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

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1 Newsletter Vol 26, No. 11 Tulasi Kalyanam Wednesday November 1, 2017 Sri Siva Vishnu Temple 6905 Cipriano Road, Lanham MD Tel: (301) Fax: (301) Web Site: The Dwaadasi day (12th day of the lunar fortnight) following Deepaavali is celebrated as Tulasi Kalyanam. Legend has it that Lord Krishna married Tulasi Devi that day. In many Udupi Krishna temples Tulasi Kalyanam is performed all 12 days in the Sri Madhwa tradition. 7:00 pm Purvanga Puja, Sri Krishna Aradhana, Tulasi Puja, Tulasi Kalyanam, Deeparadhana, Prasadam Distribution Sponsorship: $ 25 Annabhishekam to Lord Siva Friday, November 3, 2017 Anna Abhishekam is celebrated on the Poornima day during the Hindu solar month of Tulaa. Annam (cooked rice) is offered as Abhishekam to Lord Siva after the Abhishekams with the eleven usual ingredients. Lord Siva is decorated with all the edible preparations, fruits and vegetables after the Abhishekam. Devotees may bring fruits and flowers for the Alankaaram if they so desire. Details of the program are given below: 9:30 am Laghunyasa, Rudra Abhishekam to Lord Siva, Deeparadhana. 6:00 pm Annabhisheka Alankaradarshanam (until 8:00 PM) & Archana 8:00 pm Visarjana Abhishekam to Lord Siva, Archana, Jaya Jagadisha Hare Aarati, Prasadam 8:45 PM Sponsorship: $25 Ayyappa Mandala Makarotsavam Thursday, November 16, Friday January 19, 2018 The Ayyappa Mandala Makarotsavam will start with Bimba Sudhi and Praasada Sudhi on November 15, The actual MANDALA UTSAVA AARAMBHAM will start on Thursday November 16, 2017 morning with Ganapathi Homam, Dwaja Aarohanam, Sahasra Abhishekam, Archana, Deeparadhana and end in the evening with PADI PUJA, Athaazha Puja, Seeveli, Harivaraasanam. The Ayyappa MANDALA PUJA is on Tuesday December 26, 2017, and the MAKARA SANKRANTHI Puja is on Sunday, January 14, Ayyappa Pujas will be performed in the morning and evenings every day, and special Ayyappa Pujas will be performed on weekends as per schedule found elsewhere in this Newsletter. Irumudi can be prepared at the temple at 8:00 am on Special Puja days. Devotees who need Irumudi materials from the temple are requested to send an to ssvt.ayyappa@gmail.com. Devotees with Irumudi are requested to climb the Holy Steps before 9:30 am and hand over Abhishekam materials to the priest prior to the Abhishekam at 10:00 am. Please see details on pages 3 and 4. November 2017 Veda Parayanam During Mandala Thursday November 16 Tuesday December 26, 2017 Vedas are the basis of the Hindu religion (also known as Sanatana Dharma). Vedas are without beginning (Anaadi), of Divine origin (Apourusheya) and endless (Ananta). However over the ages the vast majority of the Vedas have been lost and only small portions of that limitless ocean are available to us at the present time. It is a tradition in Siva and Vishnu temples in India to chant all sections of the Veda (currently known) during the Mandala period (41 days) beginning with first day of the Vrischika month (November 16 this year). This enables Pundits, who have learnt to chant the Vedas, to chant the portions of Vedas that they normally don t use in the course of their daily prayers and also add to the positive vibrations of the ambience. Devotees can benefit by joining in the chanting themselves, listening to the chanting and by sponsoring such chanting. With the encouragement from our temple priests, who are all well-versed in Vedas, the temple is arranging chanting of the Vedas between 6 PM and 7 PM daily during the Mandala. All devotees are encouraged to attend and participate Thanksgiving Day Puja by Children Thursday, November 23, :00 am Slokaas, Bhajans, Ganesha & Saraswati Puja by Children 12:15 pm Children s Special Lunch & Story telling (Topic of interest to children & young adults) No Sponsorship or prior Puja experience is required. All the necessary materials for the Puja will be provided by the temple. Children of all ages are encouraged to participate Gita Jayanthi (Guruvayoor Ekadasi) Wednesday, December 13, 2017 The Shukla Ekadasi prior to Vaikunta Ekadasi was the day when Lord Krishna imparted the Bhagavad Gita to His devotee Arjuna. This is celebrated as Gita Jayanthi. It is also an important Ekadasi in many parts of India, especially in Guruvayoor. Special Pujas will be held to celebrate both the events. 