Events @ Govindarajapuram temple - 06-05-2010

Hare Rama Hare Rama Rama Rama Hare Hare

Hare Krishna Hare Krishna Krishna Krishna Hare Hare.

After the prolonged day’s events the Lord was woken up to the tunes of Vedic chanting and bathed in the customary form of abhishekam.The Chakrathazhwar took bath in the River Nila and devotees took bath along with him. Special Nivedhyam of Curd Rice was offered to the Lord and Dhwajavarohanam followed the same.

In the evening Abhishekam was performed out of the sacred waters in the kumbhas which were offered with Poojas throughout the utsavam. Pallikai was immersed in the river after this. Mahanivedhyam followed this.

Beautiful rendition of Kshamapanamanthram by sri Ramamoorthy Bhattacharyar and his son Sri Rajaram Bhattacharyar followed. The acharya made the Kshamaapanam to the Lord for any kind of shortcomings, mistakes that happened in the course of the utsavam and sought his blessings and grace for one and all.

The acharya Maryadhai followed this and this marked the end of Vasantotsavam 2010.

We pray to the Lord Sri Bhoomi Sametha Sri Varadaraja Swami to bless the readers in the same manner as he has blessed the people who were fortunate enough to witness the Mahotsavam in person.

Om Namo Bhagavathe Vaasudevaya

Events @ Govindarajapuram 05May2010

Events @ Govindarajapuram temple - 05-05-2010

Hare Rama Hare Rama Rama Rama Hare Hare

Hare Krishna Hare Krishna Krishna Krishna Hare Hare.

After the customary abhishekam, Sri Varadaraja Perumal was immersed in kalabhabhishekam. Purohitas assembled at the Temple for Upanishad parayanam and the same was rendered at about 8.0 am. After the Upanishad Parayanam, deepearadhani was performed to the Mollavar and Utsavar.

The time was ready for performing the Punyahavachanm of the Ratham. Devotees were eager and restless to see the Swami mounting on the Ratham. As the punyahavachanam ended, the sacred Bali was performed in the presence of the lord. This is the only time in the entire year when the Lord himself comes down to oversee the Bali being performed.

Utsavar was decorated in a grand manner the flowers added to the beauty of the lord. The lord went for gramapradhakshinam on the devotees shoulder this time.

At about 10.30 am Perumal mounted on the Ratham, much to the satisfaction of devotees’ eyes. The Ratham slowly moved to the centre o the agraharam and waited for dusk to move further.

The evening came and the whole of Govindarajapuram was in an exuberant mood. Men from different walks, women an children all were eager to start of the celebrations. The Ratham moved further down the Agraharam and by the time it returned back to the Temple it was about 8.30 pm.

Fireworks announced the arrival of the Ratham back to the temple and deeparadhani was performed after the return of Ratham.

Beautiful Pallaku ( Palanquin was ready for the Pallkachery in the night. This was the night when the Lord of Govindarajapuram, Sri Varadaraja Perumal was in fully immersed in the Joy of his devotees. The night witnessed one of the finest Pallakachery in the recent times and the Nivedhyam was performed to the lord after this.

Thus the devotees witnessed the Rathotsavam of the Lord and blessed are the eyes who could catch a glimpse of the day’s events.

Om Namo Bhagavathe Vaasudevaya

Events @ Govindarajapuram 04May2010

Events @ Govindarajapuram temple - 04-05-2010

Hare Rama Hare Rama Rama Rama Hare Hare

Hare Krishna Hare Krishna Krishna Krishna Hare Hare.

Abhishekam with 16 dravyas was performed in the morning, and Kalabhabhisekam was doen to the lord on the occasion of Kuthirayottam. After the morning poojas, Prasadam was distributed. Kuthirayottam was performed in the evening about 6.30 pm. The chakrathazhwar mounted on the royal horse to inspect the streets of the agraharam before the Lords visit the next day. Bursting crackers announced the completion of Chakrathazhwar’s mission.
The Utsavar mounted on the white Horse for Grama Pradhakshinam. The sight of lord with his whip in one hand decked with flowers will remain green in one’s memory for a lifetime. Such was the costume of the lord. He was wearing a beautiful velvet clothing of Maroon color and the contrasting colors of the flowers and garlands were simply awesome.

Blessed indeed are those eyes which could catch the glimpse of the lord in the Alankaram. Blessed indeed are those hands which could make the alankaram with so much beauty.

Om Namo Bhagavathe Vaasudevaya

Events @ Govindarajapuram 03May2010

Events @ Govindarajapuram temple - 03-05-2010

Hare Rama Hare Rama Rama Rama Hare Hare

Hare Krishna Hare Krishna Krishna Krishna Hare Hare.

The routine abhishekam was performed to the lord and Deeparadhanai was finished by 9 am. Carnatic music from the Keyboard of Narayanan and Arjun Sambasivan, two wonderful disciples of the musical Maestro Mandolin U Srinivas, filled the atmosphere in the evening. It was a revelation for us that even a western instrument like Keyboard can sound so Carnatic.

The Utsavar mounted on the Pushpa Pallakku, the Chariot of flowers for Grama Pradhakshinam.

