TEMPLE TIMES. Sri Andal

Transcription

1 TEMPLE TIMES st Quarter 2018 January, February, March Sri Andal A Quarterly Publication of Sri Meenakshi Temple Society Pearland, Texas 1

2 A Message from the Outgoing MTS Advisory Council Honorary Vice President Tupil Narasiman MY first trip to Sri Meenakshi Temple was in the summer of 1982 from Baton Rouge, LA to do the Ayushhomam for my son. Little did I know at that time that one day, I would be fortunate enough to be a chairman of the temple. Later when we moved to Houston in 1990, I started getting involved in the temple as a volunteer. In 1994, at the request of Dr.A.P Raguthaman, Vice Chairman then, and Sesh Bala, Director then, I started getting involved with the Temple preparing the financials for General Body presentations and for external audit. In 1998, I got elected as the Joint Treasurer and in the new millennium year, became the Treasurer. After serving in the Advisory Council for years, I got elected as the Vice Chairman of the temple and Served as its chairman of the board during After serving for two years as a trustee in the Advisory Council, I became its Honorary Vice President in which ends on December 3, These last eight years of my life have been one of the memorable years for me both in my association with the temple and in personal life. We renovated the Ganesh temple with a Granite Sanctum, a granite Vimanam and expanded the temple area by 100%. Additionally, expanded the Facility center area and made the building one level. We also built the peacock shelter, a temporary Balalayam for Ganesha as his temporary abode during the renovation of the Ganesh Temple. In addition, I was fortunate to see our income surpass $2M in 2013 for the first time. I was also part of the main temple expansion under the leadership of Dr. Vaduganathan and Corner Mantapam Renovation project under the leadership of Chairman Narayanan. On the personal side, all my children got married and settled down during those eight years and my wife Ranjana and I became grandparents to four grandchildren. All this happened because of the blessing of Ganesha, Meenakshi, Sundareswara, Venkatesa and Padmavathi. I am so happy and blessed to be part of these three renovations culminating in three Kumbhabhishekams. I cannot possibly ask for more in life. To all the young devotees, my advice to you is that you get involved as a volunteer at the temple early in your life so that your family grows with the temple at the center of your life. Although my leadership term is over at the temple at the end of this year, I will continue to be involved as a volunteer at the temple both as a general body member and as a devotee. I thank all the boards and the Councils I was involved with for giving this opportunity to work with you all. I also thank the General Body members of MTS and all the devotes for their strong support given to me all these years. May the blessings of Ganesha, Meenakshi, Sundareswara, Venkatesa and Padmavathi always be with you. 2

3 2017 MTS Board of Directors Election The election of Sri Meenakshi Temple Society Board of Directors is held every other year on the first Sunday of December. The Board consists of 20 members, 18 of whom are elected for a four year term and two are appointed from the community for a two year term. Nine members of the Board are elected every two years, thus providing a fifty percent overlap. The nine elected Board of Directors are for positions of three Executive Directors (Vice Chairman, Joint Secretary and Joint Treasurer), two Adjunct Executive Directors and four Directors. MTS Advisory Council consisting of ten former Executive Directors appoints an independent Election Committee from the membership to conduct the election. Only Active Members of MTS are eligible to vote or run for office. On Sunday, Dec 3, 2017 the MTS Election Committee declared the following as elected: Category 1. Executive Directors Vice Chairman - Mr. D. Kannan Joint Secretary - Mr. Partha Krishnaswamy Joint Treasurer - Mrs. Bhargavi Golla Category 2: Board members Mr. Rajamani Ganesh Mr. Murugan Selvan Mr. Muthuraman Solayappan Mr. Malathi Sundar Category 4 Adjunct Executive Directors Dr. Ram Reddy Dr. Kasturi Saranathan The above Board Members will serve a 4-year term starting Jan1, Starting January 1, 2020, the Vice Chairman, the Joint Secretary and the Joint Treasurer will become the Chairman, Secretary and Treasurer respectively for 2 years. The Election Committee consisted of Mr. Vinod Kaila (Election Officer), Mr. V.K. Dorai. Mr. Karu Muthuswamy, Mrs. suseela denduluri and Mr. Ravi Vasu. Those interested in becoming members of MTS should contact the Membership Committee. Each year on Jan 1, the Membership Committee members will be present at the Temple to renew memberships, and provide information and forms for prospective new members. 3

4 A Message from the incoming MTS Chairman Dear Devotees and Friends, I slept and dreamt that life was joy. I awoke and saw that life was service. I acted and behold, service was joy. Rabindranath Tagore Happy New Year! As we wind down from the hustle and bustle of a hectic and festive holiday season, the beginning of the year is the time to reflect on The Corner Temple Renovation Project with installation of Nayanmargal, Alwargal & Acharyas culminating in the grand Kumbhabhishekam will be remembered for a long time. Our city was ravaged by the unthinkable destruction of Hurricane Harvey and many in our own community were deeply affected, I was inspired to see how all of us joined together to help our friends, family, neighbors, and even strangers in any way possible. This spirit of service in our community is something we should feel blessed to be part of. In 1977, our founding members had a humble yet ambitious vision for a temple to bring people together. Now, 40 years later, MTS stands as an iconic emblem of Indian architecture, culture, religion, and community. We now have the great honor and responsibility of serving thousands of families in and around Houston, across the United States, and abroad. This is a treasure that we must cherish and preserve. Whether you visit the temple for the outstanding religious services performed by our eminent priests, various cultural events, VHS classes for your children, or even just for a hearty meal, we welcome you and thank you for your continued support. As we step foot into 2018, I would like you to know that we have a dynamic team of very dedicated individuals including our Board, priests, staff and volunteers, who are here to serve you. We are committed to focusing on improving devotees religious, social and cultural experiences, and on making MTS an institution that best cares and serves our community. Wishing you and your family all the best in 2018! Sincerely, Padmini Nathan 4

