temple times - Sri Meenakshi Temple Society

Transcription

TEMPLE
TIMES
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------3rd Quarter 2015
July, August, September
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ganesh Temple, with vimana seen through skylight
A Quarterly Publication of
Sri Meenakshi Temple Society
Pearland, Texas
SRI MEENAKSHI
TEMPLETEMPLE
SOCIETY SOCIE
SRI MEENAKSHI
McLean
Road,
Pearland,
TX-77584
17130
McLean
Road,
Pearland, TX-77584
Sri17130
Meenakshi
Temple
Society
17130 McLean Road, Pearland, TX 77584
SPECIAL
EVENTS EVENTS
– JULY TO–SEPTEMBER
2015
SPECIAL
JULY TO SEPTEMBER
20
5-Aug
7-Aug
14-Aug
16-Aug
28-Aug
29-Aug
30-Aug
5-Sep
6-Sep
17-Sep
20-Sep
26-Sep
Sun
5-Aug
Fri
7-Aug
Fri
14-Aug
Sun
16-Aug
FRI
28-Aug
Sat
29-Aug
Sun
30-Aug
Sat
5-Sep
Sun
6-Sep
Thu
17-Sep
Sun
20-Sep
Sat
26-Sep
MTSSun
main Temple
Anniversary
MTS main
Temple Anniversary
Bagavathi
Fri Seva
Bagavathi Seva
Aadi Fri
Sukravara
Deepa
Pooja Deepa Pooja
Aadi
Sukravara
AadiSun
PooramAadi Pooram
Varalakshmi
Vritham & ONAM
FRI
Varalakshmi
Vritham & ONAM
Aavani
Avittam
Sat
Aavani Avittam
Gayatri
SunJapam
Gayatri Japam
Gokulashtami
Sat
Gokulashtami
Sri Jayanthi
Sun
Sri Jayanthi
Vinayaka
& Ganesh
Temple
Thu Chaturthi
Vinayaka
Chaturthi
& Anniversary
Ganesh Temple Annive
Vinayaka
Celebration
- MTS
Sun Chaturthi
Vinayaka
Chaturthi
Celebration - MTS
BhajaSat
Govindam
Bhaja Govindam
MONTHLY
SCHEDULED
ABHISHEKAM
DATES
MONTHLY
SCHEDULED
ABHISHEKAM
DAT
JUL TO SEPT
JUL2015
TO SEPT 2015
JUL
AUG JUL SEP AUG
SEP
29
27 29 25
1
1,31
Sukla Pradosham
27
25
Sukla Pradosham
13
12 13 10
16
15
Krishna Pradosham
12
10
Krishna Pradosham
27
26
24
29
29
Sukla Ekadasi
27
26
24
Sukla Ekadasi
12
10 12 9
15
149
Krishna Ekadasi
10
Krishna Ekadasi
5
3
83
71
Sankata Hara
Chaturthi
5 1
Sankata
Hara Chaturthi
25 1 21
10
821
Moolam Moolam 1
25
5, 217, 22
4, 19 5,10,
9,24
Sashti
2124 4,
19
Sashti 7, 22
8 12 5
21
185
Krithigai Krithigai 12
8
12 16 9
25
229
PunarvasuPunarvasu 16
12
29 2, 3128
4
428
PoornimaPoornima2, 31
29
7, 239. 24
6, 21 7,12,26
11,26
Ashtami Ashtami 9. 24
23
6,
21
20
18
17
22
21
Sukla Chaturthi
20
18
17
Sukla Chaturthi
1
13
11
SravanamSravanam 4
4 24
1
24
129
14
16
28
29
12
15
85
4
10
8,2224
10,
15
21
19
25
42
10,24
12,26
20
22
7
13
(Cover Photo
credit
(Cover
Photo
credit
Srini Sundarrajan)
Sundarrajan)
(Cover
Photo
credit Srini Sundarrajan)
2
1,31
15
29
14
7
8
9,24
18
22
4
11,26
21
11
A MESSAGE FROM THE MTS BOARD
MTS Executive’s Message
Greetings. Second quarter of 2015 has been one of the busiest quarters once
again. We had many festivals during the quarter including Tamil new year, Vishu,
Panguni Uthiram, Rudra Japa Homam, Raja Mathangi Homam, and an 11 day long
Mahotsavam culminating in Meenakshi Kanyadanam and Kalyanam. There were
large crowds for each of the events and the highlight of the festival season was the
sit down feast, prepared and served by a large contingent of volunteers for over 1200
people on Meenakshi Kalyanam day. After a gap of several years, Hanuman Jayanthi
was officially celebrated by an enthusiastic crowd chanting Hanuman Chalisa. The
religious events were executed flawlessly by the RAC team and temple staff.
There were many new initiatives during the quarter, starting with building a new
walking track of 500 yards behind the visitor center that adds to the existing walking
pathways and a half of a basketball court next to the staff quarters. These were built
to encourage people to be more health conscious and spend more time on temple
premises. It will allow the younger generation to have the facilities at the temple to
mimic a community center. A basketball tournament was held for the youth during
May and it is a goal to conduct the next tournament on a FULL court at the temple.
VHS has completed another successful school year and registrations have started
for the next year. Speaking of youth, the young in spirit, AKA, the GOLDEN GROUP,
has been resurrected with a bang. The monthly meetings are proving to be a great
draw and you can read more about them in Dr. Arun Mukhopadhyay’s column
about Satsang. Going across the age spectrum, Chenda Melam classes have been
introduced on Friday evenings and are open to all. We will restart the Yoga classes for
all age groups when the new VHS school year starts in September.
Youth Center and Kalyana Mandapam are receiving facelifts and fixes. As you may
have noticed, they have been freshly painted outside and roofs are being fixed for
leakages that were noticed during the rainy season. There is more work to be done
in fixing some areas of the roof. As part of maintenance, A/Cs have been tuned up
for summer and several A/Cs have been fixed. A brand new riding lawn mower was
bought to support the maintenance of temple grounds.
The main temple renovation is going very well. The new walls have been built and
the roof will soon be closed over the expanded space. Six silpies have arrived from
India during April and within a short time frame have completed the structure and
Vimanam for new Padmavathi sannidhi. They will work on finishing, plastering and
beautification of this structure. Two additional stone silpies will be arriving to add the
granite upapeetam of 30 inches to the bottom of the new walls. When the upapeetam
is complete, the silpies will start adding additional beautification work to the walls.
The space inside the temple has been slightly reduced due to the false wall built in
order to be able to work on the construction of the new walls and deconstruction of
the older structures. The temple will be functional for the next few months but we
hope you are able to bear with us for any inconveniences caused due to construction.
