Sree Venkateswara Temple of Cleveland 4406 Brecksville Rd Richfield OH 44286
SREE VENKATESWARA TEMPLE OF CLEVELAND
Sree Padmavathi Sametha Sree Venkateswara Parabrahmane Namaha
4406 Brecksville Road Richfield OH 44286 Tel: (330) 576-5626 Temple Hours: 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. & 5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. on weekdays, 9 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. on weekends & holidays
Issue 33 Oct 2015
Board of Trustees
Dr. R. Bandi
Mr. L. Venkataraman
Dr. P. Achanti
Mr. J. Medarametla
Dr. S. Ramanavarapu
Dr. R. Taliwal
Dr. M. Lakireddy
Dr. K. Devulapalli
Mrs. N. Kulasekaran
Treasurer Mrs. S. Venna Jt. Treasurer Mr. R. Atluri Secretary Mr. R. Rambhatla Jt. Secretary Mr. Suman Pillarisetti
Pledge or donate here
Visit: www.balajiusa.org
Call: 330 576 5626 /
Religious Calendar:
(Detailed Calendar on Pg 5)
Fri, Oct 2 to Sun, Oct 4
Pavithrotsavam
Thu, Oct 8
Ekadasi
Sun, Oct 11
Srinivasa Kalyanam 11 AM
Mon, Oct 12
Amavasya
Tue, Oct 13
Navaratri Begins
Sun, Oct 18 & Wed, Oct 21 Utsava Murthy Abhishekam 11 AM
Thu, Oct 22
Vijaya Dasami Puja &
Poolangi Seva 6 PM
, Fri, Oct 23
Ekadasi
Mon, Oct 26
Sree Satyanarayana Vratam7 PM
Fri, Oct 30
Sankatahara Chaturthi
Page 2: Pavithrotsavam Schedule and puja offering suggestions Page 3: The story of Shree Krishna Janmastami (Contd.)
Page 4: Poolangi Seva (Oct 22, 2015) and other announcements Page 5: October Calendar
Thanks to all who attended the General Body meeting on Sun, Sep 20th, 2015.
SAVE THE DATE: Raas Garba Night with Music and Mehendi on Fri, Oct 23rd, 2015
Pavithrotsavam is a very important religious ceremony
performed at temples in accordance with their respective
agamas. The Sanskrit word “pavitra” means purity or
sanctity in a high degree, and “utsavam” means ceremo-
ny or festival. Pavithrotsavam is a ceremony of purifica-
tion.
It provides strong and pure spiritual energy by softening
or removing the negative energy that might have oc-
curred in the temple during the course of the year.
It is also known as sarva dosha nivaarana, sarva yajna
phalapradha, sarva doshopasamana, sarva tushtikara,
sarvakaamapradha and sarvalokasantida.
During the year, there is a possibility of errors occurring from the religious rites at the temple. These er-
rors can be in the areas of “mantra, kriya, tanthra and bhakti”. Mistakes happen in rituals knowingly or
unknowingly in chanting Vedic prayers & mantras, procedures & techniques, performance, quality and
types of dravyams (puja items) used in worship. The acharyas (priests) ask Bhagavan (God) to pardon any
errors and mistakes that may have occurred during the year of worship, bless and sanctify the temple with
His divine energy.
In Thirumala Devastanam, Pavithrotsavam festival is performed annually on important days of Ekadasi,
Dwadasi, and Trayodasi in the month of Sravana. First, the festival starts with Ankurarpanam, which is
performed by sowing nine seeds in earthen containers. Vedic chanting for Lord Vishnu is invoked in the
main kumbha or kalasam (metal vessel) that is surrounded by other kumbhas. Various mantras are recited
and all the kumbhas are infused with spiritual power. The main Kumbha is taken to the presiding deity
and all the power is transmitted to Moola Vigraham. Homams (prayers to sacrificial fire) and thirumanja-
nam (celestial bath) are performed.