Om Namo Bhagavathe Vaasudevaya

Events @ Govindarajapuram 02May2010

Events @ Govindarajapuram temple - 02-05-2010

Hare Rama Hare Rama Rama Rama Hare Hare

Hare Krishna Hare Krishna Krishna Krishna Hare Hare.

The routine abhishekam was performed to the lord and Deeparadhanai was finished by 9 am. The Lord mounted on the Aana Vaahanam in the evening. Carnatic Musical Performance was given by Sruthi and Krithika. The notes of Carnatic music added charm to the already serene atmosphere. One could experience the Bhooloka Vaikuntham as the atmosphere was filled with the energy of Lord together with the music and the presence of devotees. The Gramapradhakshinam was held after the music event.

Om Namo Bhagavathe Vaasudevaya

Events @ Govindarajapuram 01May2010

Events @ Govindarajapuram temple - 01-05-2010

Hare Rama Hare Rama Rama Rama Hare Hare

Hare Krishna Hare Krishna Krishna Krishna Hare Hare.

May 1st was the day chosen for the Kalyanotsavam of the Lord with Sridevi and Bhoodevi. After the customary abhishekam in the morning the Thirukalyanam was performed at the mukha mantapam.

The Vratham function was performed first which was followed by Kaasi Yaatrai. The Lord was taken for Kaasi Yaatrai when the brides’ parents stopped him midway. The lord was pleased by the request from the bride’s parents and accepted the hands of Sridevi and Bhoodevi. The Maalaimatral and Oonchal follwed after which the Mangalyadharanam was performed.

Sumptuous feast was served to all those who were present for the marriage.
The utsavar was adorned with beautiful garlands of Arali,Tulasi and Jasmine.The Utsavar mounted on the Aadisesha Vaahanam and went around the Agaraharam for Grama Pradhakshinam.
Carnatic Musical Performance was given by Ms Sudha Rani. Beautiful kritis in the praise of the Perumal was rendered which transpired the listener to the other world.

Om Namo Bhagavathe Vaasudevaya

Events @ Govindarajapuram 30 Apr 2010

Events @ Govindarajapuram temple - 30-04-2010

Hare Rama Hare Rama Rama Rama Hare Hare

Hare Krishna Hare Krishna Krishna Krishna Hare Hare.

The customary abhishekam and Deeparadhanai was performed in the morning.
The evening saw the Lord Varadaraja Perumal mounted on his Periya Thiruvadi( Garuda vahanam). The lord mounts on the Garuda Vaahanam for Shishta Paripalanam. When Gajendra was caught on the Jaws of the crocodile, lord rushed on the Garuda Vaahanam to deliver him from the cycle of birth and death and to grant Moksha.
It is said that even the Sankhu and Chakra were late to arrive at the spot of Gajendramoksham, since the Lord rushed at such a speed when his devotee was in distress. The Alankaram for the day was eye catching and one would not take his eye of the Utsavar. The grama pradakshinam was not performed due to the arrival of Indra and Varuna in the form of Thunderous Rain.

Om Namo Bhagavathe Vaasudevaya

Events @ Govindarajapuram 29Apr10

Events @ Govindarajapuram temple - 29-04-2010

Hare Rama Hare Rama Rama Rama Hare Hare

Hare Krishna Hare Krishna Krishna Krishna Hare Hare.

As the devotees waited upon the lord to have his morning Darshan, the Lord was woken up to the tunes of Vedic Chants. Routine abhishekam was performed and deeparadhanai followed.
After the majestic procession on the Simha Vaahanam on the previous day, the lord mounted on th shouldersof his favourite devotee, Sri Hanuman. Sri Hanuman also known as the Siriya Thriuvadi in the vaishnava sampradayam, was decked with Vada maalai. Sri Hanuman is the representation of Sadguru who shows the way of Bhakthi upon Sri Hari.

The Utsavar was taken in procession on the Hanumantha Vaahanam at 9.00 pm and through the village and deeparadhanai was performed to the Utsavar after that.

Let us wait for the dusk of Friday the 30^th when the lord will be mounting on Garuda Vaahanam.

Om Namo Bhagavathe Vaasudevaya

Events @ Govindarajapuram 28Apr10

Events @ Govindarajapuram temple - 28-04-2010

Hare Rama Hare Rama Rama Rama Hare Hare

Hare Krishna Hare Krishna Krishna Krishna Hare Hare.

The morning saw abhishekam being performed to the Lord. Deeparadhanai was performed at the appointed hour.

The utsavar mounted on the Simha (LION) vaahanam on the second day of the events. Beautiful garlands of Tulasi, Jasmine and Arali adorned him. Niramaalai from the entry of the temple to the steps leading to Sanctum Sanctorum was draped. The lord appeared majestic on Simha Vaahanam and was really a delight to the eyes of the Prahladas present there. The every sight of the lord mounting on the Simha Vaahanam would have sent pangs of fear in the hearts of Hiranyakasipus around the world

Om Namo Bhagavathe Vaasudevaya

Events @ Govindarajapuram temple 27Apr10

Events @ Govindarajapuram temple - 27-04-2010

Hare Rama Hare Rama Rama Rama Hare Hare

Hare Krishna Hare Krishna Krishna Krishna Hare Hare.

