Sharada Navaratri - Sri Siva Vishnu Temple

Sri Siva Vishnu Temple6905 Cipriano Road, Lanham MD 20706Tel: 301-552-3335 Fax: 301-552-1204E-Mail:ssvt@ssvt.org Web Site:http://www.ssvt.orgNewsletter, Vol 20, No. 10 October 2011Dr. V. Ganapati Sthapati – A TributeBy Siva SubramanianThe world lost a great Soul on September 6, 2011 at Chennai – OurAasthana Sthapati, Padmabhushan, Dr. V. Ganapati Sthapati at the age of84. A small group of 4 devotees brought Dr. Ganapati Sthapati to USAfor the first time in 1981, who designed our SSVT, as the first Sri SivaVishnu Temple outside India. For our congregation, I will give a brief biographyof our Temple Architect or Aasthana Sthapati and pay a tribute.Born in the year 1927, at Pillayarpatti, a village near Karaikudi,Tamilnadu, Dr. V. Ganapati Sthapati comes from an illustrious familyof temple architects and sculptors. Dr. Sthapati’s family lineagecan be traced back to 1000+ years, when his forefather KunjaraMallan Raja Raja Perunthachan who was commissioned for thework the King Raja Raja Cholan built the GreatBrihadeeswara Temple of Tanjavur. This Templeis considered even today as the treasure house ofIndian art and architecture and now on the UnitedNations World Heritage List.Our Sthapati was the Principal of the GovernmentCollege of Architecture and Sculpture atMamallapuram, Tamilnadu, India, for 27 years. After retirementfrom government service, he established Vaastu Vedic Trust and VaastuVedic Research Foundation aimed at research, development and globalizationof Vaastu Shastra. He has built the Tamil University ofTanjavur, Muthiah Mandram in Madurai, Valluvar Kottam in Chennaiand Thiruvalluvar Statute at the southern tip of India, Kanya Kumari,measuring 133 feet in elevation, a stone statue of liberty for India. He hasauthored a number of books on Vaastu Shastra including Iconometry,Temples of Space Science, The Building Architecture of Sthapatya Veda,and Commentary on Mayan’s Aintiram. One of his latest books titled‘Siva Vishnu Temple Complex: Concept and Design’ by Dr. Sthapation the concept of Unification of Saivism and Vaishnavism. The cosmicspace and earth though represented by the aural forms of Siva andVishnu respectively, both are the dual manifestation at gross level of theONE GOD or ‘Brahman’ who exists as subtle unmanifest energy.Awards and Recognition: Sthapati has earned a number of titlesand awards including SSVT’s Aasthana Sthapati and VaastuVijnani in 1992 and 1995. SSVT also honored him in 2003 withthe title Viswakarma JagadGuru in recognition of his contributionto the building of SSVT. The Indian Government conferred the title‘Padma Bhushan’ on the Sthapati in 2009, the Silver Anniversaryyear of SSVT. Blessed and nurtured by Paramacharyal of Kanchi,Paramacharyal of Sringeri, Paramacharyal of Ahobila mutt.He has completed temples and researched in America, England,Singapore, Malaysia, Fiji, Sri Lanka, Canada, Australia, France,Germany, Holland, , Mexico, Guatemala and Peru.With all the works of Temples and other sacred forms, there is nodoubt that he has attained Moksha. Whenever we see this Sri SivaVishnu Temple and others, we will always see him forever in thoseliving monuments .1Sharada NavaratriTuesday, Sept. 27 – Thursday, Oct. 6, 2011Sharada Navaratri, as it is called since it occurs during the fall season(Sharad Ritu) is one of the most popular Hindu festivals spanninga period of nine nights. The Goddess in the form of the