Tag: India

Posted in Celebrate Today, Celebrating Existence, Sri Ganapathy Sachchidananda Swamiji

Celebrating Sri Swamiji’s Guinness World Records and the Living Forest of Peace

Posted on by rachaelathomasj

Yes, this post is dedicated to His Holiness and celebrating Him. He is our dearest Pujya Appaji. I have never had a reason to doubt Appaji and very often I refer to Him as the Divine Master and sometimes too, the Bearded Master who is filled with compassion.

As many know, the spiritual legacy of His Holiness Sri Ganapathy Sachchidananda Swamiji, founder of the Avadhoota Datta Peetham in Mysore, is filled not only with divine teachings and healing music, but also with miraculous achievements that continue to inspire the world. Pujya Appaji can be described in so many ways. He is His Holiness, Appaji, Tataji, Aripo Muni Raja, Nada Brahma and so much more. His life is a tapestry woven with threads of compassion, dedication, He is purity, He is peace and tranquility, He is sincerity in its purest form, He is wisdom at its fullest and day in day out, every waking second, moment after moment, He continues to make a global impact—and many of these threads have been officially recognized by Guinness World Records.

Today’s was the most recent. https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1667rzsLez/ What was it for?

A Living Miracle: 10,836 Rare Bonsai Trees

Today, June 14th, 2025 the Guinness World Records awarded a new title to His Holiness Dr. Sri Ganapathy Sachchidananda Swamiji and Avadhoota Datta Peetham for housing 10,836 of the world’s rarest bonsai trees in one single location. This sacred forest of miniatures—each a living soul—forms the largest bonsai collection in the world. These trees are not just a botanical marvel but also a symbol of patience, care, and spiritual discipline.

Vanadurga Vriksha Shanti Yagnam: A Prayer for the Planet

What sets this divine garden apart is not just the trees, but the sacred rituals that breathe life into them. Pujya Appaji performed the Vanadurga Vriksha Shanti Yagnam, a powerful Vedic ceremony dedicated to Mother Nature and the guardian deity of forests, Vanadurga Devi. This ancient yagna was conducted in the very presence of these rare bonsais—a spiritual act to invoke healing, harmony, and balance for all living beings and the natural world.

This Guinness World Record Pujya Appaji said, “Thank You team Bonsai. Today’s Bonsai Guinness Record is not just my effort; it is the effort of many in the background.” https://www.facebook.com/share/p/16WyYR4W6h/

So what are Pujya Appaji’s other record-breaking feats of devotion and harmony?

Pujya Appaji’s mission of global peace and spiritual healing has led to numerous Guinness World Records, including:

  • Most people chanting (Hanuman Chalisa) Led 128,918 participants in Tenali, Andhra Pradesh
  • Largest music therapy lesson- Conducted a therapy session with 1,814 participants at the Sydney Opera House on 6 April 2015
  • Longest chanting marathon (team)- A relay of continuous chanting for 24 hr 10 min 8 sec at Karya Siddhi Hanuman Temple, Frisco, Texas on 31 July 2015
  • Largest breathing (pranayama) lesson- Hosted at India Community Center, Milpitas, California, USA on 10 July 2016.
  • Largest online video album of people chanting- Compiled 40,976 individual chanting videos; announced in Carapichaima, Trinidad and Tobago on 31 July 2016.
  • Largest display of bonsai trees-Showcased 2,649 bonsai trees at the International Bonsai Convention in Mysore Ashram on 21 December 2016.
  • Most bird species in an aviary. His Shuka Vana aviary housed 486 bird species on 6 May 2017.
  • Largest Hindu Smriti (scriptural text)
    A monumental Bhagavad Gita Smriti measuring 2.24 m × 1.56 m, completed on 26 May 2017.
  • World’s largest special postal stamp
    Made by Avadhoota Datta Peetham, 2.87 m², on 26 May 2018
  • Largest online video album of birthday wishes/greetings- Compiled 7,651 birthday-message videos on 10 June 2022 to celebrate Pujya Appaji’s 80th birthday.
  • Largest online video album of people walking; Included 6,389 walking-video submissions tied to the “Vishwashanti Padā Yātrā” virtual walkathon on 10 June 2022.
  • Largest simultaneous Hindu text recital- 1,329 participants recited the Srimad Bhagavad Gita together at Allen Event Center, Texas on 13 August 2022.
  • Largest special stamp (Nada Mantapa image)-Measuring 13.104 m², created at Avadhoota Datta Peetham, Mysuru on 13 December 2024.
  • Longest chanting marathon (team)- A new record of 33 hr 33 min 33 sec of continuous Hanuman Chalisa team chanting, held 12–13 December 2024 at Nada Mantapa

These are all rooted in the Swamiji’s vision of “Lokāḥ Samastāḥ Sukhino Bhavantu” – May all beings everywhere be happy and peaceful.

