Sathsangha in Sri Ragothama Theertha Brindavana

[Guest guest]

Dear Sriman Narayana Bhakthas,

 

By the Grace of Sri Hari, Vayu, Gurugalu, we are planning a Sathsangha in

Sri Ragothama Theertha Brindavana complex belonging to the Uthiradi Matha,

on the banks of river Pinakini, in the village of Manampoondi near the town

of Tirukoilur during September 15-18 (Friday-Monday).

 

The objective is to detach ourselves from our busy lives, enjoy the bliss

of sitting with our fellow devotees under the feet of a few learned scholars

in the divine sannidhana and the austere surroundings of Sri Ragothama

Thirtha Brindavana, listening and enjoying the Bhagavath Gunas for the 3-4

very memorable days in our lives.

 

This concept was discussed with some leading scholars in India and they have

given their enthusiastic support to proceed ahead in our planning. Our

preliminary discusssions with the Uthiradi Matha in Bangalore also has met

with enthusiasm and support.

 

Sathsangha will start about 4 pm on Friday, Sep 15 and end with Devara /

Brahmana Samaradhane / Theertha Prasada by 2 pm on Monday, Sep 18. Days,

evenings and nights will be filled with activities, Pinakini river snanas

in the mornings and evenings, Devaru Poojas, lectures by about 3 very

learned scholars in the mornings and afternoons, Devarunama bhajan sessions

with really divine singers, all activities integrated with the daily

schedule of pooja at the Brindavana, theertha prasada etc.

 

We are currently working through a short list of 5 scholars to participate

in this sathsangha. We will announce the scholars and the topics of their

talks once we make commitments and progress.

 

Sri Raghavendra Raichuri and Sri Madhusudhan Rao, known to most of us,

will be participating in this sathsangha as our fellow devotees.

 

Sri Sathyathma Theertharu and group may possibly participate for one or two

days in the Sathsangha but this is yet to be confirmed.

 

Accommodation will be provided in the Brindavana complex itself. Adequate

bathroom/toilet facilities, well water etc are available.

 

My own group of invitees (my immediate family, known serious devotees,

invited scholars) may number 30-40 people for whom I am covering their

expenses in their participation in this sathsangha.

 

This sathsangha is open to all of you, your families, friends, relatives,

devotees in the USA, India, etc, .

 

Anticipated expense for food and accommodation for the entire sathsangha is

$5 or Rs 225 per person. Food consists of milk in the mornings and

afternoons, theertha prasada around noon and night supper, all prepared in

the Matha kitchen by the Matha kitchen staff. Accommodation is in one of

the halls. Limited rooms may be available at Rs 100 per day. In the town

of Tirukoilur, away by a couple of miles, lodges are available.

 

Transportation (both ways) by chartered van/bus from Bangalore or Madras

(pick-up and drop off at a couple of points in Bangalore or Madras) is about

$15 or Rs 600 per person. We will arrange this chartered service if there

is sufficient interest. You are also welcome to arrive and depart by your

own private or public transportation means. Drive time from Bangalore is

about 5-6 hours and from Madras is perhaps 3 hours. (We will announce

shortly the driving directions from Bangalore and Madras). It is your will

and pleasure to offer sambhavana to the scholars and any contributions to

the Matha.

 

We are also planning to prepare a short list of serious devotees in India

who may require financial assistance (over and beyond the 30-40 whom I

myself will take care) to participate in the sathsangha. You are welcome to

contribute money and sponsor people in this list too in addition to or in

the place of sponsoring your own known people.

 

Sri Madhusudhan Rao in Bangalore (e-mail madhu and

madhu_cr, tel 3498562) has volunteered to coordinate in India.

You are also welcome to contact me if you need more info.

 

We are announcing this Sathsangha in its preliminary current stage to obtain

feedback from interested people and also to get a ball-park head count of

people interested in participating in this sathsangha so that we can proceed

further to make arrangements. Hence, please respond as soon as you can.

 

Namaskara

 

In the service of Sri Hari, Vayu, Gurugalu,

 

Bindu Madhavan

5346 Princeton Road

Macungie. Pennsulvania 18062

Tel 610-966-9299 (home)

610-481-2557 (office)

E-mail madhavgv