July 10th 2009:

Krathu

This is the last day of the Jeeyar Sathabdi Prayuktha Navahnika Panchakundathmaka Ashtakshari Koti Havana Maha Krathu at Badarinath Uttaranchal. Thousands of people participated in Ashtakshari Japam along with HH Sri Swamiji while many are doing along since 9 days. Today Japam started early. HH Sri Tridandi Srimannarayana Ramanuja Jeeyar Swamiji (Pedda Jeeyar Swamiji) did this Koti Havana Mahakrathu in 1954 and now after 54 years in his Centenary year, as a part of the Jeeyar Sathabdi celebrations, HH Sri Tridandi Srimannarayana Ramanuja Chinna Jeeyar Swamiji is conducting this grand Yajna.

After Aradhana and Veda Prabandha:di vinnapam  in Srinivasa Perumal Sannidhi HH blessed those who are doing Japam in the Mandapam. HH said that more than 10 crores of Narayana Manthra Japam was done by all the devotees and also Ruthviks have completed more than 1 crore Havanam with Narayana Ashtakshari manthram under the able guidance of Yajnacharya Sriman Madhusudanacharya and Sriman Ramakanthacharya. Many Devotees have performed 10lakh+ Pushparchana under the guidance of JET Agama scholars. Another section of devotees performed 1lakh+ Tharpanas under the guidance of the JET Agama Scholars. About 150 scholars did various Parayanas like Vedas, Puranas, Ithihasas, Sribhashyam, Guruvamsa Mahakavyam, Sthothras, Divya Prabandhams.

In addition to the local & North Indian people, about 10,000 devotees came from different parts of Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Tamilnadu and also from different countries like Nepal, USA, Australia to participate in this grand event conducted by HH Sri Chinnajeeyar Swamiji, in memory of HH Sri Pedda Jeeyar Swamiji.

Thadiyaradhana was conducted at Ashtakshari Kshethram and also in Paramarttha Lok complex to all the devotees. Volunteers strived in and out to see that all the devotees are comfortable with stay and food. In addition Thadiyaradhana was conducted to about 1200+ local people everyday. One day all the Sadhus and sanths were invited, one day Pandas were invited, one day the Dimris (temple cooks) were invited, on the other day all the villagers of Bhamini were invited, on one day all villagers of Mana were invited. One day all the temple staff were invited. One day all the local Govt administration staff like Police, Hospital etc., and Mutt managements were invited while on one day all the Sri Vaishnava Mahanths and saints were invited, on one day all the sweepers and workers were invited to join the Thadiyaradhana. HH Sri Swamiji blessed them all and said that “HH Sri Pedda Jeeyar Swamiji wanted to serve this Kshethram for the eternal benefit of all the souls and so HH did Ashtakshari Koti Havana Maha Krathu in 1954 along with 300 scholars. This centenary year of Pedda Jeeyar Swamiji is being celebrated all over the world and in the process, it is a privilege to honour one and all on this auspicious occasion.” Sri Swamiji blessed them all an Ashtakshari Prathima, Dhothis/Sarees, a Jeeyar Sathabdi momento, a plate, a thick blanket as this is a very cold place and also Sambhavana (Honourorium) to each and every individual. Many devotees took part in serving this event. HH Sri Swamiji personally monitored every session of the Thadiyaradhana. All the participants are blessed with wonderful Prasadams Sweets, Hots, Chappatis and also rice to their entire satisfaction. Volunteers moved around with items, while HH Sri Swamiji identified people and guided volunteers to serve people with the items needed. HH Sri Swamiji too served Prasadam whenever there is some time before next programme. Payasam (Kheer) was served every day along with one or two other sweets and also one or two hot items. The special thing about this event is that no plastic products / items were used anywhere for water, food plates etc. HH Sri Chinnajeeyar Swamiji being environment conscious, made arrangements for Special plates made of bark of a tree. They were brought in trucks to meet the requirements. Water was also supplied in fully recylable containers.

While Thadiyaradhana was a feast everyone enjoyed, afternoon session discourses were a feast to the heart and mind. Everyone felt the taste of enlightenment and the depth of grand glory of our Vedic Traditions, for which India is popularly known around the world.

