Monday, October 10, 2011

Bay Area Ayyappasamaaj Events Update

San Francisco Bay Area Ayyappasamaaj (http:://www.ayyappasamaaj.org) is very active in the celebration of Lord Ayyappa's functions at the Shiva Vishnu Temple in Livermore, California.

2011 Events



2010 Events

2009 Events

2008 Events


Please join Ayyappasamaaj (http://www.ayyappasamaaj.org/) and our mailing list on Yahoo(http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Ayyappasamaaj/join) to get notified of Lord Ayyappa's pujas in the San Francisco Bay Area.

Swami Saranam!

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Ayyappa Mandala & Irumudi Puja and Makara Vilakkku Puja

Ayyappa Mandala & Irumudi Puja and Makara Vilakkku Puja


Ayyappasamaaj of San Francisco Bay Area (http://www.ayyappasamaaj.org/) will grandly celebrate its Annual Ayyappa Mandala & Irumudi Puja and Makara Vilakkku Puja at The Shiva Vishnu Temple, Livermore between Nov 16, 2011 and Jan 16, 2012.

With the grace of Lord Ayyappa we are ready to begin this year's Mandalam season on Nov 16th. We invite you, your family, and your friends to come participate in the planned devotional activities and receive the grace of Lord Ayyappa. If you are planning to wear mala this season to observe vratham and/ or take Irumudi, please let us know in advance.

The months of Kaartika / Vrishchika, Maargazhi / Dhanur are most auspicious for Lord Ayyappa, during which period Mandala Puja is celebrated. Devotees observe traditional austerities (vratham), which normally start from the first day of Kaartika/ Vrishchikam (November 16). Devotees initiate the vratham by wearing a Thulasi or a Rudraksha maala. After 41 days (on December 25th) the devotees end their vratham by carrying Irumudi and removing the maala. (Kids can observe short vratham days by wearing maala on December 17th and end it on December 25th). Irumudi is a cloth bag with two compartments containing offerings for the Lord.

Makara Vilakku Pooja is a seven-day festival conducted annually in the famous Ayyappa Temple at Sabarimala. The festival begins on the auspicious day of Makara Sankranthi, the first day of the Malayalam month of Makaram. Makara Vilakku Pooja commemorates the day on which idol of Lord Ayyappa or Dharma Sastha was enshrined in the temple and is the most important event that is conducted at Sabarimala.

  • Nov 16, 2011 6:00 PM –Start of Mandalam Season 2011 (to coincide with the Mandalam season start in Sabarimala)
  • November 19, 2011 - 4:30 PM - Mandalam Celebrations Weekend Program begins with Sankalpam, Mala Dharana, Abhishekam, Archana, and Bhajans followed by Dinner Prasadam
  • Nov 26, Dec 3, 10 at 5:00 PM - Weekly Bhajan followed by Aarti
  • Dec 17 4:00 PM Ayyappa Lakshaarchana and Sastha Preethi, Mala Dharana for kids followed by Bhajans and Aarathi. Click here to sign up for the Lakshaarchana.
  • Dec 25 at 9 AM - Mandalam ends with Irumudi Puja, Abhishekam, Archana, and Bhajans followed by Lunch Prasadam
  • January 15, 2011: 4:30 PM: Ayyappa Makara Vilakku Puja with Sankalpam, Abhishekam, Archana, Bhajans followed by Dinner Prasadam

This is an excellent opportunity for children to learn Ayyappa bhajans and sing them during the Puja. We will be performing Irumudi Puja on December 25th. Last year we had over 40 Ayyappas do the Irumudi Puja (including over 10 children)

  • Please participate with your friends and family
  • Please bring your children to learn Ayyappa bhajans on Saturdays
  • Please sign up for the Lakshaarchana
  • Please forward this information to at least five of your friends and family. Ask them to sign for Ayyappasamaaj Yahoo Groups. (http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Ayyappasamaaj/join) and http://www.ayyappasamaaj.org/apps/auth/signup
  • If you are interested in taking vratham (deeksha) this year, please contact us immediately. We can provide you with Thulasi Mala to begin your vrutham. Several other activities are planned as well and we'll update you as we go along.

