DIDI’S SATABHISHEKAM- PUBLIC FUNCTION

The well-wishers of Vivekananda Kendra Kodungallur deemed it a great privilege and honour to celebrate the Shatabhishekam (84^th Birthday) of Dr M.Lakshmi Kumari, Director of VK Vedic Vision Foundation. As is well known, she is a person who, sacrificing her career as a scientist in the prime Agricultural Institution of India, IARI, Delhi had dedicated her life for furthering the activities of Vivekananda Kendra, Kanyakumari and spreading the message of Swami Vivekananda for the spiritual upliftment of the society. For the last 22 years she had been heading the VKVVF here at Kodungallur at Anandadham and has rendered yeomen service to the society. Here is a brief report of the celebration that has left an indelible mark on our society. Many scholars, sanyasis and and leaders attended the Shatabhishekam and blessed Didi and Vivekanda Kendra on this auspicious occasion.

    The public celebrations were from 6^th to 8^th March 2020 which included:

1.     Vishnuprayaga: -

Acharya Sabha on 6^th from 10 a.m. to 11.30. Sishuvihar children sang the prayer beautifully bringing the Vishnuprayaga to full form. All India Sanyasi Sabha Secretary Srimad Prabhakarananda Swami was the Chief Guest. He gave an overall view of Sanatana Dharma in general and Shatabhisheka in particular. Others who spoke were Sri P. Vishwaroopan (M.D. Janam TV), Dr M.S Muralidharan (Hindi Prachar Sabha) and Ka. Ba. Surendran (Bharatiya Vichar Kendra). Sri O.P. Suresh welcomed the gathering and Sri Shally gave vote of thanks

2.     Rudraprayaga: -

In the afternoon, there was a meeting of members from Dharmacharyas of Vaidika Tantrika Kshetras. Brahmasri Koru Asan Vaidika Kendra members offered prayers. Chief Guest was Dr Karumatra Vijayan, who gave a call to purify the temples and make them relevant by introducing Sanatana Dharma Coaching classes in every temple. Dr M.V. Natesan also emphasized this aspect in his talk. Kunnath Madam Parameswaran Unni Adigal and Brahmasri Bharatan Tantri were honoured. Sri Jayan welcomed the gathering and Sri Lalappan offered the vote of thanks. It was heartening to note that many temple authorities from different parts of the district added to the grace of the occasion by their active participation. Ladies group presented a Thiruvathira Kali as the finale of the programme.

3. Nandaprayaga: -

The programme on 7^th bore the name Nandaprayaga. Brahmasri Narendra Adigal performed the Ganapati homa early in the morning followed by Narananeeya Parayana by Sri Durga Naraneeya Samithi, Pullut. Nandaprayaga was centered on an assembly of Acharyas which brought together some of the distinguished acharyas on the same stage. Students of Sri Sai Vidya Bhavan received Sampujya Chidananda Puri Swamiji of Kolathur Adwaita Ashram with Vedic chantings and Poorna Kumbha. The programme was then inaugurated by Sampujya Chidananda Puri Swamiji. Swami Purushothamanandaji of Vivekananda Ashram, Cherussery presided. Well-known Bhagavatacharya Srimad Swami Udith Chaitanya was the main speaker, who called upon the people to wake up to the call of Swami Vivekananda Uthisthata, Jagrata, Prapyavaran Nibodhata. Srimad Theja Swaroopanandaji of Kapilashram, Triprayar gave his benedictory address.

4. Karnaprayaga: -

The fourth congregation bore the name Karnaprayaga. Its main programme was Yoga Sanjeevani in which our YCC and YIC students presented yoga in attractive ways. Sri Premnathji, Saha Samparka Pramukh and yoga coordinator welcomed the gathering. Sri Sudhakarji gave the key note address. Yoga pyramid by the students of Sri Sai Vidya Bhavan, P Vemballur at the beginning was a noteworthy feature. Smt Jaya Sadanandan gave vote of thanks. 

5. Deva Prayaga:-  

March 8^th being International Woman’s day, women dominated the session Deva Prayaga. Sri Nanda Kumar, Tantri from Ala, started the day with the usual Ganapati Homam. The programme was rightly a Matru Sangamam emphasising the role of women as wives and mothers, home makers in the society.

