Sri Siva Vishnu Temple 6905 Cipriano Road, Lanham MD Tel: (301) Fax: (301) Web Site:

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1 Sri Siva Vishnu Temple 6905 Cipriano Road, Lanham MD Tel: (301) Fax: (301) Web Site: Newsletter Vol 26, No. 9 ONAM Celebrations at SSVT September 2017 Mahalaya Paksham Onam (Sravana in Sanskrit) is also the day of Vamana Jayanti. It is on that day that Lord Vishnu took the form of a dwarf (Vamana) to suppress the ego of an otherwise good and popular king Mahabali (Grandson of Prahalada). The king loved his subjects very much and hence asked the Lord to allow him to visit his subjects once a year on that day. Hence this day is celebrated in Kerala as the return of their favorite king. The homes are beautifully decorated and there is an ambience of festivity everywhere in anticipation of the Return of the King. Boat races, floral decorations, cultural performances like Mohini Aattam, Kathakali, Chaakiyaar Koothu, music concerts are common during this festival. Some communities consider this to be the beginning of a new year. Temples in Kerala have special pujas on this day. 10:00 am Purvanga Puja, Anantapadmanabha Abhishekam, Vishnu Sahasranamam, Archana, Deeparadhana, Prasadam distribution Sponsorship: $ 25 The fortnight (15 days) preceding the Navaratri is known as Mahalaya Paksha or Pitr Paksha. This period is important for honoring our ancestors. Hindus offer their obeisance (Shraddha) to their ancestors and other loved ones who passed away during this 14 days period. The ceremony is performed as a Hiranya Shraddha, details of which are available in the temple. Due to the increasing awareness and faith in these rituals and to meet the needs of maximum number of devotees the temple is scheduling time slots of half hour duration for 3 or more hours per day during this fortnight. Please call the manager to reserve your slot. A donation of $95 which includes Dakshina to the priest applies for this ceremony. Sunday & Monday, September 3 & 4, 2017 Monday, September 4th (Labor Day holiday) Traditional Onam Sadhya lunch will be served, followed by cultural programs. GURU PRAVESAM Monday, September 11, 2017 at 19:22 Among the Nava-grahas (Nine heavenly bodies) the movement of Guru (Jupiter) and Sani (Saturn) are of special interest to us, as they are slower moving planets and have more noticeable effects. Guru normally makes a transit about once a year whereas Sani, the slowest takes about two and half years to do so. Sometimes the transits may occur more often because of the retrogressive movements of these grahas. While the Gochara (transit) of these heavenly bodies from one Raasi (zodiac sign) to another affects all Raasis either positively or negatively, we as beings realize the effects through our Chandra Raasi since Chandra represents our Manas (Mind). This year Guru makes a transit from the Raasi Kanya (Virgo) to Thula (Libra) on Monday, September 11 at 7:22 p.m. The effect of this transition is more pronounced for those undergoing the Guru Dasa. 9:30 am Ganapathi Homam, Navagraha Homam with special emphasis on Guru, Navagraha Abhishekam, Archana to Lord Dakshinamurthy & Guru, Deeparadhana 12:00 pm Prasadam distribution 7:30 pm Special Navagraha and Dakshinamurthi Archana. Sponsorship: $ 25 Devotees can recite the Brihaspati Stotram given below to get the blessings of Guru and can also recite the Navagraha stotram provided in the SSVT Prayer Book to mitigate Navagraha Doshas. Wednesday, September 6 - Tuesday, September 19, 2017 SARPABALI Sunday, September 17, 2017 Sarpabali is the worship of 55 divine snakes (including Siva s Vasuki and Vishnu s Adisesha) to ward off the bad effects of Sarpa Dosha, to help mitigate and eradicate the problems of skin diseases, to help people in search of life partners find suitable spouses, for progeny (Putra Bhaagyam) and for the overall wellbeing of all. (Sarpa Dosha may be present due to harm done to snakes and other reptiles in the past births and due to other causes. Sarpa Dosha is recognized when all the other grahas in one s horoscope lie between Raahu and Ketu. Sarpa Dosha is often a reason for late marriages). Turmeric powder, rice, milk, coconuts, fruits and flowers are the ingredients generally brought by devotees for Sarpabali. For the ingredients to be included in the Puja, they must be given to the priest before the Puja starts. Sankalpam for the Puja (when devotees can mention to the priest the problems to be overcome or desires