09:30 am Bhagawad Gita Homam, Aradhana to Lord Krishna, Narayaneeyam Parayanam, Deeparadhana 07:00 pm Sri Krishna Abhishekam, Deeparadhana 08:30 pm Prasadam distribution Sponsorship: $ 25 COMBINED FEDERAL CAMPAIGN (CFC) CODE Federal Employees can Support SSVT through Combined Federal Campaign-(CFC) Code Sri Siva Vishnu Temple is a part of CFC (Combined Federal Campaign) of National Capital Area, a workplace giving campaign for federal employees to contribute to charities through payroll deductions. During the campaign season which runs from September through December of every year, please designate SSVT (CFC # 47090) as your charity of choice. Please follow your agency directions to initiate your contribution and choose SSVT CFC Code Thank you for your generous support!! 1

2 2 November 2017 Wed 1 7:00 PM Tulasi Kalyanam 7:00 PM Siva Abhishekam (Pradosham) Fri 3 10:00 AM Mahalakshmi Abhishekam 6:00 PM Annabhishekam to Sri Siva (see Details) 7:00 PM Satyanarayana Puja (Tula Poornima) Sat 4 4:00 PM Srinivasa Kalyanam Sun AM Utsava Subramanya Abhishekam ( Krittika) Mon 6 9:30 AM Ganapathi Homam (Sankatahara Chaturthi) 10:00 AM Krishna Abhishekam (Rohini) 7:00 PM Ganesha Abhishekam (Sankatahara Chaturthi) 7:00 PM Siva Abhishekam (Kartika Somavara) Wed 8 10:00 AM Rama Abhishekam (Punarvasu) 10:00 AM Subramanya Abhishekam (Sashti) Fri 10 10:00 AM Sharada Abhishekam Sun 12 10:00 AM Andal Abhishekam (Poorva phalguni) Mon 13 10:00 AM Ayyappa Puja (Uttara phalguni) 7:00 PM Ananthapadmanabha abhishekam (Ekadasi) 7:00 PM Siva Abhishekam (Kartika Somavara) Wed 15 7:00 PM Siva Abhishekam (Pradosham) Thu 16 9:30 AM Sudarsana / Yoga Narasimha Homam & Abhishekam (Swati) Ayyappa Mandala Puja Begins (See separate program details) Fri 17 10:00 AM Parvati Abhishekam 10:00 AM Utsava Subramanya Abhishekam (Visakha) 7:15 PM Bhagavati Seva Sun 19 Ayyappa Mandala - Special Ayyappa Puja Mon 20 7:00 PM Siva Abhishekam (Kartika Somvaara) Tue 21 10:00 AM Anjaneya Abhishekam (Moola) Wed 22 9:30 AM Ganapathi Homam & Abhishekam (Chaturthi) Thu AM Puja by Children Fri 24 10:00 AM Subramanya Abhishekam (Sashti) 10:00 AM Utsava Srinivasa Abhishekam (Sravana) 10:00 AM Durga Abhishekam Sat 25 10:00 AM Ayyappa Mandala - Special Ayyappa Puja - Pushpaalankaram Sun 26 9:30 AM Navagraha Homam & Abhishekam 7:00 PM Ayyappa Mandala - Pushpabhishekam Mon 27 7:00 PM Siva Abhishekam (Kartika Somvaara) Wed 29 7:00 PM Ananthapadmanabha Abhishekam (Ekadasi) 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 Results of the Music Competition RELIGIOUS CALENDAR December 2017 Fri 1 10:00 AM Mahalakshmi Abhishekam 7:00 PM Siva Abhishekam (Pradosham) Sat 2 9:00 AM Ayyappa Mandala - Special Ayyappa Puja -Neyyabhishekam 4:00 PM Utsava Subramanya Abhishekam (Krittika) 4:00 PM Srinivasa Kalyanam 4:00 PM Visesha Satyanarayana Puja (Poornima) Kartika Deepam Sun 3 10:00 AM Krishna Abhishekam (Rohini) 6.00PM Vishnu Deepam Mon 4 7:00 PM Siva Abhishekam (Kartika Somvaara) Wed 6 9:30 AM Ganapati Homam (Sankatahara Chaturthi) 10:00 AM Rama Abhishekam (Punarvasu) 7:00 PM Ganesha Abhishekam (Sankatahara Chaturthi) Fri 8 10:00 AM Subramanya Abhishekam (Sashti) 10:00 AM Sharada Abhishekam Sat 9 10:00 AM Andal abhishekam (Poorvaphalguni) 10:00 AM Ayyappa Mandala - Special Ayyappa Puja Veda Parayanam Sun 10 10:00 AM Ayyappa Mandala - Special Ayyappa Irumudi Abhishekam Mon 11 7:00 PM (Uttaraphalguni) Siva Abhishekam (Kartika Somvaara) Wed 13 9:30 AM Guruvayoor Ekadasi (Gita Jayanti) (See Details) 7:00 PM Ananthapadmanabha Abhishekam (Ekadasi) 7:00 PM Krishna Abhishekam Thu 14 9:30 AM Sudarsana / Yoga Narasimha Homam & Abhishekam (Swati) Fri 15 10:00 AM Parvati Abhishekam 10:00 AM Utsava Subramanya Abhishekam (Visakha) 7:00 PM Siva Abhishekam (Pradosham) 7:15 PM Bhagawati Seva