Posted in Love and Blessings, Spiritual Reflections, Sri Ganapathy Sachchidananda Swamiji, Sri Swamiji's Teachings

Celebrating Twenty-Three Years of Blessings: The Karya Siddhi Hanuman Murti

June 9, 2003, marked a historic and blessed day for Trinidad and Tobago as His Holiness Param Pujya Sri Ganapathy Sachchidananda Swamiji consecrated the magnificent 85-foot Sri Karya Siddhi Hanuman Murti at the Sri Dattatreya Yoga Centre in Carapichaima. Twenty-three years later, as the sun rises over Carapichaima devotees continue to gather in gratitude and devotion, celebrating the blessings, protection, and inspiration of Lord Hanuman.

For many of us, this is far more than an anniversary. It is an opportunity to reflect on the blessings, inspiration, and spiritual strength that Lord Hanuman has bestowed upon countless devotees over the past twenty-three years.

When His Holiness Sri Ganapathy Sachchidananda Swamiji envisioned this magnificent murti, it was not merely to create a landmark. It was to establish a spiritual beacon—a place where devotees could find hope during difficult times, courage when faced with challenges, and faith when life’s path seemed uncertain. Today, that vision continues to flourish.

Standing majestically at the Sri Dattatreya Yoga Centre in Carapichaima, the 85-foot Karya Siddhi Hanuman Murti has become one of the most iconic Hindu monuments in the Western Hemisphere. Yet it’s true greatness cannot be measured in feet or metres. Its greatness lies in the countless prayers offered at its feet, the tears of gratitude shed by devotees whose prayers have been answered, and the enduring faith it has inspired across generations.

For twenty-three years, Lord Hanuman’s presence has reminded us of the qualities that define his divine character—unwavering devotion to God, selfless service, humility despite immense power, and the courage to overcome every obstacle in the pursuit of righteousness. These timeless virtues continue to guide devotees in Trinidad and Tobago and throughout the world.

The murti has also become a symbol of the remarkable journey of Hinduism in Trinidad and Tobago. It stands as a testament to the dedication and perseverance of our ancestors who carried their faith across oceans and planted its roots firmly in this land. Today, the murti welcomes thousands of visitors annually, serving as a bridge between cultures and a source of pride for our nation.

As we celebrate this 23rd anniversary, we offer our deepest gratitude to Sri Ganapathy Sachchidananda Swamiji, whose divine vision and blessings made this sacred monument possible. We also honour the devotees, volunteers, donors, and well-wishers whose dedication transformed that vision into reality.

Most importantly, we bow in reverence to Lord Hanuman himself—the eternal servant of Lord Rama, the embodiment of devotion, and the remover of obstacles. May his blessings continue to protect our families, strengthen our communities, and inspire us to live lives of faith, service, and compassion.

The magnificent 85-foot Karya Siddhi Hanuman Murti is the realization of the divine vision of His Holiness Param Pujya Dr. Sri Sri Sri Ganapathy Sachchidananda Swamiji, Founder of Avadhoota Datta Peetham. Envisioned as a beacon of faith, courage, and devotion, the murti was created to inspire generations of devotees and serve as a place of prayer, peace, and spiritual upliftment. On 9 June 2003, Sri Swamiji personally consecrated the murti, marking a historic milestone in the spiritual heritage of Trinidad and Tobago.

Bringing this sacred vision to life was Shilpi Kala Ratna T. Subramanian Sthapathi, the renowned master architect who designed and constructed the murti according to the timeless principles of Dravidian temple architecture and Shilpa Shastra. Together with a skilled team and the unwavering support of devotees, their combined efforts created one of the most iconic Hanuman monuments in the Western Hemisphere—an enduring symbol of devotion, divine grace, and the timeless teachings of Lord Hanuman.

Twenty-three years have passed since the sacred consecration ceremony, yet the murti continues to touch hearts and transform lives. As we celebrate this blessed occasion, may we recommit ourselves to the values Lord Hanuman represents and carry his teachings into our daily lives.

