TEMPLE TIMES - Sri Meenakshi Temple Society

Transcription

TEMPLE
TIMES
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------3rd Quarter 2016
July, August, September
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
A Quarterly Publication of
Sri Meenakshi Temple Society
Pearland, Texas
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Corner Temples Renovation Project (CTRP)
Sockalingam Narayanan, MTS Chairman
Sri Meenakshi Temple Society Senior members and General Body has
overwhelmingly approved the Corner Temples Renovation Project
(CTRP) on the meeting held on April 10th, 2016. This project is the third
phase of the religious area renovation of our Temple and builds on the
earlier phases, Ganesh Temple Renovation Project (GTRP, Phase-I) and
Main Temple Renovation Project (MTRP, Phase-II)
CTRP completes the original master plan drawn by our founders of
MTS during 1970’s.This project expands all four Corner Temples to
accommodate more devotees and connects all the four mandapams
and the Main Temple. We will be installing Statues of Hindu Saints,
Nayanmargal and Alwargal along the walls of the South and the North
connection in a manner that is traditional in grand temples recognizing
the important role of these Saints which provides inspiration for all
devotees in their life journey. When the project is completed when you
enter the Main Temple complex you can visit all the deities in different
Sannadhis by walking underneath the covered structure which is very
useful for children and senior citizens.
CTRP Aarambha (inauguration) Puja was done on June 5th, 2016. The Puja
commenced with the Homam and Abhishekam for Prasanna Ganapathi.
Puja for all the Utsava Murthis followed, starting from Maha Ganapathi,
Ayyappa, Murugan, Ramar Parivar, Anjaneya, Radha Krishna, Durga,
Jyothi, Kannika Parameswari and Nataraja with individual sankalpam for
all the families. Devotees got the sanctified brick from the priest to carry
to the corner Temple of their choice. Utsava Murthis procession was a
beautiful sight to watch. With Chendamela in the front, the devotees
followed the procession. All the devotees went to the Main Temple and
got Anugnai from Siva, Meenakshi, Venkateswara and Padmavathi.
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On this day the beautiful CTRP model was released at the Main temple.
The model was so nice the devotees surrounded it very quickly to
appreciate the beauty of the CTRP project. Thanks to our Fundraising
team, our pledge and donation total has exceeded $350,000 in less than
fifty days from the start which is a strong support from our devotees for
the CTRP project. The total estimated cost for the project is $750,000.
We request your generous donation to complete the project. Please
mark your calendar for our Annual Fundraising Dinner on Sunday
August 28, 2016. We pray the almighty for a successful completion of
the CTRP Project.
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17130 McLean Road, Pearland, TX 77584
Cordially invites you to participate in
Bhagavathi Seva
on
Friday, July 22nd 2016 at 7:00 PM
At Ayyappa Sannidhi
Program
Deepa Pooja
Sri Lalitha Sahasranama Archana
Sri Lalitha Trisathi Archana
Soundarya Lahari
Deeparadhana
Sponsorship $21
For further details please contact:
Padmini at prn2635gmail.com or
Sheila at sriramsheila@gmail.com or
Call Temple 281-489-0358 Ext. 100 or 110
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Invites you to participate in the
Aani Thirumanjanam
(Abhishekam for Sri Nataraja)
July 10th Sunday 2016 at 10:00 AM
At Natarajar Sannidhi
Abhishekam, Alankaram, Deeparadhana,
Upacharam
Sponsorship $21
For more information please contact:
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Aadi Sukravara
Ashtalakshmi Deepa Pooja
on Friday 29th July at 7:00 pm
At the Main Temple
Sankalpam, Punyahavachanam, Kalasa Puja,
Ashtalakshmi Archana, Mantrapushpam, Aarathi,
Theertha prasadam
Please bring your lamp [optional], flowers and
prasadam. Other pooja materials will be provided by
the Temple
Sponsorship $21
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Invites you to celebrate
AADI POORAM