Sat 16 10:00 AM Ayyappa Mandala - Special Ayyappa Irumudi Abhishekam Dhanur Masa Begins [Tiruppavai and Tiruvempavai daily until January 13, 2018] Rest of December 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 First music competition at SSVT was held on October 1, 2017 on the occasion of the Sri Medha Vaaridhi Mahotsavam. There were 40 participants registered under three categories. A panel of 4 judges evaluated the participants. The winners of the music competition are: Sub-Junior category 1st prize: Shreeya Suresh 2nd prize: Smrithi Karthik 3rd prize: Balaadhithya Ravikumar Congratulations to all winners! Junior category 1st prize: Pooja Arvind 2nd prize: Sankrith Ramani 3rd prize: Karthikeya Vinaykumar Senior category 1st prize: Sruthi Ramesh 2nd prize: Medha Tumkur 3rd prize: Sadhana Lolla 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 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

3 SRI SIVA VISHNU TEMPLE 6905 Cipriano Road, Lanham MD Phone: (301) Fax: (301) Website: Ayyappa Mandala Makarotsavam Schedule DAILY PUJA SCHEDULE 9:30 am -11:00 am Ayyappa Puja (Abhishekam, Ashtothra Archana, Deeparadhana) 7:00 pm - 9:00 pm Sahasranama Stotram, Athaazha Puja, Seeveli, Harivarasanam SPECIAL PUJA SCHEDULE 7:30 am -10:00 am Irumudi Preparation & Climbing of Holy Steps 9:30 am Suprabhatham 10:00 am Abhishekam 10:30 am Alankaram, Bhajan 11:15 am Sahasranamam, Ashtothram, Ayyappa Ashtakam, Kavacham, Deeparadhana, Namaskaram, Padi Pattu, Deeparadhana, Temple Song 1:00 pm Prasadam distribution Wednesday, November 15, :30 am - 10:30 am Bimba Sudhi 7:00 pm - 8:00 pm Praasadha Sudhi Thursday, November 16, 2017 MANDALA UTSAVA AARAMBHAM 8:00 am - 9:00 am Ganapathi Homam, Dwaja Aarohanam 9:00 am - 1:00 pm Sahasraabhishekam, Archana, Deeparadhana 7:00 pm - 9:00 pm PADI PUJA, Athaazha Puja, Seeveli, Harivaraasanam Sunday November 19, :00 am - 1:00 pm Special Ayyappa Puja Saturday November 25, :00 am - 1:00 pm Special Ayyappa Puja, PUSHPAALANKARAM Sunday November 26, :00 pm - 9:00 pm Bhajan, PUSHPABHISHEKAM, Sahasranama Stotram, Seeveli, Harivarasanam Saturday December 2, :00 am - 1:00 pm Special Ayyappa Puja, NEIYABHISHEKAM Saturday December 9, :00 am - 1:00 pm Special Ayyappa Puja, VEDAPAARAAYANAM Sunday December 10, :00 am - 1:00 pm SPECIAL AYYAPPA IRUMUDI ABHISHEKAM Puja will be performed as per daily Puja Schedule Saturday December 16, :00 am - 1:00 pm SPECIAL AYYAPPA IRUMUDI ABHISHEKAM Puja will be performed as per daily Puja Schedule Sunday December 17, :00 am - 1:00 pm Special Ayyappa Puja, KALABHAABHISHEKAM Saturday December 23, :00 am - 1:00 pm Special Ayyappa Puja Sunday December 24, :00 am - 1:00 pm Special Ayyappa Puja Monday December 25, :00 am - 1:00 pm Special Ayyappa Puja Tuesday December 26, 2017 MANDALA PUJA 7:00 am - 8:30 am Irumudi Preparation 8:30 am - 9:00 am Climbing of Holy Steps 9:00 am - 2:00 pm Nirmalya Darsanam, Abhishekam, MANDALA PUJA, Archana, Deeparadhana 6:30 pm - 9:00 pm Bhajan, Sahasranama Stotram, Deeparadhana, Athazha Puja, Seeveli with Thalapoli, Bhasmabhishekam, Harivarasanam Saturday December 30, :00 am - 1:00 pm Special Ayyappa Puja Saturday January 6, :00 am - 1:00 pm Special Ayyappa Puja Sunday January 14, 2018 MAKARA SANKRANTHI 10:00 am -2:00 pm Makara Sankramabhishekam, Archana, Deeparadhana 7:00 pm - 9:00 pm Thiruvabharanam, Deeparadhana, Saharanama Stotram, Seeveli with Thalapoli, Acharya Sambhavana, Bhasmabhishekam, Harivarasanam, ANNADANAM by Devotees Monday,Tuesday, Wednesday January 15, 16, 17, :30 pm - 8:30 pm Malikappurthamma Puja Thursday January 18, :30 am -12:30 pm Special Kalabha Puja Friday January 19, :00 pm - 9:00 pm Bhajan, Dwaja Avarohanam, GURUTHI PUJA, Bhasmabhishekam, Harivarasanam 3