May the blessings of Goddess Meenakshi, Lord Sundareswara, Lord Venkateswara
and Goddess Padmavathi always be with your family.
– Padma Golla (Treasurer, MTS Board)
3
SRI MEENAKSHI TEMPLE SOCIETY
Sri Meenakshi
Temple
Society
17130 McLean Road,
Pearland, TX-77584
JULY 2015
July 2015
1-Jul
Wed
6.30 PM
Satyanarayana Puja
1-Jul
Wed
7:00 PM
Moola- Anjaneya Abhishekam
4-Jul
Sat
10.30 AM
Sravana- Venkateswara Abhishekam
5-Jul
Sun
5-Jul
Sun
10.30 AM
1st Sunday-Venkateswara Abhishekam
5-Jul
Sun
7:00 PM
Sankatahara Chathurthi Ganapathi Homam & Abhishekam
6-Jul
Mon
7:00 PM
Siva Abhishekam
8-Jul
Wed
7:00 PM
Bairavar Abhishekam
12-Jul
Sun
10.30 AM
Ekadasi-Venkateswara Abhishekam
12-Jul
Sun
10:00 AM
Krittikai Sri Subramanya Abhishekam
12-Jul
Sun
11.00 AM
Meenakshi Abhishekam
13-Jul
Mon
7:00 PM
Pradosham Nandi & Siva abhishekam Procession after Deeparadana
16-Jul
Thu
7:00 PM
Aadi Amavasaya Sri Rama Abhishekam
20-Jul
Mon
7.00 PM
Chaturthi, Maha Ganapathy Abhishekam
20-Jul
Mon
7:00 PM
Siva Abhishekam
22-Jul
Wed
7:00 PM
Shashti, Subramanya Abhishekam
27-Jul
Mon
7:00PM
Ekadasi, Venkateswara Abhishekam
27-Jul
Mon
7:00PM
29-Jul
Wed
7:00 PM
Siva Abhishekam
29-Jul
Wed
7:00 PM
Pradosham Nandi & Siva abhishekam Procession after Deeparadana
31-Jul
Fri
7:00 PM
Satyanarayana Puja
Main Temple Anniversary Celebrations
Moola, Anjaneya 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
Sri Durga Abhishekam.........................................................................................Tuesdays 7:00 PM
Sri Padmavathy Abhishekam...................................................................................Fridays 6:30 PM
Sri Meenakshi Abhishekam & Lalitha Sahasranamavali.........................................Fridays 7:00 PM
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 Friday of the Month 7:00 PM
Sri Meenakshi Abhishekam...............................................Second Sunday of the Month 11:00 AM
Sri Venkateswara Abhishekam...............................................First Sunday of the Month 10:30 AM
Puja sponsorships can be prepaid using your credit card at www.emeenakshi.org
4
VEDIC HERITAGE SCHOOL
1) Click on "VHS 2015-2016" from http://www.emeenakshi.org/ and make
the $125 payment for the appropriate class.
2) Complete the Google Form to activate registration --- the link for the
form is provided on the screen when you click "VHS 2015-2016".
5
Sri Sri
Meenakshi
Temple
Society
Meenakshi
Temple
Society
Sri Meenakshi
TempleTXSociety
17130
McLean Road, Pearland,
77584
17130 McLean Road, Pearland, TX-77584
Cordially invites you to attend and participate
to attend and
and participate
CordiallyCordially
invitesinvites
you you
to attend
participate
GuruPeyarchi
Peyarchi
Homam
Guru
Homam
On
Sunday,
July
5, 2015
On
Sunday,
July
5, 2015
10.30
a.m.
to 1.00
p.m.
10.30
a.m.
to 1.00
p.m.
GuruBhagawan
Bhagawan
move
from
Kataka
rashi
to Simha
Guru
willwill
move
from
Kataka
rashi
to Simha
rashi.rashi.
Sankalpam,
Vigneswara
Pooja,
Punyahavachanam,
Kalasa
Pooja,
homam,
Sankalpam,
Vigneswara
Pooja,
Punyahavachanam,
Kalasa
Pooja,
homam,
Purnahuti,
Abhishekam
for for
Navagraha,
Alankaram,
upachara
pooja,
Purnahuti,Deepaaradhana,
Deepaaradhana,
Abhishekam
Navagraha,
Alankaram,
upachara
pooja,
final arathi and prasadam.
final arathi and prasadam.
Performing/participating in the special pooja is believed to help persons with one of
Performing/participatingthe
in the
special
pooja
is believed
to help persons with one of
following
birth
stars/
rashi.
the following birth stars/ rashi.
Birth Stars
2nd,
Birth Stars
3rd & 4th Padams, Rohini all 4 padams,
Krithika/Karthigai
Mrigasheersham 1st & 2nd Padams
Krithika/Karthigai 2nd, 3rd & 4th Padams, Rohini all 4 padams,
Mrigasheersham 3 rd & 4 th Padams, Arudra 4 padams,
Mrigasheersham 1st & 2nd Padams
punarpusam 1st, 2 nd and 3 rd padams
Mrigasheersham 3 rd & 4 th Padams, Arudra 4 padams,
Rashi
Rashi
Rishabha Rashi 2nd Place
Rishabha Rashi 2nd Place
Mithuna Rashi 3 rd place
SimhaMithuna
Rashi 1Rashi
st place,
3 rd place
Janma Guru
Makam 4 padams,
pooram1st,
4 padams,
1 st padam
punarpusam
2 nd andUthiram
3 rd padams
th Padams,
4 padams,
pooram
4 padams,
Uthiram
Uthiram Makam
2 nd,3 rd,4
hastham
4 padams,
Chitra 11,st2 padam
padams
th Padams,
Vishakam
4 thrd,4
padam,
Anuradha
4 padams,
Kettai Chitra
4 padams
Uthiram
2 nd,3
hastham
4 padams,
1, 2 padams
Uthiradham 2nd, 3 rd, 4th padams, Thiruvonam 4 padams, Avittam 1 st and 2 nd
Vishakam 4 th padam, padams
Anuradha 4 padams, Kettai 4 padams
Simha Rashi 1 st place,
Kanya RashiJanma
12th Place
Guru
VrischikaKanya
Rashi,Rashi
10 th 12th
placePlace
Makara rashi
Vrischika
Rashi,Guru
10 th place
8 th place,
Ashtama
Uthiradham
2nd,43thrd,padam,
4th padams,
Thiruvonam
4 padams,
Pooradam
uthiradam
4 padams,
Revathi 4Avittam
padams1 st and 2 nd
padams
Pooradam 4 th padam, uthiradam 4 padams, Revathi 4 padams
Sponsorship $51
rashi
Meena RashiMakara
6 th place
8 th place, Ashtama Guru
Meena Rashi 6 th place
For further information please contact
Sponsorship
$51at [email protected],
Sasidharan Pillai at [email protected],
S.Narayanan
Sriram at [email protected]
Sponsorship $51
Sasidharan Pillai at [email protected], S.Narayanan at [email protected],
S.Narayanan at [email protected],
6
The importance of ‘Satsang’
Arun K Mukhopadhyay
The recent introduction of the ‘Golden group’ activity by the personal
effort of Dr. Vaduganathan and direct involvement of Mr Ramsunder,
a board member of MTS made a big difference in our ‘Satsang’ efforts.