The day started with the usual abhishekam together with Vedic chanting. After the customary Deeparadhanai, the Flag with the Royal Insignia of the Lord Varadaraja Perumal was hoisted. The insignia was nothing but the ‘Devotee Supreme’ – Garudazhwaar. The Royal Flag was hoisted at about 9:45 AM and the same is still flying high announcing the commencement of Vasanthotsavam.

The evening events began at about 6:00 PM with the Utsavar mounting on the Hamsa (Swan) Vaahanam. The lord was decked in his ornaments to the delight of the devotees’ eyes. Lucky are those eyes which could witness the Lord mounting on the Hamsa Vaahanam. Garlands of Jasmine, Tulasi and Arali added to the charm the Lord Varadaraja Perumal had already thrown on the devotees’ hearts.

Due to heavy rains the Vaahanam was not taken around in procession and the same was kept for darshan at the mantapam in the Temple.

Om Namo Bhagavathe Vaasudevaya

Event @ Govindarajapuram temple - 26-04-2010

Events @ Govindarajapuram temple - 26-04-2010

Hare Rama Hare Rama Rama Rama Hare Hare

Hare Krishna Hare Krishna Krishna Krishna Hare Hare.

The Day started with auspicious notes of Vedic hymns followed by abhishekam to Lord Vardaraja Perumal and Sridevi and Bhoo devi with 16 Dravyas. The same went on till 8:15 AM and soon the stage was set for the annual Gridha Sahasradhara. At about 8:25 AM the Gridha Sahsradhara commenced. Gridham in Sanskrit means clarified butter (Ghee). The Lord is bathed with 50KG of Gridham every year before Dwajarohanam.

The Ghee is then distributed among the devotees as it is considered as sacred and having medicinal qualities. The alankaram on the day was simple and the lord was adorned with his favorite Tulasi Haaram. Samaaradhanai was performed with 11 Brahmanas.

The acharya for guidning through the vasanthotsavam, Sri Ramamoorthy Bhattacharyar was ceremoniously welcomed in the evening with Poornakumbam. The devotees requested him to guide one and all through the events.

Vaasthushanthi was performed after this. The Vaasthu Purushan was invoked into a doll made of hay. After performing the due poojas the Vaasthu Purushan was carried around the village and burnt off, thus warding off evil spirits from entering the village during the Vasanthotsavam.

Om Namo Bhagavathe Vasudevaya

GOVINDARAJAPURAM VARADARAJA PERUMAL TEMPLE -VASANTHOLSAVAM 2010 (26/04/2010 - 06/05/2010) NOTICE

GOVINDARAJAPURAM VARADARAJA PERUMAL TEMPLE -KUMBHABHISHEKAM DAY & VASANTHOLSAVAM 2010 (26/04/2010 - 06/05/2010)

Kumbhabhishekam Day 21.04.2010

The annual Kumbhabhishekam Day is falling on the 21^st of April this year. We plan to perform Kalababhishekam on this day at about 7.00 am. Usual deeparadhan will be performed after the abhishekam and Sri Bhoomi Sametha Sri Varadaraja Swamuy Ezhunnallippu will be performed at 9.00 am.

We invite you to partake the day’s activities and to receive the blessings of Lord Varadaraja Perumal on this day. For more details on the events please feel free to contact Mr Venkatesh @ 9846675495 or Mr Rajaram @ 9846540443.

Gridha Sahasradhara Abhishekam 26.04.2010

The annual Gridha Sahasradhara Abhishekam will be performed on 26.04.2010. Apart from the regular abhishekam, the Lord Varadaraja Perumal will be bathed with Clarified Butter (Ghee) on this day. About 40 kilo of clarified butter will be used for the abhishekam. The same shall be distributed to the devotees on demand. This kind of Abhishekam is performed for the welfare of the devotees. While to witness the abhishekam is a virtue by itself, if you get a chance to have the prasadam many of your ailments (Physical and spiritual) will vanish by the grace of the Lord Varadaraja Perumal.

Vasthushanthi will be performed at 6.30 pm as a forerunner for the Vasanthotsavam.

For more details on the events please feel free to contact Mr Venkatesh @ 9846675495 or Mr Rajaram @ 9846540443

1^st Day of Brahmotsavam 27.04.2010

Routine Abhishekam will be performed in the morning at 7.00 am. Dwajarohanam will mark the commencement of the Brahmotsavam and the same is scheduled at 8.30 am.

 The Utsavar will be taken in procession through the Agraharam on Hamsa Vahanam at about 8.30 Pm. While there are many interpretations to the term Hamsam in the spiritual context, one would be forced to remember the for of Swan which the lord assumed to impart the secrets of the universe and his own Glory to the Sanatkumaras. The same can be seen in Srimad Bhagavatham. The lord will assume the form of Hamsam to impart such profound knowledge to ardent devotees like you too.