4 SSVT AYYAPPA MANDALA MAKARA SANKRANTI PUJA SPONSORSHIP FORM Family Name: Gothram: Address: City: State: Zip Code: First Name Last Name Burth Star Date(s) of Puja Puja Sponsored Amount All Year All Puja for Season & Monthly Puja $ /15/ /19/2018 All Puja for Entire Season $ See Schedule All Special Ayyappa Puja $ /16/2017 MANDALOTHSAVA AARAMBHAM $ /16/2017 PADI PUJA $ /26/2017 Pushpabhishekam $ /26/2017 MANDALA PUJA $ /14/2018 MAKARA SANKRANTHI $ One Day Weekend Special Puja $ One day Regular Puja $ Irumudi Materials & Abhishekam $ Irumudi Abhishekam $ Annadhanam $ TOTAL Sponsorship (Check/Cash Enclosed): $ Please make check payable to SSVT AYYAPPA MANDALA - MAKAROTSAVAM Austerities and Preparation required for the Pilgrimage to Ayyappa Sannidhi with Irumudi Irumudi can be prepared at the temple at 8:00 am on Special Puja days. Devotees who need Irumudi materials from the temple are requested to send an to ssvt.ayyappa@gmail.com Devotees with Irumudi are requested to climb the Holy Steps before 9:30 am and hand over Abhishekam materials to the priest prior to the Abhishekam at 10:00 am. Ayyappa Vratham Devotees who wish to go to Sabarimala have to observe vratham (follow certain austerities) for one mandalam (41 days) to purify the mind and soul. On the first day of the month of Karthika/ Vrichikam (the middle of November), devotees wear the mudra maala and start the vratham. Manthram to be chanted before wearing mudra maala Gjaana Mudraam Saasthru Mudraam Guru Mudraam Namaamyaham Vana Mudraam Sudha Mudraam Rudra Mudraam Namaamyaham Saantha Mudraam Sathya Mudraam Vritham Mudraam Namaamyaham Sabaryaasrama Sathyena Mudraam Paathu Sathaapi Me Gurudakshinaaya Poorvam Thasyaanugraha Kaarine Saranaagatha Mudraakyam Thvan Mudraam Dhaarayaamyaham Chin Mudraam Khechari Mudraam Bhadra Mudraam Namaamyaham Sabaryaachala Mudraayay Namasthubhyam Namo Namaha Devotees wear the mudra maala after chanting the above manthram Manthram to remove mudra maala Apoorvam Achaalaroha Divya Darsanakaarana Saasthrumudraath Makaadeva Dehi Me Vrithamochanam Devotees remove the mudra maala after chanting the manthram. The mudra maala and Irumudi be kept under the feet of Lord Ayyappa and used again. SWAMIYE SARANAM AYYAPPA Important austerities to be observed during vratham Observe Brahmacharyam during the vratham Always start the conversation with Swami Saranam Take shower twice daily and chant the names of Lord Ayyappa Control your temper and be kind to others Consume only freshly cooked vegetarian food Do not smoke or consume alcoholic beverages Attend Puja either at the temple or wherever conducted Treat your body, mind and intellect as the abode of Ayyappa How to prepare irumudi (in brief) After performing Ayyappa Puja, fill the mudra coconut with melted ghee. If you are a Kanni Ayyappan or Kanni Maalikappuram (first timer), Guruswamy will help you to fill the mudra coconut with ghee. Mudra coconut and other Pujaitems must be placed in the front pocket of the Irumudi and the other two coconuts must be placed in the rear pocket. Always keep chanting the names of Lord Ayyappa while preparing the Irumudi. Never place the Irumudi on the floor; always place it on a towel and treat it with Bhakthi. Irumudi Items ITEMS QTY COMMENTS I. MUNMUDI (FRONT) 01. Kanikka panam (coin) Beetel Leaf Areca Nut - Supari Mudra coconut with Ghee 1 The shell has to be polished drained by removing the middle eye of the coconut; find a cork to tightly seal the opened eye 05. Honey 1bottle Plastic; small 06. Turmeric Powder 1 packet Small Packet 07. Sandal - Few tablets or powder 08. Vibhoothi 1 packet Small Packet 09. Rose Water 1bottle Plastic; small II. PINMUDI (BACK) 01. Coconut 2(Min) One to break before climbing Holy Steps and one to break after coming down the Steps after puja 02. Rice 1 packet Small Packet 03. Avil 1 packet Extra small zip lock 04. Malar 1 packet Extra small zip lock 05. Kadali pazham or Jaggery 1 1 small piece 06. Kalkandam (Sugar Candy) - Few tablets 07. Dry Grape 1 packet Extra small zip lock 08. Kumkum 1 packet Small Packet 09. Camphor - Few tablets For Further Information Contact: ssvt.ayyappa@gmail.com Suresh Babu (301) babu13000@yahoo.com Nivas Thirumalai (703) btnivas@gmail.com (Irumudi) Satya Velivela (301) svelivela@yahoo.com Sasidharan Menon (301) sasi_20903@yahoo.com Ekambar Bomma (702) ekambarb@yahoo.com (Irumudi) C.K. Dhananjayan (703) ddhananjayan@gmail.com K.G. Venkata Raman (301) kvenkatram@aol.com