This is the first time since we started this ‘Satsang’ activity in 1999 that
the chairperson of MTS along with the board members got directly
involved in a meaningful way in the activity of the ‘Satsang’. This is to
be highly commended. The Meenakshi Temple is a sacred place. This
is where we gather to ‘see’ God, to ‘feel’ God’s presence, to worship
God. We sing and chant God’s name, hear the sacred Mantras recited
by our priests, offer our sacrifices to God in the form of flowers, garlands, fruits, food items, and eat the ‘prasadam’ blessed by God. This is
where we pray in happiness and distress. This is where God has given
us a home—a spiritual home within the holy ground of the Temple. The
contribution of this Temple in our lives goes deep within our psyche and
helps in numerous intangible ways to strengthen our efforts to reach
the Divine. It guides and fosters spiritual growth that transcends life’s
boundary and goes beyond. God says in Bhagavad Gita: “My devotee
never perishes”. We are all, in a way, on the lap of Mother Meenakshi,
but unaware of it. That is why ‘Satsang’ is so important-- to remind us
who we are. ‘Satsang’ is a combination of two words. The first, ‘Sat’
meaning ‘Existence Absolute’. The second, ‘Sang’, meaning company or
union. Therefore, the complete meaning of ‘Satsang’ is union with God.
Aadi Shankaracharya said about ‘Satsang’ that it gives rise to a gradual
progress from worldly life to a spiritual life. From ‘Satsang’, he says you
get “Nissangatvam, nirmohatvam, nischalatatvam, and Jivanmuktih.”
That is, progress from worldly life to dispassion, disappearance of all
confusions, one pointed attention, and liberation. When we talk about
our scriptures, talk about the lives of our spiritual masters, we benefit
from the experience. I would like to appeal to all our readers to please
join us in this sacred task. On behalf of all who participate in this process I
would conclude this article by stating from the Upanishad: “Lead us from
unreal to real, from darkness to light, and from death to immortality”.
7
Celebrated Events in this quarter (July-Sept. 2015)
Chitoor Ramachandran
Aadi Sukravara Deepa Pooja (Aug. 14) and Aadi Pooram (Aug. 16)
As a tradition, MTS organizes a special deepa pooja on the last Friday of Tamil
month Aadi in which devotees (very auspicious for women to participate in
this) at dusk. This is offered at the sannidhi of Sri Meenakshi.
Tamil month Aadi (July-August) is considered a special month for the Mother
in her various manifestations. Aadi Pooram is said to be the day when the
Mother Goddess gave darshan to Andal, hence Aadi Pooram is a special day
in Sri Parashakthi temples. It is said that dakshinayana is ideal for worship
of Shakti. Offering of pulse sprouts on Aadi Pooram on this day symbolizes
Shakti’s engaging in creation on this day. Andal, the only woman among the
twelve (12) vaishnavite devotees who composed Divya Prabhandham, is said
to have been born on this day. Thiru Aadi Pooram is celebrated with grandeur
at Srivilliputtur, the birth place of Andal.
Varalakshmi vrutham (Aug 28)
The Hindu festival going by the name ‘Vara Lakshmi Vratha’ is celebrated on
the Friday before the full moon in the Tamil Month ‘Aadi’ which corresponds
to the English months of July-August. It is a festival to propitiate the goddess
Lakshmi, the consort of Vishnu, one of the Hindu Trinity. Varalakshmi is one
who grants boons (Varam).
Avani Avittam (Yajur/Rig upakarmam) 2015
MTS provides facility with the guidance from Shaivite and Vaishnavaite priests
to perform the annual traditional rituals. Sessions are held in batches starting
as early as 7:00 AM. Separate special sessions for first timers (Thalai Avani
avittam) are also held for those who register the names in advance. Jayadi
homam is performed by around 11: 00 AM.
Avani Avittam or Upakarmam, is an ancient ritual performed by those
who have been initiated into the spiritual path of Brahma-realization (as it
takes place during Upanayanam). This ritual falls on Shravana Poornima, an
auspicious day on which Hayagreeva is believed to be incarnated. Hayagreeva,
is honored as the avatara of Vishnu who represents wisdom and knowledge
and is considered as the protector of the Vedas. His blessings are sought when
beginning the study of both sacred and mundane subjects in the vaishnavite
tradition.
As a custom, constant recitation has been the way with which Vedic knowledge
has been preserved. The annual observance of Upakarma is the beginning of
learning of the Vedas (Veda adhyayanam) even if one is familiar with it. This is
also the day for discarding the old yagnopaveetham in exchange for a new one.
8
Avani Avittam is observed on Saturday, August 29, 2015. Yajurveda upakarma
(as an example) rituals begin with prayaschittam (atonement) (Ref: Meaning
and Purpose of Kamo karsheet...manyuru karsheet sankalpam (WWW.celextel.
org/mantrasand rituals). This is followed by offering prayers and expression of
our gratitude to those rishis who gave us the Vedas -- the rishis through whom
the Vedic mantras were revealed. These rishis are known as “kaanda rishis”. .
Subsequently we also offer our prayers to the Upanishads samhiti, yaajniki, and
vaaruni, and finally to Svayambhu and Sadasaspati, through whom Yajur Veda
came down to us.
Both in the Upakarma Homam (Jayadi homam) and in the tarpanam, the
offerings are made to the kaanda rishis. Tarpanam is very important that it
is included as part of our nitya karma-anushtaanam. Pithru tarpanam is also
performed to pay respect to the ancestors on this day.
It is believed that tharpanam has to be performed with utmost discipline and
pay attention to the specific variations of the rituals based on the different sects
to which individuals belong. Your acharya or the priest who helps you perform
the tharpanam should instruct you the exact procedure for your tradition.
According to the religious rules to be followed for performing upakarmam
as given in Samkshepa Dharma Sastra. Sri P Ramachander has published
the procedure in the Vendanta Spiritual Library (www.celextel.org/
mantrasandrituals/avaniavittam.html with meaning and importance of each
step. (Additional ref WWW.panchangam.com). You are advised to review and
understand the importance of each step ahead of time. Bringing a print out
of the above document is also advisable when you come for performing the
tarpanam.
