Speech of HH Sri Ganapathy Sachchidananda Swamiji – Mysore Chamundi Vana Temple – October 13, 2012
Jaya Guru Datta
Sri Maha Ganapataye Namaha
Sri Saraswatyai Namaha
Sripada Vallabha
Narasimha Saraswati
Sri Guru Dattatreyaya Namaha
Prasad asked me as I came here, if this visit to this temple is bringing back lots of old memories. I can remember many things if I put my mind to it. If not, then I don’t. If I try, I can remember my past lives also. But I am not so interested in remembering. I am on a different mental plane most of the time. I am coming back here after many decades. Now that I am sitting here, many memories are coming back to me.
This morning Jayaraman from Chennai along with Ganesh Mudaliar from this temple, came to the ashram to invite me to attend this evening’s bhajan session here by the Chennai Bhajan group. Since they have come all the way from Chennai, I had to come from the ashram which is so close by.
I spent about 3 years here, after my mother gave up her body, living with my mother Sri Jayalakshmi Mata’s older sister Sharadamma and her husband Seshagiri Sastry. He served here as the priest at this temple. I lived here with them, assisting my uncle in his priestly duties. I was a young priest working, trained under my uncle, and also attending a school nearby.
Many peethadhipatis (heads of spiritual organizations) and members of the royal family of Mysore used to visit this temple. I remember the visit of the then king, Sri Jayachamarajendra Wodeyar who insisted on receiving teertham (the sip of holy water) from the hands of the boy priest (then Satyanarayana, who is now Sri Swamiji).
Swamiji used to officiate at the performance of many marriages also that took place here, including the marriage of my uncle’s son Bhaskar. I do not know what mantras I chanted. Rich families and poor families, both would hold marriage ceremonies at this temple.
Swamiji had his Upanayanam (sacred thread ceremony) here. He received Brahmopadesha, the formal ritualistic spiritual initiation from his uncle Seshagiri Sastry. The exact place of the sacred thread ceremony I do not know. I must search. During the ceremony Lord Ganapati appeared in a clear vision in the sacred flames of the homa fire. (Also He appeared to Satyanarayana as a shadow upon a door with the elephant’s trunk moving, as described in the Life History of Sri Swamiji. This was witnessed by the people who were present on the special occasion).
Swamiji worked here as a priest. That is why Swamiji has a very special affinity with those who serve as priests. (Swamiji used to commune internally with Lord Ganapathi who would frequently give him spiritual instructions and clear his doubts. The Lord would glow with rapture at the daily loving decorations made by the boy priest. Mother Goddess Chamundi here at this shrine blessed the boy priest with many experiences of spiritual ecstasy wherein he would dance in abandon in the sanctum sanctorum at night. – Life History of SGS)
The family of Thiruvengada mudaliar is very dear to Swamiji since childhood. They have built this temple and are still maintaining it. Their entire family is very humble and devout. It is like a fruit hidden behind the leaf. They do not look for publicity or recognition but work quietly. This same family has also donated the land for the construction of Sri Datta Venkateshwara Temple. Such special love they have for Swamiji. Ganesh mudaliar, the son of Thiruvengada Mudaliar is here. He came personally to the ashram this morning and invited Swamiji to attend this program here this evening.
Sister Saraswati gave birth to Sri Bala Swamiji here in these temple premises. This used to be a large wooded area, no houses around here then. It was very peaceful and calm. There used to be a temple pond also nearby. Now it is all changed and the surroundings have become crowded.
Swamiji used to be particularly fond of Lord Subrahmanya who is here with His two consorts Valli and Devasena. As the priest, Swamiji used to eat only the fruit prasadam that was offered to the deity. He ate only one meal at home. Swamiji composed many bhajans during that time, while he worked here as a young priest, writing down the lyrics on tiny pieces of paper.
Many musicians used to come and give performances here at this temple. Sundarambal came from Chennai and gave a musical discourse till midnight. I too sang along with her. It was very inspiring.
This temple is now doing humanity service also, along with service to God. It has an educational Institution and a hospital facility with an ambulance to serve the needs of the society.
Their efforts are successful because they serve without ego, and not being position-conscious. All are secretaries, all are trustees, and all are servants. That is when committees become successful. All are one. That is why the temple is making progress. God needs no progress or maintenance. He governs all. We must remember that we are only His instruments. We do nothing. God decides who does what, when and how. We are merely puppets.
Nice butter decoration for the main deities was ordered today by the Chennai devotees today. It is very nice.
(Dattapeetham posted on Facebook: On 13th October 2012, Chennai Gnana Bodha Sabha members visited Mysore and organized a day long program in Chamundi Vana temple in Mysore city. In 1954, when Sri Swamiji was 12 years old (then, Satyanarayana), He stayed in this temple along with His Aunt Sharadamma and Uncle Seshagiri Sastry. Sharadamma was the elder sister of Jayalakshmi Mata. After the Samadhi (passing away) of Jayalakshmi Mata, Sri Swamiji was under the care of Saradamma for three years. While staying with them in Chamundi Vana, Sri Swamiji was initiated to Brahmopadesha (sacred thread ceremony) by His uncle Seshagiri Sastry. Sri Swamiji had Ganapathy’s Darsan in the Homa flame that day. Seshagiri Sastry gave Veda teachings and priestly training to boy Satyanarayana. Satyanarayana officiated at the marriage of Seshagiri Sastry’s son Bhaskar, the very first priestly duty for boy Satyanarayana. He helped Seshagiri Sastry as assistant priest with temple duties. Sri Swamiji while visiting Chamundi Vana today remarked that this place was much more serene in Sri Swamiji’s boyhood days. The serenity and peace of the place helped Him to overcome the grief of Jayalakshmi Mata’s passing. Sri Swamiji also remarked that the three years spent there were one of Sri Swamiji’s favorite childhood years. Sri Swamiji recalled the kindness and generosity of Late Thiruvengada Mudaliar, the founder of the temple.
Sri Swamiji’s sister Saraswati gave birth to Harshavardhana (now Bala Swamiji) here in Chamundi Vana. For Sri Swamiji’s devotees, Chamundi Vana a holds a very special place in Datta Peetham’s history. Both Peethadhipatis have special connection with Chamundi Vana, which is situated just behind Mysore Ashrama (About 3 kilometers away). Devotees should visit this temple and offer prayers at Chamundi Temple here and feel Satyanarayana worshipping in this temple.
Sri Guru Datta