April 2011
This Month
Medical Camp in Viswanagar on Cancer awareness and screening tests
Divine Call to all Devotees and Followers of Bhagwan Sri Sathya Sai Baba:
Rama Navami Celebrations in Guntur
Swamiji's message to Andhra Bhoomi on Sathya Sai Baba
Divine Call to all Devotees and Followers of Bhagawan Sri Sathya Sai Baba
Sri Sathya Sai Baba is immortal & Universal Divine Power
UNITY IS OUR STRENGTH
HUMANITY IS OUR LIFE
Sathya Sai Baba is not dead and He has not gone away. He is eternal, universal and immortal. He is here, He is there and He is everywhere. He is living in the hearts of all the people as Iccha Shakti. he is living in the minds of all the people as Jnana shakti. he is in the spinal cord of all people as kriya shakti. Don't think that He has gone away. He is still in Puttaparthi. He is Universal Divine Love, the Unviersal Cosmic Energy and He is the inspiration for all the people of the world because of the ideal path of service which He has preached and practised.
Sri Sri Sri Viswayogi Viswamjee Maharaj
Mr. Ashok Vyas of ITV interviewed His Holiness Bhagwan Sri Sri Sri Viswayogi Viswamjee Maharaj during his Divine March to the USA in 2008. Following is the text version of the interview.
ITV Interview on Sathya Sai Baba, New York, November 23rd 2008
Ashok Vyas: While we were growing up we heard the saying:
Guru Govind dovu khade, kaake laago pai
Balihari Guru Dev ki Govind diyo milaai.
We always regard Guru as someone who opens the door for the enlightenment and who shows us the path to God. We also hear that the true Guru is one who makes his disciples like himself. The joy that is there in us, that we are made aware of by saints like Viswayogi Viswamjee Maharaj who hails from Guntur and he is so much compassionate for all beings, especially for those who are in America, for he every year visits America and tours all across and makes individual contacts and taking care of many inner conflicts in many minds. Today we are very fortunate to have him with us especially because he is considered an Avatar of Lord Dattatreya, and is in the lineage where we have luminaries like Shirdi Sai Baba and Sathya Sai Baba. Today my first question is with respect to Sri Sathya Sai Baba. 23rd November devotees celebrate Sathya Sai Baba’s birthday with enthusiasm and devotion. We always hear Baba that God is beyond birth and death. So if you consider Sathya Sai Baba as form of God, then what is the need of celebrating his birthday because he is beyond birth and death?
Swamiji: This is a very good question and a common question in every mind. Not only Sathya Sai, all siddha purushas and avatara purushas are celebrating birthdays. First of all you have to understand they are not celebrating their birthday. Sathya Sai is himself not celebrating his birthday. The followers of Sathya Sai, the devotees of Sathya Sai are not celebrating the birthday of the power that exists in the body of Sathya Sai. The power that exists in the body is universal and it is eternal. The power has no birth or death. Even the devotees who are following Sathya Sai do not understand Sathya Sai. The devotees are celebrating the birthday of His body. His body came into existence on November 23rd to do something good in this world and to make all the people happy, to teach them to live in bliss and unite all the people irrespective of the religion, caste, creed or color. For your question, my answer is that he himself is not celebrating his birthday. For that matter any spiritual person, yogi or peetadhipathi does not feel any happiness when the devotees or followers are celebrating the birthday. At the same time they are not objecting to it. There is a purpose behind it. In the name of their birthday or any function the avatara purusha’s want to bring their followers together into their magnetic field, they want them to unite and think about the welfare of the society, think about what to do the next year and think about their plans for the coming year, think about social service that should be done next year and to enlighten them the yogi or avatara purusha wants all the followers to gather at a particular place. To do good for the society they are celebrating their birthday. Take Sathya Sai’s birthday for instance. On this day they are celebrating the university convocation. Through education he wants to enlighten the students and give them the universal education. I have been telling university is a place where the professors, lecturers give universal education to the students. As a part of birthday celebrations on one day they celebrate woman’s day, on one day they celebrate the youth day. They want to enlighten the young people, women, doctors and each and ever intellectual in every field of the society and unite them to do something good for the society, that is very important.