on Friday, August 5th 2016 at 6:30 PM
Special Abhishekam for
Sri Meenakshi and Sri Andal
6:30 PM Abhishekam
Procession of Utsavamurthis
Oonjal Seva
Deeparadhana and Prasadam
Sponsorship
Abhishekam - $21
Oonjal Seva - $31
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VARALAKSHMI VRATHAM
on Friday, Aug. 12th 2016 at 7:00 PM
At Main Temple:
Sankalpam, Punyahavachanam, Kalasa Puja,
Mahalakshmi Sahasra Nama Archana,
Mantrapushpam, Aarathi,
Theertha prasadam
Distribution of sacred thread after the puja
Sponsorship - $21
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Gokulashtami and Sri Jayanthi
GOKULASHTAMI
Thursday, August 25th 2016 at 7 PM
Utsava Murthy Abhishekam at Main Temple
SRI JAYANTHI
Friday, August 26th, 2016 at 7 PM
Puja for Utsava Murthy at Main Temple
GOKULASHTAMI CELEBRATIONS
Saturday, August 27th, 2016 at 10:30 AM
Uriyadi for Children at 10:30 AM at Raja Gopuram
Children’s Fancy Dress Display 11 AM at Ganesh Temple
Sponsorship for each event $21
Padmini at prn2635@gmail.com or
Sheila at sriramsheila@gmail.com
For Children’s Fancy Dress contact:
Mala Gopal at gopal.mala@gmail.com
or call the Temple Office at (281) 489-0358 Ext. 100 or 110
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You are invited to perform the annual ritual of
Yajurveda & Rigveda Upakarmam
(Aavani Avittam) 2016
At Ganesh Temple
on Thursday 18th August 2016
6:30 AM - 10:00 AM (in batches)
10:00 AM – Homam
Saivite and Vaishnavite priests are available to guide you
You are requested to bring your pancha pathram, udharini, rice, black sesame
seed (ellu) and thambalam. Other materials and yajnopaveetham will be
provided by the Temple.
10:00 AM – Thalai Aavani Avittam
Special arrangements are being made for separate special session
for brahmacharis performing Thalai avani avittam (First upakarmam
after upanayanam). Advance registration required.
Sponsorship
Upakarma- $10
Thalai Aavani Avittam- $51
For further information please contact
or the Temple at 281-489-0358 Ext. 100 or 110
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Vinayaka Chathurthi Celebrations
With 108 Kalasa Abhishekam
Visarjan of Clay Ganesha in the Temple Pond &
Sri Ganesh Temple 37th Anniversary Celebration
on Monday, September 5th & on Sunday 11th, September 2016
Monday September 5th 2016 Program 6pm- 8pm
Sankalpam, Vigneswara Pooja, Punyagavachanam
Nava Kalasa Pooja, Special Butter Alankaram, Homam, Purnahuti
Sunday, September 11th, 2016, Program 8:30 AM to 11:00 AM
8:30 AM Abhishekam for Mahaganapathi
108 Kalasa Pooja, Homam, Puranhuti
VISARJAN 3:30 PM – 6:00 PM
Sankalpam, Ganapathi Pooja & Punyagavachanam
Ganapathi Avahanam, Pushpa Pooja, Pathra Pooja
Ashtothra pooja and Story, Aarthi and Mantrapushpam
6.00 PM Immersion of Ganesha in the Temple Pond & Theertha Prasadam
Grand Sponsorship for all events
on Thursday & Sunday plus Annadhanam $101
Thursday Event Navakalasa Pooja - $31
Sunday all Events including Visarjan - $51; 108 Kalasa Pooja - $31
Visarjan Sponsorship- $31 - Clay Ganesha- $10 for Visarjan sponsors
For more information please contact
or you may call Temple at 281-489-0358 Extn. 100 or 110
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Culture through religion
By Adhi Gopal and Akilan Gopal
Customs and traditions have always been an important part of every religion.
Hinduism holds the reign of being the world’s oldest living religion as it boasts
5,000 years in existence. As any religion forms, many customs and traditions
are created and kept to incorporate the religion into society. Hinduism, as
a result, has accumulated an enormous sum of customs, which paint the
rich cultural background in India. When people think of either Christianity,
Buddhism, or Islam, many different countries may come to mind. But when
people think of Hinduism, they often strongly associate it with India. Distinct
from the culture of most other countries, the culture of India is deeply
intertwined with the religious practices and customs of a religion– Hinduism.
Noteworthy examples of the Hindu religion influencing Indian culture are the
caste system, Dowry system, Indian national celebrations, and classical arts.
