Srinivasa Abhisheka - with Connect with us online! View Religious Services/Puja Online 5:00 PM Satyanarayana Puja - Poornima Main YouTube Channel YouTube Channel - 2 Sun 22 GAYATHRI JAPAM Cultural Committee YouTube Channel Facebook 9:30 AM Homa 10:30 AM Navagraha Abhisheka Puja Sponsorships are available online or by calling (301) 552 -3335.

Annual and Lifetime Puja Sponsorship

ए कं स%&व(ा बहुधा वदि0त (Ekam Sat Vipraha Bahuda Vadanti) - Rig Veda (1.164.46) The truth is one; but the wise, talk of many. The one God, in His/Her infinite , takes on several forms (Ishta – personal God) to fulfill the needs and aspirations of His/Her devotees. Sri Siva Vishnu Temple was founded on this principle of having several Ishta to meet the needs of a wide range of devotees. Worship of Ishta Devata and Kula Devata (Family Deity) is a special tradition to all . Supporting the rituals to various Deities according to one’s choice and ability not only helps in maintaining this tradition, but it is recommended by the scriptures as one’s duty. By supporting such activities in the temple, benefits accrue to the masses, and it sets a good example for future generations to follow. Certain pujas are not conducive to be performed at home on a regular basis (ex. Siva Abhisheka, Padi Puja for Lord Ayyappa, or Butter Alankara for Lord Anjaneya) but are easily possible in a temple setting. Our scriptures place an emphasis on doing Pujas for the various deities on important days at the appropriate time (thithis); but due to schedules and other responsibilities, devotees may not be able to personally participate in these activities. Supporting the worship of your Ishta Devatas on important days during the year has been made easy through the Annual and Lifetime Sponsorship Program at SSVT. Sponsorship of your favorite deities will ensure that Pujas are done on your behalf on special days regardless of if you are present on that day. These tax-deductible sponsorship donations are at a discount compared to sponsorship of individual programs during the course of the year. Annual sponsorships are valid for one year from the date of sponsorship. Lifetime sponsorships are valid in perpetuity and are deposited into the Sri Siva Vishnu Temple Endowment. You have helped build one of the largest temples in the United States; now consider extending the same generosity to ensure its future. Sponsor an Ishta Deity for a year, or in perpetuity and preserve today and for the future.

“धम3 र56त र75तः” meaning Dharma protects those who protect Dharma. For more information and sponsorship details – please contact Manager Ananth Iyengar at [email protected] or by phone at (301) 552-3335. Thank you for your support!

