TEMPLE TIMES

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2nd Quarter 2017 April, May, June
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Wedding of Sri Meenakshi Sundareswarar

A Quarterly Publication of
Sri Meenakshi Temple Society
Pearland, Texas

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 HON. PRESIDENT
Sockalingam Kannappan

BOARD OF DIRECTORS (2016-2017)

Chairman - Sockalingam Narayanan
Secretary - Giyarpuram N Prasad
Treasurer - Sasidharan Pillai
Vice Chairman - Padmini Nathan
Jt. Secretary- Ramachandra M Reddy
Jt. Treasurer - Kamala Raghavan

ADJUNCT EXECUTIVE DIRECTORS

A.V.N. Reddy
Chandrakala Gupta
Somarajan Nair
Kanakam Babu Inampudi

DIRECTORS
Mahesh Iyer
Mala Gopalakrishnan
Ramamurthy Ramsundar
Sundar Arunachalam
Kumar Bashyam
Nachal Sethuraman
Rani Chilukuri
Sheila Sriram
S. Radhakrishnan
Lakshminarayanan Setty

ADVISORY COUNCIL
Tupil V Narasiman
(Hon. Vice President)
Rajendra Mikkilineni
Parthiban Dhanabalan
P. Vaduganathan
Srikanth Venugopalan
Padma Golla
K.R.Thiagarajan
Natarajan Annamalai
Vairavan Subramanian
Padma Anantha

HON. ADVISORY COUNCIL Trustees

S.G. Appan
I. Kota Reddy
E.C.G. Sudarshan
K. Ramaswamy

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 A Message from the MTS Chairman
Namaskaram! As we head towards the busy and fulfilling 2nd quarter of
2017 with many of our religious events coming up including the grand
Chitrai Mahotsavam when all of the devotees become ecstatic at the
sight of goddess Meenakshi on her chariot, we have much to be thankful.
Our Meenakshi Temple had record number of devotees attending and
enjoying the multitude of Puja celebrations including New Year’s Day,
Vaikunta Ekadasi and Swarga Vasal Darshanam, Arudra darshanam, Andal
Kalyanam, Pongal celebrations, Vasavi Agni Pravesam, Thai Poosam,
Thai Sukravara Deepa Puja, Maha Sivarathri, Masi Magam, and Ugadhi
celebrations during the 1st quarter of 2017. Each event vied for special
mention with beautiful “alankarams”, with the Maha Sivarathri depicting
the theme of “pancha bootha sthalams” was an unbelievable sight to
behold showing the sacred Siva temples in South India dedicated to the
Five Earth Elements, namely Prithvi (earth), Appu (water), Agni (Fire),
Vayu (air or wind) and Akash (space). Special cultural programs were
organized for many of the events, in line with our culture where temples
were the abodes of religion, arts and culture.
Corner Temple Renovation Project fund raising (CTRP) is progressing
very well; the total pledge amount has already reached to One Million
Dollars. The construction has started and progressing well. We plan to
complete the construction and have the Kumbhabhisekam in November
of this year. Granite pillars and vigrahams of Nayanmargal Alwargal and
Acharyars are being made in India. Ayyappa Holy 18 steps construction
plans are progressing well with special expert’s advice. When the CTRP
project is completed, our Temple will have the unique distinction of
having the 63 Nanyanmars and 12 Alwars under one roof and the only
US Temple to have the Holy 18 steps (Pathinettapadii) for Ayyappa.We
are adding new Audio & Video equipment in all the four corner Temples
and a commprehensive security system for the Main Temple complex.
We thank all the Priests and Staff as they continue to work hard to ensure
our Temple and the grounds is well presented, a key objective of all of
us in the board. Indeed we have much to be thankful for, as we bid
farewell to the year 2016. We request your support and participation in
the Chittirai Mahotsavam and all upcoming events, and look forward to
your feedback. On behalf of the Board and Advisory council we wish for
the blessings of Sri Meenkashi, Sri Sundareswara, Sri Padmavathy and Sri
Venkateswara be showered on you and your family.
Sockalingam Narayanan
Chairman, MTS

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CTRP Eighteen Holy steps and Acharyas installation resolution was
approved at the General body on November 20, 2016 and comprise
A. To incorporate the eighteenth Ayyappa swamy
B. Install the three (3) acharyas of
step at the same level as the With pathinettam circa 10th Century A.D. who
Padi @ Sabari Mala
Ayyappa Sannidhi, the proposed revitalized Hindu religion
design involves: (1) Adding the The Hindu Acharyas (Philosophers)
Holy Eighteen Steps underground Saints Sri Adi Sankaracharya, Sri
to come up in front of Ayyappa Ramanujacharya, Sri Madhvacharya
Sannidhi; (2) Provide a stairway along the inside walls of the South
down to reach the first step of the and North connection of the Corner
Holy Eighteen Steps; (3) Add hand Mandapams.
rails to help the devotee when
climbing up and down the stairs.
Adi Sankaracharya Ramanujacharya Madhvacharya
Schematic depiction of the Holy 18 steps

Sponsorship Solicited Please Contact MTS treasurer Sasidaran Pillai by email nsasipillai@aol.com

From a clear knowledge of the Bhagavad-gita all the goals

of human existence become fulfilled. Bhagavad-gita is the
manifest quintessence of all the teachings of the Vedic
scriptures.
- Adi Shankara

Serve God and God’s devotees. Serve all devotees without

regard to their status.
Have faith in the teachings of Acharyas.
- Sri Ramanujacharya

Salvation can be obtained only by pure and unsullied love of

God.
- Sri Madhavacharya

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 SRI MEENAKSHI TEMPLE SOCIETY
17130 McLean Road. Pearland, Texas 77584 – 4630
Tel: 281- 489-0358 ext.100 or 110, Fax: 281- 489-3540
Website: www.meenakshi.org E-mail: temple@meenakshi.org
Corner Temples Renovation Project 2016
SPONSORSHIP FORM

Donor Name: Last ________________________ First ____________________ Spouse: _______________________

Business/Corporate Donor Name (If applicable): __________________________________________
Phone: Home: __________________ Work: ___________________ Mobile: __________________
Mailing Address: ______________________________________________E-mail: _____________________
Donors upgrading from $1,000 BRICK sponsorship will need to pay only the difference to the new level of
sponsorship. For example, a $1,000 BRICK donor will need to pay additional $1,500 and be upgraded to BRICK +
Pillars of Nayanmargal & Alwargal Mandapams.