In Hindu tradition, a varna is one of the four strata of society. The varna system
is extensively discussed in the Dharmasastras, ancient Hindu literature, and
classified all humankind into four varnas: 1) the Brahmins (priests, scholars
and teachers), 2) the Kshatriyas (rulers, warriors and administrators),
the Vaishyas (cattle herders, agriculturists, artisans, and merchants), the
Shudras (laborers and service providers). Those who fall out of this system
are ostracized as untouchables and considered outside the varna system,
effectively unfit to practice Hinduism. Although the discussion of varna, as
well as untouchables, in these texts do not resemble the modern era caste
system in India, the similarities are nonetheless striking and have cultural
implications as well. The caste system, with Hindu origins, is used as the basis
of reservation, a quota-based affirmative action for education, scholarship,
and jobs. In addition to influencing social mobility of Indians, caste also plays
an important role in marriage compatibility in arranged marriages. Even the
dowry system, which refers to the valued goods the bride’s family gives to the
bridegroom’s family as a marriage condition, evolved in the Vedic period and
was initially followed by the upper castes to benefit the bride, who was unable
to inherit property under Hindu law. The origins of both the caste system and
the Dowry system are found within the Hindu religion and have progressed
and morphed into quintessential cultural practices within India.
In many ways, it becomes difficult to separate culture from religion. For
example, is Diwali considered a religious practice or a cultural activity?
What about Holi? Separating the two is difficult since these practices are
so deeply connected with both the culture of India and the Hindu religion.
Diwali, the festival of lights, is commonly celebrated by Indians as a cultural
tradition signifying the victory of light over darkness, or good over evil. Today,
Diwali may be thought of as a cultural practice, but its historical roots reveal
a different story. During the Diwali period, Indians prayed to Lakshmi, the
goddess of wealth, for prosperity and light for an excellent upcoming year;
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they also prayed to Ganesha, the remover of obstacles, to aid them towards
a prosperous future. While prayer is still an essential aspect of Diwali, the
cultural celebration and festivities are an evolution from its origins.
Holi, like Diwali, is another cultural celebration rooted in religion. Holi, the
festival of colors, is a celebration honoring the destruction of internal evil.
Today, people celebrate Holi by spraying colors, dancing, and eating festival
delicacies. But there is much more to Holi than camaraderie. There is a
symbolic legend to explain why Holi is celebrated specifically as a festival of
colors. The word “Holi” originates from “Holika”, the evil sister of the demon
king Hiranyakashipu. The King of Multan, Hiranyakashipu, thought of himself
as a god and demanded that only he be worshipped. After a series of events,
Lord Vishnu appeared as Lord Narasimha and killed Hiranyakashipu in a
bonfire which now symbolizes victory of good over evil. As the fire cooled
down, people applied the ash to their foreheads which eventually became the
colored powder used to celebrate Holi. Diwali and Holi are just a few examples
of Indian national celebrations with both cultural and religious origins.
Indian classical arts, including Bharata Natyam and Carnatic music, tie into
the rich culture of India formed through religion. Bharata Natyam is a form of
classical dance that originated in the temples of Tamil Nadu. Bharata Natyam
is considered to be a fire dance in religious texts. It is one of the five major
styles that also include Odissi (element of water), Kuchipudi (element of
earth), Mohinattam (element of air), and Kathakali (element of sky). Bharata
Natyam is an art form that was performed by Nataraja, a form of Lord Shiva,
the Hindu yogi and divine purveyor for the destruction of evil. This dance form,
originally a spiritually symbolic one, has commonly been diffused throughout
India and Hindu culture, becoming one of the most popular Indian dances.
It is now considered the mother art, inspiring art forms such as sculpture,
painting, and icon-making within India.
Carnatic music, also a divine art, is a system of music commonly associated
with southern India originating from the Devas and Devis (Hindu gods and
goddesses). References to Indian classical music are made in many ancient
Hindu texts such as the Ramayana and Mahabharata. Nowadays, Carnatic
music is intertwined with the culture of India. It enriches the lives of many
Indians and is praised as one of the most complete systems of music in the
world, influencing new art forms such as Hindustani, Western Classical, and
Indian folk.
So many crucial aspects of Indian culture have formed as a result of religion,
whether through societal aspects such as the Vedic caste system and the
Dowry system, through joyful celebrations such as Diwali and Holi, or through
cultural art forms such as Bharata Natyam and Carnatic music. All in all, the
rich and vibrant culture of India has been and will continue to be connected
with the Hindu religion.
