Holy Pilgrimage - Hindu temples in USA
Boise Hare Krishna Temple, Idaho
In 1999 a new temple was erected between two brick duplexes. The completed temple was opened in August 1999 with Boise Mayor Brent Coles cutting the ribbon to signify the public opening. Except for a gold dome, the brick exterior of the temple blends in with the duplexes and the neighborhood. Inside, the eastern influence is evident.
The temple was designed by Boise architect Bruce Poe. The golden dome, painted ceiling and rich stained glass windows were all crafted by local master artists. Centrally located in the temple is a hand carved teakwood altar from India's Jaipur, and is considered by adherents to be the abode of the presiding temple Deities, Sri Sri Radha-Bankebihari. On the south side of the temple is a stained glass window created by Meridian artist Michael Booth which highlight the "Ten Incarnations."
Visit the Boise Hare Krishna Temple
Come see our beautiful temple, learn more about Bhakti Yoga, and enjoy the variety of spiritual, educational, and cultural activities that happen year-round at ISKCON of Boise.On a small street lined with apartments and brick houses near Boise State University, a new Hare Krishna temple has risen.
Constructing the house of worship has been a learning experience for the 30- member congregation, and also for the artists, architect, construction workers, and neighbors who knew little about the eastern faith or Indian culture before the project began.
The Hare Krishna Temple and Vedic Cultural Center opens with a public celebration Sunday. A small temple had previously been located in the home of the Guptas, an Indian family that lives next to the new site.
“The amazing thing about this project is that it’s really a project of Idaho by Idahoans, ” said Ravi Gupta, 17, who called the temple the centerpiece of his life. “They’ve made their best effort to make it something unique for all of us.”
Stained glass master Michael Booth, architect Bruce Poe and artist Mike Baltzell said they enjoyed learning about a new religion and culture and incorporating that knowledge into their work. An added benefit was the cooking of Aruddha Gupta, Ravi’s mother, who regularly made special Indian meals for the men. The Guptas used to own Govinda’s Restaurant.
“Every time I stopped by food was being handed to me, ” Poe said. “I think I gained 10 pounds.”
Poe said he learned while designing the temple that Hare Krishnas are non- violent, vegetarian, and unconnected to material things.
The temple sits between two brick duplexes, which had previously been divided by garages. Except for a gold dome, the brick exterior of the temple blends in with the duplexes and the neighborhood – a goal of Poe’s design. But inside, the eastern influence is supreme.
“It’s a piece of India in Boise, ” Poe said.
A wooden arch shaped like an inverted lotus flower, marble floors and hand-carved altar are a few of the temple’s unique touches. The ceiling and stained glass windows are the others.
The ceiling, which is painted blue, was designed to represent the spiritual sky. Several colorful murals depicting Krishna, or God, in different incarnations grace the ceiling.
Painting the murals was a bit nerve-racking, said Baltzell, an associate professor of Theater Arts at Boise State University. The ceiling isn’t very high, so people can look closely at his work for as long as they want – unlike in a theater where the audience is only present for a limited time.
Getting it right
Creating images of someone’s faith also is tricky – especially when you are not of that religion, Baltzell said.
But the Guptas helped Baltzell by stopping by his studio about once a week to check on his progress. The family not only helped with the aesthetics of the paintings, but made sure the religious symbolism was appropriate, he said.
Working on the project was interesting, Baltzell said.
“It’s not often you get a chance to do something like this, ” he said.
Booth, owner of Kaleidoscope Art Glass Studio in Meridian, also enjoyed the project’s uniqueness. Booth often creates Christian scenes for churches, so learning about a different faith was interesting. Translating the spiritual nuances into his work also was challenging, he said.
“I had to make sure sure I was picking up the right glint in the eye, the tilt of the head, the shape of the shoulder, the drape of the cloth, ” Booth said.
His pieces are installed in the front window of the temple. The largest piece shows Krishna playing a flute by a river. Ten smaller pieces show the forms Krishna has taken through the ages.
The work is the best of his life, Booth said.
“Not just because of the window, but because of the interaction (with the Guptas), the humor, the learning, the patience, ” said Booth, whose son Matthew also helped with the project. “I think all of these things came together to make it special.”
Guptas share culture, food
Booth and his son also learned to appreciate Indian food during the process.
Aruddha Gupta always brought special dishes when the family visited Booth’s studio every two weeks.
Matthew Booth was rewarded with more food Tuesday when he finished installing the stained glass at the Temple. Arun Gupta, Ravi’s father, told Matthew that Aruddha had something special for him.
Matthew soon was happily eating a big plate of lentils, rice and vegetables with potato curry in the temple courtyard.
Neighbor Bonnie Bruett, 85, doesn’t come over to eat, but to see the progress of the construction. She watches the workers from her front window every day.
“I now know how to lay brick, to put concrete down, ” she said.
She makes oatmeal cookies for the workers. The workers helped her when a large branch fell on her property.
Bruett likes having the temple across the street.
“I think it’s beautiful, ” she said.
Building the temple
The Guptas moved to Boise 13 years ago for Arun Gupta’s new job at Hewlett-Packard Co. There was no Hare Krishna temple in town, so Aruddha Gupta began calling Indian families listed in the phone book.