For information call: Vijay Gopal (925-321-0996), Arun Iyer (719-302-3291), Sudhakar Deevi (925) 518-4521, Manoj Empranthiri (408) 309-0695, Rajendran Nair (510-676-7402), Ravi Devaraj (650-888-6603)

http://www.ayyappasamaaj.org/

To join our mailing list, please sign up for our Yahoo Group (groups.yahoo.com/group/ayyappasamaaj/join)

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Tuesday, July 19, 2011

Ganesha Chathurthi kids program 2011 at Livermore Shiva Vishnu Temple

Dear friends,

The Youth and Education team at HCCC (Livermore Shiva-Vishnu Temple) is planning a religious and cultural program to celebrate Ganesha Chaturthi 2011 on August 27, 2011. The key highlight of this program is that children get a chance to perform the puja for Lord Ganesha and also participate in a cultural program.

Ganesha Chathurthi Children’s Program

Venue: Temple Assembly Hall

Date: 27th August 2011 (Saturday)

Puja: 10:15 am to 12:00 pm

Children will be performing the puja followed by Prasadam distribution from 12:30PM to 1:30 PM

Cultural Program: 1:30 pm to 3:00 pm

To register for puja and/or cultural event, send an email to YandE.Events@gmail.com with the name, item performing and contact information of the participant

  • Individual or Group Slokas and Bhajans: 3-4 minutes.
  • Individual or Group Dance or Drama: 4-5 minutes

Last date for registration 25th August 2011 (Thursday)

NOTE: Only registrations that can be accommodated in the limited time (1.5 hrs) will be accepted. Please register early!!!

Please visit http://www.livermoretemple.org/hints/content/html/2011/Ganesh_Puja.pdf or http://pramki.sulekha.com/blog/post/2011/07/ganesha-chathurthi-children-s-program-at-our-livermore.htm to get more information regarding the program.

We invite all interested devotees to register early for this event.



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Thursday, December 16, 2010

Dec 18 2010 - Mala Dharanama & Ayyappa Sahasranama/Laksharchana

The Ayyappa Mandala Season is in full swing at our Livermore Shiva Vishnu Temple.

This coming Saturday, the puja and bhajans will start at 4:30 PM to give us extra time to handle kids mala dhaarana. If you have not already given your name, please send an email to ravi.devaraj@gmail.com if you are interested in mala dhaarana for yourself and/or your kid. Girls under the age of 10 and women over the age of 50 can do mala dhaarana and perform Irumudi puja which will be performed at the temple on December 26th at 9:00 AM.

Last weekend (12/11) we had 25-30 kids from Sarada Bhajan Mandali perform bhajans. They sang songs for all the gods and the entire temple was reverberating with the positive vibrations from the songs that the kids were singing.

LAKSHAARCHANA

As you all know, we have introduced the Sahasranama during our weekend bhajans. Our priests are doing a wonderful job in conducting the sahasranama.

If we have a 100 people performing Sahasranama at the same time, it is called a Lakshaarchana. If we have 50 people and we perform the Sahasranama two times, that also constitutes a Lakshaarchana. We request all devoteeds to come this weekend and participate in the Sahasranama so we can try and make it a lakshaarchana. Please note that if husband and wife perform Sahasranama, it counts as two people. Please bring your friends and relatives and ask them to participate in the sahasranama/Lakshaarchana.

A few devotees asked about the meaning of Laksharchana. Laksharchana is "Worship with the recital of a lakh of divine names of a deity." The way we are planning to do it is to have 100 (or more) of our devotees recite the Ayyappa Sahasranamam at the same time along with the priest.

I request all devotees to bring flowers to the temple this weekend.

I have uploaded a copy of the Ayyappa Sahasranamam in all four languages (tamil, telugu, malayalam, and english) to our www.ayyappasamaaj.org web site. You will need to register to the ayyappasamaaj.org site to gain access to the link.


http://www.ayyappasamaaj.org/apps/links/

Swami Saranam!
Prasad
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Friday, October 15, 2010

Ayyappa Mandala Puja 2010

Ayyappasamaaj of San Francisco Bay Area (http://www.ayyappasamaaj.org/) will grandly celebrate its Annual Ayyappa Mandala & Irumudi Puja and Makara Vilakku Puja at the The Shiva Vishnu Temple, Livermore between Nov 13th and January 16, 2011.

With the grace of Lord Ayyappa we are ready to begin this year's Mandalam season on Nov 13th. We invite you, your family, and your friends to come participate in the planned devotional activities and receive the grace of Lord Ayyappa. If you are planning to wear mala this season to observe viratham and/ or take Irumudi, please let us know in advance.