It is important that the devotees specifically communicate to the priest
the tradition you follow (smartha, vaishnavite, yajur/rig vedic affiliation,
bodhayana etc), your marital status (brahmachari or married) and whether
you have living parents or not, before you join the group sessions.
Gokulashtami, Sri Jayanthi (September, 5,6) is the birthday of Sri Krishna.
This special day is celebrated by most Hindus, although regional variations
exist in its name. Some of the names of this day include Sri Krishna Jayanthi,
Ashtami Rohini, Janmashtami etc.
Vinayaka Chathruthi (Ganesha Chathurthi) falls on September 17; for the
convenience of the devotees, celebrations and rituals are held on Sunday, the
September 20. Elaborate Pooja ceremonies and procession attract hundreds of
devotees on this day.
Bhaja Govindam (Sri Venkateswara Kalyana Mahotsavam (September 26)
This is an annual event held at the Kalyana Mandapam for the worship of
Sri Venkateswara. Elaborate Pooja in Vaishnava sampradayam and a grand
Rathotsavam embellished by offerings of bhakthi sangeetham create an
immaculately divine ambiance to visit the temple especially with children.
9
RAMAYANA MONTH (Karkitaka Masam)
Sasidharan Pillai
Ramayana Masam (July-August) in Kerala is observed in the Malayalam month of
Karkitaka. This year Karkitaka Masam, the last month in the traditional Malayalam
calendar, starts on July 17 and ends on August 16. It is the last month in the
Malayalam calendar. Due to heavy rain, the month is referred to as ‘the month of
scarcity’. To ward off nature’s fury, the epic “Ramayana” is read in traditional Hindu
houses, by Hindu organizations and in temples dedicated to Lord Vishnu. The holy
book of Ramayana is one of the most widely read epics in India. It is the literary
masterpiece of Sage Valmiki which reflects Indian ethos and values and it portrays
the divine birth, childhood, and adolescence of Sri Rama. As per Malayalam
Almanac, new ventures and auspicious functions are not held during this month.
The Amavasai day in the Karkitaka month is dedicated to the dead ancestors and
Hindus perform special pujas on this day. A pilgrimage to the temples dedicated
to Lord Rama and his brothers is also undertaken in the Ramayana Masam.
The famous Malayalam version of the Ramayana titled Adhyatma Ramayanam
Kilippattu written by Thunchath Ramanujan Ezhuthachan is the one being recited.
Ezhuthachan is regarded as the Father of Malayalam language. Another unique
feature of the month is the sale of the book Adhyatma Ramayanam. As per the
Hindu tradition, it is believed that the sage Valmiki completed the epic Ramayana
during this month.
The story of Lord Rama is a work of profound philosophy, offering answers to life’s
deepest questions. Revered throughout the ages for its moral and spiritual wisdom,
it is a beautiful and uplifting tale of romance, recounting the odyssey of Rama.
Many similes can be drawn from the characters of the Ramayana to spirituality. Lord
Rama is paralleled to the Parmatman (Supreme Reality) and that Sita is the Jivatman
(individual soul). Vibhishana represents Sattwa Guna (goodness) whereas Ravana
represents Rajas Guna (lust and passion) and Kumbhakarana represents Tamas
Guna (avarice and malice). According to Sant Keshavdas, Dasaratha symbolises the
intellect that controls the senses. The three queens of Dasaratha are the three Gunas
known as Sattwa (tranquility), Rajas (activity), and Tamas (ignorance, darkness).
Rama is the transcendental Self and Lakshmana, Bharata and Satrughna are the
triple manifestations of God. Manthara (the maid servant) symbolises the negative
qualities that poisons Kaikeyi (the Rajasic-Tamasic mind). Sita is the cosmic energy
(Kundalini). Rama’s destruction of Ravana and Kumbhakarana symbolises the
destruction of Rajasic and Tamasic egos. The installation of Vibhishana symbolises
the establishment of Sattwa Guna and equanimity through self-realization. Union
of Rama and Sita is the union of Shakti with the eternal consciousness of the true
self. Rama’s coronation symbolizes the Kingdom of Heaven on earth. This is the
esoteric meaning of Ramayana.
Decades ago, ‘Karkitaka masam’ was marked by heavy rain, a time when people
prayed to the Gods to prevent nature’s fury. Times have changed and so have the
prayers, but some traditions continued to be followed. From special discounts on
religious books to ready-made mix of ‘Karkitaka Kanji,’ a special gruel made during
this season, the city markets are all set for the ‘panja’ month, as it is popularly
known.
10
SRI MEENAKSHI TEMPLE SOCIETY
1713017130
McLean
Pearland,
TX 77584
McLeanRoad,
Road, Pearland,
TX-77584
August 2015
August
2015
1-Aug
Sat
10.30 AM
Sravanam ,Sri Venkateswara Abhishekam
2-Aug
3-Aug
Sun
Mon
7-Aug
7-Aug
8-Aug
9-Aug
10-Aug
Fri
Fri
Sat
Sun
Mon
Mon
Wed
Wed
Fri
Sun
Mon
Tue
Thu
Mon
Tue
Wed
Thu
Fri
Fri
Fri
Sat
Sat
10.30 AM
7:00 PM
7:00 PM
7.00 PM
7:00 PM
10.00 AM
11.00 AM
7:00 PM
7.00 PM
7.00 PM
7.00 PM
7:00 PM
7.00 PM
7.00 PM
7.00 PM
7.00 PM
7.00 PM
7.00 PM
7:00 PM
7:00 PM
7:00 PM
7.00 PM
7:00 PM
10.00 AM
1st Sunday-Venkateswara Abhishekam
Sankatahara Chaturththi Ganapathi Homam & Abhishekam
Siva Abhishekam
Bairavar Abhishekam
Bhagavathi Seva
Krittikai Sri Subramanya Abhishekam
Siva Abhishekam
Sri. Rama Abhishekam
Pradosham, Nandi& Siva abhishekam procession after Deeparadhana
AADI SUKRAVARA DEEPA PUJA
Aadi pooram, Meenakshi Abhishekam, Andal Abhishekam
Siva Abhishekam
Chaturthi, Maha Ganapathy Abhishekam
Subramaniya Abhishekam
Siva Abhishekam
Moola, Anjaneya Abhishekam
Pradosham, Nandi& Siva abhishekam procession after Deeparadhana
Sravanam ,Sri Venkateswara Abhishekam
Varalakshmi Vratham
Onam, Ayyappa Abhishekam
Satyanarayana Puja
Avani Avittam, Yajur upakarma; Rig upakarma; Gayatrhri Japam
12-Aug
14-Aug
16-Aug
17-Aug
18-Aug
20-Aug
24-Aug
25-Aug
26-Aug
27-Aug
28-Aug
28-Aug
28-Aug
29-Aug
30-Aug
Sun
31- Aug
Mon
Gayathri Japam
7:00 PM
Siva 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
Sri Durga Abhishekam.........................................................................................Tuesdays 7:00 PM
Sri Padmavathi Abhishekam...................................................................................Fridays 6:30 PM
Sri Meenakshi Abhishekam & Lalitha Sahasranamavali.........................................Fridays 7:00 PM
Sri Navagraha Abhishekam..............................................................................Saturdays 11:00 AM
Sri Ayyappa Abhishekam..................................................................................Saturdays 10:00 AM
Sri Kanyaka Parameswari Abhishekam.......................................Last Friday of the Month 7:00 PM
Sri Meenakshi Abhishekam...............................................Second Sunday of the Month 11:00 AM
Sri Venkateswara Abhishekam...............................................First Sunday of the Month 10:30 AM
or call the Temple Office at (281) 489-0358 Ext. 100 or110
11
Cordially invites you to participate in
Cordially invites you to participate in the
BhagavathiSeva
Friday, August 7th 2015 at 7:00 PM
At AyyappaSannidhi
Program
DeepaPooja
Sri LalithaSahsranamaArchana
Sri LalithaTrisathiArchana
SoundaryaLahari
Deeparadhana
Sponsorship $21
For further details please contact:
For
furtherPillai
details
please contact:
Sasidhran
[email protected]
Sasidhran Pillai [email protected];
MK Sriram at [email protected],
MK Sriram at [email protected]
Narayanan.S
[email protected]
[email protected]
12
Sri17130
Meenakshi
Society
McLean Road,Temple
Pearland, TX
77584
Invites you to participate in the
Aadi Sukravara
Ashtalakshmi Deepa Pooja
7:00 PM Friday, Aug 14th, 2015
Please bring your lamp [optional], flowers and prasadam.