 $1,000 – CTRP Brick Sponsor family

 $2,000 – Granite Figures Of Saints Sponsor

 1- Nayanmargal Sponsor  2- Alwargal Sponsor

 $2,500 – Pillars of Nayanmargal & Alwargal Mandapams

)
 $5,000 – Gold Mini Kalasam Sponsor
1-Anjaneya - 2. Radha Krishna  3 - Bhairavar
 4 - Nataraja  5 - Jyothi  6 - Kannika Parameswari
 $5,000 – Pillars of Corner Mandapams
(24 Pillars available for sponsorship) #1 #2  #3  #4  # 5 # 6 P# 7 # 8# 9 # 10 # 11
#12  #13 # 14  #15  # 16  # 17  #18  #19  # 20

 $10,000 – Pillars of Rajagopuram Mandapam

 Pillar 1  Pillar 2  Pillar 3 Pillar 4  Pillar 5  Pillar 6  Pilar 7  Pillar 8
 $25,000 Gold Kalasam Sponsor
 Maha Ganapathi  Ayyappa  Muruga  Rama Parivar  Durga

 $50,000 CTRP Grand Sponsor for Mandapams

 Rajagopuram Mandapam  Nayanmargal Mandapam  Alwargal Mandapam

 $100,000 CTRP Maha Grand Sponsor

 - Item has already been sponsored.
ALL CTRP DONATIONS ($1,000 & ABOVE) WILL BE RECOGNIZED ON WALL PLAQUES
AT THE MTS VISITOR CENTER, IN ACCORDANCE WITH MTS POLICY GUIDELINES
I wish to be a sponsor of CTRP project as shown above (Kindly check one of the boxes above):
Method Of Payment (Check Box): We appreciate your early payment to help cover construction costs. Donors may
pay half by December 31, 2016 and remaining by June 30, 2017.
 Credit Card Cash Check #:______ TOTAL AMOUNT: $___________
 MC VISA AMEX DISCOVER Card # ________________________ Exp. Date: ______
Security code ______________ Signature____________________________
 This is a pledge – Will pay later
Please make check payable to Sri MTS, write “Corner Temples Renovation Project” in the Memo
Online Payment is accepted at www.emeenakshi.org
You may also email your sponsorship to avnreddy.nata@gmail.com
MTS is a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt organization. Contributions are generally tax deductible. Consult your tax advisor.

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 Sri Meenakshi Temple Society
Cordially invites you to celebrate
Sita Rama Kalyanam
on Saturday, April 8th, 2017

8.55 AM at Ganesh Temple:

Vighneshwara Puja, Seer Varisai Procession

9:30 AM – 12:00 PM at Kalyana Mandapam

Sankalpam, Vishvaksena Puja, Punyahavachanam,Yegnopaveetha
dharanam, Paada prakshalanam, Pravara, Mangalashtakam,
Kanyadanam, Mangalaya Dharanam, Laaja Homam, Akshataropanam,
Archana Manthrapushpam, Aarathi, Theertham & Prasadam

12:00 PM
Ratha Ustavam
Lunch at Youth Center
Sponsorship
Kalyanam $31
Kanyadanam $51
Kalyanam & Kanyadanam $81
Grand Sponsor $251
For more information please contact:
Padmini Nathan at prn@aol.com
or Sheila Sriram at sriramsheila@gmail.com
or you may call Temple at 281-489-0358, extn 100 or 110
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 YATHIRAJA VAIBHAVAM
by Dr. K. P. Sarathy

II  Srimathe Ramanujaya Namaha  II

Yath padaambhoruha dhyaana vidhvasthaa seshakalmashaha I
Vasthuthaam upayaathoham Yaamuneyam namaami tham  II
Traditionally we start an article with a prayer song usually composed by a
sishyan (student) of the person about whom we are writing. Instead I prefer
to start with a slokam (verse) on the acharyan (guru) of Sri Ramanujachariar
composed by Sri Ramanujachariar himself. It is because of the divine grace of
this acharyan, Yamunachariar by name, we are blessed with another greatest
paramaachaaryar, Srimad Ramanujachariar who revolutionized our religion
and who is the subject matter of this article. In the above slokam Srimad
Ramanujachariar pays homage to his acharyan whom he has never seen
while his acharyan, Yamunachariar, was alive. We will address this later in this
article. While offering prayers to his acharyan Ramanujar says that he always
meditated on the lotus feet of Yamunachariar (also known as Aalavandaar)
which removed all his sins and hence he became a worthwhile person. We
know that whenever evil takes over good God incarnates in various forms
to get rid of the evil. Also whenever His scriptures are challenged He sends
His amsam (a part of His power)  as a spiritual guide to enlighten us. It is
our bhaagyam (good fortune) that Bhaghavaan Vishnu sent Adiseshan, His
snake bed, as Ramanuja. We also worship this acharyan as panchaayudams
of Vishnu (his power, five weapons). This may be indicated by the fact that
baby Ramanujan was adorned with a necklace with the five weapons of Lord
Vishnu by his maternal uncle. I am an insignificant dust particle to write about
such a magnificent Acharya, but feel blessed to write this article.

The 1000th birth anniversary (sahasraabdi) of Ramanujar is being celebrated

throughout the world which will conclude on May 1st of this year. It is a divine
miracle that without any premeditation, MTS is dedicating a sanctum for this
divine personality along with the other two acharyars, Sri Sankarachariar
and Sri Madhvachariar. All the three philosophers are from the southern
India, Sankara from Kerala, Ramanujar from Tamilnadu, and Madhvar from
Karnataka. All the three acharyars appeared one after the other in that order
when Vedic religion was challenged by Buddhism and Jainism, and had a

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potential of being whipped out. Adi Sankara bore the major burden of facing
this challenge and within a short life span he overcame this challenge and
put the vedic religion back on its pedestal. Some may suggest that because
of Shankara’s short life he was reborn as Ramanujar to modify some of his
earlier interpretation of vedantha sutras (both were born in Thiruvadirai,
Ardra nakshatra during the month of Chithra) though the later acharyars of
Ramanuja sampradayam never mentioned about this. It is commonly known
that the followers of Ramanuja are SriVaishnavas and Shaivas are followers of
Sankara. The vaishnavas address Adi Sankara by name, instead refer him as
Bhaghavath padal. In fact, one of the first prayer songs my father taught me
was Sri Ranganatha Ashtakam composed by Adi Sankara when he visited Sri
Ranganatha temple in Srirangam.  It is in sweet Sanskrit appealing to children.
Avathaaram (Holy Birth)
A pious priest by name Kesava Somayaji lived in the temple town, Sri
Perumbuthur, a few miles southwest of Chennai (Madras). He had performed
several somayaji yaagams (fire offerings) and hence got the title somayaji. He
was married to Kaanthimathi Ammal. Concerned about not having a child for
a long time the couple visited Thiruvallikeni Parthasarathy (Krishna) temple
in Chennai and prayed for a son. The Lord answered their prayer. After they
returned to Sri Perumbuthur a male child was born to them in the Tamil year,
Pingala varusham, Chithrai month, sukla paksha panchami thithi, Thiruvadirai
(ardra) nakshatram day (April 1017AD). Thiruvallikeni residents believed that
this baby was the incarnation of Parthasarathy Perumal Himself because
the parents had a dream that the presiding deity of this holy town would
be born as their child. The baby’s maternal uncle Thirumalai Nambi from
Tirupati, a Vaishnava scholar impressed by the tejas (bright divine features)
of the baby, named him Ramanuja (traditionally the name Ilaya Azhwar, is
used meaning young saint, also the name of Adi Seshan - Vishnu’s snake
abode). This divine birth is predicted in Yaadavaachala Mahatmiyam. At the
appropriate age the father conducted the upanayanana samskaram (sacred
thread ceremony) to the boy and initiated  him in Vedas. Then he was sent
to ThiruPutKuzhi, a suburb of Kancheepuram which was a few miles away
from his birth place, SriPerumbuthur. There was a reputed advaitic sanyasi
(follower of Adi Sankara’s teachings) by name Yaadava Prakaasaa who had
many sishyaas(students). Ramanuja’s father wanted him to learn all Vedantha
saastras from this guru.

