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May
22, 2005 - SHILANYAS CEREMONY :
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For
the Shirdi Sai Baba devotees of the
Chicago
land area,
May 22nd 2005
remains a greatest moment.
With the grace of Baba, Sai Samsthan
USA
performed Shilanyas i.e. Foundation
Laying Ceremony for the Shirdi Sai Baba Mandir Chicago in
Aurora
with all the traditional pomp
and gaiety. Hundreds of devotees thronged to the mandir and participated
in this very rare and auspicious event with religious fervor and
enthusiasm.
The day being Buddha Purnima made it further more sacred and holy.
Buddha Purnima is the day on which Lord Buddha was born and got
enlightened. He attained
Maha Nirvana also on the same day. One of Lord Sainath’s 108 glorious
names is ‘Sama Sarva Mata Sammataaya’. ‘Sarva Mata’ is all
religions, faiths, practices & cultures. ‘Sammataaya’ is
acceptable or respectable. The word ‘Sama’ is the key here.
‘Sama’ is Equality. One of the most important works of Sri Sai
Baba’s incarnation is to maintain religious harmony.
Sai Baba always practiced this ideal during His conduct with His
devotees belonging to various faiths. He demonstrated during His own
lifetime, the at-one-ment of all religions and faiths, many a time to
different devotees. It is rather very appropriate that Sai Samsthan
USA
chose this auspicious day for
this great event.
Excavation
for the Mandir construction started after Sri Krishna Sulakehji &
Sri Vyas Sharmaji conducted the necessary rituals on
May 18th 2005
. After excavation, elaborate
arrangements were made for the devotees to get down into the 16 feet
deep excavated area to place the Shila by themselves in the foundation
bed. That was, indeed, a unique opportunity for the Baba devotees to
place a Shila in Mandir foundation. Whole of the Mandir site in
Aurora
wore a festive look. Befitting
the occasion, various rituals were conducted by Mandir Priests, Shri
Krishna Sulakheji, Shri Vyas
Sharmaji, Shri Srinivasa Murthyji and
HTGC Priest Shri Narasimhachariji.
The
rituals started with Sri
Sacchidananda Sadguru Sai Baba Prarthana at
4:30 AM
in the morning. All the devotees who sponsored the Avarana Kumbhas were
present at the excavated area. After due rituals, Tri-Avarana Kumbha
sthapana was done before the Sun rise.
Three rounds of kumbhas – Mrittika, Nava Ratna and Loha were
installed under the Baba’s idol for abundance of Dhanya, Sowbhagya and
Artha Samruddhi respectively. All the sponsored devotees placed the
Avarana Kumbha while the priest was chanting vedic mantras in the
designated area by themselves.
After
that, Shri Ganapati Puja was done followed by Sri Guru Datta Havan.
Havan is a divine way of propitiating the release of cosmic
energy into the Universe for the
ultimate benefit of the
mankind. This cleanses the body & atmosphere externally and purifies
the mind internally. Lord Ganapati is considered the remover of
obstacles and it is customary to offer first obeisance to Him whenever
any auspicious deed is performed. Baba
is considered an incarnation of Lord Datta. Sri Guru Datta Havan was
duly performed and all the Shilas that
were to be placed in the Foundation were inscribed with ‘OM
SRI SAI’ and sanctified with the Homa Agni. Also, Vastu Purusha
was invoked in the Shilanyas area and was propitiated with due rituals
before the Shilanyas procedure.
All the assembled
devotees carried the Shilas on their heads with utmost devotion chanting
Sri Sai Baba’s name and brought them in procession with great pomp and
splendor to the actual Mandir construction site. Children of Bala Vidya
Mandir, Sunday School for children at the Mandir, initiated the
Shilanyas procedure with Prakara Shila sthapana – installation of the
brick along the periphery of the Mandir. Laying a prakara shila confers
upon oneself the merit of constructing the temple itself.
After
the installation of Prakara Shila, Garbha Griha shilas were installed.
Garbha Griha is the altar where Baba’s idol would be installed
subsequently. Installing a Garbha griha Shila is like giving ‘Avasa’
– a living place to Baba. This was followed by the Ashta Dikpalaka
Shila sthapana along the eight directions to propitiate Indra, Agni,
Yama, Nairutti, Varuna, Vayu, Kubera and Ishana. Installing an Ashta
Dikpalaka Shila removes any vastu related doshas.