5 A Message from the outgoing MTS Chairman The past two years have been an unforgettable and amazing experience and 2017 have been great for Sri Meenakshi Temple. We have done many improvements including better yard keeping and more lighting around the Temple. A major mile stone was the CTRP project as it completed the vision of the MTS founders. This project expanded the Corner Mandapams and connected all four Corner Mandapams and the Main Temple with the Raja Veedi. Now the devotees can enter the Main Temple complex and visit all the deities by walking underneath the covered structure. This will be very useful to all and specifically for children and senior citizens during inclement weather. The Raja Veedi, which stands magnificently with 16 feet granite pillars, gives a new grand entrance for our great Temple. The new Nayanmargal and Alwargal Mandapams with 8 feet granite pillars created an ambiance of being in an ancient South Indian Temple built by kings. New teak wood doors with opening to see the vighrahas are a great addition to our Temple. CTRP brought more useable space to the devotees and the Temple looks bigger now though the overall area has not changed. This project was fully funded by donations of 1.5 million dollars. Thursday, November 23, 2017, Thanksgiving Day, was an important historic Maha Kumbhabhishekam day for our greater Houston Community. More than 4,000 people attended to witness the great event. Devotees were very happy to carry the Silver plated Kalasam with holy water for the Vigraha Abhisekam. The celestial wedding of Sri Subramania and Sri Sita Rama Kalyana Utsavam was witnessed by thousands of devotees. The helicopter showered flowers to the Vimanas and Gopurams. Installation of the 63 Nayanmargal, 12 Alwargal, 3 Acharyars, 18 Holy Steps for Ayyappa made this Kumbhabhisekam a very unique one. The Yagasala puja and chanting by 30 priests was appreciated by all the devotees. The 2017 revenue is 2.5 million dollars which is the highest so for in our 40 year history of the Temple. I would like to thank my fellow board members, advisory council members, all the committee members and volunteers, priests, temple staff and most of all the devotees who supported and donated generously. I arrived in Houston in June of 1982 after surviving a plane crash in which our priest emeritus Sri Thangha Bhattar and I were among the passengers. I have been involved with this great Temple ever since that time for the past 35 years. The last two years as Chairman was a great experience and provided immense satisfaction serving the Temple. Last but not the least, I want to thank my family for supporting me during this time. May the blessings of Sri Meenakshi, Sri Sundareswara, Sri Venkateswara and Sri Padmavathy always be with you and your family. Sockalingam Narayanan Chairman, MTS 5

6 Sacred words Maneesha Panchakam य त र यङ नरद वत भ रहम त यन त स फ ट ग ह यत यद भ स ह दय क षद हव षय भ न त स वत च तन त म भ स य प ह त र कमण डलन भ स फ र त सद भ वय न य ग न र व तम नस ह ग र र त य ष मन ष मम 4 (मन ष पञ चक - आद श कर) Ya thiryang nara devathabhir aham ithyanthasphuda guhyathe Yadbhasa hridayaksha deha vishaya bhanthi swatho achethana Tham Bhasiyai pihitharka mandala nibham sphurthim sada bhavayan Yogi nirvritha manaso hi gurur ithyesha manisha mama 4 (Manisha Panchakam - Adhi ShankarA) The one consciousness continues to resonate Aham, Aham (I am, I am) inside every being such as Devathas (gods), humans, animals, birds etc, and illuminates the mind, indriyas (sense organs) and body. Visualizing the light rays from the consciousness which is presently equivalent to the sun covered by cloud or visible materials, Yogi (ascetic) always experiences this consciousness. He is always satisfied. It is my decision that such a person is Guru or teacher. Shanti mantra in Isopanishad ॐ प र णमद प र णम द प र ण त प र णम दच यत प र णस य प र णम द य प र णम व वश ष यत ॐ श न त श न त श न त Om Puurnnam-Adah Puurnnam-Idam Puurnnaat-Purnnam-Udacyate Puurnnasya Puurnnam-Aadaaya Puurnnam-Eva-Avashissyate Om Shaantih Shaantih Shaantih Om, That (Outer World) is Purna (Full with Divine Consciousness); This (Inner World) is also Purna (Full with Divine Consciousness); From Purna comes Purna (From the Fullness of Divine Consciousness the World is manifested);taking Purna from Purna, Purna Indeed Remains (Because Divine Consciousness is Non-Dual and Infinite). Om Peace, Peace, Peace. 6

7 Sri Meenakshi Temple Society McLean Road, Pearland, TX Invites you to participate in the very auspicious Arudra Darshanam RAM STARTS AT 10: Tuesday, January 2nd, 2018 At Nataraja Sannidhi 7:00 PM 8:30 PM Sankalpam, Abhishekam, Alankaram, Thiruvembavai Samarpanam, Archana, Deeparadhana and Procession Sponsorship: $21 For more information, please contact Muthukumar at or Ganesh Rajamani at or Sheila at or Padmini Nathan at You may also call the temple at (281) , Ext 100 or 110 7