Traditionally Srivaishnavas believe that Srimad Ramanujachariar lived from

1017 to 1137CE which corresponds to the royal rule of Kulothungan I in
Tamilnadu. Historians however had moved this period by a few years ahead
to coincide with the rule of a chola king Kulothungan II who according to
them hated Vaishnavism, and was responsible for Ramanuja’s exile from his
headquarters in the holy city of Srirangam. There are a lot of modern books

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written and movies and TV serials taken on this Acharya such as the movie
taken by G. V. Iyer. Guru Parambara Prabhavam in manipravaalam (Sanskrit
and Tamil mixed language) by Pinbazhagiya Perumal Jeeyar, a sishyar of well
known Vyaakyaana Chakravarthy, Periyavaachaan Pillai,  Prapannaamrutam
in Sanskrit by Ananthachariar and Divya Suri Charitram in Sanskrit by Garuda
Vaahana Panditha (a contemporary of Ramanuja, probably a student of
Ramanuja) are the earlier works Vaishnava acharyars often quote when writing
about this acharyan. Yathiraja (another name for Ramanuja) vaibhavam was
written by his own student, Andhra Poornar and hence I believe this to be very
authentic since this was written close to Ramanuja’s period and has all the
important episodes in Ramanuja’s life. There are a couple of books published
by Ramakrishna mission in Madras by Ramakrishnananda and Tapasyananda
which are quoted by historians.

Anantha prathamam roopam, Lakshmanascha athaha param   I

Balabathras-thritheerasthu kalou kachchith bavishyathi II

Kritha yuga Ananthan(Adi Seshan), Thretha yuga Lakshmanan(brother

of SriRama), Dwabara yuga BalaRaman(brother of Sri Krishna) will be
born as Ramanujan in Kali yugam. The holy appearance of Adiseshan as
Ramanujar is believed to have been  predicted indirectly in puranaas and
Divyadesa mahatmiyams. Our Acharyars believe that there are several
references to Ramanujar in Thiruppavai Tamil pasurams of Andal. I will
give here one line from this work as an example. In the 16th pasuram we
find the line “ Naayakanai nindra Nandagopanudaiya koil kaappaane”.

A l l A c h a r ya s w h o ca m e af te r R a m a n u j a h ave h i s t h i r u va d i
sambandam(worshippers of his holy feet) and hence Ramanujar is the
Naaayakan, the master. Nandagopan is the adopted father of Lord Krishna.
Ramanujar addressed the God in ThiruNarayanapuram(Melkote in Karnataka)
as his selva pillai(precious son) or chella pillai(dear son) and hence Ramanujar
became the father of the Lord. Koil refers to Srirangam temple. we will see
later how Ramanuja made several changes in this temple administration and
thus became the guardian of this temple. Koil kaappaane in Tamil means the
guardian of the temple. Ramanuja’s birth is celebrated as

Punyaamboja vikaasaaya paapadhvantha kshyaayacha   I

Srimaan aavirbuthboomou Ramanuja divaakara         II

Just like the lotus flower blooms when the sun comes up our sins and
ignorance were wiped out when Ramanuja, the sun (here Ramanuja is
addressed as Divaakara- the sun, remover of darkness, ignorance), was born.


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 Sri Meenakshi Temple Society
17130 McLean Road, Pearland, TX 77584

Cordially invites you to celebrate

Panguni Uthiram
(Subramanya Kalyana Utsavam)
Sunday, April 9th, 2017

10:00 AM: Seervarisai Procession from Ganesh Temple

10:30 AM at Kalyana Mandapam:

Sankalpam, Vighneshwara Puja, Punyahavachanam, Rakshaban-
danam, Pravaram, Kanyadhanam, Agnipradakshinam, Mangalya
Puja, Mangalya Dharanam, Homam, Lajaa homam, Purnahuthi
Singing of Thirupugazh

12:30 PM
Procession of deities in silver Mayil Vahanam
Prasadam and Lunch at Youth Center
Sponsorship
Kalyanam $31
Kanyadanam $51
Kalyanam & Kanyadanam $81

For further information and sponsorship, please contact

Padmini at prn2635@gmail.com
or Sheila at sriramsheila@gmail.com
You may also call the temple at (281) 489-0358, Ext 100 or 110

10
 SANKARA BHAGAVATPADA
by Sriram
OM GURUBHYO NAMAHA

Sankara Bhagavatpada, also known as Adi Sankara, is considered to be Jagatguru

(universal Teacher) and recognized as an incarnation of Parameswara. His birth
about 2,500 years ago, was pre-ordained and has been foreseen in various Hindu
scriptures such as Rig Veda and Siva Rahasyam. He came down to earth primarily
in order to establish and expound the Advaita philosophy in Bharatha desa. In a
very short life span of 32 years, his achievements to revive our Santana Dharma
have been so phenomenal; they are beyond the realm of human imagination.
He was not merely an intellectual philosopher of the highest caliber, but a mystic
poet singing in ecstasy, the bliss and beauty of the Divine Mother. He traversed
ancient India, from South to North, East to West, at least four times, on foot to
propagate the Advaita philosophy. The highly intellectual and serene philosophy
of the Vedas and Upanishads was analyzed and explained by him with a divine
enthusiasm and passion to produce commentaries and compositions which to
this day stand unrivalled in their brilliance and spiritual appeal.
The `Sam’’ in the name ‘Sankara’ means sukham, bliss or “ananda”. Sri Sankara
was filled with compassion at the sight of a world afflicted with sorrow and
misery, and desired that men and women should enjoy the unlimited bliss
of self-realisation. Sri Sankara says: “One’s own self is Sukam or bliss. One’s
own self is all.” Sri Sankara taught that Paramaatman is one, that everything
is Brahaman and that all is one. Advaitam means “no two”. If Paramathma is
separate from Jivathma, then there are entities other than Paramathma. The
Advaita philosophy says that Jivathma appears to be distinct from Brahman,
because of maya (illusion). When our ignorance is washed away, we realize
there is no two. Even modern science has realized the great truth of Advaita,
that all materials are made of the same building blocks of atoms and sub-atomic
particles, although they appear (maya) in different physical forms and have
different properties.
Sri Sankara was also a practical reformer. He re-established and restored the
influence of Sanatana Dharma among the people. His teaching is for oneness
and unity among the people, and taught that Siva and Vishnu are one and the
same. He was an intellectual prodigy who attained a phenomenal mastery over
the scriptures even when he was five or six years old. While still a little boy, he
composed the most beautiful Kanakadhara Stotram on Sri Maha Lakshmi. He