Maha
Sankalpam was done to place the Nidhi Kumbha. Nidhi Kumbha contains a
small gold murti of Sai Baba along with the water from the sacred
rivers. All the assembled devotees touched the Nidhi Kumbha. Nidhi
Kumbha was taken in procession to the Shilanyas area. Amidst chanting of
the Vedic hymns by the Priests and the Namjap, “OM SAI SRI SAI JAYA
JAYA SAI” with utmost devotion by the devotees, the Chairman Dr.
Umapathi Cattamanchi and the President Dr. Nagabhushanam Koneru of Sai
Samsthan
USA
accompanied by their wives, placed the holy Nidhi Kumbha in the ground.
Nidhi Kumbha represents Sri Sai
Baba Himself. After that, all the assembled devotees participated in Sri
Sai Puja and Tri-Matrika i.e. Maha Lakshmi, Saraswati & Gowri puja.
The program concluded with Mangala Arati to Baba and Anna Daana to all
the devotees.
In
concluding remarks, all the devotees were informed that Shri
Sai Baba’s idol, sculptured out of a rare pure snow white marble stone
by Shri Rajiv Talim, the direct descendant of Shri Balaji Vasant Talim,
who sculptured the idol in
Shirdi
,
India
, will be taken to Shirdi
for sanctification and brought over here.
Shri
Shirdi Sai Baba Mandir Chicago is located at 1101 Foran Lane, Aurora,
Illinois
.
The Mandir is open from
9:00am
to
9:00pm
on all days. All the four
Aratis, Kakada Arati, Madhyahna Arati, Dhoop Arati and Shej Arati, are
performed just as in
Shirdi
,
India
. Special worship services
including Abhishek, Sri Sai Ashtotra, Sri Vishnu Sahasra Nama, Shri Sai
Satcharita Parayan, bhajans & kirtans are conducted on Thursday
evenings. Sri Sai Satcharita
Ekah Parayan (devout reading of Sri Sai Baba’s life history in one
day) is conducted on every third Sunday.
Monthly puja is done on the last Sunday of every month.
All festivals and special occasions are celebrated just as in
Shirdi. Samsthan now has
three full time priests who are well versed in all rituals and are
available for outside services. For
more information, call (630) 897-1500 or visit the web site BOW TO SRI SAI - PEACE BE TO ALL!!!
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Saturday-Sunday,
August 30-31, 2003:
SHIRDI SAI MAHOTSAV-2003
Shirdi Sai Baba Mandir, Aurora, IL Celebrated SHIRIDI SAI MAHOSTAV
2003.
SHIRIDI SAI MAHOSTAV ….A Rejoicing experience to Shiridi Sai
Devotees
It was a rejoicing experience for the Shirdi Sai Devotees during the
Labor Day weekend with the Shiridi Sai Mahostav 2003 being celebrated on
Aug 30th and 31st. Arrangements and programs wowed
the audience. Thousands of Shridi Sai Baba devotees from all over US
congregated in the premises of Shri Shirdi Sai Baba Mandir in AURORA, IL
for two days to enjoy the mega annual event that Sai Samsthan USA
organizes every year since 2001.
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Programs on the first
day of Shirdi Sai Mahotsav started with Kakada Arati, Gurustuti
– an invocation of Sai Baba followed by Mahasankalp, Vigneswara
puja, Kalasa Sthapna, Abishek and Archana to Sai Baba. |
| Children of Bala Vidya
Mandir inaugurated the event with lighting the lamp. Lighting of
the lamp has great spiritual significance. |
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Light represents the
in-dweller-Atman in every one of us. This event was followed by a
multi media presentation from Publicity Committee with a brief
outline of Sai Samsthan USA objectives, history of Shri Shridi Sai
Baba Mandir, daily worship services and the Samsthan programs. |
| Highlight of the day was
interfaith prayers offered by the representatives of different
faiths – Christian, Islam, Zoroastrian, Buddhist, Sikh, Jain and
Hindu. These prayers represented Baba’s philosophy of GOD IS
ONE. |
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After Madhyahna Arati and Maha Prasad, Samoohika Sai
Satyavrat was performed by devotees under the guidance of the
priest, Sri Krishna Sulakhe. Melodious bhajans by Sai Samsthan
Bhajan group followed the vrat. Day’s events concluded with Shej
Arati followed by MahaPrasad.
