temple times - Sri Meenakshi Temple Society

Transcription

TEMPLE
TIMES
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------4th Quarter 2015
October, November, December
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Navarathiri
with Special Alankaram
A Quarterly Publication of
Sri Meenakshi Temple Society
Pearland, Texas
SRI MEENAKSHI TEMPLE SOCIETY
Sri Meenakshi
Temple
17130 McLean Road,
Pearland,Society
TX-77584
17130
Road, Pearland,
TX 77584
SRIMcLean
MEENAKSHI
TEMPLE SOCIETY
SPECIAL EVENTS – OCTOBER TO DECEMBER 2015
17130 McLean Road, Pearland, TX-77584
0ct-12
Mon
Mahalaya Amavasya, Siva Abhishekam
SPECIAL
EVENTS
– OCTOBER
TODECEMBER
DECEMBER
2015
EVENTS
– OCTOBER TO
2015
0ct-13 Tues
Oct-21 Weds SPECIAL
Navarathri
9 days
0ct-16
day Suvasini
Puja
0ct-12 Fri Mon Navarathri
Mahalaya4th
Amavasya,
Siva Abhishekam
0ct-20 0ct-13 TuesTueOct-21 Weds
Navarathri
8th
day, DURGASHTAMI
Navarathri
9 days
0ct-21
9th
SARASWATHI
puja
0ct-16 Wed Fri Navarathri
Navarathri
4thday,
day Suvasini
Puja
0ct-20 Thu Tue Vijyaya
Navarathri
8th day,
DURGASHTAMI
0ct-22
Dashami,
Sravanam
Venkateswara Abhishekam
0ct-21 Sat Wed Deepavali
Navarathri
9th day, SARASWATHI puja
0ct-31
bazaar
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Thu
Vijyaya
Dashami,
Sravanam Venkateswara
10-Nov
Tue
Deepavali Katchi, Lakshmi
AbhishekamAbhishekam
0ct-31
Sat
Deepavali bazaar
12-Nov
17-Nov
Skanda Sashti begins (Nov. 12) , Subramaniya Abhishekam concludes
10-Nov
Tue
Deepavali Katchi, Lakshmith Abhishekam
Homam
onbegins
Nov (Nov.
17 12) , Subramaniya Abhishekam concludes
12-Nov
17-NovwithSkanda
Sashti
17-Nov
Tue
Ayyappa
Mandala
Puja
with Homam on Nov 17thbegins, Ayyappa Abhishekam
22-Nov Sun 17-Nov
29-Nov SunTue MainAyyappa
Temple
Kumbhabishekam
startAbhishekam
Nov-22 Ganapathi Homam
Mandala
Puja begins, Ayyappa
Main Yagasala
Temple Kumbhabishekam
start Nov-22 Ganapathi Homam
29-Nov 22-Nov SunSun29-Nov Sun
6th Kala
Pooja Homam
29-Nov
Sun Main6th
Kala Yagasala
Homam
Temple
MahaPooja
Kumbhabishekam
Main Temple
Maha Kumbhabishekam
8-Dec
Tue
SRI KAISIKA
DWADASI
FESTIVAL
8-Dec
Tue
SRI KAISIKA DWADASI FESTIVAL
17-Dec
Thu
Danur masa Puja Begins
17-Dec
Thu
Danur masa Puja Begins
21-Dec 21-Dec Mon Mon VAIKUNDA
EKADESI,
VENKATESWARA
ABHISHEKAM
VAIKUNDA
EKADESI, VENKATESWARA
ABHISHEKAM
23-Dec 23-Dec Wed Wed Pradosham,
Nandi&
Siva
abhishekam
procession
after Deeparadhana
Pradosham, Nandi& Siva abhishekam procession after Deeparadhana
26-Dec 26-Dec Sat Sat Ayyappa
mandala
puja,
Ghee
Abhishekam
Ayyappa mandala puja, Ghee Abhishekam
Ayyappa
mandala puja
puja Completion,
Pushpa
Abhishekam
27-Dec 27-Dec Sun Sun Ayyappa
mandala
Completion,
Pushpa
Abhishekam
31-Dec
Thu
New
Year
Eve
puja
31-Dec
Thu
New Year Eve puja
MONTHLY SCHEDULED ABHISHEKAM DATES
MONTHLY SCHEDULED ABHISHEKAM DATES
OCT TO DEC 2015
OCT TO DECOCT
2015 NOV DEC
OCT
Sukla Pradosham
25
23NOV 23 DEC
SuklaKrishna
Pradosham
25
Pradosham
10
9 23 8 23
Ekadasi
23
22 9 21
KrishnaSukla
Pradosham
10
8
Krishna
Ekadasi
823
7 22 7 21
Sukla
Ekadasi
SankataEkadasi
Hara Chaturthi
1, 30
29 7 28
Krishna
8
7
Moolam
19
15
12
Sankata Hara Chaturthi
1, 30
29
28
Sashti
3,19
2, 17 1, 17
Moolam
Krithigai
219
26 15 23 12
Sashti
3,19
2, 17 27 1, 17
Punarvasu
6
2,29
Krithigai
Poornima
272
25 26 25 23
Ashtami
5, 21
Punarvasu
6 4. 192,293, 19 27
Sukla Chaturthi
17
15 25 15 25
Poornima
27
Sravanam
22
Ashtami
5, 21 184. 19 15 3, 19
Sukla Chaturthi
17
15
15
Sravanam
22
18
15
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A MESSAGE FROM THE MTS BOARD
MTS Executive’s Message
Greetings to all of you. When we started in January 2014 we took on
the responsibility of running this temple for 2 years, set ourselves few
goals, and were able to achieve most of them under the able leadership
of Dr Vaduganathan. We are fortunate to have a great team of board
members & volunteers who worked tirelessly to help reach our goals.
We took on the most challenging project in the history of MTS, both
logistically and financially. We appreciate every donor& supporter
who made this project a reality and the confidence they had in us
to execute them well. We are getting into to the crucial stage of the
construction where we need the most cooperation from you. We
are doing everything in our power to keep the temple open during
the construction, but there will some days when the temple will be
closed for logistic reasons. Details will be communicated to all of you
as we go forward. Sunday, November 29th (Thanks giving weekend), is
the Maha Kumbhabhishekam day. On behalf of the entire board, we
personally invite each one of you to come with your family and friends
to witness & participate in “Sri Padmavathi Noothana Aalaya, Vimana,
Maha Kumbhabhishekam”. This will be an eight day event starting on
Sunday, November 22nd with various religious and cultural events on a
daily basis. Please watch for more details in the coming weeks.
Several initiatives are being taken up by this board to bring the younger
generation into the mainstream. Vedic Heritage School (VHS) & Youth
committee have done a wonderful job by designing programs that
would interest youth. The recent addition of Yoga sessions as part of
the VHS module is gaining momentum. Our monthly ‘Golden Group
Meeting’ initiative was to keep our senior members more engaged
with MTS. Monthly meetings include topics on health, retirement, diet,
meditation and more. Another highlight of this initiative was special and
creative lunch menus including ‘Kumbakonam Coffee’ to ‘Aappakkadai’,
which have been well received by large group of senior members.
On the administrative side, efforts are underway to put in a process
which will improve the efficiency around procurement of goods and
services. New processes are currently being implemented which are
expected to yield better results in the near future.