The months of Kaartika / Vrishchika, Maargazhi / Dhanur are most auspicious for Lord Ayyappa, during which period Mandala Puja is celebrated. Devotees observe traditional austerities (vratham), which normally start from the first day of Kaartika/ Vrishchikam (November 16). Devotees initiate the vratham by wearing a Thulasi or a Rudraksha mala. After 41 days (on December 26th) the devotees end their vratham by carrying Irumudi and removing the mala. (Kids can observe short vratham days by wearing mala on December 18th and end it on December 26th). Irumudi is a cloth bag with two compartments containing offerings for the Lord.

Nov 13 4:30 PM - Mandalam begins with Sankalpam, Mala Dharana, Abishekam, Archana, and Bhajans followed by Dinner Prasadam
Dec 18 4:30 PM Mala Dharana for kids followed by Bhajans and Aarathi
Nov 20, 27, Dec 4, 11 5:00 PM - Weekly Bhajan and Sahasranamam followed by Aarti
Dec 26 9 AM - Mandalam ends with Irumudi Puja, Abishekam, Archana, and Bhajans followed by Lunch Prasadam
January 16, 2011: 4:30 PM: Ayyappa Makara Vilakku Puja with Sankalpam, Abhishekam, Archana, Bhajans followed by Dinner Prasadam




This is an excellent opportunity for children to learn Ayyappa bhajans and sing them during the Puja. We will be performing Irumudi Puja on December 26th. Last year we had over 30 Ayyappas do the Irumudi Puja (including over 10 children)

- Please participate with your family on Nov 13 and Dec 26
- Please bring your children to learn Ayyappa bhajans on Saturdays (Nov 20, 27, Dec 4, 11)
- Please forward this email with the attached flyer to at least five of your friends and family. Ask them to sign for Ayyappasamaaj Yahoo Groups. (http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Ayyappasamaaj/join)
- If you are interested in taking vrutham (deeksha) this year, please contact us immediately. We can provide you with Thulasi Mala to begin your vrutham. Several other activities are planned as well and we'll update you as we go along.



Please help spread the word by forwarding this to your friends.For more information, please visit the temple web site at http://livermoretemple.org/

For information call: Prasad Ramakrishnan (408) 705-8172, Ravi Shankar (650) 302-3612, Sudhakar Deevi (925) 518-4521, Manoj Empranthiri (408) 309-0695, Usha Namboodri (925) 803-1249

http://www.ayyappasamaaj.org/

To join our mailing list, please sign up for our Yahoo Group (groups.yahoo.com/group/ayyappasamaaj/join)

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Tuesday, July 13, 2010

Common Elements Used in Hindu Puja

Common Elements Used in Hindu Puja

This article contains a brief explanation of some common puja items and their usage in a puja ceremony. The list given below, by no means, is an exhaustive one and can be suitably supplemented with further details. Its main objective is to create a general understanding of these puja items and their relevance in a puja ceremony:

PUJA LAMP OR DIYA

By lighting lamp in puja ceremony, we pray that our life is filled with the light of divine grace and wisdom. Burning of ghee or oil signifies that we should burn our negative tendencies (वासना VASNAS) in order to purify our hearts. As ego is the root cause of many human problems, a burning wick teaches us to gradually diminish our ego and serve others with humility. We notice that a lamp always burns upwards. It gives us the message that we should acquire all those qualities which are necessary for a steady and upward progress in our spiritual life.

DHOOPBATTI, AGARBATTI (INCENSE) AND KAPOOR (CAMPHOR)

Burning of these items during puja ceremony emits nice fragrance. These items burn themselves out for making the whole environment peaceful and nice. It teaches us that we should also be ready to burn (sacrifice) our ego in order to spread the perfume of love and compassion for all.

FLOWERS AND FRUITS

Flowers signify beauty, purity, softness and fragrance. They also signify sweetness as bees make honey from their pollen. By offering flowers we pray to God for the beauty and purity of our minds. We also pray for the sweetness in our thoughts, speech and actions so that the fragrance of our good conduct reaches out to other people.
We are all bound by the law of karma. We reap the fruits of our past deeds. These karmic fruits keep us in the cycle of births and deaths. By offering fruits we pray to God to free us from the fruits of our actions, good or bad, that we performed in this life or past lives.

WATER

Water signifies purity. It is kept in a copper vessel during puja ceremony. Later, it is offered as (चरणामृत CHARNAMRIT) to the devotees. By drinking ‘charnamrit’ we pray for the purity of our heart, body and mind. This holy water is also sprinkled all over the place to spread the divine vibrations which it had absorbed during the ceremony.
It is important to understand the significance of water-kalash in a puja ceremony. In mythological churning of ocean by (देव DEVAS) and (असुर ASURS), one of the findings was a kalash filled with (अमृत AMRIT) (nectar of immortality). The water filled in the kalash for puja symbolizes the elixir of life, soul which is immortal. This water has to be pure, preferably Ganga jal (water from the Ganges) or the one obtained from a running stream.

