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TEMPLE TIMES --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1st
Quarter 2015 January, February, March
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Thai Poosam – Devotees with Paal(Milk) Kudam and Kaavadi for Lord Muruga
A Quarterly Publication of
Sri Meenakshi Temple Society Pearland, Texas
SRI MEENAKSHI TEMPLE SOCIETY
17130 McLean Road, Pearland, TX-77584
SPECIAL EVENTS – JANUARY to MARCH 2015
1-JAN THURS New Year’s Day, Vaikunda Ekadasi – Swargavasal Darshanam
14-JAN WED Andal Kalyanam, Bogi Pandigai
15-JAN THURS Makara Sankranthi and Pongal
16-JAN FRI KANU
17-JAN SAT Pongal Celebration
22-JAN THURS Vasavi Agnipravesam
6-FEB FRI Thai Sukravara Deepa Puja
8-FEB SUN Thai Poosam Celebration
17-FEB TUE Maha Sivarathri
4-MAR WED Masi Magham
5-Mar THU Holi
14-MAR SAT Karadian Nombu
21-MAR SAT Ugadi Telugu & Kannada New Year
28-MAR SAT SriRama Navami, SIta Rama Kalyanam
MONTHLY SCHEDULED ABHISHEKAM DATES JANUARY to MARCH 2015
JAN FEB MAR
Sukla Pradosham 2 1 3
Krishna Pradosham 18 16 18
Sukla Ekadasi 1,30 1
Krishna Ekadasi 16 15 16
Sankata Hara Chaturthi 8 7 9
Moolam 27 15 14
Sashti 25 24 26
Krithigai 2,29 25 25
Punarvasu 6 2 1
Poornima 5 3 5
Ashtami 13 12 13
Sukla Chaturthi 24 22 24
Sravanam 21 18 17
A MESSAGE FROM THE MTS BOARD
Chairman’s Message Greetings On behalf of the Board and Advisory council of Sri Meenakshi Temple, I wish you and your family, happy holidays and a very Happy, Healthy and Prosperous New Year in 2015. I am happy to report to you that we had an amazing year in 2014 at our temple. We had record attendance in every one of the major functions and had highest record for the annual revenue. The Main Temple Renovation Project has had a very successful fund raising. We raised over 1.1 million dollars in record time. We had a blissful Bhoomi Puja on November 2nd. It was especially memorable to see seniors and the VHS children recite Manthra Pushpam and Devi Stuti at the site of ground breaking. Now the construction has started and we will coordinate in such a way that every major function is celebrated with least interruption. We need your unrelenting support during this phase. I want to welcome all of you to come to our temple to begin your New Year on January 1st, 2015. This year is even more special since we have Vaikunda Ekadasi on the same day and Vaikunda Dwara Dharshan is at 9.30 am and archanas will be done all day. Once again wish you all a very Happy New Year. Please do not hesitate to contact me with your valuable suggestions to improve our services. May the blessings of Sri Meenkashi Sri Sundareswara and Sri Padmavathy and Sri Venkateswara be showered on you and your family during 2015. With regards P. Vaduganathan Chairman, 2014-15 Sri Meenakshi Temple Society
SRI MEENAKSHI TEMPLE SOCIETY 17130 McLean Road, Pearland, TX-77584
JANUARY 2015
31-Dec Wed Midnight New Year Midnight Puja
1-Jan Thu 8:00 AM New Year's Day: All day special pujas and Archanas
1-Jan Thu 9:00 AM Vaikunda Ekadasi - Swargavasal Darshanam
1-Jan Thu 10:00 AM Krittikai Sri Subramanya Abhishekam
2-Jan Fri 7:00 PM Pradosham Nandi & Siva Abhishekam Procession after Deeparadana
4-Jan Sun 10:30 AM Sri Venkateswara Abhishekam
4-Jan Sun 6:30 PM Sathyanarayana Puja
5-Jan Mon 7:00 PM Arudra Darshanam - Nataraja Abhishekam
6-Jan Tue 7:00 PM Punarvasu Ramar Abhishekam
8-Jan Thu 7:00 PM Sankatahara Chaturthi Ganapathi Homam & Abhishekam
11-Jan Sun 11:00 AM Meenakshi Abhishekam
13-Jan Tue 7:00 PM Ashtami Bairavar Abhishekam
14-Jan Wed 7:00 PM Andal Kalyanam
14-Jan Wed 7:00 PM Bogi Pandigai
15-Jan Thu 7:00 PM Makara Sankranthi
15-Jan Thu 10:30 AM Pongal
15-Jan Thu 7:00 PM Makara Jyothi - Ayyappa Abishekam
16-Jan Fri 7:00 PM Ekadasi Sri Venkateswara Abhishekam
16-Jan Fri 7:00 PM Kanu
17-Jan Sat 10:30 AM Pongal Celebration
18-Jan Sun 7:00 PM Mulam Sri Anjaneyar Abhishekam
18-Jan Sun 7:00 PM Pradosham Nandi & Siva Abhishekam Procession after Deeparadana
21-Jan Wed 7:00 PM Sravanam Sri Venkateswara Abhishekam
22-Jan Thu 7:00 PM Vasavi Agnipravesam
23-Jan Fri 7:00 PM Sukla Chaturthi Sri Ganapathi Abhishekam
25-Jan Sun 10:30 AM Sukla Sashti Sri Subramanya Abhishekam
26-Jan Mon 7:00 PM Ratha Sapthami
28-Jan Wed 7:00 PM Krittikai Sri Subramanya Abhishekam
30-Jan Fri 7:00 PM Ekadasi Sri Venkateswara Abhishekam REGULARLY SCHEDULED WEEKLY ABHISHEKAM
Sri Ganesha Homam & Abhishekam......................................................................All days 7:00 AM Sri Siva (Sundareswara) & Sri Meenakshi Abhishekam.........................................All days 9:00 AM Sri Siva (Sundareswara) Abhishekam..................................................................Mondays 7:00 PM Sri Durga Abhishekam.........................................................................................Tuesdays 7:00 PM Sri Padmavathy Abhishekam...................................................................................Fridays 6:30 PM Sri Meenakshi Abhishekam & Lalitha Sahasranamavali.........................................Fridays 7:00 PM
Last Friday of the month – Lalitha Sahasranamavali & Shodasa Upacharam Sri Navagraha Abhishekam..............................................................................Saturdays 11:00 AM Sri Ayyappa Abhishekam..................................................................................Saturdays 10:00 AM Sri Kanyaka Parameswari Abhishekam.......................................Last Friday of the Month 7:00 PM Sri Meenakshi Abhishekam...............................................Second Sunday of the Month 11:00 AM Sri Venkateswara Abhishekam...............................................First Sunday of the Month 10:30 AM
Puja sponsorships can be prepaid using your credit card at www.emeenakshi.org
Puja sponsorships can be prepaid using your credit card at www.emeenakshi.org
Invitation to Participate in MTS Cultural Programs
On New Year’s day, Vaikunta Ekadashi’s special cultural theme is “DASHAVATAR.” Dashavatara refers to the ten avatars of Vishnu. It is said that Vishnu descends in form of an avatar to restore cosmic order.