A special aspect of Pavithrotsavam is the use of Pavitrams. They are sanctified/holy silk threads woven
and made into garlands. A unique feature is that the thread has five colors, black, blue, red, yellow and
green. The strong spiritual vibrations that occur during the Vedic chanting of mantras, purification rites
and homams sanctify these pavithrams. The pavithrams are taken in procession and offered to the deities.
Another important part is the Prayaschitta homam. This homam is conducted to seek forgiveness and
atonement for any mistakes. The special aspects of this utsavam is that it gives the devotees an excellent
opportunity to contemplate and reflect on their experience with Bhagavan (God).
Sree Venkateswara temple will be conducting its first pavithrotsavam in October, 2015. The utsavam will begin with rakshabhandanam and ankurarpanam on the evening of October 2nd,
prayaschitta homam, pavithra arohanam on October 3rd and abhishekam for Sree Venkateswara moolavar
on Sunday October 4th. The ceremony concludes with distribution of the pavithrams to sponsors (pavithra
viniyogam). All desires of the devotees who participate in this utsavam will be fulfilled and they will be
Sree Venkateswara Temple of Cleveland 4406 Brecksville Rd Richfield OH 44286
Page 2
SREE VENKATESWARA TEMPLE OF CLEVELAND
Sree Padmavathi Sametha Sree Venkateswara Parabrahmane Namaha
4406 Brecksville Road Richfield OH 44286 Tel: (330) 576-5626 Temple Hours: 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. & 5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. on weekdays, 9 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. on weekends & holidays
Issue 33 Oct 2015
blessed with health and long life. Devotees can place their pavithram in an area of their home where they pray, or wear it during pray-
er. The pavithram infused with positive energy taken home will bless the family and sanctify the home. Please bring family and friends
to the first Pavithrotsavam at the temple and receive Lord Sree Venkateswara’s blessings and grace.
Pavithrotsavam is scheduled on October 2nd, 3rd & 4th. We are kindly requesting donations of the following items that will be used
for the pujas, homams and preparing prasadams.
Ghee, Oil (sesame and vegetable), Haldi, Rice, Almonds, Cashews, Raisins, Sugar, Jaggery, and Moong dal.
Please drop off at the temple office anytime this week. Thank you for your contributions.
Ganesha Cha-
turthi Pu- ja on
Sep, 17
Shree
Looking for a venue for your next big celebration? Look no further...check out the Community Hall at the
Sree Venkateswara Temple of Richfield.
Sree Venkateswara Temple of Cleveland 4406 Brecksville Rd Richfield OH 44286
Page 3
SREE VENKATESWARA TEMPLE OF CLEVELAND
Sree Padmavathi Sametha Sree Venkateswara Parabrahmane Namaha
4406 Brecksville Road Richfield OH 44286 Tel: (330) 576-5626 Temple Hours: 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. & 5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. on weekdays, 9 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. on weekends & holidays
Issue 33 Oct 2015
Krishna Janmastami (Contd. From Sep, 2015 newsletter)
As he grew to be a young boy, he started tending the cows. He played with the cowherd boys and ate with them in the forest while the
cows grazed. His played the flute amazingly. He saved the cows and cowherds from the wrath of Indra’s dreadful rain by lifting the
Govardhana hill for seven days, thus quenching the pride and arrogance of Indra. The celestial cow Surabhi along with the king of
demigods, Indra, came down and installed Krishna as the king of cows.
In Sanskrit Gava means cows and Indra means king. He was titled as “Gava Indra” which eventually in the cowherds’ usage became
Govinda.
Krishna is all attractive and extremely beautiful.
thAsAmAvirabhUchchauri: smayamAna mukhAmbuja: |pIthAmbaradhara: sragvI sAkshAn manmatha manmatha: || (Srimad
Bhagavatham 10: 32:2)
Meaning: Shouri (Lord Krishna), with a smile on His lotus face, wearing a garland and a yellow garment, directly appeared as one
who could bewilder the mind of Cupid, who himself bewilders the minds of ordinary people.
The above shloka is also chanted daily during Koluvu (Asthanam, Court) in Tirumala and numerous other temples in India. The all
attractive Krishna played the famous raasa leela with the cowherd girls. Seeing this, Lord Shiva came in the guise of a cowherd girl
and danced along with Krishna.