All in all, serving our temple has been a rewarding experience along
with a highly motivated & energetic team. Thank you for your support
& giving us the opportunity to serve this great institution.
Srikanth Venugopalan, MTS – Secretary
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Sat
Sun
Mon
Tue
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SriSRI
Meenakshi
MEENAKSHITemple
TEMPLESociety
SOCIETY
7.00 PM 17130
Subramaniya
Abhishekam
McLean
Road,
Pearland,
TX 77584
17130 McLean
Road,
Pearland, TX-77584
10.30 AM
10.30 AM
1st Sunday-Venkateswara Abhishekam
October 2015
October
2015
7.00 PM
Bairavar Abhishekam,
Siva Abhishekam
7.00 PM
Punarvasu Rama Abhishekam
Thu
7.00 PM
Subramaniya Abhishekam
7:00 PM
Sat
10.30 AM
10.30
Abhishekam Abhishekam
Sun AM 10.30Venkateswara
AM
1st Sunday-Venkateswara
7:00
PM
Pradosham
Nandi
& Siva abhishekam
Procession after Deeparadana
Mon
7.00 PM
Bairavar Abhishekam,
Siva Abhishekam
Tue
7.00
PM
Punarvasu
Rama
Abhishekam
11.00 AM
Meenakshi Abhishekam
Thu
PM
7.00
PM 7:00Mahalaya
Amavasya, Siva Abhishekam
Sat
10.30 AM
6.00
PM
Navarathri
1st day
Sat
7:00 PM
Pradosham Nandi & Siva abhishekam Procession after Deeparadana
6.00
PM
Navarathri
2nd
Sun
11.00 AM
Meenakshiday
Abhishekam
MonPM 7.00Navarathri
PM
Mahalaya
Amavasya, Siva Abhishekam
6.00
3rd day
TuePM 6.00Navarathri
PM
Navarathri
1stSuvasini
day
6.00
4th day
Puja
Wed
6.00 PM
Navarathri 2nd day
10.30 AM
Thu
6.00 PM
Navarathri 3rd day
6.00
5th day
Fri PM 6.00Navarathri
PM
Navarathri
4th day Suvasini Puja
6.00
6th day Abhishekam
Sat PM 10.30Navarathri
AM
Venkateswara
Sat PM 6.00Navarathri
PM
Navarathri
5th day
6.00
7th day,
Somavara Siva Abhishekam
Sun
PM
Navarathri 6th day
7:00
PM 6.00Moolam,
Anjaneya Abhishekam, Shashti Subramaniya Abhishekam
Mon
6.00 PM
Navarathri 7th day, Somavara Siva Abhishekam
6.00
DURGASHTAMI
MonPM 7:00Navarathri8th
PM
Moolam,day,
Anjaneya
Abhishekam, Shashti Subramaniya Abhishekam
6.00
9th day, day,
SARASWATHI
puja
TuePM 6.00Navarathri
PM
Navarathri8th
DURGASHTAMI
WedPm 6.00Vijyaya
PM
Navarathri 9th
day, SARASWATHI
puja
6.00
Dashami,
Sravanam
Venkateswara
Abhishekam
Thu
6.00
Pm
Vijyaya
Dashami,
Sravanam
Venkateswara
Abhishekam
7.00 PM
Pradosham, Nandi& Siva abhishekam procession
after Deeparadhana
Sun
7.00 PM
7:00
PM
Pournami,
Satyanarana
puja,
Tue
7:00 PM
Pournami, Satyanarana puja,
7.00
Annaabhishekam
TuePM 7.00Santa
PM Abhishekam,
Santa Abhishekam,
Annaabhishekam
ThuPM 7:00Krittikai
PM
Krittikai
Sri Subramanya
Abhishekam
7:00
Sri Subramanya
Abhishekam
Fri
7.00
PM
Sankatahara
Chathurthi,
Ganesh
homam and
and abhishekam
7.00 PM
Sankatahara Chathurthi, Ganesh
homam
abhishekam
Sat
09.00 Am
Deepavali bazaar
09.00 Am
Deepavali bazaar
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 Ganesha Homam
& Abhishekam......................................................................All days 7:00 AM
Sri Siva (Sundareswara) Abhishekam..................................................................Mondays 7:00 PM
Sri Siva (Sundareswara)
& Sri Meenakshi Abhishekam.........................................All days
Sri Durga Abhishekam.........................................................................................Tuesdays
7:00 9:00
PM AM
Sri Siva (Sundareswara)
Sri PadmavathyAbhishekam..................................................................Mondays
Abhishekam...................................................................................Fridays 6:307:00
PM PM
Sri Meenakshi Abhishekam & Lalitha Sahasranamavali.........................................Fridays 7:00 7:00
PM PM
Sri Durga Abhishekam.........................................................................................Tuesdays
Last Friday of the month – Lalitha Sahasranamavali & Shodasa Upacharam
Sri Padmavathy Abhishekam...................................................................................Fridays
6:30 PM
Sri Navagraha Abhishekam..............................................................................Saturdays 11:00 AM
Sri Meenakshi
Abhishekam
&
Lalitha
Sahasranamavali.........................................Fridays
7:00
PM
Sri Ayyappa Abhishekam..................................................................................Saturdays 10:00 AM
Last
Friday Parameswari
of the month
– Lalitha Sahasranamavali & Shodasa
Sri Kanyaka
Abhishekam.......................................Last
Sunday ofUpacharam
the Month 7:00 PM
SriAbhishekam..............................................................................Saturdays
Meenakshi Abhishekam...............................................Second Sunday of the Month 11:00
AM AM
Sri Navagraha
11:00
Sri Venkateswara Abhishekam...............................................First Sunday of the Month 10:3010:00
AM AM
Sri Ayyappa Abhishekam..................................................................................Saturdays
Sri Kanyaka Parameswari Abhishekam.......................................Last Sunday of the Month 7:00 PM 3
Sri Meenakshi Abhishekam...............................................Second Sunday of the Month 11:00 AM
Sri Venkateswara Abhishekam...............................................First Sunday of the Month 10:30 AM
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Celebrated Events in this quarter (October-December 2015)
Navarathri celebrations (Oct 13-22) Sri Meenakshi Temple has established the
tradition of Navarathri celebrations which includes both religious rituals and
cultural events attractive to every visitor. During the nine nights, the Mother
Goddess is worshipped as Saraswati - the deity of all learning and arts, Lakshmi
- the Goddess of wealth, and Durga - the embodiment of courage and power
described in the Hindu scriptures. Navarathri at this temple provides an exclusive
occasion to express the love and respect to the Goddess. The spectacular
display of Golu (kolu), classical music and dance programs every evening,
unique Navavarana Pooja (Sri Vidya Upasana), Suvasini pooja, special displays
of diorama based on puranic stories, Aksharabhyasam etc are special attractions
during this time.
Deepavali Bazaar (October 31) A day dedicated to celebrate Deepavali at this
temple has become popular among Houstonians. The day begins with free
health fair as a community service. The temple remains open throughout the day
with a flow of several thousand people. Special food booths, bazaar, spectacular
fireworks, youth activities, games for children, Raas / garba etc. are attractions.