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Celebrates
Bhajagovindam
SRI VENKATESWARA KALYANA MAHOTSAVAM
Sunday, September 25, 2016
8:00 AM – 9:00 AM: Suprabatham, Thirupallandu,
Thirupalliyezuchi, Thirupavai
9:00 AM Seervarisai from Ganesh Temple
At the Kalyana Mandapam
9:30 AM – 11:00 AM: Navakalasa Abhishekam,
Alankaram, Archanai
11:00 AM – 12:30 PM: Kalyana Utsavam
12:30 PM - Rathotsavam
Lunch at the Youth Center
2:30 PM to 4:30 PM: OonjalSeva at the Main Temple
Sponsorship
Kalyanam $31, Kanyadhanam $51, both $81, Oonjal Seva $31,
Grand Sponsor $101.
Donations for Annadhanam welcome
For further information please contact:
Padmini at prn2635@gmail.com
or Sheila at sriramsheila@gmail.com
or Call Temple 281-489-0358 Ext. 100 or 110
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Bhaja Govindam – the essence of Vedantam
Compiled by M.K. Sriram
This wonderful poem was composed by Jagadguru Shankara Bhagavadpada (Adi
Shankara). Though sung as a bhajan, it is a completely no nonsense and even
hard hitting statement of the facts of life. It contains the essence of Vedanta and
implores the man to think of eternal questions like: Why am I here in this life?
Why am I amassing wealth? Why I have no peace? What is the Truth? What is
the purpose of life? The person thus awakened gets set on a path to reach the
Supreme. Below are some of the vibrant verses from this glorious composition.
bhaja gOvindaM bhaja gOvindaM, gOvindaM bhaja mooDhamatE |
saMpraaptE sannihitE kale, nahi nahi rakShati DukrinkaraNE || 1 ||
Adore the Lord, adore the Lord, adore the Lord, O fool! When the appointed
time (for departure) comes, the repetition of grammatical rules will not, indeed,
save you. No matter how good a person knows theory, it is not going to help him
unless he practices it.
mooDha jaheehi dhanaagamatRuShNaaM, kuru sadbuddhim manasi vitRuShNaam |
yallabhasE nija karmOpaattaM. vittaM tEna vinOdaya chittam || 2 ||
O fool! Do not just be focused on the accumulation of wealth; create in the mind,
thoughts about Reality, devoid of passion. Be practical, don’t be avaricious, work
hard and be happy with what you achieve.
naaree stanabhara naabheedESaM, dRuShTvaa maa gaa mOhaavESam,
EtanmaaMsa vasaadi vikaaraM, manasi vichintayaa vaaraM vaaram || 3 ||
Seeing the seductive female form, do not fall prey to frenzied delusion. That (female form) is (but) a modification of flesh and fat. Know that all this is just Maya.
Don’t lose sight of your goal to reach God.
naLinee daLagata jalamati taraLaM, tadvajjeevita matiSaya chapalam |
viddhi vyaadhyabhimaana grastaM, lOkaM SOkahataM cha samastam || 4 ||
The water on the lotus-leaf is very unsteady; so also is life extremely unstable.
Know that the entire world is devoured by disease and conceit, and smitten with
sorrow. We never know what is going to happen the next moment, so be humble.
y a a v a d - v i t t O p a a r j a n a s a k ta H , ta a v a n - n i j a p a r i v a a r O r a k ta H |
paSchaajjeevati jarjara dEhE, vaartaaM kOpi na pRucChati gEhE || 5 ||
As long as you have the ability to earn money, so long will your dependents be
attached to you. After that, when you live with an infirm body no one in is world
would even speak to you a word. This is a reality that you must learn to accept.
This is the way of the world.
satsangatvE nissangatvaM, nissangatvE nirmOhatvam |
nirmOhatvE niSchalatattvaM, niSchalatattvE jeevanmuktiH || 6 ||
Through the company of the good, there arises non-attachment; through non-
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attachment, there arises freedom from delusion; through delusionless-ness,
there arises steadfastness; through steadfastness, there arises liberation in life.
maa kuru dhanajana yauvana garvaM, harati nimEShaat-kaalaH sarvam |
maayaamayamidam-akhilaM hitvaa, brahmapadaM tvaM praviSa viditvaa || 7 |
Do not be proud of wealth, kindred, and youth; Time takes away all these in a
moment. Leaving aside this entire (world) which is of the nature of an illusion,
and knowing the state of Brahman, enter into it.