Thenappan (Theo) Meyyappan (443) theomeyy@yahoo.com Srinivas Tirumalasetti (443) t.crinivas@gmail.com Shankar A. Iyer (571) saiprem@gmail.com Sathya Menon (703) sathyagovind@verizon.net (Bhajan) Hotels/Motels near the Temple Train Stations Best Western, Lanham, MD Orange Line Metro Station New Carrollton Days Inn, Lanham, MD Green Line Metro station Greenbelt Holiday Inn, Greenbelt, MD Amtrak Train Station New Carrollton Sheraton, New Carrollton, MD The Suite, Lanham, MD Airports Taxi Services Baltimore Washington International - 30 min by car Silver Capital Cab Washington National - 30 min by car 45 min by metro Yellow Cab Washington Dulles International hrs by car India Cab Driving Directions Take I-95/I-495 (Capital Beltway) to Exit 22A (B-W Parkway towards Baltimore), Exit immediately towards NASA Goddard Space Center. Left turn at Rte. 193 (Greenbelt Road).Go approximately 1 mile on Rte Make right turn onto Cipriano Road. The Temple is on the left at 6905 Cipriano Road. CLICK HERE TO REGISTER FOR CLIMBING THE 18 HOLY STEPS

5 Children Drawing Kolam in Prakaram on Vijaya Dasami Day September 30, 2017 Deepavali Celebrations on Wednesday, October 18,

6 Akshaya Vata sandesh Tarpaṇa - Overview Tarpaṇa (Tharpanam) means That offering which satisfies. But what we mean by the word Tarpaṇa is the offering of water mixed with gingelly to the manes (dead ancestors). Though we have several ancestors, this offering is addressed to three generations of father, grand father and great grand father along with their wives in our family and maternal grand father, his father and grand father along with their wives in our mothers birth family. Only those whose father is dead are eligible to do Tarpaṇa. If maternal grand father is alive Tarpaṇa should not be done for his family but restricted to our family. All the manes live in the Pithru loka (world of the manes) for some time and either be reborn as any being or go to lokas like deva loka, Vaikunta, sivaloka or attain salvation. The pithru loka is populated by three group of pithru devas viz, Vasu, Rudra and Adhithya. These devas receive our oblations and make it reach to our manes wherever they are and in whichever form they are. The pithru loka is supposed to be on the unseen side of the moon. This portion gets exposed to sun on the new moon days. It is according to our concept lunch time for the people populating the pithru loka. These pithrus, since they have left the world are solely dependent on only their progeny to feed them. This feeding is done through Tarpaṇa. Important Dates - November & December Nov 2017 Thursday - Ka rtika Sankramana Tarpaṇa 17 Nov 2017 Friday Ama yva sya Tarpaṇa 16 Dec 2017 Thursday - Dhanurma sa Sankramana Tarpaṇa 17 Dec 2017 Sunday Sarva Ama yva sya Tarpaṇa Akshaya Vata Holistic Hindu Center for Obeisance Service As one of the premier Hindu institutions in North America particularly pioneer in the National Capital Region, Sri Siva Vishnu Temple (SSVT) identified this activity as one of the key initiatives and is indeed a priority endeavor that will serve the Hindu community across the nation and DC Metro region to honor our ancestors who live in our DNA. Akshaya Vata (The 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. It is the least that we can do our forefathers and pay our obeisance to them. We provide these services through two distinct facilities Paschima Gaya (Paścima gaya méí ÉqÉ aéréé) & Paschima Kashi (Paścima Ka śi méí ÉqÉ MüÉzÉÏ) for Pitru Karma & Apara Karma respectively. This is an important and essential project for the temple and the community. Please join sankalp (Task force for Akshaya Vata).Your support, help, participation and contribution will be greatly appreciated. To know more, avail the services and activities of Akshaya Vata, Please reach out to Venkat Angarai and/or angaraivenkatsubramanian@gmail.com Neivedyam for Puja Services SSVT has enhanced personal Puja services performed at the Temple for devotees by providing Neivedyam for the religious service. The Neivedyam prepared will be appropriate to the