The cultural event of Maha Shivaratri marks the day in which the great Lord Shiva was married to Parvati. This event is the rejoicing of samarpanam to the god. The theme is “SAMARPANAM.”
Holi is a popular Hindu festival also known as the festival of colors. This time of the year is celebrated with colored powder activities and a lot of fun. The Celebration Holi’s cultural theme is “COLORFUL,” joyful, and full of energy.
COME, PARTICIPATE, AND ENJOY!!!
CONTACT – MALA GOPAL - [email protected]
Sri Meenakshi Temple Society 17130 McLean Road, Pearland, TX 77584
Invites you to Celebrate
New Year's Day &
Vaikunta Ekadasi On Thursday January 1
st, 2015
Start your New Year with the blessings of
Sri Meenakshi, Sri Sundareswara, Sri Venkateswara and Sri Padmavathi
on December 31st, 2014 – New Year’s Eve - Midnight Aarathi
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8:00 AM – 9:30 AM Ganesha Homam and Abhishekam for Prasanna Vinayagar at the Ganesh Temple
Sponsorship $51 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
10:00 AM: Puja for Maha Ganapathi & Sri Ayyappa.
Sponsorship $21
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9:00AM - 9:30 AM
Laksharchana for Sri Venkateswara & Muthangi Seva for all Pradhana Murthis
followed by Deeparadhana.
Sponsorship $51
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9:30 AM: VaikuntaDwara/SwargaDwara Darshanam (Vaikunda Ekadashi)
10:30 AM: Sri Venkateswara Procession on GarudaVahanam
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Grand Sponsorship for all New Year Day Poojas $101
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2:00 PM - 5:00 PM. Cultural Program at Kalyana Mantapam
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5:00 PM Sri Meenakshi Sundareswarer Pallakku Processsion ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Breakfast will be available at Temple Kitchen between 8:00 AM - 10:00 AM
Indian Restaurants Food Booths from 10:00 AM – 8:00 PM --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
To volunteer for the New Year's day, Please contact: Murali Ravoori ([email protected]) , P. Vaduganathan( [email protected]) , S.
Narayanan([email protected])
and for Cultural : Mala Gopal ([email protected])
(or) call the temple office at 281-489-0358 ext. 100, 110
Andal – The Saint Poet - Nalini Sadagopan
“ThiruvAdippUratthu sehatthuthitthAL VaazhiyE
ThiruppAvai muppathum seppinAL VaazhiyE
PeriyAzhwAr peRReduttha peNN piLlai vaazhiyE
PerumbhUthUr mmamunikkup-pinnAnAL vaazhiyE
oru NooRRu nARpatthu moonRu uraitthAL vaazhiyE
UyarangarkkE kaNNIuhanthaLitthAl VaazhiyE
maruvAruntirumalli vaLa naadi vaazhiyE
VaNN Puthuvai naharkkOthai malar padhangaL VaazhiyE”
The above Tamil poem written in praise of Andal by Sri.Vedapiran Bhattar sums up the life of Andal and her work which has inspired devotion in the world at large. Andal one of the twelve Azhwars was the only female poetess and was the daughter of Periyazhwar. Azhwar – means one who is deeply immersed and these twelve saints were deeply immersed in their Bhakthi/devotion towards Lord Vishnu/Krishna. They together contributed 4000 poems in Tamil which is compiled as a magnum opus “Naalayira Divyaprabandham”. One hundred and forty three of this were written by Andal, which are categorized as Thiruppavai (30 poems) and NAchiyar Thirumozhi (113 poems).
Andal was found as a baby during the Tamil month of Aadi (August) in the garden near a Thulasi plant by Periyazhwar who was a priest at the Vishnu temple in Srivilliputhur. She imbibed bhakthi (devotion) towards Lord Vishnu in the form of Krishna at a very young age. It is believed that she has been inspired by listening to stories from the Bhagavatha Purana in her love towards Krishna. At the tender age of five Andal observed the fasting principle of “Paavai Nonbu” which is observed by females in order to win the husband of their desire a seemingly custom that originated in Northern India. This falls during the Tamil month of Margazhi (mid-December through mid-January).
Each day of Margazhi is associated with one of the thirty hymns of the Thiruppavai composed by Andal. In these hymns Andal immerses herself as Radha or Gopika who is deeply fond of Lord Krishna and wakes each of her friends who she imagines as fellow gopikas living in Brindavan. She motivates them to wake up (physically), to perform their ablutions and to sing his praise on during the early morning – the most auspicious time for worship. The waking up here is also paralleled by many stalwarts, who have written in-depth interpretation of these seemingly simple poems, to the waking up of the atman or the soul in each of us which is covered by Maya to God realization. She has interwoven, like many other Azhwars, the leelas of Lord Krishna in these pasurams or poems as well.
In “Nachiyar Thirumozhi” Andal yearns and pines to join her beloved Krishna and appeals to him for a wedlock. The famous “Varanam Aayiram” set of songs is part of the Nachiyar Thirumozhi. It is believed that after the composition of these hymns, Lord Ranganatha had appeared in the dreams of Periyazhwar to bring Andal to Srirangam. At this juncture Andal merged with Lord Ranganatha.