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Day 2 of the Shirdi Sai
Mahotsav was even more exciting and reveling. With Baba’s grace
and organizers’ impeccable planning all the programs went
smoothly despite continues down pour. The day being Ganesh
Chathurti, after Kakada Arati, Ganesh idol was brought to the
venue in a colorful procession. Devotees danced to the tunes of
Ganesh Bhajans. |
| Priest Sri Krishna
Sulakhe started Guru and Ganesh invocation followed by Sri Maha
Ganapati Havan. Shodasa Ganapathi Puja, worshiping Ganapathi in
His spectacular 16 forms (Bala Ganapathi, Taruna Ganapathi, Nrutta
Ganapathi, Kshipra Ganapathi, Ucchistha Ganapathi etc.) was
performed for removal of obstacles and to bring peace and
prosperity. |
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Doorvara Puja with Patri,
a combination of specific flora dear to Lord Ganesh was a part of
the celebration. |
| Melodic
Instrumental music by Dr Shaymji made the audience
enraptured. Swami Vidyanarayana Thirtha of India gave a
spiritual discourse based on the philosophy of Baba.
Public Relations
Committee made a multimedia presentation with emphasis on "One
Square Foot…" Mandir Nirman Nidhi, a
unique program to include all Sai devotees in Mandir
construction. |
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Evening programs
started with a scintillating skit on Sai Baba’ life performed by
Sai Samsthan Volunteers depicting how Baba corrected 3 simple
weaknesses in general mankind and his unique way of
teaching.Highlight of the evening was the play "Sabka
Malik Ek" – "God is One" presented
by students of Bala Vidya Mandir. |
| This play was based on
the proclamation of Shri Shirdi Sai Baba--that all the faiths lead
to one Supreme GOD. Children received a huge standing ovation from
the audience. Many viewers commented, "A performance to
watch".Another pulsating event to follow was the Palki seva.
It was a reminiscence of Chavadi procession during yesteryears of
Baba where Baba was walking behind |
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the Palki and devotees
dancing around with all religious fervor and ecstasy singing Hari
Kirtans. Devotees participated in huge numbers as the palki with
Babas picture was taken out in a procession accompanied by beating
of drums and melodious bhajans . Devotees, including women and
children, danced with religious fervor and joy. |
This was followed by concluding remarks from Chairman, Dr. Umapathi
Cattamanchi. With President. Dr. Koneru Nagabushanam by his side, the
Chairman thanked Sai devotees for making the event a great success by
their participation. He declared that Sai Samsthan USA would celebrate
Shirdi Sai Mahotsav 2004 next year during the labor day weekend on
September 4th and 5th. hopefully in the New Mandir.
The Samsthan is planning to start construction in the fall or early next
spring. Shirdi Sai Mahotsav – an international congregation of Sai
devotees, concluded with Shej Arati followed by Maha Prasad.
click here for full picture
gallery of Shirdi Sai Mahotsav.
Sunday, July
13, 2003:
GURUPURNIMA CELEBRATIONS AT SHIRDI SAI
BABA MANDIR
Gururpurnima is the only festival wherein Baba Himself
instructed devotees to celebrate in a more traditional way. The story
goes: In 1908 while Krishnaji Noolkar was sitting in the masjid praying to
Baba mentally. Baba called Shyama, Mahalsapati and lots of other devotees
and said "Tell that old man to worship the pillar in Dwarkamai."
Shyama, Noolkar and others referred to almanac and found that the day was
Gurupurnima. They worshipped Baba in the traditional manner befitting the
Guru.
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Following the tradition,
Sai Samsthan USA celebrated Gurupurnima with authentic rituals and
other events in accordance with Shirdi, India. The day-long
celebration was attended by over a thousand
devotees.
Program started with traditional
Kakada Arati to Shirdi Sai Baba at 9:00am. Baba being Shiva
swaroopa, Rudra Homam was performed. |
| Homam, as Sage Agastya
explains in Shakti Tantra, is the only way to propitiating the
Gods to release energy to the Universe. Homam cleanses the
external atmosphere and the inner consciousness, thus turning
one’s attention to the spiritual development leading to
Self-realization. This was followed by holy bath called
‘Abhishek’ to Baba followed by melodious bhajan mala by
Samsthan Bhajan Group. |
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Morning session
concluded with Madhyahna Arati and Anna Daana to all devotees.
Afternoon session began with Bhajans while Sri
Krishna Sulakhe, the priest, made elaborate arrangements for
procession of Baba’s portrait and Nishanas. Blowing trumphets,
singing bhajans and dancing charged the atmosphere with devotion
and ecstasy as Baba was taken in a |
| spectacular procession
all over the Mandir premises.