A week later, a temple was opened in the Gupta home. The family wanted to open a larger temple not only to worship, but to share their culture with the community, Aruddha said. Teachers and professors from local schools and colleges often brought classes to the old temple.
Giving back
“Boise has been so nice to us, ” she said. “I feel very blessed. I have felt very welcome in Boise, I have never felt any bias. Because of that, I have wanted to share everything with the community.”
The congregation has been raising money for the new, $ 250, 000 temple for two years, said Arun Gupta, who also is temple president. In addition to the congregation’s portion, $ 50, 000 came from the community and the rest from the Gupta family.
Aruddha, who along with other Hare Krishnas marks her forehead with sacred clay from the river Ganges as a sign that her body is a temple of God, was inspired by the Vedas, ancient sacred book of Hinduism. The temple will help her share that inspiration with fellow Indians as well as the community at large, she said.
Aruddha used the Vedas, along with other academic books, to home school her two sons.
Ravi, 17, has a degree from Boise State University in mathematics and philosophy. At the end of September, he leaves for Oxford University in England where he will study Sanskrit, an ancient Indian language. Gopal, 15, will be a junior at BSU. He studies electrical engineering.
The boys will make a lifelong commitment to their faith at opening ceremonies Sunday. Both will vow not to eat meat, gamble, drink or take drugs, and not to have sex outside marriage.
Opening the temple in Boise, where he has lived since age 4, is something Ravi has been anticipating for many years. It will be difficult to leave when he moves to England, Ravi said.
“It’s hard in a sense that I won’t get to spend time in the temple, ” he said. “On the other hand, I’m not leaving permanently. (Boise) is a place called home.”
If you go
What: Public grand opening of the Hare Krishna Temple and Vedic Cultural Center. Mayor Brent Coles will cut the ribbon and there will be a temple tour, Indian dances, songs by children and a grand feast.
Where: 1615 Martha Street, Boise. Take University Drive to Chrisway Drive. Turn right on Martha Street.
When: Sunday 6 to 10 p.m.
Tickets: Free
About Hare Krishnas: The Hare Krishna philosophy is 5, 000 years old and comes from the Vedas, the sacred books of Hinduism. The movement came to the United States in 1965. One way Hare Krishnas serve God is by chanting his name.
Caption: Photo by Kim Hughes / The Idaho Statesman: The completed temple will be a dream come true for the Gupta family, including Arun, left, Ravi, rear, and Aruddha.
Caption: Photo by Kim Hughes / The Idaho Statesman: Rama Woti works on preparing curtains for the altar in the new Hare Krishna temple.
GRAPHIC: Photo by Kim Hughes / The Idaho Statesman: Matthew Booth of Kaleidoscope Art-Glass Studio hangs stained-glass windows that he made with his son Michael Booth in the Hare Krishna Temple and Vedic Cultural Center. The center will celebrate its grand opening Sunday.
Address:
- Boise Hare Krishna Temple
1615 Martha St.,
Boise, ID 83706
Phone: (208) 344-4274
Hours
- Mangal Arati: 6:00 am
- Sringar Arati: 7:15 am
- Guru Puja: 7:30 - 7:45 am
- Japa Meditation and Morning Study: - 7:45 am - 9:45 am
- Evening Arati: 6:30 - 7:00 pm
- Sunday Arati and Love Feast - 11:30 am - 1:30 pm
Parashakthi Temple, Pontiac, Michigan
Parashakthi Temple, also known as
Eternal Mother Temple is a tirtha peetam (piligrimage) in the west for Devi
ParaShakthi worshippers situated in the heart of Pontiac, Michigan,
USA. The Temple was built in 1999 and the inaugural pooja took place on Vijayadasami
day. The Temple land is known for its mystical properties and was once home to
the powerful native Indian healers.
Founder
The Temple was envisioned by Dr. G Krishna Kumar in a deep meditative Kundalini experience when Goddess Adi Shakthi guided him to build a temple for “Her,” for peace, happiness and paramount success. Dr. Krishna Kumar is a major donor and has spent millions of dollars for the construction of the Temple. In a ceremony held at the Detroit Cobo Hall in 2007, Dr. Krishna Kumar was inducted into the Michigan Heritage Hall of Fame The event honored leaders from various ethnic backgrounds that have made outstanding contributions to the American way of life and demonstrated their concerned commitment to multiculturalism with support to ethnic and cultural traditions. Parashakthi Temple is also a major participant in Inter-faith dialogue.Mission statement
To share Divine Mother's grace with humanity so that they can explore and experience the Divine.Main Deity: Devi Parashakth
Divine Mother Parashakthi is "Divine Pure Eternal Consciousness" manifested as Shiva Shakthi and formed a Nada Bindu(sound and spiritual light), which separated into Shiva and Shakthi. All the Gods and Goddesses are her manifestations of various vibratory divine entities. At Parashakthi Temple, she is present as Parashakthi KaRuMaRi Amman who is closest to the earthly creations. In this form, we, as separate "JivaAtma" (individual soul) can communicate with "Paramatma" (supreme soul) through Her, that will ultimately lead to our union with Paramatma by Her Grace.The Mother Parashakthi Sanctum (Sannidhi) is also graced by the presence of the Maha Meru which now confers the status of RajaRajeswari/ Bhuvaneswari to this Sannidhi. Further, on the same pedestal, there is Goddess Raja Matangi, Devi Varahi Ambika and Devi Bhuvaneshwari. The presence of the different aspects of the Great Mother along with the Maha Meru makes this a very highly energized focus of worship. Compounding this power is the presence of Mother Neelavani who sits high above the Sannidhi.