Although Andal’s work in Tamil is believed to be more than 1000 years old, it is in vogue even today as fresh as when they were composed. These classic poems transcend time not only because they brim with devotion but also because of the beautiful yet simple language. They are very easy to learn even as children and have been passed on as heritage over time by families. Bhajans conducted in the month of margazhi include Thiruppavai, and they are recited at the Vishnu temples every day in this month. Lectures explaining the meaning of these hymns are very popular during the December season in cities all over in India, especially in Chennai.
Sri Meenakshi Temple Society
17130 McLean Road, Pearland, TX-77584
Invites you to celebrate
ANDAL KALYANAM On Wednesday, Jan. 14th 2015
PROGRAM at the Main Temple
6:00 PM: Seervarisai from Ganesh Temple
6:15 PM: Group Recitation of THIRUPPAVAI
7:30 PM: Vishwaksena Aradhana, Punyavachanam, Rakshabandanam, Kanyavaranam, Varapuja, Mangalashtakam, Kanyadanam,
Mangalya Dharanam, Laja Homam, Akshataropanam,
Note: VARANAMAYIRAM Recitation during Laja Homam 8:30 PM: Upachara Puja, Neeranjanam, Prasadam Distribution
Sponsorship - $21
For more information please contact
Sriram at [email protected] or Narayanan at [email protected]
or Sasidharan Pillai at [email protected]
or call the Temple Office at (281) 489-0358 Ext. 100 or110.
Much celebrated Events in this quarter - Chitoor Ramachandran
Arudra Darshanam is an auspicious day dedicated to Lord Shiva. This day celebrates the cosmic dance of Lord Shiva as Nataraja. The festival enacting Nataraja’s dance at the Chidambaram Shiva Temple is well known. It is observed on the full moon day in the Tamil month of Margazhi. . The cosmic dance of Nataraja represents five activities – Creation, Protection, Destruction, Embodiment and Release. In essence, it represents the continuous cycle of creation and destruction. In Kerala, this day is celebrated as Thiruvathira, the special day to worship Lord Shiva and Parvathi to pray for conjugal harmony and happiness. In 2015 Arudra Darshanam falls on January 5.
2015 Tyagaraja Aradhana by Classical Arts Society of Houston: The Joint function with MTS will be held on January 10 and 11, 2015 at the Meenakshi Temple Society Kalyana Mandapam. This year, the Aradhana held in Houston coincides with the Tyagaraja Aradhana in Thiruvaiyyaru in Tamil Nadu, India, making it extra special! The Aradhana provides an opportunity for the members of the Houston community to pay homage to the great saint Sri. Tyagaraja. In addition to open participation by community members where individuals or groups render one composition of the saint, this year’s Aradhana will also feature three mini-concerts and a few classical dance performances.
Event jointly presented by MTS & Classical Arts Society. Please contact the Classical Arts Society of Houston: [email protected] to find out additional information or if you wish to participate/volunteer in the Aradhana. Schedule: Day 1 (Saturday, Jan 10) 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM Unchavritti, Pancharatnam rendition, open participation, solo and group performances, mini concerts; Day 2 (Sunday, Jan 11) 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM Open participation, mini concerts and dance performances, vocal & instrumental music concerts.
Pongal Festival. Thai Pongal is a harvest festival event celebrated across the world. Pongal coincides with the festival Makara Sankranthi celebrated in various parts of India. Pongal in Tamil means "boiling over or spill over." The act of boiling over of milk in the clay pot is considered to denote future wishes for the family. Makara Sankranti/Thai Pongal celebrates the resumption of the sun's 'journey northwards' (Utharaayanam) where the days get longer. Tamil Hindus dedicate the first grain harvested to the sun on this day. In Mahabharata, Makara Sankranti is mentioned, the day Bhishma acharya chose to leave his mortal coils when the sun turned direction northwards. Pongal is an expression of thanksgiving to the Lord for a bountiful harvest. They prepare a special dish called 'Sarkkarai Pongal' and pray for the blessings of Sun God.
Pongal marks the season of celebration and joyous activities. Usually it is celebrated continuously for four days. On the first day, Bhogi Pongal, celebrations are confined to the house. Evil spirits are driven out of the home and burnt in bonfires, and the house is whitewashed. The second day, Surya Pongal, honors the Sun God. Members of the family wear new clothes and cook - on a new stove and in new pots - a dish with the newly harvested rice. The third day is Maattu Pongal, honoring cattle. Cows and bullocks are washed, decorated and worshipped, for their role in ensuring a good harvest. Pongal also marks the beginning of a New Year. The festival covers all living beings including humans, cattle and birds and crops. Peaceful and harmonious coexistence of all living beings is the message this celebration spreads. Pongal celebrations at Sri Meenakshi Temple fall during January 15-17.
Thai Poosam.
Vel Undu Vinai Illai Kundrathille Kumaran’ukku Kondaattam
Murugan Endraal Azhagan Skandan Endraal Karunai …...