RICE

The unbroken rice used in puja ceremony is called ‘akshat.’ It denotes longevity. Rice is placed near the base of the water-kalash. While holy water symbolizes purity in our life, rice brings blessings for a long life. Like water, rice also receives and transmits divine vibrations received during puja ceremony. Sisters use rice as an important ingredient of (तिलक TILAK) (a holy mark on forehead) for wishing long life for their brothers.

COCONUT

Coconut plays a key role in puja ceremony. It is centrally placed on the water-kalash with its tip pointing upwards. The tip attracts holy vibrations and transmits them back into atmosphere in the form of a fountain. The three eyes on coconut remind us about the three-eyed Shiva (त्रियम्बकेश्वर TRIYAMBKESHWAR).
The breaking up of coconut symbolizes the breaking up of our ego (selfishness, false pride). Therefore, by breaking coconut we remind ourselves to come out of our egotism and realize our true spiritual nature. Coconut has a vast number of uses. It is used as an important food ingredient. Water of a tender coconut is rich in minerals and has a soothing effect on us during summer time. Its outer shell and parts find many uses in rural areas. In fact, no part of coconut is considered wasteful. It teaches us to serve others
in every possible way. Considering its religious significance and usefulness, coconut is called (श्रीफल SHREEFAL) meaning God’s fruit.

TULSI LEAVES

TULSI (तुलसी, Basilica or Basil) is the most sacred plant in Hinduism. It is called (हरि प्रिय HARIPRIYA) meaning, someone who is very dear to Lord Vishnu. Therefore, Tulsi embodies Goddess Lakshmi. Tulsi is also known as Vrinda. Vrindavan, meaning forest (van) full of Vrinda, is the place where Shri Krishna danced with Radha Rani and other (गोपियाँ GOPIYAN) (milk maids) in (रास लीला RAAS LEELAS). So in that sense, Tulsi represents Radha Rani. Also, ‘Tulsi-Vivah’ depicts the wedding of Lord Ram and Sitaji. So, Tulsi also represents Sitaji. Tulsi, therefore, is the true representation of goddesses Lakshmi, (राधा रानी RADHA RANI) and (सीताजी SITAJI). Tulsi leaves have medicinal properties for curing many diseases. They are used in the ‘charnamrit’ for receiving blessings of all goddesses.

MANGO LEAVES

Mango is well known for its sweetness and is called the king of all fruits. According to a mythological story, mango leaves signify (अमरत्व AMARATVA) or immortality. With the use of mango leaves in the water-kalash, we remind ourselves for our actions to be always nice and sweet to others. Mango leaves also serve to remind us that we should not forget the ultimate goal of human life: to strive for receiving ‘amartava’ or liberation from the cycle of births and deaths.

BETEL (PAAN) LEAVES

Betel leaves (पान PAAN) are a symbol of freshness and prosperity. It is customary to offer paan as a mark of hospitality. If used in moderation, paan leaves are useful for human digestive system. They kill germs and bacteria and are useful in curing cold. A mythological story portrays paan leaves as (मृतुन्जय संजीवनी MRITUNJAY SANJEEVANI), thus highlighting their usefulness to human beings. Paan leaves are used in puja ceremony for receiving blessings for good health and prosperity in life.

ARECA NUTS (SUPARI)

Areca nuts (सुपारी SUPARI) symbolize strength and blessings for a long life. The use of supari together with paan leaves in puja ceremony is symbolic of our desire to receive blessings for a life full of strength, longevity, good health and prosperity. As supari has a hard shell, by offering it in puja, we surrender our hard, coarse qualities to God and pray for only pure and helpful qualities.

MILK

Milk is a sign of peace and tranquility. Milk is the first food that a mother gives to her baby. So it is associated with motherly love. It is an important ingredient of ‘panchamrit’ (the blessed food). It is also used in Lord Shiva’s Abhishekam (Shivji’s puja).

KESAR (SAFFRON)

Kesar is the symbol of (अग्नि AGNI) or fire, the power of God. Sikhs use saffron color in their religious flag to demonstrate their commitment to fight injustice. Hindu, Jain and Buddhist monks use kesaria robes as a mark of renunciation of worldly life. Therefore, kesar is both a symbol of strength as well as of renunciation for spiritual pursuits.

