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Purandara Dasa Aradhana celebrated in Wisconsin

Suraj KODGI — Thu, 14 Apr 2011 01:04:33 +0000

Purandara dasa aradhana celebrated in Wisconsin

Krishnaya Vasudevaya Haraye Paramathmaney

Pranathaklesha Nasaya Gonvindaya Namo Nama:

Devotional music echoed in the hearts of devotees and music lovers attending the annual Purandara dasa day organized by members of Pavamana Bhajana Mandali of Milwaukee under the direction of Priest Sri Raghuchandra Bhat on March 05 2011 at the Auditorium of Hindu Temple of Wisconsin, Pewaukee. Adults and kids as young as 5 years old took part in paying tribute to the immortal poet Saint Purandara dasa.

This is the 447th Aradhana of Sri Purandara Dasa, the poet-saint known as the “Father of Carnatic music“, “Sangeetha Pitamaha” of Carnatic Music. He formulated graded music lessons that provide solid foundation to classical music students. The hymns are predominantly devotional in character.

Purandara Dasa was born in the year 1484, believed to be in Bellari- Panduranga Ghat in Hampi, the capital of Vijayanagara Kingdom. Purandara Dasa assures that, as much as we praise Lord and His Glory with Nama Sankeerthana, the Peace and Prosperity prevails.

Several musicians, teachers and music lovers rendered Purandara dasa Krits as solos, duets and in groups. Please watch the photos and video of one of the performance of the evening.

Wisconsin celebrates festival of colors- Holi

Suraj KODGI — Mon, 21 Mar 2011 01:45:02 +0000

Holi- Festival of colors

It was a colorful holi in Hindu Temple of Wisconsin, Pewaukee.. even though there were no colors sprayed on others like it happens all over India..

The evening program started with prayers from priests of local Gurudwaras and our own priest Shastriji. Japan earthquake victims remembered when with the leadership of Shastriji A MINUTE of silence was observed by the whole crowd (quietly stood and bowed their heads).

Holi, the festival of love and joy is not dedicated to any deity from the Hindu pantheon, as are other festivals like Mahasivaratri, Rama Navami, Krishnashtami, etc. The mythology does make inferences to Lord Siva and Madana (the God of love) and how the meditating Siva destroyed Madana with his third eye, when Madana disguised himself as a nymph to disturb Him.

The legend usually associated with Holi revolves around the wicked king Hiranyakasipu whose son Prahlada was a devotee of Lord Vishnu. When the king tried to prevent his son from worshipping Lord Vishnu, with the aid of his sister Holika, who had a boon that made her immune to the effects of fire, his plan backfired and Prahlada escaped unscathed while Holika was burnt to death. Thus, Holi is the day of victory over the evil forces. The celebrations officially usher in spring.

As expected there was a huge turnout, including many devotees from neighboring cities. More than 500 people attended the event and one can imagine the number of peoples by looking at people standing all corners of the auditorium in which the seating capacity is 350.

The whole cultural program was very well organized and the performers (and the choreographers) were superb. Lots of talent show on this evening…with performers ranging from 3 years old kids to teens. It was a great feeling to see the kids so young to perform so superbly.

At the end of their cultural program, dinner made by volunteers were ready for the guests at a nominal price. I saw many people walking home without having dinner due to the rush and long standing line for the dinner.

The list of the performers of the evening:

1. Holiya Main Ude Re – Performer: Darshita Bajoria

2. Jai Ho – Performers: Kritika Gupta and Manavi Gupta

3. Apna Har Din Aise Jiyo – Performers: Mehak Oberoi and Ravina Sachdev.

4. Udi – Performed by Shelly Gandhi

5. Aa Dekhen Zara – Performers: Vaishnavi Sribhasyam, Tejasvi Paturu, Manasvi Patutu, Rashmi Majjigapu, Shikha Mimani

6. Chand Nikhala and Yeh Ishq hai – Singer: Kalaki Adhikari.

7. Barso Re – Performers: Mehak, Sakshi, Anvita, Anoushka, Riya, Siya, Anika, Saniya & Arushi.

8. Aag Lage Aaj Kal de Fashion Nu – Performers: Reethika Veluri, Anjaly Nagarajan, Nikki Ajjampore, Neha Ajjampore, Seema Siraj, Deepti Ajjampore

9. Rang Barse – Performers: Raggyee, Divyank, Varun, Kunal, Sai, Bip, Haripriya, Avinay

The whole event was well organized, executed…Hats Off great team of HTW volunteers and its president Mr. Venkat Kodali.