Other pooja materials will be provided by the Temple
Sponsorship $21
For more information please contact Nachal Sethuraman at [email protected] or Sriram at
ForSasi
more
pleaseorcontact
[email protected] or
Pillaiinformation
[email protected]
Narayanan at [email protected]
or call
the
Temple
Office
at
(281)
489-0358
Ext. 100 or101.
Nachal Sethuraman at [email protected]
Sasi Pillai [email protected] or Narayanan at [email protected]
13
Sri17130
Meenakshi
McLean Road,Temple
Pearland, TXSociety
77584
Invites you to celebrate
Invites you to celebrate
AADI POORAM
On Sunday, August 16th 2015 at 6 PM
Special Abhishekam for
Sri Meenakshi and Sri Andal
6:00 PM Abhishekam
7:00 PM Procession of Utsavamurthis
7:45 PM Oonjal Seva
8:30 PM Deeparadhana and Prasadam
Sponsorship
Abhishekam - $21
Oonjal Seva - $31
more
informationplease
please contact
contact Sriram
or or
ForFormore
information
Sriram at
at [email protected]
[email protected]
Sasi
Pillai
[email protected]
or
Narayanan
at
[email protected]
or call the Temple Office at (281) 489-0358 Ext. 100 or101.
14
17130
Road,Temple
Pearland,
TX-77584
SriMcLean
Meenakshi
Society
Invitesyou
you to
Invites
tocelebrate
celebrate
VARALAKSHMI VRATHAM
On Friday, Aug. 28th 2015 at 7 PM
Puja for Utsavamurthi at Ganesh Temple
Distribution of sacred thread after the puja
Sponsorship - $21
For more information please contact Sriram at [email protected] or
Pillai [email protected]
or Sriram
Narayanan
[email protected]
For more Sasi
information
please contact
at at
[email protected]
or
Sasi [email protected]
Narayanan
call the Temple Office ator(281)
489-0358at
[email protected]
100 or 110
or call the Temple Office at (281) 489-0358 Ext. 100 or101.
15
17130 to
McLean
Road, Pearland,
77584 ritual of
You are invited
perform
the TX
annual
You are invited to perform
the annual Avittam)
ritual of
Yajurveda Upakarmam
(Aavani
2015
Yajurveda Upakarmam (Aavani Avittam) 2015
At Ganesh Temple
On Saturday, 29th August 2015
At Ganesh Temple
On Saturday, 29th August 2015
6:30 AM - 10:00 AM (in batches)
10:00 AM – Homam
Saivite and Vaishnavite priests are available to guide you
6:30 AM - 10:00 AM (in batches)
10:00 AM – Homam
You are requested to bring your pancha pathram, udharini, rice, black sesame seed (ellu) and thambalam. Other materials and
yajnopaveetham will be provided by the Temple.
10:00 AM – Thalai Aavani Avittam
Special arrangements are being made for separate special session for brahmacharis performing Thalai avani avittam (First
Saivite
and Vaishnavite
areregistration
available
to guide you
upakarmam after priests
upanayanam). Advance
required.
Sponsorship
Upakarma$10
You are requested to bring your pancha
pathram,
udharini, rice, black sesame
Thalai Aavani Avittam- $51
ForOther
further information
please contact
seed (ellu)
and
thambalam.
materials
and
yajnopaveetham will be
Sriram ([email protected]) or Sasi Pillai at [email protected] or Narayanan at [email protected] or call the
temple at 281-489-0358,
100 or 110
provided
by the ext.
Temple.
10:00 AM – Thalai Aavani Avittam
Special arrangements are being made for separate special session for
brahmacharis performing Thalai avani avittam (First upakarmam after
upanayanam). Advance registration required.