Krishna is the savior of the destitute. Krishna, although thousands of miles away, immediately saved Draupadi by giving her an
infinite garment during her attempted disrobing by the wicked kouravas in the court of Drutharashtra. Calling out Krishna’s names
(Krishna, Govinda, Achyutha) saved her.
In Bhagavad Gita, Krishna says “Sarva dharmAn parithyajya mAmEkam sharanam vraja, Aham thvA sarva papebhyo moksha
ischami mAsucha” Meaning: Leaving all other means, if you take refuge in me alone, I will protect and redeem all sins and grant
mOksham (liberation); Don’t worry. Lord Sriman Narayana (Shree Krishna) has taken the Archa Avatharam as Shree Venkateswara
Swami. He is pointing his right hand toward His lotus feet instructing us to take refuge at His feet. His left hand points to His waist
indicating that if you take His refuge, He will make the ocean of samsara only up to the hip such that you can transcend this ocean
which is full of misery and attain the all Blissful nithya vibhoothi (Permanent abode).
Shree Krishna katha has been described in the tenth chapter of Srimad Bhagavatham and in Shree Vishnu puranam. Krishna played
numerous past times such that our mind runs to Him. He has performed numerous wonderful deeds. The name Krishna means Reser-
voir of Bliss. Devotees such as Annamacharya, Purandara Das, Meera, etc. sang His glory by composing keertanas and bhajans on
Krishna. By chanting His name, glorifying, listening, reading and thinking of His past times our mind runs to Krishna, the reservoir of
Bliss. This removes all sorrows and blemishes and provides peace and tranquility.
Kulasekar Alwar describes the importance of chanting Krishna’s name (Shree Krishna mantra) as follows:
“Shatru-cchEdaika-mantram sakalam upanishad-vakya-sampoojya-mantram
SamsarOtthAra-mantram samuchita-tamas-sangha-niryAna-mantram
Sarvaisvaryaika-mantram vyasana-bhujaga-sandashta-santhrAna-mantram
JihvE shree-krishna-mantram japa japa sathatham janma-sAphalya-mantram” (Mukunda Mala 24).
Meaning: It is one mantra that that will destroy the enemies. It is the mantra which is respected by all Upanishads. It is the mantra
which gets us across the ocean of samsara. It is the mantra which can banish ignorance and despair. It is the one mantra which can
provide all kinds of wealth. It is mantra which provides a sure cure for the poisonous bites of snakes known as worldly afflictions.
Chant, chant, Oh my tongue, always chant Shree Krishna mantra which provides fulfillment to the life.
Thanks to all for your consideration in following our Temple Etiquette
Sree Venkateswara Temple of Cleveland 4406 Brecksville Rd Richfield OH 44286
Page 4
SREE VENKATESWARA TEMPLE OF CLEVELAND
Sree Padmavathi Sametha Sree Venkateswara Parabrahmane Namaha
4406 Brecksville Road Richfield OH 44286 Tel: (330) 576-5626 Temple Hours: 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. & 5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. on weekdays, 9 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. on weekends & holidays
Issue 33 Oct 2015
Looking for a venue for your next big celebration? Look no further...check out the Community Hall at the
Sree Venkateswara Temple of Richfield.
BHAJAN CLASSES
There will be open Bhajan classes held twice a month in the
Temple Auditorium during the Prajna class, from about 10:00
AM to 10:45 AM on the second and fourth Sundays, starting
in February and ending in June. Srivishnu Pasumarthy has
kindly agreed to teach these Bhajans. There will be a fee of
$116 charged by the Temple to students who do not currently
attend Prajna.
For further details, please click here.
“Annadanam Samam Danam
Trilokeshu Na Vidyathe" Annadanam is supreme among all danas and incomparable to
any other. Devotees can donate for Annadanam in the Temple
for important festivals in 2015. Interested devotees, please
contact the Temple Management to reserve a day.
For further details click here.
