HAPPY 2025
Namaskaram
“The Chariot moves on HIS Will” – this phrase beautifully sums up the journey of 2024 at Namma Periyava Kovil. Devotees from all walks of life – from within the tri-state, from other states, and even from abroad – come seeking His divine darshan. Each Pandigai, every Naal Kizhamai, is celebrated with unparalleled devotion and divine intervention. Every prayer, every wish is being heard by HIM. While many experiences with Sri Maha Periyava have been shared through Periyava Puranam, there are countless others, deeply touching, that occur constantly at Namma Periyava Kovil.
An 90+ years old Rig Vedhi Vaitha Mama has served Sri MahaPeriyava for many years. His eyes welled with tears as he saw a “Seer Thattu of Laddus” arrive from Namma Periyava Kovil for his granddaughter’s engagement. This was not just any moment, but a flood of memories from 50 years ago when Sri MahaPeriyava had instructed Vaitha Mama to take “Seer Bakshanam” to many weddings and auspicious occasions.
“பெரியவா சொல்லி நான் பக்தா கல்யாணத்துக்கு சீர் பக்ஷசனம் எடுத்துண்டு போயிருக்கேன்; அம்பது வருஷம் கழிச்சு பெரியவா என் பேத்தி நிச்சயதார்த்தத்துக்கு நம்ம பெரியவா கோவில்-ல தன் சன்னதிலேண்டு சீர் பக்ஷசனம் அனுப்பிற்கா!” (I have taken Seer-Bakshanam to devotee weddings as ordained by Periyava; today after 50 years, Periyava is blessing my granddaughter by sending Seer-Bakshanam right from His Sannadhi at Namma Periyava Kovil!).
This powerful experience exemplifies not only divine blessings from the past but also a continuation of Sri MahaPeriyava’s grace. In another instance, a devotee had asked for Panchamirtham prasadam, during lunch at Namma Periyava Kovil. The Panchamirtham ran out before he could have any. Later, during dinner time, a mama from the Madapalli handed him a cup of Panchamirtham, saying that it had been set aside by someone who had unknowingly left it on the countertop. This was an extraordinary fulfillment of a wish in the most unexpected way, showing how divine blessings continue to flow, even in the smallest of acts.
It is not about the Laddus, Panchamirtham, or the passing of 50 plus years – it is about the Vatsalyam that every devotee connects to. It feels like Porandha Veedu; It is a safe haven, a place where the soul finds solace, love, and divine connection.
These powerful experiences reaffirm the “Divine Presence” at Namma Periyava Kovil, constantly reminding us of the grace that surrounds us. The Guru Parampara Dhyana Mandiram, adorned with the divine presence of the 70 Acharyas of Sri Adi Sankara Bhagavadpadhal Paramparagatha Moolamnaya Sarvagnya Sri Kanchi Kamakoti Peetam, stands as a sanctified abode for meditation, where devotees transcend into a realm of tranquility and dhyana through the collective spiritual radiance of these revered Acharyas.
Every pooja, every ritual, fills the air with divinity, creating a sacred atmosphere that feels unique to Namma Periyava Kovil. From the Kumkumapoo Archanai to Sri Maha Periyava on His Jayanthi day, to the grand Hamsa Gayathri Koti Japa Maha Yagnam, from offering over 25,000 bangles to Sri Kamakshi Ambal on Aadi Pooram, to the Vidhyalaya Pravesam (Back to School) with Medha Suktha Homam – all of these are divine occasions that shape the very identity of Namma Periyava Kovil.
The grand Navarathri Festival, adorned with daily Sri Kamakshi Ambal Alankaram, was a sight that truly needed a thousand eyes to behold. Adding to its splendor were the Laksharchanai, a thematic Golu titled “Celebrating Rama,” and the collective beauty of Samashti Namma Golu, making the celebrations truly divine and unforgettable. With Kumara Bhojanam for over 125 Brahmachari kids during Skanda Sashti, Annabhishekam, and Shakambari Alankaram on Karthiga Pournami, the divine energy and spiritual connection are deeply felt in every occasion.
With complete surrender to the belief that “The Chariot moves on HIS Will,” with heartfelt prayers of “Avan Arulaale Avan Thaal Vanangi,” and with the sincere desire for “Namma Periyava Kovil to be a Movement for generations to come”, as we step into 2025,
We embrace the guiding word “STRIVE” imbued with humility. We STRIVE tirelessly to uphold SASTRAM, SAMPRADHAYAM, SEVA, SATSANGAM, SHIKSHA, and SAMRAKSHANAM at Namma Periyava Kovil, preserving its divine sanctity and nuturing it as a CENTER OF ORIENTAL LEARNING & LIVING (COOL) where we instill the spirit of “Practice with Pride.”
Whether it’s upholding rituals like Avani Avittam and Ekadasa Rudram, reviving cherished traditions such as Maa Vilakku Maavu, Deepavali Marundhu, and Karadaiyan Nonbu, or engaging in Seva through food and winter supply drives, our commitment to these values remains steadfast.
Satsangam remains a pillar of our mission. Initiatives like Dheivathin Kural discourses, Nama Sankeerthanam, and Sakhi Satsangh foster a sacred sense of togetherness, while platforms such as Sangeetha Sammelanam honor and elevate classical art forms. With heartfelt prayers, we seek blessings to further enrich and expand the reach of our traditional and cultural practices through Dharma Prachara Sabha, in collaboration with our devoted patrons.
Vidya Daanat Param Daanam – the greatest gift is the gift of knowledge. Through SANKARA GURUKULAM, offering Sloka classes for children and Devi Bhagavatham and other Sloka classes for adults, and SHIKSHALAYA, where high school and college students mentor children of temple priests, we are blessed with the opportunity to serve the community and support children in achieving academic excellence.
In 2025, our focus will also be on SAMRAKSHANAM – protecting and preserving the sacred Ghoshala at Namma Periyava Kovil. Groundwork is underway, and Gho Matha is ready to shower Her blessings upon us. Infrastructure is in progress, and we seek the devotion and participation of our devotees to bring Gho Samrakshanam into reality.
The vision of Namma Periyava Kovil, which began as a Samasthi Yagna, continues to guide every step forward. Once again, Let’s join this Samashti Yagna !
Wishing all devotees a Very Happy 2025!
आचार्य शङ्कराचार्याः संतुमे जन्म जन्मनि
“Acharya Shankaracharyah Santhume Janma Janmani”
Hara Hara Sankara Jaya Jaya Sankara
Namaskaram
Suri Subramanian
President
On Behalf of the Board of Sanatana Dharma Foundation Inc