Author: Phoolo Danny-Maharaj
Publication: South Bureau, Trinidad
Date:
Param Poojya Sri Ganapati Sachchidananda
Swamiji yesterday danced to the rhythmic beats of the tassa as he rejoiced
in "heavenly bliss" at the consecration of his vision-the 85-foot-tall
Sri Karya Siddhi Hanuman.
The mega-Hanuman, standing tall
in the central skies-the only one of its size outside India-was consecrated
by Swamiji in the presence of thousands of local and foreign devotees.
Following the offerings of flowers,
dakshina (gifts-coins), fruits, essence at the feet of the Hanuman, and
the aarti (waving) the sacred flames of the lighted deyas and scented smoke
from incense, devotees performed pradakshina (circumambulation while uttering
the sacred Hanuman mantra) around the mega-murti. It's one of the most
humble rituals of worship.
Then Swamiji and other devotees
climbed the ladder to reach the top of the pedestal to reach the feet of
Hanuman and proceeded to perform rituals while chanting sacred Vedic mantras.
And while, the Swami could not reach the mega-Hanuman's head to offer the
aachmaan (water offering), the water was offered directly on the murti
by a helicopter. The Hanuman and all those at its feet were drenched with
the water offering.
The Hanuman murti (image), standing
tall with right hand in blessings posture, and left handing holding unto
his mukdar in his left hand, seemed to come alive, said the devotees.
It was after those offerings, and
Swamiji came down from the pedestal, the St John's United Tassa Group started
playing, and instantly, an overjoyed Swamiji danced in divine ecstasy
Thousands had converged at the Dattatreya
Yoga Centre and Mandir at Orange Field Road, Carapichaima, to witness the
historic event, and most had come prepared to do worship. Many of the devotees
joined Swamiji in dancing to the tassa and rejoicing to a great event come
true.
After the consecration ceremony,
devotees with special dried coconuts with sacred mantras made a wish at
Hanuman's feet and then hung the nuts around the mandir.
During an interview recently, a
devotee of Swami, Prasadji, said the mega-Hanuman represented the Siddhi
Hanuman who had grown in size in order to cross the bridge to Lanka, as
related in the Hindu's religious text-Ramayan. "The height signifies that
just as Hanuman grew in size because of his great yogic powers, we as devotees
should also grow in height spirituality."
Among those attending the ceremony
were Opposition Leader Basdeo Panday and his wife, Oma, Senate President
Dr Linda Baboolal and her husband, and PNM Senator Satish Ramroop.
As one witnessed the devotion of
devotees of all races and religion at the Mandir, the words of Swami Manasa
Datta came to mind. He had said that "This mega-Hanuman is one part of
Poojya Swamiji's vision for the people of this country. He hopes this Mandir
will boost the psyche of the Hindus and non-Hindus and bring spiritual
elevation to all."