Puja being performed, as determined by our esteemed temple priests. Please write to puja@ssvt.org if you have any further questions or need clarifications. Successful Health Fair held on October 28, 2017 SSVT in collaboration with HACSI had conducted its annual Health fair on October 28th in the auditorium.there were 85 individuals utilized the opportunity. General medical check up with dental,eye care evaluation along with blood sugar and Doppler testing for blood circulation were done. Flu shots were administered. These services were provided at no cost to the public by primary care physicians along with specialists and dentists. There were more than 20 Physicians participated in the program and we hope to see many more individuals utilizing this unique opportunity. Blood Drive SSVT and HACSI are joining together in partnership with American Red Cross in organizing Blood drive for the first time at SSVT on Sunday, November 26th from 9:00 A.M 3:00 P.M. There is no better way to give our thanks during this Thanksgiving weekend than to donate blood and save life. Every 2 seconds someone needs blood in the U.S. One pint of Blood can save as many as three lives. 3% give while 87% need it eventually. Please help save a life by donating Blood. We request the blood donors to please sign up at our website under Blood Drive or at the temple with the Managers. If you have any questions please contact Ramani at or kvenkatram@aol.com or Prabhakar Thyagarajan at or at Prabhakar.thyagarajan@gmail.com. See details in the Flyer next page. 6

7 Sri Siva Vishnu Temple 6905 Cipriano Road, Lanham MD Tel: (301) Fax: (301) Web Site: Blood Donation Drive Sunday, November 26th from 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM Every 2 seconds someone needs blood in the U.S. One pint of Blood can save as many as three lives. SSVT and HACSI in partnership with American Red Cross is organizing Blood drive for the first time at SSVT. Save a life by donating Blood Please sign up at under Blood drive or at the temple with the Managers by giving us the following information; We will contact you to give updates. First Name, Last Name, Phone, , City & State and Month Available Click here to find donor eligibility Click here for online registration For further information, please contact Ramani at or kvenkatram@aol.com Prabhakar at or Prabhakar.thyagarajan@gmail.com 7

8 Hindu-Catholic Dialogue Saturday, November 11th, 2017 Sri Siva Vishnu Temple ( Cipriano Road Lanham, MD Theme: Love of neighbor in the Catholic and Hindu traditions: Reflections on nationalism, war and poverty Senior representatives of the Roman Catholic Church, and of the Hindu American community cordially invite you to attend the public dialogue on Saturday, November 11, 2017 at Sri Siva Vishnu Temple. Catholicism and Hinduism are two important parts of the American social fabric. Interfaith understanding through dialogue is the most effective way to achieve harmony. Two years ago, the inaugural event was well attended by about 150 Hindu and Catholic leaders and graced by His Eminence Cardinal Jean-Louis Tauran, President of the Pontifical Council for Interreligious Dialogue (PCID) at the Vatican. Keynote addresses: Archbishop Christophe Pierre, Vatican Ambassador to the United States Swamini Svatmavidyananda, Spiritual Director, Arsha Vijnana Gurukulam, Maryland and Oregon Speakers / Panelists: Dr. Francis Clooney, Prof of Divinity, Director, Center for Study of World Religion, Harvard University, MA Fr. James Redington, Jesuit Fellow in the Jesuit Center, University of Scranton, Pennsylvania Dr. Abhaya Asthana, President, World Hindu Council of America (Vishwa Hindu Parishad of America) Sri. Anuttama Dasa, Director of International Communications, ISKCON Sri. Brahmachari Sharan, PhD Hindu Chaplain at Georgetown University, Washington DC Dr. Siva Subramanian, Professor of Pediatrics, Head of Division (NICU), Georgetown University Sri. Fred Stella, Pracharak / Outreach Minister for the West Michigan Hindu Temple, Michigan Program: am 10:00 am : Registration, Networking, Coffee/Tea. Tour of the Temple, Optional am 12:00 Noon : Welcome, Keynote Speeches and Panel Discussions noon pm : Lunch 1.00 pm pm : The Future of U.S Catholic and Hindu Dialogue Discussions 2:30 pm : Tour of the Temple Optional This is a free event however seats are limited and registration is required to attend. Please register early using the following link or type address shown below: For any questions please contact: Sant Gupta, santguptava@gmail.com; Anthony Cirelli, ACirelli@usccb.org; Siva Subramanian, doc4baby@aol.com; Dileep Thatte, thatte7stars@yahoo.com;

