temple times - Sri Meenakshi Temple Society

TEMPLE
TIMES
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------1st Quarter 2016
January, February, March
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Panguni Uthiram
Lord Muruga with Valli and Deivanai
A Quarterly Publication of
Sri Meenakshi Temple Society
Pearland, Texas
17130 McLean Road, Pearland, TX‐77584 PECIAL EVENTS – JANUARY TO MARCH, 2016
Sri SRI MEENAKSHI TEMPLE SOCIETY Meenakshi Temple Society
31‐Dec 1‐Jan 14‐Jan 15‐Jan 15‐Jan 16‐Jan 17‐Jan 24‐Jan 10‐Feb 12‐Feb 22‐Feb 7‐Mar 14‐Mar 23‐Mar 27‐Mar Thu Fri 1713017130 McLean Road, Pearland, TX‐77584 McLean Road, Pearland, TX 77584
New Year Eve puja
New Year Puja, Laksharchana
for Sri Meenakshi, and abhishekam all Utsava Moorthis SPECIAL EVENTS – JANUARY TO MARCH, 2016 Thu Bogi Pandigai 31‐Dec Fri Thu Shankranthi, Subramanya Abhishekam New Year Eve puja
1‐Jan Fri New Year Puja, Laksharchana for Sri Meenakshi, and Fri Makara Jyothi, Ayyappa Abhishekam abhishekam all Utsava Moorthis 14‐Jan Sat Thu Kanu and Pongal Celebration
Bogi Pandigai
15‐Jan Sun Fri Andal Kalyanam
Shankranthi, Subramanya Abhishekam 15‐Jan Sun Fri Thai poosam, palkudam kavadi, Subramanya abhishekam
Makara Jyothi, Ayyappa Abhishekam 16‐Jan Sat Kanu and Pongal Celebration
Andal Kalyanam
17‐Jan Sun 24‐Jan Wed Sun Sri Vasavi Agni pravesam
Thai poosam, palkudam kavadi, Subramanya abhishekam
Fri Thai Sukravara Deepa Puja
10‐Feb Mon Wed Masi Magam
Sri Vasavi Agni pravesam
12‐Feb Fri Thai Sukravara Deepa Puja
22‐Feb Mon Masi Magam
Mon Maha Sivarathri celebration
7‐Mar Mon Mon Subramanya Abhishekam, Karadaiyan Nombu Maha Sivarathri celebration
14‐Mar Subramanya Abhishekam, Karadaiyan Nombu Wed Mon Panguni Uthiram, Subramanya Abhishekam 23‐Mar Wed Panguni Uthiram, Subramanya Abhishekam Sun Panguni Uthiram, Subramanya Kalyanam 27‐Mar Sun Panguni Uthiram, Subramanya Kalyanam MONTHLY SCHEDULED ABHISHEKAM DATES MONTHLY SCHEDULED ABHISHEKAM DATES JAN TO MAR 2016 JAN TO MAR 2016 Sukla Pradosham Sukla Pradosham Krishna Pradosham Sukla Ekadasi Krishna Pradosham Krishna Ekadasi Sukla Ekadasi Sankata Hara Chaturthi Krishna Ekadasi Moolam Sankata Hara Chaturthi Sashti Krithigai Moolam Punarvasu Sashti Poornima Krithigai Ashtami Punarvasu Sukla Chaturthi Poornima Sravanam Ashtami Sukla Chaturthi Sravanam 2 JAN FEB MAR JAN 20 FEB 20 MAR 21 20 7 21 6 20 6 20 7 18 6 19 6 5 20 4 18 5 19 27 26 27 5 4 5 9 5 3 27 26 27 15, 30 13, 29 14, 29 19 9 15 5 14 3 23 19 13, 29 18 14, 29 15, 30 24 22 22 19 15 14 2, 17 1, 15 2, 16 23 19 18 13 11 12 24 7 22 6 22 11 2, 17 13 11 1, 15 11 7 2, 16 12 6 2015-16 MTS elects new members to the Board
Sri Meenakshi Temple, one of the oldest temples in North America
has a very democratically elected governing structure. The temple
is governed by the Board. Elections are held every two years for 9
positions in the Board. This year the elections were concluded on
December 6th and Dr. Ram Reddy, the Election officer, along with
Dr. Venugopal Menon, Mr. Dhani Kannan, Mr. Rama Chavli and Mr.
Vish Baskaran, all appointed by the MTS advisory council certified
the following members as the elected members for the New Board
starting on January 1st, 2016. Each member will serve on the board
for a period of 4 years.
The members elected and their positions are as follows:
Category 1 - Executive Directors:
Vice chairman: Dr. Padmini Nathan
Joint Secretary: Mr. Ramachandra M. Reddy
Joint Treasurer: Mrs. Kamala Raghavan
(The above Executive directors will, starting in 2018 become Chairman,
Secretary and Treasurer for 2 years)
Category2 - Board Members:
Mrs. Sheila Sriram
Mr. Kumar Bashyam
Mrs. Vijayarani Chilukuri
Mrs. Nachal Sethuraman
Category 4 - Adjunct Executive Directors:
Mrs. Chandrakala Gupta
Mr. Somarajan Nair
Sri Meenakshi Temple congratulates and welcomes all the newly
elected members to the board.
Those interested in becoming members of MTS should contact the
Membership Committee. Each year on January 1, the Membership
Committee members will be present at the Temple to renew
memberships, and to provide information and forms for prospective
new members.
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Incoming Chairman’s Message
Dear Meenakshi Temple Devotees,
On behalf of the incoming MTS Board of Directors, I would like to
wish you a very happy and healthy New Year. I am honored to be the
Chairman of our great Sri Meenakshi Temple for the next two years.
From the humble beginnings in 1977, we have grown tremendously
and continue to make great strides. I want to thank everyone who
helped inaugurate and establish Sri Meenakshi Temple and all
the past board members who took care of it over all these years.
I promise I will uphold the Hindu Dharma of our Temple and take
care of the devotees’ needs. We enjoyed a very prosperous and grand
Main Temple Kumbhabhisekam in November 2015. The Main Temple
renovation will be completed in the coming months.
Now that we were successful with the Ganesh Temple and Main
Temple renovations, we need to take care of the Corner Mandapams.
Besides renovation, we are planning to connect all four corners
mandapams, which was in the original plan drafted in 1977. This way
whether it rains or shines, when devotees enter the Temple they may
visit and pray without getting wet or walking on the hot floor outside.
This project will be called Corner Mandapam Renovation Project
(CMRP).
Our team will be concentrating on the following:
1. Improve Devotee experience in all areas.
2. Expand and improve online access to book Temple pujas and other Temple facilities
3. Maintain cleanliness throughout the Temple
4. Keep rest rooms and public areas clean.
5. Improve the landscaping around the Temple
6. Ensure good lighting on the Temple campus.
7. Involve Youth participation including VHS classes.
8. Increase the volunteer base amongst youth and adults
9. Rebuild the children’s playground
10.Corner Mandapam Renovation Project
Our team of board members and I are always available for your
questions, comments or concerns. You can find the contact
information of our board members on our Temple website.
I need all of your support to achieve the goals we have set forward.
Again, on behalf of the MTS Board, have a wonderful New Year!
May the blessings of Sri Meenakshi, Sri Sundareswara, Sri
Venkateswara and Sri Padmavathi always be with you and your family.
S. Narayanan,
Chairman 2016-17
Sri Meenakshi Temple Society
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Outgoing Chairman’s Message
An amazing and unforgettable two years
This past week many devotees told me “the renovated main temple
looks so magnificent with the expanded mahamandapam, and the
new pillars. Meenkashi looks so majestic as we stand in front of the
new teak wood doors. A group of devotees who did the Margazhi
Mada Veedi Bhajan went around the main temple including the new
prakaram and could feel the new energy as they recited Thirupavai.