Please participate on the day’s activities and receive the showers of grace from the Lord. For more details on the events please feel free to contact Mr Venkatesh @ 9846675495 or Mr Rajaram @ 9846540443

2^nd  Day of Brahmotsavam 28.04.2010

The morning routines will continue with the abhishekam and deeparadhana as on the previous day.

The Utsavar will be taken in procession on the Simha Vahanam on the second day. The Simham or Lion is the form which the Lord assumed to protect his most beloved devotee – Prahlada. Rest assured that when the Hiranyakasipus and Hiranyakshas of modern times try to touch you, the Lord will assume the form of Simham (Narasimham). Your part is only to participate on the day and display your devotion to the lord as Prahladacharya did ages ago.

Please participate on the day’s activities and receive the showers of grace from the Lord. For more details on the events please feel free to contact Mr Venkatesh @ 9846675495 or Mr Rajaram @ 9846540443

3rd  Day of Brahmotsavam 29.04.2010

The morning routines will continue with the abhishekam and deeparadhana as on the previous day.

The Utsavar will be taken in procession on the Hanumantha Vahanam. Those who are on the spiritual path, seeking out for a spiritual Guru, do please participate on this day. Rest assured that the lord will send you a proper spiritual guru so that you can easily attain his Padmacharanam.  Lord Hanuman crossed the ocean to assure Sita Matha that Lord Rama will arrive soon and deliver her from the hands of wicked Ravana. The same is the role of spiritual Guru who gives you a mantra or a Nama or suggests a Maarga to follow. He is actually assuring you that the lord will arrive soon Liberation is assured for you.

Please participate on the day’s activities and receive the showers of grace from the Lord. For more details on the events please feel free to contact Mr Venkatesh @ 9846675495 or Mr Rajaram @ 9846540443

4^th   Day of Brahmotsavam 30.04.2010

The morning routines will continue with the abhishekam and deeparadhana as on the previous day.

The Utsavar will be taken in procession on the Garuda Vahanam. Garuda is known as the Periya Thiruvadi in the Vaishnava Sampradayam. It indicates that if you are able to see the Lotus feet of Sri Hari, you will see Garuda there at his service, or if you are able to see Garuda, you can be assured that the Lord’s Thiruvadi is there only. Come and enjoy the procession of Lord Varadaraja Perumal on his favourite Garuda Vahanam and learn the most important practice of Bhakthi, - service at the Lotus feet of  Lord Sri Hari.

Please participate on the day’s activities and receive the showers of grace from the Lord. For more details on the events please feel free to contact Mr Venkatesh @ 9846675495 or Mr Rajaram @ 9846540443

5^th Day of Brahmotsavam 01.05.2010

The morning routines will continue with the abhishekam and deeparadhana as on the previous day.

We propose to perform the Thirukalyanam of Lord Varadaraja Perumal with Sri Devi and Bhoo Devi on this day. Let me inform you that this will be an abridged version, for those who had attended the Kalyanotsavam in the Month of December 2009. The muhurtham is between 10.30 to 11.30 am.

You will enjoy the classic kritis of Sri Annamacharya between 6.30 and 8.30 pm. The same will be rendered by Smt Sudha Rani.

The Utsavar will be taken in procession on the Aadhisesha Vahanam. Lord Aadisesha who is also known as Anantha is the symbolic representation of time infinite. Little is the knowledge of mortals like us, who believe that time is a phenomenon which happens in tandem with the rising and setting of sun. Of course it is also part of the phenomenon, but the true nature of time is Anantha. Come and relax yourselves at the Lotus feet of Lord Varadaraja Perumal, as he relaxes himself on the bed of Anantha.

Please participate on the day’s activities and receive the showers of grace from the Lord. For more details on the events please feel free to contact Mr Venkatesh @ 9846675495 or Mr Rajaram @ 9846540443

6^th Day of Brahmotsavam 02.05.2010

The morning routines will continue with the abhishekam and deeparadhana as on the previous day.

 You will enjoy the rendition of carnatic classical music by the Duo of Sruthi and Kruthika between 6.30 pm and 8.30 pm.

The Utsavar will be taken in procession on the Aana Vahanam. Aanai or the elephant is the symbol of surrender. When the Gajendra called out ‘Narayana Akhila Guro Bhagavn Namaste’

The lord rushed to the pond where the Crocodile was trying to devour Gajendra. The lord delivered Gajendra and the episode of Gajendra Moksham is well known to one and all. Rest assured, when the crocodile called samsara bites your feet in the pond called universe, you have a savior who will rush to your rescue on just uttering his name. Call out his name on this day at Govindarajapuram and ensure moksham for yourself.

Please participate on the day’s activities and receive the showers of grace from the Lord. For more details on the events please feel free to contact Mr Venkatesh @ 9846675495 or Mr Rajaram @ 9846540443

7^th Day of Brahmotsavam 03.05.2010

The morning routines will continue with the abhishekam and deeparadhana as on the previous day.

We propose to perform Manjaneer Vilayattu at 5pm.