Skanda Shashti is celebrated during the six days from November 12. This
signifies the day on which Lord Subramanya defeated the demon Taraka. On
this day elaborate festivals are held with great pomp and grandeur. Devotees
organise Bhajan and Kirtan programs on a grand scale. Thousands are fed
sumptuously. Many incurable diseases are cured if one visits Palani and worships
Lord Subramanya there.
Maha Kumbhabhishekam Celebrations ( November 22-29). Please the details
given separately
Maha Sathyanarayana Puja ( December 5) Please see the attached flyer for
details
Annual Ayyappa Mandala Puja (for 41 days) is celebrated- Beginning on Nov. 17
that concludes on Dec 26, 2015.
The sannidhi of Sri Ayyappa gets ready on Nov 16 with Sudhi kalasham for this
year’s Mandalam season that begins on Tuesday , Nov 17 ( Karthigai /Vruschikam
1). Daily Mandala Pooja will be conducted during the next 41 days.
The months of Kartigai / Vrishchikam, Maargazhi / Dhanur are the most
auspicious for Sri Ayyappa ( Sri Dharma Shastha), during which period Mandala
Puja is celebrated. Devotees observe traditional austerity (vrutham), which starts
from the first day of Kaartigai/ Vrishchikam (November 17). Devotees initiate the
vrutham by wearing a Thulasi or a Rudraksha mala. After 41 days (on December
26) the devotees end their vrutham by carrying Irumudi and removing the mala.
Irumudi is a cloth bag with two compartments containing offerings for the Lord.
This temple guides and facilitates devotees to observe the tradition of Ayyappa
vrutham. You may call the temple office for advice from the priest.
5
A special Pooja will be organized by the devotees on December 19 to celebrate
the occasion. MAKARA SANKRANTHI marks the grand finale of the 2-month
period of Sabarimala pilgrimage.
Kaisika Dwadasi Utsavam December 8 is an annual Classical devotional music
group rendition in which many musicians take part. This falls on Tuesday,
December 8. As a tradition, the event is meticulously planned by several leading
musicians in Houston. Dozens of music students and many aspiring musicians
look forward to this opportunity to offer their prayers in front of the Sannidhi of
Sri Venkateswara.
Kaisika Dwadasi celebrates the notion that Nama Sankeer-thanam of the Lord, sung
with perfect shruti and correct pronunciation of lyrics, helps one to attain Salvation.
This scripture prescribes devotees to celebrate Kaisika Dwadasi by fasting and Nama
Sankeerthanam in Temples. It falls in the month of Karthigai. The 48th chapter in
Sri Varaha Puranam is called as the Kaisika Puranam composed in Manipravalam.
Kaisika puranam derives its name from Kaisika raga (or today’s Bhairavi of
carnatic music) in which it is believed to have been sung. Traditionally, Kaisika
purana parayanam is done in the early hours of the Kaiskia Dwadasi day before
day break. The significance of Kaisika Dwadasi is given in Kaisika Puranam.
Quoting from Kaisiika Puranam - this is the story told by Sri Varaha Perumal to Bhoodevi –
Nampaduvan, an ardent devotee of Sriman Narayana used to perform
Nama Sankeerthanam before Emperuman at Thirukurungudi. Once, on
the way to Thirukurungudi, Brahma Raakshasa (who was a yagnacharya in his previous birth) confronted Nampaduvan. The Brahma
Raakshasa warned Nampaduvan that he was going to be eaten.
But Nampaduvan humbly requested to allow him to finish his duty on Kaisika paravam
Dwadasi day of Nama Sankeerthanam first, and then he promised him to surrender.
Though the Brahma Raakshasa did not agree first, he later let Nampaduvan
go. Nampaduvan, after doing Nama Sankeerthanam on the auspicious Kaisika
Dwadasi day, came back and surrendered himself to Brahma Raakshasa.
Impressed by this honesty the Brahma Raakshasa requested Nampaduvan to give the
fruits of his Nama Sankeerthanam to him so that he can get rid of the raakshasa janma
and attain salvation. Nampaduvan did not agree to it even after repeated requests.
Finally Brahma Raakshasa begged Nampaduvan to give the benefit of just one swara that
he sang on Kaisika Dwadasi. Nampaduvan agreed and gave the fruit of just one swara.
Because of this, Emperuman told Bhoodevi, the Brahma Raakshasa attained salvation.
Let us welcome Sri S. Balaji, a new addition to the priests at MTS.
He holds the professional title Sivagama Siromani following the
training at Kanchi Kamakoti Peeta Vyasa, Bharathi Kaladhi Sadas,
Samajam at Trichy. Prior to his move to the US, Sri Balaji has
served at Sri Mamaswayambhu Sidhi Vinayagr Temple at Guduvanchery, as a priest for 15 years. In addition, he has played leading roles in a variety of events such as kumbhabhishekam, Chandi homam, Rudra
Ekadashi, Sudarshana homam etc. Sri Balaji is well versed in English and Tamil.
6
McLean Road,Temple
Pearland, TX Society
77584
Sri 17130
Meenakshi
Cordially
invites
participate
in the
Cordially
invitesyou
you to
to participate
in the
Navarathri Celebrations
Oct 13th to Oct 22nd 2015
Daily at 8:30 AM
Abhishekam for Sri Meenakshi
Followed by Nava Varna Puja
Daily at 7:00 PM
Abhishekam for Sri Meenakshi
Sahasranamavali, Deeparadhana & Prasadam distribution
Special Alankaram for Utsavamurthis everyday
Friday, Oct. 16th 6:00 PM
Suvasini Puja
Abhishekam and Sahasranama Archana for Sri Meenakshi &
Special Alankarams for Utsavamurthis
Followed by Manjal kumkum distribution to ladies
Tuesday, Oct 20th 10:30 AM
Durgashtami
Homam & Abhishekam for Sri Durga
Wednesday, Oct 21st 10:00 AM
Saraswathi Puja
Thursday, Oct 22nd 7:00 PM
Vijaya Dasami
Aksharabhyasam for children at 10.00 am
Sponsorship
Navavarna
puja
$51,
$101,
Suvasini
Navavarna
puja
$51,Daily
DailyAlankaram/puja
Alankaram/puja $101,
Suvasini
PujaPuja
$31 $31
Sponsors of $31 and
higher of
will$31
receive
saree along
with manjal
kunkum
onwith
the Suvasini Puja day.
Sponsors
andahigher
will receive
a saree
along
For more informationmanjal
please contact
Sasi
at nsasipillai@aol.com
kunkum
onPillai
the Suvasini
Puja day. or Narayanan at
socn1@hotmail.com or SriRam at mksriram.mts@gmail.com
or call the Temple
at 281-489-0358
Ext.100 or 110
For moreOffice
information
please contact
Sasi Pillai at nsasipillai@aol.com or Narayanan at socn1@hotmail.com or SriRam at
mksriram.mts@gmail.com
or call the Temple Office at 281-489-0358 Ext.100 or 110
7
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PRAYER
Sasidharan Pillai
Prayer is giving an opportunity to God to comfort the devotee. Prayer is depending on God for help
in distress. Prayer lightens the heaviness of your heart by opening it to God. Prayer is excepting God
to decide what is best for you when you are in dilemma.
Prayer is nearness to God. Prayer is not asking, but a communion with God through single-minded
devotion. It is tuning of the mind with God. It is fixing the mind on God and meditating on Him.
Prayer is surrendering oneself to God Completely, and melting the mind and ego in silence, in God.