11
was ordained as a Sanyasi when he was eight years old and then went up to Kasi
in search of his Guru, Govinda Bhagavatpada. Using the Sanskrit language with
a felicitous clarity all his own, he wrote elaborate commentaries on the tripod
of Hindu religion and philosophy evincing a dialectical skill
During his digvijaya Sri Sankara’s main purpose was to propagate the tenets of
Advaita. He expounded his views by the well-known method of debate, in order
to win over persons of the opposing view. Sankara derived his tenets from a strict
interpretation of the truths contained in the Vedas and Upanishads. Many great
learned preceptors have written commentaries on the works of the Acharya, and
one of the most important is the Brahma-sutra-bhashya. This is a commentary on
the Brahma-sutra of the Sage Vyasa. In the Brahma-sutra are to be found topics
that are taught in the ten principal Upanishads. The essence of these teachings
is given in the Brahma-sutra in aphoristic form. He has composed stotras on
all the deities, each of them a literary and poetic gem steeped in bhakti. His
remarkable works include Soundarya Lahiri, Bhaja Govindam, Meenakshi
Pancharatnam, Viveka Chudamani, Sivananda Lahiri, Subramanya Bhujangam
and Hanumat Pancharatna. He has written commentaries on Bhagavad Gita,
Vishnu Sahasranama, Lalitha Trisati and all the Upanishads
Having thus enthroned our ancient religion and philosophy in the hearts and
minds of his countrymen, Sri Sankara established in several parts of the country
guardians of his teachings to preserve and propagate it to countless generations
of the future. While these should have been numerous when he established
them, five stand to this day as pontificates bearing his name, and function at
Sringeri, Puri, Dwaraka, Badri,and Kanchi covering the whole of Bharata Varsha.
There is not in legend or in history a life like Sri Sankara’s so short in years and
yet so packed with achievements in the realm of the spirit and whose glory
extends beyond the bounds of space and time.
Lord Paramesvara who blessed him with five Siva Sphatika Lingas, the oval
emblems of Siva made of transparent crystals and a transcript of Soundaryalahari,
a century of hymns in praise of the Divine Mother. As ill-luck would have it, he
lost the later fifty nine of these verses which he subsequently replaced by his
own composition. The five lingas given by Siva were known as Mokshalinga,
Varalinga, Bhogalinga, Muktilinga and Yogalinga. Sri Sankara then returned to
Kedara where he installed the Muktilinga and established one of his pontificates,
in the nearby Badri, which is called the Jyotish Pitha. Proceeding thence to Nepal,
he vanquished the Buddhists who denied the soul and God. He installed the
Varalinga at Nilakanta Kshethra which is even now in worship at Nepal. Resuming
his travel, Sri Sankara went to Karnataka and reached Sringagiri (Sringeri). Here
he erected a shrine to Sri Sarada, established another pontificate known as the
Sarada Pitha and installed there the Bhogalinga from among those that he had
brought from Kailas.
Sri Sankara went thence to Tirupati where he established the Dhanakarshana
Yantra which, to this day, draws vast sums of wealth from pious devotees.
Reaching Jambukeswaram in modern Tiruchirapalli, he tempered the ferocity of

12
Akhilandeswari, the presiding Goddess by installing a shrine to Sri Vighneswara
in front of Her, and fixing on the ears of Her person two rings known as Tatankas
in the mystically designed Srichakra pattern. He then went to the land’s end in
Rameswaram to worship Lord Ramanatha in the Linga that he celebrated in
his Dvadasalingstotra. in praise of the Lingas installed in the twelve (dvadasa)
foremost temples of Siva. Returning, he visited Chidambaram and left the
Mokshalinga, another of those he got in Kailas, to be worshipped there. Of the
five Lingas which he got from Kailas, he reserved the Yogalinga for worship by
himself in the Kamakoti Pitha at Kanchi. He then mitigated the ugrakala, the
fierce aspect of the Goddess Kamakshi drawing it into a Srichakra which he
placed in front of Her and consecrated it. After renovating the temple to Lord
Vishnu in the person of Sri Varadaraja, he asked the reigning king of Kanchi to
fashion the city in the form of a Srichakra giving the central place to the shrine
of Sri Kamakshi. The teaching of the Bhagavatpada, as well as the teachings of
other Acharyas, which, following the Vedas, are intended for the purification
and elevation of one’s Atman, prescribes that the Dharmas mentioned in the
Vedas should be practiced by men and women in accordance with the shastras.
Expounding his Bashyas and the truths enshrined in the Upanishads, in a
language which is profoundly sublime and yet transparently simple, the ascetic
that was Sri Sankara crisscrossed the whole of the Bharata Bhoomi on foot, from
Rameswaram in the South to the Himalayas in the North. Rivers and sacred
spots, villages and towns and temples have all been sanctified by him, and
their spirituality augmented by his yantras and mantras and the invocations
he made. Generally speaking, there is no holy spot in India, whose sanctity has
not been heightened by his association. Even now, in every part of the country,
people speak with pride that the temple in their place had been visited by Sri
Sankaracharya and made famous by the Yantra he established. In all regions,
where Vedic studies were prevalent, there is no spot where Sri Sankara’s
Bhashyas have not been studied with devotion by those who sought liberation,
following the Guru-sishya sampradaya. Even now, Sri Sankara’s Bhashyas are
learnt in every place where Vedic studies are in vogue.
Sri Sankara Bhagavatpada taught us the truth that all the deities we hereditarily
worship are but the manifestations of the One supreme Paramaatma. He
established the worship of the moorthies of Siva, Vishnu, Ambika, Surya,
Vinayaka and Subrahmanya all sanctified in the Vedas, and each having a specific
Gayatri Mantra. If worshipped with devotion. all of them will enable us to attain
the Paramaatma, proclaimed by the Vedas as Sat Purusha, or Brahman. In that
way he established the practical interpretation of the Gita teaching that came
to be known as Shanmatasthaa-panaacharya. He traveled in all the 56 kingdoms
of this country, where the Vedas were prevalent, and proclaimed the Advaitic
principle of Oneness of God. Like the same God who is within us and within
everything we perceive, the see’r, the seen and the seeing (drashta, drisyam and
drishti) are all aspects of the same Paramaatma. This is the essence of Advaita.
JAYA JAYA SANKARA, HARA HARA SANKARA 
13
 Adi Sankara’s Upadesa panchakams
by N. Gopala Sundaram (edited by Kamala Raghavan)

Adi Sankara’s Upadesa panchakams

By
N. Gopala Sundaram (edited by Kamala Raghav
Adi
AdiSankara
Sankaraderived his tenets
derived fromfrom
his tenets a strict interpretation
a strict of the truths
interpretation of the truths co
contained in the Vedas and Upanishads. He has composed stotras
and Upanishads. He has composed stotras on all the
on all the deities, each of them a literary and poetic gem steepeddeities, each of them
gem
in steepedHisinremarkable
bhakti. bhakti. Hisworksremarkable
include works include
Soundarya Soundarya
Lahiri, Bhaja Lahiri,
MeenakshiMeenakshi
Govindam, Pancharatnam, Viveka Chudamani,
Pancharatnam, Sivananda
Viveka Chudamani, Lahiri, Subram
Sivananda
Lahiri, Subramanya Bhujangam and Hanumat Pancharatna.
Hanumat Pancharatna. He has written commentaries on Bhagavad He has Gita,
written commentaries on Bhagavad Gita, Vishnu Sahasranama, Lalitha
Lalitha Trisati and all the Upanishads. We are presenting
Trisati and all the Upanishads. We are presenting below 3 verses from below 3 verses
Upadesa
Adi Panchakam
Sankara’s :
Upadesa Panchakam:

