Namadwaar, Houston:
By the grace of Sri Aishwarya Srinivasa Perumal, a divine Navaratri Utsavam was celebrated at the temple. A themed golu was set up for the viewing pleasure of devotees. The golu included a rich display of deities, saints, leelas from Srimad Bhagavatam and depiction of Bhagavan’s avataras.
The evening program started with Sri Vishnu Sahasranamam. This was followed by devotional / cultural offerings such as classical dance and music by students and artists from across Houston area. Guests were then treated every eening to the nectarine katha of Srimad Ramayanam in English by Sri Gadadharan ji, disciple of HH Maharanyam Sri Sri Muralidhara Swamiji. Gadadharanji beautfifully took devotees through the entire Valmiki Ramayana while focusing on the wonderful qualities of Sri Rama and Sita Devi and all the stalwart characters in Ramayana, especially Hanumanji. The Sundarakandam katha that was told over two days was the highlight of the lovely series.
The Utsav also included special programs such as Purataasi Saturday Thinai Deepam darshan and darshan of Premika Varadan and Madhuri Sakhi on the new vahanas (Sesha, Garuda, Yaanai and Kudhirai). About 300 people attended the event over the 9 days of the utsav.
On October 1, Saraswati puja was celebrated at the temple where students of all ages got the opportunity to bring 1 or 2 books as a symbol of offering of their learning to Bhagavan and get blessed on this auspicious day. Archana for Saraswati Devi was performed and everyone present chanted slokas and prayed to Saraswati Devi.
On the auspicious occasion of Vijayadasami on October 2, devotees and children chanted Mahamantra with enthusiasm and also danced with kolattam for the Mahamantra. Earlier, Lakshmi ashtottra archana was performed and prayers were offered to Bhagavan. A bhajan class for kids was also commenced at the temple on this day.
Each day’s program concluded with Maha arati. Prasadam brought by numerous enthusiastic volunteers was also served to all attendees.
Namadwaar, Virginia:
By the immense grace of His Holiness Maharanyam Sri Sri Muralidhara Swamiji and the Divine Couple, Namadwaar Virginia celebrated the auspicious Navarathri with Sundara Kanda Parayanam and Mahamantra Nama Chanting.
As part of the celebrations, a beautiful Bomma Kolu (dolls display) was set up at Namadwaar Virginia. The Sundara Kanda Parayanam commenced on September 22nd and concluded on October 2nd, beginning with the Rama Jananam and Sita Kalyanam Sargas on the opening day. Devotees eagerly took turns to participate in the Parayanam throughout the nine days.
On October 2nd, Vijaya Dashami & Purattasi Shravanam day, the devotees concluded the Parayanam with the Sri Rama Pattabhishekam. Lord Rama and Sita Archana were performed, followed by the rendering of several Madhurageethams in praise of Guru, Ram Nama, Lord Govinda, Lord Rama, Sita, and Anjaneya Kirtans. Shravana deepam was offered to the Lordships. The celebration concluded with the chanting of the Hanuman Chalisa.
During the Navarathri evenings, devotees also gathered at various homes to participate in Mahamantra Nama Chanting, filling the atmosphere with divine vibrations and joy.