The beauty and description of Murugan, Skandan, Velan, or Shanmugan can never be summed up in one word. He is an abode of beauty, divinity, happiness, courage, power, Valor, love, Tamil, simplicity, strength and intelligence. Thai Poosam is celebrated by millions of Hindu devotees across the globe with great passion. Murugan is considered as the Lord who created the language Tamil. He is essentially called “Tamizh Kadavul”. Thai Poosam is thus a special day for worship for Tamil speaking people and is celebrated in a grand manner at all Murugan temples, especially at the “Aarupadai Veedu” of Murugan, This festival occurs in the Tamil month of Thai (January - February), on the day of the star Poosam around Poornima. One of the several legends about this festival is given here. . The notorious demon Thaarakaasuran created havoc and discomfort to Rishis. He tortured them and was a hindrance to their routine pooja and homams. Lord Murugan was called by his parents, Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvathi and passed on the order of destroying this asuran. Lord Muruga sets off with the blessings of his parents. He carried with him, twelve weapons, eleven of which were given by his father Lord Shiva and the 'Vel' given by his mother Parvathi. Lord Murugan killed Thaarakaasuran on Poosam Nakshatram day in the Tamil month of Thai and this day is celebrated to commemorate his victory over Thaarakaasuran. This year Thai Poosam falls on February 3. Maha Shivarathri. On the auspicious day, devotees observe fast and keep vigil all night. Mahashivarathri marks the night when Lord Shiva performs the 'Tandava'. It is also believed that on this day Lord Shiva was married to Parvathi. On this day Shiva devotees observe fast and offer flowers and bilwa patra on Shiva Linga. Festival of Maha Shivaratri is the most important festival for the millions of devotees of Lord Shiva. The festival has been accorded lot of significance in Hindu mythology. It says that a devotee who performs sincere worship of Lord Shiva on the auspicious day of Shivarathri is absolved of sins and attains moksha. This temple remains open whole night on Shivarathri to facilitate the devotees to attend Shiva pooja. This year it falls on February 17. Masi Makam, also spelled as Masi Magam or Masi Maham, is a festival celebrated during Masi Masam (February – March) on makam nakshathram in the month of Masi in Tamil calendar. The festival generally falls on pournami (Full Moon day). The month of Masi is the favorite month for Lord Shiva and Pitru Devatas or the ancestors. Devotees visit the temples dedicated to Lord Shiva, Murugan, Vishnu or Durga on Masi Makam day and perform special pujas to please the deities. Grand poojas are held in most Shiva and Murugan temple attract many devout Hindus. Abhishekam for Lord Subrahmanya and Sakthivel are special at this (MTS) temple on this day. The Vel, as a symbol of Murugan’s divinity, is an object of worship in some of the temples of Murugan. The annual Thaipusam festival celebrates the occasion when Murugan received the divine Vel from his mother. This year, Masi Makam falls on March 4.
Sri Meenakshi Temple Society 17130 McLean Road, Pearland, TX-77584
Invites you to participate in
Pongal Celebrations On Saturday, Jan. 17th 2015 at 10:30 AM
Traditional Pongal preparation by Devotees In Front of the Main Temple
All materials for pongal preparation will be provided
Come with family and friends and enjoy our great culture
There are limited number of spots, so please pre-register by emailing one of the contacts.
Sponsorship - $21
For more information please contact
Nach Vaduganathan [email protected] or Meera Srikanth at [email protected] or
Bhargavi Golla at [email protected] or Narayanan at [email protected] or
call the Temple Office at (281) 489-0358 Ext. 100 or101.
Sri Meenakshi Temple Society 17130 McLean Road, Pearland, TX-77584
Invites you to celebrate
VASAVI AGNI PRAVESAM
On Thursday, Jan. 22nd 2015
PROGRAM
Ganesh Temple 6:30 PM sharp
Sankalpam, Vigneshwara Pooja ,Punyavachanam, Kalasa Pooja Homam,Poornahudhi
Deeparaadhana
Kanyaka Parameswari Sannidhi Abhishekam Alankaram
Upacharam,and Prasadam
Sponsorship - $51
For more information please contact
Sriram at [email protected] or Narayanan at [email protected]
or Sasidharan Pillai at [email protected]
or call the Temple Office at (281) 489-0358 Ext. 100 or110.
Broadening MTS Role as Leading Religious organization
-Dr. Venugopal Menon Preface:As a leading religious organization in the country, it is time for us to broaden our horizon in reaching out to the community and serve beyond religious role. As the current chairman of MTS, I fully support this thinking and encourage MTS devotees to support such initiatives. The MTS Board to take this further, has decided to donate 10%
of the anndhanam money collected in 2015 to Houston Food bank. (P. Vaduganatha, Chairman, MTS)
Sri Meenakshi Temple is the first traditional Hindu religious institution in the Houston area, established over thirty years ago and serving the needs of a huge devotee base. It is also looked up to as a leading religious establishment by the several other Hindu organizations in the city and around the country.
The major function of MTS is to observe authentic religious rituals as instructed by Hindu Vedic, Agamic conventions and conducted by the several qualified priests with absolute adherence to the Sastras.
In addition to the ritualistic role, and as a secondary responsibility to the community, the temple has to provide certain mandatory services that are appropriate and as demanded by its social requirements. Educational, cultural, social, philanthropic and philosophical services would be inevitable appendages of our religious routines.
The Vedic Heritage School of MTS has been educating our youngsters in a commendable fashion for over two decades, thanks to several committed volunteer teachers. There are about three hundred students attending every two weeks but the classes could be conducted weekly, with more willing volunteers pitching in.
Sri Meenakshi Temple plays a significant role in the annual Janmashtami celebrations undertaken by the Hindu community of Houston.
We have been supporting the Food Bank of Houston for several years, but with more effort, publicity and networking as Hindus of Greater Houston, we could help project a united presence of our faith in the mainstream.
Annual health screening during Diwali Bazaar is a very popular event catering to the community, but we could consider organizing a few more such events through the year.
As a principal Hindu temple of Houston we could and should lead by example in several of the Hindu community efforts in the area.
The Hindu American Foundation (HAF) is perhaps the most crucial organization trying to establish our faith on a national footing, operated by a very enthusiastic group of American born Hindu youngsters. They are passionately working towards correcting the wrong depiction about Hinduism in the educational curriculum, political regulations and fairness and equal opportunities that we deserve as the third largest and oldest faith of humanity.
Our support to the Hindu Students Association (HAS) is very critical, that when our youngsters leave the schools and parental protection as they go out to colleges, in helping them preserve their identity and grow up into Hindu adults, willing and responsible to take over.
MTS has been supporting Interfaith Ministry, but with more involvement, we could significantly create a better understanding of Hinduism in the mainstream.
It is essential that in addition to the traditional role of a temple, MTS needs to elevate its purpose and meet with the broader demands dictated by the changed circumstances and futuristic needs. MTS leadership must recognize such responsibilities and take necessary steps to function as a team player along with other Hindu organizations, to groom and support our youth to grow up into enthusiastic Hindu adults and to help establish our faith as a prominent and significant global religion.