The huge crowd carrying Ayyappa accompanied by the Chanda melam
could feel the vibration. Devotees who walked from the Kalyana
Mantapam were awe inspired to see the picturesque Mahalakshmi in
her new sanctum through the window. The Main Temple Renovation
Project ( M.T.R.P.), 1.5 million dollar fully funded project is the result
of team work by hundreds of volunteers and donors.
The Main Temple Kumbhabhishekam was the crowning moment with
3000 people watching the simultaneous abhihekam over the five
vimanams and the thirukalyanam of Sri Meenakshi Sundreswara and
Padmavathy and Srinivasa.
There were several new improvements in our temple besides this
project: the newly painted Kalyana mantapam, and Youth center, the
permanent walking trail, the basket ball court, connecting sewer line
to Amie lane, three phase electricity and gas connection to the main
temple were all improvements. The Golden group for the seniors was
a welcome addition.
Our Board was fiscally responsible and saved 150 k in two years by
optimizing the health plans. In the last two years we had highest
record of revenue.
I want to thank our board members who worked so hard, the advisory
council, the priests and staff and all our devotees for helping us and
guiding us. I thank Goddess Meenkashi for giving this rare opportunity
to serve this great temple. I wish the incoming Board the very best
and wish all the devotees a very happy and peaceful New Year.
P. Vaduganathan
MTS Chairman 2014-15
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Joining various Temple Committees
Membership in Committees is open to all MTS devotees. Devotees
are requested to volunteer and serve in the various committees. You
can sign in for any committee on January 1 at the temple special
booth setup for that purpose. We request that you sign up to three
committees indicating your preference so that your choice can be
accommodated and the committee membership can be balanced.
The working committees of the Board are:
I. Facilities Planning and Construction Committee
II. Financial Planning and Budget Committee
III. Public Relations & Publicity Committee
IV. Religious Activity Committee
V. Cultural Activity Committee
VI. Property Maintenance Committee
VII. Educational and Youth Programs Committee
In addition, the Advisory Council has two other committees, The
Nominations committee and the Election committee, for which the
appointments are made by the Council under special rules.
We will notify you of the names of the various committee coordinators
and their respective contact information in the second quarter temple
times to be published in April 2016,
We welcome you all to join the committee of your choice and
help us out. If you have any questions regarding any committee
activity, please contact MTS Secretary Mr. Murali Ravoori via email
[email protected]
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Celebrated events in this Quarter (Jan-March, 2016
Chittoor Ramachandran
Pongal Festival (January 16)
Thai Pongal is a harvest festival event celebrated across the world. Pongal coincides with the
festival Makara Sankranti celebrated in various parts of India. Pongal in Tamil means “boiling
over or spill over.” The act of boiling over of milk in the clay pot is considered to denote future
wishes for the family. Makara Sankranti/Thai Pongal celebrates the resumption of the sun’s
‘journey northwards’ (Utharaayanam) where the days get longer. Tamil Hindus dedicate the
first grain harvested to the sun on this day. In Mahabharata, Makara Sankranti is mentioned,
the day Bhishma acharya chose to leave his mortal coils when the sun turned direction northwards. Pongal is an expression of thanksgiving to the Lord for a bountiful harvest. As a tradition,
preparation of a special dish called ‘Sarkkarai Pongal’ and prayer for the blessings of Sun God
is a ceremony commonly seen in every household or as a community event. Pongal marks the
season of celebrations and joyous activities. In many regions, it is celebrated continuously for
four days. On the first day, Bhogi Pongal, celebrations are confined to the homes. Evil spirits are
driven out of the home and burnt in bonfires, and the house is whitewashed. The second day,
Surya Pongal, honors the Sun God. Members of the family wear new clothes and cook - on a new
stove and in new pots - a dish with the newly harvested rice. The third day is Maattu Pongal,
honoring cattle. Cows and bullocks are washed, decorated and worshipped, for their role in
ensuring a good harvest. Pongal also marks the beginning of a New Year. The festival covers all
living beings including humans, cattle, birds and crops. Peaceful and harmonious coexistence
of all living beings is the message this celebration spreads. Pongal celebrations at Sri Meenakshi
Temple falls on Saturday, January, 16.
Thai Poosam (January 24)
The beauty and description of Murugan (Lord Subrahmanyan) can never be summed up in a few
words. He is an abode of beauty, divinity, happiness, courage, power, valor, love, simplicity and
intelligence. Thai Poosam is celebrated by millions of people across the globe on Sunday, January
24 this year. Murugan is considered as the Lord who created the language Tamil. He is essentially
called “Tamizh Kadavul”. Thai Poosam is thus a special day for worship for Tamil speaking people
and is celebrated in a grand manner at all Murugan temples worldwide, especially at the “Aarupadai Veedu” of Murugan. Thai poosam falls in the Tamil month of Thai (January - February), on
the day of the star Poosam around Pournami. One of the several legends on this festival is given
here. The notorious demon Thaarakaasuran created havoc and discomfort to Rishis. He tortured
them and was a hindrance to their routine pooja and homams. Lord Murugan was called by his
parents, Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvathi and passed on the order of destroying this asuran.
Lord Murugan set off with the blessings of his parents. He carried with him, twelve weapons,
eleven of which were given by his father Lord Shiva and the ‘Vel’ given by his mother Parvathi.
Lord Murugan killed Thaarakaasuran on Poosam Nakshatram day in the Tamil month of Thai
and this day is celebrated to commemorate his victory over Thaarakaasuran. Thai Poosam falls
on Sunday, January 24 and at MTS it is celebrated in a grand scale.
Masi Magam (February 22)
Masi Makam, also spelled as Masi Magham or Masi Maham, is a festival celebrated during Masi
Masam (February – March) on makam nakshathram in the month of Masi in Tamil calendar. The
festival generally falls on pournami. Masi month is the favorite month for Lord Shiva and Pitru
Devatas or the ancestors. Devotees visit the temples dedicated to Lord Shiva, Murugan, Vishnu
or Durga on Masi Magam day and perform special pujas to worship the deities. Abhishekam for
Lord Subrahmanya and Sakthivel are special at our temple on this day. The Vel, as a symbol of
Murugan’s divinity, is an object of worship in some of the temples of Murugan. This auspicious
day celebrates the occasion when Murugan received the divine Vel from his mother.
Makam, is one among the twenty seven stars (Nakshatras) in the Hindu astrological system
(constellation). It is one of the most favorable times for spiritual purification. This day is one of
the most powerful Full Moons of the year, once the moon aligns with Magha which is the birth
Star of the Kings and Ancestors. This coincidence only occurs only once a year and signifies the
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descent of heavenly beings to the earth. The divine beings appear in the astral form to purify
their own karma as well as the karma of the human race. Masi Magam combines the benefits
of abundance and prosperity associated with the Full Moon and the majestic quality of the
Magha star, offering a unique opportunity to gain power and energy. Masi Magam is the most
appropriate time to surrender ourselves at the feet of the divine. This year, Masi Magam falls
on Monday, February 22.
Maha Shivarathri (March 7)
On this auspicious day, devotees observe fast and keep vigil all night. Mahashivarathri marks
the night when Lord Shiva performs the ‘Tandava’. It is also believed that on this day Lord Shiva
was married to Parvathi. On Maha Shivarathri day Shiva devotees observe fast and offer flowers
and bilwa patra on Shiva Linga. Festival of Maha Shivaratri is the most important festival for the
millions of devotees of Lord Shiva. The festival has been accorded significance in Hindu mythology. It is believed that a devotee who performs sincere worship of Shiva on the auspicious day
of Shivarathri is absolved of sins and attains moksha. One of the commonly performed poojas
in most Shiva temples on Maha Shivarathri day is Atma linga pooja. For the interest of the
devotees, an overview of the various forms of Shiva linga (primarily Atma linga) is given below.