9 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. ALL EDUCATION CLASSES ARE FREE. Contact information for all education programs: education@ssvt.org 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. 9

10 Upcoming Center for Dharma Education Events November 18th Talk on: Importance of Nutrition Awareness in the Hindu community By Divya Selvakumar 12-1 PM December 9-10th Weekend seminar on Quantum Physics and Consciousness By Renowned speaker Dr. Amit Goswami In the works: Seminar on Indian Philosophy Seminar on Indian/Hindu History Center for Dharma Education (CDE) is a new approach in delivering Dharma/Hindu education and making it relevant in a modern society. Dharma teachings are diverse, deep, and have many layers of meanings. Modern society does not have time to do in depth study of the teachings. We want to use online teaching technology to deliver the traditional teachings For More Details: Vijay Kumar: vpk912@gmail.com ; Dr. Siva doc4baby@aol.com ; Vasu Murthy serveallways@gmail.com Yoga at SSVT 20th Anniversary Celebration Saturday, January 13, :00 am to 9 pm PHILOSOPHY OF YOGA Patanjali s Yogasutra describes yoga as an attitude of living with dharmic awareness SCIENCE OF YOGA Scientific research on yoga & brain demonstrate yoga s impact in social, academic, and psychological realms Yoga is more than Asana-s and exercise Yoga is a path to Dharma Yoga creates calm, tranquility and inner balance ART OF YOGA Art of yoga sadhana includes asana, pranayama, natya, sangeeta, and meditative practices BENEFITS OF YOGA Yoga sadhana cultivates discipline leading to physical, psychological, spiritual and social wellness SSVT was the first temple in the Washington area to offer weekly yoga classes from January Between 2000 and 2002, our yoga teachers initiated Yoga programs in other temples in the Washington area. SSVT inspired the creation of Life in Yoga Foundation and Institute which is currently the only Yoga institution in the USA that is an accredited provider of continuing medical education credits to physicians. This 20th anniversary celebrations seek to showcase the diversity of yoga practices that embody the philosophy of Yoga Sutras. 10 THEME: YOGA - Philosophy, Science, Art and Benefits 9:30 to 11:00 am Plenary Session (Auditorium) Panel Discussion Sessions (Education Room) Practice Sessions (Auditorium) 11:15 am to 12:15 pm : Philosophy Session Chair Dr. C. R. Narayanan 11:15 am to 12:15 pm : Yoga Sutra based Ashtaanga Yoga Practice seated on chair 12:15 to 1:00 - Lunch 12:15 to 1:00 - Lunch 1:00 pm to 2:00 pm Science of Yoga Session Chair Dr. Senthamil Selvan 1:00 pm to 1:30 pm Yoga Nidra & Deep Relaxation 1:45 pm to 2:15 pm Power of Sound Vibrations and Mantras 2:30 pm to 3:30 pm Art of Yoga Session Chair Dr. Aparna Ramaswamy 2:30 pm to 4:00 pm Power of Breath 4:00 pm to 5:00 pm Benefits of Yoga Session Chair Dr. Dilip Sarkar 4:15 to 5:00 pm Hatha Yoga Asanas 5:00-5:30 pm Snack Break 5:30 pm: Yoga in music Kirtan participative singing led by Satish Bhatia 6 to 8 pm Yoga in Dance Dandia Raas led by Jituji Yoga practice segments are geared to all levels who have not had recent spinal injuries or surgeries. The only exception is the Hatha Yoga Asana segment which may be a little strenuous for those who are not well toned. Details of presenters and summary of presentations should be available on the SSVT website by December 1. Program is FREE of charge, and registration is required. December newsletter will provide further information.

