TEMPLE TIMES. Goddesses Lakshmi, Durga, Saraswathi

Transcription

1 TEMPLE TIMES th Quarter 2017 October, November, December Goddesses Lakshmi, Durga, Saraswathi A Quarterly Publication of Sri Meenakshi Temple Society Pearland, Texas 1

2 A Message from the MTS Chairman Namaskaram! As we head towards the 4th quarter of 2017 with many important religious events coming up including the Deepavali, Maha Kumbabhishekham, Maha Satyanarayana Puja, and Ayyappa Manadala puja we have much to be thankful for. We had a great 3d quarter with many religious celebrations when all of the devotees become ecstatic at the glorious sights of the deities Dakshinamurthy, and goddesses Lakshmi, Saraswthi and Durga. In spite of the unprecedented natural disaster caused by Hurricane Harvey, and the temple provided solace to our devotees. Sri Meenakshi Temple had record number of devotees attending and enjoying the multitude of Puja celebrations during the third quarter, including main temple anniversary, sri Bagavathi Seva, Aadi Perukku, Varalakshmi Vratham, Sri Narasimha Sudarshana Homam, Gurupeyarchi, Avani Avittam, Ashtalakshmi Deepa Puja, Gokulashtami, and Navarathri. Each event vied for special mention with beautiful alankarams. We had a special prayer service for peace for everyone in the community after the floods caused by the hurricane. The event celebrating Guru peyarchi and Dakshinamurthy puja was a thrilling experience to all. Special cultural programs were organized for many of the events, in line with our culture where temples were the abodes of religion, arts and culture. Corner Temple Renovation Project construction (CTRP) is progressing very well, and the Maha Kumbhabhisekam will be celebrated on Thursday November 23rd, Granite pillars and vigrahams of Nayanmargal, Alwargal, and Acharyars have been made in India. Ayyappa Holy 18 steps construction plans are progressing well with special expert advice. Once the CTRP project is completed, our Temple will have the unique distinction of having the 63 Nanyanmars and 12 Alwars under one roof, and the only US Temple to have the Holy 18 steps (Pathinettapadi) for Ayyappa. We are adding new Audio & Video equipment in all the four corner Temples and a comprehensive security system for the Main Temple complex. We thank all the Priests and Staff as they continue to work hard to ensure our Temple and the grounds is well presented, a key objective of all of us in the board. Indeed we have much to give thanks as we approach the last quarter of We request your support and participation in the multiple events planned in the 4th quarter, and look forward to your feedback. On behalf of the Board and Advisory council we wish for the blessings of Sri Meenkashi, Sri Sundareswara, Sri Padmavathy, and Sri Venkateswara be showered on you and your family. Sockalingam Narayanan Chairman, MTS 2

3 SRI MEENAKSHI TEMPLE SOCIETY Cordially Invites all devotees to participate in MAHAKUMBHABHISHEKAM Thursday, Nov 23, :00AM to11:00am PRAKHARA DEVATHA NOOTHANA MANDAPA NIRMAANA JEERNODHARANA ASHTABHANDANA MAHA KUMBHABHISHEKAM NAYANMARGAL ALWARGAL PRATHISHTA November November 15 - Anugnai November Poorvanga Kriyaigal November 20 First Yagasala Puja (evening) November 21 Second (morning) and Third Yagasala Puja (evening) November 22 Fourth (morning) and Fifth Yagasala Puja (evening) November 23 Sixth (early morning ) Yagasala Puja Thursday November 23, 2017 MAHAKUMBHABHISHEKAM on behalf of the MTS board 3

4 Sacred words from the 3 Acharyas Do not be proud of wealth, people, relations and friends. All these are snatched by time in the blink of an eye. Giving up this illusory world, know and attain the Supreme. - Sri Adi Shankara Do not boast about your virtues or scorn a devotee or ignore serving devotees. Praise the auspicious qualities of the Lord daily. Have undying faith in Lord Vishnu. - Sri Ramanujacharya Vishnu is to be perceived in His nature through the holy scriptures and only through them. All living beings are dependent upon Vishnu for their existence. - Sri Madhavacharya Glories of Hari Nama Sankeerthanam From Sri Velukkudi Krishnan Swami s Upanyasam, Seattle, 2008 Compiled by Kamala Raghavan The means available to us to get liberated and to reach Sriman Narayana s eternal abode are different in the 4 yugas. They are summarized in the following sloka: Dhyayan krite yajan yajnais, tretayam dwapare archayan yad apnoti tad apnoti kalau sankirtya keshavam Whatever is achieved by meditation in satya-yuga, by the performance of yajna in tretha-yuga. or by the worship of Sriman Narayanan s lotus feet in Dwapara yuga is obtained very easily in the age of kali simply by chanting the Supreme God s name. Our ability to perform different sadhanas differ in different yugas. In kritha yuga, people lived long and they were able to do severe penances to reach Sri Vaikuntam. But after kritha yuga, it started deteriorating. Prescription for liberation in different yugas: Yuga Means Kritha Dyana marga Dyana marga involves mind power and meditation. Tretha Performance of yaga and yagna Physical offering to fire God was prescribed in tretha yuga. Dwapara Performing archana (offering flowers) Offering flowers with ashtothra namavali or sahasra namavali without expecting anything in return was prescribed as a means to reach eternal abode in dwapara yuga, Kali Chanting of His holy names In kali yuga, Nama sankeerthanam (reciting the Kesavadhi dwadasa namas of Sriman Narayana) is prescribed as the means for liberation. 4

5 In Srimad Bhagawadam, Sri Prahladha revealed the 9 devotional practices that we should follow to realize Bhagawan: Sravanam kirtanam vishoh Smaranam paada sevanam Archanam vandanam dasyam Sakhyam atma nivedanam Iti pumsarpita visnau bhaktiscen nava-lakshana The nine practices for devotional service are: 1. Hearing the name and glories of Sriman Narayana (Sravanam) 2. Chanting His glories (Kirtanam) 3. Remembering the Lord all the time (Smaranam) 4. Serving Lord s feet (Pada sevanam) 5. Worshipping the deity form (Archanam) 6. Offering obeisance unto the Lord (Vandanam) 7. Acting as the Lord s servant (Dasyam) 8. Making friends with the Lord (Sakhyam) 9. Surrendering oneself fully to the Lord (Atma Nivedanam) Reciting Sri Vishnu Sahasranamam is the easy way of reciting His names every day. Sahasranamam means 1008 names of Sri Maha Vishnu. Reciting the Namas makes Sriman Narayana happy, even if you do not know the meanings of the Namas. Chanting His names will give you peace and calm amid all the turmoil in the world, and Sriman Narayana will surely deliver you from this samsara. 5

6 Sri Meenakshi Temple Society McLean Road, Pearland, TX INVITES YOU & YOUR FAMILY TO PARTICIPATE IN THE DEEPAVALI KATCHI Wednesday, October 18 th 2017 Deepavali Katchi at 7:00 PM UTSAVAMURTHY ALANKARAM AND NEW VASTRAM OFFERING TO THE DEITIES BY THE TRUSTEE AND DEVOTEES For more information please contact Padmini at or Sheila at or call the Temple Office at (281) , Ext 100 or 110 6

