Satsang at Sri Aishwarya Srinivasa Perumal Temple
Purattaasi Sahasranama Laksharchana for Sri AIshwarya Srinivasa Perumal
On October 4, on the auspicious Purattaasi Shravana Nakshatra day, Sahasranama Laksharchana was performed at the temple. About 45 devotees utilized this rare opportunity to offer archana themselves to Perumal with the 1000 names of Vishnu and filled the minds of guests with contemplation of Bhagavan and His divine grace. The entire Sahasranama archana was performed 3 times by the devotees, thus making it a Laksharchana. The event concluded with Maha Harati and a special, traditional ‘sit down’ lunch served on banana leaves for all devotees.
Navaratri Utsav at Sri Aishwarya Srinivasa Perumal Temple (Sep 22-Oct 2)
By the grace of Sri Aishwarya Srinivasa Perumal, a divine Navaratri Utsavam was celebrated at the temple. A themed golu was set up for the viewing pleasure of devotees. The golu included a rich display of deities, saints, leelas from Srimad Bhagavatam and depiction of Bhagavan’s avataras.
The evening program started with Sri Vishnu Sahasranamam. This was followed by devotional / cultural offerings such as classical dance and music by students and artists from across Houston area. Guests were then treated every eening to the nectarine katha of Srimad Ramayanam in English by Sri Gadadharan ji, disciple of HH Maharanyam Sri Sri Muralidhara Swamiji. Gadadharanji beautfifully took devotees through the entire Valmiki Ramayana while focusing on the wonderful qualities of Sri Rama and Sita Devi and all the stalwart characters in Ramayana, especially Hanumanji. The Sundarakandam katha that was told over two days was the highlight of the lovely series.
The Utsav also included special programs such as Purataasi Saturday Thinai Deepam darshan and darshan of Premika Varadan and Madhuri Sakhi on the new vahanas (Sesha, Garuda, Yaanai and Kudhirai). About 300 people attended the event over the 9 days of the utsav.
On October 1, Saraswati puja was celebrated at the temple where students of all ages got the opportunity to bring 1 or 2 books as a symbol of offering of their learning to Bhagavan and get blessed on this auspicious day. Archana for Saraswati Devi was performed and everyone present chanted slokas and prayed to Saraswati Devi.
On the auspicious occasion of Vijayadasami on October 2, devotees and children chanted Mahamantra with enthusiasm and also danced with kolattam for the Mahamantra. Earlier, Lakshmi ashtottra archana was performed and prayers were offered to Bhagavan. A bhajan class for kids was also commenced at the temple on this day.
Each day’s program concluded with Maha arati. Prasadam brought by numerous enthusiastic volunteers was also served to all attendees.