FEBRUARY 2015
1-Feb Sun 10:30 AM Sri Venkateswara Abhishekam
1-Feb Sun 7:00 PM Pradosham Nandi & Siva Abhishekam Procession after Deeparadana
2-Feb Mon 7:00 PM Punarvasu Ramar Abhishekam
3-Feb Tue 7:00 PM Sathyanarayana Pooja
3-Feb Tue 7:00 PM Thai Poosam Sri Subramanya Abhishekam
6-Feb Fri 7:00 PM Thai Sukravara Deepa Pooja
7-Feb Sat 10:30 AM Sankatahara Chaturththi Ganapathi Homam & Abhisheham
8-Feb Sun 10:00 AM Meenakshi Abhishekam
8-Feb Sun 10:00 AM Thai Poosam Celebration
12-Feb Thu 7:00 PM Ashtami Bairavar Abhishekam
15-Feb Sun 10:00 AM Mulam Sri Anjaneyar Abhishekam
15-Feb Sun 10:30 AM Ekadasi Sri Venkateswara Abhishekam
16-Feb Mon 7:00 PM Pradosham Nandi & Siva Abhishekam Procession after Deeparadana
17-Feb Tue 7:00 PM Maha Sivarathri
18-Feb Wed 7:00 PM Sravanam Sri Venkateswara Abhishekam
22-Feb Sun 10:00 AM Sukla Chaturththi Ganapathi Abhisheham
24-Feb Tue 7:00 PM Sukla Sashti Sri Subramanya Abhishekam
25-Feb Wed 7:00 PM Krittikai Sri Subramanya Abhishekam
REGULARLY SCHEDULED WEEKLY ABHISHEKAM
Sri Ganesha Homam & Abhishekam......................................................................All days 7:00 AM Sri Siva (Sundareswara) & Sri Meenakshi Abhishekam.........................................All days 9:00 AM Sri Siva (Sundareswara) Abhishekam..................................................................Mondays 7:00 PM Sri Durga Abhishekam.........................................................................................Tuesdays 7:00 PM Sri Padmavathi Abhishekam...................................................................................Fridays 6:30 PM Sri Meenakshi Abhishekam & Lalitha Sahasranamavali.........................................Fridays 7:00 PM
Last Friday of the month – Lalitha Sahasranamavali & Shodasa Upacharam Sri Navagraha Abhishekam..............................................................................Saturdays 11:00 AM Sri Ayyappa Abhishekam..................................................................................Saturdays 10:00 AM Sri Kanyaka Parameswari Abhishekam.......................................Last Friday of the Month 7:00 PM Sri Meenakshi Abhishekam...............................................Second Sunday of the Month 11:00 AM Sri Venkateswara Abhishekam...............................................First Sunday of the Month 10:30 AM
Puja sponsorships can be prepaid using your credit card at www.emeenakshi.org
or call the Temple Office at (281) 489-0358 Ext. 100 or101
Sri Meenakshi Temple Society 17130 McLean Road, Pearland, TX-77584
Invites you to participate in the
Thai Sukravara Deepa Puja
On Friday, Feb 6th, 2015
6.00 PM
Sri Meenakshi Abhishekam
7:00 PM
Sankalpam, Deepa Pooja, Lalitha Sahasranamam, Deeparadhana, Upacharam
Temple will provide all Pooja Samagri
Devotees are requested to bring Flowers and Prasadam
Sponsorship $ 21
For further details please contact:
Narayanan at [email protected] or
Sriram at [email protected] or
Sasidharan Pillai at [email protected] or
The Temple office at 281-489-0358 ext. 100 or 110
Sri Meenakshi Temple Society
17130 McLean Road, Pearland, TX-77584
Invites you to celebrate
Thai Poosam On Sunday, Feb 8th, 2015
which is a Hindu festival celebrated on the full moon in the Tamil month of Thai. The festival commemorates the occasion when Parvati gave Murugan a vel "spear" so he could vanquish the evil
demon Soorapadman. Devotees prepare for the celebration by cleansing themselves through prayer and fasting for atleast 6 days before Thaipoosam.The kavadi and paalkudam bearers observes celibacy and take only Satvikfood,
with their thoughts focussed on God and Godliness.
.Paalkudam & Kavadi and Ratha Utsavam
8:00AM
Sankalpam and Puja for Kavadi and Paalkudam in Ganesh Temple
10:00AM
Kavadi and Paalkudam procession from Ganesh Temple to Youth Center
10:30 AM
Paalkudam Abhishekam for Subramanya Utsavamurthy in the
Kalyana Mantapam followed by Ratha Utsavam around the Main Temple
Sponsorship
Paalkudam $21; Kavadi $31
Donations for Annadhanam welcome Lunch will be served in the Youth Center after the Puja
To register for the event, please contact the individuals listed below.
Early Registration is required for Kavadi as we have limted numbers of Kavadi,
Register online or call Meena Subramaniam at 281-495-2779([email protected]) or
T.A.Dorairajan at 281-437-8264 ([email protected])
or S. Narayanan([email protected]) or the temple office at 281-489-0358
Sri Meenakshi Temple Society
Invites you to celebrate
Maha Sivarathri On Tuesday, Feb 17th, 2015
for
Siva (Sundareswara)
Main Event: 6:30 PM – 9:00 PM
Sankalpam, Vigneswara Puja, Punyahavachanam, Kalasa Puja,
Ashtothra Satha (108) Sanka Puja, Homam & Rudhra Japam,
Purnahuthi, Abhishekam, Visesha Alankaram, Special Gold Bilva
Archana, Deeparadhana and Upacharam
9:00 PM to 10:00 PM - Aathmalinga Puja with abhishekam by
devotees Chaturkala Puja - 12:00 Midnight, 1:30 AM, 3:00 AM & 4:30 AM
Sponsorship: Sanka Puja $21, Gold Bilva Archana $31
Bhajans throughout the evening and night.
All are welcome to participate in the Bhajans. Refreshments will be available
For more information, please contact Sriram at [email protected] or
Sasidaran Pillai at [email protected] or Narayanan at [email protected].