Verse 1: वेदो नित्यमधीयत ां तदुनदतां कमम स्विुष्ठीयत ां

ते िेशस्य नवधीयत मपनिनतिः क म्ये मनतस्त्यज्यत म।्
प पौघिः परिधूयत ां भवसुखे दोषोऽिुसन्धीयत ां
आत्मेच्छ व्यवसीयत ां निजगृह त्तूर्णं नवनिगमम्यत म॥् १॥
vedo nityamadhīyatāṁ taduditaṁ karma svanuṣṭhīyatāṁ
vedo nityamadhīyatāṁ
teneśasya taduditaṁ
vidhīyatāmapacitiḥ karma svanuṣṭhīyatāṁ
kāmye matistyajyatām |
pāpaughaḥ paridhūyatāṁ bhavasukhe dośo’nusandhīyatāṁ|
teneśasya vidhīyatāmapacitiḥ kāmye matistyajyatām
pāpaughaḥ
ātmecchā paridhūyatāṁ
vyavasīyatāṁ bhavasukhevinirgamyatām
nijagṛhāttūrṇaṁ dośo’nusandhīyatāṁ
||1||
ātmecchāpanchakam-
-upadesa vyavasīyatāṁ nijagṛhāttūrṇaṁ vinirgamyatām ||1||
Adi ShankarA
-upadesa panchakam- Adi ShankarA
Study spiritual texts (“Vedas”) regularly and put into practice their
teachings. Worship the Divine in that manner and give up the thought
Study
of spiritual
desires. Washtexts
away(“Vedas”) regularly
the negative and put
habit-energy andinto practice
examine thetheir teach
defects
Divine of
inworldly excitement.
that manner Holdup
and give onthe
to the awareness
thought of the Atman
of desires. Wash away the
and
and leave at once
examine theyour ownof
defects limited identity.
worldly excitement. Hold on to the awarenes
at once your own limited identity.
14
Verse 2: सङ्गिः सत्सु नवधीयत ां भगवतो भनिर्दमढ ऽऽधीयत ां
and examine the defects of worldly excitement. Hold on to the awarenes
at once your own limited identity.

Verse 2: सङ्गिः सत्सु नवधीयत ां भगवतो भनिर्दमढ ऽऽधीयत ां

श न्त्य नदिः परििीयत ां र्दढतिां कम मशु सन्त्यज्यत म्
सनिि िुपसृप्यत ां प्रनतनदिां तत्प दुक सेव्यत ां
ब्रह्मैक क्षिमर्थयमत ां श्रुनतनशिोव क्यां सम कर्णयमत म॥् २॥
-उपदेश पञ्िकां
saṅgaḥ satsu vidhīyatāṁ bhagavato bhaktirdṛḍhā”dhīyatāṁ
saṅgaḥ satsu
śāntyādiḥ vidhīyatāṁ
paricīyatāṁ bhagavato
dṛḍhataraṁ bhaktirdṛḍhā”dhīyatāṁ
karmāśu santyajyatām
śāntyādiḥ paricīyatāṁ dṛḍhataraṁ karmāśu santyajyatām
sadvidvānupasṛpyatāṁ pratidinaṁ tatpādukā sevyatāṁ
sadvidvānupasṛpyatāṁ pratidinaṁ
brahmaikākṣaramarthyatāṁ tatpādukā
śrutiśirovākyaṁ sevyatāṁ ||2||
samākarṇyatām
brahmaikākṣaramarthyatāṁ
upadesa Panchakam- Adi ShankarAśrutiśirovākyaṁ samākarṇyatām ||2||
upadesa Panchakam- Adi ShankarA
Remain in the company of the holy (thoughts, words, deeds; books,
music, art; people) and strengthen your devotion to God. Cultivate
Remain
the in the
qualities company
such of the holy
as self-restraint (thoughts,
and give words,
up all work deeds;by
prompted books, mus
strengthen
selfish desire.your devotion
Approach thosetowho
God. areCultivate the qualities
wise and holy, and servesuch
them.as self-rest
Seek
workonly the Imperishable
prompted by selfishBeing (“God”)
desire. and hear
Approach thewho
those words
areofwise
the and holy
scripture.
only the Imperishable Being (“God”) and hear the words of the scripture
(Translation
(Translation bybySwami Tyagananda)
Swami Tyagananda)

Verse-3: व क्य र्मश्च नवि यमत ां श्रुनतनशििः पक्षिः सम श्रीयत ां

दुस्तक मत्सुनविम्यत ां श्रुनतमतस्तकोऽिुसन्धीयत म।्
ब्रह्म स्मीनत नवभ व्यत महिहगमवमिः परित्यज्यत ां
देहेऽहांमनतरुझ्यत ां बुधजिैव मदिः परित्यज्यत म॥् ३॥
-उपदेश पञ्िकां
vākyārthaśca vicāryatāṁ śrutiśiraḥ pakṣaḥ samāśrīyatāṁ
vākyārthaśca vicāryatāṁ
dustarkātsuviramyatāṁ śrutiśiraḥ pakṣaḥ samāśrīyatāṁ
śrutimatastarko’nusandhīyatām |
brahmāsmīti vibhāvyatāmaharahargarvaḥ parityajyatāṁ |
dustarkātsuviramyatāṁ śrutimatastarko’nusandhīyatām
brahmāsmīti vibhāvyatāmaharahargarvaḥ
dehe’haṁmatirujhyatāṁ budhajanairvādaḥparityajyatāṁ
parityajyatām
||3||
dehe’haṁmatirujhyatāṁ budhajanairvādaḥ parityajyatām ||3||
-Upadesa
-Upadesa Panchakam-
Panchakam-AdiAdiShankarA
ShankarA

Reflect
Reflect over
over the meaning of
the meaning ofthe
thescripture
scriptureand
and take
take refuge
refuge in perspecti
in its
its perspective. Keep away from vain arguments and follow
arguments
the andoffollow
reasoning the reasoning
the scripture. of the
Always be scripture.
aware thatAlways
you arebe aware th
completely give up all egoism. Eliminate the thought
Brahman and completely give up all egoism. Eliminate the of “I” connected w
thought of the
argue with “I” connected
wise ones. with the body and don’t argue with
the wise ones.