Ashok Vyas: So it is very important that good should prevail and those of you who are aware of what Sathya Sai Baba is all about and there are some of you have been to Puttaparthi and have had the pleasure of His darshan and have some unique experiences and there are some others who have heard about him from devotees with special experiences and always have doubts in their mind if it is possible. We always heard that God knows everything. Going by that logic we think that if he knows everything then he knows my problems also. And we also come across stories where Sathya Sai Baba helps some of the devotees, heals them. Then we feel that if he is everywhere and he knows my problem also then why is he not helping me. Is he biased that he helps only some of the chosen ones?
Swamiji: There is no doubt that Sathya Sai is incarnation of infinite universal love, the universal power and his love is not finite. His divinity is not finite. It is universal just like the light coming from the sun is falling equally on every part of the solar system in the same way the love which is coming fro Sathya Sai is embracing each and every person. Don’t think that he is giving blessings to only certain people and not on you or others. Take an efficient surgeon. His grandson comes to him and says, “Grandfather give me the knife that is there.” The grandfather will not give the knife to the grandson. He will not allow the grandson to enter the operation theatre. But after the grandson becomes an efficient doctor then the grandfather who is an efficient surgeon hands over the complete hospital let alone the operation theatre to the grandson. In the same way Sathya Sai knows what to give and what not to give. We are not to decide. He has to judge and he has to give proper thing at the proper time. So we should leave it to him to give us what is needed at the right time.
Ashok Vyas: That is well said Baba. And I know many of you would find it difficult to believe because what we want, we want it now and we want the help to come our way, right away. Moving forward we see that though Sathya Sai Baba in his physical form has not traveled beyond India but Sathya Sai missions are almost in every country and every corner of the world and there are millions of followers. Tell us Baba what is special about his mission which has resulted such a big reach?
Swamiji: A very good and heart touching question and each and every one in the world has to realize and think about Sathya Sai’s mission and what he really wants. Why the power has come in his body to this world? We have to think about it. I want all the people in the word to think about it. Who is Sathya Sai? Why he came in human form? We are seeing so many yogis, there were so many yogis and avatara purushas in the past and many will come in the future, what then is the specialty of Sathya Sai? Listen to me carefully. Sathya Sai was born in a very poor family in a very small village. He is telling stories about his childhood to the students. Sathya Sai is making the college students to sit in front of him and telling about his sufferings in his younger days when he was a child and a young boy, how he used to walk barefoot to school, how he used thorns instead of safety pin to cover his shirt, if there was no money to buy food, how he used to drink water, how he had only one pair of clothes and used to wash and wear it. Why is he telling his sufferings? He wants the students to realize that until and unless we work very hard we can’t attain the highest position in the society. With his will power, with his divine will, with his divine love, with his self experience he is spreading his magnetic field all over the world he has touched the deepest part of each and every heart. He attracted not only the believers but the non believers of God also, people of different countries and dragged them into his magnetic field and made them to experience it themselves and he tied them to his heart. Self experience is the best experience. He wanted to do something good for the world. There is only one God who is omnipotent and omnipresent. There is only one religion, the religion of love. There is only one caste the caste of humanity. There is only one language the language of the heart. There is only one law the law of duty. This is the proclamation of Sathya Sai, Viswayogi or any other yogi or avatara purusha. This must be the motto of each and every person in the world on the earth. In the name of religion we should not quarrel. In the name of God we should not quarrel. In the name of caste we should not quarrel. We have to unite. If we unite we can do miracles in the world on the earth. Lack of unity is the reason for our suffering.