SANDALWOOD

Sandalwood is well known for its aroma and cooling effect on human body. Sandal incense sticks are an important puja item. Kesar and sandal paste is used in worshiping deities especially for ‘mastak-abhishek’ or applying tilak on the forehead of sacred idols.

HONEY

Honey is one of the five ingredients of panchamrit. The sweetness of honey reminds us to be nice and sweet to others in our speech, thoughts and actions. It is rich with many minerals and supplements which are important for our nourishment.

KUMKUM (VERMILLION)

Kumkum stands for our emotions and inner wisdom. The use of kumkum in puja reminds us to use our wisdom with equanimity so that our thoughts and emotions do not overpower us.

HALDI POWDER (TURMERIC)

Haldi (turmeric) is a common spice used in Indian cooking. It is also a sign of purity and is thus an important part of the puja ceremony. It is also used in ‘haldi-ceremony’ in weddings. Haldi is well known for its great medicinal value for general wellbeing as well as for the treatment of some incurable diseases.

PRASAD (BLESSED FOOD)

Prasad is the blessed food that has been offered to God during puja. The food becomes infused with the deity’s prana energy. Hence the name prasad, which literally means the bestower of eternal life. A specially prepared prasad called PANCHAMRIT (पंचामृत five nectars), which is made of five components: milk (cow milk is preferred), yoghurt, sugar, ghee (clarified butter) and honey. Later, this food is offered to all the devotees. With the distribution of prasad, we convey God’s blessings to everyone. When we eat prasad, we thank God for these blessings.
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Wednesday, June 2, 2010

Livermore Shiva Vishnu Temple Mahakumbhabhishekam

The Livermore Shiva Vishnu Temple will be celebrating its Maha Kumbhabhishekam between June 16-20, 2010.


Significance of Mahakumbhabhishekam


Though temples are built in the best traditional design with good materials, there may be portions of the temple which need renovation or repair after some time. Such renovations are usually done once in twelve years when Mahakumbhaabhishekams are performed by the devotees to renew their dedication to the temple and to re-vitalize their connection to the divine.

During such Mahakumbhabhishekams, the power of the temple deities is temporarily transferred by the priests to the kumbhas. These kumbhas are placed in the hall of ritualistic worship (Yagashala), where daily worship and rituals as well as special rituals are performed. During this period, the main sanctums and shrines are cleaned and renovated.

This is also the occasion for installing new vigrahas, brass kalashas on the gopuras, and any other special items in the temple. The new vigrahas are sanctified by purificatory rituals with water, milk Venkateshwara have separate Dhwajasthambhas , as laid down in the Agamas (religious texts). As an integral part of the Dhwajasthambha complex, the vehicles for each deity (Nandi for Shiva and Garuda for Vishnu) are situated facing the respective deity.

The three entities stand in line facing the and other ingredients, followed by netronmelana (eye-opening ceremony) for the new vigrahas, homas, and the ritual offering of cooked food. After the installation is completed, the divine energy is transferred back to the moola vigrahas of the temple as well as to the new vigrahas and kalashas by performing the Mahakumbhaabhishekam with the water from the kumbhas accompanied by the chanting of special mantras.

For more details pease visit

http://www.livermoretemple.org/hints/MKA2010/index.htm

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Sunday, March 28, 2010

2010 Vishu Celebrations: Livermore Shiva Vishnu Temple

Dear Devotees,
Swami Saranam!

We will have Abhisekham followed by Bhajans and Aarathi to celebrate Vishu at our Shiva Vishnu temple in Livermore on Saturday, April 17 from 5 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. Please spread the word around to your friends.

Vishu is a New Year festival held in the state of Kerala, south India (and adjoining areas of Karnataka and Tamil Nadu). This occasion signifies the Sun's transit to the
zodiac Mesha Raasi as per Indian astrological calculations. The day is marked with offerings called Vishukkani. The offerings consist of a ritual arrangement in the puja room of auspicious articles like raw rice, fresh linen, golden cucumber, betel leaves,arecanut, metal mirror, the yellow flowers holy text and coins, in a bell metal vessel called lighted bell metal lamp called nilavilakku alongside. On the day of Vishu, the custom is to wake up at dawn and go to the puja room with the eyes closed so that the Vishukkani is the first thing one see throng the well-known temples like Sabarimala Ayyappa Temple and Guruvayur Sree Krishna temple to have a
"Vishukkani Kazhcha" on the early hours of "Vishu" day.

Click here to read more about the significance of Vishu.