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9 Sri Meenakshi Temple Society McLean Road, Pearland, TX Invites you to celebrate Andal Kalyanam Saturday, Jan. 13th 2018 PROGRAM STARTS AT 10:30 AM Main Temple Seervarisai at the Main Temple Group Recitation of THIRUPPAVAI Vishwaksena Aradhana, Punyahavachanam, Rakshabandanam, Kanyavaranam, Varapuja, Mangalashtakam, Kanyadhanam, Mangalya Dharanam, Laaja Homam Note: Varanamayiram recitation during Laaja Homam, Upachara puja, Neeranjanam and Prasadam distribution Sponsorship - $21 For more information please contact: Bhargavi at bg_golla@yahoo.com or Preetha at 1Preethaseenivasan@hotmail.com or Sheila at sriramsheila@gmail.com or Padmini at 2635@gmail.com You may also call the temple at (281) , Ext 100 or 110 9

10 SubhAshitAni (Good Words) By N. Gopala Sundaram (edited by Kamala Raghavan) We give below the concluding verses of Bhavani Bhujangam by Adi ShankarA: Sruthi namagamye suvedagamagne, Mahimno na janathi param thavamba, Sthuthim karthumichami they thwam Bhavani, Sramasweda mathra pramugdha kilaham. 13 Though I know not thine greatness, Wish I to praise you,oh, Bhavani, Who is the knower of Vedas and Agamas, And who is unreachable through scriptures. So please pardon me for doing this. 13 Gurusthwm Shivasthwam cha Shakthisthwam meva, Thwamevasi matha, pitha cha thwameva, Thwammevasi vidhya, thwamevasi bhandhu, Gathir meymathir devi sarvam thwameva. 14 You are my teacher, you are my lord Shiva, You are the Goddess Shakthi, You are my mother, you are my father, You are the knowledge, you are my relations, And so you are my only refuge, my only thought, And everything that I can think of. Saranye, varanye, sukarunya murthe, Hiranyodharadyai raganye, supunye, Bhavaranya bheethescha maam pahi bhadre, Namasthe, Namasthe, Namasthe, Bhavani. 15 Salutations, salutations and salutations, Oh Bhavani, You are my refuge, my boon and form of all mercy, You are greatest among all devas, oh holy one, And so, please protect me from this forest snare of life. 10

11 Ithi maam mahachchri Bhavani bujangam, Sthuthim yah pated bhakthi yukthascha thasmai, Swakeeyam padam saswatham veda saram, Sriyam chashtasidhim Bhavani dadathi. 16 Who ever correctly reads with devotion, This great hymn praising Bhavani from head to toe, Would attain a permanent place of salvation, Which is the essence of Vedas, And also get wealth and the eight occult powers. Bhavani, Bhavani, Bhavani, Trivaram, Mudaram mudha sarvadha ye japanthe, Na soko, na moho na papam, na bheethi, Kadachi, kadanchit kuthashrijananam. 17 Three times repeat the holy name of Bhavani, With devotion and repeatedly for ever, And get rid of sorrow, passion, sin and fear, For all time and for all ways. (Translation P.R.Ramachander) Ranganatha Ashtakam was composed by Adi Sankara Bhagavatpada when he stood before Lord Sri Ranganatha in Srirangam, which he visited during his travels. This Ashtakam (an octet) reveals that Adi Sankara was overwhelmed by Lord Ranganatha that his mind is instantly captivated and he revels in that feeling. The first four verses of this octet are given below: Aananda-Ruupe Nija-Bodha-Ruupe Brahma-Svaruupe Shruti-Muurti-Ruupe Shashaangka-Ruupe Ramanniiya-Ruupe Shriirangga-Ruupe Ramataam Mano Me 1 My Mind delights in the Divine Form of Sri Ranganatha... That Form (resting on the Adisesha) absorbed in Bliss and immersed in His Own Self That Form embodying the essence of Brahman and the essence of all the 11

12 Shrutis (Vedas), That Form Cool like the Moon and having Exquisite Beauty; My Mind delights in the Divine Form of Sri Ranga. Kaaveri-Tiire Karunnaa-Vilole Mandaara-Muule Dhrta-Caaru-Kele Daitya-Anta-Kaale-[A]khila-Loka-Liile Shriirangga-Liile Ramataam Mano Me 2 My Mind delights in the Divine Plays of Sri Ranganatha.. Those Plays of Him, showering Compassion at the bank of river Kaveri (just like its gentle waves); Those Plays of Him assuming Beautiful Sportive Forms at the root of the Mandara Tree, Those Plays of His Incarnations slaying the Demons in all the Lokas (Worlds); My Mind delights in the Divine Plays of Sri Ranga Lakssmii-Nivaase Jagataam Nivaase Hrt-Padma-Vaase Ravi-Bimba-Vaase Krpaa-Nivaase Gunna-Brnda-Vaase Shriirangga-Vaase Ramataam Mano Me 3 My Mind delights in the various Abodes of Sri Ranganatha... That Abode of Him dwelling with Devi Lakshmi. Those Abodes of Him dwelling amidst all the beings in this World (in Temples), That Abode of Him within the Lotus of the Hearts of the Devotees (as Divine Consciousness), and That Abode of Him within the Orb of the Sun That Abode of Him in the acts of Compassion, and That Abode of Him within the Excellent Virtues; My Mind delights in the various Abodes of Sri Ranga (Sri Ranganatha) Brahmaa-[Aa]di-Vandye Jagad-Eka-Vandye Mukunda-Vandye Sura-Naatha- Vandye Vyaasaa-[Aa]di-Vandye Sanaka-[A]adi-Vandye Shriirangga-Vandye Ramataam Mano Me 4 My Mind delights in the Worship of Sri Ranganatha... The Worship performed by Lord Brahma and other (Gods); The Worship performed by the Devotees (considering Him) as the One Lord of the Universe; The Worship performed by Sri Mukunda, and the Worship performed by the Chief of the Suras (i.e. Indra Deva). The Worship performed by Sage Vyasa and other (Sages); The Worship performed by Sage Sanaka and others. My Mind delights in the Worship of Sri Ranga (Sri Ranganatha) 12