We are suffering for lack of education. Puttaparthi a remote village in Anantpur Dist. In Andhra Pradesh, India, has now become an international educational center, international medical center, international spiritual center and international human values center by the divine will of Sathya Sai Baba and is touching each and every corner of the society. Physically only once he traveled from India to Africa, he has not traveled anywhere else, but he has attracted all the people with his magnetic field. Three kinds of rays are coming from Sathya Sai. Sthoola kirana, sookshma kirana and Kaarana kirana. He has three kinds of magnetic fields. Sthoola magnetic field, sookshma magnetic field and Kaarana magnetic field. Through these three magnetic fields, through these three rays he is attracting each and every person and he is achieving his mission. That is the mission of divine love. He is doing social service activities through his mission. It is an ideal example for all the governments also. He constructed all the hospitals, and is giving medical aid without taking even a single pie from anyone. He is giving drinking water to people. He is constructing houses. He is having so many activities all around the world not only in Puttaparthi. He is always wants to attract the intellectuals and unite them and do something good to bring peace to the world.
Ashok Vyas: to sum what Baba said, Divine Love is the mission of Sathya Sai Baba. Even if you are not a devotee you have to admit as Baba mentioned that the kind of seva related projects which have been founded by Sathya Sai are probably humanly impossible. We always end up questioning as to why that is happening to us which are not a source of joy to us. We begin wondering what the reason for this creation is. Especially this day when we are talking about Sathya Sai Baba, we take the word Sathya from his name, which means truth, we are told in our scriptures that we have bliss in us but we see so much suffering. People feel that they are told that they have bliss inside, but they are suffering. So what is the truth (Sathya), suffering or bliss?
Swamiji: This is a very good question and a common question also. Sathya Sai Baba. Sathya means truth. Sayi means Sa+ayi or true mother. Baba means father. He is the true universal mother and father. That is the symbolic meaning of that name. You asked me about suffering. Suffering is the base for success in life. Without suffering there is no success in life. Take an example of an efficient surgeon like Dr. Nori or Dr. Venugopal director of AIIMS. They suffered a lot; they worked very hard to attain the highest position in society. Even Sathya Sai, his body suffered a lot. Suffering is a gift to him. Suffering is a gift to each and every yogi. I define suffering as Krishi (hard work). “Krishi tho na asti durbiksham”. So if you work hard with devotion and dedication and discipline then we can attain the highest place in society. So don’t consider it a suffering. Think of it as a gift given by the Lord to attain the highest place in the society.
Ashok Vyas: So it is the way you look at suffering that makes all the difference. Many times what is making difference in our lives, Baba is what we do and what we say. And many times people bring about their own destruction by their words and deeds. I wanted to ask you Baba, are we somehow guided by our destiny in doing what we are doing like puppets or is there free will for human beings to shape their own destiny?
Swamiji: You are talking about destiny. Your doubt is that we have to work and with that work are we getting benefit or is there another force acting upon us to attain something. Destiny is always there. Destiny means goal. One force is acting there is no doubt at all. The rays coming from the nine planets are acting on the body and soul, and we are having connection with the Guru. By birth itself we are connected to the Guru. We are moving in his magnetic field. When the time is right he thinks and leads, guides and navigates us to and tells us what to do and what not to do. So we have to put everything in the hands of the Guru. But one thing, we should not stop working. We have to work, work and work and with the leadership and guidance and navigation of the Guru we have to attain the highest position in the society according to the will of the Guru.
Ashok Vyas: I come across this doubt from many people. When we talk of “A miracle” and again referring to Sathya Sai Baba, we have seen pictures and experiences of many devotees. We have seen him manifesting rings and lockets or other similar things. With reference to the manifestation of these material objects, Baba what is the difference between magic and miracle?
Swamiji: You are talking of Sathya Sai creating rings and giving it to people. This is not magic. If a magician creates anything it is not true. It is magic. It looks like that but it is not true. It is a gimmick but it is not true. When Sathya Sai creates something and gives it to a devotee it is true.
Ashok Vyas: We have heard from devotees that from Sathya Sai’s picture there is continuous flow of vibhuti which helps in curing some of the ailments of people. How can one understand from the point of view of science and logical mindset that there is a frame and from the frame of picture of Sathya Sai Baba they collect so much vibhuti?
Swamiji: That is true. This is not magic, but the truth. It is the symbol to satisfy the devotees that he is actually there in the picture. To make them trust him completely he is doing all these miracles all around the world, like vibhuti coming from the photograph, or honey coming from the photograph, or kumkum coming from the photograph, or turmeric coming from the photograph, these are all common things.