Main organizers of the event are:

Vinita Sawhney
Shefali Vallecha
Bandana Choubey

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Milana celebrates festival of lights- Diwali

Suraj KODGI — Sat, 22 Jan 2011 15:02:33 +0000

Deepavali 2010 By Milana

More than 200 members of Milana Kannada Koota of Wisconsin gathered at the Hindu Temple of Wisconsin auditorium on Saturday Dec 04 2010 to celebrate the festival of lights- Diwali (Deepavali). The celebration started with the introduction of new committee of 2010-2011.

The cultural program was organized to celebrate the Diwali at 7:30 PM and it was an blast with so many local talents rocked the stage with their vibrant dances. Dinner with mouthwatering dishes served from 6:30 PM.

This time the dinner was catered from Royal India restaurant, Milwaukee.

Drs Poornima and Jayaprakash

In Kannada Koota there is an tradition which being followed from past many many years- every event we held (4 cultural events in a year) will have a grand sponsor who sponsor the auditorium and kitchen. This Deepawali event was sponsored by well-known Drs Poornima & Jayaprakash.

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Evening cultural event was kicked off by Pavan and Anu, who were also the MCs. Pavan, who welcomed the crowd with his melodious welcome song was an instant hit (be sure to check the video section).

The cultural programs were filled with 14+ items performed by children, teenagers and adults. It was an variety show The cultural programs closed at 10 PM.

WisIndians brings you extensive coverage on the event with video clips and photos. Click on the following link to watch the video clips of various cultural programs.

Diwali Celebration by Indo-American Association of Milwaukee

Suraj KODGI — Tue, 23 Nov 2010 01:15:58 +0000

Diwali Celebration by Indo-American Association of Wisconsin

On Sunday Nov 7 2010, more than 200 community members attended the Diwali celebration organized by Wisconsin chapter of Indo-American Association. The event was held at ball room of Crown Plaza Hotel and Resort, Milwaukee.

WisIndians brings you extensive coverage on the event with video clips and photos. Click on the following link to watch the video clips of various cultural programs.

About Diwali:

Diwali or Deepavali, the five-day festival begins with Naraka Chaturdashi, followed by Lakshmi puja, Dhanteras, Bhai Dooj and Angadi puja.

Diwali commemorates various events in both Hindu mythology as well as in Indian history. That it marks the return of Rama, Sita and Laxman to Ayodhya from their 14-year exile and the defeat of Ravana is well-known.

The people of Ayodhya celebrated their return by adorning their path with earthen lamps or diyas, which is why we get to see the aura of diyas everywhere during the festival.

In Sikhism, Deepavali commemorates the return of Guru Har Gobind Ji to Amritsar after freeing 52 Hindu kings imprisoned in Fort Gwalior by defeating Emperor Jahangir; the people lit candles and diyas to celebrate his return. This is the reason Sikhs also refer to Deepavali as Bandi Chhorh Divas, “the day of release of detainees”

Some believe it to be the celebration of the marriage of Lakshmi with Lord Vishnu. Whereas in Bengal the festival is dedicated to the worship of Mother Kali, the goddess of strength.

Diwali has been celebrated with the lighting of small clay lamps (diyas) to signify the triumph of good over evil. Most Indian business communities begin the financial year on the first day of Diwali.

It was an great evening with lots of entertainments- Dances, Songs, mouth watering food (catered from Taste of India, Brookfield). Payaliya group from Chicago area performed various dances – Solo and Group with both adults and kids. 4 years old Suraksha Kodgi performed Taal Se Taal – Remix dance which was well received by the audience, got lots of claps.

