Arise ! Awake ! Stop not, till the goal is reached.

Oct., Nov., Dec. 2016

Om Namo Narayanaya

Badarikashrama Diary

Sri Akhanda Ramayana of Gowswami Tulsidas, which concluded on July 4th, American Independence Day, ended with its own fireworks, which usually marks the Independence Day Celebration. The 28-hour recitation always draws those dedicated to singing the glories of Rama, Sita, Lakshmana, Bharata and Hanuman and the demise of Ravana. Food was provided by many devotees. Ramayana, of course is the universal story of the triumph of good over evil. Gurupurnima, another focal point in July, began with Gurupuja to Vedavyasa, Sri Ramakrishna, Sri Sarada Devi, and Swami Vivekananda. All were then treated to a delightful concert by Suparna Dangi and her students. They all sang superbly and were accompanied on tabla by Vishan Menon and Narendra Joshi on harmonium. Suparna sang “Mhare ghar aavoji Pritam pyara”, a bhajan to Krishna made popular by the late Vidushi Veena Sahasrabuddhe, to whom she dedicated her performance. The function was continued with Sri Satyanarayana Swa-mi Puja and Katha conducted by Sri Swami Vishnumayanandaji. Other functions in July consisted of a Bhagavad Gita talk and discussion led by Suman and Sargam Shah who began with bhajans to Krishna and philosophical aspects of the Gita. August and early September are months of intense spiritual activity and devotional practices. August began with Sadhana Day with Sri Gayatri Mantra Recitation led by Ram Saxena along with a dedicated group of singers. After the 3 hour recitation Vishnumayanandaji per-formed a well attended Sri Gayatri Homa, continuing the recitation of the ancient Gayatri Mantra for the illumination of consciousness. Varamahalakshmi Puja saw many women devotees visiting the man-dir throughout the day and for the evening puja. Vishnumayanandaji was persistently busy performing pujas in devotees’ homes throughout the Bay Area.

Na Me Bhakta Pranashyati My Devotee Never Perishes

Sandesha

Durga, the Goddess of power and strength, is perhaps the

most important goddess of the Hindus. She is a multi-

dimensional Goddess, with many names, many personas,

and many facets. As Mahishasuramardini or Shakti, she is

the destroyer of evil - with her ten mighty arms carrying

lethal weapons she triumphantly slays the demon Mahi-

shasura. As Sati, the beloved daughter of King Daksha and

Queen Menaka she gives up a kingdom and earns her fa-

ther's wrath. As Kali, she turns black as the night and om-

nipotent, terrible in rage and fury, with just a string of skulls

as her garland and her only garb. As Parvati, she is serene,

the pretty consort of Lord Shiva by his side in the snowy

peaks of the Kailash mountain. She is Bhawani, the symbol

of life. She is Sati, the object of death. She is Basanti, the

heralder of springtime. She is also Amba, Jagadhatri, Tara,

Ambika and Annapurna. Durga, through all her forms, en-

compasses the essence of salvation and sacrifice. She is the

mother of bounty and wealth, as also of beauty and

knowledge. Her daughters Lakshmi and Saraswati are the

goddesses of wealth and knowledge. ARDHANARISHWARA

Smt. Suparna Dangi and students with accompanying artists & Mangalaji

Mangalananda was a guest at a Tribute to Vidushi Veena Sa-hasrabuddhe at the home of Sriram and Usha Arunachalam with Jayanti Sahasrabuddhe. Many musicians and friends of Veenatai were in attendance in a very warm, and emotional tribute to the late singer, teacher, composer and friend, many sharing their ex-periences with her sincere personality in every aspect. The Mira Bai Music Festival on the 18th was also a joyous re-membrance of a great composer and saint. Rita Sahai and the Vasundara Choir, consisting of more than 28 people, provided a wealth of Mirabai’s poetry with many compositions by Ritaji. A narration of Mira Bai’s life was given with the expertise of Suman Shah and Sargam Shah. It was a very moving experience. Mahatma Gandhi Jayanti Celebration, held yearly, brought to-gether our 3 months of worship of the Divine Consciousness in its many forms. It began with a stunning documentary on the Life

and Times of Gandhi followed by an incredibly intricate dance in Mohiniyattam, on Rama by Kalamandalam Supriya Sudhakar, fol-lowed by other pieces. Next Dr. Irene L. Plunkett Chowenhill elab-orated on Gandhi’s “I know a way out of hell”, and the Call to Religious Literacy, pointing out the way of increased understand-ing and nonviolence is to know the antecedents of all the various religious traditions. Asit and Mann Dave read from “Gandhi Searches for Truth” by Stephanie Van Hook, a book written for children albeit applicable for all. After lunch provided by Meena Datta, Laura Beth Nelson, and Jeff Byers, story tellers from the Asian Art Museum, showed slides from the upcoming exhibition, Rama Epic: Hero, Heroine, Ally, Foe with dramatizations from the Ramayana. The day ended with a talk by Michael Nagler, Founder and President of the Metta Center for Nonviolence, via skype, talking about how personal transformation can bring about an increasing awareness of the use of nonviolence. The ashrama is participating in the newly formed Eden Area Interfaith Counsel and was invited to attend the inauguration of the Interfaith Counsel of Alameda County. The counsels have members from the Christian, Muslim, Sikh, and Hindu organiza-tions.

