Dear Devotees,
The Shiva Vishnu temple in Livermore, California along with Ayyappa Samaaj (http://www.ayyappasamaaj.org/; YahooGroups: Ayyappasamaaj -- Click here to join Ayyappasamaaj: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Ayyappasamaaj/join) kicked off the start of the Ayyappa Mandala Puja in a very grand manner on November 15, 2009.
The function was very well attended. We had 200+ devotees participating in the event.
The 18 steps for Lord Ayyappa was renovated and there were special decorations around the 18 steps. Check out the photos from the event on Picasa.
The puja started with Sankalpam and Abhishekham for Lord Ayyappa (with milk, curd, ghee, panchamrutham, Sandal, Turmeric, tender coconut water, and Bhasman) This was followed by a bhajans during which Lord Ayyappa was decorated and mounted on an elephant in preparation for the thalapolli procession to the chant of Vazhinada. The Thalapolli for our Lord Ayyappa was conducted to the accompaniment of "Chenda", the traditional music in all Kerala temples. Over 60 women and children participated in the Thalapolli. Thalappoli, a ceremonial procession, is a significant item in most of the festivals in Kerala In this ritual, women or young girls carry thalam, which literally means plate, in their hands. Thalam is filled with rice, flowers and a lighted lamp. Thalappoli is considered a symbol of prosperity
We then had bhajans for Lord Ayyappa that was sung in many languages with participation from people of all age groups. This was followed by Harihara Putra Shata Naamavalli (Archana). Many "Ayyappas" commenced their vratam by wearing the Thulasi Mala during the function. Many more "ayyappas" are scheduled to wear the Mala on the following weekends. The puja concluded with the singing of the traditional Padi Paattu and Harivarasanam.
There were over 30 volunteers from Bay Area Ayyappasamaaj who actively participated in the preparation and smooth conduct of the proceedings of the the puja.
Over 200 devotees ate the special Maha Prasadam (Vegetable Sambar Rice, Potato Curry, Vada, Curd Rice and Chakkara Pongal) that was prepared at the temple.
Ayyappasamaaj also released a bhajan booklet containing transliterated songs from Tamil, Malayalam, and Telugu songs. If you are interested in a personal copy, please send en email to ayyappasamaaj@gmail.com. You can check out the table of contents in the link http://www.ayyappasamaaj.org/.
We will be having weekly bhajans on Saturdays till the end of the Mandalam season. On December 25, 2009, we will have the conclusion of the mandalam celebration by performing Irumudi Puja followed by all the program items described above.
We invite all devotees to come to Livermore temple to get the blessings of Lord Ayyappa.
Swami Saranam!
Prasad
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