jaTilO muNDee lunjita kESaH, kaaShaayaanbara bahukRuta vEShaH |
paSyannapi cha na paSyati mooDhaH, udara nimittaM bahukRuta vEShaH || 8 ||
The ascetic with matted lock, the one with his head shaven, the one with hairs
pulled out one by one, the one who disguises himself variously with the ochrecolored robes - such a one is a fool who, though seeing, does not see. Indeed,
this varied disguise is for the sake of the belly.
bhagavadgeetaa kinchidadheetaa, gangaa jalalava kaNikaa peetaa |
sakRudapi yEna muraaree samarchaa, kriyatE tasya yamEna na charchaa || 9 ||
For him, who has studied the Bhagavad Gita even a little, who has drunk a drop
of the Ganga-water, and who has performed the worship of the Destroyer of the
demon Mura at least once, there is no fear of Yama (the lord of death).
punarapi jananaM punarapi maraNaM, punarapi jananee jaTharE Sayanam |
iha saMsaarE bahu dustaarE, kRupayaapaarE paahi muraarE || 10 ||
Repeated birth, repeated death, and repeated abode in mother’s womb - this cyclical process and bondage is extensive and difficult to cross; Save me, O Destroyer
of Mura, through your grace!
gEyaM geetaa naama sahasraM, dhyEyaM Sreepati roopam-ajasram |
nEyaM sajjana sangE chittaM, dEyaM deenajanaaya cha vittam || 11 ||
The Bhagavadgita and the Vishnu Sahasranama should be sung; the form of the
Lord of Lakshmi (Vishnu) should always be meditated upon; the mind should be
led to the company of the good; and wealth should be distributed among the
needy and the unfortunate.
arthamanarthaM bhaavaya nityaM, naasti tataH sukha lESaH satyam |
putraadapi dhanabhaajaaM bheetiH, sarvatraiShaa vihitaa reetiH || 12||
`Wealth beyond your need is no good’; thus reflect always; there is not the least
happiness therefrom; this is the truth. For the wealthy, there is fear even from a
son; history proves this.
guru charaNaambhuja nirbharabhaktaH, saMsaaraad-achiraad-bhava muktaH |
sEndiya maanasa niyamaadEvaM, drakShyasi nija hRudayasthaM dEvam || 13 ||
Being devoted completely to the lotus-feet of the Guru (Master), become released
soon from the trans-migratory process. Thus, through the discipline of sense and
mind-control, you will behold the Deity that resides in your heart.

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July 2016
1-Jul
2-Jul
3-Jul
5-Jul
8-Jul
10-Jul
10-Jul
Fri
Sat
Sun
Tue
Fri
Sun
Sun
7:00 PM
7:00 PM
10:00 AM
7:00 PM
7:00 PM
10:00 AM
11:00 AM
Krittikai Sri Subramanya Abhishekam
Pradosham Nandi & Siva Abhishekam & Procession
Main Temple Anniversary Nava Kalasa Abhishekam
10-Jul
Sun
11:00 AM
Sukla Sashti Sri Subramanya Abhishekam
15-Jul
17-Jul
18-Jul
19-Jul
21-Jul
22-Jul
23-Jul
26-Jul
28-Jul
29-Jul
30-Jul
Fri
Sun
Mon
Tue
Thu
Fri
Sat
Tue
Thu
Fri
Sat
7:00 PM
7:00 PM
7:00 PM
7:00 PM
7:00 PM
7:00 PM
7:00 PM
7:00 PM
7:00 PM
7:00 PM
10:30 AM
Ekadasi Sri Venkateswara Abhishekam
Mulam Sri Anjaneyar Abhishekam
Sathyanarayana Puja
Sravanam Sri Venkateswara Abhishekam
Bhagavathi Seva
Sankatahara Chaturththi Ganapathi Homam & Abhisheham
Ashtami Bairavar Abhishekam
Krithikai Subramanya Abhishekam
Aadi Sukravara Deepa Puja
31-Jul
Sun
7:00 PM
Punarvasu Sri Ramar Abhishekam
Maha Ganapathy Abhishekam
Aani Thirumanjanam Natarajar Abhishekam
Meenakshi Abhishekam
Special Events
3-Jul Sun
10 julsun
22-JUL Fri
29-julfri
10:00 amMain Temple Anniversary Nava Kalasa Abhishekam
10:00 amAAni thirumanjanam
7:00 pmBhagavathi Seva
7:00 pm aadi sukravara deepa puja
Regularly Scheduled Weekly Abhishekam
Sri Ganesha Homam & Abhishekam...................................................................... All days 7:00 AM
Sri Siva (Sundareswara) & Sri Meenakshi Abhishekam......................................... All days 9:00 AM