Ashok Vyas: Baba I also came across a profound mantra which was revealed to you “OM SRI SAI RAM GURUDEVA DATTA”. People who are related to you chant this mantra. Will you be kind enough to share with us as to when and how it was revealed to you?
Swamiji: Thinking a lot in a trance this mantra entered into my mind through the sankalpa of the heart.
OM: OM ityekaaksharam Brahma. Meaning OM is akshara. Akshara means that which does not have division or destruction. It is eternal. OM is the first sound that came from the point before the creation of the whole infinite universe. Before the whole universe came into existence the sound “OM” came from the point. With OM, Akara, makara and Ukara that is the power of will, the power of knowledge and power of action came into existence and immediately the whole universe came into existence.
SRI: SRI is the universal power, the power of will, power of knowledge and power of action are included in SRI.
SAYI: SA + AYI means true mother and father.
RAM is the Agni beeja which destroys all the karmic beeja. Generally when we are working in the world we have to do all kinds of things and unnecessarily spoil our mind and body. All these negative things we have to throw them out. RAM is the Agni beeja. What is the importance and greatness of RAM? Reciting then name of RAM, a monkey has become immortal or yogi.
GURUDEVA is the mantra of Datta. The GURUDEVA is throwing away the darkness and he is spreading light. He is throwing away ignorance and giving knowledge. He is removing impurities from us and making us pure gems and pearls in the society.
DATTA: means our own. If we recite OM SRI SAI RAM GURUDEVA DATTA, then DATTA himself will become our own and we will become Datta swarupa or universal power. That means if we connect ourselves with the universal current we ourselves become the universal current. That is the greatness of OM SRI SAI RAM GURUDEVA DATTA. This is not a written mantra, but has come from inspiration from the deepest part of the heart touching the brain and coming out to benefit the society. This is the most powerful mantra which makes each and every one powerful and peaceful and connects the personal mind with the universal mind, and connects one with the universal Guru.
Ashok Vyas: So it is very important that we connect to the cosmic mind. There is this flow of this divine love which becomes noticeable for us due to presence of realized beings and today we talked about the birthday of Sathya Sai Baba and also about various aspects that are helpful for us and for our sadhana, in uniting the world and spreading love. Viswayogi Viswamjee Maharaj helped us in understanding a little bit more about Sathya Sai Baba and a little bit more about who we are through this conversation. Once again thanks and pranams at your lotus feet, and thanks to all for joining this.
INVITATION FOR FREE MEDICAL CAMP ON CANCER AWARENESS & SCREENING TESTS
Monthly report on Free Medical Camp conducted at
The following doctors have attended the camp and extended their voluntary services. Sent By : P. SUBBA RAO, Viswamandiram, Representative |
Pictures of Ramanavami Celebrations in Guntur
SRI RAMA NAVAMI CELEBRATIONS IN VISWAMANDIRAM
Seetha Rama Kalyanam
Devotees of Bhagawan Sri Sri Sri Viswayogi Viswamjee Maharaj, the head of Viswaguru Peetham, celebrated, with the utmost devotion and dedication, the Kalyanam (wedding) of Lord Rama and his consort Seetha on Sri Rama Navami (April 4, 2011) in the grandest, most beautiful and colourful fashion in the divine presence of, and with the blessings of, Swamijee at Viswamandiram, Krishnanagar, Guntur under the able guidance of Sri Akula Koteswara Rao and Srimathi Kameswari, the devout couple who dedicated Viswamandiram for the service of Swamijee. The object of the celebration is the promotion of universal peace and the welfare of all the worlds.
The dais where the ceremony was to take place was tastefully decorated with floral festoons and strings of illumined electric bulbs of different colours. Likewise the idols of Lord Rama, Seetha, Lakshmana and Anjaneya too were decorated with garlands of flowers and bedecked with silken robes presented by Sri Akula Koteswara Rao and Srimathi Kameswari. This was a real treat to the eyes of the onlookers. The various religious rites relating to the kalyanam were performed by a team of vedic pundits led by Sri Dhanakudaram Seetharamacharyulu, well-known literary figure and an eminent vedic scholar. The kalyanam was solemnized while the pundits chanted the sacred mantras and the musicians played auspicious tunes on their musical instruments. Sri Seetharamacharyulu, who provided explanatory running commentary of the ceremony, at the very outset, made the devotees recite Sri Nama Ramayana and Hanuman Chaleesa.