Sponsorship
Upakarma- $10
Thalai Aavani Avittam- $51
Sriram ([email protected]) or Sasi Pillai at [email protected] or
Narayanan at [email protected] or call the temple at 281-489-0358, ext. 100 or 110
16
SRI
MEENAKSHI
TEMPLE
17130
McLean Road,
Pearland,SOCIETY
TX 77584
September
2015
SEPTEMBER 2015
1-Sep
Tue
7.00 PM
Sankatahara Chathurti, Ganapathi Homam and Abhishekam
4-Sep
Fri
7.00 PM
Shashti, Subramaniya abhishekam
5-Sep
Sat
10.00 AM
6-Sep
Sun
10.30 AM
1st Sunday, Venkateswara Abhishekam; Sri Jayanthi
7-Sep
Mon
7:00 PM
Siva Abhishekam
9-Sep
Wed
Bairavar Abhishekam
Gokulashtami/Janmashtami
7.00 PM
7.00 PM
Punarvasu, Ramar Abhishekam
Pradosham, Nandi & Siva Abhishekam ,procession after Deeparadana
10-Sep
Thu
7.00 PM
13-Sep
Sun
11.00 AM
14-Sep
Mon
7:00 PM
Siva Abhishekam
17-Sep
Thu
19-Sep
Sat
Vinayaka Chaturthi, Ganesh temple Anniversary
10.00 AM
Shashti, Subramaniya abhishekam
10.30 AM
Venkateswara Abhishekam
20-Sep
Sun
9.30 AM
Vinayaka Chaturthi Celebration
21-Sep
Mon
7.00 PM
Moolam, Anjaneya Abhishekam
7:00 PM
Siva Abhishekam
24-Sep
Thu
7.00 PM
7:00 PM
Siva Abhishekam
25-Sep
Fri
7.00 PM
Pradosham, Nandi& Siva Abhishekam ,procession after Deeparadana
26-Sep
Sat
9.30 AM
Bhajagovindam, Venkateswara Abhishekam
27-Sep
Sun
6.30 PM
Satyanaranaya puja
28-Sep
Mon
7:00
29-Sep
Mon
Siva Abhishekam
Mahalayapaksham begins
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
Sri Durga Abhishekam.......................................................................................Tuesdays 7:00 PM
Sri Padmavathy Abhishekam................................................................................Fridays 6:30 PM
Sri Meenakshi Abhishekam & Lalitha Sahasranamavali......................................Fridays 7:00 PM
Sri Navagraha Abhishekam............................................................................Saturdays 11:00 AM
Sri Ayyappa Abhishekam...............................................................................Saturdays 10:00 AM
Sri Kanyaka Parameswari Abhishekam.....................................Last Friday of the Month 7:00 PM
Sri Meenakshi Abhishekam.............................................Second Sunday of the Month 11:00 AM
Sri Venkateswara Abhishekam............................................First Sunday of the Month 10:30 AM
17
Sri
Temple Society
Society
Sri Meenakshi
Meenakshi Temple
Invites
Invites you
you to
to celebrate
celebrate
Gokulashtami and Sri Jayanthi
GOKULASHTAMI
Saturday, September 5th, 2015 at 10 AM
Uriaddi for Children at 10:30 AM at Raja Gopuram
Children’s Fancy Dress Display 11 AM at Ganesh Temple
SRI JAYANTHI
Sunday, September 6th, 2015 at 10 AM
Abhishekam for Sri Krishna
Puja for Utsavamurthy
Sponsorship for each event $21
For more information please contact Sriram at [email protected] or
For Children’s Fancy Dress contact Mala Gopal at [email protected]
or call the Temple Office at (281) 489-0358 Ext. 100 or 110
18
Shri Ganapatyatharvashirsha-Upanishad
(Shri Ganeshatharvashirsham)
Chittoor K. Ramachandran
Sri Ganesha is the highly regarded deity, irrespective of the existence of numerous sects of Hindus worshipping
different forms of Almighty. Among some sects of Hindus (Ganapatyas), Sri Ganesha is regarded as Ultimate
Brahman (Supreme divinity) containing all other divine forms within Himself. Some of the basic concepts of this
sect can be found in the Ganapathi Upanishad where Lord Ganesha is extolled as the creator, preserver and
destroyer. Ganapatyatharvashirsha (गणपत्यर्थवशीर्थ) is a frequently recited Sanskrit text in rituals during
Ganesha pooja. In numerous commentaries, Vedic scholars have indicated that this highly regarded
compilation might have been added to the category of other known Upanishads circa 1700-1800 AD. Although
it is not considered as a chant, Ganapatyatharvashirsha is a prayer highly rich in meaning that extols Sri
Ganesha as the Ultimate Brahman. Significance of the array of brief passages in this script may be of interest to
the devotees.
Each section in Ganapatyatharvashirsha reveals the magnificence of Sri Ganesha. The sage who received this
mantra is mentioned to be Ganaka Rishi. Respect is due to all the great souls who are responsible in enriching
us with the divine message contained in this text from the past, mostly through oral traditions.
Opening line of this text is Shanti Padha, that is embedded in Atharva Veda:
े॑ दे॒ वह े॑त॒ ं यदायिःे॑ । ्व॒ स्त
ॐ भ॒ द्रं कर्णे॑भभिः शर्
य त्े॑ ािः । स्थ॒ रैरङ्ैै्॓तष्॒ वा् ्ंं से्॑त॒ नभू भिःे॑ । व्यशेम
ृ ॒ यामे॑ दे वािः । भ॒ द्रं पे॑श्येमा॒क्षभभ॒ यज
े॑
न॒ इन्दद्ररे॑ व॒ द्धश्रे॑
व
ािः
।
्व॒
स
्त
निःे॑
प
षा
वव॒
श्
ववे
दािः
्व॒
स
्त
न॒
्
तार्क्ष
य
य॒
अररे॑
ष
टने
भ
मिः
।
्व॒
स
्त
नर॒
ब
ृ
ृ ्॒पतते॑दयधात ॥ॐ शासन्दतिः॒
॒ू
शासन्दतिः॒ शासन्दतिःे॑ ॥
“Aum! O Gods, May we hear only the auspicious with our ears. May we see only the auspicious with our eyes.
Praising you with bodies having strong limbs, may we seek the divine grace and accept the noble order throughout
our God-given span of life”
The main body of the passage begins with Aum Namaste Ganapathaye. You are the
actual Brahma Tattvam. Only with YOUR blessing any action occurs. Only YOU are
the ONE who holds us up. Only YOU remove obstacles and ignorance. YOU are the
Brahman, the ultimate divine power. YOU are the soul that is part of everything. I
surrender to YOU.
The passage continues to reveal many attributes of Sri Ganesha in a description of
His Swaroopa tattwa. You are the speaker. You are the listener. You are the giver.
You are the sustainer. I am your disciple. You protect me in all directions. You are
full of perfect knowledge of truth and awareness. You are full of bliss and pure
consciousness. You are the truth, consciousness and bliss. You are the absolute
awareness. You are full of supreme wisdom and knowledge. You are the earth,
water, fire, air, and space. You are the root foundation of speech. You are beyond
the three aspects of time: past, present and future. You are eternally established in
the muladhara chakra. You have three shaktis: action, knowledge, and will.
19
The next two sections list Ganesha Mantra in which the Bija mantra and Ganesha
Gayatri are included along with the embedded instruction for the correct
pronunciation of Bija mantra, which is also known as the sacred Ganesha Vidya, i.e.
the mantra which reveals the sacred form of Sri Ganesha, Ganesha Gayatri*.
The passage continues to Ganesha Roopa, in which the majestic physical look of Sri
Ganesha is described and appreciated. Ashta Nama Ganapati Mantra is the
concluding line which is also the salutation.