Sri Siva (Sundareswara) Abhishekam................................................................... Mondays 7:00 PM
Sri Durga Abhishekam......................................................................................... Tuesdays 7:00 PM
Sri Padmavathy Abhishekam.................................................................................. Fridays 6:30 PM
Sri Meenakshi Abhishekam & Lalitha Sahasranamavali......................................... Fridays 7:00 PM
Last Friday of the month – Lalitha Sahasranamavali & Shodasa Upacharam
Sri Navagraha Abhishekam...............................................................................Saturdays 11:00 AM
Sri Ayyappa Abhishekam..................................................................................Saturdays 10:00 AM
Sri Kanyaka Parameswari Abhishekam................................... Last Sunday of the Month 10:00 AM
Sri Meenakshi Abhishekam...............................................Second Sunday of the Month 11:00 AM
Sri Venkateswara Abhishekam...............................................First Sunday of the Month 10:30 AM
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1-Aug
2-Aug
5-Aug
6-Aug
7-Aug
8-Aug
12-Aug
14-Aug
14-Aug
14-Aug
16-Aug
17-Aug
17-Aug
18-Aug
21-Aug
24-Aug
25-Aug
25-Aug
26-Aug
27-Aug
28-Aug
29-Aug
29-Aug
Mon
Tue
Fri
Sat
Sun
Mon
Fri
Sun
Sun
Sun
Tue
Wed
Wed
Thu
Sun
Wed
Thu
Thu
Fri
Sat
Sun
Mon
Mon
7:00 PM
7:00 PM
7:00 PM
10:00 AM
10:30 AM
7:00 PM
7:00 PM
10:30 AM
11:00 AM
11:00 AM
7:00 PM
7:00 PM
7:00 PM
6:30 AM
7:00 PM
7:00 PM
7:00 PM
7:00 PM
7:00 PM
10:30 AM
10:30 AM
7:00 PM
7:00 PM
August 2016
Punarvasu Sri Rama Abhishekam
Aadi Perukku
Aadi Pooram, Andal Meenakshi Abhishekam/Oonjal seva
Maha Ganapathy Abhishekam
Venkateswara Abhishekam
Varalakshmi Vratham
Sathyanarayana Puja
Aavani Avittam, Yajur Upakarmam, Rig Upakarmam.
Krithikai Sri Subramanya Abhishekam
Gokulashtami
Sri Jayanthi
Gokulashtami Celebration Uriyadi
Punarvasu Sri Rama Abhishekam
Special Events
5-AUG
FRI 7:00 PMAADI POORAM, ANDAL
ABHISHEKAM/OOnJAL SEVAI
12-AUG FRI 7:00 PMVARALAKSHMI VRATHAM
18-AUG THU 6:30 AMAVANI AVITTAM, YAJUR AND RIG UPAKARMAM
25-AUG THU 7:00 PMGOKULASHTAMI
26-AUG FRI 7:00 PM
SRI JAYANTHI
27-AUG SUN 10:30 AMGOKULASHTAMI CELEBRATION URIYADI
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September 2016
4-Sep Sun 10:30 AM
5-Sep Mon 7:00 PM
7-Sep Wed 7:00 PM
10-Sep Sat 11:00 AM
11-Sep Sun 8.30 AM
11-Sep Sun 11:00 AM
12-Sep Mon 7:00 PM
13-Sep Tue 7:00 PM
14-Sep Wed 7:00 PM
14-Sep Wed 7:00 PM
16-Sep Fri
7:00 PM
17-Sep Sat 10:30 AM
17-Sep Sat
19-Sep Mon 7:00 PM
21-Sep Wed 7:00 PM
23-Sep Fri
7:00 PM
24-Sep Sat 10:30 AM
25-Sep Sun 11:00 AM
25-Sep Sun 8:00 AM
26-Sep Mon 7:00 PM
28-Sep Wed 7:00 PM
30-Sep Fri
Sri Vinayaka Chathurthi
Ganesh Temple Anniversary/108 Kalasa
Abhishekam/Rathotsavam
Onam, Ayyappa Abhishekam
Sathyanarayana Puja
Mahalaya Paksham Begins
Krithikai Sri Subramanya Abhishekam
Punarvasu Ramar Abhishekam
Sri Venkateswara Kalyanam (Bhajagovindham)
Mahalaya Ammavasai
Special Events
11-SEP
13 SEP
25 SEP
SUN 8:30 AMGANESH TEMPLE ANNIVERSARY
TUES 7:00 PM
ONAM, AYYAPPA ABHISHEKAM
SUN 8:00 AMBHAJAGOVINDAM, SRI VENKATESWARA KALYANAM
20
MEDITATION AND ITS PURPOSE
Sasidharan Pillai
The Supreme purpose meditation is to reach the highest goal of life,
the direct perception of the Supreme Being, to attain illumination, the
light of God consciousness, which removes all darkness forever, which
makes human beings free from all sufferings, bondages, weakness and
imperfection. This goal cannot be reached simply by the study of the
scriptures, because scriptural knowledge does not reveal God to us.