7 NAYANMARS SPECIAL TO MADURAI Compiled by M.K.Sriram The three great Nayanmars presented here have a very special relationship to Madurai. To read their stories is indeed fascinating and there is much to be learnt from them. To this day, they are specially honored and celebrated at the Madurai Meenakshi Temple. MURTHI NAYANAR Murthi Nayanar was a citizen of Madurai and his intense devotion to Lord Siva is legendary. Every day he made it his duty to make the paste from sandalwood for offering to the Lord. The city was once invaded by another king who was a Jain. This king wanted to exterminate SaIvism and began to persecute those who worshipped Siva. Murthi Nayanar was also subjected to a lot of suffering, but he was very determined and had unflagging faith in the Lord that he served and continued his worship with the offering of sandalwood paste. The king went so far as to cut off supply of all sandalwood in Madurai. Murthi Nayanar went looking for a piece of sandalwood, but could not find any. He felt heartbroken and wept at the temple, for he could not make his daily offering. He then offered his own body and began to rub his elbow against the grinding stone. The hand bled profusely, which moved Lord Siva. He was very pleased with his absolute devotion and blessed him. The tyrant king died the same night, and by divine grace, the next day Murthi Nayanar was selected to be the new Pandya king. The Nayanar never had such aspirations, but accepted the divine will to be the king with the following conditions: he will refuse all royal luxury, will bathe in the sacred ashes, wear only the Rudraksham as the jewel and wear his matted locks for the crown. The ministers accepted the conditions and Murthi Nayanar ruled the kingdom justly and wisely for a long time and eventually attained Siva s abode. MANGAYARKARASIYAR Mangayarkarasiyar, a Chola princess, was the wife of Koon Pandyan, the king ruling Madurai. She was a very ardent Siva devotee. The king unfortunately fell a victim to the influence of Jainism. She had a kindred spirit in the minister, Kulachiraiyar, who was also a fervent devotee of Lord Shiva. Together they thought of several ways to introduce their beloved King into the enlightened world of Saivism. They worried about the state of their country, which was occupied by Jains. They prayed to Lord Shiva for a miracle that would change their King s mind and bring happiness to their Kingdom. One day, the Queen heard that the great Saiva saint, Thirugnaana Sambandar had visited Thirumaraikaadu in their Kingdom. The queen, along with the minister went to pay their salutations to the great prodigy saint and sought his blessings. Together with the saint, they visited the great Madurai. The Jains residing in Madurai were incensed about the visit of a Saiva Saint to their city. They lit fire to the place where the Saint and his followers were staying. Miraculously, the Saivites survived but the next day, the King was afflicted with a strange illness. He had acute stomach spasms. No medicine prescribed by his Jain counselors worked and the King s suffering increased with each passing moment. Finally, when all the options for cure given by the Jains failed, the Queen convinced her husband to invite the Saint Thirugnaana Sambandar and to get his help. The King agreed to this and invited the prodigy saint. He immediately cured the King s illness by the power of Lord Shiva. The King was stunned by his miraculous recovery. He evicted all Jains from his country and established Saivism as the order in his Kingdom. Pandya Kingdom soon flourished and the people were happier. The Queen played a major role in the turnaround of her husband s mind and in establishing Saivism in their Kingdom. Her steadfast belief in Lord Shiva made her a Nayanmar Saint. CHERAMAN PERUMAL NAYANAR Perumaakothaiyar was a Prince, born in the royal Chera family of Kodungoluur. He was also known as Cheraman Perumal. From an early age, he displayed a deep devotion towards Lord Shiva and spent his time praying. Royal pleasures could not lure him away from his beloved Shiva. This continued for some years. One day, the King of the nearby Kingdom, 7

8 Chenkoor Poraiyan renounced his royal life for one of Sanyasam and he had no successor. Perumaakothaiyar was chosen as the most able King to lead this country, by the learned ministers. However, this did not please the loyal devotee. He went into the Lord s Sanctum sanctorum to know of his wish. Lord Shiva gave him his orders to govern the country and also bestowed on him the power to know others thoughts. Hence, he got the name of Kalaritrarivaar. There are several legends associated with Cheraman Perumal, all highlighting his utter devotion to Siva s devotees. The happiest moment of the King s day was when he would hear the Lord s anklets on the completion of his morning ritual. One day, as usual, he waited for the Lord to notify his presence, but was disappointed when he couldn t hear the anklets sound when several moments passed after his puja completion. He became agitated that he had been amiss in his ritual proceedings, and assumed that Lord Shiva was displeased with him. He immediately took out his sword and proceeded to take his own life. Lord Shiva appeared and assured him that the cause of the delay was not because of his faulty rituals, but that Shiva was so mesmerized by the singing of his devotee, Vaanrondaar of Thillai and forgot about the King. The King was relieved, and wanting to hear the heavenly music himself set off towards Thillai in search of Vaanrondaar. He reached the Chola town of Thillai and worshipped Lord Shiva. He was enamored by the darshanam and composed a beautiful verse on Lord Shiva named Ponvannathu Andhaadhi. He visited the holy Shrines of Lord Shiva situated in Seergali, Thiruvarur and Naagai Kaaronam. In visiting Thiruvarur, his purpose was to get a glimpse of the great Nayanar saint Sundaramurthi Nayanar. The great saint welcomed the King with great pleasure and personally took him to the holy Thiruvarur temple. Kalaritrarivaar, captivated by the beauty of the Lord sang the poignant verse, Thirumummani Kovai. Sundaramurthi Nayanar invited him to his home and was treated with utmost respect by his wife Paravaiyar. Sundaramurthi Nayanar and Cheraman Perumal formed a rare bond of friendship, strengthened by their mutual love for Lord Shiva. Together, they decided to visit the great temple in Madurai. On their pilgrimage, they visited many holy Shiva shrines on the way. They were received with great fanfare by the Pandya King on their arrival in Madurai. They worshipped Lord Shiva in all the holy shrines around Madurai and returned to Thiruvarur. On the request of Cheraman Perumal, Sundaramurthi Nayanar and his wife accompanied him back to the Chera Kingdom. The King and his beloved friend were received with great fanfare by the devotees of the Kingdom. Cheraman Perumal, felt very happy that such an esteemed person had visited him.. Sundaramurthi Nayanar stayed for several days and later returned to Thiruvarur. After several months, Sundaramurthi Nayanar wanted to meet his friend one more time. He visited the Chera Kingdom. The King, Kalaritrarivaar was delighted to hear of his arrival and ordered his courtiers to decorate the entire city in honor of the great devotee. The second meeting of the two great devotees of Lord Shiva was very poignant. One morning, Sundaramurthi Nayanar went to visit Lord Shiva s shrine in Thiruvanichakkalam. Cheraman Perumal sent a majestic white elephant to escort him back to the palace. The great devotee, prayed fervently to Lord Shiva to liberate him from the mortal bondage and to help him reach salvation. As he was thus thinking and climbing the elephant to go back to the palace, divine providence intervened. The elephant by the divine power of the devotee flew upwards. The King was riding a horse and coming towards the temple to meet his friend, when he saw his friend rising in the sky. With the power of his devotion, he felt that he should follow the footsteps of the great devotee. Instantaneously, his horse rose up to follow the great elephant. The two devotees reached the gates of Kailasam, the divine abode of Lord Shiva. On reaching the gates, Sundaramurthi Nayanar was given immediate entrance, whereas Cheraman Perumal was asked to wait. The great devotee informed Lord Shiva of the waiting devotee, and he was welcomed inside by Lord Shiva. He requested Lord Shiva to grant him one last boon of reciting the King s work, Thirukayilaaya Gnana Ula. Both the devotees where granted the elusive boon of being the premier attendants in the service of Lord Shiva. Thus, the fame of Cheraman Perumal, who by his single minded devotion entered the Lord s heavenly abode, lives forever. 8