Pujya Appaji’s messages are messages beyond records. These world records are not mere numbers. They represent a global spiritual movement led by a realized Master who walks gently on Earth while guiding millions toward inner peace. From sacred chants that echo healing to ancient trees that whisper wisdom, Pujya Appaji’s works are a reminder that divine miracles happen not only in the heavens but also on Earth, when one lives in service to all life. Pujya Appaji’s remarkable achievements span spiritual, ecological, musical, and community domains—reflecting his holistic vision of service, harmony, and global unity.

Let us bow in gratitude and wonder at the divine mission of Sri Ganapathy Sachchidananda Swamiji, whose legacy continues to grow—like the sacred bonsais—quietly powerful, deeply rooted, and eternally inspiring. Sri Guru Datta.

Posted in Celebrate Today, Celebrating Existence, Celebrating Life, Life, Nature and the Environment

Celebrating 365 ClickASnap Moments: A Year of Nature, Landmarks, Food, Projects, and Motivation

Posted on by rachaelathomasj

A picture speaks a thousand words, and over the past eighteen months, I have captured 365 unforgettable moments on ClickASnap! From breathtaking landscapes to mouthwatering food, iconic landmarks, creative projects, and daily motivation, this journey has been nothing short of inspiring.

365 Uploads of Pictures

Photography is more than just taking photos; it’s about storytelling, emotions, and capturing the beauty in everyday life. Every image I’ve shared has been a reflection of my experiences, passions, and the little joys that make life extraordinary.

Nature’s Beauty 🌎

Nature has always been a source of peace and inspiration. From golden sunsets and towering mountains to delicate flowers and crashing waves, my gallery is filled with moments that remind us to pause and appreciate the world around us.

Landmarks That Leave You in Awe 🏛🌍

Whether it’s famous historical sites, hidden architectural gems, or local wonders, landmarks tell stories of history and culture. Through my lens, I’ve captured places that hold significance and beauty, allowing viewers to travel with me visually.

Food: A Feast for the Eyes and Soul 🍽📸

Food is more than nourishment—it’s art, tradition, and culture combined. From homemade delicacies to restaurant masterpieces, each dish I’ve photographed carries a memory, a flavor, and a unique story.

Creative Projects and Passion 🎨💡

Beyond photography, I’ve shared glimpses of my creative projects, whether it’s DIY crafts, business ventures, or artistic endeavors. These snapshots highlight my dedication to learning, growing, and inspiring others to bring their ideas to life.

Motivation and Positivity 💫📖

A picture can lift your spirits, and that’s exactly what I’ve aimed to do with my motivational images. Whether it’s a sunrise symbolizing new beginnings or a quote against a powerful backdrop, each post has been a reminder to stay positive and keep pushing forward.

Looking Ahead

Reaching 365 photos is a milestone, but this is only the beginning! I look forward to capturing even more moments, exploring new perspectives, and continuing to share inspiration through photography.

🎉 Join me on ClickASnap and explore my collection! 🎉
🔗 Click to view my gallery

Thank you to everyone who has followed my journey! Your support, engagement, and appreciation mean the world. Here’s to another year of creativity, storytelling, and celebrating existence—one click at a time! 📸✨

Posted in Blessings from Appaji, Happiness, Life, Love and Blessings

Celebrating our Arrival in India- Mysuru Ashrama

Posted on by rachaelathomasj

As the saying goes nothing happens before its time. Do not stop to question but accept and do. Savour every moment because tomorrow is promised to no one. Be good and do good.

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The morning of September 25, 2019 was unlike any other. Having left Trinidad on the evening of September 23 (less than 48 hours earlier) we got a very wonderful surprise that Annmarie, a very close member of our Datta family was travelling the same route and on the same flight as we were with her nephew Shivam. Our arrival in India on the morning of September 25 was in every sense a true indication that we were exactly where we were supposed to be.
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Having spent a rather super hectic week the week before doing so many things that needed to be done, the morning of September 25, 2019 marked our arrival in India. After a delay of 1hour 45 minutes at Heathrow Airport the day before we arrived in Bangalore for what prove to be a most beautiful sunrise as it was unlike any other and had we arrived when we were scheduled to then there would be nothing of the sort to see.

