~~OM~~ The views from beneath the Peeple tree on the bank of Ganga are quite spectacular. Just behind me is a Durga Temple, beside which is a Hanuman Temple. Immediately to my left is the long expanse of the ghats, where children play, sadhus do yoga and meditate, and people bathe and do pujas. In […]

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~~OM~~ I recently returned from a short visit to the Himalayas. Joined by three dear friends, Sanjay, Sushil, and Swami Ramkripaluji, we visited several places in the Kumoan before we headed for Yamunotri and Gangotri. We took mules into the higher mountains on the way to Gomukh. There were no bridges, so the mules had […]

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Foreign Devotees Sing a Beautiful Recitation of the Sundar Kanda

Varanasi

Coming from California, USA, Shree Maa and Swami Satyananda Saraswati along with disciples from many countries sang a beautiful recitation of the Sundar Kanda at the Sankat Mochan Mandir on Monday evening. Along with about 40 disciples from many countries and about two dozen Indian disciples from Banaras, they arrived at the Sankat Mochan Mandir at 4:30 in the evening.

After performing worship, they all assembled in one area of the temple. Then as one voice, they all sang the Sundar Kanda with great rhythm and speed. Seeing so many foreigners reciting with so much devotion, the local people who came to the temple for evening prayers were greatly surprised.

Playing harmonium was Trilochan, on tablas was Rajan, on dholak Vinay Bhushan, playing the cymbals was the Respected Ramya, and on the bells was Srini Baba. After completing the recitation, they joined the arati in the Ram Mandir and in the Sankat Mochan Hanuman Mandir. The foreign devotees distributed prasad with their own hands. Coming from many various countries were Dharmesh, Mahananda, Manohar, Srimati Rukmani, Susri Parvati, Kamala, Nanda and others joined devotees Amitabh and Jolly Agrawal to perform the recitation.

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The Maha Yajna of Shree Maa and of Swami Satyananda Saraswati

Varanasi

Coming from California, USA, Shree Maa and Swami Satyananda Saraswati performed a Maha Yajna of the Shiva Sahasranam for Universal peace and the welfare of all mankind at the Lalita Ghat on the bank of the Ganga. Also present in this great religious undertaking many people from various countries were reciting the mantras with beautiful tones and correct pronunciation.

Along with both Indian and foreign devotees, Shree Maa and Swami Satyananda Saraswati arrived at the ghat on the bank of the river at 5:00 AM. After cleaning the area of the yajna, they erected a howan kunda. After inviting and worshipping the Gods, Swami Satyananda Saraswatiji enkindled the homa fire. After that about forty devotees who came from California, were joined by devotees from Australia, Switzerland, England, Indonesia, and many other countries, and at least two dozen Indian disciples, all offered oblations into the fire while reciting the Thousand Names of Shiva.

Desiring the welfare of all mankind, Shree Maa offered one thousand eight bilva leaves into the fire. Witnessing the clear intonation and proper pronunciation of the the Sanskrit mantras by foreigners, a large crowd of Banaras citizens gathered. In this same way foreign tourists gathered and many people were able to receive the blessings of Shree Maa and Swami Satyananda Saraswati.

Local resident Amitabh Agrawal said that on 10 November at 4:30 PM Shree Maa and Swami Satyananda Saraswati will be leading the recitation of the Sundara Kanda at the Sankat Mochan Mandir, and at 6:00 AM on 12 November, they will be leading the Chandi Path Homa in the Annapurna Mandir.

3rd Nov 2008 We came out from the airport at about 3:00 AM. Many dear friends and devotees were waiting to welcome us. We touched the ground and bowed to Mother India! What a joy to be back! We were home by about 4, and after a bath, some of us sat down to chant […]