You will enjoy listening to Master R Narayanan and Master Arjun Sambasivan (disciples of Mandolin U Srinivas) performing on the Keyborad. The Duo will be pouring Carnatic Calssical notes to the joy of your ears.

The Utsavar will be taken in procession on the PUSHPA PALLAKKU. Blessed are those flowers which adorn the lord and stay close to him. The flowers carry your prayers to the ears of the lord and are ever so dear to him. Come and enjoy the beautiful evening when the Lord will mount on his Pushpa Pallakku.

Please participate on the day’s activities and receive the showers of grace from the Lord. For more details on the events please feel free to contact Mr Venkatesh @ 9846675495 or Mr Rajaram @ 9846540443

 8^th Day of Brahmotsavam 04.05.2010

The morning routines will continue with the abhishekam and deeparadhana as on the previous day.

Special Kalabhabishekam will be performed on this day at about 8.00 am.

Kuthirayottam - Chakrathazhwar the lords Lieutenant will rush through the Agraharam to inspect the safety, ambience and comforts for the Lord’s Ratham to run on the next day. The youngsters of the Agraharam will be running with the – Chakrathazhwar (mounted on the Horse) on their shoulders.

The Utsavar will be taken in procession on the Kuthira Vahanam. Horse is the Vahanam of a Raja and what to say about Raajanukku Rajan. The Lord will mount on his Kuthira Vahanam to see his subjects on this day.

Please participate on the day’s activities and receive the showers of grace from the Lord. For more details on the events please feel free to contact Mr Venkatesh @ 9846675495 or Mr Rajaram @ 9846540443

9^th Day of Brahmotsavam 05.05.2010

The morning routines will continue with the abhishekam and deeparadhana starting at 6.00 am on this day.

Special Kalabhabishekam will be performed on this day at about 7.00 am.

A special Upanishath Parayanam will be recited at 7.30 am. On conclusion of this deeparadhanai will be performed and the Lord will mount on his Chariot at 9.00 am. The Ratham will do the Grama Pradakshinam and the Lord will then mount on the Poonther at 9.00 Pm in the evening. Whenever the Lord mounts his chariot it means only one thing, Dushta Nigraham and Sishta Paripalanam. He is mounting his chariot yet again for rescuing one and all from the bondages of the world, come and partake in the divinity which will be overflowing in and around Govindarajapuram on this auspicious day.

Please participate on the day’s activities and receive the showers of grace from the Lord. For more details on the events please feel free to contact Mr Venkatesh @ 9846675495 or Mr Rajaram @ 9846540443

10^th Day of Brahmotsavam 06.05.2010

Aaratu will be performed to the lord on the last and concluding day.

 

Dwaajaavarohanam will be performed soon after this marking the conclusion of 10 day Brahmotsavam celebrations.

A special abhishekam will be performed in the evening and Pallikai will immerse in the waters of the Holy Nila River. Offering of Mahanivedyam and Deeparadhanai the Lord Varadaraja Perumal will mark the end of 10 day long Vasanthotsavam.

Please participate on the day’s activities and receive the showers of grace from the Lord. For more details on the events please feel free to contact Mr Venkatesh @ 9846675495 or Mr Rajaram @ 9846540443

Sasthapreethi Photos

Sasthapreethi photos

Ananthakrishna Bhattacharyar Retires

17.01.2010

After 65 long years of service at the Varadaraja Perumal Temple, Govindarajapuram, Sri Ananthakrishna Bhattacharyar retired today. His retirement was voluntary. He requested the Grama Jana Samooham for some rest in this old age and his health has been a cause of worry for all of us.

After the customary Pooja in the morning the people from the village assembled to give him a wonderful farewell and to welcome the new Bhattacharyar. Sri Ramaseshan alias Rajaram alias Ravi Bhattacharyar, son of the much famous Ramamoorthy Bhattacharyar has taken the responsibility of serving Lord Varadaraja Perumal at the Govindarajapuram temple.

Sri Ananthakrishna Bhattacharyar was Garlanded and was showered with due respects. His services at the Temple were remembered and people fell at his feet for receiving his grace. He has been requested to guide the new incumbent and the villagers in keeping up the traditions and rituals. Sri Ananthakrishna Bhattacharyar has agreed to this.

Azhwar retires

Sri Ananthakrishna Bhattacharyar made a pradakshinam of the temple and was taken in procession to his home together to the accompaniment of ‘Vaadhya Melam’. It was a moment of emotions for all those who had assembled there. The memories of his services to the temple and the example he has set in the display of Hari Bhakthi will remain green in the memories of all those who were present.

Sri Ananthakrishna Bhattacharyar has lived to the name of Azhwar literally.

Om Namo Bhagavathe Vasudevaya.

Hare Rama Hare Rama Rama Rama Hare Hare

Hare Krishna Hare Krishna Krishna Krishna Hare Hare.

SRIMAD BHAGAVATHA SAPTHAHA YAJNAM - By Sri Ravi Kashyap

Bhagavatha Saptaham


Mahatmyam


After partaking in the events related with the Kalyanotsavam the devotees of Lord Varadaraja Perumal were filled with a thirst to hear the glorious stories related to the Lord and his exploits. The thirst is not an ordinary one which could be quenched with the sip of water. The thirst in these devotees can be aged back to millions of lives. Listening to Srimad Bhagavatham is the only way to quench the thirst.