to be fulfilled) will begin at 6:30 pm. Sarpabali Puja will be performed in the Kerala Tantric style from 7:00 to 8:30 pm. 6:30 pm Sankalpam (when devotees can mention to the priest the problems to be overcome or desires to be fulfilled) 7:00 pm Sarpabali Puja Sponsorship: $35 SHARADA NAVARATRI Wednesday, September 20 - Saturday, September 30, 2017 Brihaspati Stotram: Devaanaam Cha Risheenaam Cha Gurum Kaanchana Sannibham Bhuddhi Bhootam Trilokesham Tam Namaami BRIHASPATIM. Sri Jayanti Tuesday, September 12, :00 am Kalasa Puja, Sri Krishna Abhishekam, Divya Prabandha Paarayanam, Archana, Deeparadhana, Prasadam 11:30 am Sponsorship: Abhishekam $25 Sarada Navaratri, as it is called since it occurs during the fall season (Sharad Ritu) is one of the most popular Hindu festivals spanning a period of nine nights. The Goddess in the form of the Universal Mother is (Continued on page 3) 1

2 2 September 2017 Fri 1 10:00 AM Durga Abhishekam 7:00 PM Ananthapadmanabha Abhishekam (Ekadasi) Sat 2 4:00 PM Srinivasa Kalyanam Sun 3 10:00 AM Utsava Srinivas Abhishekam (Sravana) 10:00 AM ONAM (see details) 10:30 AM Puja by Children 4:00 PM Siva Abhishekam (Maha Pradosham) Mon 4 10:00 AM Nataraja Abhishekam Tue 5 7:00 PM Satyanarayana Puja (Poornima) Wed 6 Mahalaya Paksham Begins Fri 8 10:00 AM Mahalakshmi Abhishekam Sat 9 9:30 AM Ganapathi Homam (Sankatahara Chaturthi) 4:00 PM Ganesha Abhishekam (Sankatahara Chaturthi) Mon 11 9:30 AM Guru Pravesam (see details) 10:00 AM Subrahmanya Abhishekam (Shashti) (Krittika) Tue 12 10:00 AM Krishna Abhishekam (Rohini) Sri Jayanti (See Details) Fri 15 10:00 AM Sarada Abhishekam 10:00 AM Rama Abhishekam (Punarvasu) 7:15 PM Bhagawati Seva Sat 16 4:00 PM Ananthapadmanabha Abhishekam (Ekadasi) Sun 17 10:00 AM Ayyappa Puja 4:00 PM Siva Abhishekam (Maha Pradosham) 4:00 PM Sarpabali Tue 19 10:00 AM Andal Abhishekam (Poorvaphalguni) Mahalayapaksha Amavasya Wed 20 10:00 AM Ayyappa Puja (Uttaraphalguni) Sharada Navaratri Begins (See Details) Fri 22 10:00 AM Parvati Abhishekam Sat 23 9:30 AM Ganapathi Homam & Ganesha Abhishekam (Chaturthi) 9:30 AM Sudarsana / Yoganarasimha Homam 4:00 PM Sudarsana / Yoga Narasimha Abhishekam Sun 24 7:00 AM Chandi Homam 9:30 AM Navagraha Homam & Abhishekam 10:00 AM Utsava Subramanya Abhishekam (Visakha) Mon 25 10:00 AM Subramanya Abhishekam (Shashti) Wed 27 10:00 AM Anjaneya Abhishekam (Moola) Thu 28 Durga Ashtami Fri 29 9:30 AM Sharada Abhishekam Saraswati Pooja (Maha Navami) Sat 30 Vijaya Dasami Sharada Navaratri Concludes RELIGIOUS CALENDAR October 2017 Sun 1 Sri Venkateswara Jayanthi (See Details) 4:00 PM Ananthapadmanabha Abhishekam (Ekadasi) Mon 2 7:00 PM Siva Abhishekam (Pradosham) Wed 4 10:00 AM Nataraja Abhishekam 7:00 PM Satyanarayana Puja (Poornima) Fri 6 10:00 AM Mahalakshmi Abhishekam Sat 7 4:00 PM Srinivasa Kalyanam Sun 8 9:30 AM Ganapathi Homam (Sankatahara Chaturthi) 10:00 AM Utsava Subramanya Abhishekam (Krittika) 4:00 PM Ganesha Abhishekam (Sankatahara Chaturthi) Karwa Chauth Mon 9 10:00 AM Krishna Abhishekam (Rohini) Tue 10 10:00 AM Subramanya Abhishekam (Sashti) Thu 12 10:00 AM Rama Abhishekam (Punarvasu) Fri 13 10:00 AM Sharada Abhishekam Sun 15 10:00 AM Ayyappa Puja 4:00 PM Ananthapadmanabha Abhishekam (Ekadasi) Mon 16 10:00 AM Andal abhishekam (Purvaphalguni) 7:00 PM Siva Abhishekam (Pradosham) Dhanteras Rest of October in the next newsletter DAILY & WEEKLY ABHISHEKAMS Daily Abhishekams Daily: 9:30 AM Ayyappa, Anantha Padmanabha 10:00 AM Siva Weekly Abhishekams Monday: 9:30 AM Ganesha, Sri Rama Tuesday: 9:30 AM Durga, Anjaneya Wednesday: 9:30 AM Andal, Sarada, Navagrahas Thursday: 9:30 AM Krishna, Subrahmanya Friday: 9:30 AM Mahalakshmi, Parvati, Sudarsana/Yoga Narasimha Saturday: 10:15 AM Venkateswara Temple Hours: Monday through Friday: 9:00 AM - 1:00 PM and 5:00 PM - 9:00 PM (except for special events); Saturday, Sunday, & Holidays: 9:00 AM - 9:00 PM Sari Sale on Saturday, September 2, 2017, 10:00 am-6:00 pm Saris that adorned the deities will be available for devotees to purchase on Saturday, September 2, 2017, 10:00 am-6:00 pm. SSVT Fall Fest Saturday September 16, 2017, 11:00 AM to 7:00 PM ADMISSION FREE (Tickets for Food Only) Delicacies like Masala Dosa, Mirchi Bajji, Bhel Puri, Puri Chole, & Ice Cream Vendors for Sarees, Jewelry, and Clothing Light Music & Dance Performances in the auditorium 1:00 PM For further information contact Manager: Event Contact: Anu Iyer: ; Vijaya Reddy: BUY EARLY AND SAVE! DISCOUNT BOOK OF $6 FOR $5 Available at Temple Manager s Office August 10th, 2017 AMPLE PARKING AT THE NEW PARKING LOT