Suraksha Kodgi- Dance

Indo-American Association of Wisconsin President, Mr. Chaman Singh Bawa welcomed everyone to the event. Mr. Chaman Bawa also thanked all members of the association and office bearers to organize the second event of the association. Please refer to the membership form of the Indo-American Association of Wisconsin and its objectives.

Wisconsin celebrates festival of lights- Diwali

Suraj KODGI — Sun, 07 Nov 2010 17:01:42 +0000

Wisconsin celebrates festival of lights- Diwali

More than 800 devotees gathered at the Hindu Temple of Wisconsin on Friday Nov 5 2010 to celebrate the festival of lights- Diwali (Deepavali). The celebration started with puja’s from 6 PM (there were three batches – 6-6:30 PM, 6:30-7PM and 7-7:30 PM). The cultural program was organized to celebrate the Diwali at 7:30 PM and it was an blast with so many local talents rocked the stage with their vibrant dances. The performers were from age 4 to Adults and excellent management of the program by two young MCs (and excellent co-ordination by Sanchita Singhal). After the cultural programs, everyone enjoyed the delicious dinner (prepared by the Temple cafeteria volunteers headed by Mr. Dinesh Sanghvi).

WisIndians brings you extensive coverage on the event with video clips and photos. Click on the following link to watch the video clips of various cultural programs.

Following were the list of cultural programs performed in the evening.

1. Tal Se Tal Mila : Suraksha Kodgi

2.Gunje angna mein: Anishka, Ritika, Kaya & Riya

3.Medley-all is well+twist + dil bole hadippa: Diviyank,Abhinay,Varun

4.Mai Re Mai: Darshita Bajoria

5.Folk dance: Isha, Neha, Nikki, Nishika, Reethika, Ria, Shreya

6.Bolywood medly: Riya, Salma, Priyanka, Karishma

7.Song: Sudeep Nath

8.Deedar De: Alisha, Anjali and Nishi

9.Ley Gai Ley Gai: Mehak, Ravina, Priya, Sheetal, Tejasvi and Neha

10.Dandiya: Haasa,Lipika,Lucky,Mihini,Riya

President’s Message

11. Instrumental: Ravi & Anshul

12.Rangeela Maro Dholna: Akansha, Shivani , Varsha

13.Dheem Tana, Doli taro dhol & Jee Karda: Puja & Bhavan Pandya, Nidhi & Munir Parikh, Sumi & Satish Nanduri

14.Prem Ki Naiya: Rishi Sharma& Moksha Shah

15.Mohiniyattam Fusion: Deepa, Devi, Dipti

Hindu Temple of President, Mr. Venkat Kodali addressed the audience and updated them with the programs temple organized so far and programs and plans for future. Be sure to view the speech by Mr. Kodali.

Sri Krishna Janmastami 2010 celebration at Hindu Temple of Wisconsin

Suraj KODGI — Fri, 03 Sep 2010 01:46:13 +0000

Sri Krishna Janmastami 2010 at Hindu Temple of Wisconsin

More than 450 community members celebrated Sri Krishna Janmastami at Hindu Temple of Wisconsin, Pewaukee. The event started with cultural programs from 6:30 PM to 7:45 PM, followed by Puja and delicious prasad (and FREE dinner). After the dinner, the program continued with the Bhajans,Sri Krishna Janma Puja and Celebrations Pravachan by Pandit Shastri and Sri Krishna Janma Puja and Celebrations.

We are currently have few video clips and photos available to you all. In next few days we will publish all other videos. Alternatively, you can signup (just email and name) to WisIndians newsletter to get the news/events and other details to your inbox. …click here to sign up for the newsletters at WisIndians.com

Following kids/adults entertained audience with various cultural programs (be sure to watch the video).