Deities with shrines installed at Parashakti Temple include the Shanmata form of worship that was proposed by Adi Shankara and include 1. Gaanapadhyam : a shrine for Lord Ganapathy. 2. Shaaktam : A shrine for Mother Parashakthi, 3. Kaumaram : A Sannidhi for Lord Subrahmanya who is Gnaana Shakthi, 4. Saivam : A shrine for Lord Kubera Siva, Nandikeswara and Lord Nataraja, 5. Vaishnavam : A shrine for Lord Venkateswara, Lakshmi Narasimha 6. Souram : A Sannidhi for Lord Surya Bhagwan as Satyanarayana and Lord Jagannath.
Major festivals
Devi Navaratri (Dasara) is the major function celebrating the Mother. This is celebrated on nine consecutive nights in the Month of Ashvijam starting on the 1st phase and ending on 10th phase of waxing Moon. This function depicts how the Mother manifested Herself as Durga, Lakshmi and Saraswathi to get rid of evil forces. The tenth day is celebrated as Vijaya (victorious) Dasami with a procession of the Mother around the temple.
The divine mother, Devi Karumari
Amman-Parashakthi during intense Kundalini mediation conveyed that she desires
to have Vishnu and Mahalakshmi’s aspect to be installed at the Parashakthi
temple, so that she could energize them, which would result in granting of
material wealth to devotees.
Devi Mahalakshmi Gayatri:
Om Mahadevyaicha Vidhmahe
Vishnu Patnyeicha Dheemahi
Tanno Lakshmi Prachothayat
Om Mahadevyaicha Vidhmahe
Vishnu Patnyeicha Dheemahi
Tanno Lakshmi Prachothayat
The divine mother, Devi Karumari
Amman-Parashakthi during intense Kundalini mediation conveyed that she desires
to have Vishnu and Mahalakshmi’s aspect to be installed at the Parashakthi
temple, so that she could energize them, which would result in granting of
material wealth to devotees. Since then Dr. Krishna Kumar along with certain
mystics in India, who are associated with Parashakthi worship, have coordinated
to bring Mahalakshmi and Ashtalakshmi Vigrahas to the Parashakthi temple. This
entailed deep meditative experiences along with mystical happenings between
this group of people and this has resulted in the creation of these vigrahas
that are installed at our Parashakthi Temple. To begin with, Lord Krishna in
the form of Guruvayurappan was installed in the early part of this year. This
was followed by Mahalakshmi in the form of Durga Mahalakshmi - Ashtalakshmi,
which were installed in May of 2004. Mahalakshmi and Ashtalakshmi Vigrahas has
been installed by the way of Yanthra Pratheeshta, which entails placement of
Yanthras, Navrathna, and Ashtabandhana.
YANTHRA PRATHEESHTA
Yanthra Pratheeshta energizes the
vigrahas to the fullest. The vibratory activities of these deities will then be
in an intense form to grant wealth in its various aspects to the divine
Mother’s devotees.
These vigrahas are made in a ritualistic manner by using various precious metals (pancha lokas) in proper proportions. This was done by Dr. Kumar and mystics in India with whom he works. These Vigrahas were made by the Sthapathies who make all vigrahas for the Kanchi Kamakoti Peetam. A great deal of meditative and mystical experiences have gone into the making of these Vigrahas and Yanthras. The Yanthras are made through ancient Vedic rituals by certain mystics who have given life to siddhi to the appropriate mantras to activate the yantras.
This Yanthra is kept in Dr. Kumar’s meditation room, and proper manthras in the way described by the Divine Mother have been performed along with various rituals which will help energize Yanthras before placing it during Yanthra Pratheeshta underneath the Vigrahas.
Placing Yanthras after giving life to proper manthras, which are associated with that particular Yanthra, brings divine vibratory energy to these Vigrahas. Precious stones are then placed on top of the yanthras, which stand on ashtabandhana and accentuates the divine vibratory energy so that the divine deity can reach lower vibratory realms in which we reside with greater densities.
The essence of spiritual evolution involves knowledge of reality, appreciation of reality - divinity, and demonstration of our own gratitude towards Divine Mother- Parashakthi for granting us wisdom and grace through which we evolve back to the Godhead.
These vigrahas are made in a ritualistic manner by using various precious metals (pancha lokas) in proper proportions. This was done by Dr. Kumar and mystics in India with whom he works. These Vigrahas were made by the Sthapathies who make all vigrahas for the Kanchi Kamakoti Peetam. A great deal of meditative and mystical experiences have gone into the making of these Vigrahas and Yanthras. The Yanthras are made through ancient Vedic rituals by certain mystics who have given life to siddhi to the appropriate mantras to activate the yantras.
This Yanthra is kept in Dr. Kumar’s meditation room, and proper manthras in the way described by the Divine Mother have been performed along with various rituals which will help energize Yanthras before placing it during Yanthra Pratheeshta underneath the Vigrahas.