3 SHARADA NAVARATRI (Continued from page 1) Wednesday, September 20 - Saturday, September 30, 2017 commonly worshipped during the nine nights and ten days and hence it is also known by the name of Devi Navaratri. Three aspects of the Divine Mother, namely Durga, Lakshmi and Saraswati are worshipped during the nine nights, the tenth day being celebrated as Vijaya Dasami. It is considered auspicious to start new ventures, especially in the field of education, on Vijaya Dasami. Reading the Durga SaptaSati (also known as Devi Mahaatmyam) and Ramayanam is also common during the Navaratri. Special Pujas are scheduled in the temple during the ten days. Devotees are encouraged to participate personally in the Sahasranama Archana daily. (Sponsorship is not a requirement for participation in this archana) Daily Program: 11:00 am Lalitha Trishati Archana, Durga Sapta Shati (Devi Mahaatmyam) Parayanam (8:00 am on Saturday) 5:00 pm Sundara Kanda (Valmiki) Parayanam 7:15 pm Lalitha Sahasranama Archana, Deepaaradhana, MahishasuraMardini Stotram, Devi Namaskaram (6:00 pm on Saturday and Sundays) 8:45 pm Prasadam Distribution (7:30 pm on Saturday & Sundays) Special Program: Wednesday, September 20, :00 am Ganesha Puja, Purvanga Puja, Kalasa Sthapanam, Durga Avahanam 9:30 am Medha Sukta Homam, Abhishekam to Sarada and Deeparadhana Thursday September 21, :30 am Durga Suka Homam, Abhishekam to Durga Friday September 22, :30 am Lalitha Sahasranama Homam, Abhishekam to Parvati & Mahalakshmi Saturday, September 23, :30 am Devi Moolamantra Homam, Abhishekam to Sarada Sunday, September 24, :00 am CHANDI HOMAM 11:30 am Suvasini, Kanya & Bhairava Puja, Abhishekam to Durga 1 5 pm Devotional Music by Devotees Monday, September 25, :30 am Devi Pancha Sukta Homam, Abhishekam to Parvati Tuesday, September 26, :30 am Durga Moola Mantra Homam, Abhishekam to Durga Wednesday, September 27, :30 am Bhoo Sooktha Homam, Abhishekam to Andal Thursday, September 28, 2017 (Durgashtami) 9:30 am Devi Gayathri Homam, and Abhishekam to Durga Friday, September 29, 2017 (Mahanavami - Saraswati Puja) 9:30 am Sri Sukta Homam, Abhishekam to Lakshmi 9.30 am Abhishekam to Sharada Saturday, September 30, 2017 (Vijaya Dasami) 9:30 am Devi Moolamantra Homam, Abhishekam to Durga, Lakshmi and Sharada, Conclusion of Sundara Kanda Parayanam 10:00 am SRI RAMA PATTAABHISHEKAM 10:30 am Vidya Aarambham for Children (am Session) 11:30 am Devi Navaratri Concluding Pujas. 6:00 pm Vidya Aarambham for Children (pm Session) Sponsorship: One-day Abhishekam $25 per deity; One-day Homam $ 25; Suvasini Puja $51; Kanya Puja $ 51; Bhairava Puja $51; Sundara Kanda Parayanam & Sri Rama Pattabhishekam $51; Sri Rama Pattabhishekam $ 25; Durga Sapta Shati Parayanam $51; Vidya Arambham $ 25 Sahasranama Archana $15; Entire Navaratri Celebration $151 Gowri Puja (Bathukamma Puja) Sunday September 24, 2017 at 3:00 PM Bathukamma festival is celebrated for nine days during navrathri, starting on Mahalaya Amavasya and ends on Ashwayuja Ashtami (also called Pedha/Sadhula Bathukamma ). Bathukamma in Telugu, is to ask the Goddess to come Alive. Goddess Gowri killed Mahishasura the demon after a fierce fight. After this act, she went to sleep on the Aswayuja Padyami, due to fatigue. The devotees prayed to her to wake up, and she woke up on the Dasami. The other being Bathukamma, as the daughter of the Chola King Dharmangada and Satyavati. The king and queen lost their 100 sons in the battlefield and prayed to Goddess Lakshmi to be born in their house, as their child. Goddess Lakshmi heard their sincere prayers and chose to oblige them. When Lakshmi was born in the royal palace, all the sages came to bless her and they blessed her with immortality Bathukamma or Live Forever Preparing a Bathukamma is a folk art. Women start preparing Bathukamma from the afternoon. They cut the flowers leaving the little length base and arrange them on a wide plate called Thambalam,and stack them up in a conical mound, decorated with a Lotus or Pumpkin flower on top of the stack along with Gowramma (a symbolic idol of Gowri made of turmeric). On this special occasion women dress up in traditional saree combining it with jewels. In the evening, women gather in large number with their Bathukammas in open place and starts singing by clapping their hands and revolving around the Bathukammas. Gowramma (Gowri made of turmeric) is taken back from Bathukamma