Chandana Srinivas, Akansha Rao, Mahak Oberoi, Opal Sharma, Nidhi Oberoi,Preeti Sharma, Darshita Bajoria, Divyank Sharma,Riya Ratkalkar, Shivu Uppal, Mahita Kallepalli, Vibhusha Kolli, Shelly Gandhi, Rumela Dey, Shefali Vallecha Mahalakshmi Suresh and Suraksha Kodgi.

The MCs of the evening are Paras Bansal and Sonali Srivastava’ s. These teenagers

MCs Paras Bansal and Sonali Srivastava

showed a lot of courage by being MC’s in the HTW and took audience in a smooth ride all along. I really liked the way Paras advertising the FREE dinner The credit goes to Anu Bansal who is instrumental in organizing this event including the encouragement for the teenagers. It is very important to bring them front and make them aware of our culture and encourage them to participate.

The delicious (and plenty) food was prepared by a team of volunteers at Hindu Temple of Wisconsin. A big thank you for the following volunteers lead by HTW Cafeteria chairman Dinesh Sanghavi.

1. Kamala Singh

2. Neena Munshi

3. Rakesh Rehan

4. Mrs. Naveen Rehan

5. Harish Mehta

6. Rohi Dhiman

7. Raja Gupta

8. Jashree Agarwal

9. Vandana

10. Geeta

11. Sumanish Karia and many more volunteers…

Note: HTW Cafeteria is closed this Sunday, Sept. 5th 2010- Next week Sunday, Sept.12th 2010 another exciting lunch- “Pure Punjabi Khana”- Watch for mouthwatering menu!

Ananda Mela, Festival of happiness in Wisconsin

Suraj KODGI — Tue, 10 Aug 2010 13:26:30 +0000

Masala Dosa at Anand Mela

The Ananda Mela festival, organized by the Hindu Temple of Wisconsin (HTW), attracted approximately 1,000 visitors to the Hindu Temple of Wisconsin on Saturday Aug 07 2010. Ananda Mela, meaning “joyful festival,” was designed, “To build community amongst all people, not just only for kids or only for adults, to showcase the Indian culture, food and to share it with all members and show that it is all part of one big family,” said Mr. Venkat Kodali, Hindu Temple of Wisconsin president. Mr. Venkat told to WisIndians that, he was pleased to see such a large crowd and everyone enjoying food, cultural programs and other activities. Hindu Temple of Wisconsin is organizing many more

Kids enjoying at Anand Mela

events this year than ever including Maha Chandi Yagna, Sri Krishna Janmashtami, Maharudram Celebrations and many more. Please visit WisIndians extensive community events calendar now and in future as reference for all events, from religious events at Hindu Temple, Yoga, Concerts to Indian movies in Wisconsin theaters. WisIndians.com is dedicated to bring the best and latest information for the community members… inline with our slogan “Your Community News at Your Fingertips… Always“

Hindu Temple of Wisconsin had been organizing this annual festival from past few years. The festival is a gift to the community members where one gets to meet and greet friends, relatives, taste the 10+ varieties of authentic Indian food under one roof, sugar cane juice and corn on the cob are the extra bonus.

Foods, clothing, music, dance, and henna were among the many aspects of Indian culture available for the visitor to experience.

: Opening Invocation Song on Lord Ganesha by Kids for the evening

There were two cultural programs organized for the day..one in the afternoon from 3:30-4:30 PM and second one in the evening from 6:30-7:30 PM. Both the time, the auditorium was filled with audiences to watch/listen to the dance/songs. The afternoon program was opened by Vande Mataram in violin…good timing since India’s Independence Day is coming closer (Aug 15).

Please refer to the following on the Independence Day event by a community group in Milwaukee. We sent thedetails via newsletter to the subscribers (we sent the flier on Aug 11 2010. Please click here to view the flier if you didn’t receive the newsletter or not yet registered for WisIndians newsletter). Want to receive up to date on the community news/event details…click here to sign up for the newsletters at WisIndians.com. We just need your name and email address. Why name…why not just email ID..you may ask? We want to personalize each email we send out…..you will get the email addressed to you name . We send out emails only one time per week with rich details including news, events, coupons, local money saving deals and more.