Lingam is the symbolism of the formless in contrast to the embodied forms of divinity that had
appeared sometime in the past - depicted in idols for worship. The lingam is often a spherical
body - sometimes it is depicted in cylindrical or oval shapes also - whose top or bottom - the
ends - are not deciphered - just like the origin or end of the divine are not known. It is mounted
on a three step pedestal, depicting the three gunaas (chief attribute categories, namely, Satvic,
Rajasic and Tamasic) which are beyond his orbit - that is, divine is not subject to the influence
of these attributes. ‘Leeyathe gamyathe ithi lingam’, says Sri Sathya Sai Baba; that is, the one in
which all merge and the one which is the destination (gamya sthaan) for all creatures.
Lingam is of various kinds. Apart from the shapes, it is called after the material with which it
is made of - like marakatha lingam for one made of Green gem; Swetha lingam is of crystal;
or Suvarna lingam for the one that is made of gold. etc. - or based on speciality - like Nethra
lingam; Jyothir lingam; etc. There is a Nethra lingam in Somnath temple (with something that
looks like an eye inside) and a Jyothir (luminous) lingam in Badrinath. There are lingams carrying
names of pancha bhoothams like Vayur lingam, pridhwi lingam, Agni lingam, etc. Atma lingam
could represent the divine enshrined in the Atma of the jeeva, while the Param Atma (cosmic)
lingam could be the all- encompassing divine energy. Lord Shiva’s atma is OM and is always
present in the Linga that Sri Parvathi worships. So in Atma Linga HIS form is indescribable and
is considered the most auspicious of all lingas. The legend has it that one of the Atma lingas was
gifted to Ravana and Parvathi ordered Sri Ganesha to stop Ravana from reaching Lanka with
this Atma Linga. Sri Ganesha confronted Ravana when he reached Gokarna with the lingam.
At Mahabaleshwar Temple, Gokarna, Shivalingam is worshiped as Atma lingam that is said to
bestow immense blessings to devotees who even have a glimpse at it.
The tradition of elaborate pooja has been established throughout the night of Mahashivarathri.
Devotees stay awake to attend and participate in bhajans and in Vedic chanting. The temple
remains open to the devotees all through the night. Maha Shivarathri falls on Monday, March 7.
Panguni Uthram (March 23)
Panguni Uthiram (Meena Uttaraphalguni) is one of the few festivals of significance associated
with several deities worshipped in our temple. It is a festival day for Lord Subramanya (Muruga),
as it is considered to be the day Sri Valli married Lord Subrahmanya. It is also believed that on
this day Goddess Mahalakshmi incarnated on earth from the ocean of milk (after the ocean
was churned by the Gods and the demons) and hence it is celebrated as Mahalakshmi Jayanti.
In many vaishnava temples in India, the devotional compositions of Sri Ramanuja Acharya
“Gadya Trayam” are recited on this day. It is also believed that Goddess Parvati married Lord
Siva on Panguni Uthiram day hence this day Gowri Kalyanam is conducted as a religious event.
This day is also celebrated as Ayyappa Jayanthy. At MTS Panguni Uthiram is celebrated with
all religious grandeur as Subrahmaya kalyana Utsavam. This special day falls on Wednesday,
March 23.
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SRI MEENAKSHI TEMPLE SOCIETY SRI MEENAKSHI TEMPLE SOCIETY 17130
McLean Road, Pearland, TX 77584
Sri Meenakshi Temple Society
17130 McLean Road, Pearland, TX‐77584 17130 McLean Road, Pearland, TX‐77584 January
2016
January 2016 January 2016 1‐Jan 1‐Jan Fri Fri 08.30 AM 08.30 AM New Year Puja, Laksharchana for Sri Meenakshi, and abhishekam all New Year Puja, Laksharchana for Sri Meenakshi, and abhishekam all Utsava Moorthis Utsava Moorthis 2‐Jan 2‐Jan Sat Sat 10.30 AM 10.30 AM Bairavar Abhishekam Bairavar Abhishekam 3‐Jan 3‐Jan Sun Sun 10.30 AM 10.30 AM 1st Sunday‐Venkateswara Abhishekam 1st Sunday‐Venkateswara Abhishekam 5‐Jan 5‐Jan Tue Tue 7.00 PM 7.00 PM Ekadesi, Venkateswara Abhishekam Ekadesi, Venkateswara Abhishekam 7‐Jan 7‐Jan Thu Thu 7.00 PM 7.00 PM Pradosham Nandi&Siva abhishekam Procession after Deeparadana Pradosham Nandi&Siva abhishekam Procession after Deeparadana 9‐Jan 9‐Jan Sat Sat 11.00 AM 11.00 AM Moolam, Anjaneya Abhishekam Moolam, Anjaneya Abhishekam 10‐Jan 10‐Jan Sun Sun 11.00 AM 11.00 AM Meenakshi Abhishekam Meenakshi Abhishekam 11‐Jan 11‐Jan Mon Mon 7:00 PM 7:00 PM Pushya Sudha, Sravanam, Venkateswara Abhishekam Pushya Sudha, Sravanam, Venkateswara Abhishekam 13‐Jan 13‐Jan Wed Wed 7.00 PM 7.00 PM Mahaganapathi Abhishekam Mahaganapathi Abhishekam 14‐Jan 14‐Jan Thu Thu 7.00 PM 7.00 PM Bogi Pandigai Bogi Pandigai 15‐Jan 15‐Jan Fri Fri 10.00 AM 10.00 AM Pongal Pongal 15‐Jan 15‐Jan Fri Fri 7.00 PM 7.00 PM Shankranthi, Subramanya Abhishekam Shankranthi, Subramanya Abhishekam 15‐Jan 15‐Jan Fri Fri 7.00 PM 7.00 PM Makara Jyothi, Ayyappa Abhishekam Makara Jyothi, Ayyappa Abhishekam 16‐Jan 16‐Jan Sat Sat 10.00 AM 10.00 AM Kanu and Pongal Celebration Kanu and Pongal Celebration 17‐Jan 17‐Jan Sun Sun 10.00 am 10.00 am Andal kalyanam Andal kalyanam 19‐Jan 19‐Jan Tue Tue 7.00 PM 7.00 PM Venkateswara Abhishekam Venkateswara Abhishekam 19‐Jan 19‐Jan Tue Tue 7.00 PM 7.00 PM Krittikai Sri Subramanya Abhishekam Krittikai Sri Subramanya Abhishekam 21‐Jan 21‐Jan Thu Thu 7.00 PM 7.00 PM Pradosham Nandi&Siva abhishekam Procession after Deeparadana Pradosham Nandi&Siva abhishekam Procession after Deeparadana 23‐Jan 23‐Jan Sat Sat 10.00 AM 10.00 AM Punarvasu, Ramar Abhishekam Punarvasu, Ramar Abhishekam 23‐Jan 23‐Jan Sat Sat 7.00 pm 7.00 pm Satyanaranaya puja Satyanaranaya puja 24‐Jan 24‐Jan Sun Sun 10.00 AM 10.00 AM Thai poosam, palkudam kavadi, Subramanya abhishekam Thai poosam, palkudam kavadi, Subramanya abhishekam 27‐Jan 27‐Jan Wed Wed 7.00 PM 7.00 PM Sankatahara Chathurthi, Ganesh homam and abhishekam Sankatahara Chathurthi, Ganesh homam and abhishekam REGULARLY SCHEDULED WEEKLY ABHISHEKAM REGULARLY SCHEDULED WEEKLY ABHISHEKAM Sri Ganesha Homam & Abhishekam......................................................................All days 7:00 AM Sri Ganesha Homam & Abhishekam......................................................................All days 7:00 AM Sri Siva (Sundareswara) & Sri Meenakshi Abhishekam.........................................All days 9:00 AMp Sri Siva (Sundareswara) & Sri Meenakshi Abhishekam.........................................All days 9:00 AMp Sri Siva (Sundareswara) Abhishekam..................................................................Mondays 7:00 PM Sri Siva (Sundareswara) Abhishekam..................................................................Mondays 7:00 PM Sri Durga Abhishekam.........................................................................................Tuesdays 7:00 PM Sri Durga Abhishekam.........................................................................................Tuesdays 7:00 PM Sri Padmavathy Abhishekam...................................................................................Fridays 6:30 PM Sri Padmavathy Abhishekam...................................................................................Fridays 6:30 PM Sri Meenakshi Abhishekam & Lalitha Sahasranamavali.........................................Fridays 7:00 PM Sri Meenakshi Abhishekam & Lalitha Sahasranamavali.........................................Fridays 7:00 PM Last Friday of the month – Lalitha Sahasranamavali & Shodasa Upacharam Last Friday of the month – Lalitha Sahasranamavali & Shodasa Upacharam Sri Navagraha Abhishekam..............................................................................Saturdays 11:00 AM Sri Navagraha Abhishekam..............................................................................Saturdays 11:00 AM Sri Ayyappa Abhishekam..................................................................................Saturdays 10:00 AM Sri Ayyappa Abhishekam..................................................................................Saturdays 10:00 AM Sri Kanyaka Parameswari Abhishekam...................................Last Sunday of the Month 10:00 AM Sri Kanyaka Parameswari Abhishekam...................................Last Sunday of the Month 10:00 AM 9 9
9
Meenakshi Temple
Temple Society
Sri Sri
Meenakshi
Society
17130McLean
McLeanRoad,
Road, Pearland,
Pearland, TX
77584
17130
TX-77584
Invites you to participate in
Pongal Celebrations
On Saturday, Jan. 16th 2016 at 10:30 AM
Traditional Pongal preparation by Devotees
In Front of the Main Temple
All materials for Pongal preparation will be provided
Come with family and friends and enjoy our great culture
There are limited no. of spots, so please pre-register
by emailing one of the contacts.