UniversalMother is commonly worshipped during the nine nights and ten daysand hence it is also known by the name of Devi Navaratri. Threeaspects of the Divine Mother, namely Durga, Lakshmi and Saraswatiare worshipped during the nine nights, the tenth day being celebratedas Vijaya Dashami. It is considered auspicious to start new ventures,especially in the field of education, on Vijaya Dashami. Reading theDurga SaptaSati (also known as Devi Mahaatmyam) and Ramayanamis also common during the Navaratri. Special Pujas are scheduled inthe temple during the ten days. Devotees are encouraged to participatepersonally in the Sahasranama Archana daily. (Sponsorship isnot a requirement for participation in this archana).Daily Program11:00 am Lalitha Trishati Archana, Durga Sapta Shati (DeviMahaatmyam) Parayanam (8:00 am on Saturday)5:00 pm Sundara Kanda (Valmiki) Parayanam7:15 pm Lalitha Sahasranama Archana, Deeparadhana,Mahishasura-Mardini Stotram, Devi Namaskaram (6:00 pm on Saturday andSundays)8:45 pm Prasadam Distribution (7:30 pm on Saturday & Sundays)Special ProgramsTuesday, September 279:00 am Ganesha Puja, Purvanga Puja, Kalasa Sthapanam, DurgaAavaahanam, Devi Pancha Sukta (Durga, Sree, Medha, Bhoo,Bhaagya Sukta) Homam, Devi Gayatri Homam, Abhishekam toDurga and Mahalakshmi, DeeparadhanaWednesday, September 289:00 am Devi Pancha Sukta Homam, Devi Moolamantra Homam,Abhishekam to Sharada & AndalThursday, September 299:00 am Devi Pancha Sukta Homam, Abhishekam to Parvati and AndalFriday, September 309:00 am Sri Sukta Homam, Devi Moolamantra Homam,Mahalakshmi Avahanam, Abhishekam to Mahalakshmi and ParvatiSaturday, October 19:00 am Devi Pancha Sukta Homam, Devi Gayatri Homam,Abhishekam to Mahalakshmi and Andal6:00 pm Lalitha Sahasranama Archana, MahishasuraMardini Stotram,Devi NamaskaramSunday, October 27:00 am Mahaganapati Homam & CHANDI HOMAM11:30 am Suhasini, Kanya & Bhairava Puja, Abhishekam to Durgaand ParvatiCont’d on page 3“Abheda Darshanam Jnanam” - Experience of Oneness is True Wisdom

October 201101 Sat. 4:00 pm Srinivasa Kalyanam02 Sun. 9:30 am Subrahmanya Abhishekam (Shashti)7:00 am CHANDI HOMAM (please see details)03 Mon. Durgashtami10:00 am Anjaneya Abhishekam (Moola)05 Wed. Saraswati Puja (Mahanavami)06 Thu. VIJAYA DASHAMI (Dassera)SHARADA NAVARATRI CONCLUDES(please see details)Venkateswara Jayanthi (please see details)Vedanta Desika Jayanthi (please see details)07 Fri. 9:30 am Durga Abhishekam7:00 pm Anantapadmanabha Abhishekam (Ekadasi)08 Sat. 3:15 pm Siva Abhishekam (Sani Mahapradosham)09 Sun. 9:30 am Navagraha Homam & Abhishekam10 Mon. 9:30 am Nataraja Abhishekam11 Tue. 7:00 pm Satyanarayana Puja (Poornima) (Temple + 1 offsite)14 Fri. 10:00 am Mahalakshmi Abhishekam15 Sat. Karva Chowth9:30 am Mahaganapathi Homam (Sankatahara Chaturthi)9:30 am Utsava Subrahmanya Abhishekam (Krittika)16 Sun. 7:00 am Maha Sudarshana Homam (please see details)4:00 pm Krishna Abhishekam (Rohini)17 Mon. Tula Month Begins18 Tue. 9:30 am Subrahmanya Abhishekam (Shashti)19 Wed. 10:00 am Rama Abhishekam (Punarvasu)21 Fri. 9:30 am Sharada Abhishekam7:15 pm Bhagawati Seva22 Sat. 4:00 pm Ananatapadmanabha Abhishekam (Ekadasi)23 Sun. 9:30 am Ayyappa Puja4:00 pm Andal Abhishekam (Purvaphalguni)24 Mon. 9:30 am Ayyappa Puja (Uttaraphalguni)Dhanteras7:00 pm Siva Abhishekam (Mahapradosham)25 Tue. DEEPAVALI (Naraka Chaturdasi) (please see details)7:00 pm Kedara Gowri Vratham (if sponsored)26 Wed. Amavasya (Chitra)9:30 am