Board of Trustees HAPPY NEW YEAR TO ALL!! · Sri Vaishnava temples recite the Thiruppavai daily in reverence to Andal Devi, and perform special mangala aarathi (24th day) ,and offer

Sree Venkateswara Temple of Cleveland 4406 Brecksville Rd Richfield OH 44286

SREE VENKATESWARA TEMPLE OF CLEVELAND

Sree Padmavathi Sametha Sree Venkateswara Parabrahmane Namaha

4406 Brecksville Road Richfield OH 44286 Tel: (330) 576-5626 Temple Hours (winter): 9 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. & 5:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. on weekdays; 9 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. on weekends & holidays

Issue 46 Jan 2017

Board of Trustees

Dr. R. Bandi

Mr. L. Venkataraman

Dr. P. Achanti

Mr. J. Medarametla

Dr. S. Ramanavarapu

Dr. M. Lakireddy

Dr. K. Devulapalli

Mrs. N. Kulasekaran

Mr. S. Yarlagadda

Treasurer Mrs. S. Venna Jt. Treasurer Mr. R. Atluri Secretary Mr. R. Rambhatla Jt. Secretary Mr. Suman Pillarisetti

Pledge or donate here

Visit: www.balajiusa.org

Call: 330 576 5626 /

[email protected]

Religious Calendar:

(Detailed Calendar on Pg 4

Sun, Jan 1

New Year’s Day Satyanarayana Puja 7 p.m.

Sun, Jan 8

Vaikunta Ekadasi Muthyala Aarati &

Srinivasa Kalyanam 11 a.m..

Wed, Jan 11

Purnima Pasuram & Payasam offering Satyanarayana Puja 7 p.m.

Fri, Jan 13 Bhogi

Bhogi Pallu for kids 6:30 p.m.

Andal Kalyanam 7 p.m.

Sat, Jan 14 Sankranth

Sankranthi Puja 4 p.m.

Sun, Jan 15

Sankatahara Chaturthi

Mon, Jan 23

Ekadasi

Fri, Jan 27

Amavasya

Chairman’s message Dear Devotees:

Jai Sriman Narayana!

Yet another year has passed, and I could not be more grateful for all the blessings the Lord has showered

on us, and for the relentless support you have continued to provide throughout 2016. Thank you!

This year, we have witnessed a steady increase in attendance for major events, scheduled pujas, and

general darshan and have finalized plans for some well-considered changes to enhance the temple

infrastructure and operations. We celebrated two major utsavams, Bhramotsavam and Pavitrotsavam, with

great religious fervor, as we did our scheduled calendar events like Sankranti, Ugadi, Sri Rama Navami,

Vijaya Dasami and Deepavali.

In addition, the service of our devoted teachers of Prajna shines through the well-nurtured demeanor of our

youth, and their awareness of our rich cultural and spiritual heritage. Together, the fabulous contributions

of the temple staff, the devotees, and the entire Northeast Ohio community have made Sree Venkateswara

temple an abode of spiritual and cultural harmony for all to enjoy.

During the Brahmotsavam (June 9-11, 2017), we will conduct the installation of the Rajagopuram.

Please mark your calendars to attend this unique celebration with your family and friends.

As I had indicated in my message to you a year ago, we have undertaken the initiative to build 150

additional parking spots for the convenience of our devotee population during major events. We have

acquired the land and all related permits to start construction of parking spaces and restroom facilities in

summer 2017. Our estimates indicate that it takes two Pavithra Paadams ($1116 each) per parking space.

As we head towards the home stretch to make this project a reality, we look to you for support.

I am also happy to share that thanks to your generosity, we have reduced the temple’s debt from $ 1.3

million to $750,000 since its inception in 2013. Making a concerted effort to pay down the debt that the

temple has acquired for construction and maintenance remains one of our primary goals this coming year.

All donations are precious. I assure you that every penny of your tax-deductible donation will be

fully applied towards your preferred choice of project.

On behalf of the Board of Trustees and the members of the various Committees, I thank each one of you

who has given freely of your time, energy and earnings to make this temple a place of your own.

Your commitment is what has made all the progress possible, and in such a short period. I look forward to see you at the temple soon. May Lord Venkateswara bless you and your families with

health, happiness, and wealth in 2017.

Sincerely,

Ramakrishna Bandi, M.D.

Chairman, Board of Trustees

Sree Venkateswara Temple

Thanks to all for your consideration in following our Temple Etiquette

HAPPY NEW YEAR TO ALL!!