Sponsorship - $21
For more information please contact
Narayanan at [email protected] or
call the Temple Office at (281) 489-0358 Ext. 100 or110.
10
10
Sri Meenakshi Temple Society
SriSri
Meenakshi
Temple
Society
Meenakshi
Temple
Society
17130 McLean Road, Pearland, TX 77584
17130
McLean
Road,
Pearland,
TX-77584
17130
McLean
Road,
Pearland,
TX-77584
Invites
you you
to celebrate
Invites
to celebrate
ANDAL
KALYANAM
ANDAL
KALYANAM
On Sunday,
Jan.Jan.
17th17th
2016
On Sunday,
2016
PROGRAM
PROGRAM
at the
Temple
at Main
the Main
Temple
10:00
AM: AM:
10:00
Seervarisai
fromfrom
Ganesh
Temple
Seervarisai
Ganesh
Temple
10:15
AM: AM:
10:15
Group
Recitation
of THIRUPPAVAI
Group
Recitation
of THIRUPPAVAI
10:30
AM: AM:
10:30
Vishwaksena
Aradhana,
Punyavachanam,
Vishwaksena
Aradhana,
Punyavachanam,
Rakshabandanam,
Kanyavaranam,
Varapuja,
Rakshabandanam,
Kanyavaranam,
Varapuja,
Mangalashtakam,
Kanyadanam,
Mangalashtakam,
Kanyadanam,
Mangalya
Dharanam,
Laja Laja
Homam,
Akshataropanam,
Mangalya
Dharanam,
Homam,
Akshataropanam,
Note:
VARANAMAYIRAM
Recitation
during
Laja Laja
Homam
Note:
VARANAMAYIRAM
Recitation
during
Homam
12:30
PM: PM:
12:30
Upachara
Puja,Puja,
Neeranjanam,
Prasadam
Distribution
Upachara
Neeranjanam,
Prasadam
Distribution
Sponsorship
- $21
Sponsorship
- $21
For more
information
please
contact
Narayanan
at [email protected]
For more
information
please
contact
Narayanan
at [email protected]
or callorthe
OfficeOffice
at (281)
489-0358
Ext. 100
callTemple
the Temple
at (281)
489-0358
Ext.or110
100 or110
11
11
11
.
Sri Meenakshi Temple Society
Sri Meenakshi
Society
17130
McLean Road,Temple
Pearland,
TX 77584
17130 McLean Road, Pearland, TX-77584
Invites you to celebrate
Thai Poosam
On Sunday, January 24th, 2016
which is a Hindu festival celebrated on the full moon in the Tamil month of Thai.
which is a Hindu festival celebrated on the full moon in the Tamil month of Thai.
The festival commemorates the occasion when Parvati gave Murugan a vel "spear" so he could vanquish the evil
The Soorapadman.
festival commemorates
the for
occasion
whenbyParvati
gave
Murugan
a vel
“spear”
so hefor
demon
Devotees prepare
the celebration
cleansing
themselves
through
prayer
and fasting
atleast
6 days
before Thaipoosam.The
kavadi
and paalkudam Devotees
bearers observes
celibacy
only Satvikfood,
could
vanquish
the evil demon
Soorapadman.
prepare
forand
thetake
celebration
by
with their thoughts focussed on God and Godliness.
cleansing themselves through prayer and fasting for atleast 6 days before Thaipoosam.
The kavadi and paalkudam
bearers
and take
only Satvikfood, with their
&observes
Kavadi celibacy
and Ratha
Utsavam
.Paalkudam
thoughts focussed on God and Godliness.
8:00AM
10:00AM
Sankalpam and Puja for Kavadi and Paalkudam in Ganesh Temple
Kavadi and Paalkudam
procession
Ganesh
Temple to Kalyana
Paalkudam
& Kavadi
andfrom
Ratha
Utsavam
Mantapam
8:00AM
and
Puja for Kavadi
and Paalkudam
in GaneshinTemple
10:30 AMSankalpam
Paalkudam
Abhishekam
for Subramanya
Utsavamurthy
the
Kalyana Kavadi
Mantapam
followed by procession
Ratha Utsavam
around Temple
the Main
10:00AM
and Paalkudam
from Ganesh
toTemple
Kalyana
Mantapam
Sponsorship
Paalkudam $21; Kavadi $31
10:30 AM Paalkudam Abhishekam for Subramanya Utsavamurthy in the
Donations for Annadhanam welcome
Kalyana Mantapam followed by Ratha Utsavam around the Main Temple
Lunch will be served in the Youth Center after the Puja
To register for the event, pleaseSponsorship
contact the individuals listed below.Early
Registration is required for Kavadi as we have limted numbers of Kavadi,
Register online or call Meena Subramaniam at [email protected] or
T.A.Dorairajan at [email protected]
Paalkudam $21; Kavadi $31
Donations for Annadhanam
welcome
or S. Narayanan([email protected])
or the temple office
at 281-489-0358
Lunch will be served in the Youth Center after the Puja
To register for the event, please contact the individuals listed below.
Early Registration is required for Kavadi as we have limted numbers of Kavadi.
Register online or call Meena Subramaniam at [email protected] or
T.A.Dorairajan at [email protected]
or S. Narayanan([email protected])
or the temple office at 281-489-0358
12
12
39th Annual Thyagaraja Aaradhana
Jan 30-31, 2016
The Classical Arts Society of Houston in joint sponsorship with Sri Meenakshi
Temple Society will present the 39th Annual Thyagaraja Aaradhana, a
homage to the saint–composer Sri Thyagaraja of Tiruvaiyaru, on the weekend
of Saturday Jan 30 & Sunday Jan 31, 2016 at the MTS Kalyana Mandapam.
The Aaradhana will commence with the Oonchavritti procession at 8:50
am on Saturday, Jan 30th followed immediately by group rendition of the
Pancharathna kritis. The two-day festival will include individual and group
presentation of the Thyagaraja kritis by children and adults, mini concerts,
lec-dems by invited artists, including a dance segment. The Aaradhana
events will be concluded by 6 PM on Sunday Jan 31.
Honoring Smt MS Subbulakshmi in her centenary year will be a special
feature of this year’s Aaradhana. Songs and shlokas popularized by Smt MSS
will be presented through the two days.
