Advertorial Sydney readies for Vaikunta Anubhavam in October, 2010

Back in the seventies, when a small group of professionals conceived the grand idea of a pan Hindu temple down under, it seemed like a mission impossible. Both money and manpower was scant. Hectic lobbying saw the grant of land by Wollongong Council for the project. An idol of the god of good beginnings - Ganesha was soon installed. Though the original group of founders started small, they dreamt big. Their vision backed by decades of commitment by ensuing generations, paid rich dividends. Twenty-five years on, the southern continent is now home to one of the largest temples outside India. In October 2010, the Venkateshwara Temple Helensburgh will conduct Brahmotsavam (Brahma’s festival) to invoke eternal blessings and celebrate its iconic status in the community. Auspiciously, the event coincides with Sri Balaji Brahmotsavam in Tirupati.

In the Hindu pantheon, Balaji, an avatar of Vishnu is universal, with a large following irrespective of nationality, region or tradition. Thus diverse Hindus including Indian, Thai, Sri Lankan, Nepali, Malaysian, Balinese, Fijian, South African and of course Australians visit SVT. These groups also actively participate through the year and will manage various events during the ten-day festival.

A thanksgiving ceremony is dedicated to the divine preserver of mankind, ‘Brahma Utsavam’ derives from Lord Brahma, who worshipped Sri Balaji on the banks of holy Pushkarni in Tirupathy. For devout Hindus, Brahmotsavam is a rare opportunity for

Vaikunta Anubhava (experience the heaven itself), making it a truly unique experience in Australia.

The ten-day festival from 9-18 October will be preceded by a special obeisance to Lord Ganesha, as well as the rite of Ankura arpana (sowing the seeds of fertility, prosperity and abundance). Likewise homage will be paid to Sri Viswaksena, the leader of Vishnu’s retinue for safe completion of festivities.

The Brahmotsavam will commence with the customary Dhwaja Aarohana or the hoisting of Garuda’s flag at the Dwajasthambam. In keeping with our ageold traditions, the ten-day period will be marked by daily morning homam, Vedic chanting and elaborate evening alankaar and ritualistic procession; a visual spectacle not to be missed. The utsavamurthy will be taken out in a majestic nightly pageant on nine different vahanas, culminating in the grand chariot procession. A custom designed chariot has been specially created for the historic occasion. On Venkateshwara’s janmanakshatram (birth star), avabhritha utsavam will be held. The auspicious ritualistic abhishekam for Sudarshana Chakra, to be carried by the head priest, will be the highlight of the festival. Being blessed by the holy bath water is said to give lifelong protection of Lord Vishnu himself.

The celebration officially concludes on the 18 October with Dhwaja Avarohanam, the lowering of the Garuda flag and ritualistic farewelling of Gods and sages to Devaloka. Hectic preparations are already underway for the special event. The temple itself is undergoing extensive refurbishments ahead of the big day. A new amphitheatre for cultural performances has been created. The event has attracted both overseas and local talent, particularly youngsters.

Elaborate infrastructure arrangements have also been put in place to cope with the increased devotee influx during the period. According to conservative estimates, devotee numbers will range from 400 daily on weekdays to 4000 on weekends. Approximately 100 volunteers on weekdays will service their needs. The number will double on weekends.

Free bus transport, to help students, seniors and young families is being organized from key suburbs. Likewise frequent bus shuttles will also run to and from Helensburgh railway station. Annadhanam (free lunch) for all devotees is also being arranged through community kitchens on all ten days.

Meanwhile community groups have lent their support in a massive way. Diverse ethnic groups have already committed to manage each of the ten days, adding to the multicultural flavour and spirit of bonhommie. Each group is providing the social, physical and financial support by way of volunteers, daily community kitchen, participation in religious ceremonies and of course coordinating cultural programs, including many children’s activities.

Community groups are also canvassing support from within their own networks to make the event a huge success. This includes participation, sponsorship as well as donations.

Major fundraising events by high profile overseas and local artists have already generated tremendous publicity and enormous goodwill within the community at large. These include sell-out performances by Carnatic vocalist OS Arun and Sydney based Rasika Dance Academy. The cultural calendar in the lead up to Brahmotsavam is equally hectic, with more artistes performing (Vidwan TN Krishnan, Usha Karunakaran to name a few). The ever-popular program ‘Darshan in Suburbs’, has also mustered lot of support with numerous community groups hosting the event around town.

“It is heartening to see this spirit of unity”, SVT’s Murali Dharan told Indian Link. “The temple is always open to new ideas and helps individuals and community organizations in every way possible. We are truly humbled by the support that has come from all community organisations, temples, missions, art/cultural/ study groups and student associations. Youth groups in particular are keen to play a major volunteering role at this festival...we wholeheartedly welcome their participation especially on Saturday Fireworks and Sunday Chariot pulling at the Brahmotsavam”.

Can there be a better illustration of the basic Hindu tenet of Vasudeva Kutumbam, he wondered.

Artistes, groups, individuals are all welcome. To participate, contribute, volunteer or find out more visit www.svtsydney.org or call 1300 626 663.