Dramatically, the environment was so co-operative that every one felt quite normal instead of the skin biting chill that usually exists. Also this is the season for rains. Though it rained regularly, it never disturbed any of the programme activities as, it rained in the nights only, as if, instructed so by Acharya. On the first day HH said that it will rain as usual even during day time, only after the entire programme is over. It happened so ! Local people too were amazed !

With the blessings of HH Sri Chinnajeeyar Swamiji, Japam was concluded and at about 10 AM and then after homam MahaPurnahuthi was conducted.

Fire God expressed joy with the fuming flames in tune to the Vedic recitations by the scholars. HH Sri Chinnajeeyar Swamiji, HH Sri Ahobila Ramanuja Jeeyar Swamiji, Sri Kandadai Ramanujacharya Swami and many other great scholars and Pundits along with thousands of devotees took part this great grand event.

After Mahapurnahuthi, HH distributed Yajna Prasadam to many a devotee. HH blessed Sriman Mudumbai Madhusudanacharya and his team of 150 Veda Agama scholars who made this Koti Havanam a grand success with all the austerities and devotion, though this was not planned earlier. Saththumurai Goshtti was conducted in which all those who did Parayanas have offered their scripture – completion to Lord in presence of Acharya while the sponsors and Ubhayadaars gave Sambhavanas to each of the Swamis, as a part of formal tradition. HH graced every one with His Mangalasasanams and an Ashtakshari Prathima specially made for this occasion and BAKASS (Badari Ashtakshari Kshetriya Annadana Sakha Sangham ) presented a momento of this event.

After the grand Goshtti, all the devotees followed HH Sri Chinna Jeeyar Swamiji to Ushnakundam (hot water Spring) at the feet of Lord Badari Narayana. The procession went on with Sri Sudarsana Chakra Perumal leading the devotees. It appeared like whole Badarinath followed the procession. HH, after making Chakra Perumal take a dip in the holy hot water spring, many devotees performed Avabruttha Snanam (final ritual of taking bath, that earmarks the completion of the Yajnam ) HH walked down the lanes sprinkling that auspicious waters on all the devotees all along. HH Sri Swamiji paid respects to badari Perumal and returned to the Ashtakshari Kshetram. Thadiyaradhana was conducted to all the devotees. HH blessed all the volunteers who did many services in providing accommodation, in Sannidhi, in Cooking, in Serving, in Cleaning, Luggage keeping, organising etc., and the members and Sponsors who really did yeomen services to make this grand event a memorable one and enjoyable to one and all.

HH blessing all, started return travel at about 3 PM on 10th . When HH reached Joshi Mutt, a devotee by name Bhaskar Dimri took HH Sri Swamiji to the new Tunnel Project being in progress from Tapovan to Joshimutt. This is supposed to be a 12 KM Tunnel for water supply which is going to serve a 512MW Powerstation coming up near JyothirMutt. This Project Incharge of NTPC Sriman Vijay Bhaskar along with his team of people took Sri Swamiji and a few devotees in a loco train into the Tunnel explaining various details about this unique project going to come up soon. They took the blessings of HH Sri Chinnajeeyar Swamiji for the success of the Project. By the grace of HH Sri Swamiji, he said that today, they have made a record of making 17 metre Tunnelling in a single shift.

HH saw the great work they are doing in those mountainous region with the help of a special machine, for first time in India, running to the length of AP Express, imported from Germany. HH also talked over Phone to Sriman Rammohan in HRD who is looking after this project. Sri Swamiji blessed them all for the successful completion of the project and continued the journey towards Hrushikesh.

HH halted at Pipalkoti for the night and started in early hours to reach Hrushikesh Jeeyar Mutt by 11AM on 11th July. On 12th HH Sri Swamiji is going to Naimisaranyam to take part in another programme of Jeeyar Sathabdi, Bhagavatha Sapthaaham being conducted there from 13th to 20th July 2009.