GEETANJALI : Bhajans by The Art of Living Foundation, Cleveland Chapter on Jan 1, 2017 from 11:30 a.m.—12:30 p.m.

Sree Venkateswara Temple of Cleveland 4406 Brecksville Rd Richfield OH 44286

Page 2

SREE VENKATESWARA TEMPLE OF CLEVELAND

Sree Padmavathi Sametha Sree Venkateswara Parabrahmane Namaha

4406 Brecksville Road Richfield OH 44286 Tel: (330) 576-5626 Temple Hours (winter): 9 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. & 5:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. on weekdays; 9 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. on weekends & holidays

Issue 46 Jan 2017

Vaikunta Ekadasi and Sesha Vahanam

One of the most important and auspicious days on the Hindu calendar is Vaikunta Ekadasi. It falls on the Shukla Paksha Ekadasi of

Dhanurmasam. Vaikunta is the sacred abode of Maha Vishnu (Sriman Narayana), and the ultimate goal for devotees to attain. Aadi Sesha, the

thousand-headed serpent is the seat on which Sriman Narayana rests in his divine abode. The seven-headed Sesha Vahanam represents the

seven Thirumala Hills of Sri Venkateswara (Sriman Narayana). The newly arrived Sesha Vahanam at the temple will be inaugurated on the

occasion of Vaikunta Ekadasi.

Vaikunta Ekadasi is celebrated in Thirumala Tirupathi Devasthanam, Sri Ranganatha temple of SriRangam, and Bhadrachalam with special

utsavams.

Temples prepare a "Vaikunta Dwaram" or "Gate to Heaven", a northern gate that is open all day for devotees to pass through. According to

Padma Purana, devotees who observe a fast, pray, and meditate on the Lord on this day attain happiness in this life and Vaikunta after.

This year, Vaikunta Ekadasi is on Sunday, January 8, 2017. Please join in for Vaikunta dwara pravesham and special darshanam of

the Lord on Sesha Vahanam.

“Annadanam Samam Danam Trilokeshu Na Vidyathe"

Annadanam is supreme among all danas and incomparable to any other. Devotees can donate for Annadanam in the Temple for important

festivals in 2016. Interested devotees, please contact the Temple Management to reserve a day. For further details click here.

Sree Venkateswara Temple of Cleveland 4406 Brecksville Rd Richfield OH 44286

Page 3

SREE VENKATESWARA TEMPLE OF CLEVELAND

Sree Padmavathi Sametha Sree Venkateswara Parabrahmane Namaha

4406 Brecksville Road Richfield OH 44286 Tel: (330) 576-5626 Temple Hours (winter): 9 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. & 5:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. on weekdays; 9 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. on weekends & holidays

Issue 46 Jan 2017

Your temple needs volunteers, and opportunities are plenty! Check-in with the main office for service during pujas and celebrations, in the kitchen and garden, in prepar-

ing, collating and distributing materials to devotees, hospitality at the main office and events, etc. Your time, however little, is very much appreciated.

Muthyala Aarathi and Vishesha Payasa Nivedanam

Pasurams 24 and 27 of the Thiruppavai

Thiruppavai is a composition by Godha Devi (Andal) showing Her devotion to the Lord.

The composition contains 30 verses known as Pasurams. Godha Devi performed a vratham known as "Paavai Nombu" offering one Pasuram a

day. Godha imagines Herself to be one of the gopis who loves Lord Krishna and invites other gopis to join Her in fasting, offering prayers,

and singing glories of the Lord.

As described in the 24th Pasuram., " AnRivulagalam Aalandi Adi pOrtri...." Lord Krishna is asked to come and sit on the throne. She does

mangala-shasanam (praises and good wishes) to the Lord. By the 27th day, Paavai Nombu is concluding and the gopis want to celebrate. In the

27th pasuram, "Koodaarai Vellum Sheer Govinda..", Andal requests Lord Krishna for ornaments and clothes, etc., for Her and the gopis to

celebrate, and a feast with rice, milk and ghee (payasa-annam or sweet pongal).

Sri Vaishnava temples recite the Thiruppavai daily in reverence to Andal Devi, and perform special mangala aarathi (24th day) ,and offer

Payasa-Annam (27th day) to the Lord during the Dhanurmasa/Margasheera masam.

Please participate on January 8th, Vaikunta Ekadasi, at 11 a.m. for Muthyala Aarathi, and on January 11th at 11.a.m. for Vishesha

Payasa Nivedanam.