The highlight of August was, of course, Sri Krishna Janmashtami Puja. Many young children were dressed as Sri Krishna, Radha and Gopis. Devotees were thrilled by a wonder-ful bhajan group consisting of over 7 members, organized by the talented Ram Saxena. Ram began by playing the sitar accompa-nied by Narendra on the tabla with tal and vocal support provid-ed by Naren, Muthya and others. Ram also played the harmoni-um with compositions by Surdas, Mirabai and others. They were often joined in song by the exuberant audience. This mu-sic was followed by a bhajan concert by Surmani Dattatreya Velankar on tour from India and currently teaching music in Boston. He began his presentation with Tarani Nagarka, a tal-ented young singer and a student of his guru, Vidwan Vinayak Torvi. Accompanied on tabla by Rahul Zigday, he offered a number of stirring bhajans by Mirabai, Purandaradasa, and end-ed with a Tukaram bandish in Marathi on Vittala. Before the Krishna Janmashtami puja, Suman and Sargam Shah also sang rousing, devotional pieces on Krishna. They have been a part of the Krishna Janmashtami celebrations for the past 30 years. Prasad was provided by Rakesh and Rashmi Anand to the hun-dreds of devotees who attended throughout the evening. September was an equally active month. Ganesh Chaturti (Chowti) consisted of several days of programs. On Sunday the 4th, many attended the Sri Ganesha Homa which also included the children in attendance joining in the puja. After singing bha-jans everyone did aarati and partook of mahaprasad. On Mon-day after Rudrabhisheka we had Sri Ganesha and Sri Gauri Puja.

Rita Sahai with her Vasundara Choir – Mira Bai Festival

Surmani Dattatreya Velankar with Rahul Zigday on Tabla

Kalamandalam Supriya Sudhakar & Dr. Irene L. Plunkett

After the opening of the Vidyashala, the first test was conduct-ed from July 7th to 12th, 2016. We had a parents meeting on the 9th of July where parents could discuss the progress of their chil-dren with the teachers. The parents also wished Swamiji a fare-well as he was leaving for a short trip to our ashrama in Califor-nia, USA. On 19th of July we celebrated Gurupurnima in the mandir by worshipping Lord Satyanarayana and Ramakrishna. Devotees Subita Sudarshana Kamat, mother, Sumita Banerjee, and her son Varun Kamat and friend Jack Rosenberg visited the ashrama from California. Varun and Jack stayed In the ashrama for 12 days working in the school and sharing their experiences and knowledge. On 15th Of August we celebrated Independence Day In the Vidyashala with the children performing about India’s culture and dramas about the life stories of the Freedom Fighters. On 24th Of August Prathibha Karanji Programme was held In Madihalli. In the programme 30 children participated and got 19 prizes and were also selected for Taluk Level Competition. On the 26th the Taluk Level Competition was held In Turuvekere. Our students won first prize in 4 competitions and were selected for District Level Competitions. Shilpashree K R from 4th standard was selected for State Level in the Prathibha Karanji Competition In Dharmika Patina Bhagavad Gita.

Students also participated In Sports Competition and won at the Taluk Level. The Volley Ball Team was chosen for the Dis-trict Level and got the championship. On 25th of August we celebrated “Sri Krishna Janmashtami”. Children showed Sri Krishna’s story in a dance performance, with many students in the fancy dress of Radha and Krishna. Teachers, Bhavya, Shob-ha and Sushma also gave a dance performance to everyone’s

delight. Devotees from America included Venkataraya Shenoy and Vinima Agarwal from California. We worshipped the Lord Ganesha on September 5th. On the 6th we celebrated Teach-er’s Day. News reporters from Udayavani came to our school and discussed about the Vidyashala progress. They took pho-tos of the children who won In Prathibha Karanji and Sports Competition for the paper. First semester examination was on the 21st of September and completes on 3rd of October 2016. All Is going well, along with the guidance and blessings of our Reverend Swamiji “Omkarananda”.