9 YATHIRAJA VAIBHAVAM by Dr. K. P. Sarathy II Srimathe Ramanujaya Namaha II Paaduke Yathiraajasya kathayanthi yadaakyayaa I Thasya Daasarathe: paadou sirasaa dhaarayaamyaham II The above verse is a prayer to Ramanuja s second important student, Daasarathi, popularly known as Mudali Aandaan. He is worshiped as the holy sandals of Ramanuja and we pray to him to decorate our heads with his holy feet. Ramanuja seeking a new teacher Ramanuja routinely disagreed with his teacher s interpretations of scriptures. One day the teacher was discussing the passage from Thaithreeya Upanishad, Satyam, Gyaanam, Anantham Brahma (God). Brihadaaranyaka Upanishad also addresses Brahma as Vigyaanam, Anantham Brahma. The teacher explained that truth was God, wisdom was God and all pervasive matter was God. Ramanuja objected to these and described that these attributes are the gunaas (characteristics) of God and they were not God by themselves. Ramanuja s explanations went against Adi Sankara s advaithic teachings and hence the teacher banished him from his school. Ramanuja approached ThirukachiNambhi to be his guru. Nambhi being from a lower caste refused and advised him to do theertha kainkaryam (bringing water to the temple). Both of them realized that this was what Mahalakshmi wanted when She asked for water as the hunter s wife while escorting him in the jungle before. Ramanuja never told anyone about this experience. Nambhi was the only one blessed with direct conversation with the Lord and hence knew about this episode. Then on Ramanuja fetched water from the well where the divine couple as hunters disappeared. Even today volunteers bring water from this well, known as saalai kinaru (wayside well) to the temple and nearby there is a temple for Ramanuja. One day when Ramanuja was fetching the water to the temple he came 9

10 across a pious SriVaishnavar singing the glory of the Lord. Attracted by the meaning of those Sanskrit phrases, Ramanuja inquired him about the source of that work and was told that Alavandaar, the leading head of the Vaishnava group in Srirangam was the author and he was seriously ill and sent this SriVaishnavar, PeriyaNambhi by name, to bring Ramanuja to Srirangam. Ramanuja after finishing the temple service rushed to Srirangam only to find the lifeless body of Alavandaar on Northern Kaaveri river bank. He noticed three fingers of Alavandaar folded. He learnt that this Guru had three wishes still unfulfilled. Ramanuja took the oath that he would achieve these three goals by divine Grace and rushed back to Kancheepuram. We will address these three expectations of Swamy Alavandaar later. It is a blessing to receive prasaad (food offered to God) and it is even holier than this to consume the leftover food from a Bhagavathar (God s servant). Ramanuja invited ThiruKachi Nambhi to have lunch in his house. Though Nambhi did not readily accept the invitation he was compelled to do so. While Ramanuja was outside his house collecting fruits for lunch, Nambhi rushed to have an early lunch before Ramanuja showed up to avoid caste conflict. Ramanuja s wife offered the food in the front yard, cleaned up the place, and utensils and after a bath prepared fresh food for Ramanuja just contrary to Ramanuja s wish to eat the leftover. Ramanuja was naturally upset and felt that his wife was moving away from him. Yet on another day a poor bachelor asked for food and the wife sent him away saying she had no food while Ramanuja knew she had cooked enough food. Such episodes made him disinterested in family life. Ramanuja without a guru to guide him approached again ThirukachiNambhi and requested him to speak with the Lord Varada Rajan about his future. The next day Nambhi came up with six pointers from the Lord for Ramanuja. These are popularly known as Aru vaarthai (A Tamil phrase meaning six advises) Ahameva ParamThathvam - Darsanam Bedamevacha - Upaayaasthu Prapathisyaath - AnthimaSmruthi Varjanam - DehaaVasaane Mokshasya - Poornaachaarya Samaasrayaha 1. The lord spoke that He was the Absolute Brahman (God) 2. The individual souls (Athma) and the Absolute (Paramaathma-God) are different (The theory of the aikyam (oneness) of individuals with Brahman is negated here) 10

11 3. The individuals had to practice absolute surrender to Him (easy to observe) to reach Him (This is the Upaayam, the way, to reach Him. Karma yoga, Gyaana yoga, Bhakthi yoga are difficult to practice in this Kali yugam) 4. There is no need for such surrendered souls to meditate on Him in the death bed. (the scriptures declare that we should be thinking about God while dying to reach Him. But at that time we may not have control over our senses and hence may not be able to do it. This does not apply to those who practice prapathi(surrender) when they have control over their bodies. The Sruthi vaakyam that the departing person should be meditating on God is not denied here. God takes the responsibility of fulfilling this when the surrendered jeevan is about to die ) 5. Only at the end of this life we can get Moksham(liberation). The concept of Jeevan Mukthi is denied here. 6. The above five are applicable to everybody. The last one is specifically addressed to Ramanuja. PeriyaNambhi who was one of the main students of Alavandaar would be his Guru (spiritual teacher). The first five formed the founding principles of the later works of Ramanuja and hence I consider Varadaraaja Perumal of Kancheepuram as the first guru of Ramanuja though traditionally PeriyaNambhi is praised as his first teacher. Ramanuja rushed to Srirangam to meet the new guru. At the same time PeriyaNambhi was on his way to Kancheepuram to meet Ramanuja and both met at Maduranthakam (a temple town for Rama, south of Chennai, near Chinglepet). It was here PeriyaNambhi took Ramanuja as his student and gave him the traditional sacred manthraas along with Vaishnava symbols, Chanku- Chakram, imprinted on his shoulders. Even today we can see these originally used Chanku-Chakram insignia in this temple. Both returned to Kancheepuram and as per Ramanuja s request his teacher and his wife stayed with Ramanuja. Ramanuja started learning the detailed interpretations of Azhwaars Tamil works, called Naalaayara Divya Prabhandam from his teacher. Ramanuja taking up Sanyaasa Asramam Ramanuja s wife was from a very orthodox family and did not like the teacher and his wife staying with them. One day when the ladies were together near the water well the teacher s wife happened to hear 11