July 7th 2009: Guru Pournami

Guru pornima

This day being Aashaaddha Pournami, otherwise called Guru Pournami, the Teacher’s day for Vedic people. Goshtti began at 7.30 AM. All the devotees eagerly waited for Swamiji’s arrival. After Aradhana and Thirttha Goshtti Homams began and HH Sri Swamiji, circumambulating the Yaga Sala, went for Japam. All the devotees followed. With HH initiation, Japam began early. While Japam is going on, Tharpanas and Pushparchana were also done by many other devotees under the guidance of JET Priests.

Then HH Sri Swamiji along with about 4000 devotees walked from Ashtakshari Kshethram to Mana Village, about 4 Km, chanting the names of God, remembering the great deeds of our Gurus.

Every one reached Vyasa Guha, the ancient cave where Great Sage Veda Vyasa resided 6000 yearsago according to our history. HH Sri Swamiji went inside the cave, offered obeisences to sage Veda Vyasa who presented to this world the great Vedic literature in the form of 36 Puranas. He also divided the whole Vedic mass into four major divisions as Rug, Yajus, Sama and Adharva Vedas, in all 1131 branches. HH gave a discourse on the greatness of Vedic knowledge presented to the world by sage Veda Vyasa. HH said Veda Vyasa is the seer of past, present and the future. He used to teach the Vedic wisdom to hundreds of disciples. Thus he prepared hundreds and thousands of Vedic teachers. So Vyasa is the teacher of teachers. HH also said that our history says in those days sage Veda Vyasa organised congregations with great sages and scholars who followed different systems of Vedic tradition and made every body authentically agree upon many common principles. He thus composed 545 Principles in total called “Bramha Suthras” as the essence of the Vedic Philosophy. HH made everyone recite the first and last Principles of the Bramha Suthras. HH revealed many more things about the greatness of sage Veda Vyasa and his vast contribution to the welfare of humanity.

After that, Sriman Kandadai Ramanujacharya Swami spoke about the greatness of sage Veda Vyasa. HH Sri Chinnajeeyar Swamiji offered Mangalasasanams to all the devotees on this auspicious occasion. It is a great fortune to be at Badari in the presence of Acharya on this auspicious day of Gurupurnima and also celebrate this great day in the place where sage Veda Vyasa dwelled. Devotees felt the fortune and experienced the divinity.

From there, all the devotees followed HH Sri Swamiji to Saraswati River and Bheem Phul. HH explained about the importance of that place and how Pandavas travelled through this path towards “Swargam” while they lefttheir mortal bodies one after another on this way.

Its a great wonder to see many old people too, who came from far away places to take part in this Ashtakshari Maha Krathu also followed HH Sri Swamiji to Vyasa Guha to have this divine experience.

After that HH Sri Swamiji returned to Ashtakshari Kshethram to take part in the Purnahuthi of the day’s Homams. This Navahnika Pancha Kundathmaka Ashtakshari Maha Krathu on the eve of Jeeyar Sathabdi, went on well into 6th day. HH distributed Prasadam to the Ubhayadars and also to the devotees.

By this time many a devotee went to Paramarttha Lok to take prasadam, where actually everyday evening discourses were being conducted. All the devoteesrequested HH Sri Swamiji to bless them with the Pada Puja on this auspicious day. Finally HH nodded and there is no bound to the happiness of the organisers and the devotees.

This day, Thadiyaradhana was conducted at Paramarttha Lok complex only. HH Sri Swamiji came to Paramarttha Lok venue where devotees were already waiting to have the blessings of HH Sri Swamiji.

After Swamiji’s arrival, Local Temple priests Samaj members, about 100+ were ready to honour HH Sri Swamiji on the occasion of Guru Purnima. They honoured HH with a wonderful citation and other honours. Then, HH Sri Swamiji gave Mangalasasanams to all the Priests of the local Temples Samaj. HH blessed each and every one personally with Prasadams and a momento. HH appealed to all the members of the Samaj to send their children in the ages of 7 – 12 to study Vedic literature in the schools of JIVA at Hyderabad and HH also explained about the facilities being provided by the school to those students. HH said that it is our responsibility to protect our Dharma and everyone have a role to play in promoting and practicing it. We should not make our children just to study for the sake of earning, as what most of the educational institutions today are doing, but, we should make children study our scriptures, follow our wonderful traditions and make a mark in serving the society for its welfare and prosperity towards higher purpose as blessed by our great sages and Acharyas.