While the beautiful English song by Raunak Vyragaram (check the video clip) was the hit during the afternoon session, the dance for 3 idiots by Rishi and team was the hit show in the evening session. There were many programs (10+) by kids, adults. While we were unable to capture each and every program, we do our best to bring you as much information as we can. We will post many video clips soon.

Dance from Rishi and Team for the song from 3 Idiots Movie

SRINIVASA KALYANAM at Hindu Temple of Wisconsin

Suraj KODGI — Sun, 18 Jul 2010 13:29:16 +0000

SRINIVASA KALYANAM (Sri Padmavathi Venkateswara Swamy Kalyanam) was held in Hindu Temple of Wisconsin on Saturday, July 17 2010. The celebration was attended by more than 200 devotees of Wisconsin and lasted for @ 2 hours.

The divine marriage called as Padmavathi Srinivasa Kalyanam is said to have taken place on Friday, the 10th day (Dasami) of Lunar month Vaisakha Masam (Vaisakha Suddha Dasami) in the lunar calendar year Sri Vilambi in this Kaliyuga. The marriage is said to have been performed in the night. The event is said to have happened in a place called Narayanapuram (presently called as Narayanavanam) about 33km from Tirupathi on the way to Chennai near Puttur.

Kusuma Rao and Subba Rao organized this celebration. Venkateswara Kalyanam is celebrated every month’s 3rd Saturday at Hindu Temple of Wisconsin. Other dates for Venkateswara Kalyanam for 2010 are- August 21, September 18, October 16, November 20, December 18. Grand sponsor: $101, Sponsor: $31. Please contact Kusuma Rao and Subba Rao (262-783-5143) or Temple (262-695-1200) for the details of future events or sponsorships.

The schedule for this celebration is:

Kalyanam to start 6:00 PM

Muhurtham: 6:45 PM

Reception (Light Dinner): 8:15 PM

If you are interested reading and learning about the SRI SRINIVASA KALYANAM you may read the following story. The credit goes to various Blogs (many to list) where we took the excerpts from.

SRI SRINIVASA KALYANAM–STORY

The rishis headed by Kasyapa began to perform a sacrifice on the banks of the Ganges. Sage Narada visited them and asked them why they were performing the sacrifice and who would be pleased by it.

Not being able to answer the question, the rishisapproached Sage Bhrigu. To reach a solution after a direct ascertainment of reality, Sage Bhrigu first went to Satyaloka, the abode of Lord Brahma.

At Satyaloka, he found Lord Brahma, reciting the four Vedas in praise of Lord Narayana, with each of his four heads, and attended upon by Saraswati. Lord Brahma did not take notice of Bhrigu offering obeisance. Concluding that Lord Brahma was unfit for worship, Bhrigu left Satyaloka for Kailasa, the abode of Lord Shiva.
4.

At Kailasa, Bhrigu found Lord Siva spending his time pleasantly with Parvati and not noticing his presence. Parvati drew the attention of Siva to the presence of the sage.

5.

Lord Siva was furious at Bhrigu’s intrusion and tried to destroy him. The sage cursed Lord Siva and left for Vaikuntam.

6.

At Vaikuntam, Lord Vishnu (also called Srimannarayana) was reposing on Adisesha with Sri Mahalakshmi in service at His feet. Finding that Srimannarayana also did not notice him, the sage was infuriated and he kicked the Lord on His chest, the place where Mahalakshmi resides.
7.

At once, Lord Vishnu hastened to apologise to the angry sage and pressed his feet to allay the pain caused to Bhrigu’s leg. In doing so the Lord removed the eye in the foot of the sage, which gave Bhrigu power as to defy the Devas. Thereupon, the sage decided that Lord Vishnu was the most supreme of thetrimurthis and told the rishis the same. Thereupon, they decided that Lord Vishnu was the fruit of theyaga.

8.

Sri Mahalakshmi was angered by the action of her Lord in apologising to Bhrigu who committed an offence. She, therefore, left Vaikuntam without heeding the entreaties of the Lord.