12 unpleasant harsh words from Ramanuja s wife. The teacher and his wife decided to return to Srirangam without informing Ramanuja who might prevent them from leaving. Ramanuja naturally was mad when he heard about the departure of his guru, went straight to the temple after sending his wife to her parents and prayed to Lord, Varadan to give him Sanyaasramam. To everybody s astonishment the orange robes (kaashaayam) and the three bamboo staff (tridandam) were waiting for him on the steps of the temple pond (pushkarani). Ramanuja entered the sanyaasa asramam (became an ascetic) with the names Lakshmana muni and Yathiraajar (king of all sanyaasees). Pranaamam Lakshmanamunihi prathigruhnaathu maamakam I Prasaadhayathi yathsookthihi svaadheena pathikaam sruthim II Upaveethinam oordvapundaravantham thrijagath punya palam thridhanda hastham I Saranaagatha saarthavaahameete sikhayaa sekharinam pathim yatheenaam II Swamy Vedantha Desikan who appeared about two centuries later prays to Lakshmana muni whose Srisookthis (sacred writings) brought back the beauty of veda maathaa (scriptures are referred to as mother) who was blemished by those who gave wrong meanings to our scriptures. Leading those who surrendered to God our Yathiraajar shines sporting a tuft(kudumi) with the sacred thread (poonal), twelve naamams (religious marks on various parts of the body) and the staff with three sticks that brings virtues to the three worlds. It is to be noted that nonvaishnava sanyaasis do not have these characteristics. Attracted by Yathiraaja s (Ramanuja) graceful appearance two students started serving him right away. One of them was his own (poorvaasrama) cousin Mudali Andaan. The other one was a very rich man, Koorathu Azhwaan who gave up all his wealth and with his wife accepted Yathiraajar as guru. In the meantime the Srirangam group sent Perumal Araiyar (who sang Azhwar paasurams with Mudra and thaalam in front of Lord Ranganatha) to Kancheepuram to fetch Yathiraajar to lead the group in Srirangam. The melodious performance of this Araiyar in front of Varadan, Kancheepuram Perumal, influenced the Lord, priests and the Bhakthaas that they all reluctantly agreed to send Yathiraajar to Srirangam....to be continued 12

13 Sri Meenakshi Temple Society McLean Road, Pearland, TX Invites you to participate in the Anna Abhishekam (For Lord Shiva) Saturday November 4 th, 2017 at 7 PM At The Main Temple Sankalpam, Special Anna Abhishekam, Alankaram, Deeparadhna, Upacharam and Prasadam Devotees can bring cooked rice and other prasadams Sponsorship $21 For more information please contact Padmini at prn2635@gmail.com or Sheila at sriramsheila@gmail.com or call the Temple Office at (281) , Ext 100 or

14 Sri Meenakshi Temple Society McLean Road, Pearland, TX invites you to participate in the Sri Kaisika Dwadasi Festival Thursday, November 30th 2017 SINGING THE GLORY OF LORD VISHNU Program At the Main Temple 7:00 pm Pooja Sponsorship $21 Please bring Fruits, Flowers and Prasadam for the Pooja As traditionally celebrated, devotees will assemble to sing together glories of Sriman Narayana. All are welcome to join. The list of songs will be provided to the devotees ahead of the event in a recorded form for individual practice For more information please contact Padmini at prn2635@gmail.com or Sheila at sriramsheila@gmail.com or call the Temple Office at (281) , Ext 100 or

15 Sanathana Dharma a practical way to live By M.K.Sriram Om Gurubhyo Nama: There is no easy equivalent single word for Dharma in the English language. It carries so much meaning and can be interpreted per the context: virtue, code of conduct, consciousness, moral and professional ethics, discipline, values, tradition, generosity / charity, way of life, why even science and many many more. Sanathana generally means eternal, without beginning or end and universal. Our religion, now known as Hinduism (coined by westerners) is actually Sanathana Dharma. It is not named after or aligned with one great prophet and his or her teachings, as are most other religions. In fact, whether one is consciously aware or not, SD covers all animate and inanimate objects in this universe. Everyone is really born a Hindu. This continuing series of articles with our Guru s blessings, are intended to provide an understanding of our global religion in a simple language or plain speak, with practical steps that can be followed. The hope certainly is to promote an interest in the community, especially the younger generation, to get a proper grounding and perspective of our religion, so they may be successful in their lives as leaders who exemplify the qualities and virtues of Sanathana Dharma. The major steps we take towards the ultimate goal of realizing God are the following. It is important to know that we cannot skip or jump steps. The 1st step - Matha, Pitha: Love and respect for our Mother and Father is the most natural and simplest of all. But this is a very critical step, without which we cannot hope to reach God. The 2nd step -Guru: Guru or Acharya is the teacher, guide, philosopher and leader. Without Guru, we are like a rudderless boat in an ocean. Fortunately, by family tradition, there is a Guru already in place for most of us. But, many of us, as we mature, seek and find a Guru who inspires us. Have the Guru firmly in your heart, as a foundation, for, in order to take the 3rd step, this is very necessary. The 3rd step -Brahman, the Supreme One: We worship many forms of the Brahman, the one supreme being, we as well as everything are part of. These various forms appear as deities such as Maha Vishnu, Lakshmi, Shiva, Parvathy, Ganesha, Muruga, Ayyappa etc. We worship them at temples and we worship them at home or elsewhere. This is a very personal interaction between us and the deity. The prayers are chanted to remove ignorance and selfishness from us. Our ultimate goal in this life is to attain mukthi, where we completely merge with the Supreme One. This is the ultimate realization of Advaita no two, only one. The day to day practice of Sanathana Dharma includes among many other things, the following. Temple Worship: Each time we visit the temple, let it be our goal that we will become incrementally, even by a tiny percentage, a better person. Let us pray for loka kshemam (welfare of all), rather than being selfish. Let our prayer be How can I serve you rather than Can you give me this or that. Let it be show me the light, the path and give me the strength and intellect to face all difficulties. When we listen to or chant the Vedic mantras, our hearts resonate with them consciously or sub-consciously. A visit to the temple is like a recharge of our batteries. Our thoughts and actions in our daily life should be guided and influenced by the spirituality and strength we derive from our meditation at the temple....to be continued 15

16 Sri Meenakshi Temple Society McLean Road, Pearland, TX Invites you to participate in the Maha Sathyanarayana Puja On Saturday, Dec 9th, 2017 Sponsorship - $51 Flowers, fruits & prasadams welcome Annadhanam contributions welcome For more information please contact: Padmini at prn2635@gmail.com or Sheila at sriramsheila@gmail.com or call the Temple Office at (281) , Ext 100 or

