In this post I am celebrating His Holiness, Param Pujya Sri Ganapathy Sachchidananda Swamiji!
To some He is Sri Swamiji but to many of us He is Sadguru Deva, Appaji and Tataji!
He is the bearded Master who loves all of us and mankind unconditionally! He is the one who takes care of us selflessly, whose love transitions everything. He is the one with the priceless smile, with the overflowing energy, who gives and gives and only asks when He needs us to do what is necessary for our own good.
The past couple days have been a testimony of Appaji’s unwavering love and selflessness. His entire life is but this has been one microcosm of a much longer story that is representative of His life and transitions everything else! He is Nada Brahma, friend, teacher, Sadguru, healer, protector, Appaji, Tataji, and so much more in one physical form. He is Lord Datta!
In spite of health challenges, prior commitments, His extremely hectic schedule and so much more, Appaji came to Trinidad from Mysore for His devotees in Trinidad and Tobago and created history once again as His every action resulted in a most memorable visit that would forever be in the hearts of all whose lives have been touched by the events of this very short but blessed visit where so many blessed things have happened.
With Appaji’s Grace, an entourage of learned vedic pundits and scholars, all a part of Appaji’s mission travelled to Trinidad from Mysore, India and some from the USA and Canada to ensure that the Maha Rudra Yagam was conducted as it should be and from Day 1 of their arrival, they did excellent service.
In addition to this, devotees came from several different countries to witness the very same and some also, to see His Holiness for the very first time and to do seva. While on one hand His presence is a testimony of His greatness, His every action is a testimony of His greatness! He is the epitome of Truth, Knowledge, Bliss, Grace and Humility! He is Sachchidananda.
Appaji we pray for Your Health. Appaji thank You immensely for all You do for us moment after moment, day after day. Thank You for all that You do for all mankind! You are a blessing to us all! We love You more than words can ever say and value You immensely! You are our Appaji, Tataji to our children, Sadgurudeva to us all! Thank You for loving us, Thank You for guiding us constantly, Thank You for showing us how to live and all the reminders You share with us through social media platforms and Apps. Please accept our humble prostrations at Your Lotus Feet!
For us here in Trinidad it is indeed not just a memorable and blessed occasion but also a historic occasion as tomorrow marks the start of Maha Rudra Yagam and next week will be Hanuman Jayanti celebrations. These auspicious occasions are being held in the presence of and with the blessings of His Holiness Param Pujya Sri Ganapathy Sachchidananda Swamiji, our Sadguru Deva (our dear Appaji) and Sri Datta Vijayananda Teertha Swamiji (our dear Sri Bala Swamiji, junior and future Pontiff at Avadhoota Datta Peetham).
For those who are unaware, Sri Bala Swamiji arrived in Trinidad on Monday night and arrived at the Sri Dattatreya Yoga Centre Ashrama in the early hours of Tuesday morning. On Tuesday evening He delivered a very powerful discourse.
His Holiness Param Pujya Sri Ganapathy Sachchidananda Swamiji arrived on Wednesday evening!
Ram Navami celebrations began early this morning and throughout the day. It began with the lighting of the lamp for Akhanda Rama Bhajana (sun rise to sunset) and continued throughout the day with Homas, Pujas and Satsanga for what was truly a blessed day. As many may be aware, Lord Rama’s story is very important, and He also teaches us many things.
Morning program was followed by evening Satsanga.
Indeed, this is a blessed occasion and a truly memorable one! Thank You Appaji for all blessings! Thank You for all You do for us, minute after minute and day after day!
In closing allow me to share these videos with Sri Ramachandra Ashtakam and the bhajan NamaRamayana!
“Karya” means wish or act. “Siddhi” means realizing. Therefore Karya Siddhi Hanuman is one who fulfills your wishes”.