Skanda Shashti Festival Begins (please see details)Weekly Abhishekams(at 9:30 am except as noted)Daily Ayyappa, Siva and AnantapadmanabhaMonday Ganesha, Sri RamaTuesday Durga, AnjaneyaWednesday Andal, Sharada, NavagrahasThursday Krishna, SubrahmanyaFriday Mahalakshmi, Parvati, Sudarshana/Yoga NarasimhaSaturday Venkateshwara (10:15 am)TuesdayFridayFridayMondayTuesdayWednesdayThursdayFridayWeekly AradhanasSri Rama (7:45 pm) & Hanuman Chaleesa (8:00 pm)Lalitha Sahasranamam to Parvati (7:15 pm)Mahalakshmi Aradhana (8:00 pm)Weekly Sahasranama Archanas(at 5:15 pm except as noted)Ganesha, Siva, RamaDurga, Subrahmanya, AnjaneyaAndal, Anantapadmanabha, AyyappaSharada, Krishna, VenkateshwaraMahalakshmi (5:15 pm) & Parvati (7:15 pm)Religious Calendar27:00 pm Laskhmi-Kubera Puja by Devotees27 Thu. 9:30 am Sudarshana/Yoga NarasimhaHomam & Abhishekam (Swati)28 Fri. 9:30 am Utsava Subrahmanya Abhishekam (Vishaka)9:30 am Parvati Abhishekam29 Sat. Naga Chaturthi9:30 am MahaganapathiHomam & Abhishekam (Chaturthi)30 Sun. 4:00 pm Anjaneya Abhishekam (Moola)31 Mon. 9:30 am Skanda Shashti Day (please see details)6:00 PM Siva Abhishekam (Kartika Somavar) (*)(*please note the change from usual time)November 201101 Tue. 7:00 pm Devasena Kalyanam (please see details)Skanda Shashti Festival Concludes02 Wed. 9:30 am Utsava Srinivasa Abhishekam (Sravana)04 Fri. 9:30 am Durga Abhishekam05 Sat 4:00 pm Anantapadmanabha Abhishekam (Ekadasi)06 Sun. 4:00 pm Srinivasa Kalyanam (**)6:00 pm Tulasi Kalyanam (Uttana Dwadasi)07 Mon. 7:00 pm Siva Abhishekam(Mahapradosham & Kartika Somavar)09 Wed. 5:30 PM Vishnu Deepam (Lunar Kartika Poornima)7:00 pm Satyanarayana Puja (Poornima) (Temple + 1 offsite)10 Thu. 5:00 pm Annabhisheka Darshanam of Lord Siva(Tula Poornima) (until 8 pm) (please see details)11 Fri 9:30 am Utsava Subrahmanya Abhishekam (Krittika)10:00 am Mahalakshmi Abhishekam12 Sat. 4:00 pm Krishna Abhishekam (Rohini)Sani Transition Special Puja - Japam Starts(please see writeup)13 Sun 9:30 am Navagraha Homam & Abhishekam14 Mon. 9:30 am Mahaganapathi Homam (Sankatahara Chaturthi)9:30 am Sani Transition Day Special Puja - Conclusion6:00 pm Siva Abhishekam (Kartika Somavar)7:00 pm Ganesha Abhishekam (Sankatahara Chaturthi)15 Tue. 10:00 am Rama Abhishekam (Punarvasu)16 Wed. Vrischika Month Begins17 Thu. Ayyappa Mandalotsavam Begins(please see writeup)(Rest of November in next Newsletter)(**) please note the change from Annual CalendarSeminar and Lecture Seriesby Sadhvi ChaitanyaTopic: UpadeshaUpadesha Saram is a beautiful poem composed by BhagavanRamana Maharshi revealing the truth of the self as free of samsara.The reality is that all that is here is one non-dual consciousness,brahman, which is the cause of the universe, whichis manifest as the universe, and which is free of limitations. Theunderstanding of oneself as brahman leads to freedom from ignorance,sorrow and bondage.Saturday, October 1st, 2011 Sunday, October 2nd, 2011Meditation: 9 - 9:30 am Meditation: 9 - 9:30 amLecture: 9:30 am - 12:30 pm Lecture: 9:30 am - 12:30 pm(Held in SSVT Education Room):