Sri Ravi Kashyap, disciple of Sri Sri Muralidhara Swamigal of Maharanyam, was chosen to be the person who would quench the thirst of the Bhaktas at Govindarajapuram. Sri Ravi started of with the narration of Bhagavatha Mahatmyam.


He narrated that once when Sage Narada was visiting the earth, he wanted to have the Darshan of Lord Sri Hari at Various places. He traveled all along the Indian terrain and when he reached a place in North India he saw a lady who had traces of erstwhile beauty on her. With her were two men looking very aged and hardly able to stand up.


Sage Narada felt very compassionate and inquired her who she was. She introduced herself as Bhakti devi and further said that she was born in Dravida Desa. She was brought up in south India and married in the North Indian terrain. The two men were her children, Jnana and Vairagya. She further said that she was in this state because no one cared for her in this Kali yuga. As a result her sons also suffered and sought the asylum of Sage Narada.


With his divine vision Sage Narada advised to be present in a place where Stories of Sri Hari were sang and suggested her to be present in the place where Srimad Bhagavatham is narrated. She rushed to the place where Bhagavatham was about to be narrated, but the place was too crowded for her to find a seat. Yakshas, Kinnaras, Caranas,Gandharvas,Brahma and Siva together with all the devas were already present at the place. On seeing her plight sage Narada instructed her to take seat in the heart of the Bhaktas assembled and thus she took her seat in the hearts of the Bhaktas.


As the Bhagavatha sapthaham progressed, devi Bhakti gained her past glory and beauty and her children – Jnana and Vairagya grew stronger and brighter.


This was the highlight of the narration by Sri Ravi on the first day.


Hare Rama Hare Rama Rama Rama Hare Hare
Hare Krishna Hare Krishna Krishna Krishna Hare Hare.

Srimad Bhagavatham Day 2- 22/12/2009

The story of Jatabharathar was expounded in the moring session during parayanam.  The famous Kunthi stuthi and Bhishma stuthi were narrated to a thirsty audience in the evening.  Sri Ravi was describing the message given by sage Vyasa through Kunthi Stuthi and Bhishma Stuthi.

Kunthi stuthi is the song where Kunthi the mother of Pandavas extols Sri Krishna. Along with her praises she asks for troubles in life, since troubles are times when the lord comes to the rescue of a bhakta.

Bhishma in his stuthi praises the lord as the incarnation of Dharma itself and sings out the thousand names of the lord. His stuthi comes at the juncture where he is about to leave his mortal coils.

Srimad Bhagavatham Day 3 – 23/12/2009

Sri Narasimha avathara katha was narrated in the morning session during Parayanam.

The evening witnessed the beautiful exposition of Kapila Vasudeva charitram. Bhagavan Kapila an incarnation of Lord Vasudeva imparts Jnana to his mother devahuthi, who is so anxious to know the supreme Brahman. Blessed is the mother to whom the lord himself is born as a son and imparts Jnana. The lord explains the various system of yoga, the Sankhya, Karma,Jnana and Bhakthi marga to Devahuthi. Again the lord stresses the point that out of all these Margas the easiest one is to fix one’s sight on the Lord’s lotus feet and surrender one’s self to him. Devahuthi attains liberation after drinking the knowledge to her heart’s content.

Srimad Bhagavatham Day 4 – 24/12/2009

Shri Krishna Jananam was sung in the morning session during parayananm.

The story of Dhruva, dhruva charitram was narrated in the evening. The plight of 5 year old boy at the hands of his stepmother, his mental agony on being insulted while trying to sit on the lap of King – his father. The child develops vairagya owing to the insult and sets on for doing tapas. The determination of Child attracts sage Narada and he gives the child the sacred mantra of Sri Hari. With determination set in his heart like a rock, he starts his Tapas. Dhruva stopped taking food gradually and started living on air. At the end of the arduous Tapas Lord Sri Hari appears before him. Pleased at this devotion Sri hari bestows on him many riches and ask Dhruva to ask for a boon. Due to his Poorva sankalpam Dhruva asks for the status of King and Lord Sri Hari grants the same. On returning to his kingdom he gets a hero’s welcome and people flock around him and celebrate his arrival. His father was full of tears. Dhruva wins many war for his kingdoma dn fights for the devas as well. In due course he realizes that all these are nothing when compared to the Lotus feet of Sri Hari.

He again performs intense Tapas and attains the Lotus Feet of Sri Hari.

Srimad Bhagavatham Day 5 – 25/12/2009

Rugmini Swayamvaram was sung during the morning session. The parayanam was done by Sri Ravi Bhagavatha along with others.