Sri Karya Siddhi Hanuman stands majestically tall at the Sri Dattatreya Yoga Centre in Carapichaima. His is the 85 ft Murti which is known by people the world over and it is the largest in the Western Hemisphere. He represents strength and He represents victory. He gives Protection, Courage and He is synonymous with friendship, loyalty, compassion, bravery, purity of mind, thought and action! On a day like today thousands would make their way to the Ashrama to make offerings, give thanks, do puja, chant and glorify His name. Today however is quite different.
Today would be a day steeped in history as Hanuman devotees cannot do so! Why? We, like so much more of the global human population, are forced to stay at home to protect ourselves, our families, our communities and others because of Covid-19, the global pandemic that continues to wreak havoc on humanity by its spread and increasing number of deaths. Added to that Tuesday being Lord Hanuman’s Day was celebrated as Lord Hanuman’s Day by most of the Western world.
As I am typing this I have stopped for a view minutes to take in the Facebook Live from His Holiness Sri Ganapathy Sachchidananda Swamiji! I am blessed to witness Poornaphala, I am blessed to witness Homa and I have been able to see many devotees from Trinidad and around the world being blessed to experience the very same! I have also been blessed to see Lord Hanuman as He stands majestically tall from a beautiful vantage point at Sri Datta Venkateswara Temple. Priceless!
Today, in Celebrating Hanuman Jayanti, I also take this time to celebrate His Holiness Param Pujya Sri Ganapathy Sachchidananda Swamiji – our dear Sadgurudeva, Appaji, Nada Brahma- and Sri Datta Vijayananda Teertha Swamiji- our dear Bala Swamiji! Both always take care of us. They always guide, They always share, They are always selfless and both show us sincerity, humility and all that is good and kind. They have made it possible for us to keep our focus in this very trying time of Covid-19 when so many are confined to their homes. If I may say, They have provided the oxygen to keep us going!
Day after day we are given the opportunity to look at various lives from Mysore Ashrama. Appaji has given devotees an opportunity to guess the Bhajan that will be sung, day after day we are invited to participate in Puja, there is daily Kriya Yoga and this is in addition to all the other daily messages and activities to participate in.
Photo Credit: Avadhoota Datta Peetham
How can we make this a true celebration?
Keep being good and doing good by being true to yourself and being your brother’s keeper
Chant Sri Hanuman Chalisa. Record your count and submit it on Avadhoota Datta Peetham. Do not just do this today but do it every day!
Chant Sri Hanumanji’s Mantras
Be thankful for life and for this lifeline we have been given
Make today count and let every day after bring added value!
Click on the links for each of the videos shared here and sing with Appaji
Use the Bhajan Mala App to learn the words for the Bhajans
Keep your focus
Keep praying and keep giving thanks
As we thank Lord Hanuman for all His blessings, let us also pray for the health of our dear Appaji- our Sadgurudeva- and our dear Sri Bala Swamiji. Appaji and Sri Bala Swamiji, thank You for all that You continue to do for us. Please accept our Humble Pranams and Prostations at both of Your Lotus Feet!
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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!
Datta devotees and the followers of His Holiness Param Pujya Sri Sri Sri Ganapathy Sachchidananda are always in search of valuable reading material that provide insight into His life, His music, His teachings and His projects. More so they are always in search of ways that His Holiness, our beloved Appaji shows us to be good and to do good. When an opportunity to get information like this presents itself it is one we must fully embrace and savour.
As such the focus of this post is to celebrate the relaunch of Trinidad Hanuman Datta Mala. It is timely, relevant and a wealth of information that is truly ours for the taking.
For those who may not be aware Trinidad Hanuman Datta Mala is an e-magazine and it is a quarterly publication that is being published under the auspices of His Holiness Param Pujya Dr Sri Sri Sri Ganapathy Sachchidananda Swamiji, Founder and Pontiff of Avadhoota Datta Peetham of Mysuru, India.