Program details will be uploaded at www.classicalartshouston.org as soon
as they are finalized.
Please come in large numbers to participate in the Aaradhana, contribute
generously and volunteer for various tasks if you wish to.
To offer your homage please register at:
http://www.signupgenius.com/go/8050b4ea8ae2eab9-open1
If you would like to volunteer or be included in our mailing list, please send
an email to [email protected]
The Classical Arts Society Thyagaraja Spring Festival will be held April 1-3,
2016. Details will be published at the CAS website and through other
channels.
13
SRI MEENAKSHI TEMPLE SOCIETY SRI MEENAKSHI TEMPLE SOCIETY Sri
Meenakshi
Temple Society
17130 McLean Road, Pearland, TX‐77584 17130 McLean Road, Pearland, TX‐77584 17130 McLean
Road, Pearland, TX 77584
January 2016 1‐Jan Fri 08.30 AM FEBRUARY
2016
FEBRUARY 2016 New Year Puja, Laksharchana for Sri Meenakshi, and abhishekam all Utsava Moorthis 1‐Feb Sat Mon 10.30 AM 7.00 PM Bairavar Abhishekam Ashtami, Bairavar abhishekam 2‐Jan 3‐Jan 4‐Feb Sun Thu 10.30 AM 7.00 PM 1st Sunday‐Venkateswara Abhishekam Ekadesi, Venkateswara Abhishekam 5‐Jan 5‐Feb Tue Fri 7.00 PM 7.00 PM Ekadesi, Venkateswara Abhishekam Moolam, Anjaneya Abhishekam 7‐Jan 6‐Feb Thu Sat 7.00 PM 7.00 PM Pradosham Nandi&Siva abhishekam Procession after Deeparadana Pradoshan,,Nandi &Siva abhishekam procession after deeparadhana 9‐Jan 7‐Feb Sat Sun 11.00 AM 10.30 AM Moolam, Anjaneya Abhishekam 1st Sunday‐Venkateswara Abhishekam 10‐Jan 8‐Feb Sun Mon 11.00 AM 7.00 PM Meenakshi Abhishekam Srvanam. Venkateswara Abhishekam 11‐Jan 10‐Feb Mon Wed 7:00 PM 7.00 PM Pushya Sudha, Sravanam, Venkateswara Abhishekam Sri Vasavi Agni pravesam 13‐Jan 11‐Feb Wed Thu 7.00 PM 7.00 pm Mahaganapathi Abhishekam Mahaganapathi Abhishekam 14‐Jan 12‐Feb Thu Fri 7.00 PM 7.00 PM Bogi Pandigai Sukravara Deep PUJA for Sri.Meenakshi 15‐Jan 13‐Feb Fri Sat 10.00 AM 10.30 AM Pongal Subramanya abhishekam 15‐Jan 14‐Feb Fri Sun 7.00 PM 11.00 AM Shankranthi, Subramanya Abhishekam Ratha Saptami, Meenakshi Abhishekam 15‐Jan 15‐Feb Fri Mon 7.00 PM 7.00 PM Makara Jyothi, Ayyappa Abhishekam Subramanya abhishekam 16‐Jan 18‐Feb Sat Thu 10.00 AM 7.00 PM Kanu and Pongal Celebration Ekadesi, Venkateswara Abhishekam 17‐Jan 19‐Feb Sun Fri 10.00 am 7.00 PM Andal kalyanam Punarvasu, Sri Rama Abhishekam 19‐Jan 20‐Feb Tue Sat 7.00 PM 7.00 PM Venkateswara Abhishekam Pradoshan,,Nandi &Siva abhishekam procession after deeparadhana 19‐Jan 22‐Feb Tue Mon 7.00 PM 7.00 PM Krittikai Sri Subramanya Abhishekam Subramanya abhishekam, Masi Magam 21‐Jan 22‐Feb Thu Mon 7.00 PM 7.00 PM Pradosham Nandi&Siva abhishekam Procession after Deeparadana Satyanarayana Puja 23‐Jan 26‐Feb Sat Fri 10.00 AM 7.00 PM Punarvasu, Ramar Abhishekam Sankatahara chaturthi ganesh Homam and Abhishekam 23‐Jan Sat 7.00 pm Satyanaranaya puja 24‐Jan Sun 10.00 AM Thai poosam, palkudam kavadi, Subramanya abhishekam 27‐Jan Wed 7.00 PM REGULARLY SCHEDULED WEEKLY ABHISHEKAM Sankatahara Chathurthi, Ganesh homam and abhishekam Sri Ganesha Homam & Abhishekam......................................................................All days 7:00 AM Sri Siva (Sundareswara) & Sri Meenakshi Abhishekam.........................................All days 9:00 AM Sri Siva (Sundareswara) Abhishekam..................................................................Mondays 7:00 PM REGULARLY SCHEDULED WEEKLY ABHISHEKAM Sri Durga Abhishekam.........................................................................................Tuesdays 7:00 PM Sri Padmavathi Abhishekam...................................................................................Fridays 6:30 PM Sri Ganesha Homam & Abhishekam......................................................................All days 7:00 AM Sri Meenakshi Abhishekam & Lalitha Sahasranamavali.........................................Fridays 7:00 PM Sri Siva (Sundareswara) & Sri Meenakshi Abhishekam.........................................All days 9:00 AMp Last Friday of the month – Lalitha Sahasranamavali & Shodasa Upacharam Sri Siva (Sundareswara) Abhishekam..................................................................Mondays 7:00 PM Sri Navagraha Abhishekam..............................................................................Saturdays 11:00 AM Sri Durga Abhishekam.........................................................................................Tuesdays 7:00 PM Sri Ayyappa Abhishekam..................................................................................Saturdays 10:00 AM Sri Kanyaka Parameswari Abhishekam.......................................Last Sunday of the Month 10:00 AM Sri Padmavathy Abhishekam...................................................................................Fridays 6:30 PM Sri Meenakshi Abhishekam...............................................Second Sunday of the Month 11:00 AM Sri Meenakshi Abhishekam & Lalitha Sahasranamavali.........................................Fridays 7:00 PM Sri Venkateswara Abhishekam...............................................First Sunday of the Month 10:30 AM Last Friday of the month – Lalitha Sahasranamavali & Shodasa Upacharam Sri Navagraha Abhishekam..............................................................................Saturdays 11:00 AM Sri Ayyappa Abhishekam..................................................................................Saturdays 10:00 AM Sri Kanyaka Parameswari Abhishekam...................................Last Sunday of the Month 10:00 AM 9
14
14
MAHA KUMBHABHISHEKAM NOVEMBER 30th 2015
(Photo collage by Srini Sundarrajan)
15
16
17
MAHA KUMBHABHISHEKAM NOVEMBER 30th 2015
(Photo collage by Srini Sundarrajan)
18
Meenakshi Temple
Temple Society
Sri Sri
Meenakshi
Society
17130McLean
McLean Road,
Road, Pearland,
77584
17130
Pearland,TX
TX-77584
Invites you to
Invites
you to
Vasavi Agni Pravesam Pooja
Wednesday, February 10, 2016
6:00-9:30 PM
Program
Ganesh Temple
(Starts at 6.00 PM)
Sankalpam, Vigneshwara Pooja, Punyahavachanam, Kalasa Pooja
Homam, Purnahuthi
Deeparadhana
Kanyaka Parameswari Sannidhi
Abhishekam
Alankaram
Upacharam and Prasadam
Sponsorship
$51
For information please contact
Soc Narayanan <[email protected]> or
Temple Office 281-489-0358 Ext 100 or 110
19
1
SriMeenakshi
Meenakshi Temple
Sri
TempleSociety
Society
17130
TX 77584
17130 McLean
McLean Road,
Road, Pearland,
Pearland, TX-77584
Invites you to participate in the
Thai Sukravara Deepa Puja
On Friday, Feb 12th, 2016
6.00 PM
Sri Meenakshi Abhishekam
7:00 PM
Sankalpam, Deepa Pooja, Lalitha Sahasranamam,
Deeparadhana, Upacharam
Temple will provide all Pooja Samagri