Program Details:
5:00 PM: Sankalpam, Abhishekam
5:30 PM: Thalapolli
5:45 PM: Bhajan Starts
7:00 PM: Bhajan Ends followed by Archana, Aarti and Teertha Prasadam

Please join Ayyappasamaaj (http://www.ayyappasamaaj.org/) and our mailing list on Yahoo(http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Ayyappasamaaj/join) to get notified of Lord Ayyappa's pujas in the San Francisco Bay Area.


Swami Saranam!
Prasad Ramakrishnan

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Friday, December 25, 2009

Ayyappa Mandala Puja Dec 2009

December 25, 2009
LIVERMORE, CALIFORNIA

For the second year in a row, we had a grand finale to celebrate the Mandala season.

With the grace of Lord Ayyappa, the volunteers from AyyappaSamaaj -- http://www.ayyappasamaaj.webs.com, (Yahoo Groups: Ayyappasamaaj http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Ayyappasamaaj/join) performed Irumudi Puja for 25+ Ayyappas, manikandans, and maligaipurams at the Shiva Vishnu temple in Livermore, California to conclude the Ayyappa Mandala Puja for the year 2009 in a very grand manner. The function, held on December 25, 2009, was very well attended with over 300+ devotees participating in the event.

The people who took Irumudi fell into the following caBulleted Listtegories:

  • They have been going elsewhere, like Washington DC, to fulfill their obligations - several devotees who had been going there for years decided to do it here.
  • They have gone to Sabarimala before and wanted a way to continue their devotion

Irumudi Puja

Ayyappa Devotees visiting the Sabarimala Temple carry the Irumudi – a specially designed bag with two compartments. This ceremony is referred as Kettunira or Palli Kettu. The front portion of the bag is meant for keeping the puja articles and other offerings to the deities at Sabarimala. The other compartment is meant for holding the personal belongings.

The Irumudi Puja commenced with the traditional filling up of gheee into the mudra coconut. The mudra coconut is prepared ahead of the ghee filling ceremony by making a hole in the third (soft) eye of the coconut, draining the coconut water, and drying the inside of the coconut by showing it on a flame. After filling up the ghee, to the continous chanting of Sarana Ghoshams (http://pramki.blogspot.com/2008/12/sarana-ghosham.html) and Vazhinadai (http://pramki.blogspot.com/2008/12/vazhi-nadai.html) verses, the coconut filled with the ghee was sealed with a cork. Vibhuti, Sandal paste, and Kumkum were then applied to the Ghee filled coconut.

The other main contents of the front compartment of the Irumudi is the rice. All the devotees attending the function came in a procession to put rice into the Irumudi bag. A one dollar coin (kanikkai for Kuladhaivam) was placed into this rice bag. The symbolism of the kannikkai is worth mention. Different people have different gods as their Kula Dheivam, ruling diety for their family, who protects the family. When Ayyappa devotees undertake the pilgrimage to Sabarimala, Lord Ayyappa takes over the role of being the Kula Dheivam once the Ayyappas enter into Gods own country, also known as Ayyappa's Poongavanam. The kanikkai is safely retained by the devotees and is deposited as an offering to their kula dheivam at the end of the Sabarimala pilgrimage.

All the other Dhravyas required for performing Abhisekham for the lord, such as milk, honey, vibhuti, sandal, turmeric, kumkum, agarbathi, rose water, and betel leaves were then packed into the Irumudi bag. The Irumudi bag was tied by the senior Ayyappas who were there to volunteer for the event. The Irumudi is extremely sacred and the devotees protect its sanctity by making sure it does not touch the ground and is always handled with respect.
The priest came and offered prayers to the Irumudi, praying for the welfare of the pilgrim who is undertaking the pilgrimage. All the Ayyappas then carried the Irumudi bag on their head, and did a pradakshanam of the temple to the chanting of Sarana Ghoshams and Vazhinadai.

The Kanni Ayyappas planted an arrow (Saram) in the Saramkuthi that was setup at the event. After completing the symbolic pilgrimage, the senior Ayyappas then assisted the Ayyappa devotees with unpacking the Irumudi bag and collected all the dhravyas for performing Abhisekham on Lord Ayyappa. The abhisekham was conducted using the following contents of the Irumudi:

  • Ghee abhisekham
  • Milk Abhisekham
  • Chandana Abhisekham
  • Bhasma (vibhooti) Abhisekham
  • Panchamrutha Abhisekham (with dates, honey, sugar candy(kalkandu), raisins, jaggery)

Witnessing the abhisekham with the dhravyas carried in the Irumudi is an enchanting experience for all the devotees seeking the blessings of Lord Ayyappa.

