MTNA calendar highlights (please check www.murugantemple.org

for minute-to-minute updates)

Friday January 1st 2010—New Year 11AM Special Abhishekam to Murugan

Thursday January 14th—Thai Amavasya, Makara Sankaranti and

Pongal

Saturday January 16th —Thai Pongal 10AM Special Pongal celebrations.

(see Temple website for more details)

Monday January 25th —Thai Karthikai

Saturday January 30th—Thai Poosam 8:30 AM Thai poosam celebrations begin 9:00 AM Ganapathi Homam 9:30 AM Ganapathi Abhiskeham 10:00AM Subramaniya Homam 10:30AM Kavadi and Pal Kudam 11:00AM Murugan Abhishekam 11:30AM Bhajans 12:30AM Deeparadhanai 1:00 PM Lunch 4:00 PM Palani therottam

Friday February 12th—Mahasivarathri 7:30 PM Ganapathi Puja—Kalasa Puja 8:00 PM First Jama Puja—Sivabhishekam,

Vibhuti Alankaram, Veda parayanam, singing Thirumurai

11:00PM Second Jama Puja— Siva Abishekam, Santhana Alankaram, Singing Sivapuranam

Saturday February 13th 1:00 AM Third Jama Puja—Siva

Abishekam, Pushpa Alankaram, Singing Thiruneetru Pathikam

3:00 AM Fourth Jama Puja—Siva Abhishekam, Special Alankaram, Singing Kolaru Pathikam,

Deeparathanai. Sunday February 28th

9:00 AM Kavadi and Pal kudam 11:00AM Sangabhishekam to Palani Andavar.

Sunday March 14th 7:00 PM Karadaiyar Nombu Celebrations

(A must for married women. Saradu and food will be available at the Temple)

Tuesday March 16th—Ugadi 7:00 PM Special Abhishekam to Varasiddhi

Vinayakar

Sunday March 28th—Panguni Uttiram 4:00 PM Thirucendur Valli Kalyanam

Monthly Events First and Third Fridays @ 8 pm—Bajan

Last Sunday @ 1 pm Adhi Parasakthi Puja

Other Monthly Events (See www.murugantemple.org for actual

dates and puja times)

S p e c i a l A n n o u n c e m e n t Sahasranam archana will be offered to Lord Murugan every (Sukla) Sashti at 7 PM, starting in January 2010. This will be an interactive puja where devotees are encouraged to repeat the Lord's names after the priest. Participate in this exciting puja! Sponsorships are available for each month of the year. Please c o n t a c t t h e T e m p l e m a n a g e r . Devotees are requested to check MTNA website for detailed listing of pujas and activities.

Inside this issue Sharing Our Good Fortune 1,2,3 Skanda Shasti Celebrations 2009 1,2 Treasurer’s Report 3 Tax Reports—Now on line 3

YYEAREAR--ENDEND T TAXAX R REPORTSEPORTS WILLWILL NOWNOW BEBE DISTRIBUTEDDISTRIBUTED ONLYONLY ONON LINELINE —— S SEEEE P PAGEAGE 3 3 FORFOR IIMPORTANTMPORTANT I INFORMATIONNFORMATION

SKANDA SHASTI CELEBRATIONS 2009

By Vidyaramanan Ganesan (with contributions from Dr. Mouna Selvam and Dr. Nigel Siva) The Murugan Temple of North America (MTNA) celebrated the Skanda Sashti on a grand scale from October 18th to October 23rd. Festivities included carrying Kavadi and Paal Kudam by devotees and recitation of Murugan Sahasranamam on all days. Ganapathi Homam and Abhishekam were performed on the first day and on October 24th when the celebrations were concluded. Subramanya Homam and Abhishekam were also performed on the first, sixth and the concluding days. On the 6th day, Soorasamharam, a beautiful and poignant depiction of the defeat of the demon Soorapadman by Lord Muruga, was conducted. In this event, the Uthsavar Idol of Lord Muruga equipped with the Vel (spear) was carried on a cart following a statue of Soorapadman, symbolic of the battle between the deity and the Demon.

(Continued on page 2)

SHARING OUR GOOD FORTUNE

MTNA Volunteers provided Thanksgiving dinner to about 150 homeless people. As

announced in the last Newsletter, and in flyers at the Temple, we prepared the Annual Thanksgiving dinner for residents of the Prince Georges County Shelters for

men, women and children on Saturday, November 21, 2009 (we do this the Saturday before Thanksgiving). We fed

(Continued on page 2)

Ganapati Tunai

Murugan Temple of North AmericaMurugan Temple of North Americatl tl mbkhpf;fmbkhpf;f KUfd: nfhapy;KUfd: nfhapy;6300 Princess Garden Parkway, Lanham, MD 20706, USA

Phone: 301−552−4889, FAX: 301−552−5043Email: info@murugantemple.org, Internet: www.murugantemple.org

““ahkpUf;fgahkpUf;fg; ; gankdgankd::””

20102010JanJanFebFebMarMar

•Sankatahara Chathurthi (the Chathurthi during the descending phase of the moon)