Dahi Handi event followed the
procession. Dahi Handi is a celebration wherein the Prasad with
curd is kept in an earthen pot and distributed to all devotees
after the pot is boken while singing kirtans. What Lord Krishna
did during His time was also initiated by Baba.
Evening celebration began with
Dhoop Arati followed |
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Sri Sai Astotra,
Prathanashtakam, Sri Sai Satcharitra Parayan and melodious bhajans.
The festivities concluded with Shej Arati and Anna Daana.
Shri Shirdi Sai Baba Mandir is
located at 1101 Foran Lane, Aurora Illinois. The Mandir is open
from 9AM to 12:30 PM and 6:30 PM to 8:30 PM on all week days and 9
AM to 8:30 PM on weekends. |
All the four Aratis, Kakad Arati, Madhyahna
Arati, Dhoop Arati and Shej Arati, are performed just as in Shirdi.
Special worship services including Abhishek, Sri Sai Astotra, Sri Vishnu
Sahasra Nama, and Sri Sai Satchartira Parayan are conducted on Thursdays.
For more information, call (630) 897-1500 or visit the only official web
site of the Samsthan www.saisamsthanusa.org.
Sunday,
June 22, 2003:
FOOD FESTIVAL AND BOX
CRICKET TOURNAMENT AT SHIRDI SAI BABA MANDIR IN AURORA, IL
The Food festival and Box Cricket
Tournament were organized by Sai Samsthan USA at Shri Shridi Sai Baba
Mandir Chicago in Aurora, Illinois on Sunday, June 22nd.
With a myriad of culinary offerings, the
Food Festival was a great delight to Indian Food lovers. Scores of Baba
devotees and local population turned up and enjoyed wide array of Indian
cuisine while enjoying box cricket, the first of its kind in the Chicago
metro area. One participant said, "This is a feast for the palates as
well as delightful visual experience. The organizers creatively blended
the tournament with the food festival".
shelters to the homeless; feeding of the
destitute and other (Anna Danna); translate, print, publish or
distribute books, periodicals and literatures to promote the goal and
objectives of the organization; sponsor or support charitable, religious,
spiritual, cultural, or educational activities or organizations in the
Unites States and abroad.
Shri Shirdi Sai Baba Mandir Chicago is
located at 1101 Foran Lane, Aurora Illinois. The Mandir is open from
9:00am to 12:30pm and 6:30pm to 8:30pm on all week days and from 9:00 am
till 8:30 pm on weekends. All the four Aratis, Kakad Arati, Madhyahna
Arati, Dhoop Arati and Shej Arati, are performed just as in Shirdi.
Special worship services including Abhishek, Sri Sai Astotra, Sri Vishnu
Sahasra Nama, Sri Sai Satchartira Parayan are conducted on Thursdays. For
more information, call (630) 897-1500 or visit only official web site www.saisamsthanusa.org.
Upcoming events at the Shri Shirdi Sai Baba
Mandir are GuruPurnima, a special event for Shirdi Sai Baba devotees, to
be held on July 13, 2003 and Shirdi Sai Mahotsav 2003 - an international
congregation of Sai Devotees. This event will be held over Labor Day
weekend August 30-31 at Shri Shirdi Sai Baba Mandir in Aurora.
Friday,
April 11, 2003:
SHRI RAM NAVAMI CELEBRATIONS
AT SHIRDI SAI BABA MANDIR
Shri Rama Navami was celebrated at Shirdi
Sai Baba Mandir with utmost devotion and ecstasy. Devotees of Shirdi Sai
Baba from all over Chicagoland congregated at the mandir for this very
auspicious event.
Program started with traditional Kakada
Arati to Shirdi Sai Baba at 9:00am followed by holy bath called
‘Abhishek’ to Baba. The actual Shri Rama Navami celebrations called
‘Shri Rama Janmotsav’ started with Jhoola seva. A cradle is placed to
welcome and offer obeisance to newly born Lord Rama. This was followed by
melodious kirtans 'Shri Rama Janma Kirtan' from Sai Samsthan USA Bhajan
Group. Morning session concluded with Madhyahna Arati followed by Anna
Daana to all devotees.
| Afternoon session began
with Bhajan Mala followed by ceremonial Shri Sai Satcharitra
Parayan, devout reading of the life history of Sai Baba. Sri
Krishna Sulakhe, the priest, then initiated an elaborate
ritualistic function ‘Procession of Nishanas and Chandanotsav’.