May Sri Karya Siddhi Hanuman bless all with strength, wisdom, devotion, peace, and success in all righteous endeavours.

Jai Hanuman! Jaya Guru Datta! Sri Guru Datta!

Posted in Hanuman Jayanti

Celebrating Hanuman Jayanti 2018!

Today is Hanuman Jayanti! Screenshot_2017-04-04-11-38-02

Happy Hanuman Jayanti! Om Namo Hanumate Namaha! Jai Veer Hanuman!

20170410_120831

As journalist Seeta Persad so rightly said, Hindus in Trinidad and Tobago surely have eagerly been awaiting the arrival of Hanuman Jayanti. (See article http://newsday.co.tt/2018/03/30/hindus-mark-hanuman-jayanti-tomorrow/)

20170702_104915

Lord Hanuman means so much to so many and this is evident not just here in Trinidad but also in the way many the world over regard Him and give praises to Him. For starters He teaches us strength and patience, He teaches us about courage and humility and He offers us protection but He does so much more!  The list can go on and on and will never stray from the essence that Lord Hanuman is our Blessing and He holds special significance for the thousands and more so the millions that pray to Him.

Here in Trinidad we have the 85 ft Hanuman Murti which was consecrated in 2003 but this is not just any Hanuman Murti. In addition to being the tallest Hanuman Murti in the Western World, this is a Karya Siddhi Hanuman Murti. In looking at the history of this Karya Siddhi Hanuman Murti I found this video that I am sure can provide meaningful insight to many devotees.  It will in many respects help in shedding light on what the Newsday journalist was referring to. On this note I invite you to please have a look at it:

Moving on we can agree that indeed it is a divine blessing to hear the name of Lord Hanuman being glorified and indeed a blessing to be able to offer prayers to Lord Hanuman. Today thousands visited the 85ft Karya Siddhi Hanuman Murti at the Dattatreya Yoga Center in Carapichaima. The chanting of Hanuman Chalisa  was scheduled to begin at 6am this morning and it concluded after 7pm this evening. It was followed by Abhishekam, Puja and Homa. 

Rightfully so there is a lot that we can learn from Lord Hanuman and a simple means of accepting these lessons comes from understanding what the Hanuman Chalisa is telling us.  While the visit to the site http://aumamen.com/stotra/hanuman-chalisa can provide some ready assistance with this the link to Hanuman Chalisa for Parayana below will also provide you with peace, comfort and an abundance of postive energy.  

Many present at the Sri Dattatreya Yoga Center today can attest to the fact that hundreds were able to offer their prayers to Lord Hanuman, sing Chalisa, perform Abhishekam, participate in Puja and Homa and also perform Aarti at the feet of Lord Hanuman.  Today’s Hanuman Jayanti celebrations came after 5 nights of Ramayan Discourses delivered during the past week. The week’s sessions began with Pundit Abhedanand Persad Sharma on Monday and continued with Pundit Hardeo Persad on Tuesday, Pundit Jewan Maharaj on Wednesday, Swami Prakashananda on Thursday. It concluded with Pundit Bimal Maharaj on Friday. 

In compiling this post finding bhajans being sung by His Holiness seemed most appropriate as His voice and His presence do more than words can ever fully express. Thankfully this morning I was able to hear and see His Holiness Sri Ganapathy Sachchidananda Swamiji on Livestream (Click on Yoga Sangeetaand this evening we were able to be at the feet of Lord Hanuman.

I love all of Appaji’s bhajans and this is one of the first I heard. It is followed by some other bhajans that are filled with meaning and positive energy.  Here is my invitation to you to enjoy each of the Bhajans below and immerse yourself in Appaji’s offering! 

As Hanuman Jayanti 2018 draws to an end continue putting into practice the many lessons Lord Hanuman has shared with us. As Appaji reminds us daily, “Be Good, Do Good”. 

Om Namo Hanumate Namaha! Karya Siddhi Hanuman Ki Jai!

Posted in Uncategorized

Celebrating Hanuman Jayanti 2016!