Sree Venkateswara Temple of Cleveland 4406 Brecksville Rd Richfield OH 44286

Page 4

SREE VENKATESWARA TEMPLE OF CLEVELAND

Sree Padmavathi Sametha Sree Venkateswara Parabrahmane Namaha

4406 Brecksville Road Richfield OH 44286 Tel: (330) 576-5626 Temple Hours (winter): 9 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. & 5:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. on weekdays; 9 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. on weekends & holidays

Issue 46 Jan 2017

Check out pictures of pujas, events, and celebrations at Balajiusa.org

Thinking about offerings to bring to the temple? Please consider these options:

Bouquet or loose fresh flowers without paint spray Fresh fruits like bananas, apples, peaches etc. Dry fruits and nuts like raisins, cashews, almonds etc.

Looking for a venue for your next big celebration? Look no further...check out the Community Hall at the

Sree Venkateswara Temple of Richfield.

Did you know? There is an embedded inner meaning in most of these pasurams. Since, Andal got married to Sri Ranganatha and had Bhogam (intimate enjoyment) on the day of the 30th pasuram, it is celebrated throughout South India as the Bhogi Festival. Spiritually, Bhogi signifies the rejoining of the Atma with Paramatma. Come and celebrate Bhogi and Andal Kalyanam on Friday, January 13, 2017.

Sree Venkateswara Temple of Cleveland 4406 Brecksville Rd Richfield OH 44286

Page 4

SUNDAY MONDAY TUESDAY WEDNESDAY THURSDAY FRIDAY SATURDAY

1 Sravanam New Year’s Day SriVenkateswara Abhishekam 10 a.m. Satyanarayana Puja 5 p.m.

2

3

4

5 Hanuman Ashtotharam & Hanuman Chalisa 7 p.m.

6 Sri Mahalakshmi Sahasranamam 7 p.m.

7 Sri Vishvaksena Jayanthi Sri Garuda/Hanuman Abhishekam 11 a.m. Sri Venkateswara Sahasranama Archana 7 p.m.

8 Vaikunta Ekadasi Muthyala Aarathi 11 a.m.

9 Koorma Dwadasi

10

11 Purnima Koodarai vellum sheer Govinda….Pasuram and Payasam offering; Satyanarayana Puja 7 p.m.

12 Hanuman Ashtotharam & Hanuman Chalisa 7 p.m.

13 Bhogi Bhogi pallu (kids) 6:30 p.m. Godha/Andal Kalyanam & Sri Mahalakshmi Sahasranamam 7 p.m.

14 Makara Sankranthi Thai masam begins Sri Mahalakshmi Abhishekam 10 a.m. Sankranthi Puja 4 p.m. Sri Venkateswara Sahasranama Archana 7 p.m.

15 Sankatahara Chaturthi Utsava Murthy Abhishekam 11 a.m. Ganesha Sahasranama Archana 7:00 p.m.

16 Poorva Phalguni

17 Uthara Phalguni

18 19 Hanuman Ashtotharam & Hanuman Chalisa 7:30 p.m.

20 Sri Mahalakshmi Sahasranamam 7 p.m.

21 Sri Bhudevi Abhishekam 11 a.m. Sri Venkateswara Sahasranama Archana 7 p.m.

22

23 Ekadasi

24 25

26 Hanuman Ashtotharam & Hanuman Chalisa 7 p.m.

27 Amavasya Sri Mahalakshmi Sahasranamam 7 p.m.

28 Sri Ganesha Abhishekam 11 a.m. Sri Venkateswara Sahasranama Archana 7 p.m.

29

30

31

1 2

3

4

SREE VENKATESWARA TEMPLE OF CLEVELAND

Sree Padmavathi Sametha Sree Venkateswara Parabrahmane Namaha

4406 Brecksville Road Richfield OH 44286 Tel: (330) 576-5626 Temple Hours (winter): 9 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. & 5:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. on weekdays; 9 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. on weekends & holidays

Issue 46 Jan 2017

Jai Sriman Narayana!

Content collated and edited for Sree Venkateswara Temple Of Cleveland By Sravanthi Vallampati

Daily Pujas: Suprabhatam 9 a.m. * Nitya Aradhanam 9:30 a.m. & 5:30 p.m. * Sayanotsavam 7:45 p.m.

For up-to-date puja schedule, special events info, etc., visit the temple website at http://www.balajiusa.org

Temple Kitchen Now Open

On Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays

From 10.30 a.m. to 3 p.m. and 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. Wish to volunteer in the kitchen? Contact the office to sign-up, & Thank You!

Durmukhi Margasheersha—Pushya Jan 2017 Durmukhi Margazhi—Thai