A Very Merry Vyasa Puja

December 25, 2007

Photos courtesy of B.C.Parvat Maharaj, Krishnapriya Didi, Devapriya Didi and Neelamani Prabhu

Om Vishnupad Sri Srila Bhakti Sundar Govinda Dev-Goswami Maharaj

Sri Sri Guru Gauranga Gandharvika Giridhari resplendant in their new dress.

Sripad Janardan Maharaj leads the program with Srutasrava Prabhu as the first speaker.

The devotees happily listen.

Vaidehi is always capturing the nectar on video and she is also the creative inspiration behind the decorations for the Temple.

Special bhajans were chanted with heart.

Meanwhile in the kitchen Sanatani and Sureshvari Didis are happily preparing a huge feast.

Nandita Didi helps to keep everything clean.

Huge samosas rolled by Krishna Kanti, Uma and Nandita Devi Dasis.

Vidura Krishna Prabhu helps to make up the plate and Jivana Didi cooks the samosas.

These plates are loaded but our trusty pujari, Ramai Prabhu can handle it.
The feast included: Sak, Shukta, Aloo Posta, Kitri, Chana Dahl, Gauranga Potatoes, Tomato-Chick Pea-Curd Subji, Rice, Puspanna Rice, Samosa, Dahi Vada, Cauliflower Pakora, Tamarind, Apple and Tomato Chutney and Puris.
Then for the sweets there was: Gulabjamins, Sweet Rice, Sandesh, Cake, Cookies, Trifle with Whipped Cream and Nectar.

As all of this is going on in the temple room and the kitchen, the weather has warmed and it becomes clear that we should prepare to serve prasadam outside, so Hasyapriya Prabhu rounds up a crew with Ramananda (times 2) Devaki, Neelamani, Bharat Chandra, Shambhunath and Giridhari to help prepare the outdoor eating area.

Now it's time for arotik. First for The Deities,

Then, Sripad Janardan Maharaj offers a new garland to Srila Gurudev and
the arotik ceremony for His Divine Grace begins.

And we musn't forget to mention the 108 Wick GHEE LAMP!
Neelamani Prabhu prepares the lamp and then he and Vidura Krishna light it.

Ramai Prabhu offers the lamp during the arotik ceremony and Vidura offers that prasad to all of the devotees.

Srila Gurudev's Vyasasana.

A glimpse from behind the curtain.

The devotees wait for their turn to offer flowers to the lotus feet of Srila Gurudev.

Now it's time for Prasadam. Madhumati and Bimala Didis help with the serve out.

Pusta Krishna Prabhu and family.

Kumaris Anuradha, Shyama Mohini, Anjana, and Sita are ready.

Now, since Vyasa Puja falls on Christmas day this year it is a double festival. Sureshvari Didi our very own Mrs. Claus, spent the entire time it took to serve the whole feast to give out gifts to every single person who attended the program. This is her habit and she made everyone happy with her sweet affection. Giridhari Prabhu a new addition to our ashram received a 'Hidden Treasure of the Sweet Absolute.'