The clouds were majestic and white. It can easily be equated to what we see in the movies when we see the heavenly regions and the captain made our descent truly scenic and memorable. It lay the perfect introduction for a journey of a lifetime meant to be experienced only true your own eyes rather than be coloured through someone else’s vision.

Our arrival to India was further welcomed by our dear Datta brother Mohana Datta who did everything to ensure that our journey to the Ashrama which was 3 hours away was comfortable and safe. On our arrival at the Ashrama we met other members of our Datta family from Trinidad- Kesh Datta, Auntie Indira, Uncle Sam and Auntie Christine. We were also fortunate to meet with Uncle Sheetal soon after.

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While everything felt surreal we knew it was in every sense heaven on earth, Utopian but more as it is purely blissful and every thing and every happening echoed that all is well, all is right and this is the best place to be. Words are inadequate to fully describe our visit to the Ashrama as this presented a very scenic, peaceful, soothing atmosphere in a tranquil and beautiful Ashrama which is of idyllic beauty and is filled with love, life and meaning. A further blessing was our room which provides an absolute perfect view of Nada Mantapa.This was not all.

Walking around in an ambience that is a sanctuary was and is always a blessing. As one with unwavering faith in Sadguru it is the truest representation which shows plainly that our dear Sadguru, our beloved Appaji, His Holiness Sri Sri Sri Ganapathy Sachchidananda gives His love to all life and all creation. To be in Sri Ganapathy Sachchidananda Ashrama is nothing short of a blessing. To have His Holiness Param Pujya Dr Sri Sri Sri Ganapathy Sachchidananda with us and to be in such close proximity to Him is a great blessing and to have His Holiness Sri Datta Vijayananda Theertha Swamiji present is also a huge blessing.

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With Lord Venkateshara temple, Lord Hanuman temple, Lord Datta, Lord Ganapathy, Rajarajeshwari Maa and all other deities present as well as Shuka Vana, Gau Shala, Bonsai, Kriya Yoga, Nada Mantapa, the Vishwam Museum, the birth pillars and Ayurvedic Medicine all in close proximity pure love is in full abundance. After a night’s rest we were given an even greater opportunity of a lifetime that some only dream of and others may be ignorant of. Kesh Datta, Auntie Indira, Uncle Sam and Auntie Christine invited us to join them on a journey to Mekadattu, Jayalakshmi Puram and Sogala. This journey allowed us to see and experience so much- to visit Appaji’s birthplace, to see the long journey Sri Jayalakshmi Mata would have taken before Appaji was born, to spend time in the Ashram where Sri Jayalakshmi Mata spent so much of her time meditating, to sleep in the hall of the temple in Jayalakshmi Puram, to understand the significance and importance of Jayalakshmi Puram as it relates to both Appaji’s parents, to walk through the village where Appaji lived, to visit the Hanuman temple near His home, to see where His Holiness lived, to witness puja to Sri Jayalakshmi Mata, to see the Shiva Lingam that tells so much about Appaji’s father Sri Narasimha Sastry, to visit Jayalakshmi Mata’s Nilayam, to visit the resting place of Sri Jayalakshmi Mata’s parents.It was in every sense an opportunity to get a deeper understanding and awareness of Appaji’s life and Jayalakshmi Mata’s life but also an opportunity to get their blessings on this very important journey. More so we got to do it as a family. Surely there is no greater blessing we could ask for. Surely there is no better welcome we could ask for.

https://youtu.be/Fqgaq2lYmtA

Having arrived in time for Navratri celebrations our days are filled with activity. Each morning we are greeted by chanting and prayer. Each morning we witness the procession and the dancing. Each member participating in activity is fully dedicated to serving. With song, music and dance the activity begins each day of the Navratri festivities. His Holiness Param Pujya Dr Sri Sri Sri Ganapathy Sachchidananda and His Holiness Sri Datta Vijayananda Theertha Swamiji enter the chariot that makes its way to Nada Mantapa to commence the daily proceedings there.With so much to experience here we are sure that the rest of our visit will be equally as memorable and filled with continued blessings. It is the opportunity of a lifetime and it is one we intend to make the most of. More so it is one we will always cherish. 2019 is another most memorable year for us! Om Sri Matre Namaha! Sri Datta Vijayananda Teertha Swamiji Ki Jai! Sadguru Maharaj Ki Jai! Sri Sri Sri Ganapati Sachchidananda Swamiji Ki Jai!