Sarada Navaratri Cont’d from page 11 – 5 pm Devotional Music by Devotees6:00 pm Lalitha Sahasranama Archana, MahishasuraMardini Stotram,Devi NamaskaramMonday, October 39:00 am Devi Gayathri Homam, Saraswati (Sharada) Avahanam,Abhishekam to Durga & SharadaTuesday, October 49:00 am Lalitha Sahasranama Homam, Abhishekam to Parvati & DurgaWednesday, October 5 (Saraswati Puja)9:00 am Medhasukta Homam, Devi Moolamantra Homam,Abhishekam to Sharada and Andal.Thursday, October 6 (Vijaya Dashami)9:00 am Devi Pancha Sukta Homam, Devi Moolamantra Homam,Abhishekam to all Devis.10:00 am Conclusion of Sundara Kanda Parayanam,SRI RAMA PATTAABHISHEKAM10:30 am Vidya Aarambham for Children (am Session)6:00 pm Lalitha Sahasranama Archana7:00 pm Vidya Aarambham for Children (pm Session)8:00 pm Devi Navaratri Concluding Pujas.Sponsorship: One day Abhishekam $25 per deity; One day Homam $25;Suhasini Puja $51; Kanya Puja $51; Bhairava Puja $51; Sundara KandaParayanam & Sri Rama Pattabhishekam $51; Sri Rama Pattabhishekam$25; Durga Sapta Shati Parayanam $51; Vidya Arambham $25;Sahasranama Archana $15; Entire Navaratri Celebration $151Sri Venkateswara JayanthiThursday, October 6, 2011The incarnation of Lord Vishnu in the form of Venkateswara occurredon Vijaya Dashami day on Shravana Nakshatra. This day is celebratedas Venkateswara Jayanti.8.00 am Suprabhatam8.30 am Kalasa Puja, Utsava Srinivasa Abhishekam (Sravana),Andal Abhishekam, Sahasranama Parayanam, Archana,Deepaaradhana, Prasadam distribution.Sponsorship: $25Sri Vedanta Desika JayanthiThursday, October 6, 201110.30 am Sri Vedanta Desika Acharya Aradhana, Recitation of Stotrascomposed by the Acharya, Archana, Deepaaradhana, Prasadamdistribution.7.00 pm Sevakalam, Sathumurai, Teerthaprasadam distribution.Sponsorship: $25MahaSudarshana Homam (Yagnam)Sat., Oct. 15 – Sun., Oct. 16, 2011Sudarshana, the holy discus (wheel) in the hands of Lord Narayana(Vishnu), is the embodiment of the power of Lord Vishnu in destroyingthe evil and protecting the righteous as he took the shapeof the claws in Narasimha Avataram, arrows in Rama Avataram, axein Parasurama Avataram and Chakra (wheel) in Krishna Avataram.Hence the worship of Sudarshana as a devata (deity) is extolled inVaishnava Agama Shastras. Worship of Sudarshana bestows goodknowledge and good faculties as the syllable “Su” stands for “Good”and “Darshana” for “Vision”.SSVT will be conducting a grandSudarshana homam followed by an abhishekam on Sunday, October16, to enable devotees to obtain all the beneficial effects of the worshipof Lord Sudarshana.3Saturday, October 157:00 pm Anugnay, Swasthi Vachanam, Sri Viswaksena Aradhana, SriBhagavad Vasudeva Punyahavachanam, Rakshabandanam, KalasaSthapanam, Mangalanusasanam, Theertha Prasada Viniyogam.Sunday, October 167:00 am Suprabhatam, Dhaama Pradakshanam, Yagasala Pravesham,Viswaksena Aradhana, Sri Bhagavad Vasudeva Punyahavachanam,Arani Manthanam, Agni Prathishta, Sudarshana Sathaka Homam,Pancha Sukta Homam, Parivara Homam, Poornahuthi11:00 am Mahasudarshana & Yoga Narasimha Abhishekam, Alankaram,Sudarshana Ashtaka Parayanam, Archana, Sengolam, SaathumuraiSeva, Maha Mangala Arathi, Theertha Prasada ViniyogamSponsorship: Yagnam: $51Naraka ChaturdasiTuesday, October 25, 2011Lord Krishna with the help of his wife Satyabhama vanquished theevil demon (Asura) Naraka on the 14 th day of the waning moon. Onthis day we thank Lord Krishna for his act of kindness and offer ourprayers for continuing to keep our world free of evil forces.9:00 am Tailabhyanjanam of Lord Krishna (Annointing withoil), Abhishekam, Decoration of Lord Krishna with new clothes(Nootanavastradharanam), Archana, DeeparadhanaSponsorship: $25DeepavaliTuesday, October 25, 2011Deepavali falls on Tuesday, October 25 this year according to NorthAmerican panchangam. Deepavali (meaning the row of