2 2021 Board of Trustees Chairperson’s Corner I hope that you and your family is well, especially during this Executive Committee COVID-19 pandemic. Please continue wearing face masks, Chairperson Krishna Bappanad practice physical distancing, and get vaccinated if you haven’t (919) 381-7606 ; [email protected] already. The Delta variant is proving to be a problem. Our temple Vice Chairperson - Operations Umeshkumar continues to remain opened to devotees; all devotees older than (240) 602-7537; [email protected] 2 years are required to wear a face mask at all times. I urge you Vice Chairperson - Human Sreekumar Sreedharan to consider taking prasadam outside (weather permitting), or at Resources & Policy (703) 622-5542; [email protected] home, especially if you have unvaccinated children. Treasurer Murali Elambilan I have some news about the Hariharaatmaja Mahotsavam that (501) 960 - 2807; [email protected] was slated for September 2021. Due to the ongoing COVID-19 Secretary Padma Tipirneni pandemic, the manufacturing and shipment logistics for the (240) 604-5981; [email protected] Panchaloha Kavacham has been delayed. Therefore, the remaining Mahotsavam celebrations will be postponed to November, before Trustees the start of the 2021-2022 Ayyappa -Makaransankranthi Bangalore Ravindra B.T. Nivas Pujas. More details forthcoming. (410) 227-7576 (703) 635-4939 I hope you have had a chance to visit our revamped website – Gunda Reddy Krishnaswamy S.V. www.ssvt.org. This new website is a long time coming, and I hope (410) 652-1657 (412) 443-2151 you have a chance to view it. Further enhancements will continue Manju Shivacharan Prabhakar Thyagarajan to be made and we hope you find it informative and easy to use. If (240) 678-7752 (301) 801-3410 you have any feedback, please email the IT team at [email protected]. Prabhavathi Pippalla Raji Ramesh Last month, we held our bi-annual General Council meeting. (240) 810-8306 (630) 337-3814 The GC ratified and adopted the revised Temple Bylaws. Revi- Subramanyam Jayaraman Swaminatha Reddy sions include increased transparency on the trustee nomination (301) 346-9777 (301) 236-5319 process, increasing responsibilities for the Vice Chairperson of Vijay Kumar Policy to include Human Resources, and other minor changes. (202) 997-0791 Please review the updated Temple Bylaws, it will be available on our website shortly. 2021 Governance Board At the GC meeting, I announced the formation of a fund to sup- Rajagopala Rao Tripuraneni, President - Trustee Emeritius port the education of our Priest’s children. The goal of this fund is to help our priest’s children with college educational expenses. Banu Ramakrishnan - Trustee Emeritius Krishna Bappanad, Chairperson-BOT A couple of children are currently in college and others will be Suryanarayana Siram - Trustee Emeritius Sreekumar Sreedharan, Trustee-BOT in a couple of years. The goal is to help offset some of the costs Doddanna Rajashekar - Trustee Emeritius Prabhakar Thyagarajan, Trustee-BOT while they continue on to higher studies. If you wish to support About Sri Siva Vishnu Temple (SSVT): education, this is a great opportunity to help our priests directly. Located outside of Washington D.C., Sri Siva Vishnu Temple is a pre- Please contact me if you can support this Education Scholarship Program for our Priests children. mier with a congregation and community base of tens Throughout the month of May and June, our temple collected of thousands of Indian Americans, Hindu Americans and devotees nearly $22,000 in donations and puja sponsorships for COVID-19 across the globe. The temple houses several Sannidhis () which relief in . As you know, India experienced a surge in were consecrated between 1990 and 2002. As a non-profit, 501(c) COVID-19 cases earlier this Spring. We performed special pujas (3) organization, SSVT serves the religious, cultural, and educational and services for the wellbeing of all, and all sponsorships went towards COVID-19 relief in India. We distributed the funds to the needs of the Hindu community and has represented the Hindu Ameri- Indian Red Cross, SEWA International, Mat-Chen- can community. nai, as well as to Association for India’s Development. I thank our sponsors and donors for this humanitarian cause. Support our temple while shopping online - search for and add Sri Siva As I had indicated in my last letter, I would like to showcase Vishnu Temple Trust as your charity to support on different volunteer groups each month. This month, I would like AmazonSmile and contribute while making purchases to applaud and recognize the Prasadam/Kitchen Committee SSVT Combined Federal Campaign Number: 47090 members who have volunteered during our reopening from the COVID-19 Operations COVID-19 pandemic. There are over 20 individual groups under different group leaders who serve on various weekends under the The following procedures continue to remain in place for all guidance of our Kitchen Coordinator. I sincerely thank our for- devotees and visitors: mer Kitchen Coordinator, Mr. Sanyasi Rao Kalla, for organizing these teams this past year, as well as to our new Kitchen Coordi- • Face masks (for all visitors 2 years and above) and 6 feet nator, Mr. Vijay Veldurthi for continuing this effort into the new distance must be maintained at all times fiscal year. Please consider volunteering for this group. All volun- teers must be older than 12 years old and can earn Student Service • Devotees who are feeling unwell or have a fever are encour- Learning (SSL) hours, learn keen customer service experiences, aged to refrain from visiting the temple. and help an integral part of our temple operations. Please contact our Trustee Liaison, Ms. Prabha Pippalla at (240) 810-8306 if you • The Temple Kitchen is open! are interested. Temple Hours If at any time, I can be of assistance, please feel free to contact me via email at [email protected] or by phone at (919) 381-7606. Monday - Friday 9:00 AM - 1:00 PM Thank you! 5:00 PM - 9:00 PM Saturday - Sunday 9:00 AM - 9:00 PM Puja Sponsorships are available online or by calling Krishna Bappanad (301) 552 -3335. Chairperson, Board of Trustees