Photo Credit: Avadhoota Datta Peetham
The publication which initially existed as a print publication offers Datta devotees the world over and followers of His Holiness Sri Swamiji a more direct way to access the teachings of the publication and is now available with a click the the site http://www.dattamalatt.com
It provides a prolific introduction to His life, His teachings and His main mission, “Transformation of the mind” which He says, “is the grestest miracle.”
The Mysore Ashram is described providing readers with an opportunity to not just understand the greatness of Appaji, our beloved Sadguru but also the lengths He goes to take care of all of humanity.
Sri Swamiji as the living Nada Brahma is explained as well as the eternal principle of Dharma Prachaara and Vishwa Manava Dharma. We can all agree that Sri Swamiji’s has numerous social and charitable projects. Several of them are mentioned here including Annadanam, Shuka Vana and SGS Posts.
Insight into the life and work of junior Pontiff at Avadhoota Datta Peetham Pujya Sri Datta Vijayananda Teertha Swamiji our beloved Sri Bala Swamiji is provided.
Photo Credit: Avadhoota Datta Peetham
To date it contains several important messages. Key among them are the discourses from Sundar Kanda which were delivered by Sri Datta Vijayananda Teertha Swamiji (Sri Bala Swamiji) during His visit to Trinidad in April and the Sri Rama Navami discourse given by His Holiness Param Pujya Dr Sri Sri Sri Ganapathy Sachchidanda.
• The speech that was delivered by His Holiness Param Puja Dr Sri Sri Sri Ganapathy Sachchidananda on the occasion of consecration of the Shiva Lingam at Aripo Datta Kashi www.dattamalatt.com/post/aripo-datta-kashi-temple
We can all agree that this is truly a blessing and there is a lot of invaluable information here which you can read and which you can also share with others.
His name, His messages, His teachings, His music, His divinity and His purity are known by Devotees the world over! He is praised by many and when devotees praise His name it is with prayerful supplication, humility and an abundance of love.
His presence warms the heart of many and from Him bliss and purity radiate. He is not just Swamiji but He is Sadguru, He is Nada Brahma, He is Maha Avatar, He is Appaji and He is Lord Dattatreya- the Holy Trinity of Brahma, Vishnu and Shiva.
This post is dedicated to the celebration of Appaji’s 75th Birthday! Appaji- His Holiness Param Pujya Sri Ganapathy Sachchidananda Swamiji! Happy 75th Birthday Appaji!
Photo Credit: Datta Peetham
Some may say that I have missed it but Appaji’s birthday continues to be celebrated around the world in the various places He visits. This post has been in the making for some time now and it is finally published. My question is, ‘What do you give a Sadguru who has given so much? ‘
Appaji Humble Pranams to Your Lotus Feet! You have done so much for us that the words Thank You seem inadequate. What we can do is to listen to Your Divine Messages, say Thank You, practice what You share with us, heed Your instructions, lead better lives and become better people. As You say in SGS Posts, “Be good, Do Good”.
Appaji has given us so much and He has not only given so much but day after day He keeps blessing us with His messages and His Divine Darshan. What we need to be disciplined as we read, as we listen, as we put into practice what we read and listen and try each day to be our best versions of ourselves.
Those who read Appaji’s autobiography will know Appaji’s life, His struggles, His uniqueness and they will understand why He is Avadhoota. Those who follow His journey will also understand it and those of you who are Datta devotees will understand how blessed we are.
Following the start of the Diamond Jubilee Celebrations in Mysore, His Holiness Param Pujya Sri Ganapathy Sachchidananda Swamiji continued His journey of selfless service to mankind, His service to Dharma and to the world.
His Holiness was awarded Three World records on His 75th Birthday. These three records added to the previous five Guinness World. They were for:
1. The World’s Largest Hindu Smruti, Bhagavad Gita book in 18 languages was achieved by Pujya Sri Ganapathy Sachchidananda Swamiji. Measuring 7 feet by 5 feet this, the World’s Largest Bhagavad Gita book weighs over 800 kilos.
