Events of 2015-16
Chinmaya Jayanti Celebrations 2015-16
Pujya Gurudev’s Centenary Jayanti celebrations started off on a note celebrating Gurudev’s “vinoda” – his love of humour & inimitable story telling with a video of a unique retelling of the familiar Bhasmasura story.
This was followed by a Paduka Puja performed by 17 Yajamans conducted by Swami Sharadananda. The event was attended by local children and devotees as well as by over 150 campers from all over the country and abroad. The campers had assembled at CIF who were attending the Adi Sankara Mahotsava camp and a camp conducted by Smt. Vibhutiji and Br. Kutasthaji organised by the Trichy Chinmaya Mission.
After the Pooja, everyone sang Pujya Gurudev’s Jayanti song followed by bhajans by Balavihar children and a dance performance by Anuradha from Chennai. Smt. Sreelekha Nair and Shri Keshavan shared touching stories of the impact Gurudev had on their lives. Devotees got an insight into the KarmaYogi facet of Pujya Gurudev when they saw His “Attitude to Work” YouTube video.
Swami Advayananda gave the benedictory address in which he mentioned that Lord takes up different avataras such as Poorna Avatar, Amsha Avatar, Aavesha Avatar and Nitya Avatar for the protection of Dharma. In a moving address, Swamiji referred to Pujya Gurudev is one of the Nitya Avataras who has touched our lives and shown us the path towards transforming ourselves.
The celebrations concluded with a Sadya (Traditional Kerala Feast) were offered to all the devotees who came to celebrate the auspicious occasion.
In the evening, the Swayambhu Ayyappa Temple shone when in the Chuttuvilakku; 1008 lamps were lit as an offering on Gurudev’s centenary birthday.
Guruji's Birthday Celebrations 2015-16
Pujya Guruji H.H. Swami Tejomayanandaji’s Jayanthi was commemorated in a befitting manner at CIF starting with an early morning Ganapathy Homam and a Mruthyunjaya Homam at Chinmaya Swayambhu Ayyappa Temple.
In the presence of the devotees, Gurudev’s Paduka Pooja was performed by Swami Sharadananda at Gurudev’s Shrine, followed by Anugraha bhashana by Swami Niranjananda.
The evening satsang was by the CHYKs and Yuvaveers on various topics related to Guru:
1. Who is a guru
2. Importance of a Guru
3. How do we find a Guru
4. Guru Parampara
5. Guru Shishya Relationship
6. Why do we worship the Guru’s Padukas.
Each talk was for 5-7 minutes each. All the senior members at CIF and many other devotees came and blessed the youngsters with their presence.
Guru Purnima Samadhi Camp 2015-16
Gurupurnima camp started off with Avahanti Homam at 6.00 am by Swami Sharadananda at the Vadakkini in Adi Sankara Nilayam on 31st July 2015. All the camp members participated in the Avahanti Havanam chanting veda mantras. Being Gurupurnima day, at 9.30 am Gurupaduka Puja was conducted by Swami Sharadananda at the Gurudev’s shrine. After the Gurupaduka Puja was concluded, Swamini Niranjananda Amma gave the blessing address and Sri K.R. Nambiar, who was the Chief Guest of the day , from Chinmaya Mission, Ernakulam, narrated his experiences with Pujya Gurudev. A sumptuous feast was offered to all the devotees. In the evening Swamini Niranjanandaji took Mandukya Upanishad and at 6.45 pm Swami Sharadanandaji performed Bhagavati Seva and Lalitha Sahasranama archana. In the daily schedule, apart from the Avahanti Havanam, Omkar Meditation and Bhashya Parayanma were included at 7.00 am and 12.00 respectively.On 3rd August, Gurudev’s Samadhi Puja was conducted by Swami Sharadanandaji at 10.00 am at the Gurudev’s shrine. After the puja, Swamini Niranjanandaji spoke about her experiences with Pujya Gurudev.She reminded that the greatest gift to Gurudev would be to spread his teachings and follow the path shown to us. On 4th August, the concluding day of the camp, Valedictory function was held at Thekkini at 12.00 noon. Swamini Niranjanandaji and Swami Sharadanandaji were present for the valedictory function. Few participants mentioned that the camp was really wonderful as could study great Upanishad like Mandukya from an experienced Acharya like Swamini Aamma and could learn practical tips from Swamiji in the Omkar Meditation session.Valedictory meeting concluded with Gurudakshina and distribution ofPrasad Pustika. In the evening at 6.30 pm Sarpabli Puja was conducted by Ameta Thantri and Puja lasted for about 4 hours in Swayambhu Ayyappa temple.All the camp members and devotees from the local areas attended the function.
Lakshmi Narayana Puja 2015-16
Ramayana Maasam 2015-16
Sarpabali 2015
On 4th August 2015, The Nagapanchami day, Sarpabali pooja was performed at Chinmaya Swayambhu Ayyappa temple. The pooja was performed by the team of priests headed by the Ameda Temple Tantri. The preliminary pooja was performed in the Nagayakshini temple by offering ‘ Noorum Palum”. Later, elaborate Sarpa Bali Pooja was conducted inside the Swayambhu Ayyappa temple. The pooja lasted for more than 4 hours. Hundreds of devotees including the Local people and the camp members witnessed the Pooja. The Ameda Tantri briefed the imporatnce of attending the Sarpa Bali pooja and said that the entire 3.3 million Nagas will be present in their subtle form during the Pooja to bless all the devotees who are attending the Sarpa Bali pooja. After the Aarti, prasada was distributed to all the devotees. Swami Sharadanadaji gave Dakshina to all the priests and the temple poojaris.