Thalapolli

We had Thalapolli for our Lord Ayyappa to the accompaniment of "Chenda", the traditional music in all Kerala temples. Almost 100 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. The lord Ayyappa comes in a procession to bless the devotees to the chanting of Sarana Ghoshams and Vazhinadai.

MahaPrasadam

The special lunch for this event was prepared by the volunteers of AyyappaSamaaj (http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Ayyappasamaaj/join with sponsorship from Dosai Place and Mayuri

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Saturday, November 21, 2009

Meaning of Tatwamasi

Tat Twam Asi = Thou art you. This word of message is from the Chando gyopanishat, means “That is you” The diffusion of the word is Thath. Thwam. Asi. Tat means that, Twam means you, and Asi means is.

When we stand in front of the mirror, and point out to that, the reflection of us will also point at us. The thing which is in front of a mirror is the image and the idol of Iswara is called image. The image of god sees the reflection of us on the mirror of the world. The reflection on the mirror has no life or existence and it is not real. But we feel that it has life and existence and it is real.

This phenomenon, which make us feel the nothingness as the fullness and it is, according to the spiritual sciences, called Maya. Likewise, all the beings reflecting on the mirror of world feel that they are existing and moving. It is not only us but even the universe has no reality. The god is the only real one. All are its manifestations. It is only the reflection of God and the reality of it is felt as you and yourself. Tat is a consciousness of the oneself and it is also the God itself.

How the principle of ‘Tatwamasi’ is reflected in the worldly life, since having different kinds of problems arising? As per the laws of creation of universe the God has not created any difficulties or grievances or problems. But how a lot of problems occur in the worldly life? The reason for that, is not other thing, but the thought of your ‘self’, which you cannot avoid anyway. It is the only one thing that is ‘you’, which creates all the problems from the within of you. For example the grandeur of the deer reflects on its horns. But it is that horn which becomes the reason for its own death, by hanging on any creepers, binding the branched horn accidentally anywhere in the forest. If we ask whether the pride of the ‘self’ feeling of one man, is created by the God. May be, but the vicious side of it is not by God.

The reality beyond the experiences of our life reveals the truth saying ‘Thou art you’. Otherwise the feeling of your self or ego is really the Tat i.e god. If you felt your ego, that is your innermost soul or consciousness or Iswara. It is the man’s own desire for existence creates impediments in the flow of life and unfomfortfulness. It is the ‘you’ creates problems against your life; think ‘Tatwamasi’.

Provide light to destroy shade. To avoid darkness or shade of all the difficulties and grievances from your life which are created by your own ego, self or pride, you have to go to the light of God. For this satisfaction all the people arrive at the light of Sri Ayyappa to destroy his own ahanta, the egotism and all will end in bliss.
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Monday, November 16, 2009

Nov 15, 2009: Grand Celebrations to Kick Off Ayyappa Mandala Season 2009

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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Wednesday, November 11, 2009

Sarana Ghoshams (Periya Paadhai)

The following Saranams provide a representation of the key landmarks and places we trek on the periya-paadhai (long route from Erumeli to Sannidhaaanam).