13 Sri Meenakshi Temple Society McLean Road, Pearland, TX invites you to Vasavi Agni Pravesam Pooja Friday, 19th January, 2018 at 7 PM Program Ganesh Temple Sankalpam, Vigneshwara Pooja, Punnyahavachanam, Kalasa Pooja Homam, Poornahuthi Deepaaradhana Kanyaka Parameswari Sannidhi Abhishekam, Alankaram, Upacharam and Prasadam Sponsorship is $51 For more information please contact Sheila at sriramsheila@gmail.com or Padmini at prn2635@gmail.com or you may call the Temple Office at (281) , Ext 100 or

14 Sri Meenakshi Temple Society McLean Road, Pearland, TX invites you to celebrate Thai Poosam Sunday, February 4th, 2018 Vetrivel Muruganukku Haro Hara! This is a religious festival celebrated on the full moon day in the Tamil month of Thai. The festival commemorates the occasion when Parvathi gave Murugan a vel spear so he could vanquish the evil demon Soorapadman. Devotees prepare for the celebration by cleansing themselves through prayer and fasting for at least 6 days before Thaipoosam.The kavadi and paalkudam bearers observes celibacy and take only Satvik food, with their thoughts focussed on God and Godliness. Paalkudam & Kavadi and Ratha Utsavam 8:00AM Sankalpam and Puja for Kavadi and Paalkudam in Ganesh Temple 10:00AM Kavadi and Paalkudam procession from Ganesh Temple to Kalyana Mandapam 10:30 AM Paalkudam Abhishekam for Subramanya Utsavamurthy in the Kalyana Mandapam followed by Ratha Utsavam around the Main Temple Sponsorship: Paalkudam $21; Kavadi $31. Donations for Annadhanam welcome Lunch will be served in the Youth Center after the Puja Register for the event online or please contact Padmini at prn2635@gmail.com or Sheila at sriramsheila@gmail.com or you may call the Temple Office at (281) , Ext 100 or

15 LORD AYYAPAN SACRED (HOLY) 18 STEPS by Sasidharan Pillai Several myths persist regarding the significance of the Pathinettu Thrippadikal or the 18 Holy steps, but almost all of them stress the importance of the number 18. According to belief, the first 5 steps signify the five indriyas or the senses (eyes, ears, nose, tongue and skin), the following 8 the ragas (Tatwa, Kama, Krodh, Moha, Lobha, Madha, Matsraya and Ahamkara), the next 3 the gunas (Satwa, Rajas and Thamas) followed by vidya and avidya. Climbing these 18 steps would take the devotee closer to self- realization. The act of crossing the 18 steps is so sacred that nobody can mount them without undertaking the rigorous 41 days fast and carrying the irumudi. It is also widely assumed that the pathinettu padikal symbolize the 18 puranas; others believe they connote the 18 weapons with which Lord Ayyappan obliterated evil. Before ascending or descending the steps, pilgrims break coconut as an offering to the steps. One needs to have the sacred Irumudi on head while climbing up and coming down the 18 steps and while descending the steps the devotee climbs down backwards facing the sanctum sanctorum. Step1. Ears (Sound) listen only to good talks related to God, avoid listening to gossiping that strengthen our Ego of finding fault with others and feel us superior 2. Eyes (Sight) See things that are good and create inner inspiration. Avoid sensual sights that trigger unwanted desires in us like sexual content or material possessions. But those things that meet our basic needs of life and not that fulfills our wants (greed) 3. Skin (Touch) Stimulating touch(sex) is to be avoided. Enjoy sense of touch of japa-maala (rosary beads) that helps in chanting God name. Feel the feather soft of flowers and feel that we should show that soft compassion to others. 4. Nose (Smell) Associate smells of flowers and scents related to Lords Pooja. Pay attention to addictive smell of food. 5. Tongue (Taste) Eat very satwic food that does not create addiction and overindulgence like sweets and spicy hot foods. Eat food that are healthy and natural. One can eat natural sweets like dates, raisins honey, nuts. 6. Kama (Desire or possession) 7. Krodha (Anger) When desires do not get fulfilled or when desired possession is lost 8. Lobha (Greed) to fulfill the desire or not allowing anyone partake in one s possession. 9. Moha (Infatuation) of the obtained result or having the possession 10. Mada (Pride) of getting the desire fulfilled or having a possession 11. Matsarya (Jealousy) that others should not get what we have fulfilled our desire or when others have a possession that we have. 15

