Poojya Swamiji addressed a large devotional crowd assembled in the Sharananjali Hall of the Choorattukarana Ayyappankavu Temple on Oct 7. It was a public meeting announcing the forthcoming Naveekarana (Rejuvenation) of the Temple.

During his talk, Swamiji explained the concept and need of the Temple, how the divine brilliance and benedictory Power of the Deity are installed and preserved, and how the temple serves to represent and perpetuate the country’s cultural and dhaarmic heritage.

      On Oct 12, Swamiji inaugurated the 9-day Navaratri Festival, conducted by the Omkara Mandali of the Rajasthanees of Trichur, by lighting the lamp and addressing the devotees assembled there for the occasion. The function was conducted in the Lakshmi Kalyana Mandapam of Brahmaswam Thekke Madhom.

      The same afternoon, in the Ramakrishna Math in Puranattukara, Swamiji addressed devotees assembled for the inaugural function of the 10-day Temple Art Festival.

Swamiji said that while the drishya and shravya (visible and audible) forms of art are a societal need, it is important to ensure that such programmes serve the cause of devotional and spiritual culture of the land, to promote which is the sole aim of the Temple Institution. Sreemad Bhaagavatam declares that while scriptural and scholarly expositions can be the main focus during the festive occasions, it is necessary to feature the rural art-forms as well. For, only then, the desired cohesion and unity will be forged in the vast society.

As requested by the organizers, Ma Gurupriyaji also addressed the audience. Mixing Malayalam and Bengali with English, she referred to her young days in Delhi and Kolkata, stating how the lives of Ramakrishna Dev, Sharada Devi and Swami Vivekananda had influenced her greatly.

      On Oct 14, the students of the Cultural Heritage Class, who did well in the Sanskrit sloka recitation competition held for three age-groups, were given prizes. Students with good behavioural refinement, and those who got 80 percent marks in their school examinations, also were awarded encouragement-prizes.

      On the Mahanavami Day, Oct 20, Swamiji inaugurated the Acharya-Grihastha Sangama in the Brahmaswam Thekke Madham, Trichur, an yearly congregation, where heads from nine Ashrams participated. Swamiji emphasized that human life, especially the one with brahminical qualities, would not be complete with the first two phases, i.e., student life and household life (brahmacarya and gaarhasthya) alone. For fulfilling human life, the next two phases – vaanaprastha and sannyaasa – also have to be adopted.

Why is it that those associated with such Maths, claiming braahminism, felt themselves elated with the mere householder life? Unless graced with the values and austerity of the next two phases as well, their life would not reach its destined goal and fulfillment, Poojya Swamiji said.

Sannyaasins alone have the spiritual grandeur to redeem the society leading it to the path of righteousness and liberation. In fact, Shankara emphasized this alone throughout his life and writings.

      On the day of Vijaya Dashami, Oct 21, Swamiji went to Vyasa Tapovan to initiate more than thirty children into literacy (vidyarambham). The function was held in the Vijnana Bhavan of Dakshinamoorti Temple.

      The same evening Swamiji addressed devotees at the Kulukkallur Narasimha Kshetram near Guruvayur, on the occasion of the announcement of the planned Naveekarana during February 2008. Explaining the need and relevance of the rejuvenation ceremonies, Swamiji also spoke about the exclusive devotion of young Prahlada, which led to the special descent of Narasimha-avataara. How a young child of seven could have such depth in devotion, and how that could evoke such intriguing response from the Invisible Lord is something that all should contemplate upon. Prahlada’s life has many lessons to offer, Poojya Swamiji said.

      33rd Delhi Annual Jnaana Yajna: Poojya Swamiji, along with Ma and Nutan Swamiji left for Delhi on Oct 23. They will stay at CIRD, Vasundhara. The programme details were announced last month. Contacts: CIRD: 0120-288 0563; Ramesh Ramanathan: 98180 77380; Mithu Sengupta: 011 - 2924 4147/2923 4169, Sanjay Chakravarthy: 98112 03815.

      6th Annual Sreemad Bhaagavata Tattva Sameeksha Satram: As in earlier years, Sreemad Bhaagavata Tattva Sameeksha Satram, jointly organized by Narayanashrama Tapovanam and Hind Navotthana Pratishtan, will be held at Paralikkad Naimishaaranyam, Thrissur, for 9 days from 22nd to 30th December.

The Satram was started with the intention of highlighting the eternal values and disciplines discussed in Sreemad Bhaagavatam, applicable to individual, domestic, social and national life, with a view to make them the fabric of our daily activity and interactions. To a large extent, this Jnaana Satram has succeeded in instilling deeper thoughts and messages of the Text in countless people. By their very nature, events like this are a recurring need of the society.

While our annual Anna Vastra Daana Satram – in which rice and cloth are given to thousands of families – caters to the primary human physical needs, the Sreemad Bhaagavata Tattva Sameeksha Satram has the aim of imparting Jnaana (knowledge) in order to provide abhaya and amrita (fearlessness and immortality) to thousands of hearts.

Both the yearly events were begun primarily at the instance of Swami Purushothama Tirthaji who was looking after the arrangements necessary for the purpose. This year Swamiji’s physical absence will no doubt be felt, but it is natural that in his absence every one feels a greater compulsion to fulfill his wishes with commitment and dedication.