On the second day of the grand ten-day long celebrations of Parama Pujya Sri Ganapathy Sachchidananda Swamiji’s 80th birthday celebrations, the strains from the Nadaswaram and Tavil and the Nagara Sankeertana singers could be heard throughout the Ashrama early in the morning setting the tone for a splendid and energizing day. The Datta Kriya Yoga classes conducted by Dr. Shiva and Dr. Rama Nirmala this morning included Nadi Shuddhi Vyayamas and Pranayamas. The daily Sri Chakra Puja by Sri Datta Vijayananda Teertha Swamiji at 8 AM got devotees into a meditative state of mind.
As part of the Chaitanya Archana, six stalwarts who have made an impactful and lasting contribution in their field were felicitated by Parama Pujya Swamiji. Great Vidwans in the field of Carnatic music – Sri AV Anand (Mridangam), Sri Malladi Suri Babu (Vocal) and Sri N Amrit (Kanjira) received the Nada Nidhi awards. The title of Asthana Vidwan for Vyakarana and Smaarta was conferred upon Sri Gandikota Phaniraja Shastry. Dr. Shashi Bhushan received the Prani Bandhu award for his yeomen service in establishing the Pari Vana – to rehabilitate and care for injured and sick birds at the Shuka Vana aviary. Sri Narendra Chowdary – the founder and chairman of the Bhakti TV channel received the Vishwa Hindu Puraskara.
This morning, Pontiffs from two Peethas graced Datta Peetham with their divine presence and felicitated Pujya Swamiji.
Pujya Sri Vishwaprasanna Teertha Swamiji from Pejawara Matha in Udipi said that just as the lion is the uncrowned king of the jungle, Pujya Swamiji is a lion who has established His Peetha and lords over His Vasudeva Kutumba. He remarked that Pujya Swamiji’s music not only uplifts people, but also heals those suffering from diseases.
Pujya Sri Vidya Prasanna Theertha Swamiji from the Kukke Subramanya Matha complimented Pujya Swamiji for being a prolific composer and for selflessly and tirelessly travelling the world to uplift devotees everywhere.
Pujya Sri Swamiji in His benedictory message remarked that both Subrahmanya and Sri Krishna had come today to visit Ganapathy. Pujya Swamiji said that we must make every minute of our lives count. With a beautiful parable, He narrated how people’s minds become restless after a certain age. He instructed everyone present to spend more time doing japa, and to lead a life of moderation. Pujya Swamiji encouraged everyone promise that they would light an oil lamp at home to dispel depression and grief.
Pujya Sri Eashapriya Teertha Swamiji, Junior seer of Adamaru Matha, Udupi visited Datta Peetham in the evening and offered greetings and respects to Pujya Sri Swamiji on His 80th Birthday.
In the evening, Pandit Niladri Kumar on Sitar and Pandit Anindo Chatterjee on Tabla enthralled the audience with their lilting classical rendition and received warm and loving blessings from Pujya Sri Swamiji.
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