Devotees are requested to bring Flowers and Prasadam
Sponsorship $ 21
For further details please contact:
Narayanan at [email protected] or
The Temple office at 281-489-0358 ext. 100 or 110
20
2
Sri Sri
Meenakshi
Temple Society
Meenakshi Temple Society
17130 McLean Road, Pearland, TX-77584
17130 McLean Road, Pearland, TX 77584
Invites you to participate in the
Masi Magam
On Monday, Feb 22nd 2016
7:00 PM
At Sri Subramania Sannidhi
Sri Subramania and Sakthivel Abhishekam
Alankaram, Deeparadhana
Sponsorship $ 21
For further details please contact:
Mrs Sakunthala at [email protected] or
Narayanan at [email protected] or
The Temple office at 281-489-0358 ext. 100 or 110 21
Sri Meenakshi Temple Society
SRI MEENAKSHI TEMPLE SOCIETY SRI MEENAKSHI TEMPLE SOCIETY 17130
McLean Road, Pearland, TX 77584
17130 McLean Road, Pearland, TX‐77584 17130 McLean Road, Pearland, TX‐77584 January 2016 MARCH 2016
MARCH 2016 1‐Mar Fri Tue 08.30 AM 7.00 P New Year Puja, Laksharchana for Sri Meenakshi, and abhishekam all Bhairavar Abhishekam 1‐Jan 3‐Mar Thu 7.00 P Utsava Moorthis Anjaneya Abhishekam 2‐Jan 5‐Mar Sat Sat 10.30 AM 10.30 AM Bairavar Abhishekam Ekadesi, Venkateswara Abhishekam 3‐Jan 6‐Mar Sun Sun 10.30 AM 10.30 AM 1st Sunday‐Venkateswara Abhishekam 1st Sunday, Venkateswara abhishekam 5‐Jan Tue 7.00 PM Ekadesi, Venkateswara Abhishekam 6‐Mar Sun 7.00 PM Pradosham, Nandi & siva Abhishekam, procession, deeparadhana 7‐Jan Thu 7.00 PM Pradosham Nandi&Siva abhishekam Procession after Deeparadana 7‐Mar Mon 6.00 PM Maha Sivarathri celebration 9‐Jan Sat 11.00 AM Moolam, Anjaneya Abhishekam 12‐Mar 10.30 AM Meenakshi Abhishekam Mahaganapathy Abhishekam 10‐Jan Sun Sat 11.00 AM 13‐Mar 11.00 AM Pushya Sudha, Sravanam, Venkateswara Abhishekam Meenakshi Abhishekam 11‐Jan Mon Sun 7:00 PM 14‐Mar 7.00 PM Mahaganapathi Abhishekam Subramanya Abhishekam, Karadaiyan Nombu 13‐Jan Wed Mon 7.00 PM 14‐Jan Thu Fri 7.00 PM 18‐Mar 7.00 PM Bogi Pandigai Sri Rama Abhishekam 15‐Jan 19‐Mar Fri Sat 10.00 AM 10.300 Pongal Ekadesi, Venkateswara Abhishekam 15‐Jan Fri 7.00 PM AM Shankranthi, Subramanya Abhishekam 15‐Jan 20‐Mar Fri Sun 7.00 PM 7.00 PM Makara Jyothi, Ayyappa Abhishekam Pradosham, Nandi & siva Abhishekam, procession, deeparadhana 16‐Jan Sat Tue 10.00 AM 22‐Mar 7.00 PM Kanu and Pongal Celebration Satyanarayana puja 17‐Jan Sun Wed 10.00 am 23‐Mar 7.00 PM Andal kalyanam Panguni Uthiram, Subramanya Abhishekam 19‐Jan Tue 7.00 PM Venkateswara Abhishekam 27‐Mar Sun 10.00 AM Panguni Uthiram ‘Celebration’, Subramanya Kalyanam 19‐Jan Tue 7.00 PM Krittikai Sri Subramanya Abhishekam 27‐Mar Sun 7.00 PM Sankatahara chathurthi, Ganesh homam and abhishekam 21‐Jan Thu 7.00 PM Pradosham Nandi&Siva abhishekam Procession after Deeparadana 31‐Mar 7.00 PM Punarvasu, Ramar Abhishekam Anjaneya Abhishekam 23‐Jan Sat Thu 10.00 AM 31‐Mar Thu 7.00 PM Bhairavar Abhishekam 23‐Jan Sat 7.00 pm Satyanaranaya puja 24‐Jan Sun 10.00 AM Thai poosam, palkudam kavadi, Subramanya abhishekam 27‐Jan Wed 7.00 PM Sankatahara Chathurthi, Ganesh homam and abhishekam REGULARLY SCHEDULED WEEKLY ABHISHEKAM Sri Ganesha Homam & Abhishekam...................................................................All days 7:00 AM Sri Siva (Sundareswara) & Sri Meenakshi Abhishekam.....................................All days 9:00 AM Sri Siva (Sundareswara) Abhishekam................................................................Mondays 7:00 PM REGULARLY SCHEDULED WEEKLY ABHISHEKAM Sri Durga Abhishekam.......................................................................................Tuesdays 7:00 PM Sri Padmavathy Abhishekam................................................................................Fridays 6:30 PM Sri Ganesha Homam & Abhishekam......................................................................All days 7:00 AM Sri Meenakshi Abhishekam & Lalitha Sahasranamavali......................................Fridays 7:00 PM Sri Siva (Sundareswara) & Sri Meenakshi Abhishekam.........................................All days 9:00 AMp Last Friday of the month – Lalitha Sahasranamavali & Shodasa Upacharam Sri Navagraha Abhishekam............................................................................Saturdays 11:00 AM Sri Siva (Sundareswara) Abhishekam..................................................................Mondays 7:00 PM Sri Ayyappa Abhishekam...............................................................................Saturdays 10:00 AM Sri Durga Abhishekam.........................................................................................Tuesdays 7:00 PM Sri Kanyaka Parameswari Abhishekam.................................Last Sunday of the Month 10:00 AM Sri Padmavathy Abhishekam...................................................................................Fridays 6:30 PM Sri Meenakshi Abhishekam.............................................Second Sunday of the Month 11:00 AM Sri Venkateswara Abhishekam............................................First Sunday of the Month 10:30 AM Sri Meenakshi Abhishekam & Lalitha Sahasranamavali.........................................Fridays 7:00 PM Last Friday of the month – Lalitha Sahasranamavali & Shodasa Upacharam Puja sponsorships can be prepaid using your credit card at www.emeenakshi.org
Sri Navagraha Abhishekam..............................................................................Saturdays 11:00 AM Sri Ayyappa Abhishekam..................................................................................Saturdays 10:00 AM Sri Kanyaka Parameswari Abhishekam...................................Last Sunday of the Month 10:00 AM Puja sponsorships can be prepaid using your credit card at www.emeenakshi.org
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9
Shiva Sahasranama - Sthothrams
Chittoor Ramachandran
Om Namh Shivaya
Vaishnavaanam yatha Shambhu: (No one as ardent Vaishnavite as Parameshwara)
On Mahasivarathri, reciting Shivasahasranamam is considered very auspicious.
Most of the main deities of Sanathana Dharmam are worshipped with sahasrnamam,
which is considered as a sthothram, listing many names of the Upasana Moorthy. The
names provide an exhaustive listing of the attributes, functions, and major mythology
associated with the deity being praised. Sahasranams for Lord Shiva, Vishnu, Durga
(Lalitha), Ganapathy, Saraswathy, Dharmashastha are available and are familiar to
most Hindus. Sri Dhramashastha has two different sahasranamams (Hariharaputhra
and Ayyappa). Lord Shiva has three sahasrnamams, two of which appear in Mahabharatha and the third one in Padma puranam.