before immersion and every married woman applies a paste of this, on her Mangala sutra that marks the solemnization of her marriage and also her husband is protected from all evils and ill fate. Sri Venkateswara Jayanthi Sri Vedanta Desika Jayanthi Sunday, October 01, 2017 The incarnation of Lord Vishnu in the form of Venkateswara occurred on Vijaya Dasami day on Sravana Nakshatra. This day is celebrated as Venkateswara Jayanti. The day is also the Jayanthi of Sri Vedanta Desika 8.00 am Suprabhatam 8.30 am Kalasa Puja, Utsava Srinivasa Abhishekam (Sravana), Sri Vedanta Desika Acharya Aradhana, Recitation of Stotras composed by the Acharya, Sahasranama Parayanam Sponsorship: $25 Manjal Neeratu Sunday, October 1, 2017, 10:30 AM SSVT is conducting a unique and rare puja by women of all ages following the Kerala traditions called Manjal Neeraattu on Sunday, October 1, 2017 at 10:30 AM. The kalasas will be filled with holy water mixed with turmeric (tiruchandanam), and will be carried by women through the 18 holy steps to the Ayyappa sanctum. Special Abhishekam with the sanctified waters from the individual kalasas will be conducted to Swami Ayyappa. Families are encouraged to bring their own kalasas which will be sanctified by the priests and duly returned back after the Abhishekam. Register at the front desk or by calling the Temple. Sponsorship: $25 3

4 SRI MEDHA VIDYAA VAARIDHI MAHOTSAVAM Celebrating the Vast Ocean of Learning Friday, October 6 - Sunday, October 15, 2017 Sri Siva Vishnu Temple is celebrating all aspects of learning with the Sri Medha Vidyaa Vaaridhi Mahotsavam. In the Hindu pantheon of Gods, education is the focus of Lord Ganesha, Goddess Saraswati (Medha), Lord Hayagreeva and Lord Dakshinamurthy. Prayers and worship of these Gods will enhance all forms of knowledge: worldly knowledge (Loukika) and spiritual knowledge (Paaramaarthika). Lord Ganesha is the remover of obstacles and was the first scribe in history, writing the Mahabharatha as dictated by Sage Veda Vyasa. Goddess Saraswati is the devata most associated with knowledge and with her blessings, the Sanskrit poet and playwright Kalidasa, became a genius. Lord Hayagreeva, an incarnation of Lord Vishnu, restored the Vedas when it was being corrupted by adharmic forces. He is worshipped as the first teacher of Vedas. Lord Dakshinamurthy, an aspect of Lord Shiva, is a guru of all types of knowledge. This aspect of Lord Shiva is his personification as the ultimate awareness, understanding and knowledge. The Sri Medha Vidyaa Vaaridhi Mahotsavam will have different poojas and homas for the four Gods of Education. In addition to the poojas, educational programs about Hinduism, Vedas and Upanishads will be woven into the celebrations. Each of the major poojas will have a short introductory talk in the beginning and a Q&A session at the end. This will enable all devotees and in particular, young adults and children, to understand their significance. There will also be seminars and lectures on various aspects of Sanatana Dharma. As a significant commitment to continuing education, SSVT is planning to launch the Center for Innovation and Dharma Education- an innovative way to provide best-in-class teachers from around the world. This is to keep Sanatana Dharma and SSVT relevant for future generations. Ekam Sat, Vipra Bahudha Vadanti The truth is one, but expressed differently 4 Lord Ganesha Goddess Saraswati Lord Hayagreeva Lord Dakshinamurthy Akshaya Vata will also be launched during the Mahotsavam at 8812 Orbit Lane (across from the temple campus). This dedicated facility will allow all Hindus to honor their ancestors by performing last rights and offering oblations on important occasions, per our Dharmic traditions Mahotsavam Curtain Raiser Program Day Date Time Event Sunday 9/24/ :00 PM Gita Chanting Competition Saturday 9/30/ :00 AM Education Seminar: Inquiry into Hindu Education - Presentations and Panel discussions Sunday 10/1/ :00 AM Panel Discussion by Music Teachers and Students: Music and Education Sunday 10/1/ :00 PM Education Seminar: Yoga in Education of Dharma - Presentations and Panel discussions