The main rites of kalyanam that included placing a paste of jaggery and cumin seeds on the heads of the bride and bridegroom, tying of the mangalasutra (tying of a string round the neck of the bride by the groom), throwing of talambralu (grains of rice) by the groom and the bride over each other’s head were preceded by abhisekham (ceremonial bathing) of the idols with panchamrita accompanied by the recital of Purusha Suktamu and Sree Suktamu, worship of Vishawaksena, some purificatory procedures and wearing of Yajnopaveetha (the sacred thread). The kalyanam performed thus in accordance with Vedic tradition filled the hearts of the devotees with joy to the brim.
Speaking on the occasion, Sri Seetharamacahryulu described Sri Viswayogi Viswamjee Maharaj as Datta, the unified incarnation of Brahma, Vishnu and Siva. Mentioning that worshipping Guru will dispel ignorance, he advised the devotees to keep worshipping Viswamjee and be blessed. He added that the performance of the kalyanam in Abhijit lagna in Viswamandiram indeed transported all to Rama’s temple in Bhadrachalam where at the same time Seetharama Kalyanam was being performed. Performing the kalyanam on Tuesday, a very auspicious day, and one very dear to Anjaneya Swami, Sri Acharya pointed, boded well for the good of all. He added, “The Lord incarnated in human form as Rama at 12 noon and as Krishna at 12 midnight with the goal of promoting the welfare of all the worlds; and Rama strove to protect all people. Yogis have a secure place in the hearts of the divine incarnations like Rama and Krishna. Lord Rama pleased with the deep devotion of Anjaneya embraced him lovingly and began to dwell in his heart.” During his running commentary of the ceremony’s proceedings, Sri Acharyulu described the devotional songs composed by Ramadas, Annamacharya and Thyagaraja as peerless pearls in the devotional literature of the world and he rendered a few of them, as are appropriate to the occasion, much to the delight of the assembled devotees.
In his divine discourse delivered on the occasion, Sri Viswayogi Viswamjee Maharaj said, “Sri Ramachandra is a total embodiment of perfect humanity and of unparalleled righteousness (dharma). By the example of his personal conduct in daily life, he exemplified to the world how a king, a son, a husband, a brother and a disciple should behave. From the era of Treta to the present era of Kali, he remains enshrined in the hearts of all Indians and continues to be worshipped in accordance with vedic tradition. He is a divine incarnation worthy of dedicated devotion of one and all. On being urged by Brahma and other gods and goddesses, Lord Narayana descended to the earth in human form as Rama to protect the world from evil and ensure the well-being of all people. The Kalyanam of Rama and Seetha symbolizes the union of the individual soul (jeevatma) with the supreme soul (paramatma), the union being known as “yoga”. Brahma grandhi is the instrument that brings about and sustains the union of the bride and the bridegroom. For this reason at the predetermined auspicious moment (muhurtham) the paste of jaggery and cumin seeds is placed by the bride groom on the bride’s head and the bride on the bridegroom’s. This vitalizes each other’s nervous system.
Continuing Sri Viswamjee said, “Rama stands out as the most idealistic divine incarnation who has always adhered steadfastly to the principle of “one arrow, one word and one wife.” Rama’s obedience to his father’s directions in letter and spirit and his adherence to dharma are indeed very sublime. Rama is an embodiment of justice, righteousness and truth. By performing the last rites of Jatayu he showed how gratitude should be expressed to those who rendered help to the society.”
Drawing attention to Ravana’s inglorious end, Sri Viswayogi mentioned, “Despite his being very powerful and being the recipient of Siva’s divine grace in abundance, Ravana met with a tragic end because of his enormous ego. By killing Ravana, Rama demonstrated to the world that, in the life of every individual, being humane, truthful and following dharma are more important than being egocentric and these qualities ensure success in one’s life. Many sages and seers have transferred the benefits of their penance to Rama and thereby made him very powerful and transformed him into a divine being.