Placing Yanthras after giving life to proper manthras, which are associated with that particular Yanthra, brings divine vibratory energy to these Vigrahas. Precious stones are then placed on top of the yanthras, which stand on ashtabandhana and accentuates the divine vibratory energy so that the divine deity can reach lower vibratory realms in which we reside with greater densities.
The essence of spiritual evolution involves knowledge of reality, appreciation of reality - divinity, and demonstration of our own gratitude towards Divine Mother- Parashakthi for granting us wisdom and grace through which we evolve back to the Godhead.
Lord Lakshmi Narasimha Gayatri:
Om Vajranakhaya Vidhmahe
Tiksnadamstraya Dheemahi
Tanno Narasimha Prachothayat
Om Vajranakhaya Vidhmahe
Tiksnadamstraya Dheemahi
Tanno Narasimha Prachothayat
Lord Lakshmi Narasimha Mantra:
Ugram Veeram MahaVishnum
Jwalantham Sarvatho Mukham
Nrusimham Bheeshanam Bhadram
Mruthyor Mrutyum Namamyaham
Ugram Veeram MahaVishnum
Jwalantham Sarvatho Mukham
Nrusimham Bheeshanam Bhadram
Mruthyor Mrutyum Namamyaham
Aum Ugram Veeram Mahaavishnum Jwalantam
Sarvatomukham
Nrusimham Bheeshanam Bhadram Mrutyu Mrutyum Namaamyaham
Nrusimham Bheeshanam Bhadram Mrutyu Mrutyum Namaamyaham
"I bow down to Lord Narasimha who
is ferocious and heroic like Lord Vishnu. He is aflame from every side. He is
terrific, auspicious and the death of death personified."
The Parashakthi Temple in Pontiac, Michigan resounded to the loud chanting of the above Bheejamala Sthotram during the Jaladhivaasam, Dhanyadhivaasam, Pushpadhivaasam, Sayanadhivaasam, Navarathna-Yanthra Samarpanam , Pratheeshta and the 8 hour long Yagnam during the installation of Lord Lakshmi-Narasimha Swamy from October 26 through October 28, 2007.
Lord Narasimha is an incarnation and one of the Dasavatharams of Lord Mahavishnu. The Lord appeared as a part Lion- part Human form in order to kill the Asura King Hiranyakashipu since this King had attained a boon which insisted that he can be killed by neither beast nor Humans. Thus, by appearing as a Lion-Man, He could kill the Asura King without violating the boon. God is omnipresent and omnipotent; God will find ways to destroy evil, God will do whatever is necessary to fulfill the just desires of a true devotee like Prahlada and God will never let down anyone who has faith in Him. This Avatar of Lord Vishnu indicates that although Hiranyakashipu is an Asura, he is blessed by the Lord since the Lord appears before him and also cradles him in His lap, consumes him and thus takes Hiranyakashipu into Himself which represents ultimate salvation. However, when Lord Nrisimha appeared, He was in an extremely angry form known as Ugra Narasimha and or Jwala Nrisimha. The angry mode continued even after the demonic element namely Hiranyakashipu was destroyed. Shri Mahalakshmi then appeared in order to calm down the Lord and so she sat on His lap and held him and thus cajoled Him to attain the Shanti (peaceful) mode. Thus, the combined form of the Lord with Sridevi sitting on His lap came to be known as Lakshmi-Nrisimha. Adi Shankara composed a very inspiring sloka known as Lakshmi Nrisimha Karavalambam wherein He describes this aspect of the Lord’s avataram and goes on to explain the significance and benefits that accrue to the worshippers of Lord Lakshmi Nrisimha. Worshipping Lord Nrisimha along with Mahalakshmi endows the devotee with wealth, health, prosperity, longevity and protects the devotees from disease and malefic effects of planets. In addition, it ensures the destruction of evil forces and assures the establishment of Universal peace.
During the 40 days of preinstallation ceremonies, the deity was placed respectively in water (Jaladhivaasam), bed of grains (Dhanyadhivaasam) and bed of flowers (Pushpadhivaasam) as prescribed in the Holy Scriptures. Then, on October 26, the deity was placed on a special bed depicting Yoga nidhra (Sleep mode/Sayanadhivaasam) and on October 27 morning, the deity was placed on top of a Lakshmi Nrisimha Yanthra which was made by a mystical Narasimha worshipper in India along with offerings of navarathna by devotees and panchloka (5 pieces of metals). The Temple priests with guidance and chanting of the Chaya Atharva Veda by Shri V. V. Sridhar Guruji of the Jwala Central trust in Hyderabad performed the stipulated installation ceremonies during which the assembled devotees chanted the Bheejamala Sthotram and the Narasimha Gayathri. Shri Guruji came especially from India to participate in the functions on October 26-28. Shri Shridhar Guruji is a great devotee of Lord Nrisimha, and is the only living exponent of Chaya Atharva Veda which is an assortment of potent mystic precepts that find expression in five languages namely, Sanskrit, Prakrit, Pali, Persian and Arabic. Its hymns and practices aim at effectively cleansing the human mind of negative thoughts and the environment of evil Aksharas. Sri Guruji has evolved a mystic methodology to perform Maha Sudarashana Nrusimha Yagnas with combinations of Dhanwantri and Sarpa Narayana aspects. On the last day on October 28, Guruji performed an 8 hour long Maha Dhanwantri Sudarashana Yagnam ( Fire offering) wherein, in the midst of chanting from the Holy Chaya, Krishna Mohana Tantram, Nrusimha Tapinyopanishad and other scriptures, Sri Guruji eloquently and humorously described the meanings of the chanting and benefits that accrue by performing this Yagna. Guruji was ably helped in performing the Yagna by his many disciples who had come from far off places in Canada and the USA.