15
 Sri Meenakshi Temple Society
17130 McLean Road, Pearland, TX 77584

Cordially invites you to participate in the

Tamil New Year’s Day

Hevilambi Nama Samvatsara
on
Friday, April 14, 2017, 7pm
At Sri Meenakshi Sannidhi
Sankalpam, Vignewara Pooja,
Punyahavachanam
Panchangam Shravanam, Deeparadhana

Sponsorship $ 21

For more information please contact

Padmini Nathan at prn2635@gmail.com
or Sheila Sriram at sriramsheila@gmail.com
You may call the temple at 281-489-0358, extn 100 or 110

16
 Sri Meenakshi Temple Society
Cordially invites you to celebrate
Sri Meenakshi Sundareswarar
Thirukalyanam
Sunday May 7th, 2017

9:30 AM Seervarisai Procession from Ganesh Temple

10:00 AM Oonjal & Pidi Sutral in front of Kalyana Mandapam
10:30 AM
Sankalpam, Vighneshwara Puja, Punyahavachanam, Rakshaban-
danam, Pravaram, Kanyadhanam, Agnipradakshinam, Mangalya
Puja, Mangalya Dharanam, Homam, Lajaa homam, Purnahuthi
12:30 PM Rathotsavam and Procession of deities in All Vahanas
Sit-down Lunch

Sponsorship
Kalyanam $31, Kanyadanam $51
Kalyanam & Kanyadanam $81
Grand Sponsor $251
For further information and sponsorship please contact
Padmini at prn2635@gmail.com
or Sheila at sriramsheila@gmail.com
or Narayanan at socn1@outlook.com
or Vijayarajan@ c_vijayarajan@yahoo.com
or you may call the temple at 281-489-0358, extn 100 or 110

17
 Sri Meenakshi Temple Society
Cordially invites you to celebrate

Sri Narasimha Jayanthi

on Tuesday, May 9th, 2017

7:00 PM at Main Temple:

Sankalpam, Vishwaksena Puja, Punyahavachanam,
Kalasa Avahanam, Sri Narasimha Mantra Japam,
Homam, Purnahuthi & Thirtha Prasadam.

Devotees can bring Prasadam and flowers for Puja

Sponsorship $21
For more information, please contact
Padmini at prn2635@gmail.com
or Sheila Sriram at sriramsheila@gmail.com
You may also call the temple at (281) 489-0358, Ext 100 or 110

18
 Sri Meenakshi Temple Society
invites you to

Vasavi Jayanthi
Sunday, May 28th, 2017
11:00 AM to 12:30 PM

Program

In Ganesh Temple 11:00 AM

Sankalpam, Vigneshwara Pooja ,Punnyavachanam, Kalasa Pooja
Homam,Poornahudhi and Deeparaadhana

Kanyaka Parameswari Sannidhi

Abhishekam,Alankaram
Procession,Upacharam and Prasadam

Sponsorship $51
For further details, please contact
Padmini at prn2635@gmail.com
or Sheila Sriram at sriramsheila@gmail.com
You may also call the temple at (281) 489-0358, Ext 100 or 110

19
 Sri Meenakshi Temple Society

cordially invites to celebrate

Hanuman Jayanthi
on Sunday, May 21st, 2017

10:30 AM at Hanuman Sannidhi

Sankalpam,Vishwaksena Puja, Punyahavachanam,
Kalasa Prathishta, Avahanam, Hanuman Moola Manthra
Japam, Abhishekam, Alankaram, Archana, Harathi,
Theertham and Prasadam.

Hanuman Chalisa - Group recitation to total of 108 times

Devotees can bring Prasadam and flowers for Puja

Sponsorship $21
For further details, please contact
Padmini at prn2635@gmail.com
or Sheila Sriram at sriramsheila@gmail.com
You may also call the temple at (281) 489-0358, Ext 100 or 110

20
 Sri Madhwacharya
by Vatsa Kumar

Sri Madhwacharya (1238–1317 A.D) is regarded as the third

incarnation of Vayu deva (the wind God) having descended into the
mortal world in three successive incarnations—as Hanuman, the
follower of Lord Rama in Treta Yuga, as Bhima, one of the Pandavas
in Dwapar Yuga and as Madhvacharya in Kali Yuga.

Who is Madhwacharya ?
Madhwacharya is credited for starting the Dvaita movement based
on dualism premises of Dvi – asserting that human soul and God
(as Vishnu) are two different things.

He was born in  Pajaka  near  Udupi, a coastal region  in the state
of Karnataka. His parents gave him the name Vāsudeva at birth. Later
he became known as Purnaprajna (name given to him at the time
of his initiation into  sannyasa  (renunciation) as a teenager and
Anandatirtha (name conferred on him when he became the head of
his monastery). Madhwacharya (or just Madhwa) are names most
commonly found in modern literature on him, or Dvaita Vedanta
related literature.

Schooling: Madhva began school after his Upanayana at age seven.

He became a monk or Sanyasi in his teenage. He joined an Advaita
Vedanta monastery in Dwaraka (Gujarat), studied under the tute-
lage of guru Achyutrapreksha, (also referred to as Achyutraprajna).

21
Madhwa studied the Upanishads and the Advaita ( founded by Adi
Shankara) literature, but was not convinced by its nondualism
philosophy of oneness of human soul and God, had frequent dis-
agreements with his guru and left the monastery. Later he returned
to Karnataka and established a monastery (matha) dedicated to
Dvaita philosophy, which later became the sanctuary for a series
of Dvaita scholars such as Jayatirtha, Vyasaraya, Vadirajatirtha and
Raghavendratirtha who followed in his footsteps. Madhwacharya’s
ideas also led to the founding of Haridasa sect of Vaishnavism in
Karnataka, often referred to as Vyasakuta,  Dasakuta or Dasapan-
tha, known for their devotional songs and music (devaranamas )
during the Bhakti movement. The most well-known of the Haridasa
pankthi is Sri Purandara Dasa (1480-1560) recognized as Karnataka
Sangeetha Pithamaha and is said to have systematized south Indian
classical music system as it is used today. The hari dasa movement
in Karnataka merits a separate study by itself.

Ashtamathas: Madhwacharya established the famous Krishna tem-

ple in Udiopi and eight mathas (monasteries) in Udupi and nearby
villages. These are referred to as Madhwa mathas, or Udupi ashta
mathas and they are Palimaru matha, Adamaru matha , Putthige
matha, Shirur matha, kaniyoor matha, krishnapura matha, Puttige
matha, Sodhe matha, and Pejavar matha. The monks in the matha
are sanyasis, and the tradition of their studies and succession (Pary-
aya system) were established by Madhwacharya. The monastery has
a pontiff system, that rotates after a fixed period of time (paryaya).
The pontiff is called Swamiji, and he leads daily Krishna prayers as
well as annual festivals according to Madhwa tradition. The process
and Vedic mantra rituals for Krishna worship in Dvaita monasteries
follow the procedure written by Madhvacharya in Tantrasara. 
The monastery includes kitchens and dining halls run by monks and
volunteers. These serve food daily to nearly 3,000 to 4,000 monks,
students and visiting pilgrims. During succession ceremonies, over
10,000 people are served a vegetarian meal.
Madhwacharya was a prolific speaker and a skilled writer, having
authored 37 works on diverse topics of Vedas. His ability in writing
books is inimitable. He disappeared from this world in 1317.



22
 Sri Meenakshi Temple Society
Invites you to participate in the

Maha Rudram
Rudra Japa Homa Abhishekam
For the Welfare, Peace & Harmony of our Community
on Saturday, June 24th & Sunday, June 25th, 2017

Program
Saturday, June. 24th, 9 AM at Ganesh temple
Sankalpam, Vigneshawara Puja, Punyaha Vachanam, Kalasa Puja
Rudra Japam

Sunday, June 25th, 8 AM at Ganesh temple

Rudra Japam & Homam, Abhishekam for Lord Siva, Alankaram,
Deeparadhana, Upachaaram, Procession to Main temple,
Final Arathi, Prasadam / Lunch (by devotees)

Sponsorship - $21 (Japam) and $51 (Japam, Homam & Abhishekam)

Please donate generously for Annadhanam
Sri Rudram is one of the most beautiful, auspicious and soul stirring vedic
hymn offered to the all pervading almighty Lord Siva. It is a unique and
magnificent experience to hear and feel the vibrations of the chanting of
this enchanting mantra in chorus. We urge everyone to participate and
sponsor for the welfare of friends & family members, especially the elderly.
For devotees interested in chanting, please contact Sriram at 443-527-7355

Flowers, bilva leaves, fruits & prasadams welcome.