3 (Continued from page 1 - see Krishna Janmashtami) night puja will be from 6 PM to 10 PM. The final Mangalaarathi will be at midnight. Devotees will be able to personally offer SSVT COMMUNITY SERVICE Argyam to the Lord Krishna deity after the first phase of the puja. Join the Charity Committee Dinner will be available in the evening. The primary objective is to integrate and formalize SSVT’s charitable activities and to conduct these activities in a systematic and continual basis. The Charity Sponsorship: Entire Janmashtami Day Puja - $61; Homa Committee has helped strengthen the fourth pillar of the temple which involves or Abhisheka - $31; Homa & Abhisheka - $51 social outreach and community service. The committee has conducted several charitable events and programs including a Grab ‘n Go Grocery distribution drive Sri Krishna Jayanthi (in partnership with other are organizations) at the temple. To learn more and Monday, August 30, 2021 to join the Charity Committee, please contact Raji Ramesh at (630) 337-3814, or 10:00 am Kalasa Puja, Utsava Krishna Abhisheka, Divya Murali Elambilan at (501) 960-2807. Prabandha Paarayanam, Archana, Deeparadhana Garden Committee Updates Sponsorship: Abhisheka - $31 Many volunteers have come together to help improve and keep the temple grounds clean and beautiful. They have volunteered over many weeks to transform the gar- Sri Raghavendra Swamy Aradhana dens and temple greenery to what you see today. Their constant stewardship to maintain our landscapes has allowed for the gardens to grow and bloom beautiful- Celebrations ly. Many devotees enjoy the temple grounds whenever they visit and so can you. Saturday, September 4, 2021 We have dedicated garden plots to a variety of plants and flowers as well as a large 10:00 am Purvanga Puja, Sri Raama Abhisheka (Moolasthana) plot to grow various vegetables for temple use. We are still a long way from a per- Sri Raghavendra Swamy , , Archana, fect garden, and we can use your help. Please consider volunteering your time (just Deeparadhana a couple of hours over the weekend). school students can earn Student Serivce Learning (SSL) hours – a high school graduation requirement. To sign-up, Sponsorship: $31 please visit our website at www.ssvt.org. Please consider donating to this effort as well; no amount is too small – all contributions will go towards beautifying our- Build Your Own Ganesha (BYOG) temple grounds. We sincerely thank you for your support in this effort. Please see Sunday, September 5, 2021 page 11 for photos from the past month of Garden Committee updates The BYOG program for children and young adults will be at 10:00 Homeless SEVA - Sandwich Program AM on September 5, 2021. Materials and expert guidance will be provided by volunteers at the temple. Admission is free, but (Suspended until further notice) registration is required for logicstical pusposes. Please be on the Each month, on the 2nd Saturday, volunteers make sandwiches for the homeless. lookout for the registration link on our website. Build, Pray, and Every time, roughly about 1500 sandwiches are prepared and delivered to Martha’s Take Home Table, a DC shelter. SSVT encourages all devotees especially youth to participate in the program. Please be at the Temple at 10:30 am. Devotees can sponsor this Ganesha Puja by Children, Sunday, September 5, 2021 program by donating $175 to SSVT. For additional information, please contact First Batch: 10:45 AM; Second Batch: 11:45 AM; any additional Ranjith at [email protected] / 234-567-9703 or Tribhuvannath Mishra at batches will be scheduled if required. [email protected] /571-214-3198 Ganesha Chaturthi Celebration SSVT SENIOR CITIZENS MEET UP Tuesday, September 7 to Saturday, September 11, 2021 (Suspended until further notice) Tuesday, September 7, 2021 The SSVT Senior Citizens Group meets twice a month on the second and 9:30 am Anugnay, Ganesha Puja, Mahaganapathi Homa, fourth Wednesday in the Education room from 11 am to 1 pm followed by a potluck lunch in the cafeteria. We invite all seniors 55+ to join us at Ganesha Abhisheka, Archana, Deeparadhana the meetings and share our seniors-related common interests. We invite Wednesday, September 8, 2021 speakers from within and outside the group to talk on topics of interest 9:30 am Mahaganapathi Homa, Utsava Ganesha Abhisheka, to senior citizens, such as those related to health, religion, finance, legal matters. vacation travel, etc. We also hold programs such as music & comedy, Archana, Deeparadhana picnics and bus trips which would help promote social interaction between Thursday, September 9, 2021 members of the group. For more information please contact: Sudarshan Gupta at 301-262-5031 or [email protected], Satish Bhandari 9:30 am Mahaganapathi Homa at 301-464-7381 or [email protected], Sharan Prasad at 301- 10:30 am Utsava Ganapathi Abhisheka, Deeparadhana 464-1475 or [email protected], Ramesh Godbole at 301-459-5942 or Friday, September 10, 2021 - Ganesha Chaturthi Day [email protected]. 9:30 am Ganesha Puja, Ganesha Moolamantra Homa Sri Shirdi Sai Baba Aradhana Center at 10:30 am Moolastana Ganapathi, Dwara Ganapathi, Nardana Sri Siva Vishnu Temple Ganapathi, Kanni Moola Ganapathi and Prakara Ganapathi Abhisheka, Archana Deeparadhana Sri Siva Vishnu Temple’s dedicated Sri Shirdi Sai Baba Aradhana Center is now open in the Aakaar area (behind the Auditorium stage). Sri Shirdi Sai Baba Arad- 6:00 pm Vishesha Gagaara Saharanama Archana to Moolastana Ganapathi with devotee partcipation, Deeparadhana hana and Bhajans will be held at SSVT every Thursday and on Weekends. Please consider donating to support the Sri Shiridi Sai Baba Aradhana Center at SSVT. Saturday, September 11, 2021 For more information and to participate please contact: Sreekumar Sreedharan 9:30 am Ekavimshati Varaganapathi Atharvasheersha Japam and 703-622-5542; Shobha Prasad 240-568-9151; Mythili Bachu 301-526-5135; Abhisheka, Deeparadhana Sridevi Umesh 301-560-3102; Srini Tirumalasetti 443-540-4110; Rohini Hom- 4:00 pm Sahasramodaka Homa nappa 240-441-1266; Sujatha 301-805-1943 6:00 pm Mooshika Seva Devotees: Note, both conventional Modakams and deep-fried Virtual Personal/Group Purva Prayoga Pujas Modakams will be accepted; however, the deep-fried variety is the In addition to livestreams over YouTube and Facebook, devo- preferred Homa offering. tees can request Virtual Personal/Group Purva Prayoga Pujas through a temple provided Zoom for Archanas, Abhishekas, Sponsorship: Entire Celebration - $151; Ganesha Chatur- Homas, and Satyanaryana Puja thi Day (Sept 10) - $61; Any one Homa and/or Abhisheka For more information, and to sponsor, please click here, or contact - $31; Procession - $31 Sri Ananth Iyengar at [email protected] or (301) 552-3335