16 12. Tamas (Inertia-not to do action) or lazy or sluggish attitude is Tamasic. This is overcome by doing getting up early in morning having cold water baths doing pooja or worship. Only by doing these we overcome Tamasic nature. 13. Rajas (Action) oriented with with the feeling of I. By constant mantra japa of Saranam Ayyappa, this I doing the action feeling get diminished 14. Sattva (Goodness)- The feeling of I am good is also an Ego feeling. That also should be transcended as Sri. Krishna says in Gita. Feel everyone who are doing bad are doing due to ignorance. We should not ignore them by, compassion help them to grow out of it. 15. Raga (Likes) The strong likes or attachments that we use in making decisions. This is possible only by developing Bhakthi to Ayyappa. This means to surrender all likes to Lord for the common good. 16. Dvesha (Dislikes) Same way the strong dislikes also should be given up in making decisions. Also through surrender attitude we can transcend this attitude. 17. Avidya (Knowledge about physical material things alone). Vidya is the knowledge of truth. By attending Satsang s of Guru alone will help to gain the highest knowledge. 18. Ahamkara (Identity) All the attachments are summarized as this one factor, the identity felling of I. This is the final step or block in reaching Ayyappa. Wearing black clothes and addressing ourselves and others as Swami Ayyappa dissolves this identity like a salt doll plunging into a salty ocean. All these exercises are included in the 41days of Ayyappa Vratham. Only doing these practices one makes the Irumudi-kettu and goes to Ayyappa Darshan. This is why the 18 steps are allowed to step only those who have the Irumudi kettu, which means they have practiced the 18 steps to realize the Lord. All the above 18 aspects of Ego shrink the identity to a mere mortal body subjected to birth and death. But doing 18 exercises one transcends these 18 steps and attains self-realization. AHAM BRAHMASMI- Tat Tvam Asi Eighteen is considered as the code number to break into the soul of nature. The significance of 18 can be traced back to the Vedic age. The Veda believed to be protected by Lord Braham himself, had 18 chapters, later Veda Vyasa divided it to create the four Veda: Rigveda, Yajur Veda, Sama Veda and Atharva Veda. Each of these Veda had 18 chapters. Veda vyasa wrote 18 puranas and 18 upapurans. The Bhagavat Gita has 18 chapters and the Kurukshetra war lasted 18 days.there are many mythological stories associated with the holy Pathinettu padi. Some believe the eighteen steps denotes the 18 puranas. Some believe that the first three steps depict Bhoomi, Agni, Vayoo and Akash. 6 to 9 steps for Karmendriya, 10 to 15 steps Jhanandriya, 16 for mind 17th intelligence and 18th Jeevathma Bhava. Those who cross all these are believed to achieve PUNYADARSHAN. Swameye Sharanam Ayyappa 16

17 Sri Meenakshi Temple Society McLean Road, Pearland, TX Invites you to participate in the Masi Magam Thursday, MARCH 1st, :00 PM At Sri Subramania Sannidhi Sri Subramania and Sakthivel Abhishekam Alankaram, Deeparadhana and Prasadam Sponsorship is $21 For more information please contact Sheila at or Padmini at or you may call the Temple Office at (281) , Ext 100 or

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19 YATHIRAJA VAIBHAVAM by Dr. K. P. Sarathy II Srimathe Ramanujaya Namaha II Yo nithyam Achyutha padaambuja yugmarukma Vyaamohathas-thath- itharaani thrunaaya mene Asmathguro: bhagavathosya dhayaika sindho: Raamaanujasya charanau saranam prapadye I I take refuge at the holy feet of our guru Bhagavaan Ramanuja, who like the water in an ocean shows limitless mercy on us and who, always immersed in the gold-like lotus feet of the Lord, Achyutha, considered anything else as insignificant like the blades of grass. This dyaana slokam was offered by Koorathu Azhwaan, the dear desciple at the lotus feet of Ramanujar. We recite this slokam, known as thanian, before starting any puja at the temple or at home. Yathiraajar becoming Udaiyavar Yathirajar s message attracted the students of other schools and his sishya(student) population was growing. He went to Thirupathi to visit Sri Thirumalai Nambhigal, his uncle in his poorvaasramaa(before he took sanyaasam), to learn the hidden philosophical implications of Srimad Ramayanaa. Since Aadiseshaa himself became the seven hills to support Lord Srinivaasaa, Yathiraajar was reluctant to set his feet on the hills. Thirumalai Nambhigal had to come down the hill to receive Yathiraajar. When shocked Yathiraajar appealed that he could have sent someone else Nambhigal replied that he looked around to pick someone lower in status and could not find anyone. This should be the lakshanam(a behavior) of a true Vaishnavan. He should treat all vaishnavaas as superior to him. Anyway Yathiraajar completed the study of Ramaayanaa and thus this Nambhigal became another guru of Raamaanujachaaria. It is believed that his first work, Vedaartha Sangraham took shape in Thirupathi. At that time there was a dispute that Thirupathi God was not Vishnu. Yathiraja resolved this by appealing to the lord to sport Sangu- Chakram offered by him and the Lord indeed did just that. 19