17 Sri Meenakshi Temple Society McLean Road, Pearland, TX Invites you to celebrate Ayyappa Mandala Puja (November 17 th to December 27, 2017) Program: November 16, :00 AM- Sapthasudhi Abishekam Sponsorship $ November 17 th, 2017 to December 27 th, :00AM-Abhishekam & Malar Nyvediyam; 9:45AM- Usha pooja; 11:00AM - Uccha pooja 6:00 PM- Deeparadhana; 7:00 PM- Sahasranama Archana; 8:30 PM-Harivarasanam. Sponsorship $ December 16 th :30 AM to 8:30 PM Akandanama Japam December :00 AM Ghee Abhishekam Laksharchana followed by Procession. Sponsorship $31 December :00 AM Kalabha Abhishekam Sponsorship $ December 27 th :00 PM Pushpabhishekam followed by Harivarasanam. Mandala Puja Completion For further information and update, Please call Temple Office at Extn 100 or 110. Or you may contact Padmini at prn2635@gmail.com, or Sheila at sriramsheila@gmail.com.. 17

18 SubhAshitAni (Good Words) By N. Gopala Sundaram (edited by Kamala Raghavan) We invoke Sri Kumaraguurupara swamigal of 17th century, born in Srivaikuntam, with a great song on Mother Meenakshi of Madurai: ம கமத ய ட ழ நககந ல வ ம ட ச ச ழ யம ம ர ப ர வக டக ட ந தல ட ச ட ட ம ர ப ட க ந த இகல வ ழ மகரம மம மக ரம ட ர ம ர மக ரம ம வ ட ந ப ரவட ட யரக க ண க ட ன ங க ண க ண ய த த க டல ட ச ர தர டக ட ந ண மர ங க ற வண ட த வண த டத ந த ர ந த வ ந த கரந டத ள ர ச ல க ய ல க மற றக ல ர ர ந க லடம ட வ ட க ட ங க கர யவன தக ந த மவ ல ப க ந தவள ட க ட ங க கர. (6) (மத கர ம ட ச யம கம ப ள களத தம ழ - க மரக ர ர ச வ ம கள - ட ங க கரப ர வம ) (ட ங க கர ஆ ல என த க ந கத 5-ம ம தம ம தல ஒர க கல ம க க, மற க கல ந ட ட ஆட க டக ண ச தவழ ம ர வத கதக க ற க க ம. ஆங க லத த ல "crawling period" என ற ட ல வர ). The Dancing Goddess O Goddess, as you crawl the smile on your pretty face dances like the shining moon. As you crawl the dark bun on your hair dances with its ornaments. As you crawl your bent eyebrows dance like curving creepers. As you crawl the golden cutti ornament that hangs over your forehead dances. As you crawl, your fish-like eyes contending with one another extend to your ears and the makara ornaments that hang on your ears dance together. 18

19 As you crawl, the anklets on your feet dance. The bells on your anklets dance, singing, kinkini, kinkini. As you crawl, your waist thin as a creeper dances with your dress. As you crawl, your belly broad as a banian leaf moves and dances. Your navel that is hidden in your belly shines and dances. O mother of all worlds, as you crawl, all the moving and unmoving creatures of all the worlds dance. Lift up your head, crawl and grant us your grace. You are crowned to make this world flourish. Lift up your head, crawl and grant us your grace. (Translation- Dr. Kausalya Hart) II. Adhi ShankarAchAryA explains the whole purpose of worship: च ज ञल त;स य श द दय कर म न त वस त पलब धय वस त च चद दचवम र ण न चक च त कर क च च : -चवव क ड र ण cigyaltaasya shuddhaye karma na tu vastupalabdhaye vastusiddhirvicarena na kincitkarmekotibhih -vivekachudamani The whole purpose of worship is for purifying the mind and not for attaining the spiritual knowledge. Spiritual knowledge can only be attained by deep thinking and reading and would not be attained even if anyone performs millions of karmas. ச க ஞல தஅஸ ய ஶ த தசய கர ம ந த வஸ த லப தசய வஸ த ஸ த த ர வ சர ந க ஞ ச த கர சமசக ட ப : -வ சவக ச மண III. Manusmriti defines saintly persons in this verse: Not prahl ṣyati sanmānē nāpamānē ch kupyati Not angry: parūṣaṁ brūyāt sa vai: Sml ta :-manusml ti na prahrushyati sanmane napamane ca kushyati na kruddhah parusham buyat sa vai sadhuttama: smrutah -ManusmRiti Those who do not get carried away when honor is bestowed upon them, do not become angry when My Salutations to You, O Divakara (the maker of the Day), and again Salutations to You, O Prabhakara (the maker of Light). 19

20 प त श वरथर र ढ प र ण ड कश यप त र जर श व तपद मधर द व त य प रणर म यहर २ Sapta-Ashva-Ratham-Aaruuddham Pracannddam Kashyapa-[A]atmajam Shveta-Padma-Dharam Devam Tam Suuryam Prannamaamy[i]-Aham 2 You are mounted on a Chariot driven by seven Horses, You are excessively Energetic and the Son of sage Kashyapa, You are the Deva Who holds a White Lotus (in Your Hand); I Salute You, O Suryadeva. ल चहत रथर र ढ वमल कचपत र हर र ह प पहर द व त य प रणर म यहर ३ Lohitam Ratham-Aaruuddham Sarva-Loka-Pitaamaham Mahaa-Paapa-Haram Devam Tam Suuryam Prannamaamy[i]-Aham 3 You are Reddish in colour, and mounted on a Chariot; You are the Grandfather of all persons (being the Adideva, the first God), You are the Deva Who removes great Sins from our minds (by Your Illumination); I Salute You, O Suryadeva. त र ग ण य र ह श र ब रह मचवष ण र ह श वरर र ह प पहर द व त य प रणर म यहर ४ Trai-Gunnyam Ca Mahaa-Shuuram Brahma-Vissnnu-Maheshvaram Mahaa-Paapa-Haram Devam Tam Suuryam Prannamaamy[i]-Aham 4 You are the Heroic One having the Three Gunas of Brahma, Vishnu and Maheswara (i.e. Qualities of Creation, Sustenance and Dissolution), You are the Deva Who removes great Sins from our minds (by Your Illumination); I salute You, O Suryadeva. ஆத சதவ நமஸ த ப யம ப ரஸ த மம ஸ கர/ த வ கர நமஸ த ப யம ப ர கர நசம (அ)ஸ த சத// ஸப தஸ வர தம ர ம ப ர ண ம கஸ ய த மஜம / ஸ சவத த மதரம சதவம தம ஸ ர யம ப ர ம ம யஹம // த கர க ண யம மஹ ஸ ரம ப ரஹ ம வ ஷ ண மசஹஸ வரம / மஹ ஹரம சதவம தம ஸ ர யம ப ர ம ம யஹம // ப ர ம ஹ தம சதஜ:ப ஞ ம வ ய ம க ஸ சமவ / ப ரப ம ஸர வ சல க ம தம ஸ ர யம ப ர ம ம யஹம // -ஸ ர ய ஷ கம 20