You may also call the temple at (281) 489-0358, Ext 100 or 101.
A FEW FACTS ABOUT THE VEDAS - M.K.Sriram
The Vedas stand for the core of Hindu religion and are the direct authority for Hindu dharma. They are eternal and the source of all creations. When properly recited, their sound produces in our nadis as well as in the atmosphere, vibrations that are salutary not only to our own self but to the entire world. The noble character of their sound apart, the Vedas are also notable for the lofty truths that find expression in the mantras. ‘Vid’ means ‘to know’. From it derived ‘Vidya’, which means a work that imparts knowledge. ‘Vid’ is the root for the English words ‘wit’ and ‘wisdom’. From the same root is derived ‘Veda’, literally meaning the ‘Book of Knowledge’.
The ‘Vedas’ consist of four branches - Rig, Yajur, Sama and Atharvana. Rig Veda is in the form of poetry. ‘Rik’ means a ‘stotra’ or hymn. The Rig Veda is made up of hymns in praise of various deities. ‘Yajus’ is derived from ‘yaj’, meaning ‘to worship’. ‘Yajna’ is from the same root and signifies sacrifices. Yajur Veda is the practical application of the Rig Vedic hymns through performing religious rites. The Yajur Veda has two parts – Sukla Yajur Veda and Krishna Yajur Veda. The importance of the Yajur Veda is that it systematizes the Karma Yoga, the path of works. The great hymn Sri Rudram is in the Krishna Yajur Veda. Remarkably, the ‘panchakshara’ (five letters) stotram ‘Nama Shivaya’ is like a shining jewel right in the center of Sri Rudram.
‘Sama’ means that which brings equipoise or tranquility and happiness to the mind. Classical music of Bharata based on the seven notes has its origin in Sama Veda. Samaganam is the intoning of the Vedas in musical form. The great composer Syama Sasthri refers to Goddess Meenakshi as ‘Samagana Vinodhini’.
‘Atharvan’ means a purohit or priest. The ‘Atharvana’ veda was revealed by a sage named Atharvan. It contains mantras with which one wards off misfortunes and disasters and brings about the destruction of evil forces. It has a mixture of prose and poetry and is also considered as the source of mantrikam or magical rites.
The sound of the Vedas must pervade everywhere and must fill all space. The truths enshrined in them must be spread far and wide and the rituals enjoined on us by them must be made to flourish.
Source: Excerpts from the “Voice of God”, Volume 2 by Sri Chandrasekarendra Saraswathy, the 68th Acharya of Sri Kanchi Kamakoti Peetham.
SRI MEENAKSHI TEMPLE SOCIETY 17130 McLean Road, Pearland, TX-77584
MARCH 2015
1-Mar Sun 10:30 AM Sri Venkateswara Abhishekam
1-Mar Sun 10:30 AM Punarvasu Ramar Abhishekam
3-Mar Tue 7:00 PM Pradosham Nandi & Siva Abhishekam Procession after Deeparadana
4-Mar Wed 7:00 PM Masi Magam Sri Subramanya Abhishekam
5-Mar Thu 7:00 PM Sathyanarayana Puja Holi
8-Mar Sun 10:30 AM Meenakshi Abhishekam
9-Mar Mon 7:00 PM Sankatahara Chaturththi Ganapathi Homam & Abhisheham
13-Mar Fri 7:00 PM Ashtami Bairavar Abhishekam
14-Mar Sat 10:30 AM Mulam Sri Anjaneyar Abhishekam
16-Mar Mon 7:00 PM Ekadasi Sri Venkateswara Abhishekam
17-Mar Tue 7:00 PM Sravanam Sri Venkateswara Abhishekam
18-Mar Wed 7:00 PM Pradosham Nandi & Siva Abhishekam Procession after Deeparadana
21-Mar Sat 10:30 AM Ugadhi, Panchangam Reading, Venkateswara Abhishekam
23-Mar Mon 7:00 PM Sukla Chaturthi Sri Ganapathi Abhishekam
24-Mar Tue 7:00 PM Krittikai Sri Subramanya Abhishekam
25-Mar Wed 7:00 PM Sukla Shashti Sri Subramanya Abhishekam
28-Mar Sat 9:00 AM Sri Rama Navami Sita Rama Kalyana Utsavam
29-Mar Sun 10:30 AM Punarvasu Sri Ramar Abhishekam
31-Mar Tue 7:00 PM Ekadasi Sri Venkateswara Abhishekam
REGULARLY SCHEDULED WEEKLY ABHISHEKAM
Sri Ganesha Homam & Abhishekam...................................................................All days 7:00 AM Sri Siva (Sundareswara) & Sri Meenakshi Abhishekam.....................................All days 9:00 AM
Sri Siva (Sundareswara) Abhishekam................................................................Mondays 7:00 PM Sri Durga Abhishekam.......................................................................................Tuesdays 7:00 PM Sri Padmavathy Abhishekam................................................................................Fridays 6:30 PM Sri Meenakshi Abhishekam & Lalitha Sahasranamavali......................................Fridays 7:00 PM
Last Friday of the month – Lalitha Sahasranamavali & Shodasa Upacharam Sri Navagraha Abhishekam............................................................................Saturdays 11:00 AM Sri Ayyappa Abhishekam...............................................................................Saturdays 10:00 AM Sri Kanyaka Parameswari Abhishekam.....................................Last Friday of the Month 7:00 PM Sri Meenakshi Abhishekam.............................................Second Sunday of the Month 11:00 AM Sri Venkateswara Abhishekam............................................First Sunday of the Month 10:30 AM
Puja sponsorships can be prepaid using your credit card at www.emeenakshi.org
Sri Meenakshi Temple Society 17130 McLean Road, Pearland, TX-77584
Invites you to participate in the
Masi Magam
On Wednesday, Mar 4th 2015
7:00 PM
At Sri Subramania Sannidhi
Sri Subramania and Sakthivel Abhishekam
Alankaram, Deeparadhana
Sponsorship $ 21
For further details please contact:
Mrs Sakunthala at [email protected] or
Narayanan at [email protected] or
Sriram at [email protected] or
Sasidharan Pillai at [email protected] or
The Temple office at 281-489-0358 ext. 100 or 110
Meet the proficient Priests of MTS - Chitoor Ramachandran
Sri Manicka Sundara Bhattar, as a sincere and devoted priest, has been playing an admirable role in stringently maintaining the age old Agama tradition in the worship of Goddess Sri Meenakshi and Sri Sundareswarar at MTS. His professionalism as a priest to maintain strict discipline in sampradayam is highly regarded. Apart from his training in SivAgama sastra, Sri Bhattar was blessed to be closely associated with Madurai Meenakshi Amman Temple before he moved to MTS years ago. His vast area of experience in some of the major religious events include Chandi homam, Maharudram, Kumbhabhishekam etc. in which he has played leading roles. His inherent talent in music and creative arts is often noticeable when he does alankaram during Navarathri and when he is immersed in the upasana of Ambal. Sri Manicka Bhattar is very thorough and honest in whatever he takes up- does not matter whether it is Amavasi tharpanam or Kanyaka danam ; Gruhapravesham or Radha yatra. He is fluent in Tamil and English.
