Sri Satyanarayana Vratam in DFW - report

[Guest guest]

On Saturday 26th May 2003, DFW Satsangh group oraganized Sri Satyanarayana

Vratha at Unitarian Church of Plano. Several devotees (some in absentia)

participated in the activity. "In this Kaliyuga, observance of the Satyanarayana

Vratha can lead to gratification of one's wishes. It is believed that by

observing this Vratha, mankind can attain salvation." (pictures of this event

are at http://www.dycusa.org/dfw/satya/ ) Sri Sankaramanchi Sharmaji (from

Datta Temple, Baton Rouge) led devotees to perform Vratha in a traditional and

splendid way, on a stage that was decorated with life size picture of Sri

Swamiji, Sri Satyanarayana Swami & Sri Raja Rajeswari Devi pictures. Kalasham

was placed on small pedestal, covered with Red Silk cloth in front of Sri

Swamiji’s picture. Most devotees felt they were in the presence of Pujya Sri

Swamiji (childhood name of Pujya Swamiji was Satyanarayana). “It looked as if

Pujya Sri Swamiji was really sitting there to receive the offerings from the

devotees and eager to bless them”. Pooja was started by worshiping Lord Ganesha

followed by invoking “Asta Dikpalakas” (gods for eight corners, viz; east, west,

north, south, northeast, northwest, southeast & southwest) and “navagrahas” with

a recitation of “aavahayami”. These gods were requested to be seated (stapayami)

and then worshiped them by chanting respective mantras. The Pooja was conducted

mainly to alleviate troubles in our daily life and to be blessed with happiness

and prosperity. “NARAYANA KAVACHAM” sung by Pujya Swamiji was played, which gave

us feeling that Pujya Swamiji was there with us and witnessing pooja. Sri

Sharmaji chanted mantras melodiously to perform puja to LORD SATYANARAYANA.

After the pooja, the story of Sri Satyanarayana Vratha was read by Pavani

Kamalapuram. Listening to story is very important part of this Vratha to get

blessings of the Lord Satyanarayana.

 

Dr. Prakash Rao (President - Datta Yoga Center, USA) gave an enlightening speech

on Hinduism, and significance of having Sadguru. Dr Rao encouraged all

participants to utilize the opportunity meet Sri Swamiji during the upcoming

visit to Dallas (July 24-29) and to attend concert (July 26). Sirish Poondla

talked about Sri Swamiji's music, impending program in Dallas and made

announcements. Sri Sankaramanchi Sharma distributed pooja Prasad to all present.

All participants enjoyed a delicious lunch prepared by several Dallas

volunteers. We express our appreciation to all the devotees and friends who

supported the program. By the grace of our Jagadguru Sri Swamiji, may all the

participants be Blessed with long, happy, healthy, prosperous and peaceful life.

Sri Guru Datta! Jai Guru Datta!