9.

At the commencement of the current Sveta Varaha Kalpa, the whole universe was filled with water and the Earth was immersed in it. Lord Vishnu assumed the form of a white boar (Sri Varaha) and dived into the water to lift the Earth. He slew the demon Hiranyaksha who was obstructing Him and rescued the Earth.

10.

Brahma and the other Devas praised Sri Varaha for saving the Earth by chanting the Vedas and showering flowers on Him. Lord Vishnu decided to stay on Earth in the form of Sri Varaha for some time, to punish the wicked and protect the virtuous. The place then came to be known as Varaha Kshetraand the Varaha Kalpa commenced.

11.

After the departure of Mahalakshmi, a forlorn Lord Vishnu left Vaikuntam and took abode in an ant-hill under a tamarind tree, beside a pushkarini on the Venkata Hill .

12.

Taking pity on Lord Vishnu, Brahma and Maheshwara decided to assume the forms of a cow and its calf to serve Him.

13.

Surya, the Sun God informed Mahalakshmi of this and requested her to assume the form of a cowherdess and sell the cow and calf to the king of the Chola country.
14.

The king of the Chola country bought the cow and its calf and sent them to
graze on the Venkata Hill along with his herd of cattle. Discovering Lord Vishnu
on the ant-hill, the cow provided its milk, and thus fed the Lord.

15.

Meanwhile, at the palace, the cow was not yielding any milk, for which the Chola Queen chastised the cowherd severely.

16.

To find out the cause of lack of milk, the cowherd followed the cow, hid himself behind a bush and discovered the cow emptying her udder over the ant-hill.

17.

Incensed over the conduct of the cow, the cowherd aimed a blow with his axe on the head of the cow. However, Lord Vishnu rose from the ant-hill to receive the blow and save the cow.

18.

When the cowherd saw the Lord bleed at the blow of his axe, he fell down and died of shock.

19.

On the death of the cowherd, the cow returned, bellowing in fright and with blood stains all over her body, to the Chola King. To find out the cause of the cow’s terror, the King followed her to the scene of the incident.

20.

The King found the cowherd lying dead on the ground near the ant-hill. While he stood wondering how it had happened, Lord Vishnu rose from the ant-hill and cursed the King saying that he would become an Asurabecause of the fault of his servant. The King pleaded innocence, and the Lord blessed him by saying that the curse would end when the Lord was adorned with akireetam presented by Akasa Raja at the time of His marriage with Sri Padmavati.

21.

Thereafter, Lord Vishnu or Srinivasa, decided to stay in Varaha Kshetra, and requested Sri Varahaswami to grant Him a site for His stay. His request being readily granted, Srinivasa ordained that a pilgrimage to His shrine would not be complete unless it is preceded by a bath in the Pushkarini and darshan of Sri Varahaswami, and that puja and naivedyam should be offered to Sri Varahaswami first.

22.

Yasoda brought up Sri Krishna, the son of Devaki, in his early years. However, Yasoda was not blessed to witness the marriage of Sri Krishna with Rukmini and she felt very sad. Sri Krishna promised to fulfil her desire in her next birth as Vakuladevi in his next avatara as Srinivasa. In Rukmini’s next birth as Vakuladevi, she was serving Lord Varahaswami when He sent her to serve Srinivasa.

23.

Sometime later, a King named Akasa Raja who belonged to the Lunar race was ruling over Thondamandalam. He had a brother named Thondaman. Akasa Raja had no heirs, and therefore, he wanted to perform a sacrifice. As part of the sacrifice, he was ploughing the fields when his plough turned up a lotus in the ground. On examining the lotus, the King found a female child in it.

24.

Akasa Raja was happy to find the child. He carried it to his palace and gave it to his Queen. At that time he heard a voice from above which said, “Oh! King, tend to it as your child and fortune will befall you.” As the child was found in a lotus, the king named her Padmavati.

25.