20 Yathiraajar with sishyaas moved to Srirangam. He was received with full temple honors at the banks of the northern branch of Kaaveri river. He directly went to the temple and enjoyed Lord Ranganatha by reciting Thiru-Paan-Azhwaar s Tamil paasurams, Amalan-aadi-piraan. The Lord pleased by the devotion gave him a title UDAIYAVAR through temple priests. The simple meaning of this title may imply that he would be the custodian of the temple. In Vaishnava tradition the Lord blesses us in two places, one in his permanent place, called Nithya Vibhuthi which is populated by liberated souls, Mukthaas and Nithya sooris and the other place consists of all His creations including our earth, called Leela Vibuthi which will be destroyed during pralayam. Sri Ranganaathaa gave the responsibilty of administration of these two(ubhaya) vibhuthis to Yathiraajar. It is certain that if you surrender to Yathiraajar he would grant you moksham (liberation from repeated births) because he is Udaiyavar. The temple arranged a matam (holy residence) for Yathiraajar near Sri Ranganaayaki shrine. Even today you can visit this place called Raamaanuja Koodam in North Uthara Street. The present Jeeyar of this hierarchy stays in this place and oversees the temple routines. An innumerable historically-important events associated with Yathiraajar happened in Srirangam during the rest of his life. We will see a few of them here. His devotion was so intense that when a little boy offered him a fistful of dirt as Lord s prasaadam while playing as a temple priest in the streets of Srirangam he would receive the dirt with devotion and sprinkle it on his own head. Srirangam was under a Chola king, Akalangan who had a bodyguard, Villi Daasan, belonging to wrestler community. He was so mesmerized by the beauty of his wife, Ponnaachi, that he was called Villi Daasan. One day when Ethiraajar was returning after finishing morning routines in Kaveri river he noticed Villi Daasan spreading towels on the river sand so that his wife s feet would not be burnt by the hot sand and was holding an umbrella to protect her head from hot sun. People around were making fun of him for being overprotective of a woman. When Ethiraajar questioned him he said that he had not seen anybody else with such beautiful eyes. Ethiraajar took the pair to the temple and prayed to Lord Ranganatha to show His beauty singing the song of Thiru- Pan-Azhwar, who immersed in Lord s beauty sang that after seeing this nectar, Lord Ranganatha, his eyes refused to see anything else. Kondal vannanai kovalanaai vennai unda vaayan yen-ullam kavardaanai Andarkon aniarangan yen Amudanai kanda kangal Matrondinai kaanaave. Villi Daasan and his wife after experiencing the beauty of the Lord 20

21 became the students of Yathiraajar. Without sleep Villi daasan attended to the needs of his guru. He was addressed as Pillai Urangaa Villi Daasar. We can see even today a sanyaasi, a descendant of Villi Daasar leading the deity in festivals in Srirangam. In spite of local objections Ehiraajar admitted people from other low-class communities and women into his group. According to the tradition Yathiraajar had five gurus who were students of Aalavandaar, the head of the Vaishnavaas before Yathiraajar. One of them was Thiru-Goshtiyur Nambhi who lived about 50 miles away from Srirangam in the town, Thirugoshtiyur. Yathiraajar had to walk to this town from Srirangam eighteen times before Nambhi agreed to teach him. Right away Yathiraajar went to the top of the temple tower and in loud voice called on to everybody to receive these teachings from him. He felt that no one, interested in receiving the sacred teachings, should go through the sufferings he went through. In those days students will be tested again and again before a spiritual teacher could impart his learning to the students. If the teacher did not follow such strict restrictions he was believed to go to hell. When Nambhi came to know what Ethiraajar did he questioned him with anger. Ethiraajar replied that he would go to hell for sure but thousands of people who received the teachings from him would be liberated. Appreciating such a broad-minded Ethiraajar Nambhi gave him a new name Em-Perumaanaar (our Lord ). Srirangam people prefer the name, Udaiyavar, given by Lord Ranganatha, a lot of others prefer the name Em-Perumaanaar for Ramaanujachaariar. Yet some of us like me prefer the name, Bhashyakaarar about which we will learn later. Andaal, the Tamil saint Alwaar, in one of her poems longed to offer 100 pots of sweet pongal(rice) to the Lord. Yathiraajar fulfilled this and hence became Annan (old brother to Andaal). Sanyaasies and brahmachaaries are not allowed to cook since they should not touch agni, the fire. Yathiraajar went around Srirangam streets begging for food reciting Andaal s Tamil paasurams, Thiru-Paavai and hence became Thiru-Paavai Jeeyar. He streamlined the temple administration by involving all communities to take care of temple cleaning, decorations, cooking prasaadams, lighting the lamps, washing the clothes, caring for the cows and even appointing people to sing and dance in front of the Lord. Srirangam is the only temple where the Lord wakes up listening to veena gaanam and retires in the night again listening to Veena, a tradition revived by Yathiraajar.The present generation of the same family which has the right to play the Tamil suprabhatham(thiru-palliyezhuchi) still continues this tradition. The temple chief priest did not like losing the full control of the temple and was tempted to get rid of 21

22 Yathiraajar. He instructed his wife to add poison to the food given to Yathiraajar when he came around begging. She could not disobey her husband and at the same time did not like to harm Yathiraajar. There is a discipline we have to follow when we offer food to sanyaasies. With wet eyes she changed this routine and Yathiraajar took the hint and from then on observed upavaasam(no food). His concern was not that someone tried to poison him but how could he have hurt someone so much for him to take such an extreme action. This priest later on had a change of heart and became a sishyan of Yathirajar. Thiru-Goshtiyur Nambhi came to Srirangam to bless the starving Yathiraajar. Both met middle of the day under hot sun in southern branch of Kaveri river. Yathirajaar fell flat on burning sand in front of his guru s holy feet. As per tradition he had to lay flat until the guru permitted him to stand up which he did not do for a long time. Unable to bear the cruelty of hot sand burning Yathiraajar s body his student, Kidaambi Achaan, got mad at Nambhi and tried to lift Yathiraajar. Nambhi was so pleased with Kidaambhi Achaan s concern for Yathirajar that he asked Achaan to cook food for Yathiraajar then on and prevented Yathiraajar to go on streets begging. This tradition is still followed today and the SriVaishnava sanyaasies are served by a cook, the action being called Bhikshai saadittal. There are so many four-pillared, eight-pillared, hundred-pillared and a thousand pillared mandapams (open stone halls) which are associated with Yathiraajar s life in Srirangam. Once a north-indian scholar, Yagya Murthy challenged Yathirajar for debate. The debate took place in the hundred pillared mandapam in front of Sri Ranganayaki shrine with the condition that on the eighteenth day the debate would conclude. The north Indian agreed that if he lost he would become a student of Yathirajar and Yathiraajar declared if he lost he would stop preaching and writing about the SriVaishnava philosophy. On the seventeenth day tired Yathirajar went to his guru, Periya Nambhi for guidance who told him to refresh his mind with the work on Sri Bhaghavath Geetha by his guru, Alavandaar before going for the final day debate. The next day the North Indian was mesmerized by the divine look of Yathirajar and fell on his feet. Yathiraajar gave him a new name, Arulaala Perumal Emperumaanaar and made him a Vaishnava sanyaasi. In Kancheepuram Ramanuja s former guru, Yaadavaprakaasaa, became unpopular and his mother urged him to approach Ramanuja for guidance. He surrendered to Ramanuja, Ramanuja made him a Vaishnava sanyaasi with the name Govinda Jeeyar and asked him to write a manual on Sanyaasi routines, with the title Yathi-dharma-samuchayam....to be continued 22

