Vishwa Madhwa Sangha celebrates aaradhane of Sri Raayaru
Vishwa Madhwa Sangha (VMS) – Atlanta chapter (a nonprofit organization) celebrated the 343rd aaradhane of Sri Raghavendra Swamy Theertharu on Saturday, August 23, 2014 at the IACA auditorium in Smyrna GA. Sri Raghavendra Swamy (commonly known as Sri Raayaru) was a renowned Hindu saint and philosopher, worshipped by devotees in Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, and Andhra Pradesh. This was the 2nd consecutive year of aaradhane being celebrated in the Atlanta area.
The event started at 9:30 am with devara pooje including panchamrutabhisheka of Hari Vayu Gurugalu. Devotees chanted Vayustuthi Purascharana, Sri Raghavendra Swamy ashothara, and other devotional songs. A great variety of authentic dishes from Karnataka were offered as naivedya and the proceedings concluded with mahamangalaarathi. This was followed by theertha prasada served to the devotees. The aaradhane was very well celebrated by over 200 devotees who came from different parts of Atlanta and nearby cities such as Greenville, SC and Charlotte, NC.
Cultural activities were presented by kids and adults, who enthusiastically sang bhajans of Sri Raghavendra Swamy, Krishna, and Lord Ganesha, and also included an insightful biographical narrative of Raayaru. Marking the devotion and spirit of the devotees, VMS organizers announced the intent to build a brindavana for Raayaru in the near future to give an opportunity to perform seva.
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