Similarly, philosophical speculation leads us to indirect knowledge of
God; it does not reveal God to us. It is the actual perception of God,
seeing God directly, that removes from the heart of humanity, the basic
ignorance, that primal ignorance from which arises egoism, our deepseated desire for temporal, and all our weakness. Only the light of God
consciousness and nothing else can remove the primal ignorance. The
light of God consciousness can be attained only through meditation and
by no other means.
When that supreme Being immanent and transcendent. Is realized, is
seen, then all knots of the heart are cut as usual, all doubts are dispelled,
the deposit of past karma is also eliminated, and man attains freedom in
every sense. No other spiritual discipline can lead us to this goal. Moral
observation and humanitarian deeds can prepare the mind to a great
extent for the practice of meditation, as can many modes of worship.
But they cannot lead directly to the realization of God. There are
different forms of physical, verbal and mental modes of worship. What
is the purpose of these various modes of worship? To bring you close
to God, the highest, the best, which is the one ultimate goal of every
living being. There is no other spiritual practice, can bring you as close to
God as meditation. In deep meditation, this ego becomes merged in God
consciousness. Through meditation, you try to lose yourself completely
in God. In deep meditation, God alone lives in your consciousness. The
gap between worshipper and the worshipped is completely filled. When
through deep meditation, the mind becomes completely calm and clear,
the light of the supreme Spirit shines through the mind. The mind is
completely covered with light and God realization comes.
God is the nearest of all. He is the very self of the universe and innermost
self of each and every one of us. Nothing is nearer than God is. When the
mind is completely purified through the practice of spiritual disciplines,
then the light of the supreme spirit shines through mind. Then comes
that intuitive perception which is called the direct experience of God.
God is always shining there; nothing but the purification of the mind
is necessary. The highest goal of life is to attain liberation (Mukthi).
Realization comes the individual consciousness communes with the
supreme consciousness. You reach the soul of the universe by reaching
21
your own soul. You contact supreme spirit through spirit. For each and
every kind of experience there is a particular instrument. You receive
the physical form with the physical eye, You receive the physical sounds
through the physical ears, You receive the mental ideas through the mind
Similarly, you contact spirit through spirit. This individual consciousness
is the instrument by which you attain Supreme consciousness. You have
to meditate on God.
We should cultivate devotion to God by various methods of worship. As
far as our capacities and conditions of life permit, we should engage in
spiritual practices, but unless we can develop some devotion to God,
we cannot practice meditation to Him. There must be real interest in
God. Our minds get settled upon that in which we are interested.
Whether we seek absolute, impersonal Being, or the personal God,
the God processed of all blessed qualities, in whatever aspect or form
we want to realize God. There are different modes of worship, Physical
worship, Verbal worship, and mental worship. Of all the different form
of worship verbal worship is especially emphasized as preparatory of
the practice of meditation. That is called JAPA, the repeated utterance
of some sacred formula, or holy name of God. All the religion follow
this practice of Japa. It is very effective. Japa must go with meditation,
because there are many obstructions within us. It is not the external
obstacles that prevent the mind from being concentrated on God. It is
the inner obstructions. Meditation is not just wild imagination. There
is great scope in meditation. It is true but not every kind of imagination
will help to reach the goal. If a person has any conception, of the highest
as the supreme, and if a person can find anything that answers to that
conception, he can take ir up a symbol for the practice of meditation.