The impetus for the installation of Lord Lakshmi Nrisimha came as a result of a divine Thuriya meditation experience by Dr. G. Krishna Kumar, The Chairman and Founder of The Parashakthi Temple Board of trustees during which he was instructed by the Eternal Mother Parashakthi to install the Lakshmi Narasimha deity in order to ensure the suppression of evil forces and victory of the righteous. Thus, the purpose of this installation was to enable of the worship of Lakshmi Nrisimha in order to bring peace and harmony in this troubled world. Several hundred devotees from the Midwest mainly but also from other parts of the country and Canada attended these functions and received the blessings of the Lord. The Mandala Puja for 48 days following the installation is being conducted regularly every day in the Temple. The Maha Mandala Puja on the 48th day will be celebrated in an elaborate and detailed fashion on December 14, 2007.
This report concludes with the sloka “Om Namo Namaste Jayasimha Roopa, (I bow down to the victorious Lion form of the Lord) Om Namo Namaste Narasimha Roopa (I bow down to the Man-Lion form of the Lord), Om Namo Namaste Ranasimha Roopa, (I bow down to the blood coverd form of the Lord) Om Namo Namaste Narasimha Roopa” (I bow down and surrender to Lord Nrisimha)
The Parashakthi Temple in Pontiac, Michigan resounded to the loud chanting of the above Bheejamala Sthotram during the Jaladhivaasam, Dhanyadhivaasam, Pushpadhivaasam, Sayanadhivaasam, Navarathna-Yanthra Samarpanam , Pratheeshta and the 8 hour long Yagnam during the installation of Lord Lakshmi-Narasimha Swamy from October 26 through October 28, 2007.
Lord Narasimha is an incarnation and one of the Dasavatharams of Lord Mahavishnu. The Lord appeared as a part Lion- part Human form in order to kill the Asura King Hiranyakashipu since this King had attained a boon which insisted that he can be killed by neither beast nor Humans. Thus, by appearing as a Lion-Man, He could kill the Asura King without violating the boon. God is omnipresent and omnipotent; God will find ways to destroy evil, God will do whatever is necessary to fulfill the just desires of a true devotee like Prahlada and God will never let down anyone who has faith in Him. This Avatar of Lord Vishnu indicates that although Hiranyakashipu is an Asura, he is blessed by the Lord since the Lord appears before him and also cradles him in His lap, consumes him and thus takes Hiranyakashipu into Himself which represents ultimate salvation. However, when Lord Nrisimha appeared, He was in an extremely angry form known as Ugra Narasimha and or Jwala Nrisimha. The angry mode continued even after the demonic element namely Hiranyakashipu was destroyed. Shri Mahalakshmi then appeared in order to calm down the Lord and so she sat on His lap and held him and thus cajoled Him to attain the Shanti (peaceful) mode. Thus, the combined form of the Lord with Sridevi sitting on His lap came to be known as Lakshmi-Nrisimha. Adi Shankara composed a very inspiring sloka known as Lakshmi Nrisimha Karavalambam wherein He describes this aspect of the Lord’s avataram and goes on to explain the significance and benefits that accrue to the worshippers of Lord Lakshmi Nrisimha. Worshipping Lord Nrisimha along with Mahalakshmi endows the devotee with wealth, health, prosperity, longevity and protects the devotees from disease and malefic effects of planets. In addition, it ensures the destruction of evil forces and assures the establishment of Universal peace.
During the 40 days of preinstallation ceremonies, the deity was placed respectively in water (Jaladhivaasam), bed of grains (Dhanyadhivaasam) and bed of flowers (Pushpadhivaasam) as prescribed in the Holy Scriptures. Then, on October 26, the deity was placed on a special bed depicting Yoga nidhra (Sleep mode/Sayanadhivaasam) and on October 27 morning, the deity was placed on top of a Lakshmi Nrisimha Yanthra which was made by a mystical Narasimha worshipper in India along with offerings of navarathna by devotees and panchloka (5 pieces of metals). The Temple priests with guidance and chanting of the Chaya Atharva Veda by Shri V. V. Sridhar Guruji of the Jwala Central trust in Hyderabad performed the stipulated installation ceremonies during which the assembled devotees chanted the Bheejamala Sthotram and the Narasimha Gayathri. Shri Guruji came especially from India to participate in the functions on October 26-28. Shri Shridhar Guruji is a great devotee of Lord Nrisimha, and is the only living exponent of Chaya Atharva Veda which is an assortment of potent mystic precepts that find expression in five languages namely, Sanskrit, Prakrit, Pali, Persian and Arabic. Its hymns and practices aim at effectively cleansing the human mind of negative thoughts and the environment of evil Aksharas. Sri Guruji has evolved a mystic methodology to perform Maha Sudarashana Nrusimha Yagnas with combinations of Dhanwantri and Sarpa Narayana aspects. On the last day on October 28, Guruji performed an 8 hour long Maha Dhanwantri Sudarashana Yagnam ( Fire offering) wherein, in the midst of chanting from the Holy Chaya, Krishna Mohana Tantram, Nrusimha Tapinyopanishad and other scriptures, Sri Guruji eloquently and humorously described the meanings of the chanting and benefits that accrue by performing this Yagna. Guruji was ably helped in performing the Yagna by his many disciples who had come from far off places in Canada and the USA.