•Sukla Shashti (the Shasthi during the ascending phase of the moon

•Chathurthi

•Shashti

•Pradosham

•Purnima

•Amavasai

•Visakam

•Nataraja Abishekam

•Tamil month beginning

2

The priests and the devotees together moved the carts. While the devotees held the Demon, the priest moved the Vel from Lord Murugan’s hands to kill the demon. The procession of devotees supported the Lord by reciting aloud “Vetri Vel Muruganukku Haro Hara” (Hail Lord Muruga carrying the victorious Spear). The event of Soorasamharam is rich with deep spiritual meaning. The vel of Lord Muruga, symbolic of spiritual knowledge, eliminates the three fold bondage of man, namely Maya(illusion), Karma(desirous action) and Anava(Ego) represented by Tharakan, Singamugam and Surapadman respectively. And devotion to Lord Muruga subdues one’s ego, subtly signified by

the fact that Lord Muruga did not kill Surapadman but converted him into rooster and peacock, which are themselves objects of worship. By destroying maya and karma and by subduing anava, Lord Muruga endows liberation to all his devotees.

The concluding day celebrations also included a host of events. Sangaabhishekam was performed to the Deity. Then, Alankaram was performed with the rendition of bhajans by Devotees. Following Deeparadanai, scrumptious lunch was provided at very nominal rates. After the lunch, Valli-Deivanai Thirukkalyanam (sacred marriage of Lord Murugan with Valli

(Skanda Shasti 2009 Continued from page 1) and Deivanai) was performed. During the Thirukkalyanam, sarees and dhotis donated by the devotees were sanctified by the priests by dressing them on the deities, Murugan, Valli and Deivanai. The Thirukkalyanam was followed by rendition of bhajans by Devotees. The concluding event of the grand festival was the procession of the Deity around the Temple. The Murugan Deity along with his consorts Valli and Deivanai was carried on a palanquin around the Temple premises with the recitation of “Vetri Vel Muruganukku Haro Hara” by devotees. With the breaking of 108 coconuts concluded the Skanda Sashti celebrations of 2009.

Devotees singing bajans during abishekham on the last day of Skanda Shasti

Priest performing Sangabhishekam [with 108 conch shells] to Lord Muruga

Oorvalam [procession] of the Utsava Murthy by devotees

almost 150 people: 53 children, 49 women, and 36 men to be exact. We also gave them extra packages for distribution. Each package had macaroni & cheese, uppuma, mixed vegetables, mashed potato, with gravy, and a vegetarian piece of cake. At the request of the residents of the mens’ shelter we fed last year, we

(Thanksgiving meals for the homeless continued from page 1)

(Continued on page 3)

MTNA volunteers prepare food in the Temple Auditorium for the homeless

The volunteers donated 120 towels for the homeless

3

TREASURER’S REPORT: FINANCIAL REPORTS FOR THE 3RD QUARTER 2009

There was a surplus from the operations about $31,994 for the third quarter. Donations towards Rajagopuram project totaled $4,714. There were no capital expenditures. If you require additional information about the Temple’s financials, send a note to info@murugantemple.org Please include “Question for the Treasurer” In the subject line.

Ganapati Tunai “Why Fear? I Am Within You and Protect You Always” — Murugan

Murugan Temple Sponsorship Form Make Murugan Temple’s Rajagopuram Part of Your Legacy

First Brick (Special) - $51 Ten Bricks – $1,010 One Thousand Bricks – $101,000

SubTotal Rajagopuram Contribution ....................$________

Sponsor Temple Operations Full day of temple operations ...................................... $750 Full month: Garlands (all deities) ............................... $900 Full month: Abhishekam and Omam provisions ........ $450 Full month: Milk ........................................................ $250 A full week of Garlands (all deities)............................ $125 One day: Simple garland for a deity........ ..................... $ 15

Choice of Deity for garland :_______________ Sub Total Operations ..........................................$________ Please indicate desired dates _________________

MTNA Newsletter Printing and Mailing .................$__________ Kavasam for Peedam in silver for Murugan, Valli, Theivayanai....................................................$__________

Thiruvasi for Sivan ..................................................................$__________ Kavasam for Peedam in Silver for Amman.............................$__________

Check Enclosed for................................................................$__________

Name Address City State _________ ZIP ___________________ Phone ____________E–Mail ________________________________ Family Gothiram _________________________________________ Birth Star (el:rj;jpuk;) _____ Name of Family Member

Please use separate sheet for additional family members Mail: The Murugan Temple of North America, 6300 Princess Garden Parkway,Lanham, MD 20706

You can now make contributions and fill-out your donation forms on-line at www.murugantemple.org

Continued from Page 1 ONLINE ACCESS TO YOUR TEMPLE CONTRIBUTIONS,

YEAR-END TAX REPORT AND PROFILE In an effort to cut costs, the tax report and individual receipts will no longer be mailed. The reports can be downloaded from the secure area of the Murugan Temple Website. You must first register by c l i c k i n g t h e ‘ M y Donations’ button at www.murugantemple.org or by directly visiting www.murugantemple.us. You will need the DevoteeID and address printed on this newsletter mailing label in order to register. Devotee ID is highlighted in the sample label shown above. Click ‘Help’ on Registration screen for other ways to obtain Devotee ID. A valid email address is required which will also be your login. This email address is also required in order for you to be able to retrieve forgotten password.