For information contact
Padmini at prn2635@gmail.com
or Sheila at sriramsheila@gmail.com
Temple Office at (281) 489-0358 Ext. 100 or 110

23
 EVENTS
EVENTS FOR 2ND QUARTERFOR
2017 2 QUARTER 2017
nd

5‐Apr  Wed  7:00 PM  Sri Rama Navami 

8‐Apr  Sat  9:00 AM  Sita Rama Kalyanam  
9‐Apr  Sun  10:00 AM  Panguni Uthiram Sri Subramanya Kalyanam 
14‐Apr  Fri  7:00 PM  Tamil New Year 
14‐Apr  Fri  7:00 PM  Vishu Kani, Ayyappa Abhishekam, Vishu Kani 
Dharshanam 
27‐Apr  Thu  7:00 PM  Mahotsava Vastu Shanthi 
28‐Apr  Fri  6:00 PM  Mahotsava 1st day Dwajarohanam 
29‐Apr  Sat  6:00 PM  Meenakshi Pattabhishekam & Poo Pallaku  
7‐May  Sun  9:30 AM  Mahotsavam Final day Sri Meenakshi Kalyanam 
9‐May  Tue  7:00 PM  Sri Narasimha Jayanthi 
14‐May  Sun  11:00 AM  Raja Mathangi Homam, Meenakshi Abishekam, 
Mother's Day 
21‐May  Sun  10:00 AM  Hanuman Jayanthi Celebrations 
28‐May  Sun  11:00 AM  Vasavi Jayanthi Celebrations 
18‐Jun  Sun  10:30 AM  Father's Day, Sri Siva and Sri Venkateswara Abhishekam 
24‐Jun  Sat  9:00 AM  Maha Rudra Japam Begins 
25‐Jun  Sun  8:00 AM  Maha Rudra Japam & Homam  
30‐Jun  Fri  7:00 PM  Aani Thirumanjanam for Sri Natarajar 

REGULARLY SCHEDULED
REGULARLY WEEKLY
SCHEDULED ABHISHEKAM
WEEKLY ABHISHEKAM
Sri Ganesha Homam & Abhishekam...................................................................... All days 7:00 AM
Sri Ganesha
Sri Siva Homam &&Sri
(Sundareswara) Abhishekam....................................................................All
Meenakshi Abhishekam......................................... All days 9:00 AMdays 7:00 AM
Sri Siva(Sundareswara)
Sri Siva (Sundareswara) & Sri Meenakshi
Abhishekam. Abhishekam....................................7:00
..................................................................Mondays .AllPMdays 9:00 AM
Sri Siva (Sundareswara)
Sri Durga Abhishekam..................................................................Mondays
Abhishekam......................................................................................... Tuesdays 7:00 PM 7:00 PM
Sri Durga Abhishekam.........................................................................................Tuesdays
Sri Padmavathy Abhishekam.................................................................................. Fridays 6:30 PM 7:00 PM
Sri Padmavathy
Sri Meenakshi Abhishekam..................................................................................Fridays
Abhishekam & Lalitha Sahasranamavali......................................... Fridays 7:00 PM 6:30 PM
Sri Meenakshi Abhishekammonth
Last Friday of the & Lalitha
– Lalitha Sahasranamavali........................................Fridays
Sahasranamavali & Shodasa Upacharam 7:00 PM
Sri Navagraha
Last Friday ofAbhishekam.
the month..............................................................................Saturdays
– Lalitha Sahasranamavali & Shodasa Upacharam11:00 AM
Sri Ayyappa Abhishekam..................................................................................Saturdays 10:00 AM
Sri Navagraha Abhishekam..............................................................................Saturdays 11:00 AM
Sri Kanyaka Parameswari Abhishekam................................... Last Sunday of the Month 10:00 AM
Sri Ayyappa Abhishekam.................................................................................Saturdays 10:00 AM
Sri Meenakshi Abhishekam...............................................Second Sunday of the Month 11:00 AM
Sri Kanyaka Parameswari Abhishekam.................................Last Sunday of the Month 10:00 AM
Sri Venkateswara Abhishekam...............................................First Sunday of the Month 10:30 AM
Sri Meenakshi Abhishekam...............................................Second Sunday of the Month 11:00 AM
Sri Venkateswara Abhishekam..............................................First Sunday of the Month 10:30 AM
24
 Sri Meenakshi Temple Society
17130 McLean Road, Pearland, TX 77584

Main Events Calendar

for 2nd Quarter 2017 By Month
April 2017
5-APR WED 7:00PM SRI RAMA NAVAMI
8-APR SAT 9:00AM SITARAMA KALYANAM
9-APR SUN 10:00AM PANGUNI UTHIRAM
14-APR FRI 7:00PM TAMIL NEW YEAR
14-APR FRI 7:00PM VISHU KANI, AYYAPPA ABHISHEKAM
27-APR THU 7:00PM MAHOTSAVA VASTU SHANTI
28-APR FRI 6:00PM MAHOTSAVA 1ST DAY DWAJAROHANAM
29-APR SAT 6:00PM MEENAKSHI PATTABHISHEKAM, POO PALLAKU

May 2017
7-MAY SUN 9:30AM MAHOTSAVAM FINAL DAY, MEENAKSHI
KALYANAM
9-MAY TUE 7:00PM SRI NRSIMHA JAYANTHI
14-MAY SUN 11:00AM RAJAMATHANGI HOMAM, MOTHER’S DAY
21-MAY SUN 10:00AM HANUMAN JAYANTHI
28-MAY SUN 11:00AM VASAVI JAYANTHI CELEBRATIONS
June 2017
18-JUN SUN 10:30AM FATHER’S DAY, SIVA AND VENKATESWARA
ABHISHEKAM
24-JUN SAT 9:00AM MAHA RUDRA JAPAM BEGINS
25-JUN SUN 8:00AM MAHA RUDRA JAPAM AND HOMAM
30-JUN FRI 7:00PM AANI THIRUMANJANAM

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 Sunday of the Month 10:00 AM
Sri Meenakshi Abhishekam...............................................Second Sunday of the Month 11:00 AM
Sri Venkateswara Abhishekam...............................................First Sunday of the Month 10:30 AM

25
 SRI RAMA NAVAMI and SITA RAMA KALYANAM
by M.K.Sriram
On the ninth day of the waxing moon,
in the month of Chittirai (mid-March to
mid-April), Lord Vishnu took the avatar of
Sri Rama and was born to King Dasaratha
and Queen Kausalya. On this auspicious
day, devotees repeat the name of Rama
with every breath and vow to lead a
righteous life. People pray to attain the
final beatitude of life through intense
devotion towards Rama and invoke him
for his blessings and protection.