Prahlada charitram, the story of the child who was initiated by Sage Narada while the child was still in the womb. The child was subjected to many tortures by his father himself, who was a strong antagonist of Sri Hari. The child displays the beauty of Hari Bhakthi and its strength. The child passes through many acid tests and at last when his father was bent upon killing the child, Sri Hari himself comes for the rescue of the child. When encountered by his father with a question whether Sri Hari will be present in the Pillar built by him, Prahlada the child devotee affirms. On hearing this the Asura king breaks the Pillar and Lo, comes out the Narasimha Moorthy in his full valour. He kills the Asura king with his bare hands and Prahlada extols him as Bhaktha Rakshakan.

The story of Gajendra moksham, the elephant which offered a lotus from the pond to the Lord Sri Hari saying Narayana Akhila Guro Bhagavan namasthe. The elephant when caught by an alligator in the Pond cries to Lord Sri Hari for rescue. Are we all not caught by the alligator of Karma in the Pond of Samsara. The story of Gajendra is a classic example for all of us to cry for rescue to none other than the Karunamoorthy, Sri Hari. Narayana Akhila Guro Bhavan Namasthe.

The story of Vamana Avatharam and Ambareesha charitham was also expounded after this.

Srimad Bhagavatham Day 6 – 26/12/2009

Hamsa Guhyam, the story of Lord Sri Hari imparting Jnana in the form of Hamsa, the divine Swan to the saintly brothers’ sanaka etc. was expounded during the morning session at Paarayanam.

The evening saw the narration of Sri Rama avatharam. The mission for the avathara was to show the world how to tread through the path of Dharma. Rama was the ideal for anything and everything. How to discharge the duties of a son, a husband, a king, a father, a brother and what not?  Sri Sri Muraidhara Swamiji would expound Rama as the Lord Sri Hari, Sita as the Jiva in the samsara chain and Hanuman as the Sadguru who brings message from the lord, that rescue is not far away. 

Shri Krishna Jananam was expounded after Sri Rama charitam. The lord due to his compassion and to keep his promise to Devaki in the previous birth is born at the Prison. Lord Sri Hari desisted himself from displaying his divine powers in the Rama avathara and played a role model on how a human being should live. In his present avathara as Shri Krishna he displayed his divine powers right from his birth.

A visit by Swami Sri Sachidananda Thirtha swamigal from Sri Chakra Mahameru Peetam, Bilaspur to the Temple today added to the serenity of the events. The devotees at Govindarajapuram got a darshan of this mahatma on this day.

Srimad Bhagavatham Day 7 – 27/12/2009

Parikshit moksham was narrated during the morning session at Paarayanam.

The story of Rugimini Kalyanam was narrated in the evening.  Though Rugmini the princess of Vidharbha wanted to marry Shri Krishna but her parents and brother have other plans. They intend to conduct a fake swayamvaram where King of Chedi Shishupala would marry her off in a pre arranged manner. Krishna had decided not to participate in the Swayamvaram, since he was not a formal prince. Offering silent prayers to Shri Krishna, Rugmini decides to end her life if Shri Krishna doesn’t come to her rescue.

Shri Krishna not only comes to her Rescue but marries her also in the Gandharva style by abducting her on her way to the Swayamvara hall. The lilas of Shri Krishna cannot be expounded in such a little space and hence let his message be our conclusion for the Srimad Bhagavatha Sapthaham.

Mam Ekam Saranam Vraja

Unjavrithy

20.12.2009

Unjavruthi: Unjavruthi was performed on Sunday the 20th of the December. The Lord gave an opportunity to the Bhaktas to wipe of their sins by donating Rice and Dakshina. The procession covered most part of Kalpathy and nearby Agaraharams.

Kalyanotsavam Pictures

Sasthapreethi 09 - Kalyanotsavam (16th - 19th Dec 2009)

Kalyanotsavam

16.12.2009

The sun god was eager to rise this morning as this was the day when his Lord’s betrothal is going to take place. The morning saw the sahasranama Laksharchana being performed in the temple.

The Nischayathamboolam  (betrothal) of the Lord and Sree Devi Bhoo Devi took place in the evening. The solemn word of Kanyakadanam of the the two devis to my Lord Varadaraja Perumal was performed. The four Vedas were recited on this auspicious occasion.

The lord was taken in procession through the agraharam for Jaanavaasam. At about eight o clock the Kappu Kettal ceremony started. It ended with the Kangana dharanam ( Kaappu Kettal) of the Lord and the devis at about 9.15 Pm.

The events came to a conclusion for the day and the devotees left for their respective homes with their soul enriched by the darshan of the lord and his Nischayathamboolam. Eagerness reflected in their eyes to witness the Kalyanotsavam of the Lord on 17^th.

Radhe Radhe

17.12.2009

7.00 a.m Abhishekam- After the previous day’s series of events Perumal was woken from his siesta to the tunes of Suprabhatham. The literature of suprabhatham sounded apt, as Brahma, Rudra, Devas, Kinnaras, Yakshas and other celestial beings waited upon him. Of course the Bhaktas of Lord Varadaraja Perumal were waiting upon him as well. The Abhishekam for the Perumal was performed with due ceremonies.