21 The 12 Azhwars Source: Internet The 12 Azhwars, authors of Naalayira Divya Prabandam poetic Rhymes, are known as Nityasuris or Divyasuris; those who reside permanently with the Lord in His Heavenly abode. They have incarnated as Azhwars (Vasihnavite Saints) to propagate Bhakthi Marga, devotion to Lord Vishnu. The Twelve Azhwars and their birth details are briefly given in the table below: POIGAI AZHWAR Period 7th Century AD Birth place: Kanchipuram Year/Month: Sidharthi / Aippisi Birth Star: Tiruvonam Amsam : Panchajanya (Conch) BHOOTHATH AZHWAR Period 7th Century AD Birth Place: Mahabalipuram (Mamallapuram) Year/Month: Sidharthi / Aippisi Birth Star: Avittam Amsam: Kaumodakee (Mace) PEI AZHWAR Period 7th Century AD Birth place: Mylapore - Chennai Year/Month: Sidharthi /Aippasi Birth Star: Sadayam Amsam: Nandhagam (Sword) TIRUMAZHISAI AZHWAR 7th Century AD Birth place: Thirumazhisai Year/ Month: Sidharthi / Thai Birth Star: Maham Amsam: Sudarsanam (Discus) TIRUMANGAI AZHWAR 8th Century AD Birth place: Thiru Kurayalur Year/ Month: Nala/ Karthigai Birth Star: Krithigai Amsam: Sarnga (Bow) TONDARADIPODI AZHWAR 8th Century AD Birth place: Thirumandangudi Year/Month: Prabhava/Margazhi Birth Star: Kettai Amsam: Vanamaalai (garland) TIRUPPAN AZHWAR 8th Century AD Birth Place: Uraiyur Year/Month: Dhurmathi/Karthigai Birth Star: Rohini Amsam: Srivatsam KULASEKHARA AZHWAR 8th Century AD Birth place: Thirvanjikkolam Year/Month: Prabhava/Maasi Birth Star: Punar Poosam Amsam: Kaustubham (Gem Necklace) PERIYAAZHWAR 9th Century AD Birth place: Sri Villiputhur Year/Month: Krodhana/Aani Birth Star: Swathi Amsam: Garuda (Chariot/Vehicle) SRI ANDAAL 9th Century AD Birth place: Sri Villiputhur Year/Month: Nala/Aadi Birth Star: Pooram Amsam: Bhoodevi NAMMAAZHWAR 9th Century AD Birth Place: Azhwar Thirunagari (Kurugoor) Vakulaaa Baranan, Kurugaiyar Kone Year/Month: Pramaadhi/Vaikasi Birth Star: Visakham Amsam: Viswaksenar (Commander of Army) MADHURAKAVI AZHWAR 9th Century AD Birth place: Thirukollur Year/Month: Eeswara / Chittirai Birth Star: Chittirai Amsam: Vainatheya (Garuda) 21

22 Sri Meenakshi Temple Society McLean Road, Pearland, TX Invites you to celebrate VAIKUNTA EKADESI and Swarga Vasal Darshnam Friday, December 29th, 2017 Program At the Main temple 6:00amThiruppalliEzhuchi 7:00 am am Nithya Aradhanam &Thiruppavaisevakalam 9:00 am -Venkateswara Abhishekam 10:30 am-vaikunta Dwara Darshanam and Prakara Utsavam On Garuda Vahanam 11:00 am Gadhya Thrayam, Aarthi, Shaathumurai, Theertham, Prasadam 12 noon- Vishnu Sahasranamam Chanting Open participation SPONSORSHIP $51.00 For more information please contact: Padmini at or Sheila at or call the Temple Office at (281) , Ext 100 or

23 EVENTS FOR 4 th QUARTER 2017 Date DAY TIME 1-Oct Sun 10:30 AM Ekadasi Sri Venkateswara Abhishekam 3-Oct Tue 7:00 PM Pradosham Nandi & Siva Abhishekam & Procession 5-Oct Thu 7:00 PM Shanthaabhishekam for Sri Meenakshi 5-Oct Thu 7:00 PM Sathyanarayana Puja 7-Oct Sat 10:30 AM Purattasi sanivaram Venkateswara Abhishekam 8-Oct Sun 10:00 AM Venkateswara Kalyanam (Baja Govindam) 8-Oct Sun 11:00 AM Meenakshi Abhishekam 8-Oct Sun 7:00 PM Sankatahara Chathurthi Ganapathi Homam & Abhisheham 9-Oct Mon 7:00 PM Krithikai Sri Subramanya Abhishekam 12-Oct Thu 7:00 PM Punarvasu Sri Rama Abhishekam 12-Oct Thu 7:00 PM Ashtami Bairavar Abhishekam 14-Oct Sat 8:00 AM Purattasi Sanivaram Venkatesawara Abhishekamm, Deepavali Bazaar 14-Oct Sat 7:00 PM Deepavali Lakshmi Puja 15-Oct Sun 10:30 AM Ekadasi Sri Venkateswara Abhishekam 17-Oct Tue 7:00 PM Pradosham Nandi & Siva Abhishekam & Procession 18-Oct Wed 7:00 PM Deepavali Katchi Lakshmi Puja 20-Oct Fri 7:00 PM Skanda Shashti Begins 1st day 23-Oct Mon 7:00 PM Maha Ganapathy Abhishekam 25-Oct Wed 6:00:PM Skanda Homam 25-Oct Wed 7:00 PM Mulam Sri Anjaneyar Abhishekam 28-Oct Sat 10:30 AM Sravanam Sri Venkateswara Abhishekam 30-Oct Mon 7:00 PM Ekadasi Sri Venkateswara Abhishekam 1-Nov Wed 7:00 PM Pradosham Nandi & Siva Abhishekam & Procession 3-Nov Fri 7:00 PM Sathyanarayana Puja 4-Nov Sat 10:30 AM Anna Abhishekam 5-Nov Sun 10:30 AM Venkateswara Abhishekam 5-Nov Sun 10:30 AM Krithikai Sri Subramanya Abhishekam 7-Nov Tue 7:00 PM Sankatahara Chathurthi Ganapathi Homam & Abhisheham 9-Nov Thu 7:00 PM Punarvasu Sri Rama Abhishekam 11-Nov Sat 10:30 AM Ashtami Bairavar Abhishekam 12-Nov Sun 11:00 AM Meenakshi Abhishekam 13-Nov Mon 7:00 AM Ekadasi Sri Venkateswara Abhishekam 15-Nov Wed 7:00 PM Pradosham Nandi & Siva Abhishekam & Procession 16-Nov Thu 7:00 PM Ayyappa Saptasuddhi Abhishekam 17-Nov Fri 7:00 PM Ayyappa Mandala Puja Begins 23