Poolangi Seva (Oct 22, 2015)
It is an important tradition in temple worship to decorate the archa vigrahas with beautiful alankarams like colorful clothing, jewelry and flower garlands. This allows the devotees an opportunity to offer the
finest materials and become immersed in the Lord’s beauty during the duration of their darshanam.
Poolangi seva is a special alankara upachara done by decorating the Moolavar in an ‘angi’ or dress made entirely of ‘poolu’ or flowers.
Poolangi Seva will be performed on the Vijaya Dasami day, October 22nd, 2015. The temple is seeking donations towards the cost of garlands and flowers in the amounts
of $1001, $501 or $251.
PRAJNA Classes Now In Progress
Sree Venkateswara Temple of Cleveland 4406 Brecksville Rd Richfield OH 44286
Page 5
SUNDAY MONDAY TUESDAY WEDNESDAY THURSDAY FRIDAY SATURDAY
27
28
29
30
1 2 Pavithrotsavam begins Ankurarpanam 6:30 PM Lakshmi Sahasranama Archana 7 PM
3 Pavithorotsavam Vishwaksena Puja 6:30 PM
4 Pavithorotsavam ends after Moolavar Abhishekam 12 PM
Sree Venkateswara Ashtothara Archana 2 PM
5
6
Garuda and Hanuman Abhishekam 11 AM
7 Bhudevi (Andal)Abhishekam 11 AM
8 Ekadasi Hanuman Ashtothara Puja Hanuman Chalisa 7 PM
9 Lakshmi Sahasranama Archana 7 PM
10 Purva Phalguni Sri Lakshmi Abhishekam 11 AM
11 Uttara Phalguni Srinivasa Kalyanam 11 AM
12 Amavasya
13 Asvija Masam begins Navaratri begins Sri AshtaLakshmi Kumkuma archana 7 PM
14 Sri AshtaLakshmi Kumkuma archana 7 PM
15 Sri AshtaLakshmi Kumkuma archana 7 PM
16 Sri AshtaLakshmi Kumku-ma archana 7 PM
17 Aippasi Masam begins Sridevi / Bhudevi Abhishekam 11 AM Vishnu Sahasranamam 11:30 AM Bhudevi Ashthothara Archana 12:00 PM Sri AshtaLakshmi Kumkuma archana 7 PM
18 Utsava Murthy Abhishekam 11 AM Sri AshtaLakshmi Kumkuma archana 7 PM
19 Sri AshtaLakshmi Kumkuma archana 7 PM
20 Sri AshtaLakshmi Kumkuma archana 7 PM
21 Sravanam
Utsava Murthy Abhishekam 11 AM Sri AshtaLakshmi Kumkuma archana 7 PM
22 Vijaya Dasami Dussera/Dasara Puja and Poolangi Seva 6 PM
23 Ekadasi Lakshmi Sahasranama Archana 7 PM
24 Ganesha Abhishekam 11 AM Ganesha Ashtothara Archana 12:30 PM Sree Venkateswara Sahasranama Archana 7 PM
25 26
Purnima Satyanarayana Vratam 7 PM
27 28
29
30 Sankatahara Chaturthi Sri Ganesha Sahasranama Archana 7 PM
31
SREE VENKATESWARA TEMPLE OF CLEVELAND
Sree Padmavathi Sametha Sree Venkateswara Parabrahmane Namaha
4406 Brecksville Road Richfield OH 44286 Tel: (330) 576-5626 Temple Hours: 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. & 5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. on weekdays, 9 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. on weekends & holidays
Issue 32 Sep 2015
Om Sriman Narayana!
Content collated and edited for Sree Venkateswara Temple Of Cleveland By Sravanthi Vallampati
Daily Pujas: Suprabhatam 9am Nitya Aradhanam 9:30am & 5:30pm Sayanotsavam 8:30pm
For up-to-date puja schedule, special events info etc. visit the temple website at http://www.balajiusa.org
Temple Kitchen Now Open
On Saturdays, Sundays and Holidays
From 10.30 a.m. to 3 p.m. and 5 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Stop by to chat with our new Thaliha Swami (cook)!
Lunar: Bhadrapada/Asvija Oct 2015 Solar: Purattasi/Aippasi