Prayer represents a mystic state when the individual consciousness is absorbed in God. It is an
uplifting of the soul to God, an act of love and adoration to Him. It is worship and glorification of
God. It is thanksgiving to God for all His blessings.
Prayer is an invocation, a calling forth of spiritual forces ever flowing through the human heart, mind
and soul. It is a great spiritual force that is as real as force of gravity or attraction. It is the very soul
and essence of religion, the very core of man’s life. No man can live without prayer.
Prayer does not demand high intelligence or eloquence. God wants your heart when you pray. Even
a word from a humble, pure soul, though illiterate, will appeal to the God more than the eloquent
flowing words of an orator or a learned man. The child does not know grammar and pronunciation.
It utters some sounds, but the mother understands! When mother under stands the language of the
heart, what to say of the inner witness? He/she knows what you wish to say. Even if you make mistakes
in your prayer to Him, even if there are mistakes in the mantras you recite, if you are sincere, if the
prayer comes from your heart, He listens to it, because He understands the language of your heart.
Whose prayer is heard? Prayer should spring from the heart and should not be mere lip-language.
Empty prayer is like sounding brass or tinkling cymbal. The God at once hears prayer that comes
from a sincere, pure heart. The prayer of a cunning, crooked, wicked man is never heard.
God ever respond to the appeal of hiss sincere devotees. It is only the insincere man who says
that God is deaf. He is ever watchful of the distress signals of His children. Open your heart to him
without reservation and response will be instantaneous. Breath has been given to you, by the God
to be spent in prayer. Kneel down and pray, but let it not cease when you rise. Prayer should be
life-long; and your life should be one long prayer. There are no problems that cannot be solved
by prayer. Kneel down and pray, pray not for earthly goods or for heavenly pleasure, but pray for
His grace. Thy will be done. My Lord! I want nothing for myself, this shall be thy prayer. Greet the
dawn of the day and bid adieu to the setting sun with a prayer of thankfulness firstly for a fresh day
granted, and lastly for His Grace received. Thus shall your life be blessed and thus will you radiate
His blessings to all around you.
Benefits of Prayer: Prayer is a mighty spiritual force. It is spiritual food for the soul, a spiritual tonic.
Prayer is powerful spiritual current. There is nothing so purifying as prayer. If you pray regularly, your
life will be gradually changed and molded. Prayer must become habitual, and then you will feel as
if you cannot live without it. It lightens the heart and fills the mind with peace, strength and purity.
When the mind becomes pure through the power of prayer, the intellect becomes sharp and keen,
Prayer elevates the mind. When you think yourself with the inexhaustible cosmic powerhouse of
energy, you draw power light and strength from Him. Prayer is a trusty companion along the weary
path to liberation> it is the rock to which man can cling when he is drowning in the ocean of births
and deaths. It frees from the fear of death and brings him near to God, making feel the divine Consciousness and His essential immortal nature. Prayer works wonders and moves mountains. Even
when the medical boards pronounces a case hopeless, prayer comes to the rescue, and the patient
is miraculously cured. There have been many instances of these descriptions. Healing by prayer is
really miraculous and mysterious. Prayer is an unfailing remedy in all situations.
True prayer is the mental and verbal expression of the highest spiritual ideal. True prayer is said
to be heard by the Supreme Being when we remember our spiritual nature. A true prayer is the
expression of that attitude of the human mind, which arouses the divine nature in man and makes
it govern the lower, selfish or animal nature by which we are directed in our ordinary life to perform selfish acts. True prayer is like a ladder by which the individual soul ascends to the domain
of transcendental Reality.
9
SriSRI
Meenakshi
MEENAKSHITemple
TEMPLESociety
SOCIETY
17130 McLean
Road,
Pearland,
TX 77584
17130 McLean
Road,
Pearland, TX-77584
November2015
2015
November
1-Nov
2-Nov
3-Nov
7-Nov
8-Nov
9-Nov
10-Nov
12-Nov
13-Nov
14-Nov
15-Nov
16-Nov
17-Nov
17-Nov
18-Nov
22-Nov
23-Nov
24-Nov
25-Nov
26-Nov
27-Nov
28-Nov
29-Nov
29-Nov
30-Nov
Sun
Mon
Tue
Sat
Sun
Mon
Tue
Thu
Fri
Sat
Sun
Mon
Tue
Tue
Wed
Sun
10.30 AM
7.00 PM
7.00 PM
10.30 AM
11.00 AM
7.00 PM
7.00 PM
7.00 PM
7:00 PM
10.00 AM
10.00 AM
7.00 PM
7:00 PM
7.00 PM
7.00 PM
8:30AM
10.30 AM
10:00 AM /
6:30PM
7.00 PM
10:00 AM
6:30PM
10:00 AM
6:30PM
7.00 PM
10:00AM
6:30PM
9:00AM
6:00PM
9:00AM
5:30PM
10.00 AM
5:30AM
10:00 AM
7.00 PM
7.00 PM
Sri. Rama Abhishekam
Bairavar Abhishekam
Ekadasi, Venkateswara Abhishekam
Deepavali Katchi, Lakshmi Abhishekam
Skanda Sashti begins, Subramaniya Abhishekam
Skanta sashti 2nd day
Skanda Sashti 3d day
Skand Sashti 4th day, Moolam Anjaneya abhisheakm
Skanda sashti 5th day, Ayyappa Sudhi Abhishekam
Skanda Sashti 6th day, Skanda Homam andSubramaniya Abhishekam
Ayyappa Mandala Puja begins, Ayyappa Abhishekam
Sravanam, Venkateswara Abhishekam
Main Temple Kumbhabhisekam Ganapathi Homam
Ekadasi, Venkateswara Abhishekam, Subramaniya abhishekam
Mon
Navagraha Homam,
Rakshogna Homam
Sudarsana Homam
Tue
Lakshmi Homam
Wed
Disa Homam
Vastu Shanthi
Deepa Utsavam
Mrutsamgrahanam & Yagasala Nirmana Malangaram
Thu
1st Kala Yagasala Pooja Homam
Fri
Visesha Sandhi & KalaYagasala Pooja Homam
Visha Sandhi 3rd Kala Yagasala Pooja Homam
Sat
Visehasandhi 4th Kala Yagasala Pooja Homam
Visehasandhi 5th Kala Yagasala Pooja Homam
Sun
Punarvasu, Ramar Abhishekam
6th Kala Yagasala Pooja Homam
Sun
Main Temple Maha Kumbhabishekam
Sankatahara Chathurthi, Ganesh homam and abhishekam
Mon
2nd Karthigai Soma varam
