What a fantastic day for a Temple Fest - Mela in Indianapolis, Indiana on Sept. 13 from 11 AM to 3 PM. The event started by small Ganapathi Pooja by Priests, Sri Ramaswamy Bhattar and Badarinath Ji. This Mela, arranged by various volunteer groups and devotees to fund raise to the Temple. Many mouth watering Regional food stalls including Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Andra Pradesh, Kerala, Gujarath, Orissa, Maharashtra, Rajasthan, Bihar, and much more. Cultural programs set to entertain the attendees with Grand Finale. Jewelery, Sari, Plants, and other shops for devotees to purchase and play tents for kids to enjoy.   You don't have to go to India to get the Indian atmosphere; you would have witnessed it here in the Indy Mela.  

Sri Ramaswamy Bhattar has performed Sri Krishna Janmastami in Louisville, Kentucky (residence). There was lot of confusion on which day to celebrate the Pooja; some were saying in September and others were not even sure about the Krishna Janmastami dates. However, some Hindu Temples around the world celebrated Sri Krishna Janmastami on Astami (8th) day. As Sri Ramaswamy Bhattar and other Bhattar families in US and India are Swayamaacharya Sampradhaya followers - Sri Ramaswamy Bhattar was confident to perform the Pooja on Monday, August 18th which is Krishna's actual birth month (Simha Maasa) and birth star (Rohini Nakshatra).

We had picked Govardhana Giri as the Theme for this year - here are some details that from Wikipedia "According to ancient Vaishnava legends the Vedic Deva (demigod a kin to guardian angel), Indra (god of rain & lightning) was feared by human beings because he would either give the people no rain or flood them if he was not satisfied with their worship. When Krishna found out, he opposed the performance of sacrificial worship for Indra. He emphasized the importance of karma and doing ones duty. This made Indra angry at the boy Krishna (one of the incarnations of the Supreme God. Indra thus invoked many clouds to appear in the sky and schemed to flood the region with rains lasting for seven days and seven nights. Krishna in reply then lifted Govardhan hill, under which all the animals and people of the region took shelter, safe from the rains of Indra's fury. Ultimately, Indra accepted defeat. He offered his prayers and left to his heavenly kingdom" The Pooja was a grand success with full Devotion, Bhajans, Keerthanas, etc. and later accompanied by our family relatives.

In olden days, they were making 108 different variety of snacks apart from fruits and vegetables. Smt. Seetalakshmi Bhattar has prepared more than 10 variety of snacks for Sri Krishna. Please take a look at some photos and videos from the Pooja.

Sri Ramaswamy Bhattar performed Sri Andal Kalyanotsavam along with Badarinath in the Hindu Temple, Indianapolis, IN which is one of the Sravana Maasa's special event. Devotees participated with full devotion and lots of Prasadams were made for the wedding. Special garlands and plenty of flowers were the highlight for the event. Event started with the procession inside the temple along with bhajans and keerthanas (songs) were offered.

Please have a look at the images from the event.

Sri Sudharshana Homam and Pooja - performed by Sri Ramaswamy Bhattar in Cincinnati, OH. We setup the table and the kalashas and other arrangements were made previous day. It was nice to have elders (devotee parents) to be present for the event. Entire family supported well for the pooja with full devotion - even the kids were productive for the pooja. May the Lord bless the family and others who witnessed the pooja with wealth, prosperity, peace and much more. Please take a look at the pictures from the event.

Sri Ramaswamy Bhattar has performed Sri Ganesha Havan and Pooja in Indianapolis, IN on Sunday, July 27 2014. There were many participants attended the event to get the blessing from lord Ganesha. Below pictures are coming from Temple Gallery Page - Thanks for the Images!

Where: 3350 North German Church Rd, Indianapolis, Indiana
When: Sun, May 18, 2014 at 10:00 AM 
Contact No: 317-891-9199
Website: www.htci.org

After performing Sri Bhagavathi Seva in Tampa, FL - I had a chance to perform this pooja here in Indy. The devotees were enjoyed the pooja with full devotion and bhakthi - may the GOD bless this family and the devotees who atended this pooja.

In Bhagavathi Seva, one can see the principles of Thanthra in a simplified form. The ‘Padmam’ which is used as a seat for the Devi is a symbolic representation of the Brahmanda (Universe). Five colors, which are the symbols of ‘Panchabhootas’ (Five elements), are used to make the Padmam. Avahana of the Devi (Invocation) is the simplified version of the Pratishta (Installation).  (Source from Kerala Thanthra)