4 Sri Siva Vishnu Temple 6905 Cipriano Road, Lanham MD 20706 Tel: (301) 552-3335 E-Mail: [email protected] Web Site: https://www.ssvt.org/ 2021 Ayyappa Mahotsavam Celebrating the 26th Anniversary of the Ayyappa Kumbhabhishekam This year the Ayyappa Prathishtapana Day fell on Tuesday, June 22, 2021. The Prathishtapana Anniversary was successfully celebrated from June 17 to June 22, 2021. Due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, the manufacturing and shipment of the Panchaloha Kavacham has been delayed. Therefore, the remaining Mahotsavam celebrations will be performed after the installation of the Panchaloha Kavacham, starting on Thursday, November 4, 2021 and concluding on Sunday, November 14, 2021 [Panchaloha Kavacha Samarpanam Day]. Daily Ganapathi Homam for Vighna Pariharam will start Tuesday, August 17th, 2021 at 11:00 AM [Simha Masam] till the samarpanam. The 2021-2022 Ayyappa Mandala-Makarasankranthi Ayyappa Pujas will start on Tuesday, November 16, 2021 Pratishtapana Anniversary in June 2021 Thursday, June 17, 2021 to Tuesday, June 22, 2021 and Panchaloha Kavacha Samarpanam in November 2021 Thursday, November 4, 2021 to Sunday, November 14, 2021 Hariharaatmaja Mahotsavam Celebrating the 26th Anniversary of the Ayyappa Kumbhabhishekam Thursday, November 4, 2021 to Sunday, November 14, 2021 Thursday, November 4, 2021 6:30 pm Acharya Varanam, Anujnja, Sooktha Japam

Friday, November 5, 2021 7:00 am - 8:30 am Ashtadravya Maha Ganapathi Homam 10:00 am - 11:00 am Saptasudhi Abhishekam 11:00 am - 12:00 pm AYYAPPA Puja 8:00 pm - 9:00 pm Athazha Puja

Saturday, November 6, 2021 10:00 am - 11:30 am Special AYYAPPA Abhishekam and Puja 5:00 pm - 6:00 pm Dampathi Puja 7:00 pm - 8:30 pm Athazha Puja, Thalappoli