lights), is celebratedin different ways in many parts of India. In Bengal it is celebratedas Kali Puja. In most other parts it is observed by performingLakshmi-Kubera Puja.10:00 am Kalasa Puja, Mahalakshmi Abhishekam, Archana,Deeparadhana, Prasada @ 12:30 pm7:00 pm Deepotsavam, Mahalakshmi Kumkuma Archana,Deeparadhana, Mahalakshmi Stotra Parayanam8:45 pm Prasadam DistributionSponsorship: $25 for morning Puja, $25 for the evening Puja, $35 for both( In keeping with the tradition there will be a Lakshmi-Kubera pujaby devotees on Wednesday, Oct 26 at 7 pm. Devotees may bring fruits,flowers and a prepared Naivedyam if they so desire).Skanda Shashti FestivalWednesday Oct. 26 - Tuesday Nov. 1, 2011Skanda Shashti marks the triumph of Lord Subrahmanya over theevil Sura Padma. The son of Lord Siva killed the demon Sura Padmawith His Holy Spear (Vel) and brought relief and joy to the sufferingcelestials and humans. Allegorically the Vel represents the JnanaShakti (Power of Wisdom) of the Lord and Sura Padma the demon ofEgo and Ignorance within us. Lord Subrahmanya is hence consideredto be the lord of wisdom who dispels our ego and ignorance. The devoteesof Muruga (as Lord Subrahmanya is called in several parts ofthe world) observe austerities such as fast and mouna vratham in thefive days preceding Skanda Shasti as well as on that day. The ShashtiVratham begins on Wednesday Oct 26 and ends on Monday Oct 31.The day after Skanda Shashti is celebrated as Devasena Kalyanam.Participation in these Archanas and Homam is believed to ward offevil and usher in peace and prosperity.Cont’d on page 4

Skanda Shashti Festival Cont’d from page 3Daily Program:Wednesday, October 26, 20119:00 am Anugnay, Mahaganapati Homam, Subrahmanya Moola MantraHomam, Raksha Bandanam, Kalasa Staapanam, Mritsangrahanam,Ankooraarpanam, Kaavadi Procession, Subrahmanya Abhishekam,Archana, Bhajans by Devotees, Deeparadhana, Prasadam @ 1:30 pmThursday Oct 27 - Sunday Oct 30, 20119:00 am Subrahmanya Moola Mantra Homam, SubrahmanyaAbhishekam7:00 pm Shatru Samhaara Trisati Archana, Skanda Shashti KavachamParayanam, Deeparadhana, Bhajans by devotees, Prasadam @ 8:30 pmMonday, Oct 31 (Skanda Shashti Day)9:00 am Satru Samhaara Trisati Homam, Kaavadi Procession,Sarva Dravya Subrahmanya Abhishekam, Archana, Deeparadhana,Prasadam @ 12:30 pm5:00 pm Satru Samhaara Trisati Archana, Skanda Shashti KavachamParayanam7:00 pm Procession of Lord Subrahmanya with Valli & Devasena7:30 pm Enactment of Soora Samhaaram in the Vasantha Mandapam8:30 pm Deeparadhana, PrasadamTuesday, Nov 1 (Devasena Kalyanam Day)9:30 am Utsava Subramanya Abhishekam, Sahasranama Archana,Deeparadhana, Bhajans by devotees7:00 pm Devasena Kalyana Utsavam.8:30 pm Prasadam Distribution & Conclusion of Skanda ShashtiFestivalSponsorship: Daily Puja $35 per day; Homam $25per day; Kaavadior Milk Kalasam $25 per day; Kalyanam $25; Shashti day Puja $51;Entire 7 days $151Annabhishekam to Lord SivaThursday, November 10, 2011Anna Abhishekam is celebrated on the Poornima day during the Hindusolar month of Tula. Annam (cooked rice) is offered as Abhishekamto Lord Siva after the Abhishekams with the eleven usual ingredients.Lord Siva is decorated with all the edible preparations, fruitsand vegetables after the Abhishekam. Devotees may bring fruits andflowers for the Alankaram if they so desire. Details of the programare given below:9:30 am Laghunyasa, Rudra Abhishekam to Lord Siva,Deeparadhana.5:00 pm