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 Padmavathi Abhishekam...................................................................................Fridays 6:30 PM
Sri Meenakshi Abhishekam & Lalitha Sahasranamavali.........................................Fridays 7:00 PM
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
10
10
McLean Road,Temple
Pearland, TXSociety
77584
Sri17130
Meenakshi
17130 McLean Road, Pearland, TX 77584
INVITES
YOU AND YOUR FAMILY TO PARTICIPATE IN THE
INVITES YOU AND YOUR FAMILY TO PARTICIPATE IN THE
DEEPAVALI KATCHI
KATCHI AND
AND LAKSHMI
LAKSHMIPOOJA
POOJA
DEEPAVALI
Tuesday, November 10, 2015
Lakshmi Pooja
7:00 PM
Deepavali Katchi 8:00 PM
UTSAVAMURTHY ALANKARAM AND NEW VASTRAM OFFERING TO THE
DEITIES
UTSAVAMURTHY
ALANKARAM
AND NEW VASTRAM
BY THE TRUSTEE AND DEVOTEES
OFFERING TO THE DEITIES
For further Details, please contact
THE TRUSTEE AND
DEVOTEES
Sasidharan PillaiBY
at nsasipillai@aol.com,
S.Narayanan
at soc1@hotmail.com, or
Sri ram at sriramshiela@gmail.com
For further Details, please contact
Sasidharan Pillai at nsasipillai@aol.com,
S.Narayanan at soc1@hotmail.com, or
Sri ram at sriramshiela@gmail.com
11
11
Skanda Shasti Utsavam
Skanda Nov
Shasti
Utsavam
12 to 17
th
th
Nov
12 to 17
Thursday , Nov 12 - 7pm
Daily Abhishekam, Alankaram and
for Murugan
thSahasranama Archana
th
th
th
Friday, Nov 13 – 7pm
Daily Abhishekam, Alankaram and Sahasranama
Archana for Murugan
th
Saturday , Nov 14 – 10:30am
th
Thursday
, Nov
- 7pm
– 10:30am
Sunday , Nov
15th 12
th
Monday,
Nov 13
16 th ––7pm
7pm
Friday,
Nov
th
th 17
Tuesday
Nov
6pm
– 10:30am
Saturday
, Nov 14
th
Skanda homam,
Sankalapam,
Vigneswara
puja, Punnyavachanam,
– 10:30am
Sunday
, Nov 15
Kalasa puja, Homam, Pooranahudhi
Monday, Nov 16th – 7pm
Abhishekam, Alankaram, Deeparadhana
th
Procession of Utsava Murthis around the temple in Mayil Vahanam
Tuesday Nov 17
6pm
Prasadam distribution after Puja
Skanda homam, Sankalapam, Vigneswara puja,
Sponsorship: $ 21
Punnyavachanam, Kalasa puja, Homam, Pooranahudhi
For more information please contact
S.Narayanan at socn1@hotmail.com or Dr.Dorairaja at ta.dorairajan@gmail.com or
Senthil Devaraj at dsenthil@yahoo.com
Abhishekam, Alankaram, Deeparadhana
Procession of Utsava Murthis around the temple in Mayil Vahanam
12
Prasadam distribution after Puja
Sponsorship: $ 21
S.Narayanan at socn1@hotmail.com or
Dr.Dorairaja at ta.dorairajan@gmail.com or
Senthil Devaraj at dsenthil@yahoo.com
12
33rd A
Anniversary of Ayyaappa Manndala Poooja (11‐16‐‐2015 to 112‐27‐20115) November 115th 2015 – SSaptha Sudhhi Pooja ‐ (A
Abishekam Sponsorship $ 21.00) Noveember 16th 20015 to Decem
mber 27th 20155 Daily Pooja Sponsorship $ 51.00 9:00 AM Abisheekam & Malaar Nivadiyam
m 9:45 AM Usha P
Pooja 11:00 AM Ucchaa Pooja 6:15 PM Deepaaradhana & B
Bhajans 7:30 PM Sahasranama Archhana 8:15 PM SeeVeeli ( Processio
on) 8:30 PM Harivaarasanam Novem
mber 21st 20115 to Decembber 26th 20155 Asttabbhishekam Poooja Sponsorrship $ 101.000 10:00 A
AM Asttabhishekam evvery Saturdayy’s in Noveember & Deccember 2015. 10:00 A
AM Novem
mber: 21ST & 28th 10:00 A
AM Decem
mber: 5th, 12th, 19th 9:00 A M Decem
mber: 26th Deecember 12THH 2015 Asttabbhishekam, Akand
da Nama Poojja & Ayyappaa Annadhanam 10:00 AM Asttab
bhishekam ‐ $$ 101.00 10:00 AM Akand
da Nama Japaam ‐ $ 21.00
All dayy Pooja 10:000 to 8:30 PM
12:00 PM Annad
dhanam from
m To
o 12:00 PM to 3:00 PPM 3:00 PM Annad
dhanam Sponnsorship Any desired amounnt Deccember 26th 22015 ‐ Irumuddi Irakkam, G
Ghee Abishekkam & Lakshaarchana 9: 00 A
AM Asttabhishekam ‐ $$ 101.00 10:00 A
AM Irumuddi Irakkam 10:30 A
AM Ghee A
Abishekam 11:30 A
AM Lakshaarchana 12:00 PPM Deeparadhana & Bhajans followeed by Procession Group Pooja Sponsorship ‐ $21.000 Deccember 27th 22015 – Kalabhhabishekam
Group Pooja G
Sponsorship ‐ $ 21.00 10:00 AM Kalabh
habishekam 11:00 AM Sahasranama Archhana 12:00 PM Deepaaradhana & B
Bhajans Decembber 27th 20155 – Aabharanaam Processioon, Pushhpabhishekam
m – Group Poooja $ 21.00 5:00 P M Aabharanam Proceession 6:00 P M Aabharana Chaarthhu & Deeparadhana 7:00 P M Pushpaabhishekam 8:30 P M Harivarasanam Mandaala Pooja Com
mpletion The months of Kaartika/Vrishcika, Maargazhi/Dhanur are most auspicious for Lord Ayyappa,during which
period Mandala Pooja is celebrated. Devotees observe traditional austerities (Vridham), which normally start
The months o
of Kaartika/Vrishc
cika, Maargazhi/D
Dhanur are most a
auspicious for Lord
d Ayyappa,during g which period Ma
andala Pooja is from the
first day of Kaartika
/ Vrishcikam
(November
16). Devotees
initiate vridham
by wearing
a Thulasi or a
art from the first Vrishcikam (Nove
celebrated. D
Devotees observe traditional auster
which normally sta
day of Kaartika / ember Rudraksha
maala. After
41 days ( onrities (Vridham), w
December 27th)
the devotees
end their vridham
by carrying
Irumudi and
th
s initiate vridham
16). Devotee
ulasi or a Rudraks
ha maala. After 4
mber 27
) the devvotees end their vvridham removing
the maala.m by wearing a Thu
Kids can observe
vridham similar
to adults1 days ( on Decem
but for shorter
period.
by carrying Irrumudi and removving the maala. Kiids can observe vrridham similar to adults but for shoorter period. For more information please contact
Ganesh @ nrg91@yahoo.com, Senthil @ dsenthil@yahoo.com, Narayanan @ socn1@hotmail.com
Temple
office ontact Ganesh @ n
phone numbers:
281-489-0358
Ext: 100thil@yahoo.com,
or 101 or Visit
www.meenakshi.org
For more infor
rmation please co
nrg91@yahoo.com
m, Senthil @ dsen
, Narayanan @ so
ocn1@hotmail.com
m Temp
ple office phone n
numbers: 281‐489‐‐0358 Ext: 100 or 101 or Visit www
w.meenakshi.org 13
14
14
15
Agni, the Herald of Divine Functions
Chittoor Ramachandran
The time-honored Vedic practice of performing homam (havan) integral to
Hindu religious functions is a familiar scene to most devotees of this Temple.
This brief review may be informative in understanding and to appreciate the
basis of this tradition. Since homam centers around Fire (Agni, अग्नि), an
analysis of the role of Agni in this ritual is made here.