9.30 a.m. Resuming the events related with the Kalyanotsavam, Perumal was dressed In ‘Soman and Uttariyam’ for the ‘Paradesi Kolam’. At the appointed hour fixed by the Bhattacharyas, the Lord was taken in procession in the Paradesi Kolam. The parents of the Kanyakas stopped him in between his trip to Kasi, and promised him to give their daughters Sree Devi and Bhoo Devi to him. They gave their solemn promise about their daughters serving him for the lifetime, and to this Lord Varadaraja agreed and accepted the Asana earmarked for him.

The Maalai Matral followed and the Kanyaka dhanam and Mangalya dharanam took place subsequently. The people present were served with a sumptuous feast with Paayasanna and other delicacies. With this the Bhaktas could quench their thirst for the darshan of Perumals Kalyanotsavam and the hunger for his prasadam.

4.00 p.m. Vedaparayanam was rendered and samhitas from different Vedas were recited. The Lord was slowly invited to the stage since he was relaxing after his tiresome schedule for the past 3 days.

8.00 p.m. Oupasanam as part of the marriage celebrations was conducted and the Lord was extolled with Veda mantras and the Deeparadhana was performed.

18.12.2009

7.00 a.m. Abhishekam was performed to the tune of Vedaparayanam, and subsequent to that Oupasanam and Deeparadhana was performed as part of the Kalyanotsavam.

4.00 p.m. Vedaparayanam was performed; samhitas from the four Vedas were recited.

8.00 p.m. Once again Oupasanam and Deeparadhana was performed to the Lord before the Lord and his consorts were extolled with Mangalasasanam.

19.12.2009

7.00a.m.  As has become a custom for the last 3 days, Lord Varadaraja Perumal was performed with Abhishekam with due ceremonies, followed by Vedaparayanam.

9.00 a.m. The Lord was taken in Procession around the Agraharam on his favourite Garuda Vahanam, to meet his subjects.

Aavabridha Snanam was performed to the lord after his procession. The curtains were pulled down for the Veda parayanam, the Veda parayan samapthy was performed. The Veda parayanam performed for the last 4 days was concluded today and Deeparadhan was performed subsequent to that.

6.30 p.m. Deeparadhana was performed to the Lord. The Bhaktas offered their Kanikkais at the Lord’s Lotus feet when Aashirwadam was announced.

9.00 p.m The Lord was taken in procession throughout the Agraharam

Sasthapreethi - Cultural Programmes

Events @ a Glance

Events on 13.12.2009

Narayaneeya Dinam,

The day started with the waking up of Lord Varadaraja to the tunes of Suprabhatham. This was followed by abhishekam where the Lord was bathed and perfumed.

At 9 o clock in the morning the lord was extolled by reciting Vishnu Sahsranamam. This was the Prelude for the day of Narayaneeyam to start.

Sampoorna narayaneeyam was recited at the glorious temple of Lord Varadaraja Perumal between 9.30 am and 3.30 pm.

The evening came with a gentle breeze and as the day merged with the night and the color of crimson spread on the western skies, the shores of Nila the eternal river and consort of Lord Varadaraja Perumal witnessed the classical dance performance by 12 small children. They were tiny feet, but were determined ones. They were making even the hardest of the heart in the vicinity to melt and move with their graceful steps, what to ask about the Karunamurthy. The lord’s grace will definitely take care about the future of the tiny feet.

As the Curtain fell for the events of 13^th each and every bhaktha of the Lord, though not ready to move out of the place, felt enriched in their souls.

14.12.2009

At 6.30 Pm

It seems the skies of western sky on the previous night has narrated in detail, the glory of the Lords Vaibhavam, for today, there was even more accumulation of colors on the sky. The gentle breeze by the side of the river gave a soothing effect to the seekers of Lords lilas.

The lord was extolled with Ashtapadhi to the Tune of Edakkai. For those who have enjoy the Sopana Ganam at Guruvayur and Triprayar, this would be a treat to the ears. The ashtapadhi was all the more sweet through the rendition of Mr Balasubramanian and his wife. The Tala from Edakkai provided a perfect background.

Ashtapthi by Sri. Balasubramanian & Rajeshwari

As we came to the end of the day for events, one could hear the pounding of hearts anxious to witness the events of the upcoming day. One more day of events at Govindarajapuram Lord Varadaraja Perumal Temple came to an end.

15.12.2009

At 6.30 Pm

Nature had made its arrangements for the beautiful rendition of Thirupugazh by Thirupugazh Anbargal. Wow!! What a wonderful name for such a beautiful art. The anbargal under the leadership of Sri Balasubramaniam were simply awesome and the tunes of Thirupugazh, it seems made even the Lord himself enjoy.

Thiru Pugazal by Thirupugal Anbargal, Ambikapuram

Why not since the lord is known to be Parama Rasikan and Bhaktha Kuthuhalan. The events concluded well by the end of the day and bhakthas could not wait for the day ( 16.12.2009) when the Nischayathamboolam and Janavasam of Lord Varadaraja Perumal is going to take Place with Shree devi and Bhoo devi.

Hare Rama Hare Rama Rama Rama Hare Hare

Hare Krishna Hare Krishna Krishna Krishna Hare Hare.

Sadgurunath Maharaj Ki Jai.

Varadaraja Perumal Ki Jai.