A devotee from the US shares her sweet experience this year (2024) of attending a few days of the Janmashtami Utsav (Brahmotsav) celebrated at HH Maharanyam Sri Sri Muralidhara Swamiji’s Madhurapuri Ashram, near Chennai.
With the immense grace of Sri Madhuri Sakhi Sametha Sri Premika Varadan and the blessings of our Guru HH Maharanyam Sri Sri Muralidhara Swamiji, we had a divine Brahomotsavam, a grand festival of worship, celebrating Krishna Janmashtami. This auspicious occasion was a ‘netrotsavam’, a feast for the eyes of all the devotees present, filled with the divine presence that brought spiritual bliss and a joyous atmosphere, radiating happiness to all.
The days began with awakening our divine couple Sri Premika Varadan and Madhuri Sakhi, adorning them and carrying them in a palanquin around Madhurapuri Ashram with Nama Sankirtanam. The morning purappadu extended until the gate of the Ashram, where our Sri Tulasi devi always eagerly awaited, her pleasant smile reflecting the love and warmth of the festival, to listen to devotees’ bhajans and to bless the ambience.
(August 30th, 2024)
On the auspicious day of Ekadasi, the air was charged with anticipation as Sri Premika Varadan eagerly awaited the Thirumanjanam, a sacred bathing ritual. The arrival of Sri Swamiji added to the excitement. The atmosphere was filled with Sri Rama Bhajans as He was adorned with a new dress, flowers, and jewels while His flute sang “Radhe… Radhe…” with His peacock feather waving to His devotees. Sri Madhuri Sakhi in all smiles, keeping Her parrot enjoying the Name Krishna infused in the air through Her devotees’ bhajans. The compassionate eyes of Sri Swamiji listened to His devotees, bestowing them with theertha prasad after ekadasi Thirumanjanam.
The afternoons at Bhagavata Bhavanam (the ashram main hall) reverberated with Bhagavan Naama, followed by an enlightening discourse by Sri Vishnupriya ji, disciple of Sri Swamiji, that filled all our ears with His Bala leelas as described in Govinda Shatakam composed by Sri Sri Anna. The evening was aptly marked by the arrival of His vahana, Sri Garudaazhwar, who was ready to take flight. The atmosphere was filled with excitement and devotion as the chant “Rangan varugindraan, Garudan mel eri engal Rangan varugindraan” echoed through the air. Sri Swamiji led the celebration as the procession went around Sri Srinivasa Perumal temple singing the sacred Divyaprabandhams. The day ended with the chanting of Narayana Naama and soul-stirring bhajans.
(August 31st, 2024)
Dwadasi began with Sri Swamiji’s divine presence and captivating discourse on Govinda Pattabhishekam. It was a blessing to be enveloped by his enchanting voice again. The pravachan started with the resonating chant “Satyam Param Dheemahi” at the sannidhi of Sri Premika Varadan, setting the tone for the grand Govinda Pattabhishekam planned by Sri Swamiji for our beloved Govardhana Giridhari. The morning unfolded with soul-stirring Govindha naama and bhajans, culminating in a magnificent procession to ‘Govardhana Maharaj’, the hill Madhurachalam near our ashram. As the Dwadasi evening approached, the air was filled with the grace of Gajendra Vahanam, and the day concluded with a vibrant dolotsavam.
(Sep 1st, 2024)
The sixth day of Bramotsavam illuminated the ashram with the radiant Kudhirai Vahanam, resonating with Vittala Naama and abhangs, and a resplendent grand divya naamam for our Vitthalaa.
Sep 2nd ,2024
The monday of Brahmotsavam promised the enchanting Nikunjothsavam, where devotees were blessed with the presence of Sri Swamiji and Sri Devaki Ma, senior disciple of Sri Yogi Ramsuratkumar. The atmosphere was brimming with divine kirtans and the mesmerizing voice of Sri Vishnupriyaji and her team.
Let’s come together and pray at His lotus feet for more satsangs, celebrating the divine couple in the sacred ambience of Sri Swamiji.
Recounted by Sujatha Rajaram, Dallas, TX
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Click here to see all articles in Oct 2024 issue:
https://godivinity.org/newsletters/nama-dwaar-newsletter-october-2024/