5 Mahotsavam Religious, Cultural & Educational Program Day Date Time Event Friday 10/6/2017 Evening Poorvanga Pooja by all Priests Saturday 10/7/ :00 AM Ganapati, Saraswati, Dakshinamurthy Pooja by Children and Devotees 6:00 PM Sri Lakshmi Hayagreeva Stotra Parayanam All Day Children s Carnatic Music Competition Sunday 10/8/ :00 AM Vidhya Ganapati Homam Ganapati Abhishekam 03:00 PM Grand Vocal Concert by Sanjay Subramaniam 6:00 PM Sri Lakshmi Sahasranama Stotra Parayanam Monday 10/9/ :00 AM Shodasha Ganapati Moola Mantra Homam 6:00 PM Sri Ganapati Sahasranama Archana Tuesday 10/10/ :00 AM Sri Vishvaksena Homam Sri Vainatheya Homam Sri Lakshmi Hayagreeva homam 7:00 PM Nama Ramayanam, Hanuman Chaleesa Wednesday 10/11/ :00 AM Sri Saraswati Moola Mantra Homam 6:30 PM Sri Sharada Trishati Archana Thursday 10/12/ :30 AM Sri Hayagreeva Homam 7:00 PM Sri Vayu Stuti Parayanam Friday 10/13/ :00 AM Sri Medha Dakshinamurthy Moola Mantra Homam 6:30 PM Sri Dakshinamurthy Japam & Sri Dakshinamurthy Stotra Parayanam by Devotees Saturday 10/14/2017 9:30 AM Sri Sudarshana Homam Sri Veda Narayana Moola Mantra Homam Sri Lakshmi Hayagreeva Moola Mantra Homam 11:00 AM Jnana BeejAkshara Upadesam for Children 5:00 PM Sri Lakshmi Hayagreeva Stotra Parayanam Sri Brahma Sutra Parayanam 10:00 AM Panel Discussion by Dance Teachers on Dance and Education 07:00 PM Naama Samkirtanam Sunday 10/15/ :00 AM Sarva Devata Gayatri Homam Utsava Murthy Rathotsavam by Devotees 10:00 AM Seminar: Hinduism in Every day life - Presentations and Panel discussion by Scholars 01:00 PM Harikatha on Lord Ganesh by Young artist Karthik Subramaniam DEEPAVALI Wednesday, October 18, 2017 Deepavali falls on Wednesday, October 18 th this year. In keeping with the tradition there will be a Lakshmi-Kubera puja by devotees followed by Fireworks at sundown. 6:30 pm Mahalakshmi Puja After Sunset: FIREWORKS Sponsorship: $25 5

6 6 Program SSVT EDUCATION PROGRAMS Learn More about Your Roots & Culture Balavidyalayam Children s Educational Program: Dr. Aparna Ramaswamy - 10:00am 11:30am Using a strong program built on Samskritha verses, Indian mythology, bhajans, dance, kolam art & games, teachers inspire students to inquire into their cultural & social relevance. Balavidyalayam educates children over 5 years of age about Hindu practices, teaching how to incorporate concepts of dharma and truth in their everyday life in the US. Please enroll your student for Fall classes at Bhagavad Geeta Classes for Adults with Guided Meditation: Smt. Padmini Thotapally - 9:15am 10:30am The Bhagavad Gita is a doctrine of universal truth. It is a part of the scriptural trinity of Sanatana Dharma. The Gita deals with the most sacred metaphysical science as it imparts the knowledge of the self and answers two universal questions: Who am I? How can I lead a happy and peaceful life in this world of dualities? Bhagavatam for Adults: Dr. Thaila Ramanathan - 3:30pm 5:00pm Bhagavatam is considered the purnaana tilakam, vaishnavaanaam dhanam, bhkti, jnaana, vairaaghya pradaayakam. The pancama skandham in the Bharata Rahoogana Savaadam is presently discussed in class, along with word meanings, its explanation and significance. Upanishads for Adults: Dr. Pradeep Kamath - 2nd 12:00pm 1:30pm All ten principal Upanishads - isha, kena, katha, taittiriiya, aitareya, mundaka, maandukya, prashna, chaandogya and brhdaaranyaka are considered from different perspectives. When discussing a Upanishad, often related verses are invoked - from the Bhagavad-Giita, and sometimes even the aphorisms from the Brahma Suutras. After each session, written material is provided to all attendees. Weekend Yoga: Dr. Rajan Narayanan - 7:30am 10:30am While traditionally yoga is thought as an art and philosophy of the nature of existence and connecting with the source of all, recent development of science in the area of coherence of matter makes yoga measurable and scientific as well. Our Saturday sessions bring this regular practice that is accessible to all: young and old, healthy or otherwise. Please walk-in any Saturday. No prior reservation is needed. The practices are gentle in nature within the capacity of most individuals. It consists of physical, breath, sound vibrations, affirmations and meditative observation. Midweek Yoga: Shri Shrikant Sabnis - 6:30pm 8:00pm This is gentle yoga class for all levels and age groups with modifications for advanced practitioners. The class includes asana-s of all types; forward bend, backward bend, twist, balancing, strengthening, inversions etc. Also included are powerful breathing techniques, energy center cleansing techniques, relaxation, and mantra chanting for spiritual growth. The class is taught by a certified yoga teacher. Spoken Samskritham Beginners Class: Shri. Raviprakash - 2:00pm -3:30pm No prior knowledge of Samskritam