Annabhisheka Alankara darshanam (until 8:00 PM)6:00 – 8:00 pm Rudra Trishati Archana,8:00 pm – Visarjana Abhishekam to Lord Siva, Archana, JayaJagadisha Hare Aarati, Prasadam Distribution @ 8:45 pmSponsorship: $25Sani (Saturn) Transition PujaSaturday, Nov. 12 – Monday Nov. 14, 2011Saturn transits from one Zodiac to the next about once every twoand half years. As per the North American Panchangam, Saturn transitsfrom Kanya Raasi to Tula Raasi on Nov 14 this year. Accordingto Vedic Astrology, transition of heavenly bodies like Saturn andJupiter have an effect on the individuals born under certain asterisms(Nakshatra). These effects could be characterized as being either positiveor negative depending on Raasi (Moon sign) of the individual.To mitigate the negative effect and to enhance the positive effects ofthe transition, Special pujas spread over 3 days (Nov 12 - 14) will beperformed by our priests. The details of the pujas on the three daysare given below.4Saturday, Nov 129:00 am Ganesha Puja, Kalasa Sthapanam, Start of MoolaMantra Japam for Lord Sani, Navagraha & Sani Stotras, Archana,DeeparadhanaSunday, Nov 139 am – Moola Mantra Japam for Lord Sani continues, NavagrahaHomam & Abhishekam (with emphasis on Sani), Archana,DeeparadhanaMonday, Nov 149:30 am Ganesha Puja, Moola Mantram Japam Conclusion for LordSani, Navagraha & Sani Stotras, Archana, Deeparadhana12:30 pm Prasadam & Raksha DistributionSponsorship for Puja on Sept 12: $25Sponsorship for 3-day Puja : $51Please Note: Devotees will be given the Raksha (Sanctified thread tobe worn around the wrist) after the abhishekam on Saturday. Sponsorscan also collect the raksha during their next visit to the temple if theyare unable to participate in person. The effects of this transition forpeople born under various raasis will be described in a writeup inSSVT website by end of October.Ayyappa Mandalotsavam CelebrationThur. Nov. 17, 2011 – Thur. Jan. 19, 2012Ayyappa Mandalotsavam will start on Thursday Nov 17, 2011 andconclude on Thursday, Jan 19, 2012. Details of the program on variousdays will be available through a flyer along with Nov-Dec Newsletterand in the SSVT website. Some of the highlights are given below:Thursday, Nov 17, 2011 – Padi PujaTuesday, Dec 27, 2011 – Mandala PujaSunday, Jan 14, 2012 – Makara Sankaranthi PujaSSVT Education ProgramsAwakening With Brahma Kumaris Oct 1, 5-7pmSitter Jenna will speak on self management to attain happiness, health andharmony RSVP Sister Gita Behn at Meditation Museum, 301--660-0065SAT Classes – Oct 2 & Oct 16-3:00pm -5pm . Students and parentsare encouraged to sign-up for one on one sessions with professionalsfor guidance on SAT preparation and high school course planning.Email SAT@ssvt.org to sign-up.Upanishad Series –OCT 9, 10:30 am – 12:30 pmDr. Pradeep Kamath will continue with the discussion of the UpanishadsBhagavatam – 2:30 pm – 3:30 pm SaturdaysKrishna leela – Dasama skandham. This has 90 chapters.Akaar Sessions on Saturday – 1:00 pm – 2:00 pmSend email to ssvtkids@yahoo.com to sign-up.Learning Sanskrit for Children during summer (TBD)Send email to ssvtkids@yahoo.com to sign-up. This course only ifthere are enough registrants.Weekly program continues as usualEssay CompetitionThe Council of Hindu Temples of North America is conducting anEssay Competition for Middle, High School and College StudentsEssay Topics:Middle School - Temples plan an important role in understandingand practice of Hinduism - 750 wordsHigh School - Women has an important role in Hinduism - 1000 wordsCollege - Hinduism and Environment - 1500 wordsSend 4 copies to The Council of Hindu Temples of North America45-57 Bowne Street, Flushing, NY 11355webmaster@nyganeshtemple.org