In course of time, Princess Padmavati grew up into a beautiful maiden and was attended to by a host of maids. One day, while she was spending her time in a garden picking flowers with her maids, Sage Narada approached her. Assuring her that he was her well-wisher, he asked her to show him her palm to read her future. He foretold that she was destined to be the spouse of Lord Vishnu himself.

26.

At this time, Lord Srinivasa, who was hunting, chased a wild elephant in the forests surrounding the hills. In the elephant’s pursuit, the Lord was led into a garden, where Princess Padmavati and her maids were picking flowers.The sight of the elephant frightened the Princess and her maids..

27.

But the elephant immediately turned around, saluted the Lord and disappeared into the forest. Lord Srinivasa, who was following on horse back, and saw the frightened maidens, who accosted Him with queries.

28.

Lord Srinivasa gave the maids details about his birth and parentage. He, in turn, enquired after their princess, her birth and parentage.

29.

When the maids informed Lord Srinivasa that the princess was Padmavati, foster daughter of Akasa Raja, He expressed his interest in her. However, He was repulsed with stones thrown at Him by the maids. He returned to the hills in haste, leaving His horse behind.

30.

When Lord Srinivasa returned, Vakuladevi brought him his usual dinner comprising various delicacies. However, she found him lying on his bed, pining for his love. When she enquired about the cause, the Lord informed her that unless he married Princess Padmavati, he would never be well again. Vakuladevi then asked Him to tell her all about the Princess. The Lord then narrated the story of her (Padmavati’s) previous birth and his promise to wed her.

31.

In olden times, Lakshmi, in the form of Vedavati, was staying in an ashram in the forests. At that time, Ravana, the lord of Lanka tried to tempt her. In anger, Vedavati cursed him saying that she would bring about his death.

32.

To show how true her words were, Vedavati walked into the fire, but Agni, the Fire God rescued her. He took Vedavati to his house and entrusted her to his wife’s care.

33.

When Ravana was about to carry away Sita from Panchavati, in the absence of Rama and Lakshmana, Agni appeared and offered Vedavati to Ravana as the real Sita who was kept with him by Rama to evade Ravana. Ravana was tricked into thinking that Vedavati was the real Sita.

34.

Ravana took Vedavati to Lanka thinking she was the real Sita, while Agni took Sita to his house and asked his wife Swahadevi to look after her.

35.

After the destruction of Ravana, Vedavati entered the fire when rejected by Rama. Then, Agni, offered the real Sita to Rama. Rama then questioned her as to who the other lady by her side was.

36.

Sita informed Rama that the lady was Vedavati who endured Ravana’s torture for ten months in Lanka for her sake. Sita requested Rama to accept Vedavati also as his spouse. But Rama declined her request saying that he believed in having only one wife during his life time. However, He promised to wed her in her next birth as Padmavati, born as the daughter of Akasa Raja, when Rama himself would take the form of Srinivasa.

37.

After listening to Srinivasa’s story of how he had promised to marry Vedavati in her next birth as Padmavati, Vakuladevi realised that Srinivasa would not be happy unless he married Padmavati. She offered to go to Akasa Raja and his Queen and arrange for the marriage. On the way she met the maid-servants of Padmavati returning from a Siva Temple. She learnt from them that Padmavati was also pining for Srinivasa. Vakuladevi went along with the maidservants to the Queen.

38.

Meanwhile, Akasa Raja and his queen Dharanidevi were anxious about the health of their daughter, Padmavathi. They learnt about Padmavathi’s love for Srinivasa of Venkata Hill. Akasa Raja consulted Brihaspati about the propriety of the marriage and was informed that the marriage was in the best interest of both the parties.

39.

After the departure of Vakuladevi, Srinivasa could not rest in peace. He doubted if she would succeed in her mission. He, therefore, assumed the form of a lady fortune-teller and entered the streets of the capital telling fortunes. Padmavathi’s maids saw her and invited her to the presence of their Queen.

40.

The maid-servants informed Queen Dharanidevi that the fortune-teller was hesitating to enter the palace without the Queen’s invitation.

41.