The Matru Sangamam was blessed by Sampoojya Avyaya Prana Mataji of Sri Sarada Math, Ernakulum by lighting the lamp and giving the benedictory address. Sri Jayalakshmi Sadanandan welcomed the gathering, predominantly women. Much to the delight of the audience five year old Kumari Aradhya of Sishuvihar introduced Ma. Didi without missing one word from her beautifully prepared speech. Smt. Usha Verma, Samyojika of Rashtriya Sevika Samithi presided and spoke about the problems present day women face in the society. Next came the key note address by Dr. Lakshmi Shankar, Head of Sanskrit Department, Sri Krishna College, Guruvayur, who is a very dear disciple of Mata Amrithanandamayi and also one very close to Lakshmi Didi. Women and family was the subject wonderfully dealt with by Dr. Lakshmi. The renowned artist Sri Davinchi Suresh offered felicitations. Kumari Bindu, longtime associate of Vivekananda Kendra Kodungallur, gave the vote of thanks.

Earlier in the morning there was Gopuja and chanting of Lalita Sahasranama etc. led by some fifty mothers.

6. Keshavaprayaga:- 

The sixth session was Keshavaprayaga.  Which was a  Kavya Sadas in which some of the well-known poets from Kodungallur were honoured. Sri Nandakumar welcomed the gathering. Mahakavi Sri Thayyapparambil Gopalan Kutty Menon, Sri P.S.S. Kaimal and Sri T.K Velu were honoured. Prof. Padma Devi, Sri Sopanam Unnikrishnan, Smt. Saji Madhu and Smt Anitha made the hall reverberate with their poetic presentations. Advocate Smt. Lisha Jayanarayan proposed the vote of thanks.

        The finale of the three days programme was indeed grand and soul filling. Ma. Didi was the central figure in the Nama Japa procession from Ananda Dham to Dr. Panicker’s hall. Panchavadyam and namajapa added to the dignity of the occasion. In the public meeting that followed Maj. Gen. Dr. Vivekanandan presided. Sri M. S. Muralidharan, the Chairman of the celebration committee welcomed the gathering. Srimad Swami Adyathmanandaji of Sambodh Foundation lighted the lamp and offered benediction. Sri P.E.B. Menon delivered the inaugural address. The Chief Guest was Sri J. Nandakumar (Prajna Pravaha of RSS) who spoke at length about the contribution of Didi as also about the great role that Vivekananda Kendra is playing since its inception 50 years ago. Felicitation was offered by Dr. Vasudevan Panicker.

In the reply Ma. Didi summarized the important landmarks in her long life, especially as a dedicated worker of Vivekananda Kendra. She thanked the organisers of the programme for the wonderful way they have honoured her. Last but not the least, she wounded up her speech by announcing two important  projects dear to her, namely installing a statue of Swami Vivekananda in Kodungallur and of building two houses for two poor sisters badly in need of shelter. This was much appreciated by the audience. With vote of thanks offered by Sri Pramod the three days programme came to a memorable conclusion.                                                                                                                                                                                            

BHAGAVATA SAPTAHA AND MANANEEYA DIDI'S SHATABHISHEKAM CELEBRATION

Bhagavata Saptaha Satram

This year preparations for the Saptah started almost a year back with fixing the Acharya. This time Brahmasri Nochur Venkataraman was chosen as the yagna Acharya.

Ramanacharanatirtha Brahmasri Nochur Venkataraman is an Acharya of Vedanta sampradāya. At a very young age, this sagely teacher started expounding on the age-old Vedic wisdom of the Upanishads, Gita, Bhagavatam and other texts on Vedanta. His discourses and writings are aflame with the power of Atmajñāna and the fragrance of bhakti that one gets on intimation of one’s spiritual essence instantaneously. Coming in the lineage of Bhagavan Sri Ramana Maharshi, Nochur Acharya’s talks and writings on Maharshi’s teachings are a great guiding force for Self-enquiry.

Hence it is was decided to contact him in person and invite him for the Satra. After hearing the significance of the event as Man. Lakshmi Didi would be completing 84 years he readily agreed to take part in the Sathabhishekam celebrations. She would have witnessed thousand full moons in her life time that is why this satra occupies a very important event in her life.

As the yagnacharya could not be present at all times st the yagna we changed the Saptah into a Saptah satra, giving an opportunity for several youngsters to participate and give discourses.