required. Emphasis is on learning through speaking. Upon completion, a student will be able to converse in simple sentences and recognize some language structure in sanskrit shlokas. Spoken Samskritham Level-2 Class: Smt. Savithri Devaraj - 10:30am 12:00 noon Builds on the foundation of beginners class. Elements of grammar, further conversation and written skills are emphasized in this class. SAT Class: Shri. Chandra Sekaran - 1st & 3rd 3pm 5pm Meets every month on the 1st and 3rd Sundays. Students are encouraged to sign-up for guidance on SAT preparation. Classes are organized into two semesters: September - January and February - June. Tripura Rahasya: Shri. Kavi Rao Vajjhala - 2nd 2:00pm Tripura Rahasya is a secret doctrine that describes several stories of the manifestation of the Universal divine mother, as disclosed to Dattatreya. The shloka-s are in Sanskrit, and their meanings are translated into English for the benefit of all the listeners. The next class meets on March 12th and students will be informed of future meetings in class. SSVT Education Symposium Saturday, September 30, 2017 (Vijayadashami), 11:00 am - 2:00 SSVT auditorium Inquiry into Hindu religious writings - going beyond content to emphasize a Hindu educational approach Panel Discussion & Presentations by Scholars, Devotees, and Students For details see Flyer on page 7 ALL EDUCATION CLASSES ARE FREE. Contact information for all education programs: education@ssvt.org

7 Sri. Jayakrishna Nelamangala 7

8 Educators Hail Transformative Experience at Third Annual Teach India Workshop Washington, DC (August 14, 2017) Middle and high school teachers from Maryland, DC, and Virginia immersed themselves last week in India s spiritual and cultural history at the third annual Teach India workshop organized by the Hindu American Foundation (HAF) and California State University Long Beach. The weeklong workshop, hosted at the Sri Siva Vishnu Temple in Lanham, MD, explored the development of India s spiritual and cultural traditions from ancient times to the modern era. Co-sponsored by the SSVT and the United Jain Hindu Temples of Washington, DC, the workshop focused on how educators could better teach about the rich and diverse spiritual history of the Indian subcontinent. Featuring HAF s acclaimed Hinduism 101 effort and keynote lectures by renowned Hindu theologian Graham Schweig, the sessions also included peer-led working groups facilitated by HAF Teachers Advisory Council members Chris Murray and Julia Berg. The workshop included site visits to the Guru Gobind Singh Foundation (which included a Sikhism 101 led by Sikh Kid 2 Kid) and the Diyanet Center of America. This year s workshop was the most comprehensive we ve done, and it seemed to have a lasting impact on the participants, said Murali Balaji, HAF s director of education and curriculum reform. The SSVT once again provided incredible hospitality, and we re thankful to have had the help of 8 partners like Sikh Kid 2 Kid in giving teachers a holistic view of teaching about India s cultural and spiritual history. Balaji, California State University Long Beach senior lecturer Tim Keirn and Cal Poly Pomona professor Dave Neumann facilitated the workshop, which has grown every year since it started in Teachers said they were able to better develop lesson plans and teaching approaches, especially on Hinduism, allowing them to maximize cultural competency. The workshop culminated with a Saturday tour of the Sri Siva Vishnu Temple, one of the oldest and most prominent temples in the United States. The experiences coupled with the amazing presenters created such a rich and full understanding of the materials that I will use frequently in many different areas of a survey works history class, said one participant. It was honestly the best professional development I have attended, another participant added. I am really excited to incorporate what I learned into both my world history and anthropology classes. Teach India is one of HAF s featured education programs, and builds upon the partnerships between HAF, universities, education organizations, and the community. For more information about the program, or to host a similar workshop in your metro area, contact education@hafsite.org. Akshaya Vata Arambha (06 Sep 2017) SSVT is announcing the launch of Akshaya Vata (Eternal Banyan Tree), a unique and important endeavor that will facilitate the needs of the Hindu community in providing