The impetus for the installation of Lord Lakshmi Nrisimha came as a result of a divine Thuriya meditation experience by Dr. G. Krishna Kumar, The Chairman and Founder of The Parashakthi Temple Board of trustees during which he was instructed by the Eternal Mother Parashakthi to install the Lakshmi Narasimha deity in order to ensure the suppression of evil forces and victory of the righteous. Thus, the purpose of this installation was to enable of the worship of Lakshmi Nrisimha in order to bring peace and harmony in this troubled world. Several hundred devotees from the Midwest mainly but also from other parts of the country and Canada attended these functions and received the blessings of the Lord. The Mandala Puja for 48 days following the installation is being conducted regularly every day in the Temple. The Maha Mandala Puja on the 48th day will be celebrated in an elaborate and detailed fashion on December 14, 2007.
This report concludes with the sloka “Om Namo Namaste Jayasimha Roopa, (I bow down to the victorious Lion form of the Lord) Om Namo Namaste Narasimha Roopa (I bow down to the Man-Lion form of the Lord), Om Namo Namaste Ranasimha Roopa, (I bow down to the blood coverd form of the Lord) Om Namo Namaste Narasimha Roopa” (I bow down and surrender to Lord Nrisimha)
Sarva Dosha Nivarana Peetham
Dhristhi Peetam Sanctum at the Temple
The Sarva Dosha Nivarana Peetham was
consecrated on Sunday, November 29, 2009 (Ashwini Star, Dwadasi). It is located
at the location originally proposed as the site of the Parashakthi Temple.
Obviously, it is the Divine Wish of Mother Parashakthi to give Darshan to Her
devotees as Chottanikkara Rajarajeswari at the same location chosen initially
for the Temple.
It was the wish of Divine Mother Parashakthi that we should provide a place for helping our devotees to ward off the ill effects of any Dhrishti. In other words, a place where all devotees can go and worship Bhagawathy and get her blessings to be freed from material, physical and psychological ill effects due to any form of Dhrishti. Thus, this Dhrishti Nivarana Peetham is meant to be a Dhrishti Parihara Sthalam (place). Accordingly, the three Peethams were placed without consecration in the North eastern area near the Yaga Shala wherein various devatas were invoked during the Yagna performed during the Vigraha installation ceremonies.
Thus, we are fortunate to have Divine Mother’s protection for the whole world through the proper installation of the Dhrishti Nivarana Peetham through proper ritualistic consecration at the appropriate time which was chosen by Mother Parashakthi. We are fortunate in receiving so many boons and benefits through the Divine Mother’s kindness. SHE has become a personal goddess guiding us and providing us the needed protection at various levels.
It was the wish of Divine Mother Parashakthi that we should provide a place for helping our devotees to ward off the ill effects of any Dhrishti. In other words, a place where all devotees can go and worship Bhagawathy and get her blessings to be freed from material, physical and psychological ill effects due to any form of Dhrishti. Thus, this Dhrishti Nivarana Peetham is meant to be a Dhrishti Parihara Sthalam (place). Accordingly, the three Peethams were placed without consecration in the North eastern area near the Yaga Shala wherein various devatas were invoked during the Yagna performed during the Vigraha installation ceremonies.
Thus, we are fortunate to have Divine Mother’s protection for the whole world through the proper installation of the Dhrishti Nivarana Peetham through proper ritualistic consecration at the appropriate time which was chosen by Mother Parashakthi. We are fortunate in receiving so many boons and benefits through the Divine Mother’s kindness. SHE has become a personal goddess guiding us and providing us the needed protection at various levels.
Significance and presence of World
Protective cosmic forces at the peetham
During intense Kundalini meditations, Divine
Mother Parashakthi revealed to Dr. G. Krishna Kumar, Temple Founder, President
and Spiritual Director, that major damage from Drishti (Evil Eye) is caused by
cosmic forces or cosmic Devatas. Some of these cosmic forces are Asuric or
Demonic elements who affect our life pattern and activities by random fall of
their asuric or demonic cosmic vision made worse by our own planetary weakness
and susceptibility - thereby causing the “Drishti” effect on us. Asuric/
Demonic Drishti are thousand fold more harmful than any human Drishti.
Presence of Mahamayee (Maha Mari).
• The protective energy of Cosmic Lord Arishtanemi, who along with Indra, Poosha and Brihaspati, is the third level of transcendence for humans from the Divine Mother. This energy & vibration is purely protective in nature.
• The protective energy of Cosmic Lord Arishtanemi, who along with Indra, Poosha and Brihaspati, is the third level of transcendence for humans from the Divine Mother. This energy & vibration is purely protective in nature.