The purpose of meditation is to relieve of your ego-centeredness and
make you God centered. If there is any method curing one of egocenteredness, it is the God Centeredness. You can become God centered
by practicing any one of modes of worship. The more you are interested
in God, the more you know your spiritual relationship with the Divine
Being. When the mind is purified, there is true insight within us. So
there cannot be any difficulty, which we cannot solve. By the practice
of meditation, we gain, not only spiritually, but also in a worldly way. It
is through the practice of meditation that mind actual realizes God “The
Upanishads states” That Supreme Being cannot be seen with the eyes,
cannot be expressed with words cannot be touched with the hands, one
of these organs of action or the organs of perception or the mind, can
comprehend that”. A person must have the right attitude towards the
world and life. When the understanding is purified you realize the true
purpose of life. When the mind is purified, then a person can effectively
practice Meditation.
22
MTS Advisory council Committees
The following are the committee coordinators for the 2016-2017
Advisory Council term.
Membership committee Coordinator: Raj Mikkilineni Email:rajmikkilineni@yahoo.com
Maintenance Trust Fund (MTF) Committee Coordinator: Vairavan
Subramanian. Email:muruga9@yahoo.com
By-laws Committee Coordinator: P. Vaduganathan Email:pvnathan2008@gmail.com
Audit Committee Coordinator: Padma Golla Email:padma.golla@hp.com
Legal Affairs Committee Coordinator: Nat Annamalai
Email: nat_annamalai@hotmail.com
Ethics committee Coordinator: Tupil Narasiman
Email: TNarasiman@Gmail.com
Board and Advisory Committee appointments by the Council. Mr. Vairavan Subramanian was appointed as one of the trustees for
the Advisory Council for the 2016-2017 term due to the vacancy
created by the death of Mrs. Meena Subramanian.
Mr. Kanakam Babu Inumpudi was appointed as an Executive Director
of the MTS Board for the remainder of the 2016-2017 term due to
the vacancy created in the board. MTS Board Committees
Cultural Committee
Mala Gopal, Coordinator 281-286-9192
Education/ VHS committee
Mahesh Iyer, Cordinator 832-475-1985
Food Committee
Vijaya Rani Chilukuri, Coordinator 713-443-8442
Chitra Kumar
Susheela Denduluri
Taraka Bodagalla
Malar Narayanan
Suryakumari Mikkilineni
Natch Vadugunathan
23
Facilities Planning/ Construction committee
AVN Reddy, Coordinator 281-989-8080
Facilities Maintenance and Rentals Committee
Ramachandra Reddy, Coordinator 832-385-9006
Tupil Narasiman
Vinod R. Kaila
Nalini Kannan
Finance Committee
Sasi Pillai, Coordinator 832-552-6585
Giyarpuram Prasad
Kamala Raghavan
Kumar Bashyam (Accounts and Budget subcommittee)
A. Sivaraman
Sridhar Srinivasan
Infrastructure Committee
Sundar Arun, Coordinator 832-515-0766
Library Committee
Somarajan Nair, Coordinator 713-320-9334
Property Maintenance Committee
Ramsunder Ramamurthy, Coordinator 281-804-0619
Public Relations Committee
Kamala Raghavan, Coordinator 440-227-4510
M.K. Sriram
Nachal Sethuraman (Electronics and Web Subcommittee)
Dhani Kannan
Religious Activities Committee
Dr. Padmini Nathan, Coordinator 713-829-2040
Sheila Sriram
Youth committee
Chandrakala Gupta, Coordinator 281-851-1205
Thangam Muthuswamy
Veena Sundar
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
MTS RADIO PROGRAM Every Sunday
2016 New year, New timing, New station
TUNE INTO RADIO DIAL
1110 AM STATION
FROM -12 Noon to 2 pm
Tune on link from Sri Meenakshi Temple website www.emeenakshi.org
Listen live - www.sanatanhindu.org
Listen to Bhajans: 24/7 online Radio
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)................... 281-489-0464
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 Sri Bhashyam (Priest).................. 281-819-7842
Sri Sriman Narayana Charyalu Rompicherla (Priest)281-965-9780
Sri Balaji Sethuraman (Priest)............................... 832-486-7083
www.emeenakshi.org
Temple Times Published by MTS Public Relations and Publicity Committee
27
28
Lord
VasaviSiva
Jayanthi Alankaram
17130 McLean Road,
Pearland, TX-77584-4630
Temple
Times
is a Publication of
17130
McLean
Road
Pearland,
TX 77584-4630
Sri Meenakshi
Temple Society
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

Transcription

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