platform, structure, infrastructure, mechanism, services, guidance and resources in honoring and acknowledging our ancestors/ forefathers. This is will be our Wave # 1 launch of the many waves to come in this important, complex endeavor. This service will be available to the Hindu community across the country and the National Capital Region (NCR) in particular. Wednesday, 06 Sep 2017 marks the beginning of Mahalaya Paksham (also referred as Pitri or Pitru Paksha). We will be launching this important and needed service to our community in the National Capital Region (NCR) effective Mahalaya Paksham. Mahalaya Paksham will be observed from Wednesday, 06 Sep 2017 through Tuesday, 19 Sep 2017 (both days inclusive). It is an important and required observation of all Hindus, expressing their gratitude for all those generations of ancestors who lived before us. Akshaya Vata (Eternal banyan tree) provides a holistic platform for our community in providing the facility, resources including not limited to priestly services, guidance and materials needed to perform. We give great importance to our dharmic tradition, unique way of remembrance, thanks giving and celebration of life. Our endeavor is to provide two distinct facilities Paschima Gaya (Paścimā gaya méí ÉqÉ aéréé) & Paschima Kashi (Paścimā Kāśi méí ÉqÉ MüÉÍzÉ) for Pitru Karma & Apara Karma respectively. Akshaya Vata is located at 8812 Orbit Lane Lanham MD This is an important and essential project for the temple and the community. Your support, help, participation and contribution will be greatly appreciated. If you need additional information and want to discuss further, Please reach out to : : ssvt@ssvt.org and/or Angarai Venkat : angaraivenkatsubramanian@gmail.com SSVT COMMUNITY SERVICE Homeless SEVA, Sandwich Program, Second Saturdays, 2017 Each month, on the 2nd Saturday, volunteers make sandwiches for the homeless. Every time, roughly about 1500 sandwiches are prepared and delivered to Martha s Table, a DC shelter. SSVT encourages all devotees especially youth to participate in the program. Please be at the Temple at 10:30 am. Devotees can sponsor this program by donating $175 to SSVT. For additional information, please send to Jaithm@gmail.com, Tribhuvannath Mishra, Contact Phone number SSVT SENIOR CITIZENS MEET UP The SSVT Senior Citizens Group meets twice a month on the second and fourth Wednesday in the Education room from 11 am to 1 pm followed by a potluck lunch in the cafeteria. We invite all seniors 55+ to join us at the meetings and share our seniors-related common interests. We invite speakers from within and outside the group to talk on topics of interest to senior citizens, such as those related to health, religion, finance, legal matters. vacation travel, etc. We also hold programs such as music & comedy, picnics and bus trips which would help promote social interaction between members of the group. For more information please contact: Sudarshan Gupta at or Sudarshan_gupta@yahoo.com, Satish Bhandari at or seniorcitizensgroup@gmail.com, Sharan Prasad at or prasadsharan@ymail.com, Ramesh Godbole at or rameshgodbole@yahoo.com. Sri Shirdi Sai Baba Bhajans at SSVT Sri Shirdi Sai Baba Bhajans will be held at SSVT every First Thursday of each month at 7:00 p.m. To participate or for more information please contact: Shobha Prasad ; Sridevi Umesh ; Srini Tirumalasetti ; Rohini Homnappa ; Sujatha Badrinath COMMUNITY ANNOUNCEMENT Information Meeting about Opportunities at the New Amrita Hospital Faridabad, (Delhi NCR) September 17, 2017, 4:00 pm to 6:00 pm Amrita Hospital Faridabad (Delhi NCR), India, is a brand new 2200 bed state-of-the-art tertiary-care teaching hospital, which is under construction and scheduled to open in late This is to cordially invite you to attend an information meeting to explore exciting opportunities with new hospital. The information meeting for the Washington DC Metropolitan Area will be held on September 17, 2017, and led by Dr. Prem Nair, Medical Director, Amrita Hospital Kochi. The meeting is aimed at helping recruit highly qualified physicians and other allied healthcare and support personnel (RN s, nutritionists, pharmacists, IT professionals, physiotherapists, etc.) for the new hospital. For more information on Amrita Hospitals, please visit amritahospitals.org/. To attend the information meeting in the Washington DC area, please RSVP to the local coordinator at washdc@amritahospitals. com. You will receive a reply with meeting location and time.