As per the request of all the devotees and HH Ahobila Ramanuja Jeeyar Swamiji, HH accepted for the Pada Puja. Vedic scholars and priests along with all the devotees performed the grand Pada Puja to HH Sri Swamiji. It was a great sight at Badarinath, on this auspicious occasion of Gurupurnima, that several thousands of devotees, all the members, Veda Agama Scholars along with HH Ahobila Ramanuja Jeeyar Swamiji, Priests etc., collectively performed Pada puja to HH Sri Chinna Jeeyar Swamiji with great devotion and dedication. HH offered Mangalasasanams to all the devotees. Sriman Kandadai Ramanujacharya Swami graced about the greatness of Acharya and how Acharya HH Sri Chinna Jeeyar Swamiji’s divine grace is spreading the Vedic wisdom all over the world. Sripada Thirttham was given to all the devotees. HH graced all the 3000+ devotees who were present, with holy Akshathas while HH Ahobila Ramanuja Jeeyar Swamiji and Kandadai Ramanujacharya Swami distributed Prasadam to all the devotees. The whole programme went on in a highly disciplined way.

Thousands of devotees thronged to have Darsan of HH Sri Chinnajeeyar Swamiji. Their hearts soaked with devotion and dedication were filled with divine nectar of Acharya’s grace.

July 2nd 2009:

july 2nd

Everywhere in Badarinath, we can see only the devotees who came to take part in this Ashtakshari Maha Krathu and most of them are from Andhra Pradesh (Telugu). The whole queue length at the Badari temple, at Ushnakundam and in all places of Badarinath, in every shop, in every lodge and in bus stand, on vehicles, on foot
we can see only these devotees prominently. About 5000+ devotees came to take part in this Yajnam and take the blessings of HH Sri Chinnajeeyar Swamiji.

In the morning after Vedic chants and Sevakalam, HH graced the greatness of Periyalwar as today is
the Thirunakshathram day. All the devotees who are performing Prapanna Deeksha starting from last year’s Periyalwar Thirunakshathram have to conclude the Deeksha. After Thirttha Goshtti, Perumal adorned the open hall where all the devotees are waiting for Thirumanjana Seva (Holy bath) to Periyalwar, the father of Goda who sung Pallandu Pallandu.

The climate was very cold and Sun is peeping once now and then.

Thousands of devotees thronged to take thirtham and take the grace of Acharyas. HH Sri Chinnajeeyar Swamiji and HH Sri Ahobila Ramanuja Jeeyar Swamiji arrived to the Hall where Thirumanjanam is arranged. Devotees were blessed with the grand celebration amidst Vedic chantings and Prabandha chantings.

As there are so many devotees the arranged hall was not sufficient. One side cloth doors were removed and devotees were arranged to sit. Many devotees were arranged to sit around and Mike arrangements were suitably made on the fly. Mr vinod blessed by HH arranged sound well with the necessary changes.

Immediately, the Agni Matthanam ( Fire Churning) programme was conducted by the Vedic Scholars. Even though the climate was very cold, the fire from the wood was invoked in just few minutes. Fire God was graceful enough, as if waiting for their invitation, came immediately. HH Said it is just the Blissful grace of Acharyas who blessed us with an opportunity to be here in this holy place Badarinath on Himalayas at the foot of Lord Narayana and Nara, on the banks of river Alakananda in presence of so many Sadhus, Mahathmas and great devotees on this Dasami day of Ashadda Month to commence this Maha Krathu.

The holy fire thus produced was taken to the Yagasala which is adjacent to this Hall.

Then, HH Sri Swamiji explained the significance of manthra, meditation, why we are doing, how Sasthras recommendedJapam and how narayana manthram has to be meditated upon etc. Following that all the 3000+ devotees who were interested to take part in Japam were excited to receive the Divine Ordnance of HH Sri Chinna Jeeyar Swamiji. There was a wonderful silence around and the roaring sounds of Alakananda reverberated like the sound of OM kara. HH started tomake everyone go through the initial steps in order to perform Japam. After performing Achamanam to cleanse one’s mind, Bhutha Suddhi to cleanse one’s body and mind, AngaNyasa to invoke the Divine Power of Lord in different parts of body, KaraNyasa to invoke various spiritual energies through the fingers, Bala Manthra to enrich the Manthra Japam, Sathvika Thyagam to dedicate the performance and all its fruits at the holy feet of Lord were all performed.