Vedic texts starting from Rig Veda frequently refers Agni as a deity who is
honored with a status of Purohitha, a spiritual advisor, the foremost Leader
and who advocates righteousness and the one who sustains all that is
pleasant. In Rig Veda there exist many hymns addressed to him as the glorious
Illuminator (Supreme Principle), the God of fire (energy) and the acceptor of
sacrifices who conveys them (as a messenger) to other deities. Agni is thus
the primary recipient of all Vedic sacrifices.
As the most potent and visible form of energy, useful but destructive at the
same time, Agni was both feared and revered by the Vedic people. Many
sects of ardent Hindus continue to venerate as well as fear Agni similar to
the level of Siva. Their tradition is based on the belief that Rudra (Siva) is
embodied in various forms of nature (earth, water, fire, air, space, the sun,
the moon, and the life’s forces). Among these, Agni is especially identified
with fire and in this form He pervades the three dimensions of the universe:
“earth (bhuh), sky (bhuvah), and heaven (svaha)”. Fire itself is the earthly
manifestation of Rudra; in the sky, fire flashes as lightning and howls as wind;
in the heavens, fire shines as the sun. Each is a manifestation of Rudra.
Analysis of a few key mantras chanted during homam reveals the prime role
of Agni in Vedic rituals. All the offerings in the Vedic sacrifices are invariably
offered to Agni (being the oblation-bearer) and through Him to the desired
deity. Agni is also believed to have the authority to invite the desired deities
and persuade them to sit with Him near the Vedic sacrifice.
From the opening mantras chanted while igniting the fire, one can assume
the basic format and the traditional guidelines embedded in the mantras to
perform the homam. Inviting Agni to the sanctified Homa Kunda (the hearth
specifically dedicated for the homam) is formally done with high respect
according to the tradition to awaken the fire. The mantra addressed to the
Homa Kunda basically says “I place this Fire who consumes the oblations
that will be offered—so that all who are sustained by food can live happily”
(Note: It is the nature of fire not only to accept the food offered into it but
also to carry that food, literally and ritually, to all the forces of creation that
derive nourishment from it and thus, fire is described as the mouth (of all
creation). This opening mantra reminds us that the place where the havan
is to be performed is sacred.
Another mantra that follows is:
16
“OM, udbudhyasvagne prati jagrihi tvamishtapurte samsrijethamayam
cha, asmin sadhasthe adhyuttarasmin vishve deva yajamanascha sidata “.
“O Fire, please wake up, please get up. And in your arising, wake us up as
well. You are the one who gives us what we ask for, as well as what comes
to us unasked. You are the remover of illness. In this place (temple where
the homam is performed), please be seated. Along with you, may all the
compassionate divine forces be seated. May those doing this practice also
be seated.
This mantra invites Agni to the homa kunda and requests Him to graciously
awaken. It is also a request to awaken those seated around fire subtly
reminding them that once the ceremony begins, they must remain seated
so that the ritual may be completed without interruption.
Another mantra (as follows) that is recited directly addressed to Agni during
the homam affirms His status as a deity. In this, Agni is addressed by the
name: Jatavedas, literally, the one who has the knowledge (Veda) of every
species (jata).
OM, ayam ta idhma atma jatavedastenedhyasva var-dhasva cheddha
vardhaya chasman prajaya pashubhir brahmavarchasena annadyena
samedhaya svaha.
O Agni, the knower of all who take birth, this stick is your food. With it, may
you grow and expand, and similarly, may you help us grow and prosper.
Ignite our consciousness. May all who are related to us and may all other
beings of this universe also grow and be nourished. May our spiritual wisdom
mature. May everyone and everything, directly or indirectly, be inspired
and awakened? May they grow along with you and along with those who
are serving you.
In the first shloka of Rigveda: “Agnimeele purohitham yajnasya devamrithwijam hotaram rathnadhathamam “Agni is addressed as Jadavedas as a
purohitha and a director orchestrating activities.
On material level, heat (fire) represents Agni, which is primarily responsible
for rain, food and all the richness. In Rig Veda, most prayers are addressed
to Agni (eg.”Oh Agni, lead us on the right path of prosperity (Rig Veda
1.3.28) . This also suggests that the Agni mentioned in this hymn should
be interpreted as a leader, under whose direction everything happens.
Similarly, the highly respected Sri Suktam is addressed to Jatavedas to invite
Sri Lakshmi to the devotee’s home and to request her for the prosperity of
mankind.
REF: (1) Sri Devasthanam website of Sanskrit Religious Institute, He: Fire
Ritual: Havan/Homa
(2) Jayaram, V. Agni, The Vedic Fire God of Hinduism, Hindu Website.com
(3) Significance of Sri Sukta: Dr. Yadunath (1999) SVYM Enterprise, Orem.
17
SRI
MEENAKSHI TEMPLE SOCIETY
December
2015
DECEMBER 2015
3-Dec
Thu
7.00 PM
Ashtami, Bairavar Abhishekam
5-Dec
Sat
7.00 PM
Satyanaranayan puja
6-Dec
Sun
10.30 AM
7-Dec
Mon
7.00 PM
Ekadesi, Venkateswara Abhishekam
8-Dec
Tue
7.00 PM
SRI KAISIKA DWADASI FESTIVAL
12-Dec
Sat
10.00 AM
Moolam, Anjaneya Abhishekam
13-Dec
Sun
11.00 AM
14-Dec
Mon
7.00 PM
4th Somavara Abhishekam for Siva
15-Dec
Tue
10.30 AM
Sravanam, Venkateswara Abhishekam, Maha Ganapathy Abhishekam
16-Dec
Wed
7.00 PM
17-Dec
Thu
06.00 AM
Dhanur masa Puja Begins
21-Dec
Mon
7.00 PM
VAIKUNDA EKADESI, VENKATESWARA ABHISHEKAM
22-Dec
Tue
7.00 PM
23-Dec
Wed
7.00 PM
Pradosham, Nandi & Siva abhishekam procession after Deeparadhana
25-Dec
Fri
7.00 PM
Satyanaranaya puja
26-Dec
Sat
09.00AM
Ayyappa mandala puja, Ghee Abhishekam
27-Dec
Sun
09.00 AM
Ayyappa mandala puja Completion, Pushpa Abhishekam
28-Dec
Mon
7.00 PM
Sankatahara Chathurthi, Ganesh homam and abhishekam
31-Dec
Thu
00.01 AM
New Year Eve puja
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
Sri Navagraha Abhishekam............................................................................Saturdays 11:00 AM
Sri Ayyappa Abhishekam...............................................................................Saturdays 10:00 AM
Sri Kanyaka Parameswari Abhishekam.....................................Last Friday of the Month 7:00 PM
Sri Meenakshi Abhishekam.............................................Second Sunday of the Month 11:00 AM
Sri Venkateswara Abhishekam............................................First Sunday of the Month 10:30 AM
Puja sponsorships can be prepaid using your credit card at www.emeenakshi.org
17
18
Sri Meenakshi
Temple Society
Invites you to participate in the
Maha Sathyanarayana Puja
On Saturday, Dec 5, 2015
Venue: MTS Kalyana Mandapam
Time: 10 AM - 12.30 PM
First part: Puja for Lord Ganesha, Navagrahas, Ashtadik-Palakas & Panchaloka-Palakas
Second part: Worshipping Sri Sathyanarayana Swamy
Third Part: Reading and Listening to Sri Sathyanarayana Swamy Story
Fourth Part: Arathi
Fifth part: Prasadam distribution
Complimentary lunch will be served after the Puja
Sponsorship - $51
Flowers, fruits & prasadams welcome
Annadhanam contributions welcome
Sriram at mksriram.mts@gmail.com or Sasi Pillai at nsasipillai@aol.com or
Narayanan at socn1@hotmail.com or
call the Temple Office at (281) 489-0358 Ext. 100 or110.