24 20-Nov Mon 7:00 PM 1st Karthigai Somavaram 21-Nov Tue 7:00 PM Mulam Sri Anjaneyar Abhishekam 22-Nov Wed 7:00 PM Maha Ganapathy Abhishekam 24-Nov Fri 7:00 PM Sukla Sashti Sri Subramanya Abhishekam 25-Nov Sat 10:30 AM Sravanam Sri Venkateswara Abhishekam 27-Nov Mon 7:00 PM 2nd Karthigai Somavaram 29-Nov Wed 7:00 PM Ekadasi Sri Venkateswara Abhishekam 30-Nov Thu 7:00 PM Kaishika Dwadasi 1-Dec Fri 7:00 PM Pradosham Nandi & Siva Abhishekam & Procession 2-Dec Sat AM Krithikai Sri Subramanya Abhishekam 2-Dec Sat 7:00 PM Karthigai Deepam 2-Dec Sat 7:00 PM Sathyanarayana Puja 3-Dec Sun 10:30 AM Venkateswara Abhishekam 4-Dec Mon 7:00 PM 3rd Karthigai Somavaram 6-Dec Wed 7:00 PM Punarvasu Sri Rama Abhishekam 6-Dec Wed 7:00 PM Sankatahara Chathurthi Ganapathi Homam & Abhisheham 9-Dec Sat 7:00 PM Maha Sathyanarayana Puja 10-Dec Sun 11:00 AM Meenakshi Abhishekam 10-Dec Sun 11:00 AM Ashtami Bairavar Abhishekam 11-Dec Mon 7:00 PM 4th Karthigai Somavaram 13-Dec Wed 7:00 PM Ekadasi Sri Venkateswara Abhishekam 15-Dec Fri 7:00 PM Pradosham Nandi & Siva Abhishekam & Procession 16-Dec Sat 6:00 AM Dhanurmasa Puja begins 18-Dec Mon 7:00 PM Mulam Sri Anjaneyar Abhishekam 21-Dec Thu 7:00 PM Sravanam Sri Venkateswara Abhishekam 22-Dec Fri 7:00 PM Maha Ganapathy Abhishekam 23-Dec Sat 10:30 AM Ayyappa Mandala Ghee Abhishekam 24-Dec Sun 10:30 AM Sukla Sashti Sri Subramanya Abhishekam 26-Dec Tue 7:00 PM Ayyappa Kalabha Abhishekam 27-Dec Wed 7:00 PM Ayyappa Mandala Completion Pushpabhishekam 29-Dec Fri 10:30 AM Sri Vaikunta Ekadasi 30-Dec Sat 10:30 AM Krithikai Sri Subramanya Abhishekam 30-Dec Sat 7:00 PM Pradosham Nandi & Siva Abhishekam & Procession 31-Dec Sun 11:55 PM New Year Special Puja with midnight aarthi 1-Jan Mon 8:00 AM New Year Pujas 24

25 Sri Meenakshi Temple Society McLean Road, Pearland, TX Main Events Calendar for 4th Quarter 2017 By Month October Oct Thu 7:00 PM Shantha Abhishekam for Sri Meenakshi 7-Oct Sat 10:30 AM Purattasi Sanivaram Venkateswara Abhishekam 8-Oct Sun 10:00 AM Venkateswara Kalyanam (Baja Govindam) 14-Oct Sat 8:00 AM Purattasi Sanivaram Venkateswara Abhishekam, Deepavali Bazaar 14-Oct Sat 7:00 PM Purattasi Sanivaram Venkateswara Abhishekam, Deepavali Lakshmi Puja 15-Oct Sun 10:30 AM Ekadasi Sri Venkateswara Abhishekam 18-Oct Wed 7:00 PM Deepavali Katchi Lakshmi Puja 20-Oct Fri 7:00 PM Skanda Sashti 25-Oct Wed 6:00 PM Skanda Homam November Nov Sat 10:30 AM Anna Abhishekam 15-Nov to 23- Nov Wed-Thu Var. times 63 Nayanmargal and 12 Alwargal Prathista 16-Nov Thu 7:00 PM Ayyappa Saptasuddhi Abishekam 17-Nov Fri 7:00 PM Ayyappa Mandala Puja begins 20-Nov Mon 7:00 PM 1st Karthigai Somavaram 23-Nov Thu 10:00 AM Maha Kumbabhishekam 27-Nov Mon 7:00 PM 2nd Karthigai Somavaram 30-Nov Thu 7:00 PM Kaishika Dwadasi December Dec Mon 7:00 PM 3rd Karthigai Somavaram 9-Dec Sat 7:00 PM Maha Satyanarayana puja 11-Dec Mon 7:00 PM 4th Karthigai Somavaram 16-Dec Sat 6:00 AM Dhanurmasa Puja begins 23-Dec Sat 10:30 AM Ayyappa Mandala Ghee Abhishekam 26-Dec Tue 7:00 PM Ayyappa Kalabha Abhishekam 27-Dec Wed 7:00 PM Ayyappa Mandala Completion Pushpa Abhishekam 29-Dec Fri 10:30 AM Sri Vaikunta Ekadasi 31-Dec Sun 11:55 PM New Year Special Puja, Midnight Aarthi 1-Jan Mon 8:00 AM New Year Puja REGULARLY SCHEDULED WEEKLY ABHISHEKAM Sri Ganesha Homam & Abhishekam... All days 7:00 AM Sri Siva (Sundareswara) & Sri Meenakshi Abhishekam... All days 9:00 AM Sri Siva (Sundareswara) Abhishekam...Mondays 7:00 PM** Sri Durga Abhishekam... Tuesdays 7:00 PM Sri Padmavathy Abhishekam... Fridays 6:30 PM Sri Meenakshi Abhishekam & Lalitha Sahasranamavali... Fridays 7:00 PM Last Friday of the month Lalitha Sahasranamavali & Shodasa Upacharam Sri Navagraha Abhishekam...Saturdays 11:00 AM Sri Ayyappa Abhishekam...Saturdays 10:00 AM* Sri Kanyaka Parameswari Abhishekam...Last Sunday of the Month 10:00 AM Sri Meenakshi Abhishekam...Second Sunday of the Month 11:00 AM** Sri Venkateswara Abhishekam... First Sunday of the Month 10:30 AM *Please Note: From Nov. 17 to Dec. 27th.Ayyappa Mandala Puja daily at 9:00: AM Ayyappa... Abhishekam and 7:00 PM: Special alankaram and sahasranama archana **Please Note: From Dec. 16th to Jan. 14th Sri Meenakshi Abhishekam and Sri Siva Abhishekam 6:00 AM followed by Thituppavai, Thiruvembavai 25