The first Shiva sahasranama sthothram * that appears in Mahabharatha is in the
Shanthi parvam (chapter 284). This sthothram begins as follows:
Namaste Deva Devesha Devari balasoodana
Devendrabala Vishdhambha Devadaanava poojitha (69)
and concludes as:
yeshaam na vidyathe sankhyapramanam roopameva cha
asamkhyeya guna Rudra namastebhyo –sthu nithyashah (176)
(Meaning: I bow before that Rudradeva, who has never ending names).
*The context in which this sthothram appears is as follws : Yaksha Prajapathi yields to Sri Parameshwara, who is in a wrath. This sthothram is
followed by Yaksha’s begging for pardon for his wrong doing by not inviting
Sri Parameshwara for the yaga with the intention of insulting him. This is
presented in Mahabharatha as an answer from Sri BhishmAcaharya on
Yudhistira’s request.
The second Shivasahasrnamam that apperas in Mahabharatha is in the 17th
chapter of Anushasana parvam. This is the sthothram that is popularly recited,
recorded, printed and referred more frequently in modern days. Its namavali
(adding namnah to each name) is used in archana. It would be interesting to
learn the legend associated with this sthothram.
This sthothram is presented as an advice given by a Brahmarishi named Upamanyu
to Bhagavan Sri Krishna about the greatness of Sri Parameshwara. In Mahabharatha, Anushasana (Sanskrit word for advice or instructions) parvam is where
most of the japa vidhi and vrutham (procedures for worship) are discussed.
When Yudhishtira requests his Pithamaha Bhishmacharya for advice for moksha
margam (ways to get salvation) and ways to get the blessings of Sri Parmeshwara,
Bhishmacharaya turns towards Bhagavan Srikrishna and asks as follows:
23
‘ Surasuraguro Deva Vishno thwam vakthumarhasi
Shivaya Vishwaroopaya yanmaam pyacchchath Yudhistirah.’
( Maha Bharatha Aanunakam 14-18)
Meaning: Suraguru Mahavishnu (Sri Krishna), you are the one who are more
suitable to talk about Shiva mahatmyam to Youthishtira.
Accordingly, Sri Krishna advices what he leaned from Upamanyu about Shiva
mahatmyam (Shivasahasranamam) to Yudhishtira. Brahmarishi Upamanyu is
described as an ardent Shiva bhaktha who had the great fortune of the vision
of Sri Mahadeva.
Bhagavan Sri Krishna describes the mahatmyam of Shivasaharanamam in the
beginning before Sahasranamam. At the end, the phalasruthi describes the
mahatmyam stating the immense importance of this sthothram. Phalashruthi
promises the fulfilment of all the desires for those who listen or recite this auspicious sthothram.
The section of this sthothram that begins with the manthram as :
“ Astothara sahsram thu naamnaam shrvasya me shrunu
yath shruthwa manujavyaaghra srvaan kaamaan-avaapsyasi “ (30)
Vaidika scholars recommends this Shiva Sahasranama sthothram for daily reading.
The third set of Shiva Sahasranamam is given in Padma Puranam. Padma Puranam is one of the 18 maha puranas dating to roughtly 8th to 11th century. The
fifth section of this book is in the style of a dialogue between Lord Shiva and
Parvathi which deals with the essential knowledge about Hindu philosophy. This
sahasranaamasthothram is known as Veda saara Shiva sahasrnaama sthothram
that is also advised by Bhagavan Srikrishna. The legend has it that a group of
sages including sage Markandeya came to have a darshan of Bhagavan Srikrishna.
Bhagavan was just doing his daily Shiva pooja. With their desire and request, the
sages were advised this Shiva sahasranamam (used in his pooja) by Bhagavan.
This Sahasranama that is given in the latter half of the Puranam , 89th Adhyaya.
It begins as
‘ Om namah parraaya Devaya Shankaraya mahatmane;
kaamine neelakandhaaya nirmalaaya kapardine’
and ends as
prasannaya namasthubhyam sarvathma jyothishe namah
swayam bhuve thrimoorthinaam madhwaatheethaya
These are the three popularly known Shiva sahasrnama sthothrams today. No matter
which one of these is traditionally accepted in the families or community we live in, one
should make a routine to recite it with utmost respect at dusk.. Scholars recommend
such habits for attaining Ayu-Arogya-Sukham (longeivity, health and well-being) in life.
(REF: Bhakthapriya (3), 2008 )
24
Sri Meenakshi Temple Society
17130 McLean Road, Pearland, TX 77584
Invites you to celebrate
Maha Sivarathri
On Monday, Mar 7th, 2016 for
Siva (Sundareswara)
Main Event: 6:30 PM – 9:00 PM
Sankalpam, Vigneswara Puja, Punyahavachanam, Kalasa Puja, Ashtothra
Satha (108) Sanka Puja, Homam & Rudhra Japam, Purnahuthi,
Abhishekam, Visesha Alankaram, Special Gold Bilva Archana,
Deeparadhana and Upacharam
9:00 PM to 10:00 PM - Aathmalinga Puja with abhishekam by devotees
Chaturkala Puja - 12:00 Midnight, 1:30 AM, 3:00 AM & 4:30 AM
Sponsorship:
Sanka Puja $21, Gold Bilva Archana $31
Bhajans throughout the evening and night.
All are welcome to participate in the Bhajans.
Refreshments will be available
For more information, please contact Narayanan at [email protected]
You may also call the temple at (281) 489-0358, Ext 100 or 101.
25
25
Sri Meenakshi Temple Society
17130 McLean Road, Pearland, TX 77584
Cordially invites to celebrate
Panguni Uthiram
(Subramanya Kalyana Utsavam)
Sunday, March 27th, 2016
10:00 AM: Seervarisai Procession from Ganesh Temple
10:30 AM at Kalyana Mandapam:
Sankalpam, Vighneshwara Puja, Punyahavachanam, Rakshabandanam,
Pravaram, Kanyadhanam, Agnipradakshinam, Mangalya Puja, Mangalya
Dharanam, Homam, Lajaa homam, Purnahuthi
Singing of Thirupugazh
12:30 PM
Procession of deities in silver Mayil Vahanam
Prasadam and Lunch at Youth Center
Sponsorship
Kalyanam $31
Kanyadanam $51
Kalyanam & Kanyadanam $81
For further information and sponsorship
please contact
Narayanan at [email protected]
You may also call the temple at (281) 489-0358, Ext 100 or 101
26
26
Miracles that are Natural at
Sri Meenakshi Temple of Pearland (3rd in Series)
- Dr. Bala N. Aiyer
Introduction: In the Holy grounds of Hindu Temples Miracles appear as natural
events. People seldom consider them as super-natural but as the great gift of the
powers of the Supreme. Several Temples are known for these occurrences.
Many of us have a question in our mind that if there is only one Paramathma in
all the manifestations that they pray in several temples in various forms, if they
are all one and the same. Here, the Hindu recognizes well that each one of the
image and form has the individuality and separate form along with the Supreme
Paramathma. Such miracles they see again establish that each and every one of
the manifestations is real and true.
In the prior issue we covered two of the Miracles experienced at Sri Meenakshi
Temple. This issue continues the series with more Miracles shared by our devotees.
Miracle # 8 – As witnessed by most of you this year
Kumbhabhishekam day on Sunday, November 29, 2015
After the completion of the Main Temple Renovation Project with construction
of Prakara mandapam for the main Sannadhis and addition of a New Sannadhi
for Sri Padmavathi Thayal and widening the inside the hall, the temple was ready
for another Inauguration. The Rituals of Kumbhabhishekam was scheduled for
Sunday, November 29th 2015. Now we have Gold plated Kalasams on top of all
the main Gopurams of each Sanctum. The pouring of Holy water and recitation
of Veda Manthras were scheduled at 10 AM. For one week, they predicted a very
cold weather with 40% rain. There was rain on the previous two days. But, on that
Sunday, it was cloudy, not as cold and there was no rain at all. Suddenly, at about
10 AM, when they started the Vedic recitations and started pouring the holy water,
the cloud cleared in a small area and a bright round Sun appeared showering His
blessings on the devotees gathered around and the Kalasams looked bright. This
lasted for only about ten minutes and it became cloudy all over. Right at the same
time a large Eagle – Garuda – came flying around the airspace above the Gopuram
and went and sat on a tree branch as a witness to the event. As you all know that
Garuda is the Vaahana for Sri Vishnu.