Referring to the power of Rama Nama, Sri Viswayogi told the devotees, “The name of Sri Rama is the most unique and powerful and it reverberates in each and every nerve of every Indian. The belief in the efficacy of chanting Rama Nama pervades the psyche of all Indians. However, it must be remembered that chanting Rama Nama with complete faith in its power will alone ensure the desired results. With love and devotion one can certainly attain divinity.”
“Rama is an ideal to be followed by the whole of humanity. He is securely established in the hearts of all Indians and so today we find temples of Rama even in the very remote villages of India; indeed every Indian heart is a temple of Rama. It is the responsibility of everyone to protect our many sacred temples and holy centers dotting the country. Rama is not merely an incarnation of Lord Vishnu; he is Lord Vishnu himself. True humanity can be seen in every aspect of Rama’s life whereas Raavana personified devilish traits. Rama performed many miracles though he never claimed to perform any,” Sri Viswamjee added.
Adverting to the age old system of marriage prevailing in India Sri Viswayogi Viswamjee said, “Its greatness is appreciated by other countries in the world. The married life of Sri Ramachandra and Seethamma is unique in many respects and has to be held as an ideal to be followed by the married couples in the present day society everywhere in the world. “
A few couples including Sri Akula Koteswara Rao and Srimathi Kameswari deputized for Rama and Seetha on the marriage altar. Men and women in large numbers from Guntur, Hyderabad and other parts witnessed the grand ceremony and received the divine blessings of Swamijee.
When Swamijee rose to offer harathi at the conclusion of the ceremony, interestingly Sri Acharyulu began singing the mangala harathi song of Sri Sathya Sai Baba. Though this came as a surprise to the gathered devotees, Swamijee and Kameswari (Amma) instructed the song to be continued. This was followed by the singing of Swamijee’s harathi song. This incident was considered by the devotees to have happened according to Swamijee’s will, as a special prayer for Baba’s speedy recovery.
At the conclusion of the celebration teertham and prasadam were distributed.
Sri RAMA PATTAHISEKHAM
Sri Rama Pattahisekham (installation of Sri Rama on the throne and proclaiming him as king) was celebrated on April 13, 2011 with gaity in the divine presence of Sri Viswayogi Viswamjee Maharaj and with his blessings. Swamijee declared that the celebration was intended to promote universal welfare and peace. The devotees present felt overjoyed to witness Sri Ramachandra’s idol being installed on a silver throne and hailed the event shouting Jai Sree Ramachandra.
While the devotees under the guidance of Sri Akula Koteswara Rao and Srimathi Kameswari carried out the celebration, the religious rites were performed by a team of vedic pundits ably led by Sri Dhanakudaram Seetharamacharyulu, a renowned vedic scholar and commentator. As the ceremony took place in accordance with the sastric directions amidst the chanting of Vedic mantras and the auspicious sounds of musical instruments, Sri Acharyulu explained the glory, significance and importance of Rama’s ascension to the throne.
Initially worshipping of Ganapathi and Navagrahas (the gods representing nine planets) and purificatory pujas were carried out. This was followed by the worship of Vishwaksena, the commander-in-chief of the divine forces. Thereafter abhisekham (ceremonial bathing) of Sree Ramachandra with the holy waters from the rivers of Krishna, Godavari, Kaveri and Ganga as also the water from the Manasa Sarovar lake and with panchamrita was performed by Swamijee personally. Seeing Swamijee doing the abhisekaham filled the devotees with indescribable joy.
Sri Acharyulu, speaking on the occasion, described the performance of the pattabhisekham as willed by Sri Viswayogi for promoting universal welfare and peace as a very happy event. He advised all the devotees to keep serving Guru’s feet and become worthy rcipients of Guru’s grace and kindness. That will fill their lives with happiness and joy. He suggested that everyone must keep chanting the great and powerful Rama nama whereby their lives could become truly blessed.