26 Significance of Ayyappa Holy 18 Steps By Dr. Venugopal Menon Sabarimala Sree Dharma Sastha Temple, dedicated to Lord Ayyappa, is the most famous and prominent among all the Sastha temples in the world, situated on a 3000 feet hilltop in the state of Kerala. Several thousands of devotees make their pilgrimage during the Makaravilakku in the month of January, after observing the obligatory penance for 41 days. Every Ayyappa devotee, before he reaches the sanctum sanctorum has to lay his footsteps over and climb the sacred 18 steps, the Pathinettampadi. The significance of the ritualistic procedure is a symbolic way of shedding the personal ego, as expressed through the steps. Eighteen is traditionally propitious in Hinduism, as noted from the Vedic age, from the number of chapters in the first Veda written by Brahma, the number of puranaas, or of the parvas in the epic Mahabharata, the number of days the Kurukshetra war lasted, or the chapters in Bhagavad Gita. And the 18 Holy steps in Sabarimala represent the five sense organs or Panchenrdriyas (eye, ear, nose, tongue and skin), the eight passions, the Ashtaragas (Kama or love, Krodha or anger, Lobha or greed, Moha or lust, Mada or pride, Matsarya or competition, Asooya or jealousy, Dhumb or boastfulness.), the three natures or Gunas (Satva simplicity, Rajas enjoyment, Thamas lethargy), and the last two being Vidya or knowledge and Avidya or ignorance. It is assumed that after climbing up these eighteen steps reverently, one symbolically detaches oneself from all the worldly ties that bind one physically and mentally to the world. It is only then that a person will be in a receptive condition to be one in consonance with the concept of The Ultimate Creator. The steep steps are so important and holy that no one can climb them without fasting for 41 days and carrying the holy irumudi on ones head. Before ascending or descending the steps, pilgrims break coconut as an offering to the steps. MTS has the oldest Ayyappa Sanctum in the USA. The Padinettu Padi (Holy 18 steps) construction is progressing with a project completion target for the 2017 Ayyappa Mandala Puja. Swamiye Saranam Ayyappa 26

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28 Some criteria, MTS membership Rules and Guidelines: 1. Membership of MTS shall be open to anyone who follows the Hindu religious faith and Culture and believe in the objectives of MTS and meets the MTS By-laws requirements.(article II: Section 1) 2. Applicant of 20 years of age or older shall become a Primary member after the Membership committee s review and approval by the Board of Directors. Such Primary members will be in Provisional status for one year until they have satisfactorily demonstrated their support for MTS goals and objectives as in the By-laws. At that time, the member s status will be converted to Active subject to review by the Membership committee and approval by the Board. (Article II: Section 3 & 4) o Provisional members, shall not have privileges to vote or to hold elected offices on the Board. They may attend General Body meetings as nonvoting members. 3. Both husband and wife must apply individually for their respective membership (Article II: Section 8) 4. Primary members who file their membership forms annually and pay the annual dues, if any, shall be Active in status. Such members shall constitute the General Body of MTS. (Article II: Section 9) 5. Youth members are children of Active Primary and Senior members between ages 13 and 19. Membership and renewal forms for Youth members shall be signed by their parents or guardians. (Article II: Section 11) 6. Persons employed as Staff members or gainfully employed on contract by MTS, shall not be accepted as Primary members. (Article II: Section 14) 7. An active member shall become a life member upon payment of the necessary dues during the calendar year and applying for the same within 90 days following the end of the calendar year. (Article VII: Section 8) 8. All members must renew their membership every year, by January 1, by completing and filing the annual membership renewal form and paying the annual dues. (Article V: Section 1) 9. Extended renewal time or grace period is 1st January to 31st March. (Article V: Section 1) 10. Any member who has not filed the renewal form and/or paid the annual dues past 31st March, shall automatically become Inactive in status and shall lose his/her Membership rights and privileges. (Article IV: Section 4) o An Inactive member shall be made Active again when the renewal forms are filed and necessary dues, if any, for the current year are paid. 11. The following do not pay annual fees for MTS membership: i) Life Members, ii) Inactive members and iii) Honorary or youth members or Temple devotees , Telephone and address corrections of members must be made through this form and by sending it to the membership committee coordinator. Such changes made to at the MTS devotee database ( are not automatically used to update the membership information. 13. In December of every year, the membership committee will send out a membership renewal notice and all changes to membership can also be made through the letter. 14. To vote in the elections and to sponsor candidates, a member must be in Active status as of July 1, of an election year. (Article XXI: Section 1). 28

29 Sri Meenakshi Temple Society McLean Road, Pearland, TX Phone: Ext. 100 (or) 110 ANNUAL PUJA SPONSORSHIP FORM For more information please contact the Temple Office at ext. 100, 110 If you have any questions, comments or need more information please do not hesitate to contact Padmini Nathan at or Sheila Sriram at 29

30 Kalyana Mandapam (KM), Youth Center (YC) and Visitors Center (VC) at MTS Both KM and YC are spacious facilities for events like Engagements, Weddings, Receptions, etc. Each facility can accommodate more than 400 people VC can accommodate up to 125 people for small events Have over 1200 chairs, 50 round tables, and more than 30 rectangular (6 x 2 ) tables Use the MTS facilities (KM, YC and the Visitors Center) for all of your needs throughout the year Recommend to your friends and colleagues about the facilities and support our Temple For Reservations Contact: Mr. Venkatachalam at or venkatk2005@yahoo.com Alternatively: Send to temple@meenakshi.org or rammreddy55@gmail.com (Ramachandra M. Reddy) and we will get back to you within 24 hours Kalayana Mandapam Youth Center Banquet Hall 30

31 RAHUKALAM DAY YAMAGANDAM 4:30 PM 6:00 PM Sun 12 NOON 1:30 PM 7:30 AM 9:00 AM Mon 10:30 AM 12 NOON 3:00 PM 4:30 PM Tue 9:00 AM 10:30 AM 12 NOON 1:30 PM Wed 7:30 AM 9:00 AM 1:30 PM 3:00 PM Thu 6:00 AM 7:30 AM 10:30 AM 12 NOON Fri 3:00 PM 4:30 PM 9:00 AM 10:30 AM Sat 1:30 PM 3:00 PM Temple Hours Monday through Thursday: 8:30 AM to 12 Noon and 5:00 PM to 8:30 PM Friday: 8:30 AM to 12 Noon and 5:00 PM to 9:00 PM Weekends and National Holidays: 8:30 AM to 8:30 PM Listen to MTS Radio Listen to MTS RADIO Every Sunday TUNE INTO RADIO DIAL 1110 AM STATION Broadcast Every Sunday at 1:00 pm Tune on link from Sri Meenakshi Temple website: Sri Meenakshi Temple Telephone Numbers MAIN TEMPLE (Best time to call: 9 am-12 noon and 5 pm-8 pm) Main Temple , 110 Ganesh Temple Facility Center Library (During Library hours) Kalyana Mantapam Temple Kitchen MTS FAX STAFF Sri Vatsa Kumar (Executive Officer) Sri K. Venkatachalam (Administrator) Sri Manickasundaram Bhattar (Priest) Sri Kalyana Sundaram (Priest) Sri R.K.E. Parameswaran (Priest) Sri Sreedharan Raghavan (Priest) Sri Pawankumar Sri Bhashyam (Priest) Sri Sriman Narayana Charyalu Rompicherla (Priest) Sri Balaji Sethuraman (Priest) Temple Times Published by MTS Public Relations and Publicity Committee 31

32 NON PROFIT ORG. U. S POSTAGE PAID PEARLAND, TX PERMIT NO. 79 Temple Times is a publication of Sri Meenakshi Temple McLean Road Pearland, TX