Founders Day (Swamiji’s 77th Birthday)

Swamij, Susmita Banerjee, Subita Kamat, Varun, Jack, visiting Madihalli

Winners of sports and intelligence competitions

Swamiji conducting Sri Satyanarayana Swami Puja with Dr. &

Smt. Prakash & the Dhananjayas, Bangaluru

News from Badarikashrama Madihalli

Venkataraya Shenoy visiting from California, Swamiji & students

BALASAMSKARA KENDRA

Classes for children are held every Sunday at 10:30 am. We encourage all of you to bring your children from the ages of 5-15 to our school. Please call the Ashram staff for more information or Anita Bajaj at 510-553-1123. The school is free and everyone is welcome.

Our India center is located in Madihalli about 75 miles west of Bengaluru. It is set among rolling hills, surrounded by fruit orchards and a variety of tropical vegetation. It is now a Tapobhumi, providing service to humanity in the fields of education and health. Swamiji is currently living in India and invites all inter-ested to join in short or long term work for humani-tarian service. We sincerely hope you will take the opportunity to visit our Ashrama during your next visit to India.

Badarikashrama Madihalli P.O.

Turuvekere Tq., Tumakuru Dt., Karnataka 572227 Office : 08139287013/ 08139287571

Mobile : 9741246418 - Swami Omkarananda www.badarikashrama.org

Email: badarik1986@gmail.com

USA Center Badarik@pacbell.net

510-278-2444

Daily Schedule at San Leandro

Temple is open between the hours of 7am to 1pm and 5pm to 8pm

Puja is conducted thrice daily at 7am, 12 noon and 6.30pm

Every Monday 6:30 pm: Sri Siva Puja & Aarti

Every Tuesday 6:30 pm: Sri Durga Puja & Aarti

Every Full Moon Day Sri Satyanarayana Puja & Katha 7:30 pm

BADARIKASHRAMA

15602 Maubert Avenue

San Leandro, CA 94578

Non Profit Org.

U.S. Postage Paid

San Leandro, CA

Permit # 61

DATED MATERIAL RETURN SERVICE REQUESTED

Oct. 2016

5:00 am - 6:30 pm

Daily

5 am: Sri Durga Saptasatipaatha & Puja 11 am: Sri Durga Homa 6:30 pm: Sri Lalitha Sahasranama Recitation & Puja

Sat. 1st Sun. 2nd Sun. 9th Tues. 11th

6:00 pm— 6:30 pm — 6:00 pm — 8:00 pm — 6:00 pm —

Mataki Chowki by Ma Durga Bhajan Mandali Divine Mother’s Bhajans by Suman & Sargam Shah Mataki Chowki by Harjit Mendhi & Sejal Mehta Sri Durgashtami Puja & Ras Garba Vijayadasami Celebration, Sri Durga Homa, Ras Garba

Sun. 16th 11:00 am 4:00 pm

Sri Satyanarayana Swami Puja & kirtan *Sharad Poornima Musical Tribute to Vidushi Veena Sahasrabuddhe

Sun. 23rd 11:00 am Sri Ramanama Sankirtana & Meditation

Sun. 30th 2:00 pm Deepavali Celebration Homa; Grand Violin Concert by Susheela Narasimhan & Group

Nov. 2016

Sat. 5th 2:30 pm Sri Sudarakanda Ramayana of Gowswami Tulsidas

Sun. 6th 11:00 am Sri Bhagavad Gita, talk & kirtan by Suman & Sargam Shah

Sun. 13th 11:00 am Sri Satyanarayana Swami Puja & Kirtan

Sun. 20th 11:00 am Satsang & Kirtan by Srimat Swami Omkaranandaji

Thurs. 24th 3:00 pm Thanksgiving Dinner, Concert by Srikanth Chary, veena

Sun. 27th 11:00 am Sri Ramanama Sankirtana & Meditation

Dec. 2016

Sat. 3rd 2:30 pm Sri Sundarakanda Ramayana of Gowswami Tulsidas

Sun. 4th 11:00 am Sri Bhagavad Gita Jayanti Celebration with Ram Saxena & Smt. Vindodiniben Patel, Shri Hari Gita, poet-ic translation of the Gita in Hindi by Dineshji

Sun. 11th 10:30 am Samuhika 108 Sri Satyanarayana Swami Puja & Katha Conducted by Swami Omkarananda, kirtan, Rita Sahai

Sun. 18th 10:30 am Sri Sarada Devi Jayanti Celebration & Sister Nivedita 150th Birth Anniversary, music, talks

Sun. 25th 3:00 pm Christmas Dinner & Concert by Subhangi Sakhalkar

Sat. 31st to

Sun. Jan.

1st, 2017

9:30 am to

1 pm

Sri Akhanda Ramayana of Goswami Tulsidas

Aarati & Mahaprasad

Saturday, Oct. 1st to Tuesday. Oct. 11th: Navaratri Celebrations