These events have very deep temporal and spiritual significance
for devotees of Sai Baba of Shirdi. |
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A fair or 'Urus' was started when Baba was
in his physical form in Shirdi. That consisted of two processions, one by
the Hindus with two 'Flags' or 'Procession of Nishanas' and another by the
Muslims with 'Sandal' (sandalwood paste) or 'Chandanotsav". Sai
Baba transformed an ordinary fair, Urus of Baba, to an event that would
bring communal harmony between Hindus and Muslims by celebrating it as
Rama-Navami Festival. In Shirdi, a large number of Hindu and Muslim
devotees participate in this celebration hand-in-hand without any
animosity or hatred towards one another.
‘Kala Handi’ - a festival of breaking
earthen pot and distribution of the prasad the way Lord Krishna did during
His time was also initiated by Baba. This was celebrated in the evening
followed by Dhoop Arati. Sai Samsthan USA unveiled’ Sri Sai Mahaa
Annadaana Yatra’- an opportunity to ensure abundance of food to all.
Lord Rama was offered due prayers with ‘Shri Rama Raksha Stotram and
Shri Rama Vijaya Stotram’ followed by an enchanting spiritual discourse
highlighting the significance of Shri Rama Navami to devotees of Baba. The
day’s celebrations culminated with a spectacular program by the children
of Bala Vidya Mandir, a Sunday School for children. Children beautifully
recited shlokas, sung bhajans and shared their understanding about Baba
and Rama. The festivities were concluded with Shej Arati and Anna Daana.
Shri Shirdi Sai Baba mandir is located at
1101 Foran Lane, Aurora Illinois. The mandir is open from 9AM to 12:30 PM
and 6:30 PM to 8:30 PM on all week days and throughout the day on
weekends. All the four Aratis Kakad Arati, Madhyahna Arati, Dhoop Arati
and Shej Arati are performed just as in Shirdi. Special worship services
inlcuding Abhishek, Sri Sai Astotra, Sri Vishnu Sahasra Nama, Sri Sai
Satchartira Parayan are conducted on Thursdays. For more information, call
(630) 897-1500 or visit www.saisamsthanusa.org.
December 19, 2002:
SHIRDI SAI BABA MANDIR
INAGURATED WITH TRADITIONAL POMP AND GAIETY
For the Shirdi Sai Baba devotees of the
Chicago land area, it has been a long awaited wish. The wish has been
fulfilled when Sri Shirdi Sai Baba mandir was inaugurated on the
auspicious Datta Jayanti day, Thursday December 19th 2002 with all
traditional pomp and gaiety. More than 1000 devotees participated in the
celebrations with religious fervor and enthusiasm.
The festivities started at 7AM in the
morning with the ceremonial Kakada Arati performed at the Lemont location.
After Kakada Arati, Baba's Murti, Picture and Padukas were taken in a
procession to the new mandir location at Aurora, a six-acre facility
recently acquired by Samsthan, located at 1101 Foran Lane, Aurora,
IL-60506. After reaching the new mandir location, the temple priest
Krishna Sulakheji performed the necessary rituals amidst the chanting of
the sacred vedic hymns. At about 9:10AM, Baba's Murti entered the mandir
while all the devotees present were singing His glory with devotion and
ecstasy. Baba's murti, picture and padukas were established thereafter.
The elaborate puja program started with
Guru Stuti. After invoking Lord Ganesha, Kalasa puja was done. Later,
Punyaha Vachanam was performed. Then Bhoomi Suddhi, sanctification of the
whole property was performed with the sacred Kalasa waters. Then, all the
Dig-Devatas & Nava Grahas, were invoked and puja was performed to all
of them.
Krishna Sulakheji, the temple priest, then
conducted the Vastu Purusha puja. Then, Sri Sudarsana Havan (Homam) was
performed. Havan is a way of propitiating Gods to invoke their energies to
be released into the Nature for the welfare of the Universe and also
propagate peace and harmony among the humanity. The Havan concluded with
Purnahuti. Baba was given the sacred bath,Abhishek, with Panchamrita. Sri
Sai Astotra was performed followed by Sri Sookta sahita Lakshmi puja,
followed by traditional Madhyahna Arati and later followed by Maha Prasad.
The post lunch session included the reading
of Sri Sai Satcharitra and Sri Guru Charitra. Melodious rendering of
bhajans by ardent Sai devotees re-charged the spiritual atmosphere before
the evening session started with Dhoop Arati. Dhoop arati was followed by
Sri Sai SatyaVrat, Datta Astotram, Datta Astakam followed by spiritual
discourse and bhajans. The celebrations concluded with Shej Arati at 9:00
PM followed with Mahaprasad.
