Navarathri Utsav of 1997
This series chronicles sweet experiences recounted by the devotees of HH Maharanyam Sri Sri Muralidhara Swamiji as well as some divine experiences of Sri Swamiji himself. These articles are translations from the series “Madhuramaana Mahaneeyar” that is published every month in Madhuramurali Tamil monthly magazine.
This month’s article is by Smt. Jayanthi Janakiraman, from Madhuramurali magazine, Oct 1997 issue.
It is customary in our satsang to celebrate Janmashtami, Sri Rama Navami, Vaikunta Ekadesi, Adhyayana utsav, Vasanthothsav, Sri Maha Periyava’s Jeyanthi, Sri Srinivasa Perumal Avatharothsavam every year. Aside from these, numerous Bhagavatha Sapthahams, Ramayana Navahams, Radha Kalyanams, Seetha Kalyanams, etc. are also being held. But Navrathri utsav has never been celebrated up until now.
Our Sri Swamiji has been wishing to do a parayana of Sri Devi Bhagavatam for quite some time. That too, it is auspicious to do so during Navrathri. Hence, he made arrangements to do the parayanam during this year’s Navrathri. A very beautiful Kolu was arranged in Premika Bhavan. Two kalash were set up, with invocation of Veda Vyasa in one and Devi in the other. Everyday, from Oct 2, 1997, parayana was held from 7 am to 11 am and again at 3 pm to 6 pm for 9 days.
Sri Mallikarjuna Somayaji did the parayana of Sri Devi Bhagavatam while Sri T. Kannan Deekshitar did the parayana of Durga Saptha Sathi and Yajur Veda. Presidential awardee Sri Vishwanatha Srouthi did the Saama Veda Parayanam and Sri Kalyanarama Sastri did that of Rig Veda. Sahasranama Archana was held.
Between 7 pm and 9 pm daily, Dharmagna Melakaveri Panchapakesa Sastri ji discoursed on the Devi Bhagavatam. On special days, divya nama sankeertan was held during the night. Melakaveri Panchapakesa Sastri ji is a righteous person and was someone that Maha Periyava was fond of. Our Sri Swamiji felicitated him by awarding the title of “Vanmuka Sarvabhouma.”
During the Navrathri utsav, Purattasi Shravana coincided with Vijayadasami day. It also happened to be a Purattasi Saturday. That was the avathara day of our Srinivasa Perumal.
Srinivasa Perumal was showered with the holy water from the Veda Vyasa kalash and the Sri Maha Periyava Padhuka was showered with the holy water from the Devi kalash followed by the prize distribution for Veda Patashala children post their examination. Shravana deepam was also lit up. Sri Vijay’s dance drama was held that afternoon. At night, several bhagavatas such as Sethalapathi Soundararaja Bhagavathar, Mallikarjuna Bhagavathar, Janakirama Bhagavathar, O.S. Sundar Bhagavathar sang kirtans. Thus, our Bhagavan enjoyed this year’s Navrathri!
Original Tamil article published in Madhuramurali Magazine, Oct 1997 issue
Chronicled by Smt. Jayanthi Janakiraman
Translated by Smt. Mangala Gowri Sridhar, Jacksonville FL
************************************
Click here to go back to the July 2021 newsletter page:
http://godivinity.org/newsletters/nama-dwaar-newsletter-july-2021/
************************************