Miracle #9: “I am Parthasarathy from Temple calling from the Temple”
As we talk about recent miracles, we get reminded of some older ones that are still
a lesson for the current times. Here is an incident that is very common in many of
our houses. Most of the time, during the teen age, the children get doubts if there
is really a God or is it just a fiction. We try to get them to visit our temple and also
tell the stories of Ramayana and Mahãbhãratha and try some Bhagavat Geetha
also. One such teen-ager suddenly questioned the parents at the lunch table. “Dad,
is there really a true God or is it just an imagination”. “Is there God in our Temple”.
The parents try to explain the messages of Puranas and try to tell an answer to the
best of their knowledge. The girl is not convinced. After several minutes of serious
discussion, she asked “OK. If there is a God, will He appear here now or just give
27
me a sign of his presence?” Just then, the telephone rang. The father said “Ha
Ha. See the ringing noise. That’s a sign”. The girl laughed and said “No Dad”. She
went and picked up the phone to answer. A voice at the other end announced “I
am Parthasarathy calling from the temple”. The teen-ager, who knows about Sri
Krishna and about Bhagavat Geetha started shaking and shivering and just said
“Dad, there is God, I agree” and gave the phone to dad.
Miracle #10: Sri Ganesha stopped the Boston Snow to help air Travel
This was in the winter months of 1984. An elderly man who came from India to see
his son in Boston, came to visit his relatives in Houston. He visited Sri Meenakshi
Temple also. The day before returning to Boston by flight, there was a very heavy
snow fall in Boston and all of North-East up to Atlanta. He was afraid that he won’t
be able to change his flight n Atlanta or reach Boston and his son may not be
able to come to Logan Airport to receive him. He was very worried and asked his
family members what to do. He got the reply: “There is nature’s fury and we just
cannot do anything. But, still pray to our Ganesha, Sri Prasanna Vinayagar in Sri
Meenakshi temple. He is very powerful to remove all hindrances. Why don’t you
just pray to Him and put one dollar [instead of breaking a coconut]. “Oh. I don’t
have time to go to the temple now”. “OK. Just pray to Ganesha in our house, and
put your dollar at his vigraha. We will take it to the temple next week”. He said
“yes. Yes” and dis the same. Next morning, when he was ready to start his trip,
he asked his noece “ Amma, jsu turn on the TV and show the weather report.
Let me see”. The niece replied “Uncle, you prayed to Ganesha, and then do you
suspect that he won’t do that. Why do you want the weather report”? “Ok. Ok. I
won’t see, Let us go to the airport. He started his journey as planned. At Atlanta
airport, couple of friends of his some came to put him in the correct connecting
gate and with lunch for him. They told: “You are very lucky. For the last two days,
all the roads were blocked with snow and just this morning the snow cleared and
we could drive in a sun-shine”. Later he landed in Logan Airport, in Boston, 45
miles away from his son’s place. His son cam and told the same story – that the
roads were open only that day and it was clear. There was again snow fall the
next day. Prayers always help. Do you think these are miracles of the Deities at
Sri Meenakshi Temple that are just natural?
MTS Membership
Any devotees interested in membership in Sri Meenakshi Temple Society,
may request a membership form and information at the Temple office.
The application requires name, address etc. and signatures of persons
already members of MTS and donation of membership dues. Membership
year starts in January; however, new members are accepted throughout
the year.
Members must complete an application form and pay dues annually,
specifically stating that the donation is for membership dues. Membership
gives one the opportunity to participate in the formation of MTS Policy.
Membership is not required to participate in any religious, educational
and cultural activities or in voluntary services to the Temple.
28
Sri Meenakshi Temple Society
17130 McLean Road, Pearland, TX 77584
Phone: 281-489-0358 Ext. 100 (or) 110
Annual Puja Sponsorship Form
For more information please contact the Temple Office at 281-489-0358 ext. 100, 110
If you have any questions, comments or need more information please do not hesitate to contact
S. Narayanan @ [email protected]
Sriram at [email protected] or Sasidharan Pillai @ [email protected]
29

Kalyana Mandapam (KM), Youth Center (YC)
and Visitors Center (VC) at MTS
Both KM and YC are spacious facilities for events like
Engagements, Weddings, Receptions, etc.
 Each facility can accommodate more than 400 people
 VC can accommodate up to 125 people for small events
 Have over 1200 chairs, 50 round tables, and more than 30
rectangular (6’ x 2’) tables
 Use the MTS facilities (KM, YC and the newly opened Visitor
Center) for all of your needs throughout the year
 Recommend to your friends and colleagues about the facilities
and support our Temple
For Reservations Contact:
Mr. Venkatachalam at 832-725-1805 or [email protected]
Alternatively: Send e-mail to [email protected] or
[email protected] (Karunakar Chowdavarapu) and we will
get back to you within 24 hours
Kalayana Mandapam
Youth Center Banquet Hall
30
RAHUKALAM
4:30 PM – 6:00 PM
7:30 AM – 9:00 AM
3:00 PM – 4:30 PM
12 NOON – 1:30 PM
1:30 PM – 3:00 PM
10:30 AM – 12 NOON
9:00 AM – 10:30 AM
DAY
Sun
Mon
Tue
Wed
Thu
Fri
Sat
YAMAGANDAM
12 NOON – 1:30 PM
10:30 AM – 12 NOON
9:00 AM – 10:30 AM
7:30 AM – 9:00 AM
6:00 AM – 7:30 AM
3:00 PM – 4:30 PM
1:30 PM – 3:00 PM
Temple Hours
Monday through Thursday:
8:30 AM to 12 Noon and 5:00 PM to 8:30 PM
Friday:
8:30 AM to 12 Noon and 5:00 PM to 9:00 PM
Weekends and National Holidays:
8:30 AM to 8:30 PM
Listen to MTS Radio
MTS RADIO PROGRAM Every Sunday
2016 New year, New timing, New station
TUNE INTO RADIO DIAL
1110 AM STATION
FROM -12 Noon to 2 pm
Tune on link from Sri Meenakshi Temple website www.emeenakshi.org
Listen live - www.sanatanhindu.org
Listen to Bhajans: 24/7 online Radio
Sri Meenakshi Temple Telephone Numbers
Main Temple ................................... 281-489-0358
Cover
Photo: courtesy Srinivasan Sundararajan
(Best time to call: 9 am-12 noon and 5 pm-8 pm
Main Temple................................................................. 100, 110
Ganesh Temple Facility Center.............................................. 115
Library (During Library hours)............................................... 125
Kalyana Mantapam............................................................... 112
Temple Kitchen..................................................................... 227
MTS FAX................................................................ 281-489-3540
Staff
Sri Vatsa Kumar (Executive Officer)....................... 832-689-6448
Sri K. Venkatachalam (Administrator)................... 832-725-1805
Sri Manickasundaram Bhattar (Priest)................... 281-489-8633
Sri Kalyana Sundaram (Priest)............................... 281-692-9815
Sri R.K.E. Parameswaran (Priest)........................... 281-489-0575
Sri Sreedharan Raghavan (Priest).......................... 713-518-1810
Sri Pawankumar Sribhashyam (Priest)................... 281-819-7842
Sri Sriman Narayana Charyalu Rompicherla (Priest)281-965-9780
www.emeenakshi.org
Temple Times Published by MTS Public Relations and Publicity Committee
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