5 6 SRI SIVA VISHNU TEMPLE 6905 Cipriano Road, Lanham MD-20706 Phone: (301) 552 3335 Fax: (301) 552 1204 Email: [email protected] Website: www.ssvt.org

2021-2022 Ayyappa Mandala Makarotsavam Schedule

Stay tuned for Schedule SPONSORSHIP FORM https://www.cognitoforms.com/SriSivaVishnuTemple/_2021AyyappaMahotsavamSponsorhsip If you prefer to use Zelle, our Zelle address is [email protected] Family Name: Address: City: State: Zip: Phone: Email:

Please enter the Birth Star and Gothram for you and your family members below: Category Sponsorship Details / Benefits  Amount First and Last Name Gothram Birth Star Include Panchaloha Kavacham for 18 steps and both Ayyappa Prathishtapana Celebration Platinum and Hariharatmaja Mahotsavam  $10,001 Include Panchaloha Kavacham for 9 steps and both Ayyappa Prathishtapana Celebration and Diamond Hariharatmaja Mahotsavam  $5,001 Include Panchaloha Kavacham for 6 steps and both Ayyappa Prathishtapana Celebration and Gold Hariharatmaja Mahotsavam  $2,501 Silver-1 Panchaloha Kavacham for 1 step including Padi puja  $1,001 Include both Ayyappa Prathishtapana Celebration and Hariharatmaja Mahotsavam including Silver-2 Padi Puja  $1,001 Bronze All Pujasa during Hariharatmaja Mahotsavam excluding Padi Puja  $501

Sponsor All Pujasa during Ayyappa Prathishtapana Celebration  $301

Donor-1 All Pujas during September 11 and 12  $251

Donor-2 All Pujas during June 19, 20, 21 and 22  $251

Please Select Puja  Pooja Sponsor Any one day  $101 Udayasthamana Puja  Padi Puja During this celebration  $101 Pushpabhishekam  Kalabha Puja  Samooha Sadya Any Amount  Bagavathi Seva  Donation Any Amount towards Panchaloha Kavacham or anything else  Manjal Neerattu  Udayasthamana Puja, Pushpabhishekam, Kalabha Puja, Bagavathi Seva, Mathru Puja  For any two of the pujas listed Manjal Neerattu, Irumudi Puja, Mathru Puja, Shathru Samhara Puja, Ashta  $51 Shathru Samhara Puja  Dikpalaka Puja, Dampathi Puja, Kalababhishekam Ashta Dikpalaka Puja  Udayasthamana Puja, Pushpabhishekam, Kalabha Puja, Bagavathi Seva, For any one of the Manjal Neerattu, Irumudi Puja, Mathru Puja, Shathru Samhara Puja, Ashta  $31 Dampathi Puja  pujas listed Dikpalaka Puja, Dampathi Puja, Kalababhishekam Kalababhishekam  TOTAL $ Irumudi Puja  https://www.cognitoforms.com/SriSivaVishnuTemple/_2021AyyappaMahotsavamSponsorhsip If you prefer to use Zelle, our Zelle address is [email protected] 7 Hariharaatmaja Mahotsavam Celebrating the 26th Anniversary of the Ayyappa Kumbhabhishekam SPECIAL PUJA DETAILS Maathrupuja Worshipping the feet of ladies with the faith that they are sakshaat Devi or Divine Mother is Maathrupuja. Ladies are worshipped as Devi, Parasakti, and mother. We need for succeeding in life and mother comes as the first one in this series – , pita, , daivam. Hence the most powerful curse or stress also should be from them. One should not hurt a mother’s feeling through words or look even. One’s acts should be according to “Mathru Devo bhava”. “ naaryastu poojyante ramante tatra devataa:”, Devatas are delighted where ladies are worshipped, respected and they shower all aiswaryams. The faithful believe that pain imparted to the family for generations by mother curses. This pooja is performed to remove any such sins committed in this or previous births. Dampathi Puja We perform Dampathi Puja for a blessed family life. The best couple in this world are ‘Uma Maheswara’ for Saivas and ‘ ’ for Vaishnavas. This puja is performed to wash off any sins generated by hurting the unity of a couple in previous janmas or current birth. Such sins lead to fights in the family, unhappy married life, etc. and this puja helps to overcome such issues. In this puja, couples are worshipped and pleased. They are invoked as Uma-Maheswara or Lakshmi -Narayana. Their blessings will help us lead a happy married life. Ashtadikpaalaka Puja Ashtadikpaalaka Puja is performed for succeeding in life and to obtain the complete fruit of our . They are worshipped for long life, progress, and successful completion of all activities. Ashtadikapalakas are the protectors of the eight directions: (E), (SE), (S), Nirruti (SW), (W), Vaayu (NW), (N), Esaana (NE). Indra: The leader of Devas. We please him for progress in life and to get that leadership Agni: He is the authority of tejas. The Veda mantra goes as ‘agnaye: tejodhipataye’. This helps us to get everyone’s attention and blesses us with leadership qualities. Yama: He is the leader of pretas. Worshipping him helps us remove all the hurdles in life, which helps us to progress in life. It also helps us get the blessings of our forefathers. Nirruti: He is the leader of Rakshoganas. It helps us ward off fear, depression etc. Varuna: He is the authority of water and water is the basic life support. We gain physical health, freedom from dangers by worshipping him. Vaayu: He controls our vital praanaas. There is life without air. Pleasing him protects our life. Soma: Soman is the lord of stars. Without him one can’t differentiate between day and night. We worship him for the success of of our daily activities and to gain strength in decision making. He controls our mind. Hence we worship Soma or to remove stress and diseases. Esaana: He is the authority of . We worship him to acquire knowledge and to get the expertise to use it effectively at the right time. Udayaastamana Puja Udayaastamana Puja is performed for accomplishing the desires. Eighteen Poojas are conducted from sunrise to sunset. It increases the power of or the deity and through that he blesses the devotees with all success.