Continuing his speech Sri Acaryulu described India as the land of action (karma bhoomi), the land of yoga (yoga bhoom) and the land of virtue (punya bhoomi). The great epics of Ramayana, Maha Bharata and Bhagavata had as their foundation India’s enduring culture. Bhagavadgita, though an integral part of Maha Bharata, had acquired special spiritual importance. So did Vishnu Sahasra Namavali. Sri Acaryulu advised constant study of these great books by all. He said that such a study would make their lives truly fulfilled.
Before the actual cereony began, Sri Acharyulu made all the devotees gathered to repeat with him Sri Lakshmi Ashtotthara Sata namavali and Vishnu Sahasra Namavali. In his sonorous voice he sang a few poems from Dasaradhi Satakam and a few krtanas of Annamayya and this enlivened the proceedings and transported the devotees into realms of ecstasy.
The vedic pundits dressed the idols of Rama, Seetha, Lakshmana and Anjaneya with new silk clothes presented by Sri Akula Koteswara Rao and Srimathi Kameswari and decorated the idols with garlands of flowers, golden necklaces and strings of pearls as also crowns of flowers. This was indeed a treat to the eyes of the onlookers. The idols of Rama and Seetha were then placed on the silver throne. Sri Rama Padukas (silver replicas of Lord Rama’s feet) were placed at the foot of the throne. The royal staff and sword were kept near the idols. The exquisite beauty of the decorations exalted the devotees into higher regions of joy.
Sri Viswayogi personally sprinkled sandalwood paste and rose water on the idols and offered worship and harathi to the idols. All the devotees then offered salutations to the idols and then to Swamijee and received his divine blessings.
P.Subba Rao
Spokesperson of Viswamandiram
Rama Navami celebrations: Pictures
Swamiji conveys His Divine Blessings to all on the ocassion of Sri Rama Navami, April 12th 2010.
Sri Rama was virtuous, compassionate, brave and strong. He was the Lord of the mind and the senses. Brave and valiant, and inspite of all this he was gentle and modest. He was a sage in counsel, kind and sweet in speech, and most courteous and handsome in appearance. He was the master of all the divine weapons, and a great warrior. Ever devoted to the good and prosperity of His kingdom and His subjects, He was a defender of the weak and the protector of the righteous. Endowed with numerous wondrous powers of the mind, He was well versed in all sciences--in science of war as well as the science of the Self and in short ideal for the entire humanity. He was an ideal son, husband, father and king. The way he led his life should be an ideal for all of us. Adherence to truth and Dharma(Righteousness) is what Sri Rama's life teaches us. He put into practise the concept of one word, one arrow and one wife.
The life of Sri Rama teaches us the value of detachment and the need to become aware of the Divine in every being. Faith in God and detachment from objective pursuits are the keys for human liberation. Give up sense objects, and you gain Rama. Sita gave up the luxuries of Ayodhya so she could be with Rama during His exile. When she cast longing eyes on the golden deer and craved for it, she lost Rama's presence. Renunciation leads to joy; attachment brings about grief. Be in the world, but not of it.
When Ravana kidnapped Sita, and Rama had to search for Sita and subsequently fight Ravana, he took the help of the monkeys and birds that we ridicule as just animals and fought with Ravaana. He did not desire divine powers but instead he went to the sages and everyone available and with humility accepted their strength and became powerful. He built the floating bridge in the ocean with the help of the monkeys and other animals, so that he could reach Lanka. By all this Rama has shown that human values are more important than gaining superhuman powers and with unity and human values anything can be achieved. This is the most important thing we have to learn from Rama and Ramayana.
To pray to, and worship Lord Rama is not enough, what is needed is for us to make him as our ideal and walk in his footsteps. Perfect humanity like what Sri Rama had will give us the strength to kill the demon like Ravana.
Ramayana, Rama's life has become a part of day to day life of everyone in India. Ramayana is also popular in parts of Russia, where they enact stories from Ramayana, and try to follow the ideals set in it.
Swamiji has conveyed His Hearty Divine Blessings to all on this auspicious day.