The two-month long Dolai Tour of Sri Lakshmi HayagrIva across several US cities successfully concluded on Sunday November 13, 2011 with a grand Tirumanjanam and HayagrIva Homam celebration at Sri Ranganatha Temple at Pomona NY. This Tour was performed as per the niyamanam and anugraham of HH Srimad Abhinava VagIsha Brahmatantra Swatantra Parakala Swamy, and with blessings from the Acharyas of Sri Ahobila Matham, Srimad Srirangam Andavan Ashramam, Sri Poundareekapura Andavan Ashramam and Sri Rangapriya Ashramam. The successful conduct of this Tour was the result of the combined effort of a large number of extremely committed volunteers all across the US, who hosted and provided transportation within the city and between cities for the Dolai entourage. It was also, in no small measure, due to the overwhelming devotion and enthusiasm with which Sri Lakshmi HayagrIva was received at the homes of over 60 devotees to celebrate tirumanjanams and dolais. These functions were very well participated by an average of 30-40 devotees at each function. In addition to functions at individual homes, there were two temple celebrations one at Albany NY and the other at Pomona NY; and a major public event at Charlotte NC. These functions were attended by hundreds of devotees.
Our ArAdhakar Sri Varadaraja Bhattar accompanied Sri LakShmi HayagrIva and His ParivAram consisting of Sri shaThAri, Bhagavad Ramanuja and Sri Nigamantha Mahadeshikan during this Tour, rendering valuable kainkaryams such as tirumanjanams, dolotsavams, akSharAbhyAsams for children, etc. His devotion to his kainkaryam and his pleasant manners and amicability won him every one’s admiration.
Some major highlights of the Tour:
- AkSharAbhyAsams for over 80 children at Albany NY and Charlotte NY
- Live webcasts of the tirumanjanams and Dolais from several homes
- Presentation of gold chain, silver vessels and alankAra vastrams for PerumAL and TAyAr
- Tiruveethi utsavam for Sri LakShmi HayagrIva in Seattle
- Inauguration of temple construction at Charlotte NC
- HayagrIva Homam at Sri Ranganatha Temple, Pomona NY, attended by nearly 200 people.
After the concluding function at Pomona, Sri Lakshmi HayagrIva and His ParivAram stayed at Arlington MA till they left US on Dec 1 for India. After receiving samprokshanam on arrival at Bangalore, Sri Lakshmi HayagrIva and His parivAram are now receiving nitya aradhanam at the home of Sri Varadaraja Bhattar in Bangalore till they will be returned to HH Parakala Jeer on the 18th of December at the Parakala Mutt, Bangalore.
This Dolai Tour was conducted under the auspices of Sri Parakala Matham, USA on behalf of its parent Organization, Sri Brahmatantra Swatantra Parakala Mutt at Mysore. The generous financial contributions received from the devotee community during the Tour will all go to support the maintenance and activities of the Mutt at Mysore. SPM is now evaluating devotee interest for an other similar Tour next year. Interested devotees who wish to seek more information can go to the “Sri Parakala Matham USA” link on the Mutt web site at www.parakalamatham.org. and contact any of the members of the working committee listed therein.
For detailed descriptions, photos and videos of the celebrations in the different cities please see www.parakalamatham.org.
Contributed by Belakavadi Ramaprian; e-mail address: br_ramaprian@yahoo.com