From December onwards the actual preparations started with notices and invitations and flex holdings etc. Cook and pandal and light and sound arrangements were all booked in advance. This being the first time the Acharya would be visiting Kodungallur we didn’t have any idea how many would be attending the satra and how many will be staying and what will be the requirement of water and other daily requirements. Things started becoming clear only by the end of January as Acharya clarified certain things like he would be taking the class only in the evening for couple of hours and he would be staying at Kochi etc.

With the help of two devotees Sri Biju and Sri Narayan who have offered their services totally free and could  arrange the other acharyas to speak during the Satram. Advocate.P. R. Ramanathanji a well-known Acharya of Bhagavatam was invited to inaugurate the Satram. Everything was in place by 25^th February.

At 6pm. on 26^th Sri Ramanathanji couldn’t come as he was held up elsewhere. Sri T. Gopalan Kutty Menon, well known poet and Prof. R.D. Iyer, Chairman of Navashakti Trust inaugurated the Satram. Man. Lakshmi Didi introduced the Acharyas to the audience. The atmosphere was charged with chantings. The Mahatmyam was chanted and the importance of Bhagavata Satram was narrated. Thus the first day of the Satram came to end with Shanti Mantra.

Daily programme was as follows

5 am. to 6am.                          Ganapathi Homam and Vishnu Sahasranama

6 am to 8.15 am                       Reading of Bhagavatam

9am. to 10.30 am                     Reading of Bhagavatam

10.30 am to 12.30 noon              Discourse

4.30 pm to 6 p.m                       Discourse

All who honoured us by their presence and discourses were

27^th and 28^th       Brahmasri Sreeraj Cheruvatta

29^th                   Brahmasri Perattupuram Krishnan Namboodiri

1^st March            Brahmasri Harigovind Malikappuram

2^nd March           Brahmasri Ranjit Moleri

3rd MARCH ON DIDI'S BIRTHDAY  - TRIBUTES FOR DIDI BY ALL

From 29^th February to 3^rd March every evening from 4 p.m. to 6.30p.m was the spiritual discourse by the renowned scholar Brahmasri Nochur Venkatraman.The topic chosen was chosen from the 11th Chapter of Srimad Bhagavatam  -the 24 gurus. 

He also spoke on the concluding day,4^th March bringing to finale the grand-Saptaha- Satra.                                           
  Mananeeya Didi's 84th Birthday was on 3rd March. In addition to the Bhagavata Satra, in the morning hours, Ganapati Homa followed by Mrityunjaya Homa was performed by  Rev.Dr Karumatra Vijayanji and his  students.
Office bearers of many Hindu organisations came to wish Didi and take her blessings. Some of them performed dance and sang bhajans, recited poems, as tribute to Ma.Didi. Vivekananda Kendra's All India Adhikaries ,from our headquarters in Kanyakumari- Ma.Bhanudasji, Ma.Hanumanthaji, Ma.Krishnamurtiji, Sri Ayyappanji and Sushri Radha Didi too were present on the occasion and took the blessings of Ma.Didi. Nearly 700 people were present on that day.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                       

Vishwabhanu Dec '19 - Jan '20

Vishwabhanu Dec'19 - Ja... 

Yoga Satras by YCC students

Out of 10 YCC students who have completed the six months non-residential course under Vk Kodungallur and V.K.Kanyakumari, 5 of them -Smt Anitha, Smt shaila,Sri Vighnesh, Smt Silja and Smt Sheela have been able to conduct classes. Vignesh and Anitha have successfully completed. Sri Vighnesh, Sheela and Anitha are from Edavilangu village. Their long term goal is to transform the whole of Edavilangu into a Yoga Village. 

A strong Sampark sthan we will be able to build up in this area. First batch YCC students Smt Jayalakshmi and Smt Suja (who is also the Saha Yoga Varga Pramukh) are also from the same area and are coordinating the yoga related activities. As for all round assistance and guidance our very close welwishers Smt Mridula Chechi and Sri Anilji and family who also stay near by. Smt Silja and Shaila are from Triprayar area. They both have successfully completed one satra each and have started the second satra. Sri Harish will be conducting the satras in Ettumanoor and Kottayam area.

Thus vistar work is taking place gradually and in a well planned way.