9 SRI MEDHA VIDYAA VAARIDHI MAHOTSAVAM 9

10 Sri Siva Vishnu Temple 6905 Cipriano Road, Lanham MD Tel: (301) Fax: (301) Web Site: SSVT Cultural Committee cordially Invite you to celebrate Devi Navarathri in the Traditional mode with Music and Dance at SSVT Date: Sunday, 17 th September, AM Onwards Venue: SSVT Auditorium SONGS ON DEVI 11 AM - 4 PM Multiple Artistes ADMISSION FREE GARBHA DANCE Auditorium 5:00 PM Onward. ADMISSION: $10 Per Person, Payable at the Door. Dandiyas (Dance Sticks) will be provided and the Dance Steps Demonstrated So all can join in. 10 For further information and to get updates for cultural events, contact: SSVT Cultural: cultural.ssvt@gmail.com

11 Sri Siva Vishnu Temple 6905 Cipriano Road, Lanham MD Tel: (301) Fax: (301) Web Site: Eleventh Annual Swathi Thirunal Festival Sri Padmanabhaswamy Temple Thiruvananthapuram Maharaja Swathi Thirunal Saturday, September 23, :30 am to 8:30 pm, SSVT Auditorium Individual and Group Singing Mini Concerts Dances Based on Swathi Thirunal Compositions ************************ Grand EVENING Music Concert Sri. Hari Kappiyoor Accompanied by Sri. Srikanth Mallajosyula on Violin Sri.Venupuri Srinivas on Mrdangam Samyukta Sreeram on Ghatam *********************** For details please call or M.G Menon / menonmg@hotmail.com Prabhakar Thyagarajan / prabhakar.thyagarajan@gmail.com Admission to Festival: Free Donations Welcome Sri Anantha Padmanabhaswamy 11

12 UPCOMING CULTURAL EVENTS Date & Time Event / Artist Venue & Admission Fee Sunday, September 17, AM 5 PM 5 PM onwards SSVT Auditorium Admission Free, Donations Welcome See Flyer/ web for details Saturday, September 23, AM 9 PM Navarathri Special - Devi Kritis by Various Performers Garbha Dancing Ticketed Event Eleventh Annual Swathi Thirunal Festival SSVT Auditorium Admission Free, Donations Welcome See Flyer/ web for details Saturday, October 07, AM 2 PM Sunday, October 08, PM Saturday, October 14, PM - 1:30 PM Sunday, October 15, PM - 3 PM Children s Carnatic Vocal Competition Prize to be distributed by Sanjay Subrahmanyan at the concert on October 8th, 2017 Sri Medha Vidyaa Vaaridhi Mahotsavam Fundraiser Concert Sanjay Subrahmanyan Sri Medha Vidyaa Vaaridhi Mahotsavam Dance Presentation by Anupama Mangalvedhe Sri Medha Vidyaa Vaaridhi Mahotsavam Hari Katha by 8 year old Karthik Subramaniam SSVT Auditorium See Flyer/ web for Registration details Eleanor Roosevelt School, MD Ticketed Includes Dinner See temple website for details SSVT Auditorium See Flyer/ web for details SSVT Auditorium See Flyer/ web for details Sunday, Novemebr 04, AM - 9 PM All Day 5:00-8:00 pm. Sep.24, Oct. 1st, Oct. 8th,Oct. 15th, Oct. 22nd, and Oct.29th from 6:00 to 8:00 pm at her residence Annual SSVT Sri Muthuswamy Dikshitar & Sri Syama Sastri (MDSS) Festival Multiple Artistes Individual & Groups Vocal concert by Sri. G Ravikiran Free Classes and group practice sessions for the group rendition of Syama Sastri s Ratna Trayam and other selected krithis will be provided by Smt. Nirmalaa Ramaswamy (Director of Geethamrutha Music School, Bethesda MD) SSVT Auditorium Admission Free, Donations Welcome - See Flyer/ web for details Please contact nirmalaramaswamy@yahoo. com for participation in the Group rendition SRI SIVA VISHNU TEMPLE 6905 Cipriano Road Lanham, MD Non Profit U.S. Postage Paid Permit #6038 Suburban, MD