The proactive protection of Goddess
Shashti Durga, to prepare in advance and protect the world from predicted
apocalyptic catastrophes. Divine Mother has blessed us with Shasti Durga
through the embodiment of all six Durga aspects. They are Agni Durga, Jala
Durga, Bramha Durga, Vishnu Durga, Rudra Durga and Sulini Durga. They function
as protection of Devas (Angels) and all living beings from unbearable
difficulties and from deadly enemies. Shree Durga personifies Shakthi, Maya and
Prakrithi. All Durga aspects of Divine Mother Parashakthi are energized by
“Her” and all angelical beings, including Thirumurthi, Brahma, Vishnu and
Shiva-Rudra. This high cosmic energy comes into play during the time of
destruction by demonic elements. Durga is also a personification of Maya as
shown during her destruction of Madhu and Kaitabha episode where high Asura
(demonic) element tried to prevent the act of creation itself. Here as Maya,
she deludes these high demonic elements, so that Maha Vishnu can slay them and
continue his Shriti, Sthithi functions. As Prakrithi Durga inextricably is
associated with the physical world, the world she creates sustains and protects
in her various forms. During the periods of major destructive actions of various
demonic forces, she manifests as Mahakali Durga and Chamundi and maintains
cosmic stability. Divine Mother has manifested at our Temple as Shasti Durga to
protect the world from predicted catastrophies.
The Protection & Grace of Eight
Nagadevathas through the two installed Nagadevathas, which is needed in order
to make the Peetham Consecration more effective for World Protection.
• Chottanikkara Bhagawathi, a manifestation of Lalitha Tripurasundari and her Balai aspect, Bala Tripurasundari.
• Chottanikkara Bhagawathi, a manifestation of Lalitha Tripurasundari and her Balai aspect, Bala Tripurasundari.
hese cosmic energies & vibrations
are protective in nature, and will protect not only us devotees, but the whole
world from both Asuric Drishti as well as human Drishti. Divine Mother has
manifested here at our Temple for World Protection during this asuric or demonic
dominant period when our world will go through major catastrophes as foretold
by all the ancient faiths including Mayan & Egyptian writings, Hopi Indian
predictions, Book of Revelations, Nostradamus predictions and Roman & Greek
Oracles. In the process of eliminating Asuric Drishti, the Drishti caused by
humans will be easily eliminated, thus providing maximal protection to all of
us.
Dhrishti Peetam Yantras
Sri Chakra Yantra: Divine Mother wished special Sri Chakra Abhishekam to be performed for Naga Devathas with Sri Chakra prepared by a Siddha with direction from his Guru who is in Jiva Samadhi. His Guru received cosmic instruction from Naga Devathas and the Divine Mother. This was done properly as directed by “Her” through the Siddha Gurus. The cosmic ritual resulted in Ashta Naga Devathas manifestation at our Temple to energize the Dhrishti Nivarana Peetham.
Maha Mari Yantra: Intensely energized Maha Mari Yantra prepared by the Siddha according to Divine Mother’s direction was used with proper Mantras granted by Divine Mother.
Shashti Durga Yantra: Highly manifested Shashti Durga Yantra prepared by a Siddha under the direction of Divine Mother through his Gurus to energize the Dhrishti Nivarana Peetham for World Protection. Although the initial date for the Consecration was planned in late October, Divine Mother revealed the proper plans and granted us the most “powerful”, “dynamic” and “cosmic” designs of the Yantras with the energies of the highest Divine manifestation, so that the world can be protected from predicted catastrophies.
Parihara Worship
Devotees may directly go to the Peetham, pray silently or contact one of our priests to perform Abhishekam, ($51), Archana ($11) and special Parihara Pujas. Puja is performed on every Chaturdasi day (twice a month) at 7:30 PM. ($11). By offering prayers at the Peetham, we can ward off any ill effects caused by asuric or human Drishti, Purva Janma, Navagaraha and other Doshas.
Dhrishti Peetam Yantras
Sri Chakra Yantra: Divine Mother wished special Sri Chakra Abhishekam to be performed for Naga Devathas with Sri Chakra prepared by a Siddha with direction from his Guru who is in Jiva Samadhi. His Guru received cosmic instruction from Naga Devathas and the Divine Mother. This was done properly as directed by “Her” through the Siddha Gurus. The cosmic ritual resulted in Ashta Naga Devathas manifestation at our Temple to energize the Dhrishti Nivarana Peetham.
Maha Mari Yantra: Intensely energized Maha Mari Yantra prepared by the Siddha according to Divine Mother’s direction was used with proper Mantras granted by Divine Mother.
Shashti Durga Yantra: Highly manifested Shashti Durga Yantra prepared by a Siddha under the direction of Divine Mother through his Gurus to energize the Dhrishti Nivarana Peetham for World Protection. Although the initial date for the Consecration was planned in late October, Divine Mother revealed the proper plans and granted us the most “powerful”, “dynamic” and “cosmic” designs of the Yantras with the energies of the highest Divine manifestation, so that the world can be protected from predicted catastrophies.
Parihara Worship
Devotees may directly go to the Peetham, pray silently or contact one of our priests to perform Abhishekam, ($51), Archana ($11) and special Parihara Pujas. Puja is performed on every Chaturdasi day (twice a month) at 7:30 PM. ($11). By offering prayers at the Peetham, we can ward off any ill effects caused by asuric or human Drishti, Purva Janma, Navagaraha and other Doshas.