Shiridi Baba Bajan at SSVTFirst Thursday of each month at 7pm .Please contact Shobha Prasad 240-568-9151Vehicle DonationSSVT is constantly looking for roadworthy vehicles (automatic transmissiononly) for the use of priests and managers. If you happen tohave one that might qualify, please consider donating it and availthe Tax Deduction that it offers. For further details, please contactRamarao Mysore at 301-922-4566 or by emailing to rammysore@gmail.comSri Siva Vishnu Temple Health FairSri Siva Vishnu Temple will be holding a Health Fair on October8,2011 in its main Auditorium from 10 am to 1 pm. All devotees interestedin FREE medical consultation, various tests, evaluation andcounseling are welcomed to participate. The various tests will consistof blood pressure check-up, test for diabetes, vision and glaucomatests. Various medical specialists will be present for consultation andadvice on diabetes, heart disease, blood pressure, kidney disease,allergy, bone and joint problems and foot problems, dental amongothers. For further information and volunteering please contact Mrs.Jaya Valluripalli, Tel: 301-869-9590 Email jayapv@hotmail.com.SSVT Community ServiceSSVT Senior Citizens GroupMeetings on October 12 and 26, 2011 from 10:00 am to-2:00 pm Themission of SSVT Senior Citizens’ Group is to enhance the quality oflife of its members so that they can live a healthy, happy, active andindepndent life with dignity as well as serve and enrich the community.The Group strives to enhance physical, mental, emotional, social,and spiritual well being of all members through education, training,entertainment, and other assistance to attain successful aging. The currentprograms include training in Gentle Yoga for seniors (10 -11am),talks by members and/or by invited guests on successful aging, music,devotional songs, etc. (11am-1pm), and lunch (1-2pm). We cordiallywelcome all SSVT Senior devotees to participate in our group activitiesand enjoy a successful aging. For further information and to knowany change/s in day/s as well as in timing/s, please call Mr. UmakantRajguru at 301¬890¬0652 or email shakurajguru@yahoo.comFood and Fun Bazaar photos additionalphotos see web version of this news letterHariudan NanHindu American Community Service, Inc is organizing a Multi LingualLight Music program by “Hariudan Nan” group from JayaTVon Saturday October 22, 2011 at Elanor Roosevelt High school, 7601Hanover Parkway, Greenbelt, MD 20770. For details, please contactRamani at 301-646-1232 or HACSIUSA.ORG.As part of the SSVT annual Food and Fun Bazaar and our commitment to the community that we live in, SSVT Board ofTrustees honored and presented a donation check to the West Lanham Hills – Voluntary Fire Department (WLH VFD)Well used New Parking Lot5