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Sri Durga

Sri Sri Lakshmi

Sri Chandika Parameswari

9 Sri Siva Vishnu Temple is celebrating this year’s Sharada by offering 108 Sarees to . This is a unique event conducted for the first time at SSVT. Devis will be adorned with 108 silk sarees throughout the Navaratri. Devotees can sponsor for Sarees & Puja. We request all devotees to patriciate and take the blessings of Devis

Sarees Sponsorship Amount Memento (Sarees adorned to Devis) 108 Sarees + $2501 3 Silk Sarees 9 Days Mulavar Sarees + Homam Saree Puja sponsorship for all 9 days included 54 Sarees + $1501 2 Silk Sarees 9 Days Mulavar Sarees + Chandi Homam Saree Puja sponsorship for all 9 days include 27 Sarees + $1001 1 Silk Saree + 1 Soft Silk Saree 9 Days Mulavar Sarees + Chandi Homam Saree Puja sponsorship for all 9 days included 11 Sarees + $501 1 Soft Silk Saree 9 Days Mulavar Sarees + Chandi Homam Saree Puja sponsorship for all 9 days included 4 Sarees + $251 1 Silk Cotton Saree Chandi Homam Saree Puja sponsorship for last 3 days included 1 Saree + $101 1 Cotton Saree Chandi Homam Saree Puja sponsorship for last day included Any Amount

Puja Sponsorship Amount Entire Navaratri Celebrations $175 Durga Saptha Sathi Parayanam $51 One Day Abhishekam $31 One Day Homam $31 Suvasini / Kanya / Bhairava Puja (each Puja) $51 Vidayarambam $31 Sahasranama Archana $15 Sundarakanda Parayanam & Sri Rama Pattabhishekam $51 Sri Rama Pattabhishekam $31

Click here to Sponsor

10 Sri Siva Vishnu Temple 6905 Cipriano Road, Lanham MD 20706 Tel: (301) 552-3335 E-Mail: [email protected] Web Site: https://www.ssvt.org/ SSVT Celebrates Onam On Saturday, August 21, 2021

You are cordially invited for a Happy Traditional ONAM FEAST Onam DueOnam to the Sadya ongoing starts COVID-19 at 11:30 pandemic, AM Onam Feast 2021 is canceled!

Garden Committee Updates - see page 4 for more information Please see page 4 for more information about the Garden Committee. In addition to beautifying the temple grounds, the volunteers have helped the Preists families start to grow vegetables and plants in their own backyard. Please contact Raji Ramesh at [email protected] or Murali Elambilan at [email protected] for additional information.

11 Education Committee Updates - August 2021 The Education Committee welcomes you to the new fiscal year! The Education committee is looking forward to using this space to share information about different topics that directly affect our daily lives, and our experiences of applying dharmic principles to navigating those areas.