Samparka yagna Report for the month of January 2020

Samparka January 2020 by vedicvision99 on Scribd

SAMARTHA BHARAT PARVA AND SWAMIJI JAYANTHI

                                                             Samartha Bharat Parva started with 2 non residential half day 'Know Yoga' camps  for 250 students divided into 2 batches. The students were from Irinjalakuda Govt Higher Sec.School on 23rd December. Smt Suja Menon, saha Yoga Varga Pramukh conducted the classes. Classes included theory as well as practical classes on Yoga .                   



 On 3rd January, there was patriotic song competitions for the UP and High School section.Ma.Didi lighted the lamp and then blessed the participants encouraging them to take the opportunity as an offering to the Patriot Saint- Swamiji. 5 schools and a total of  40  students took part.






 On 4th January,there was folk group song competitions for U.P. and H.S students. 75 students from 9 schools registered . Total 65 students   from 7 schools participated.Folk song of various districts of Kerala were presented by the participants.



On 11th January,Sandeepani Sishuvihar teachers organised a 'Go as you like' fancy dress show. It was like a Deva Sangamam.All the 27 Sishuvihar children dressed up in
different costumes  as Sri Krishna,Balarama,Sri Radha,Sri Rama ,Sri Lakshman,Sita Devi ,Hanuman or as Thacholi Othenan, Unniyarcha Ayyankali, Pazhassi participated. Each of them spoke on different topics based on the messages of Swami Vivekananda or values of life.All their parents ,teachers and inmates of Kendra, around 50 people were present to listen to their short sweet speeches.

On 12th January Swamiji's Jayanti was celebrated in a unique way.
It started with , Samatva yoga sangamam. 170 yoga students assembled at South nada of Sri Kurumba Bhagavathi temple on 12th January sharp at 5. 45 am for procession from temple to Ananda dham. Sri Trivikraman Adigal lighted the lamp and handed it over to  Smt Suja Nair, Saha Yoga Varga Pramukh. In the procession along with all the yoga participants the Chief Guest of the programme, Sri Kaithapram Vasudevan Namboodiri-Chairman of Patanjali Yoga research training centre, Ernakulam and retd Major General Vivekanandan- a close well- wisher of Kendra, also accompanied followed in a line of two chanting pranava mantra. It was a treat to watch this all dressed in uniform walking carrying placards with Swamiji's messages , all  yoga students' procession. 


All the yoga students totalling 170 arranged themselves in a short span of time without wasting any time. The programme at Ananda dham started on dot at 6.45 am with prayer led by Sutapa didi and compeared by Smt Jayalakshmi followed by lighting the lamp by the Chief Guest. Ma. Lakshmi Didi in her inaugural address welcomed the Chief guest and all the assembled. She said let us try to understand the importance of Swami Vivekananda and imbibe the spirit of Swamiji. Sri Vasudevan Master in his address stressed on the need for understanding the concept of disease and how yoga can be a tool for making one's own body strong and also bringing an all-round development of an individual. Followed by the talk all yoga students performed yoga practices guided by Sutapa didi assisted by Master Rishikesh, Master Surya and Kum. Anusri. The programme concluded with a shanti mantra.

Concluding ,public programme of Vivekananda Jayanti celebration was conducted on 12th January  in the morning from 10 am to 12 noon.

The programme started with Vandana followed by welcome address by Lakshmi didi, lighting the lamp and blessings in the form an inspiring speech by the Chief Guest -Rev Swami Saradananda , Acharya of the Chinmaya Mission International, Piravam. In his talk Swamiji covered all the significant aspects of Swamiji and reminded the audience Vivekananda Swamiji left behind a legacy of 1500 years. Lot more to be achieved time for a wake-up. All the prize winning students were given away the prizes and rolling shields were given to Bharatiya Vidya Mandir and Govt UP school, konathukunnu. The programme ended with thanksgiving. All who were present received prasadam. A close well wisher of Vivekananda Kendra Sri Murali and his wife Smt Rema  sponsored lunch for all the 200 people who were present for the function. 

Samparka Yagna Report for the month of December 2019

December Ebvb by vedicvision99 on Scribd

KALPATARU DAY

Kalpataru Day also called Kalpataru Diwas or Kalpataru Utsav is an annual religious festival observed by monks of the Ramakrishna Math monastic order and lay followers of Sri Ramakrishna and Swami Vivekananda worldwide.