Sri Kalyanasundaram Nataraja Kurukkal has been serving at MTS since 2004 as one of the six dedicated priests. His honest commitment to the rituals contributes much to the Temple’s reputation. His cordial relationship with the devotees and the enthusiastic attitude to understand their need are noteworthy virtues. His training and experience in puja vidhi are extensive. After the early childhood exposure to puja traditions from his grandfather, he underwent 8 years of training in SivaAgama sastras to obtain the title (SivaAgama Siromani) at Kanchi Kamakoti Vyasa Bharatha Kaladhi Samaja Padhasalai. During the tenure of this intensive training, he had gained much knowledge in various aspects of puja vidhi as required to take up priesthood as a profession. In addition, Sri Kalyanasunadaram had the Sreevidya Deeksha from the highly revered Sri Thirukannankudi Balamani Sivacharyar. With these training and years of practical experience in India and at MTS, he is known for his proficiency in all the events conducted at MTS. He is distinctly sought after for rituals like: Ambal Navavarana Puja, homams etc., and for conducting social rituals like weddings, seemanthams, apara kriya etc. He communicates in English and Tamil.
Sri R. K. E. Parameswaran had his initial unique training in Vedic tantric rituals (in Kerala where he grew up) from his grandfather as he grew up in a Nambuthiri family. He then moved to Tamil Nadu for higher Vedic studies where he got exposure to a variety of rituals in Agama tradition while working at Tamil Nadu. For almost 15 years, he worked at Sri Rajarajeswari Temple, Srividya peetam Goguldham, Sriperumbudur. He was also initiated to Sreevidya deeksha while at Sri Perumbatur. Since 2004, Sri Parameswaran has been working as a priest at MTS. With his exclusive experience in tantric puja vidhi, he was assigned the responsibility to perform all rituals at Sri Ayyappa sandhi in tantric puja vidhi. In addition, he performs puja in other sannidhis as well. Due to his familiarity with the rituals and ceremonies of Kerala traditions (Bhagavathi Seva, Choroonu, pudava koduppu, Kettunira, ezhuthinirithal), he is the much sought after priest for the devotees of Kerala origin. He communicates in Tamil, English and Malayalam.
Sri. Sridharan Ragavan, being born in a devoted Vaishnvite family of Vedic scholars, had the opportunity to learn and gain deep understanding of Vedas, Vedic practices and Vaishnava sampradayams in his early childhood from his maternal uncle Ghanapaati Sri Raghunathachariyar. To his credit, Sri Sridharan had been an active participant in “Swathi Narasimha Yagnams" (performed by his uncle, Sri Ubhaya Vedanta Lakshmi Narasimhachariyar) that were held at various kshetrams of India (Srirangam, Mangalagiri, Rishikesh, Naimisaranyam, Mattapalli etc). These occasions helped him gain much knowledge in the details of some of the major rituals. While working as an archagar in Sri Lakshmi Narasimha Swamy Temple till 2003 in India and several prominent Temples in the US including MTS, Sri Sreedharan Raghavan has led many temple activities, utsavams and celebrations. Devotees pleasantly admire and listen to his chanting of Veda mantras (in particular the Ghana Padham and sama vedam) and the highly respected Tamil scriptures in Vaishnava sampradayam. He communicates in English, Tamil, Telugu and Hindi.
Sri Pawan kumar Sribhashyam joined as one of the MTS priests, three years ago. He grew up in a Vaishnava family of priests for generations in Telugu speaking area. As a family tradition, he learned his daily religious rituals primarily from his grandfather before he moved and lived with his Guru Sri Nalluri Vaikhanasa Bhattacharyulu for six years. During this period he had intensive training in Ashtadasha Samskarams, as a part of Vaikhanasam. At this stage he could comprehend the vast volume of Vaishnava sampradayam. Being with the Guru and taking part in the variety of rituals, he developed his expertise in this area. Before he moved to the US, he served as the priest for a few years in the Temples in India which include Sri Venkateswara Temple, Nacharam, and Film Nagar Temple, Hyderabad. Houston devotees have high praise for Sri Pawankumar Sribhashyam for his uncompromising passion to follow the acharam. Excellent admiration from the devotees for his home puja service is a compliment to Sri Sribhashyam. He communicates with the customers in English, Telugu and Hindi.
Sriman Narayana Charylu Rompicheria is a new addition to MTS. Within the few months of his arrival, he has already impressed the devotees and has been receiving appreciation for his inspiring style of Sathyanarayana puja, Sri Venkateswara puja and splendid alankaram. Just prior to his move to the US, he was working as a priest in a Hindu Temple at Lagos (Africa) for 5 years. Sri Sriman Narayana Charylu hails from an ardent family of priests and had his intense training for 8 years in Vaikhasana Agama at Sri Venkateswara Veda Vijnana Peetham, Dharmagiri, and Tirumala. Some of his major studies include Paramatmika Upanishad, Prabandham, Vaishnava sampradayam involved in Sri Venkateswara aradhana etc. This energetic and ambitious young priest who has already worked in other parts of the world is familiar with the devotees needs and communicates very well in English, Telugu and Tamil.