Speaking on the occasion, spokes person of
Sai Samsthan USA said that the Aurora City Council already approved
elaborate plans for construction of the mandir and other ancillary
facilities which would begin sometime in Spring 2003. When asked about the
original plan of constructing a mandir on the Samsthan owned sprawling 13
acre Lemont location, He remarked, "It's all Baba's grace to see that
Chicagoland is blessed with two Shirdi Sai Baba Mandirs".
The mandir is open now during the hours of
9AM-1PM in the morning and 6PM-9PM in the evening for all regular
services. All the four Aratis of Baba would be performed just as in Shirdi
in India. Samsthan is celebrating New Year Eve on this location on
December 31 from
6.30 PM –12-30 am.For further details,
please call (630)-897-1500 or visit www.saisamsthanusa.org.
New Mandir is located at 1101 Foran Lane,
Aurora, IL 60506
BOW TO SRI SAI - PEACE BE TO ALL !!!
November
30, 2002:
SHRI SHIRDI SAI BABA MANDIR
IN AURORA
SAI SAMSTHAN USA PROUDLY
ANNOUNCES ITS NEW LOCATION IN AURORA, IL
Sai Samsthan USA is very glad to announce
that the City of Aurora, Illinois, USA passed an ordinance on November 26,
2002 giving Special Use Permit to establish Shri Shirdi Sai Baba Mandir at
1101 Foran Lane, Aurora, Ilinois. This new location is conveniently
located within 2 miles from Balaji (Sri Venkateswara) Temple in Aurora.
Worship services will be started at the new location beginning Thursday,
Dec 19th, 2002. The Samsthan would build a full-fledged Sai
Mandir, a multipurpose hall, kitchen and other ancillary facilities at
this location in year 2003.
December 19,2002 happens to be Shri
Dattareya Jayanthi and a full moon day on a Thursday which combination
happens once in every 62 years. So, the Samsthan has decided to inaugurate
the worship services at Aurora location on this auspicious day. There will
be Bhoomishuddi Puja, Havan, Etc., along with Dattatreya Jayanthi
Celebrations on this day. There after all the future worship services will
continue at this location, including daily Pujas, four Arathis, special
Pujas on every Thursday and Monthly Puja on every last Sunday of the
month. All the future festivals at the Mandir and Shirdi Sai Mahotsav 2003
will be celebrated at this location. All the Puja details can be obtained
from our website at http://www.saisamsthanusa.org/newsite/upcomingevents_ns.htm
Sai Samsthan USA, a not-for-profit
organization has been dedicated for charitable, religious, educational
& scientific purposes since 1997. The primary objective of Sai
Samsthan USA is to establish Shri Shirdi Saibaba Mandir in metropolitan
Chicago and facilitate worship, spiritual and religious services similar
to Shri Sai Baba Mandir, Shirdi, India.
The new official mailing address of the
mandir for all future correspondence is 1101 Foran Ln, Aurora, IL-60506,
USA.
All further information can be obtained by
calling 630-783-1400 or visiting our website at the following link.
http://www.saisamsthanusa.org/newsite/upcomingevents_ns.htm
Board of Trustees, Sai Samsthan USA
September 1,
2002: From the Chairman, Sai Samsthan USA:
SHIRDI
SAI MAHOTSAV 2003, an international congregation of Sai devotees, will
be celebrated by Shri Shirdi Saibaba Mandir Chicago and Sai Samsthan USA.
The event will reflect the universality of the philosophy of Shri Shirdi
Saibaba, a unique Saint of the modern times. This family oriented event
will be organized during the Labor Day week-end on August 30-31, 2003 in
the Metropolitan Chicago.
The tentative program will include various puja sessions (Havan, Abhishek,
Archana, Arti, etc.), spiritual discourses in English by Sai Apostles and
leaders of other major religions of the world, and Bhajans and Kirtans by
renowned artists from India and devotee groups in U.S.A. Devotees will
also be able to pursue their individual spiritual endeavors by
participating in Sai Nam Jap, Sai Satcharita Parayan and meditation.
Special activities are also being planned for the youth and children.
Festival of Lights incorporating the themes of Divali, Christmas and
Hanukkah is also being planned.
A large number of devotees across the globe are anticipated to participate
in this great spiritual event, Shirdi Sai Mahotsav. We request all
Sai devotees to make it a great success and receive Baba’s blessings.
For more details and updates, visit www.saisamsthanusa.org
or call 630-897-1500.
BOW TO SHRI SAI AND PEACE BE TO ALL!!!
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