Upcoming Cultural EventsDate Time Event Artist Admission VenueSat. Oct 1, 2011 6 pm Jugalbandhi Dr. M. Balamuralikrishna, Ticketed Eleanor RooseveltConcert Pandit Ronu Majumdar High SchoolSat. Oct 15, 2011 5 pm Vocal Concert Sangeetha Sivakumar Ticketed SSVTSat Nov. 5 & All Annual Sri.Dikshitar and Multiple FREE SSVTSun 6, 2011 Day Sri. Syama Sastri festival artistsSat. Nov. 5 2011 5 pm Vocal Concert Abhishek Raghuram FREE SSVTSun. Nov 13, 2011 3 pm Vocal Concert Gayatri Venkatraghavan Ticketed SSVTAnnouncements regarding these programs will also be available via Templenotice board, website etc. Please contact Radha Shivakumar or Raghu Pantulaat cultural.ssvt@gmail.com for further details regarding upcoming events.Also visit http://www.facebook.com/srisivavishnu for current updates.The listing of SSVT sponsored concert CDs is now posted onlineat www.ssvt.org under Upcoming events and Announcements. Thoseinterested in these CDs are requested to please contact ssvt@ssvt.org.Annual Sri Dikshitar and Sri Syama Sastri Music Festival(Co-Sponsored by SSVT and Geethamrutha Music School)Sat. Nov. 5th (8.30am to 8.30pm) & Sun. Nov. 6th (9.30am to 7pm)This program is open to all Music lovers and Students to participate in Individual & Group Singing, & Mini Concerts. On Saturday Teacher’sgroups will participate on selected theme from Sri. Dikshitar compositions. There will be a grand concert by Abhishek Raghuram at 5pm onSaturday (Free. Donations welcome).For further information and Registration for Individual/Group Participation please send Email to mdaradhana@gmail.com. (Rendition of eitherSri Dikshtar or Syama Sastri Krithis welcome) Group Participations are encouraged since we can give opportunity to many participants.A Special Group rendition of Sri Syama Sastri’s Rathna Thrayam, the 3 Swarajathis along with a Geetam, Varnam, and any Rare Compositionwill be from 10:30 to 11:30am on Sunday. This is open to all Music lovers who wish to join. We will have Special classes (free) conductedby Nirmalaa Ramaswamy on all Sundays from 5:30 to 7:00pm starting from Sep. 25th. Through October last Sunday. This will be held inNirmalaa Mami’s Residence at 9814, Singleton Dr., Bethesda, MD 20817. (Contact nirmalaramaswamy@yahoo.com)Sandwiches for Homeless – October 8, 2011On the second Saturday of every month, volunteers make sandwiches forthe homeless. 1500 sandwiches are made and delivered to Martha’s Table,a DC shelter. Devotees can sponsor this program by donating $150.For additional information, please call Chitra Raj at 301-216-2019Mitra MandalaMitra Mandala offers free community service providing confidentialand professional counseling and senior services for families in need.Please contact R.G. Nagarajan at 301-279-9328 nagarajan51932@gmail.com for support services.From Baltimore / WashingtonD.C. Take B.W.Parkway to NASA GoddardSpace Center. Leftturn at Rte 193 (GreenBelt Road)Go approximately 1 mile onRte. 193. Make right turn ontoCipriano Road. The Temple ison the left at 6905 CiprianoRoad.Temple Hours:Weekdays: 9:00 am - 1:00 pm, 5:00 pm - 9:00 pmWeekends / Holidays9:00 am - 9:00 pmThe Temple is open all day on all Important HolidaysFrom Silver Spring, Bethesda, Tysons Corner: Take I-495 (Beltway) to Exit 22A (B.W Parkway towards Baltimore),Exit immediately towards NASA Goddard Space Center. Left turn at Rte. 193 (Greenbelt Road).From Andrews Air Force Base, Alexandria, Springfield: Take I-495 (Beltway) to Exit 22A (B.W Parkway towards Baltimore),Bear right following signs to NASA Goddard Space Center, and merge to Rte. 193 (Greenbelt Road).Daily Puja ScheduleMorning Puja 9:00 am Monday-Friday Suprabatham 9:00 am DailyEvening Arathi 6:00 pm Monday-Sunday Abhishekam 9:30 am DailyVenkateswara Abhishekam 10:15 am SaturdayNon ProfitU.S. Postage PaidPermit #6038Suburban, MD7SRI SIVA VISHNU TEMPLE6905 Cipriano RoadLanham, MD 20706