Navagrahas (The 9 Planets) Sannidhi
Namah Suryaya Somaya Mangalaya Budhaya Cha
Guru Shukra Sanibhyascha Rahave Ketave Namah
The Navagrahas are 9 important deities
of the Hindu religious tradition. They are Surya, Chandra, Angaraka, Budha,
Guru, Sukra, Sani, Rahu and Ketu. The last two, Rahu and Ketu are planet-like
entities, unique to the Hindu tradition. Devotees worship the Navagrahas to
minimize the malefic effects of the planetary positions as applicable to their
birth charts.
Hindu astronomy is based upon the configuration of the nine planets and their collective influence on the world in general and each individual in particular. Depending upon where these planets are located at the time of a person’s birth, Hindus believe that the possibilities and potentialities of his life and energies are determined well in advance. The nine planets are collectively known as Navagrahas. They are found in most Hindu temples either grouped together on a panel or in a separate pavilion. The devotees usually offer their respects to the nine planetary gods before offering prayers to the main deity of the temple. Out of the nine gods the names of seven are actually drawn from names of the planets of the solar system and also correspond to the names of the seven days of the Hindu calendar week. The remaining two gods are actually demons who managed to gain a place in the pantheon through an act of trickery. By the worship of Navagrahas, the planets which are in auspicious situations offer increased fruits of benefits for one’s actions while the planets which occupy less desirous situations tend to remove the evil effects of a person’s karma. The nine planets are:
1. Surya (Sun): He is the Sun God, also called Ravi. In the company of the other planets, he generally stands in the center facing east, while the other planets stand around him in eight different directions, but none facing each other. He rides a chariot that has one wheel and pulled by seven white horses. The seven horses symbolically represent the seven colors of the white light and the seven days of the week.
2. Chandra (Moon): Also knows as Soma, and probably because of his waxing and waning qualities, in the images he is never depicted in full.
3. Mangala (Mars): Also called Angarka, Mangala is a ferocious god with four hands.
4. Budha (Mercury): We generally see him depicted with four hands, riding upon a chariot or a lion.
5. Brihaspathi (Jupiter): Brihaspathi also known as Guru is the teacher of gods and is praised in many hymns of the Rigveda. He is generally shown with two hands, seated in a chariot driven by eight horses.
6. Sukra (Venus): Sukra is the teacher of the demons and the author of Sukraniti. He is generally shown with four hands, riding upon a golden or a silver chariot drawn by eight horses.
7. Sani (Saturn): Sani is a turbulent and troublesome god who makes and breaks fortunes by his influence and position in the planetary system for which he is invariably feared and especially worshipped by those who believe in Hindu astrology.
8. Rahu: His image resembles that of Budha (Mercury) in some respects but both gods differ fundamentallyin their nature and temperament.
9. Ketu: In Sanskrit Ketu (Dhuma ketu) means comet. The scriptures describe him as having the tail of a serpent as his body, a description which very much matches with his connection to the image of a comet.
Hindu astronomy is based upon the configuration of the nine planets and their collective influence on the world in general and each individual in particular. Depending upon where these planets are located at the time of a person’s birth, Hindus believe that the possibilities and potentialities of his life and energies are determined well in advance. The nine planets are collectively known as Navagrahas. They are found in most Hindu temples either grouped together on a panel or in a separate pavilion. The devotees usually offer their respects to the nine planetary gods before offering prayers to the main deity of the temple. Out of the nine gods the names of seven are actually drawn from names of the planets of the solar system and also correspond to the names of the seven days of the Hindu calendar week. The remaining two gods are actually demons who managed to gain a place in the pantheon through an act of trickery. By the worship of Navagrahas, the planets which are in auspicious situations offer increased fruits of benefits for one’s actions while the planets which occupy less desirous situations tend to remove the evil effects of a person’s karma. The nine planets are:
1. Surya (Sun): He is the Sun God, also called Ravi. In the company of the other planets, he generally stands in the center facing east, while the other planets stand around him in eight different directions, but none facing each other. He rides a chariot that has one wheel and pulled by seven white horses. The seven horses symbolically represent the seven colors of the white light and the seven days of the week.
2. Chandra (Moon): Also knows as Soma, and probably because of his waxing and waning qualities, in the images he is never depicted in full.
3. Mangala (Mars): Also called Angarka, Mangala is a ferocious god with four hands.
4. Budha (Mercury): We generally see him depicted with four hands, riding upon a chariot or a lion.
5. Brihaspathi (Jupiter): Brihaspathi also known as Guru is the teacher of gods and is praised in many hymns of the Rigveda. He is generally shown with two hands, seated in a chariot driven by eight horses.
6. Sukra (Venus): Sukra is the teacher of the demons and the author of Sukraniti. He is generally shown with four hands, riding upon a golden or a silver chariot drawn by eight horses.
7. Sani (Saturn): Sani is a turbulent and troublesome god who makes and breaks fortunes by his influence and position in the planetary system for which he is invariably feared and especially worshipped by those who believe in Hindu astrology.
8. Rahu: His image resembles that of Budha (Mercury) in some respects but both gods differ fundamentallyin their nature and temperament.
9. Ketu: In Sanskrit Ketu (Dhuma ketu) means comet. The scriptures describe him as having the tail of a serpent as his body, a description which very much matches with his connection to the image of a comet.
Om Tat Sat
(Continued...)
(My
humble salutations to the great devotees
, wikisources and Pilgrimage tourist guide for the
collection )
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