Every year we have the function in August due to the fact we where going on a family vacation to
Europe did not want to add on unnecessary tension to top off before leaving.we returned back on August 27th. On Saturday while sitting with a cup of tea causally mentioned to my wife that we have not conducted our annual bhajans and instantly came the reply "go ahead". I did not want her to change her mind and acted quickly contacted our friend Krishnaji as he is the organizing the bhajans sector and can say the days he is available ,as he was traveling said" September 26 is open. We were thrilled as it happens to be my only daughter's b'day. He said will confirm on Sunday the day after as he was driving. He promptly called at 7 am and said it will not be possible as he will not be in town and
Can accomdate us on October 3. It was my dad's birthday and had he been alive would have turned 80 on that day.
Saroja ammaji a long time devotee of shirid SAI and SATYA SAI where in her house can see both presence at all times. Many idols,lockets,vibhuti ,kumkum,turmeric,honey,akshada manifests out of thin air in all sizes and she gives to whoever she thinks yo deserve them. I never asked her for a VEL or spear of lord Subramanya . She decided to manifest a VEL and sent it thru another devotee who also happens to live in the New Jersey area about 20 miles away. He contacted and said has a package from India.
I did not want to just the object but treated with a lot of respect and honor in receiving called again krishnaji & Srinivas to accompany to collect sing a few songs before taking this divine instrument. We went on a Tuesday after work at 7:07pm walked inside and the host without any time wasted said" swami wants you to sing nine 9 bhajans you have to start and finish but in the middle others can sing.
The bhajans were very energizing and after the arati sriram the host stated that swami was very happy.
Srinivas was going to pack the harmonium ,I told him leave it there lets us talk for a while and before leaving will collect the item. Sriram's wife while going from one room to the other noticed vibhuti on top of harmonium and excited she was called all of us to witness the divine blessing. Krishnaji was traveling on Thursday for a bhajans workshop in Atlanta and this was his validation and blessing.
After returning home placed the VEL next to KANCHI Maha PERIYAVA picture and Amrit started to ooze instantly. On September 1,2015 while taking shower was conversing with swami how can I do abhisehakam to VEL need a idol. Last year we were fortunate to have shobha& Jay who brought the idol and clothes for all children. Swami said " go to Anantharaman 's house they will give the idol. Immediately called mama who in their 80's and I know them for the last 40+ years. He said come over I did not give any heads up as to why I was coming. After walking in told them that I need to get a idol
From you for a pooja. They had no idea what I was taking about and both of them looked at each other wondering what in the world was I taking about.
His wife recalled she was given a gift 12 years back,instructed mama to get the box he was having a tough time carrying and placed on top of the table.Before opening stated that this was given to them 12 years back when bridgewater venkatesa temple was under construction in New Jersey. The stone carvers after completing the task had one stone left with that carved this form wrapped in cloth and bubble wrap placed in the box and told them " Do Not Forget Me". Today is the first day they are opening in front of me and what a beauty perfect for what we need made with authentic stone.
Excited I was contacted a priest and he decided all the pooja's which had to be done for the VEL and idol better than what a temple would do. Next contacted a friend and told her to invite any one and everyone and forward the invitation to all. It is swami who is conducting the function and he knows how many is enough.order the food from Krishna Vrindhavan Temple authentic to pooja standard.
As the days were nearing my wife was getting scared how are we going to pull this off and you are invited everyone. I assured her swami will take care his words never go wrong. I wanted to bring the
Idol from Anantharaman's and swami said " this is not a toy or doll" all necessary respect has to be followed. The elderly couple is giving the child to you so they will bring and upon arrival you will wash his feet and sing song and take arati and invite him inside and place the idol for pooja to begin.
All of our friends and SAI family came forward to do all duties and without them could not have done
This function of pure love.
A friend Sandip gave us two of swami's picture in one he is sitting on a jhula and in another on a chair with one hand raised blessing us all. I could see vibhuti moving in transit several days before like in mid air and assured Sandip that one the picture will be covered in vibhuti. Another friend Uma in New York
Drew a portrait of Subramanya with VEL coming out of him (11). Placed the picture in the hall one week prior to the function on a Thursday September 24,2015 and on Friday swami's face was covered in vibhuti placed Subramanya picture under and he also was showered. Volunteers collected all vibhuti and made 800 packs to be distributed to all in need.
Swami sent Mr. Swaminathan Who I had the pleasure of meeting at Anantharaman's place a few days prior to the function. As he is in high demand to conduct Nama sankeerthanam told all that he will
Only perform as of October 10. Swaminathan told me a strong voice told me that you have to go to a house for bhajans. We both never met but the minute we met he knew that was the house the lord kept the date open for.
All who had the grace were soaked in divine blessings on October 3,2015. My father was a ardent devotee of lord Subramanya and every year for skanda Shasti would have devotees in the hundred from all over United States .
This was a tribute to him on his 80th by swami. No amount of words can express our gratitude to one and all who attended. Thank you swami for showering your blessings on all your children.