Once a person becomes fit to do the Japam, the actual Japam has to be performed. HH said though we are doing it not with any desires but for the sake of the good to all people and other living beings as blessed by the mission of our great Acharyas who were all the followers of sage Great Veda Vyasa, everything has to be done to the every possible extent with utmost purity and sanctity.

HH initiated with O:M in the way it has to be chanted and asked everyone to do the Japam in sync with the breathingprocess. Chanting Manthra while inhaling, chanting Manthra while holding, chanting manthra while releasing air etc. were all explained along with the secrets behind, and also how the whole process has to be practiced. While HH Sri Swamiji is saying how to do, HH Sri Ahobila Ramanuja Jeeyar Swamiji showed how to practically do and devotees joined in doing the steps.

The divine soothing voice of HH touched every bit of every nerve in every devotee. Sins get cleansed with the waves of Divine thought filled with the grace of our Acharyas. The live energy invoked in every devotee a great experience of “tuning” with the Lord Sriman Narayana. Devotees meditated, did Japam along with HH while HH is taking their minds to the unknown heights of Spiritual Ecstasy.

All the devotees were thrilled to experience this wonderful divinity. The grace of Acharya has no bounds. HH said that it is the grace of our Pedda Jeeyar Swamiji who gave us all this wonderful opportunity to have this experience in this Unique Place, a Holy place where Lord was born as Nara and Narayana and gave the Narayana Ashtakshari to the entire world, while He is still doing Japam, being in the form of these mountains. HH also said, by giving any great things of this world like money, land, gold etc., we cannot repay the illimitable grace, a great favour, Acharya have showered on us.

After the Japam is completed, there was an unknown shine on every devotees face that is glowing from within their heart. The rejuvenation of Divine energy is felt by every person who was present there. There was a wonderful transformation in their attitude as it got cleansed and added Divine fragrance. Some of the devotees said that we look entirely different for ourselves. We now realised how our great Rishis and sages have preserved the Vedic glory that’s such a wonderful treasure of human life all for practice. Some of them said People are unnecessarily wasting a major portion of their life in fighting for other things rather than acquiring such a wonderful knowledge and wisdom for daily practice which makes themselves elevated enlightened and also make others around too to be so. HH said that our unpolluted Vedic Traditions still exist in many families and it is the reasoning and the understanding and adopting them without second thought, that makes the people who aspire for to achieve the best of this birth as human being.

HH Sri Swamiji then proceeded to the yagasala where first day homam upto Purnahuthi were conducted and HH blessed the devotees with Yajna Prasadam.

July 1st 2009:

Krathu badari

On 1st the morning programme commenced at 8.00 AM and was followed by Samasrayanams
(Initiation ). As per the instructions Swamiji many devotees started doing japam (Penance) on Ashtakshari Maha Manthra (Narayana Manthra)following therecommended traditional method.

Elaborate arrangements were made to the devotees for their accommodation and food. However as Badarinath is a small place, not many accommodation facilities were present. All the available ones were filled with these Devotees who came to attend Ashtakshari Maha Krathu.. Some of the devotees had to adjust with the limited facilities. Yet, devotees without caring he inconveniences and the cold weather have thronged in like a big wave to take part in the divine Yajna conducted during the JEEYAR SATHA:BDI.

Badari Ashtakshari Kshethriya Annadana Sakha Sangham (BAKASS) running under the aegis of HH Sri Chinna Jeeyar Swamiji strived to facilitate all the devotees a comfortable stay and wonderful Prasadams to all the thousands of visitors, during their rich divine experience in this holy place. In the afternoon HH Sri Swamiji personally distributed Prasadam to all the devotees. Blessed are those who were fortunate to take part in this programme.