19
18
Sri
Temple Society
Society
Sri Meenakshi
Meenakshi Temple
17130
McLean
Pearland,
TX 77584
17130
McLeanRoad,
Road, Pearland,
TX-77584
Sri Kaisika Dwadasi Festival
On Tuesday, December 8th 2015
SINGING THE GLORY OF LORD VISHNU
Program
At the Main temple 7pm- 8pm
Pooja Sponsorship - $21
Please bring Fruits, Flowers and Prasadam for the Pooja
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
in a recorded
form for individual practice
Asevent
traditionally
celebrated, devotees For
willmore
assemble
to sing
together
information
please
contactglories of
S. Narayanan
at All
socn1@hotmail.com
Sriman
Narayana.
are welcome toorjoin.
Mahesh Iyer at maheshiyer@yahoo.com or
The list of songsTupil
will Narasiman
be provided
to the devotees ahead of the event
at tnarasiman@gmail.com
in a recorded form for individual practice
For more information please contact:
S. Narayanan at socn1@hotmail.com or
Mahesh Iyer at maheshiyer@yahoo.com or
Tupil Narasiman at tnarasiman@gmail.com
20
19
Sri
Temple Society
Society
Sri Meenakshi
Meenakshi Temple
17130
McLean
Pearland,
TX 77584
17130
McLeanRoad,
Road, Pearland,
TX-77584
Invites you to celebrate
VAIKUNTA EKADESI
And Swarga Vasal Darshnam
on
Monday December 21, 2015
Program
Program
At the Main temple
At the Main temple
6:00amThiruppalliEzhuchi
7:00 am--8.00 am Nithya Aradhanam &Thiruppavaisevakalam
6:00amThiruppalliEzhuchi
9:00 am -Venkateswara Abhishekam
10:30
am-VaikuntaDwaraDarashanam
and PrakaraUtsavamOn
GarudaVahanam
7:00 am--8.00 am - Nithya Aradhanam
&Thiruppavaisevakalam
11:00 am GadhyaThrayam,-Aarthi, Shaathumurai,Theertham, Prasadam
9:00 am
- Venkateswara
Abhishekam
12 noon- Vishnu
Sahsranamam
Chanting
– Open participation
10:30 am - VaikuntaDwaraDarashanam and PrakaraUtsavamOn
SPONSORSHIP
GarudaVahanam
$51.00
11:00 am- GadhyaThrayam,
Shaathumurai,Theertham,
Prasadam
For moreAarthi,
information
please contact
at socn1@hotmail.com or Sasi at nsasipillai@aol.com
12 noonNarayanan
- Vishnu
Sahsranamam Chanting – Open participation
or Sriram at sriramsheila@gmail.com
Or call the Temple Office at (281) 489-0358 Ext. 100 or101
SPONSORSHIP
$51.00
Narayanan at socn1@hotmail.com or Sasi at nsasipillai@aol.com
or Sriram at sriramsheila@gmail.com
Or call the Temple Office at (281) 489-0358 Ext. 100 or101
21
20
invites you to Celebrate
New Year’s Day
On Friday January 1st, 2016
Start your New Year with the blessings of
Sri Meenakshi, Sri Sundareswara, Sri Venkateswara and Sri Padmavathi
on December 31st, 2015 – New Year’s Eve - Midnight Aarathi
Program
January 01, Friday 2016
9:00 AM - 11:00 AM
Ganesha Homam and Abhishekam for Prasanna Vinayagar at the Ganesh Temple
Sponsorship $51
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Starting at 9:00 AM
Special Archanas will be performed every half-hour for all Deities at the Main Temple
and every hour for Deities in all the Corner Sannidhis.
Sponsorship $21
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
10:00 AM: Puja for Maha Ganapathi & Sri Ayyappa.
Sponsorship $21
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
11:00 AM - 1:00 PM
Laksharchana for Sri Meenakshi & Muthangi Seva for all Pradhana Murthis
Deeparadhana followed by Meenakshi Prakara Utsavam on Pallakku.
Sponsorship $51
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
5:00 PM – 6:00 PM
Special Puja for Sri Durga, Sri Jyothi & Sri Kanyaka Parameswari.
6:00 PM Prakara Utsavam for Sri Venkateshwara on Pallakku
6:00 PM – 7:00 PM
Special Puja for Sri Rama, Sri Subramanya & Sri Radhakrishna.
Sponsorship $21
Grand Sponsorship for all New Year Day Poojas $101
9:00 PM: Ardha Jama Pooja followed by Sayanalaya Pooja
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1:30 PM - 5:00 PM. Cultural Program at Kalyana Mantapam
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Breakfast will be available at Temple Kitchen between 8:00 AM - 10:00 AM
Food will be available from Local Indian Restaurants at the Food Booth
from 10:00 AM – 8:00PM
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------To volunteer for the New Year’s day, Please contact:
Murali Ravoori (mravoori@gmail.com) (or)
call the temple office at 281-489-0358 extn 100, 110
22
Miracles that are Natural at
Sri Meenakshi Temple of Pearland (3rd in Series)
- Dr. Bala N. Aiyer
Introduction: In the Holy grounds of Hindu Temples Miracles appear as natural
events. People seldom consider them as super-natural but as the great gift of the
powers of the Supreme. Several Temples are known for these occurrences.
Many of us have a question in our mind that if there is only one Paramathma in
all the manifestations that they pray in several temples in various forms, if they
are all one and the same. Here, the Hindu recognizes well that each one of the
image and form has the individuality and separate form along with the Supreme
Paramathma. Such miracles they see again establish that each and every one of
the manifestations is real and true.
In the prior issue we covered two of the Miracles experienced at Sri Meenakshi
Temple. This issue continues the series with more Miracles shared by our devotees.
Miracle #6: Miracle from Sri Subrahmanya in our Temple.
[Kandha Sashti in 1986 and Subrahmanya Homam]
As already noted earlier, during the Kumbhabishekam pooja time in June/July 1982,
heavy thunderstorm and heavy winds disturbed some of the events. The day of
special Pooja and homam for Sri Subrahmanya had to be cancelled as the tent collapsed earlier and area was flooded with the rain water. However, the Vigrahas of
Sri Subramanya came only 2 years later in 1964 for installation in the Siva Sannadhi
area with simple installation ceremony. In 1986, one devotee family during their
trip to India bought one Silver “Vel” – Spear for Sri Subrahmanya. During customs
check-ups and opening and closing of the luggage in Hong-Kong airport, the spear
got damaged with a crack at the “neck”. He got it fixed in a Jewelry store locally, who
did it free of cost. When it was brought to the temple for a simple Pooja offering
in July, again it was noted that the spear was bent. The chief priest suggested that
once we fix it better, we can install the same at the time of Skandha Sashti that
year. The Jeweler again fixed it with a thick silver ring. A simple announcement
was issued in Temple times that we will perform the Shanda Homam and services
[that was missed in 1982]. On Skandha Sashti day, the temple saw the biggest
crowd of devotees since the Kumbhabhishekam day. There were devotees from
many neighboring cities like Dallas, Austin and San Antonio with Special tour buses
trip. Everyone was excited to see such a grand celebrations that Sri Subrahmanya
arranged for Himself that was missed in 1982.