The Queen came out herself and invited the fortune-teller into the palace.The fortune- teller was taken to the presence of Princess Padmavati.

42.

The fortune-teller read the palm of the Princess and told the Queen about the cause of Padmavati’s indisposition. She advised the Queen to give Padmavati in marriage to Lord Srinivasa. She also told the Queen that a lady would approach her shortly on behalf of Lord Srinivasa, to formally request Padmavati’s hand in marriage.

43.

After the departure of the fortune-teller, Vakuladevi arrived at the palace, and was taken by the maidservants to the Queen. She informed the Queen that she had come on behalf Lord Srinivasa to request the hand of Padmavati in marriage.

44.

Having consulted Brihaspati and heard from his Queen about the prediction of the fortune-teller and the arrival of the messenger from Srinivasa, Akasa Raja decided to hand his daughter in marriage to Srinivasa. He asked the palace purohits to fix a muhurtam for the marriage.

45.

Akasa Raja informed his ministers and other officials of his plans. Immediately, a letter was drafted requesting Srinivasa to come and marry the Princess.

46.

Akasa Raja entrusted the delivery of the letter to Sukamahamunin. Suka went to the Venkata Hill with Vakuladevi. He presented the patrika to Lord Srinivasa, who was very happy. The Lord sent his garland for Padmavati through Suka.

47.

48.

Kubera lent money to Lord Srinivasa to meet the expenses of the marriage.

49.

Lord Srinivasa, along with his consorts and Lord Brahma and Lord Siva started the journey to the residence of Akasa Raja with his vehicle Garuda.

50.

At the palace entrance, Lord Srinivasa was received by Akasa Raja with full honours and taken in procession on a mounted elephant to the palace for the marriage.

51.

In the presence of all the Devas, Lord Srinivasa wed Princess Padmavati, thus blessing Akasa Raja.

HH Sri Ravi Shankar Ji will be visiting Hindu Temple of Pewaukee Today

Aruna KODGI — Sat, 24 Apr 2010 00:33:47 +0000

HH Sri Ravi Shankar Ji will be visiting our Hindu Temple of Wisconsin today (Friday, April 23) afternoon from 2:30 to 3:30 p.m. Devotees are urged to come to temple and receive his blessings.

Hindu Temple Of Wisconsin
N4063 W243 Pewaukee Road, Pewaukee, WI-53072
262.695.1200
Shortly there after is a session at the Temple for youth titled Youth and Spirituality followed by a session with Ravi Shankar Ji
at 6:30 p.m. in Downtown Milwaukee at the Midwest Airlines Center (click on the following image for more details).

Devotees celebrates Mata Ki Chowki at Hindu Temple of Wisconsin

Suraj KODGI — Thu, 25 Mar 2010 12:48:51 +0000

On Saturday, March 13 2010 evening, more than 50 devotees particicpated in the Auspicious celebration of Mata Ki Chowki at Hindu Temple of Wisconsin, Pewaukee. The puja and dinner are sponsored by Brookfield residents Asha and Sukhi Ahluwalia.

Pandith Shastriji lead the devotees to the Bhajans and performed the puja. Later prasad and light dinner was distributed to the devotees.

Chaitra Navratri, also known as Chait Navratras, as the name indicates is observed during the Chaitra month (March – April) in a traditional Hindu calendar followed in North India. Chaitra Navaratri 2010 begins on March 16 and ends on March 24. The festival is dedicated to Goddess Shakti and three of her most popular forms “Goddess Durga, Lakshmi and Saraswati” are worshipped during the period. It begins on the first day of the Chaitra month and ends with Ram Navami. Chaitra Navratri is known by different names like Ram Navaratri, Vasant Navratri, Basant Navrathri and some people also refer it as Spring Navaratras. Chaitra Navratri is observed when Mother Nature undergoes an important climate change. It also marks the beginning of the summer season. There is a popular belief that the fasting during Chaitra Navrati is to prepare the body for the ensuing summer season.

Please view the photos from the puja here:

Please view/hear one of the Bhajan from the puja here