After reviewing the arrangements to the arrived devotees, HH left to Badarinath Temple in a grand procession by the priests, scholars and devotees chanting Vedic Manthras, to take permission from Lord Badarinath Perumal to start the grand Ashtakshari Maha Krathu that is being conducted for Navahnikas. Before going to the temple Sri Swamiji went to the place of RAWAL who is the Main Priest of the Badarinath Temple. HH Sri Swamiji honoured him and invited him to take part in this grand programme being conducted in Badarinath.

Then Swamiji went through the streets of the Badarinath temple chanting Sri Vishnu Sahasranama Sthothram. HH invited all the Pandas, priests, scholars and all those who are in service of Lord to take part in the Maha Krathu Programme. Then HH visited a place where Lord Narayana and Nara were born. From there HH went to Nanda Devi Temple. She is the sister of Lord Sri Krishna who warned King Kamsa that Lord is born and will kill him soon.

Then Swamiji returned to the Ashtakshari Kshetram. Thousands of devotees were waiting for Swamiji’s arrival. By the time Sri Swamiji came back, all the Sadhus who were in and around Badari have come to have Darsan of HH Sri Swamiji. HH Sri Swamiji honoured them all personally. Every one wished the Yajnam a grand success.

Then, HH Sri Swamiji explained about the birth of Nara & Narayana and the devotion of Matha Murthy and about Vasu Dhara.

As the programme is being done on the occasion of JEEYAR SATABDI celebrations, Dr.Batchu Murali Krishna and Dr. Batchu Radha Krishna of warangal conducted a Quiz on Pedda Jeeyar Swamiji’s life history with instant cash prize too along with gifts.

Many devotees participated and the programme was a very educative to one and all which made everyone understand the great deeds done by HH Sri Pedda Swamiji during his time. HH offered Mangalasasanams to them and blessed prizes to all those who gave right answers. This was followed by Srivishnusahasranama Chanting.

Immediately Ankuraropana arrangements were done by the Agama team, for commencing the Yajnam. HH Sri Swamiji blessed the programme.

June 30th 2009:

Badari Krathu

On 30th June Thirttha Goshtti was conducted at 8 AM. As usual the regular Nitya Annadanam was conducted to Sadhus and saints at 8.30.AM HH Sri Swamiji offered Blessings to all the devotees. Many devotees came from different places to Hrishikesh and they all started in 51 buses to come to Badarinath. Few buses could reach Badarinath by evening while many were struck up at Joshi Mutt due to delays and gates. They all reached Badarinath the next day ie., on 1st July.

June 29th 2009:

Badari

On 29th in the early hours 8 buses started from Jeeyar Mutt to Badarinath. Veda, Agama students and a number of devotees left to Badarinath. After Aradhana and Goshtti, HH travelled to Badarinath. The Himalayan beauty was well experienced during the 292 Km travel on the ghat roads. Its a challenge to drive through this way as there are so many blind curves and narrow roads while the road is a two way path. Many times vehicles have to stop and give way to those coming in opposite direction or sometimes they have to go back to give way for the forecoming vehicles.

There was a grand reception to Sri Swamiji at Badarinath. People invited Swamiji with Mangala Harathis. HH first circumambulated to HH Sri Pedda Jeeyar Swamiji’s Sri Rama Pillar, offered Harathi and then
entered the Asramam. After having Darsan of Sri Srinivasa Perumal in the Sathsang sadan HH reviewed the arrangements being made for the Ashtakshari Maha Krathu and to the devotees.

June 28th 2009:

Badari Krathuvu

HH Sri Swamiji was in Hrushikesh Asramam until 29th of June. On 28th, a big congregation of saints, sadhus and scholars of Hrishikesh and Hardwar were invited and honoured by HH Sri Chinna Jeeyar Swamiji and grand Thadiyaradhana programme was conducted at Jeeyar Mutt Hrushikesh. About 3000 delegates from many
Asrams and temples have participated and took the blessings of HH Sri Swamiji. Many devotees from different part of India and abroad viz., USA, Australia have come to Hrushikesh to go to Badarinath to take part in Ashtakshari Maha Krathu. Many devotees who had the opportunity to volunteer, have already reached Badarinath few days before to makearrangements of accommodation and food for the participating people.