11 Annual Sri Muthuswamy Dikshitar & Sri Syama Sastri (MDSS) Festival Saturday November 4, 2017 (8:00 AM to 9:00 PM) Admission Free Donations welcome 8: am Invocation Geethamrutha: Students :00 am Participation of all Individual and Group Participants Please click this link: Register for MDSS or visit am Smt. Vaidehi Kannan & Students of VK Music School 11:00 am Welcome Address By Raji Ramesh (SSVT Cultural Committee Coordinator) 11:10 am Presentation of Annual Report 2017 By Latha Ramaswamy 2017 Festival Brochures Release Sri Madhuramba Vibhakthi & Meenakshi Devi Krithis Composed by Sri Dikshitar By Jayanthi Ramaswamy, Lakshmi Krithivasan, Karpagam Balam and Sudha Krishnan Syama Sastri s Legacy to the World of Carnatic Music By: Raji Krishnan & Karpagam Balan :30 pm Sri Madhuramba Vibhakthi Krithis Presentation by: Smt. Nirmalaa Ramaswamy & Geethamrutha Students Sri Madhuramba & Meenakshi Krithis of Dikshitar: Veena & Violin Students 1:30 2:40 pm Group Presentation of Syama Sastri s Swarajathis and selected Krithis by Local Artists & Students 2:45 3:15 pm Smt. Usha Char & Students of Nadatarangini 3: pm Smt.Jaya Bala & Students of Jaya Mangala :15 pm Sri J Shivakumar & Students : (Gamakam Group) pm Individual & Group Participation :30 pm Stage Setup/ Sound Test 5:30 8:30 pm SATURDAY GRAND EVENING CONCERT Vocal concert by Sri. G.Ravikiran Compositions of Muddusvami Dikshitar in Raganga Ragas M. Ananthakrishnan (Violin); Vijay Ganesh (Mridangam); Chandrasekara Sarma (Ghatam) Sri Muthuswami Dikshitar and Sri Syama Sastri Festival Vocal Concert by G. Ravikiran at 5 PM on Saturday, November 4th, 2017 Admission Free - Donations Welcome G. Ravikiran was initiated into the world of Carnatic music by Vid. Gayatri Kesavan, Vid. Vasanta Ramanujam and Vid. R.S. Ramakanth. He was taken under the fold of Sangeetha Kalanidhi Sri R.K. Srikantan for over a decade. Since 2002, he has been under the tutelage of Vidwan Sri T.M. Krishna. He regularly features at the famed December Music Festival. Ravikiran has won prestigious AIR music contest, the Bangalore Gayana Samaj Best concert, etc. M S Ananthakrishnan is the grandson of the famed Parur Sri MS Anantharaman. He showcases the Parur bani by his mastery of techniques and nuances. Sri Ananthakrishnan has performed with many leading artists at multiple sabhas in Chennai and across the globe. He also runs a fusion band called Zinx and is the original inventor of the White Violin. Vijay Ganesh began learning mridangam at the age of six. He had his tutelage under the great and illustrious master, vidwan late Sri. Kumbakonam Rajappa Iyer. He has won several awards which include Best Mridangist award from Music Academy, Sri Krishna Gana Sabha. He is an A Grade artist in All India Radio. Chandrasekhara Sharma is a ghatam artist from India. He comes from a family of musicians, sharma is the nephew of T H Vikku Vinayakram and T H Subash Chandran. He trained under the guidance of his Uncle, T H Subhash Chandran. For further information and to get updates for cultural events, contact: SSVT Cultural: cultural@ssvt.org 11

12 UPCOMING CULTURAL EVENTS Date & Time Event / Artist Venue & Admission Fee Saturday, Novemebr 04, :00 AM - 9:00 PM All Day 5:00 PM- 8:00 PM 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. Nirmala 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 Save the date January 20 & 21, th Annual Thyagaraja Aradhana at SSVT Free group practice sessions for the Pancharathnam krithis Please contact TA.ssvt@gmail.com for details. SSVT Auditorium Admission Free, Donations welcome SRI SIVA VISHNU TEMPLE 6905 Cipriano Road Lanham, MD Non Profit U.S. Postage Paid Permit #6038 Suburban, MD