2. The most bird species in an aviary (Shuka Vana) having 468 species.
3. The largest display of bonsai trees (Kishkhinda Moolika Bonsai Garden) which consists of 2649 trees.
The previous five awards were given to His Holiness at the places listed:
1.Most people chanting (31 January 2015)-Hanuman Chalisa Chanting in Tenali, Andra Pradesh, India
2.Largest Music Therapy Session (6 April 2015)- Sydney Opera House in Sydney, New South Wales, Australia; Session lasted 2 ½ hours.
3.Longest Marathon Chanting (Team) of 24 hours, 10 minutes and 8 seconds- (1 August 2015)-–Hanuman Chalisa Chanting, Frisco, Texas.
4.Largest Breathing Exercise (Pranayama) Lesson- (July 10, 2016)- India Community Center, Milpitas, Bay Area, USA
5.Largest Online Video Album with over 40,000 people from 30+ different countries dedicating a prayer chant for the universal brotherhood (July31, 2016)- Dattatreya Yoga Center 85 ft Karya Siddhi Hanuman Murti, Carapichaima, Trinidad.
Following the ceremonies and festivities in Mysore His Holiness travelled to Bengaluru and Hyderabad in India then to Kenya, Frankfurt and London outside India for important tasks. Those who know His Holiness can attest to the fact that His travels are never for leisure but always to help mankind and His followers the world over. His return to India saw the continuation of such work as is always undertaken by Him (His Holiness) and Sri Datta Vijayananda Teertha Swamiji (Sri Bala Swamiji). It included the Nakshatra Ishti 2017 ceremonies, the Ati Rudra Yagya, the National Conference on the Shaastras, Hanuman Jayanti Celebrations and Dattatreya Jayanti Celebrations.
The year’s itinerary culminated with a Nada Geeta Raga Sagara Music for Meditation and Healing concert in Taipei, Taiwan on December 31.
Less than 2 months into 2018 His Holiness has continued to share priceless moments and priceless learning opportunities and opportunities to be eternally treasured with the world. Here are some events in 2018 which you surely would not have missed:
·Sankranti Festival in Vijayawada Ashram (His Holiness and Sri Bala Swamiji)
·Rapta Saptami Festival
·Hanuman Chalisa Parayana Maha Yagna in Vizag
·Music for Meditation and Healing at Ukku Auditorium Vizag Steel plant, Vishakhapatnam
To date Appaji has given us Kriya Yoga, Healing Music, daily Sri Chakra Puja, an abundance of bhajans, daily messages and discourses which have crossed the thousands together with 16 Mobile Apps which I have listed below:
·SGS Posts
·Hanuman Chalisa for Pranayama
·SGS Birds-Shukavana
·Bhajan Mala
·Guru Gita
·SGS MMS
·Vishnu Sahasranamam
·Lalita Sahasranama
·Bhagavad Gita-With Audio and Transliterations in Hindi, Telugu and Kannada
·Kavacha Manjari
·Shatashloki Ramayana
·SGS Quotes Mobile
·SGS Hindu Hanuman Chalisa
·SGS Telugu Hanuman Chalisa
·SGS Panchangam
·SGS Kannada Hanuman Chalisa
To access these apps visit either the Apple Store or Google Play Store (depending on your phone type- Apple/Android) search the App and download it.
It is my sincere belief that this video will help many further understand the great work His Holiness is doing and foster a greater appreciation and deeper sense of gratitude for both His Holiness and for Avadhoota Datta Peetham.
In closing I urge all readers to keep following Appaji’s teachings and to keep practicing what His Holiness teaches us. Listen to the messages in His discourses and messages shared through His apps. Practice Kriya Yoga, practice Satwick eating and practice all else that Appaji shares with us and asks us to do!
Appaji, Thank You for all that You have done for us and all that You continue to do for us!
Celebrating Existence 