July 10 to 17, 2010: Sreemad Bhagavatha Sapthaham at SSVT

After the successful conclusion of Mathru Puja and Yogathon, KHNA and YuVA members were facing the monumental task of organizing Sreemad Bhagavatha Sapthaham. There were several weekly teleconferences as well as in-person meetings to plan the event. Sapthaham awareness gatherings in various locations helped to spread the news. The angst was palpable as the organizers nervously waited for the inauguration day.

The Aakar room at SSVT was transformed into Yajna Saala by decorating with multicolored clothes and large pictures depicting Dashavatharam and Sri Krishna’s adventures. An elevated portion in the Yajna Saala was designated as Yajna Vedi with separate areas for pouranikars. Immediately following the inauguration on July 10, a panchaloha Vigraham of Lord Krishna was ceremoniously installed in the Yajna vedi. On the morning of July 11, the parayanam of Ezhuthachan’s Bhagavatham began after Vishnu Sahasranamam and Bhagavatha Keerthanam. The parayanam continued for the next seven days. The organizers’ trepidations turned into jubilation, as the number of devotees attending the events increased steadily.

The most anticipated ritual was the Avabritha Snanam, a ceremony similar to Aarattu in Kerala temples, conducted at the conclusion of the Sapthaham. Around noon on Saturday, July 17, the procession for the Snanam began in the Yajna Saala and was led by about 75 ladies of all ages carrying colorful thalapoli. Yajnaacharya Hari Ji carried the Sree Krishna Vigraham from the Yajna Saala and was followed by a huge crowd of devotees. On this hot summer day a mild breeze welcomed the devotees as they emerged from the Temple and continued to the South East side. The entire procession was chanting Hare Rama Hare Rama, Rama Rama Hare Hare!, Hare Krishna Hare Krishna, Krishna Krishna Hare Hare!! As Hari Ji sat in a large tub of water and water was poured on him and the Sree Krishna Vigraham, the melodious chanting reached a crescendo, very much like an open air concert. The tall trees around the Temple appeared to be swaying in tune to the musical chanting of the Manthram! The chanting continued as the Vigraham was placed on a peetam and various pujas were conducted. After the puja, the Vigraham was brought back to the Yajna Saala. The Sapthaham was concluded with Acharya Sabhavana and the distribution of prasadam.