Many observe a strict fast on this day. Otherwise, it is an extremely

colorful ceremony, highly inspiring and instructive too. Temples are
decorated and the image of Lord Rama is richly adorned. The holy
‘Ramayana’ is read in the temples. In Ayodhya, the birthplace of
Sri Rama, a big fair is held on this day. In the south of India the “Sri
Ramnavami Utsavam” is celebrated for nine days with great fervor and
devotion. In temples and at pious gatherings the learned narrate the
thrilling episodes of the ‘Ramayana’. This day, marking the birthday
of Lord Rama, is also observed as the wedding day of Rama and Sita
and thus also referred to as Kalyanotsavam. Rama exemplified the
perfect person (maryada purushottaman). He was the embodiment
of compassion, gentleness, kindness, righteousness and integrity.
Although he had all the power in the world, he still was peaceful and
gentle. His reign in Ayodha is referred to as Ramarajya, the epitome
of perfect governance.

MTS celebrates the Sita Rama Kalyanam with great festivity. This event
gives our devotees the great opportunity and privilege to witness and
participate in the re-enactment of this divine wedding. This is a special
occasion for parents and grandparents who are anxiously seeking
life partners for their progeny to offer their prayers to Lord Vishnu
and Goddess Lakshmi. And, this is a great day to reflect on the great
qualities and character of Sri Rama, as exemplified by his actions, so
we the devotees can strive to be better persons ourselves.

JAI SRI RAM

26
27
Some criteria, MTS membership Rules and Guidelines:
1. Membership of MTS shall be open to anyone who follows the Hindu religious
faith and Culture and believe in the objectives of MTS and meets the MTS By-laws
requirements.(Article II: Section 1)
2. Applicant of 20 years of age or older shall become a Primary member after the
Membership committee’s review and approval by the Board of Directors. Such Primary
members will be in “Provisional” status for one year until they have satisfactorily
demonstrated their support for MTS goals and objectives as in the By-laws. At that
time, the member’s status will be converted to “Active” subject to review by the
Membership committee and approval by the Board. (Article II: Section 3 & 4)
o Provisional members, shall not have privileges to vote or to hold elected offices on
the Board. They may attend General Body meetings as nonvoting members.
3. Both husband and wife must apply individually for their respective membership
(Article II: Section 8)
4. Primary members who file their membership forms annually and pay the annual
dues, if any, shall be “Active” in status. Such members shall constitute the General
Body of MTS. (Article II: Section 9)
5. Youth members are children of Active Primary and Senior members between ages
13 and 19. Membership and renewal forms for Youth members shall be signed by their
parents or guardians. (Article II: Section 11)
6. Persons employed as Staff members or gainfully employed on contract by MTS, shall
not be accepted as Primary members. (Article II: Section 14)
7. An active member shall become a “life” member upon payment of the necessary
dues during the calendar year and applying for the same within 90 days following the
end of the calendar year. (Article VII: Section 8)
8. All members must renew their membership every year, by January 1, by completing
and filing the annual membership renewal form and paying the annual dues. (Article
V: Section 1)
9. Extended renewal time or grace period is 1st January to 31st March. (Article V:
Section 1)
10. Any member who has not filed the renewal form and/or paid the annual dues
past 31st March, shall automatically become “Inactive” in status and shall lose his/her
Membership rights and privileges. (Article IV: Section 4)
o An Inactive member shall be made Active again when the renewal forms are filed and
necessary dues, if any, for the current year are paid.
11. The following do not pay annual fees for MTS membership: i) Life Members, ii)
Inactive members and iii) Honorary or youth members or Temple devotees.
12. Email, Telephone and address corrections of members must be made through this
form and by sending it to the membership committee coordinator. Such changes made
to at the MTS devotee database (www.meenakshi.org) are not automatically used to
update the membership information.
13. In December of every year, the membership committee will send out a membership
renewal notice and all changes to membership can also be made through the letter.
14. To vote in the elections and to sponsor candidates, a member must be in Active
status as of July 1, of an election year. (Article XXI: Section 1).

28
 Sri Meenakshi Temple Society
17130 McLean Road, Pearland, TX 77584
Phone: 281-489-0358 Ext. 100 (or) 110

ANNUAL PUJA SPONSORSHIP FORM

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
Padmini Nathan at prn2635@gmail.com or
Sheila Sriram at sriramsheila@gmail.com

29
 Kalyana Mandapam (KM), Youth Center (YC)
Kalyana Mandapam (KM), Youth Center (YC)
and Visitors Center (VC) at MTS
and Visitors Center (VC) at MTS
 • Both
BothKM KMandandYC YCare
arespacious
spaciousfacilities
facilities
forfor events
events likelike En-
gagements, Weddings,
Engagements, Weddings,Receptions,
Receptions,etc.etc.
 • Each
Eachfacility
facilitycan
canaccommodate
accommodatemore more than
than 400400 people
people
 • VC
VCcan
canaccommodate
accommodateupuptoto125 125 people
people forfor small
small events
events
 • Have
Haveover
over1200
1200chairs,
chairs,5050round
round tables,
tables,andandmore
morethan 30 30
than
rectangular(6’
rectangular (6’xx2’)
2’)tables
tables
 • Use
UsethetheMTS
MTSfacilities
facilities(KM,
(KM,YCYCand
andthe newly
the opened
Visitors Visitor
Center) for
all of your
Center) needs
for all throughout
of your the year the year
needs throughout
 • Recommend
Recommendtotoyour yourfriends
friendsand
andcolleagues
colleagues about thethe
about facilities
and support
facilities andour Templeour Temple
support
For
ForReservations
ReservationsContact:
Contact:
Mr.Mr.
Venkatachalam
Venkatachalam at at
832-725-1805
832-725-1805ororvenkatk2005@yahoo.com
venkatk2005@yahoo.com
Alternatively:
Alternatively:Send
Sende-mail toto
e-mail temple@meenakshi.org
temple@meenakshi.org
or or
chkarunakar@yahoo.com
ramreddy55@gmail.com(Karunakar Chowdavarapu)
(Ramachandra M. Reddy)and
andwe
wewill
get back to you within 24 hours
will get back to you within 24 hours

Kalayana Mandapam Youth Center Banquet Hall

30
 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

Temple Hours
Monday through Thursday:
8:30 AM to 12 Noon and 5:00 PM to 8:30 PM
Friday:
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

Listen to MTS RADIO Every Sunday
TUNE INTO RADIO DIAL
1110 AM STATION
Broadcast Every Sunday at 1:00 pm
Tune on link from Sri Meenakshi Temple website:
www.emeenakshi.org

Sri Meenakshi Temple Telephone Numbers

MAIN TEMPLE ................................... 281-489-0358
Cover Photo: courtesy Srinivasan Sundararajan
(Best time to call: 9 am-12 noon and 5 pm-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
Sri Balaji Sethuraman (Priest)............................... 832-486-7083

www.emeenakshi.org
Temple Times Published by MTS Public Relations and Publicity Committee

31
 Temple Times is a publication of NON PROFIT
Sri Meenakshi Temple ORG.
Temple Times U. S POSTAGE
17130 McLean Road is a Publication of PAID
Pearland,
Sri TX
Meenakshi
77584-4630Temple Society PEARLAND, TX
PERMIT NO. 79
17130 McLean Road,
Pearland, TX-77584-4630

32
Lord Siva

Maha Sivarathri