“Namo Vrata Pataye, Namo Ganapataye Namah Pramatha Patye, Namste astu
Lambodaraya Ekadantaya, Vighna Nashine Shiv Sutaya, Sri Varada Murtaye Namo
Namah”
The section of phalashruthi in the latter section describes the greatness and the
benefits of reciting Ganapatyatharvashirsha with devotion.
There exists an established practice of reciting Ganapatyatharvashirsha in many
rituals like abhishekam of the idol, homam (havan or yajna) and in Ganesha
poojavidhanam. This passage is also the source for many brief sets of mantras on
Sri Ganesha.
For example Ashta nama Ganapati mantra is a commonly used
aradhana mantra which condenses many attributes of Sri Ganesha.
Similar to
shlokas, memorizing and oral utterance of this Upanishad is also a common practice
on certain special days in Hindu families.
One of the recurring auspicious days dedicated to Sri Ganesha is Sankatahara
Chathurthi (also known as Sankashti Chaturthi (संकषटी चतथी). This spiritually
beneficial day is observed in every lunar month of Hindu calendar on the fourth day
of Krishna Paksha (dark lunar phase or the waning phase). On this day, in
accordance with tradition, dedicated devotees observe fast and participate in
Ganapathi homam in which Ganapatyatharvashirsha is employed in various format
along with several other Veda mantras.
Ganapatyatharvashirsha helps us to have a glimpse at the wealth of knowledge and spirituality that has
been passed along to us to enrich our lives.
*Eka Dantaya Vidmahe Vakra tundaya Dhimahi Tanno danti Prachodayat ||
(I meditate on that one-tusked God; give me higher intellect; may He illuminate my mind)
REF:
1. www.philhine.org.uk/writings/tt_ganupanishad.html
2. http://shivu360.blogspot.com/2008/10/shree-ganesha-atharva-sheersha.html
3. www.panditjiusa.com/ Ganapati-atharvshirsha.htm
20
17130
McLean
Pearland,
TX 77584
17130
McLeanRoad,
Road, Pearland,
TX-77584
Invites
Invites you
you to
to participate
participate in
in the
the
Vinayaka Chathurthi Celebrations
With 108 Kalasa Abhishekam
Invites
to participate
the
Visarjan of
Clayyou
Ganesha
in theinTemple
Pond &
th
with
108
Kalasa
Abhishekam
Vinayaka
Chathurthi
Celebrations
Sri Ganesh
Temple
36 Anniversary
Celebration
Vinayaka Chathurthi Celebrations
Visarjan
of Clay
in
the Temple
Pond 20,
& 2015
With
108 Ganesha
Kalasa
Abhishekam
On Thursday,
September
17 & On
Sunday,
September
Visarjan
of Clay
Ganesha
in the Temple
Pond &
Sri Ganesh
Temple
36th Anniversary
Celebration
Thursday September
17 Program 6pm- 8pm
th
Sri
Ganesh
Temple
36
Anniversary
Celebration
Sankalpam, Vigneswara
Punyavachanam
On Thursday,
September
17 & OnPooja,
Sunday,
September 20, 2015
NavaKalasa Pooja, Special Butter Alankaram, Homam, Purnahuti,
On Thursday, September 17 & On Sunday, September 20, 2015
Utsava Murthi Procession in Mooshika Vahana around the Main Temple
Sunday,
September
20, 17
2015
8-30 AM
to 8pm
11:00
AM
Utsava Murthi
Procession
in Mooshika
Vahana
around
the
Main Templ
Thursday
September
Program
6pm8:30 AM
Abhishekam
for Mahaganapathi
Sankalpam,
Vigneswara
Pooja,
Punyavachanam
108 Kalasa Pooja,, Homam, PuranhutiNavaKalasa Pooja,
Special Butter Alankaram, Homam, Purnahuti,
Rathotsavam - Utsava Murthi around the Main Temple
Utsava Murthi Procession
in Mooshika Vahana around the Main Temple
Prasadam following the final Deepaaradhana
Sunday,
September
20, 2015 Vahana
8-30 AM to 11:00
AM
Utsava Murthi
Procession
in Mooshika
3.30 PM – 6:00around
PM the Main Templ
8:30 AMVISARJAN
Abhishekam
for Mahaganapathi
Sankalpam, Ganapathi Pooja & Punyavachanam
108 Kalasa
Pooja,, Puspha
Homam,Pooja,
PuranhutiGanapathi
Avahanam,
Pathra Pooja
Rathotsavam
- Utsava
Murthi
around
the Main Temple
Ashtothra pooja
and Story,
Aarthi
and Mantrapuspham
Prasadam following the final Deepaaradhana
6.00 PM Immersion of Ganesha in the Temple Pond & Theertha Prasadam
Grand Sponsorship for all
events on3.30
Thursday
& Sunday
plus Annadhanam $101
VISARJAN
PM – 6:00
PM
Thursday Ganapathi
Event Navakalasa
Pooja - $31
Sankalpam,
Pooja & Punyavachanam
SundayGanapathi
all EventsAvahanam,
including Visarjan
$51; 108
kalasa
Pooja - $31
Puspha -Pooja,
Pathra
Pooja
Visarjan Sponsorship31$ and
- Clay
Ganeshafor $31 Visarjan sponsors
Ashtothra pooja
Story,
Aarthi and10$
Mantrapuspham
For more information please contact
6.00 PM Immersion ofMurali
Ganesha
inatthe
Temple Pond & Theertha Prasadam
Ravoori
[email protected]
or S. Narayanan at [email protected] or Padma Golla at [email protected]
Grand Sponsorship for all events on Thursday & Sunday plus Annadhanam $101
Thursday Event Navakalasa Pooja - $31
Sunday all Events including Visarjan - $51; 108 kalasa Pooja - $31
Visarjan Sponsorship- 31$ - Clay Ganesha- 10$ for $31 Visarjan sponsors
For more information please contact
Murali Ravoori at [email protected]
or S. Narayanan at [email protected] or Padma Golla at [email protected]
21
Sri Meenakshi
Temple Society
Celebrates
Celebrates
Sri Meenakshi
Temple Society
Bhajagovindam
Bhajagovindam
Celebrates
SRI VENKATESWARA
KALYANA MAHOTSAVAM
SRI VEN
KATESWARA KALYANA
MAHOTSAVAM
Bhajagovindam
Saturday, September
26,2015
2015
September
SRI VENSaturday,
KATESWARA
KALYANA26,
MAHOTSAVAM
Saturday, September 26, 2015
8:00 am – 9:00 am
Suprabatham, Thirupallandu,
Thirupavai
8:00 am –Thirupalliyezuchi,
9:00 am
Suprabatham, Thirupallandu, Thirupalliyezuchi, Thirupavai
9:00 am Seervarisai from Ganesh Temple
9:00 am Seervarisai
from
Ganesh Temple
At the Kalyana
Mandapam
9:30 am – 11:00 am
Navakalasa
Abhishekam,
Archanai
At the
Kalyana Alankaram,
Mandapam
11:00 am – 12:30 pm
9:30Kalyana
am –Utsavam
11:00 am
Navakalasa Abhishekam, Alankaram, Archanai
12.30 Pm
Rathotsavam
11:00
am- –
12:30 pm
Kalyana Utsavam
Lunch at the youth center
12.30
Pm
- Rathotsavam
2:30
pm
to 4:30 pm
OonjalSeva at the main temple
Lunch at the youth center
Sponsorship
2:30 pm to 4:30
pmboth $81,OonjalSeva
Kalyanam $31, Kanyadhanam
$51,
OonjalSeva at the main temple
$31
Grand
Sponsor $101
Sponsorship
Donations for Annadhanam most welcome
Kalyanam $31, Kanyadhanam $51, both $81,OonjalSeva
For further information
please contact
$31S.Narayanan
at [email protected],
Sasidharan
Pillai at [email protected],
S.Narayanan
[email protected],
Sriram
or Vaduganathan
at at