Jai Veer Hanuman! Om  Namo Hanumate Namaha! Bajrang Bali Ki Jai!

Hanuman Jayanti is one occasion that I like many other devotees the world over look  forward to!

This was how the day began:

appaji.png
Hanuman Jayanti Greetings from Appaji- His Holiness Sri Sri Sri Ganapathy Sachidananda

This year I was able to be present at places I hold quite dearly and I was able to celebrate it with those who are extremely dear to me at firstly- the Coromandel Shiv Mandir in Coromandel Village Cedros, and later in the day at the Sri Dattatreya Yoga Centre at Orangefield Road in Carapichaima!

I was able to spend time with my family-immediate family, Coromandel Shiv Mandir family and our Datta family- a true blessing you will surely agree!

It was not only a day of singing praises to Lord Hanuman but it was a day of Hanuman Chalisa Chanting! All in all it was a blissful day and a day filled with devotion!

The day was filled with being there while pujas were being conducted, bhajans were being sung and the highlight of the day was spending it with people who I value! During puja at the Coromandel Shiv Mandir there was rain at one point and it was welcomed in the midst of the dry spell and soaring temperatures we have been experiencing in Trinidad and Tobag0.

When we arrived at Sri Dattatreya Yoga Centre puja was in progress. Being at the feet of Lord Hanuman was a blessing and I enjoyed every moment thoroughly. The view of the moon was very inviting and capturing the pictures you see below together with the view of the stars were the final touches to an already perfect day!

Here are some pictures I took while I was at the Coromandel Shiv Mandir on Hanuman Jayanti:

csmhj10
Puja to Lord Hanuman was in progress! My Mom (Mrs Doris Thomas) is the one in red kneeling at the Bedi!

csmhj8
Offerings were being made to the Shiva Lingam

csmhj6
The bedi-the flowers, sacred leaves, the tulsi tree, the fig tree, the kalsa, the lota-a beautiful sight!

csmhj1
The murtis on the stage-Coromandel Shiv Mandir

csmhj3
The singhasan -Coromandel Shiv Mandir

csmhj11
Lord Ganesh, Hanuman Baba and Lord Shiva

I am grateful that both events did not occur at the same time as in the morning I was at the Coromandel Shiv Mandir and in the evening I was at the Dattatreya Yoga Centre  to witness puja at the 85ft Karya Siddhi Hanuman Murti.

While those were the morning pictures these were the evening pictures:

hjdyc4
Puja was in progress and devotees were participating in Puja

 

hjdyc
A View of Karya Siddhi Hanuman Ji from where I was sitting!

hjdyc11
A beautiful sight- Guru Paduka Puja was performed as well as Puja to Lord Satyanarayana- the light, the flowers, the coconut, the decorations of the Padukas, Hanuman Ji, Lord Satyanarayana and Appaji-0ur beloved Sri Sri Sri Ganapathy Sachidananda Swamiji of Mysore India

hjdyc15.png
Such a beautiful sight- both Murtis of Lord Hanuman are beautifully decorated. Look at them adorned with flowers. Look also at the  Malas of paan leaves, the lights, the parrots, the vada! Karya Siddhi Hanuman Ki Jai! Jai Veer Hanuman!

hjdyc14
This is another view of the beautifully decorated Lord Hanuman!  Jai Veer Hanuman!

 

hjdyc7
This was such a mystical sight! There was a full moon for Hanuman Jayanti 2016! I am happy I was able to get this picture!

 

hjdyc8
So beautiful! So mystical! Look at how brightly the moon was shining and I am pleased I was able to get this photo of Lord Hanuman and the Moon.

 

hjdyc9
The greatness of Hanuman Ji is evident! For those who do not know Hanuman Ji is the 11th incarnation of Lord Shiva! Bajrang Bali Ki Jai!

hjdyc10
This picture like the others tells a thousand words!

In case you are still learning the Hanuman Chalisa please use this video to help you:

Please remember to save the dates: July 2nd- 9th 2016

12973349_10154109004842888_4372943094541619321_o.jpg