The event commemorates the day on January 1, 1886, when his followers believe that Ramakrishna revealed himself to be an Avatar, or God incarnate on earth. It is held each January 1. Although the observances are held in many locations, the most significant celebration takes place at Cossipore Garden House or Udyanbati near Kolkata (then called Calcutta), present Ramakrishna Math, a branch of Ramakrishna Order, the place where Ramakrishna spent last days of his life. It is classified as one of the "Lord's special festivals" by followers of Ramakrishna.

On that day, at Ananda dham all the yoga varga participants celebrated the event with prayers and an inspiring talk by Ma Lakshmi Didi on the significance of the occasion and the need to bring in our life the knowledge and understanding of all the activities that we do in our day today lives.An eventful sankalpa in the New year.This was followed by the regular usual practice of samuhika yogabhyas.  

Vishwabhanu Oct'19 - Nov'19

Vishwabhanu Oct'19 - Nov'19

GITA JAYANTHI CELEBRATION

Master Ananthu -Class I

15 participants took part in the Gita chanting competition held on 24th December.Children from LKG ,UKG to college going students took part.

Master Abhijit LKG

A quiz on Bhagavad Gita was kept for the audience too.      30 people participated in the Quiz.
Apart from Sandeepani Sishuvihar, other school children too participated.
Ma.Didi explained the importance of chanting in Sanskrit, how it purifies one's speech. Pronouncing Sanskrit words brings clarification of speech. Hence in modern days Sanskrit chanting is used as  a tool in speech  therapy .

SPIRITUAL RETREAT-18TH DEC TO 21ST DEC 2019

Four day Spiritual Retreat was  organised at Vivekananda Kendra Vedic Vision Foundation, Kodungallur from 18th December to 21st December. Srimad  Swami Hari Brahmendrananda Tirthapadaji from Somashram, Uttarkashi  was the Acharya and he spoke  exclusively on Vibhuti Pada and Kaivalya Pada of Patanjali Yoga Darshan. Apart from that Man. Lakshmi Didi took two sessions. 30 people attended out of whom 18 of them stayed in the campus. 

The classes were conducted in Malayalam. Swamiji in his unique style of teaching in a gurukula style made the participants glued to the classes with rapt attention. Ma. Lakshmi didi took couple of sessions on Indian culture and Dr. Natesan M. from Kalady Sri Sankara University conducted classes on  the fist two padas of yoga darshana. In all thirty participants took the benefit of the retreat. During the one-hour question- answer session during evening hours, Swamiji tried to satisfy all by answering all the questions that came to the participants mind by giving practical and in-depth explanations based on his experience. All participants left the campus with a vow to meet again in the next year along with their friends.

ARAVINDA KEERTI MUDRA AWARD FOR DIDI

Aravinda Keerti Mudra Award was conferred to Ma.Lakshmi Didi on 19th December for her extensive selfless  service for the upliftment of the common masses especially women. The award was conferred  by the Aravinda Charitable Society, Palikkathodu,Kottayam. Swami Sadananda,Acharya of Chinmaya  International Foundation Piravom who was the - Chief Guest , presented the award  in the presence of other dignitaries like Dr K.P. Kylasanatha Pillay -Senior advocate of Supreme Court of India , Sri Anirudhan-librarian of M.G  University and the Principal Smt Kavitha R.C of Aravinda Vidya Mandiram. The function was held in the mentioned Higher Secondary school run by the Society at Palikkathodu.
The award consists of a gold medal and a momento.

VANAPRASTHA

Divinisation of human life has beena pet theme of Indian seers.In every generation newer and wewer attempts are made by thinkers and social reformers to realise this highly meritorious ideal a living practice. Sri K.V.Dayal, concerned about the falling standards in human life -nature interaction has created a package of 20 formulae to rectify our  mistakes in agriculture practices,food habits education and inter human relationships.

On 15th evening Sri Dayal presented his ideas to a discerning audience at Vivekananda Kendra Kodungallur and invited them to participate in his 20 lecture course.Through a full day exposition he will deal with the problems connected with the above four major concerns of an individual's life so as to help one to de addict oneself from the wrong approaches and strive for happiness in personal and family life, reestablish sustainable agriculture- rectify the mistakes in the field of education and evolve newer and healthier practices in our food habits.

More than 50 people participated in the Introductory services of ' Vanaprastha' as Sri Dayal calls it. With reactions and eagerness many have come forward to participate in his wholesome programme of Divinisation of life.