[email protected]
GrandorSponsor
$101
Vaduganathan
at
[email protected]
Sriram
or Vaduganathan
at
[email protected]
Donations for Annadhanam
welcome
or Vaduganathan most
22 S.Narayanan at [email protected],
Sriram at [email protected] or Vaduganathan at [email protected]
Miracles that are Natural at
Sri Meenakshi Temple of Pearland (2nd 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 #3: During the same time, in the summer of 1982, our chief priest
Sri Thanga Bhattar came from Madurai to perform the main rituals of
Kumbhabishekam and pooja for the inauguration. The Air-India flight from
Bombay [Mumbai] crashed shortly after take-off and fell at the beach, partly
in the ocean. Few people lost their lives, but miraculously, Sri Thanga Bhattar,
Sri S. Narayanan, [our current vice-Chairman of MTS] and few others who
were coming to Houston for the Temple event survived unhurt. Sri Thanga
Bhattar had checked in two suit cases as his luggage, one with his personal
effects and other with materials and clothes for the Prathishta rituals at the
Temple. When he walked along the wing and stepped down to the knee deep
ocean water, he noted something hitting his leg and found that it was the
suitcase containing the Temple pooja materials. Most of these items were
specially sent by Madurai Meenakshi-Sundareswarar Devasthanam for use in
our Temple Kumbhabishekam ceremonies. In the middle of all the restrictions
due to police investigations for the accident, he was permitted to carry this
one box and catch the next flight and reach Houston without much delay to
participate in the inauguration pooja rituals for Kumbabhishekam. Even after
a major airlines disaster, Sri Meenakshi protected our priest, our members
and the things he brought for our Temple inauguration rituals. Details of
this incidence are written as a miracle of 20th Century on the walls of Sri
Meenakshi Sri Meenakshi-Sundareswara Temple in Madurai, Tamil Nadu.
Miracle #4: [Thunder storm and dark cloud on Kumbhabishekam day, July
1982].
During the first week of July 1982, daily Homam (Havan) and prana Prathishta
rituals were being conducted in the MTS grounds prior to Kumbhbishekam.
Houston area is well known for severe Thunderstorm and electrical storms
23
in addition to hurricanes usually during fall season from September till
December. Usually, July and August are very hot and dry summertime. Two
days prior to the last day of festivities, a sudden bust of heavy rain with
hurricane force wind was seen in the area. Several of the tents collapsed and
the planned Homam for Sri Subrahmanya had to be cancelled. Our visiting
priests explained this as a demonstration of the arrival the Forces of Shakthi
as Energy in the prathishta of Sri Meenakshi. The area received water more
than its share that week and there was water in between the areas where
they had paved pathways. Everyone was worried about this unpredictable
weather and as to how it will affect the celebrations of Inauguration that
needed to be done inside the Temple and also in the open on the top of
each Sanctum towers. On the morning of Kumbhabishekam day, the priests
and dignitaries arrived along with all devotees, about an estimated over
10,000 people from all over the nation and many from India, rived at the
Temple grounds. To our great surprise, there was bright sunshine along
with a reasonably cool weather due to the rains in the previous two days.
Minutes before the time of pouring water and performing the rituals on the
top of the Temple sanctum towers, all of us witnessed a large black cloud just
above the Temple land, very much to protect us, but without the rain. This
made us all to look-up to witness the events comfortably under the shade.
Miracle #5: [Hurricane Gilbert caused some damages to mobile homes in
1984]
Shortly after the main temple inauguration, the old Sri Ganesh Temple had a
temporary covered area inform along with a mobile home. In 1984, a severe
hurricane Gilbert passed through the Temple land exactly in an angle that
did not affect the main Temple structure of the Ganesh temple but blew
away the entire Mobile home and the hall in front of the Ganesh Temple. It
looked like Sri Ganesha asked for new structures in place of the temporary
ones, just like Siva and Meenakshi. That is what Sri Ganesha wanted and
what He needed was indicated to us. The new Ganesh Temple complex was
built that year with a large hall in front and a dining hall with kitchen and
restroom facilities that were very useful as the “Ganesh Temple Facilities
Center” for many years. In the past 30 years or more, we have witnessed
many occasions when there has been very severe weather conditions with
thunderstorm or rain with cold weather for several days in Houston area. But
just at the time of any major festival the weather system will clear and the
devotees were blessed with a warm and dry sunshine for them to enjoy the
day at the temple. We have observed that even hurricanes that threatened
the area slowly but surely moved away from the Pearland saving the temple
properties from any major damages. The second Kumbhabishekam in1995
and also the Kumbhabishekam day for the new granite Temple for Sri Ganesha
in 2013 witnessed such a miracle.
24
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]
25

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
26
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
Listen to MTS Radio every Sunday
FM 106.1 or FM 102.1 (HD 3) in Houston Listen online
http://tunein.com/radio/KBREEZE-1061-1021-s238101
Broadcast Every Sunday from 10-30 AM to 11-00
NEW RADIO ON THE GO - ON YOUR PHONE
Download Apps for free http://tunein.com/ on your iPhone- Search KBREEZE 106.1
Download Apps for free http://tunein.com/ on your android phone -Search KBREEZE 106.1
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
Bhagavathi Seva
Temple Times is a Publication of
17130 McLean Road,
Pearland, TX-77584-4630
17130 McLean Road
Pearland, TX 77584-4630
Sri Meenakshi Temple
Temple Times is a publication of
NON PROFIT
ORG.
U. S POSTAGE
PAID
Pearland, TX
PERMIT NO. 79

temple times - Sri Meenakshi Temple Society

Transcription

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