23 Sri Meenakshi Temple Society Invites you to participate in Grand Maha Sivarathri With Special Exhibit Tuesday, 13 th February 2018 for Siva (Sundareswara) Main Event: 6:30 PM 9:00 PM Sankalpam, Vigneshwara Puja, Punyahavachanam, Kalasa Puja, Ashtothra Satha (108) Sanka Puja, Homam & Rudhra Japam, Purnahuthi, Abhishekam, Visesha Alankaram, Special Gold Bilva Archana, Deeparadhana and Upacharam 9:00 PM to 10:00 PM - Aathmalinga Puja with abhishekam by devotees, Chaturkala Puja - 12:00 Midnight, 1:30 AM, 3:00 AM & 4:30 AM Sponsorship: Sanka Puja $21, Gold Bilva Archana $31 All are welcome to participate in Bhajans throughout the evening and night. Refreshments will be available For more information please contact Sheila at sriramsheila@gmail.com or Padmini at prn2635@gmail.com You may also call the Temple Office at (281) , Ext 100 or 110 Pls note that Pradosham also falls on 13 th February, starts at 6:30pm. Procession of Pradhana Murthies will follow. 23

24 EVENTS FOR 1 st QUARTER 2018 DATE DAY TIME 31-Dec Sun 11:55 PM Midnight Arathi & Puja 1-Jan Mon 8:30 AM New Year's Day, Laksharchana for Venkateswara, Sri Meenakshi, and Abhishekam for all Utsava Murthis 2-Jan Tue 7:00 PM Arudhra Darshanam, Nataraja Abhishekam, Procession for Utsava Murthis 2-Jan Tue 7:00 PM Sathyanarayana Puja 2-Jan Tue 7:00 PM Punarvasu Sri Rama Abhishekam 5-Jan Fri 7:00 PM Sankatahara Chaturththi Ganapathi Homam & Abhisheham 7-Jan Sun AM Venkateswara Abhishekam 9-Jan Tue 7:00 PM Ashtami Bairavar Abhishekam 12-Jan Fri 7:00 PM Ekadasi Sri Venkateswara Abhishekam 13-Jan Sat AM Bhogi Pandigai 13-Jan Sat AM Andal Kalyanam 14-Jan Sun AM Thai Pongal Celebration 14-Jan Sun 7:00 PM Makara Jyothi 14-Jan Sun 11:00 AM Meenakshi Abhishekam 14-Jan Sun 7:00 PM Pradosham Nandi & Siva Abhishekam & Procession 15-Jan Mon 7:00 PM Mulam Sri Anjaneyar Abhishekam 18-Jan Thu 7:00 PM Sravanam Sri Venkateswara Abhishekam 19-Jan Fri 7:00 PM Vasavi Agni Pravesham 21-Jan Sun 10:30 AM Maha Ganapathy Abhishekam 22-Jan Mon 7:00 PM Sukla Sashti Sri Subramanya Abhishekam 26-Jan Fri 7:00 PM Krithikai Sri Subramanya Abhishekam 27-Jan Sat 10:30 AM Ekadasi Sri Venkateswara Abhishekam 29-Jan Mon 7:00 PM Pradosham Nandi & Siva Abhishekam & Procession 30-Jan Tue 7:00 PM Punarvasu Sri Rama Abhishekam 31-Jan Wed 7:00 PM Thai Poosam Subramanya Abhishekam 31-Jan Wed 7:00 PM Sathyanarayana Puja 3-Feb Sat 7:00 PM Sankatahara Chaturththi Ganapathi Homam & Abhisheham 4-Feb Sun 10:00 AM Thai Poosam Celebration Paalkudam & Kavadi 4-Feb Sun 10:30 AM Venkateswara Abhishekam 7-Feb Wed 7:00 PM Ashtami Bairavar Abhishekam 9-Feb Fri 7:00 PM Thai Sukravara Deepa Puja 24