The strength of Sri Meenakshi Temple (MTS) as one of the few Hindu pilgrimage centers of the US is the high level of rituals and social events being conducted consistently. A team of well trained and experienced priests fulfilling the spiritual and social need of the community is available at MTS. We welcome you to make use of their expertise in a variety of occasions in your life. Some of the common samskaras ( Hindu rituals) families seek the priests’ help are: Ganapathi Puja, Vaastu Puja, Homam, Gruhapravesam, Navagraha Puja, Sudharsana Homam, Lakshmi-Durga-Saraswathi Puja, Satyanarayana Puja, Wedding Ceremony, Seemantham, Ayushya Homam, Opening Ceremony, Naming Ceremony, Bhagavathi Seva etc.
Sri Meenakshi Temple Society
17130 McLean Road, Pearland, TX-77584
Cordially invites you with family & friends to celebrate
UGADHI
On Saturday Mar 21st, 2015
Telugu, Kannada & Marathi New Year
MANMATHA NAMA SAMVATSARA
10:30 am Sri Venkateswara Abhishekam
11.30 am Panchanga shravanam in Telugu and Kannada during Alankaram
12:00 Noon Aarathi at Sri Sundareswara Meenakshi & Venkateswara sannidhis
Prasadam Viniyogam Neem pachadi
Sponsorship: $ 31
For more information, please contact Narayanan at [email protected] Sriram at [email protected] or Sasi Pillai at [email protected]
or the Temple Office at 281-489-0358.
Sri Meenakshi Temple Society
Cordially invites to celebrate
Sita Rama Kalyanam
On Saturday, Mar 28th, 2015
8.55 AM at Ganesh Temple:
Vigneshwara Puja, Seer Varisai Procession
9:30 AM – 12:00 PM at Main Temple:
Sankalpam, Vishvaksena Puja, Punyavachanam,Yegnopaveetha dharanam,Paada prakshalanam, Pravara, Mangalashtakam, Kanyadanam, Mangalaya Dharanam,
Laaja Homam, Akshataropanam, Archana Manthrapushpam, Aarathi and Theertham & Prasadam
12:00 PM
Ratha Utsavam
Prasadam and Lunch at Cafeteria Room
Sponsorship
Kalyanam $31 Kalyanam & Kanyadanam $81
Grand Sponsor $251
For more information, Please contact Narayanan at [email protected]
Sriram at [email protected] or Sasi Pillai at [email protected] or the Temple Office at 281-489-0358
For more information please contact the Temple Office at 281-489-0358 ext. 100, 110 If you have any questions, comments or need more information please do not hesitate to contact S. Narayanan @ [email protected] or M.K. Sriram at [email protected] or Sasidharan Pillai @ [email protected]
Kalyana Mandapam (KM), Youth Center (YC), and Visitors Center (VC) at MTS
Both KM and YC are spacious facilities for events like Engagements,
Weddings, Receptions, etc.
Each facility can accommodate more than 400 people
VC can accommodate up to 125 people for small events
Have over 1200 chairs, 50 round tables, and more than 30 rectangular
(6’ x 2’) tables
Use the MTS facilities (KM, YC and the newly opened Visitor Center) for
all of your needs throughout the year
Recommend to your friends and colleagues about the facilities and
support our Temple
For Reservations Contact: Mr. Venktachalam at 832-725-1805 or [email protected]
Alternatively: Send e-mail to [email protected] or [email protected] (Karunakar Chowdavarapu) and we will get back to you within 24 hours
RAHUKALAM DAY YAMAGANDAM
4:30 PM – 6:00 PM Sun 12 NOON – 1:30 PM
7:30 AM – 9:00 AM Mon 10:30 AM – 12 NOON
3:00 PM – 4:30 PM Tue 9:00 AM – 10:30 AM
12 NOON – 1:30 PM Wed 7:30 AM – 9:00 AM
1:30 PM – 3:00 PM Thu 6:00 AM – 7:30 AM
10:30 AM – 12 NOON Fri 3:00 PM – 4:30 PM
9:00 AM – 10:30 AM Sat 1:30 PM – 3:00 PM
(www.emeenakshi.org)
Temple times Published by MTS Public Relations and Publicity committee
Temple Hours Monday through Thursday:
8:30 AM to 12 Noon and 5:00 PM to 8:30 PM Fridays:
8:30 AM to 12 Noon and 5:00 PM to 9:00 PM Weekends and National Holidays:
8:30 Am to 8:30 PM
Listen to MTS Radio Every Sunday between 10:30 AM and 11:00 AM
On KBRZ1090 AM Houston – Online www.KBRZradio.com
Sri Meenakshi Temple Telephone Numbers Main Temple 281-489-0358
(Best time to call: 9 AM to 12 Noon and 5 PM to 8 PM) Main Temple………………………………………………………………100, 110 Ganesh Temple Facility Center……………………………………115 Library (During Library hours)…………………………………….125 Kalyana Mantapam.…………………………………………………..112 Temple Kitchen………………….…………………….………………...227 MTS Fax……………………………………….…………………………….281-489-3540
STAFF Sri Vatsa Kumar (Executive Officer)……………………………..832-689-6448 Sri K. Venkatachalam (Administrator)……………………….. 832-725-1805 Sri Manickasundaram Bhattar (Priest)…….…………………. 281-489-8633 Sri Kalyana Sundaram (Priest)……………………………………..281-692-9815 Sri R.K.E. Parameswaran (Priest)………..………………………..281-489-0575 Sri Sreedharan Raghavan (Priest)………...........................713-518-1810 Sri Pawankumar Sri Bhashyam (Priest)………………………..281-819-7842 Sri Sriman Narayana Charyalu Rompicherla (Priest)…… 281-965-9780
Temple Times is a Publication of
Sri Meenakshi Temple Society
17130 Mclean Road,
Pearland, TX-77584-4630