The Temple needs volunteers in a variety of positions, from staffing the front desk, to caring for the garden, to serving on MTNA’s committees — Religious, Cultural, Infrastructure, IT and more. Volunteering is a great exercise in Karma Yoga! If you are interested in learning more about MTNA’s volunteer opportunities, please contact the Temple manager, Mr. Raghavan at 301 552-4879 or Mr. Vignarajah at 410 788-7251 or email evignarajah@hotmail.com.

gave a bath towel to each resident. Not wanting to overlook the children and mothers, we bought for them too. It was a lesser number since some of the mothers have children younger than 2 years to whom we did not give towels. At the request of the shelter management, we packed 30 boxes with larger quantity and doubled the cake to give the children. We thank the ones who provided food and provided cash for towels and other accessories; helped to package the food; and drive to the shelters in Prince George’s County. Thanks to Nala & Sivaraman, Angela & Ken, Deepa & Sri, Ranjini & Ambi, Luxmy & Rajah, Anusha, Shankari & Sivasailam, Sunthari & Sri, Sethu & Baskar, Revathy & Kumar, Manju & Gopal, Sothy & Vigna, Margaret and Vayudeva – coordinated/written by Vignarajah.

(Thanksgiving meals for the homeless Continued from page 2)

MTNA volunteers staff a very entertaining skit held during the fundraiser

TEMPLE SERVICES: Please call the Temple Manager at 301 552-4889 to make prior arrangements for ceremonies at the Temple or in your home. Also, ask for information about local hotels.

TEMPLE HOURS: Monday – Friday 9 am – 12 noon & 5 pm - 9 pm; Saturday, Sunday, & Holidays 9 am – 9 pm

AUDITORIUM: The Temple’s auditorium capable of seating about 200 people in the basement is available for rent by Devotees. The Temple has also ample parking space. Call the Temple Manager at 301 552-4889 for reservations.

DIRECTIONS TO MURUGAN TEMPLE: From I-95 (also 495, Capital Beltway), take exit 20-A, Lanham (Rte 450 East), then follow the signs to Princess Garden Parkway. Turn right on Princess Garden Parkway. “Murugan Temple” is on your left within half a mile (6300 Princess Garden Parkway)

Murugan Temple of North America 6300 Princess Garden Parkway Lanham, MD 20706, USA

CHANGE SERVICE REQUESTED

Non Profit Org. U.S. Postage

PAID So. MD

Permit No. 3958

FridayFridayDaily Abishekams

9:00 am Ganesha9:30 am Siva

10:00 am Murugan7:00 pm Ganesha

SundaySundayDaily Abishekams9:00 am Ganesha9:30 am Siva11:00 am Murugan5:00 pm Durgai

AbishekamRahu Kala Puja

SaturdaySaturdayDai ly Abishekams9:00 am Ganesha9:30 am Siva9:30 am Navagraha11:00 am Murugan

FridayFridayDaily Abishekams

9:00 am Ganesha9:30 am Siva

10:00 am Murugan7:00 pm Ganesha

SundaySundayDaily Abishekams9:00 am Ganesha9:30 am Siva11:00 am Murugan5:00 pm Durgai

AbishekamRahu Kala Puja

SaturdaySaturdayDai ly Abishekams9:00 am Ganesha9:30 am Siva9:30 am Navagraha11:00 am Murugan

WednesdayWednesdayDaily Abishekams

9:00 am Ganesha9:30 am Siva

10:00 am Murugan

TuesdayTuesdayDaily Abishekams

9:00 am Ganesha9:30 am Siva

10:00 am Mur uganThirusathi

7:00 pm Meenakshi

ThursdayThursdayDai lyAbishekams9:00 am Ganesha9:30 am Siva10:00 am Murugan

7:00 pm Palani Aandavar7:30 pm Dakshinamurthi

MondayMondayDaily Abishekams

9:00 am Ganesha9:30 am Siva

10:00 am Murugan7:00 pm Siva

WednesdayWednesdayDaily Abishekams

9:00 am Ganesha9:30 am Siva

10:00 am Murugan

TuesdayTuesdayDaily Abishekams

9:00 am Ganesha9:30 am Siva

10:00 am Mur uganThirusathi

7:00 pm Meenakshi

ThursdayThursdayDai lyAbishekams9:00 am Ganesha9:30 am Siva10:00 am Murugan

7:00 pm Palani Aandavar7:30 pm Dakshinamurthi

MondayMondayDaily Abishekams

9:00 am Ganesha9:30 am Siva

10:00 am Murugan7:00 pm Siva

The Murugan Temple of North America is a Traditional Saivite Hindu Temple. It has a floor area of 7000 square feet, with main Sannidhi for Murugan (Karttikeya) and four smaller Sannidhis for Vinayaka (Ganesha), Siva (Sivalingham), Meenakshi, and Palani

IMPORTANT YEAR END TAX REPORT INFORMATION – SEE PAGE 3