Repeat Saranam Ayyappa after each verse.
1. Swamiye Sharanam Ayyappa
2. Sadhguru Nathane
3. Sachidananda Sathguru Murthiye
4. Ennishtta Deivame
5. Engal Kula Deivame
6. Aekaantha Vaasiye
7. Thani Vazhi Thunaivare
8. Sevipporkku Aanandha Moorthiye
9. Villali Veerane
10. Veera Manikandane
11. Pulippaal Konarndha Punniyane
12. Acchan Kovil Arase
13. Aariyankaavu Ayyave
14. Kulathu Puzhai Balagane
15. Erumeli Vaazhgiraatha Saasthaave
16. Pettai Thullum Saasthaave
17. Vettaikkoar Magane
18. Kotta Padigale
19. Vavar Swamiye
20. Perur Thodu Thaavalame
21. Thalappaarai Koattaiye
22. Kaalakatti Ashramame
23. Azhutha Nadhiye
24. Azhutha Nadhi Theerame
25. Azhutha Nadheesane
26. Azhutha Maede
27. Kallidung Kunre
28. Injippaarai Koattaiye
29. Udumpparai Koattaiye
30. Mukkuzhi Thavalame
31. Ilavan Thaavalame
32. Karivalaan Thode
33. Puducheri Aare
34. Karimala Aettrame
35. Aettram Kadiname
36. Aettri Thara Vaendum Bhagavaane
37. Karimalai Mugade
38. Karimalai Bhagavathiye
39. Karimalai Irakkame
40. Irakkan Kadiname
41. Irakki Thara Vaendum Bhagavaane
42. Pamba Nadhi Theerame
43. Pamba Nadheesane
44. Pambaiyin Sisuve
45. Pambaiyin Theerthame
46. Pambaiyil Snaaname
47. Pambaiyin Vilakke
48. Pambaiyin Satthiye
49. Pambaiyin Ganapathiye
50. Pandhala Raaja Kumaarane
51. Valiyaana Vattame
52. Cheriyaana Vattame
53. Neelamalai Aettrame
54. Dharma Peedame
55. Appacchi Maede
56. Ippachi Kuzhiye
57. Sabhari Peedame
58. Sree Rama Paadhame
59. Saranguthi Aale
60. Swamigaludaiya Sannidhaanangale
61. Swamigaludaiya Ponnu Padhinettu Padigale
62. Padhinettam Padi Kaavalare
63. Padhinettaam Padi Karuppanna Swamiye
64. Sangili Bhootha Naadha Swamiye
65. Valiya Kadutha Swamiye
66. Kocchu Kadutha Swaamiye
67. Karuppaayi Amma Deviye
68. Vavar Swamiye
69. Dhega Balam Tharanum Bhagavaane
70. Paadha Balam Tharanum Bhagavaane
71. Malai Aettri Tharanum Bhagavaane
72. Padi Aettri Tharanum Bhagavaane
73. Swamigaludaya Sannidhaaname
74. Swamugaludaya Dhwaja Sthambhame
75. Asvaa Roodare
76. Gaja Roodare
77. Swamigaludaya Karpoora Aazhiye
78. Swamigaludaya Bali Peedangale
79. Kannimeela Maga Ganapathi Bhagavaane
80. Naagaraaja Prabhuve
81. Swamugaludaya Dhivya Swaroopame
82. Swamigaludaya Dhivya Dharisaname
83. Neyyabhisheka Piriyane
84. Pushbhaabhisheka Piriyane
85. Paanaga Piriyane
86. Panjaamritha Piriyane
87. Payasanna Piriyane
88. Ney Thaengaay Piriyane
89. Naivediya Piriyane
90. Irumudi Piriyane
91. Athirvedi Piriyane
92. Kannimudi Piriyane
93. Sarana Ghosha Piriyane
94. Vedha Ghosha Piriyane
95. Saama Ghaana Piriyane
96. Karpoora Piriyane
97. Karpoora Jothiye
98. Kaantha Malai Jothiye
99. Jothi Swaroopane
100. Dhabajwaala Moorthiye
101. Chinmudra Dhaariye
102. Neela Vasthra Dhaariye
103. Nithya Bhrahmachaariye
104. Brumadhya Vaasare
105. Hrudhayakamala Vaasare
106. Ellaam Valla Iraivane
107. Aezhaikku Arul Puriyum Eesane
108. Aezhai Pangaalane
109. Aethilaarkku Uttra Thunaiye
110. Eelikkai Aayuthane
111. Pizhai Porutharulla Vendum Deivame
112. Nalla Suga Vaazhkai Alikka Vendum Swamiye
113. Enrum Engalukku Tunaiyaay Irunthu Vazhi Nadathi Chella Vendum Aandavare
114. Kaathu Rakshikkanum Bhagavaane
115. Swamigaludaiya Bhasma Kulangale
116. Swamigaludaiya Thiru Naagangale
117. Swamigaludaiya Parivaarangale
118. Swamigaludaiya Nagaraajakkale
119. Maligapurathamma Devi Loka Manja Maathaave
120. Swamigaludaiya Poongavanangale
121. Ural Kuzhi Theerthame
122. Kumbalanthode
123. Kavalaiyai Theerppavane
124. Kadanai Theerppavane
125. Annadhaana Prabhuve
126. Devi Sabhai Vasare
127. Sarva Klesa Naasa Swamiye
128. Sarvaabheeshta Pradhayakare
129. Sarva Roga Nivarana Om Dhanvathiri Moorthiye
130. Siddhi Vinaayaka Sivasakthi Vadivelan Thambiye
131. Samasta Abharathangalaiyum Poruthu Kaathu Rakshitarula Vaendum Bhagavaane
132. Om SwamiyeSwamiye Saranam Ayyappa
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