Miracle #7: Miracle shown by Sri Sundareswara – Siva in our Temple.
[Kamakshi Sundareswara Gurukkal coming from Singapore in 1987]
Sri Rajarathna Bhattar, who was the only priest at our temple since 1983, one year
after Kumbhabhishekam, had to return to India on completion of his 3 year Visa.
We had temporary help with some local volunteers
And later a temporary priest came from Canada for 4 weeks. We had applied for
permanent visa on a Clergy category for Thanga Bhattar. This took a brief delay in
processing. In June of 1987, there was a period when we had acute shortage to
perform daily Pooja, except few local volunteer devotees who usually came once in
23
the morning time. We were short of funds also to correct the situation. It was the
third week in June, when, I went to temple in evening from Hundi money counting
work and Sri Arumugam was the administrator at that time. Sri Arumugam, who is
well trained in Saiva Siddhantha Hindu traditions, expressed to me his worry that
it was Pradhosham day and Sri Siva needs to get an abhishekam and alankaram
at sunset time and we have no priest. He asked me if I could do the abhishekam
and alanakar. I told him that since I am coming direct from hospital after the day’s
work I did not feel it proper to enter the sanctum. I encouraged him to do the
abhishekam and Pooja since he is qualified and trained in the same. He was very
reluctant but did his Prayer services. As he lighted the camphor for Aarathi, he
telephone bell rang. I commented that “Looks like Sri Siva has agreed and accepted
your prayers”. He gave the Arathi plate to me and picked up the phone. The call was
from a Temple in Singapore where the Chairman of that temple told he is sending
a prient to serve in our temple for the Kumbhabhishekam anniversary poojas and
his name was Sri Kamakshi Sundareswara Gurukkal. We told them that we do not
have enough funds to get him from Singapore and send him back in two weeks.
They said that, not to worry, they will be sending him at their cost and we only
need to send someone to pick him at the airport. The Gurukkal spoke only Tamil
and got stranded in airports but somehow reached Houston one day late. He came
at his cost and returned after doing the anniversary celebrations. On the day he
returned, Sri Thanga Bhattar arrived from Chennai, India. This is a miracle of Sri
Sundareswara – Siva in our Temple.
MTS Membership
Any devotees interested in membership in Sri Meenakshi Temple Society,
may request a membership form and information at the Temple office. The
application requires name, address etc. and signatures of persons already
members of MTS and donation of membership dues. Membership year
starts in January; however, new members are accepted throughout the year.
Members must complete an application form and pay dues annually,
specifically stating that the donation is for membership dues. Membership
gives one the opportunity to participate in the formation of MTS Policy.
Membership is not required to participate in any religious, educational and
cultural activities or in voluntary services to the Temple.
Dear Active / Inactive member:
On behalf of the Meenakshi Temple Society (“MTS”) Membership Committee,
I extend our warmest fall season’s greetings to you and wish you and your
family a very happy and prosperous new year.
We will be sending your membership renewal form in the mail by the end
of November. If you are an active / inactive member and not received the
membership renewal form by Christmas, please contact the temple and
renew your membership by paying the membership dues on or before March
31, 2016 to be eligible to participate in all the General Body meetings.
You can also renew the membership before June 30th to be eligible for
participating in the General Body meetings during the latter part of the
year and/or become a new member on January 1, 2016 at the temple.
There will be a separate registration table for membership on that day.
Regards – K. Muthuswamy
Membership Committee Coordinator (2014-2015)
24
Phone: 281-489-0358 Ext. 100 (or) 110
Annual Puja Sponsorship Form
For more information please contact the Temple Office at 281-489-0358 ext. 100, 110
If you have any questions, comments or need more information please do not hesitate to contact
S. Narayanan @ socn1@hotmail.com
Sriram at mksriram.mts@gmail.com or Sasidharan Pillai @ nsasipillai@aol.com
25

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 newly opened Visitor
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 832-725-1805 or venkatk2005@yahoo.com
Alternatively: Send e-mail to temple@meenakshi.org or
chkarunakar@yahoo.com (Karunakar Chowdavarapu) and we will
get back to you within 24 hours
Kalayana Mandapam
Youth Center Banquet Hall
26
RAHUKALAM
4:30 PM – 6:00 PM
7:30 AM – 9:00 AM
3:00 PM – 4:30 PM
12 NOON – 1:30 PM
1:30 PM – 3:00 PM
10:30 AM – 12 NOON
9:00 AM – 10:30 AM
DAY
Sun
Mon
Tue
Wed
Thu
Fri
Sat
YAMAGANDAM
12 NOON – 1:30 PM
10:30 AM – 12 NOON
9:00 AM – 10:30 AM
7:30 AM – 9:00 AM
6:00 AM – 7:30 AM
3:00 PM – 4:30 PM
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
FM 106.1 or FM 102.1 (HD 3) in Houston Listen online
http://tunein.com/radio/KBREEZE-1061-1021-s238101
Broadcast Every Sunday from 10-30 AM to 11-00
NEW RADIO ON THE GO - ON YOUR PHONE
Download Apps for free http://tunein.com/ on your iPhone- Search KBREEZE 106.1
Download Apps for free http://tunein.com/ on your android phone -Search KBREEZE 106.1
Sri Meenakshi Temple Telephone Numbers
Main Temple ................................... 281-489-0358
Cover
Photo: courtesy Srinivasan Sundararajan
(Best time to call: 9 am-12 noon and 5 pm-8 pm
Main Temple................................................................. 100, 110
Ganesh Temple Facility Center.............................................. 115
Library (During Library hours)............................................... 125
Kalyana Mantapam............................................................... 112
Temple Kitchen..................................................................... 227
MTS FAX................................................................ 281-489-3540
Staff
Sri Vatsa Kumar (Executive Officer)....................... 832-689-6448
Sri K. Venkatachalam (Administrator)................... 832-725-1805
Sri Manickasundaram Bhattar (Priest)................... 281-489-8633
Sri Kalyana Sundaram (Priest)............................... 281-692-9815
Sri R.K.E. Parameswaran (Priest)........................... 281-489-0575
Sri Sreedharan Raghavan (Priest).......................... 713-518-1810
Sri Pawankumar Sribhashyam (Priest)................... 281-819-7842
Sri Sriman Narayana Charyalu Rompicherla (Priest)281-965-9780
www.emeenakshi.org
Temple Times Published by MTS Public Relations and Publicity Committee
Bhagavathi Seva
Vaikunda Ekadasi Perumal with both Thayars on the Garuda Vahanam
Temple Times is a Publication of
17130 McLean Road,
Pearland, TX-77584-4630
17130 McLean Road
Pearland, TX 77584-4630
Sri Meenakshi Temple
Temple Times is a publication of
NON PROFIT
ORG.
U. S POSTAGE
PAID
Pearland, TX
PERMIT NO. 79

temple times - Sri Meenakshi Temple Society

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