This newsletter, we’re sharing some tips to help you manage anxiety that may be coming from the pandemic. It is excerpted from a lon- ger article written by one of our committee coordinators, Kavita Pallod Sekhsaria, a Clinical Psychologist with KPS Psychotherapy. *** In the face of the potential financial and physical stress brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic, it can be difficult to consider our emo- tional and spiritual health. However, in a world of uncertainty, Hindu teachings and practices are helpful in taking care of ourselves in the most essential and basic of ways. Here are a few to help you take care of yourself in these trying times

Accept your feelings Angry, frustrated, scared, lonely… we’re all feeling a lot of big feelings right now. It’s tempting to push away them and all the discomfort they bring. However, until we’re able to process and accept how we’re feeling, we can’t move on, and any suppression will just lead things to bubble up with other consequences down the line. Practice accepting what you’re feeling, and validating the feelings of those around you first. This is really difficult for each of us in unique ways, and it’s okay to accept that. You’ll find that when you accept yourself, and your feelings, they pass.

Understand what can and can’t be controlled The can be a particular source of comfort at this time. Arjuna’s war was very different from what we are facing today, but he too felt overwhelmed by the circumstances he was in, and Krishna encouraged him to let go of the fruits of his actions, while doing the right thing. For most of us, our dharma today is to first and foremost follow the guidelines being put out by our local, state, and federal governments to protect ourselves, our families, and our communities on small and large scales, despite the sacrifices entailed. Remembering some of the many principles of dharma: (truth), (non-harming), karuna (compassion), and aparigraha (non-greed) all grounded in our individual context, to make decisions while letting go of expectations of the results can bring much needed clarity and peace.

What can be controlled? Even as much is outside of our power, we have the ability and responsibility to take care of ourselves holistically, on physical, mental, and spiritual levels. , enjoyment of the material world, too is one of the four traditional goals of human life as per our Hindu teachings, and it is important to find both meaning and joy in these times.

What can’t be controlled? A lot. Just as we need to let go of the fruits of our actions, we need to let go of that which is not in our control. Hindu teachings and spiritual practices offer many ways for us to bring ourselves back to the here and now, and release ourselves from the pain and regret around thinking about that which has already passed, and the anxiety and fear around thinking about the future which we cannot predict or control. Use and pranayama to ground yourself in the moment. If you don’t already have a practice you like, and are looking for something concrete, there are many apps available that can help you develop a strong practice, and you can find more information about different ones that are available here.

Hindu rituals can also help ground us in the here and now. Psychologists love to encourage people to use all their senses in grounding techniques, and Hinduism offers many ways to engage. Puja in particular can call upon all the senses: the smell of agarbatti (), the reverberation of a bell, visually pleasing , the sensation of bringing our palms together, and the taste of prasad melting on in our mouths together in a puja can be lovely ways to set aside stress and center ourselves. With SSVT fully open to devotees, you can experience the spiritual effect of these pujas once again in-person. For those who are don’t feel safe coming in-person, the temple continues to offer virtual services through streaming services to help people feel spiritually connected to the temple. As you make time for helpful practices, find ways to limit your intake of things that can disturb your peace.

Access Resources and Help Too often I’ve been told that the Hindu tradition requires an individual journey, and that seeking help feels weak, difficult, and coun- terintuitive. This is a misunderstanding! We’ve always had strong examples across our scriptures of people in difficult situations using conversation with and Gods to heal pain. Therapists are neither gods nor gurus, but their training does allow them to provide a function that’s always been valued in our faith — the space to slow things down, process how you’re feeling, and to come to a clarity about what you need and how to get it. Restrictions on telehealth have been lifted recently for many providers, so seeking help is still feasible!

These unprecedented times have brought unprecedented levels of distress upon us all, and taking care of ourselves is important though it can be difficult.

Above all else, it’s important to be kind and patient with yourself, as you navigate your circumstances and figure out your dharma in this moment. Nama-stay healthy!

12 UPCOMING CULTURAL EVENTS Date & Time Event / Artist Venue & Admission Fee

The Cultural Committee is reviving the Saturday afternoon Vasantha Mandapam Mini-Concert Series, virtually. Local children and artists can present a 1-hour video concert which will be livestreamed on SSVT’s YouTube channel and Facebook page. We prefer that artists perform with accompaniments. Please email the Cultural Committee at [email protected] if you have any questions, or to schedule your mini-concert SSVT YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/c/SSVTStreaming YouTube Cultural Committee channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCeh6oZq9u2rsf3fmc1QPooA

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