25 11-Feb Sun 10:30 AM Ekadasi Sri Venkateswara Abhishekam 11-Feb Sun 11:00 AM Mulam Sri Anjaneyar Abhishekam 13-Feb Tue 6:00 PM Maha Sivarathiri 13-Feb Tue 6:00 PM Pradosham Nandi & Siva Abhishekam & Procession 14-Feb Wed 7:00 PM Sravanam Sri Venkateswara Abhishekam 19-Feb Mon 7:00: PM Maha Ganapathy Abhishekam 21-Feb Wed 7:00 PM Sukla Sashti Sri Subramanya Abhishekam 22-Feb Thu 7:00 PM Krithikai Sri Subramanya Abhishekam 26-Feb Mon 7:00 PM Punarvasu Sri Rama Abhishekam 26-Feb Mon 7:00 PM Ekadasi Sri Venkateswara Abhishekam 27-Feb Tue 7:00 PM Pradosham Nandi & Siva Abhishekam & Procession 1-Mar Thu 7:00 PM Masi Magam Subramanya Sakthivel Abhishekam 4-Mar Sun 10:30 AM Venkateswara Abhishekam 5-Mar Mon 7:00 PM Sankatahara Chaturththi Ganapathi Homam & Abhisheham 9-Mar Fri 7:00 PM Ashtami Bairavar Abhishekam 10-Mar Sat 11:00 AM Mulam Sri Anjaneyar Abhishekam 11-Mar Sun 11:00 AM Meenakshi Abhishekam 12-Mar Mon 7:00 PM Ekadasi Sri Venkateswara Abhishekam 13-Mar Tue 7:00 PM Sravanam Sri Venkateswara Abhishekam 14-Mar Wed 7:00 PM Pradosham Nandi & Siva Abhishekam & Procession 14-Mar Wed 7:00 PM Karadaya Nombu 18-Mar Sun 10:00 AM Ugadhi, Telugu and Kannada New Year -Vilambi 20-Mar Tue 7:00 PM Maha Ganapathy Abhishekam 21-Mar Wed 7:00 PM Krithikai Sri Subramanya Abhishekam 22-Mar Thu 7:00 PM Sukla Sashti Sri Subramanya Abhishekam 25-Mar Sun 10:00 AM Sri Rama Navami, Sita Rama Kalyanam 26-Mar Mon 7:00 PM Punarvasu Sri Rama Abhishekam 27-Mar Tue 7:00 PM Ekadasi Sri Venkateswara Abhishekam 29-Mar Thu 7:00 PM Pradosham Nandi & Siva Abhishekam & Procession 30-Mar Fri 7:00 PM Panguni Uthiram Subramanya Abhishekam 30-Mar Fri 7:00 PM Sathyanarayana Puja 25

26 Sri Meenakshi Temple Society Main Events Calendar for 1st Quarter 2018 By Month January 2018 DATE DAY TIME McLean Road, Pearland, TX Dec Sun 11:55 PM Midnight Arathi & Puja 1-Jan Mon 8:30 AM New Year's Day, Laksharchana for Venkateswara, Sri Meenakshi, and Abhishekam for all Utsava Murthis 2-Jan Tue 7:00 PM Arudhra Darshanam, Nataraja Abhishekam, Procession for Utsava Murthis 13-Jan Sat AM Andal Kalyanam 14-Jan Sun AM Thai Pongal Celebration 14-Jan Sun 7:00 PM Makara Jyothi 19-Jan Fri 7:00 PM Vasavi Agni Pravesham DATE DAY TIME February Feb Sun 10:00 AM Thai Poosam Celebration Paalkudam & Kavadi 9-Feb Fri 7:00 PM Thai Sukravara Deepa Puja 13-Feb Tue 6:00 PM Maha Sivarathiri DATE DAY TIME March Mar Thu 7:00 PM Masi Magam Subramanya Sakthivel Abhishekam 14-Mar Wed 7:00 PM Karadaya Nombu 18-Mar Sun 10:00 AM Ugadhi, Telugu and Kannada New Year -Vilambi 30-Mar Fri 7:00 PM Panguni Uthiram Subramanya Abhishekam 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 26

27 SRI MEENAKSHI TEMPLE SOCIETY McLean Road. Pearland, Texas (281) Web address: Year Membership No. (Please Print) NEW MEMBER REGISTRATION FORM Assigned by the committee NAME: Mr./Mrs. REGISTRATION DUES* per member Last Middle First REGULAR Mailing Address: below 65 years $ 50/year CITY: STATE: ZIP: 65 yrs & above $ 25/year DOB: (MM/YYYY): / full-time students $ 25/year PHONE: ( ) ( ) LIFE $ 1,000 Home Mobile Check # Date:: I am interested in participating/volunteering in the following areas: Payments should be made only by check Amount: $ ( Check payable to MTS) I follow the Hindu Religious faith and Culture and believe in the objectives of MTS. I am residing in the United States of America and am willing to volunteer in the temple related activities. I am at least 20 years of age. Signature Date Gothram (optional) Star (optional) For New Members Only (Sponsorship by Four Active Members) As a sponsor of the new member listed above, I, to the best of my knowledge, state that I am, as of the date signed, an active member of MTS and have not sponsored more than four new members this year. Mem. No Last First Mid No Signature Date FOR OFFICE USE ONLY: Form Rcvd. on: by: Check Rcvd. on: by: The following checks have been made: Sponsors in Active Status, Not more than four sponsorships in a year, payment made. Date Approved by Membership Committee: Membership Category: Effective Date of membership: Comments: Note: Incomplete and/or incorrect form will delay the processing of the membership application. Fully filled form with payment can be dropped in the office or mailed to MTS, attention of Membership Committee Coordinator. Please send an to the membership coordinator (mtsmembership@gmail.com) after submitting the application form. We expect to process it within three months. Please contact us by if you have not heard from us. 27

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